AudioPilz Ranks the Top 10 Synth Presets Ever!

AudioPilz kicks things off with a bold declaration: presets are, in his words, good. He immediately dives into the world of synth presets, challenging the elitist notion that real musicians only craft sounds from scratch, like sonic alchemists. He sets the stage by reminding us that some presets have left a more significant mark on music history than those custom patches that often reside in dusty Eurorack systems. This video is about celebrating the unsung heroes—those ready-made sounds that became iconic, much to the chagrin of synth purists.

The journey begins with a nod to the infamous Yamaha DX series, notorious for their complex FM synthesis that often leaves even seasoned programmers scratching their heads. AudioPilz highlights iconic presets like Lately Bass from the TX81Z, noting its unique timbre due to a different set of waveforms. He humorously comments on the ‘Coffin of Coldness’ that is the DX7, infamous for its ubiquitous E-Piano 1 preset found in countless easy-listening tracks. The Lately Bass stands out, reminding us of the raw power these ‘budget’ vintage synths still hold. While the Moog maintains its status for formidable mono sounds, Florian wryly notes the shift with the Moog Muse, a new player trying to redefine polyphony with big dreams. The unpredictable character of FM synthesis, likened to a wild night at a British pub, is both feared and revered, proving that sometimes, presets know best.

Roland’s contribution to the preset pantheon cannot be overlooked. The Alpha Juno’s ‘Hoover’ sound, or Dominator patch, became a cultural phenomenon, transcending its ’80s origin. Initially too intense for its time, it later morphed into a staple for dance and rave scenes in the early ’90s. Specific dive into the role of Eric Persing, whose contribution to this iconic sound is underscored, painting him as the unsung hero behind the scenes. The Hoover’s raw, pulsating energy feels like a non-stop rave packed into a single note, setting the mojitos of Miami on fire with each beat. Its impact was so seismic that even the bodybuilders of Hollywood, with their peculiar accents, could not resist its allure.

Approaching the video’s crescendo, AudioPilz presents the Alesis SR-16 with its ‘R&B 3 Kit’. An artifact from 1991 that refuses to fade away, it’s a testament to the timeless allure of the ’90s sound—much like how everyone loves a cheeky kebab after a night’s revelry. We’re then treated to an orchestration of the infamous ‘Orchestra Hit’, a sample of grand status that has found its way into countless productions. The piece becomes a backdrop to musical history, a legacy captured from Stravinsky to pop hits. Ultimately, Florian teases us with the idea of preset powerhouses, wondering why we ever doubted their impact. With a cheeky grin, he invites viewers to bring their roasting A-game, daring them to challenge the eternal charm of his chosen sonic titans.