21. June 2025

JET

StarskyCarr Unleashes the UDO Super 8+ Upgrade

StarskyCarr takes us into the wild world of synthesizer upgrades with the UDO Super 8+. Discover how to boost your synth’s voice count with a few simple steps and get ready to unleash a sonic storm!

Unboxing the Future

StarskyCarr kicks off his exploration of the UDO Super 8+ upgrade with characteristic charm and candour. Right off the bat, he expresses excitement over the appearance of the Super 8, deeming it something of a looker. But true to form, his focus swiftly shifts to the heart of the matter – sound. The aim of the day? Elevate the synth from a manageable 16 voice count to a hefty 20, echoing the hefty Super Gemini. It’s a plug-and-play dream, with no soldering necessary, and Starsky dives straight into the task at hand. The box reveals two voice cards boasting two voices each, complete with tools to get these sonic beasts installed.


Screws, Slots, and Starsky's Step-by-Step

With cool confidence, Starsky embarks on the procedure, flexing his toolkit with deft hands. It’s a symphony of screws: first off goes the back, then the front, followed by a few clingy bottom screws. The sides get a stylishly cautious treatment, with one screw left intact to act as a hinge. Starsky’s knack for simplifying potentially fiddly tasks shines brightly, even without the help of an anti-static band. He meticulously aligns the 10 slots, guided by UDO’s straightforward instructions—like adding memory to your PC, but with more character. As Starsky points out, “If you’re worried about long screws not fitting stubby holes, don’t be.” He makes sure to keep track of everything, sartorially tipping the right screws into place. “Life’s too short for mismatched screws,” he jests with a grin.


Board Snugglin' and Safety First

The moment arrives to slot in those dreamy voiceboards. Starsky, ever cautious, pops them in with care, ensuring all capacitors align perfectly. Despite the absence of an anti-static wristband—a rebellious touch considering Starsky’s fastidiousness—he gets both boards in like a pro. Then, it’s a quick action of securing the unit before the entire structure gets turned right back over. Double-checking every step, he prepares to test the upgrade with admirable patience. “It really is like adding memory to a computer,” he notes, impressed by the simplicity of it all.

Firmware Flourishes and Final Flourish

Starsky’s adventure takes a digital turn as he dives into the firmware update—a necessary step for this synth resurrection. Holding the patch button, he triggers updates that convert the Super 8 into a bona fide Super 10, metaphorically crawling out of its cocoon. A minute feels like forever in synth time, but blinking LEDs soon signal success. Calibration is next on the list, fine-tuning the analog filters for pristine performance. The journey from mere electronic box to powerful sound marvel wraps up here, as Starsky celebrates the painless transformation. “Remember,” he reminds us, “to calibrate those filters; they’re analog after all.” His attention to detail and the ease with which he simplifies these tasks are hallmarks of his video style.

Showcase of Power

Starsky’s crowning moment arrives as he demonstrates the freshly minted capabilities of the UDO Super 8+. Now the synth can command an impressive 20 voices, or for binaural geeks, a 10-voice panorama. Testing the waters, he gleefully holds a low note and adds layers until the notable point of polyphony kicks in. The upgrade’s success rings out as clear as a church bell, the synth’s newfound power demonstrated through simple live play. Starsky wraps up with an open-ended question on aesthetics—where to place the all-important sticker—inviting viewer input with his trademark humour. His sign-off, a gentle invitation to subscribe and engage, leaves viewers with a final taste of that richly engaging style he’s known for.