Yamaha MK-100 - rare pre-FM Portasound synth

Music: "Colour Glide" (C) Copyright 2021 Alfonse
Download here: https://alfonse.bandcamp.com/album/once

Yamaha Portasound MK-100 Multi-Programmable Stereo Keyboard (1984)

The MK-100 is a unique keyboard in the Portasound range, sharing a sound chip with the PSS-260 and 450, but with the novel feature of the rotating Multi-Menu and a few other more sophisticated functions. Its 12 preset tones are modifiable via the envelope and waveform synthesizer functions in the Multi-Menu, and a second layer can also be added, giving a huge range of possible variations.

The blippy drum sounds are pitched a quarter tone out compared to the voices, which makes for a tuning clash with the organ bass at the start of this track (not as noticeable when the arrangement gets busier); I've left the main drums like that for the purists on this video version, but tuned them down to be in the key of Eflat for the Bandcamp release.

Unfortunately the onboard stereo chorus wasn't working at the time of recording; I substituted my favourite 80s chorus pedal, the Yamaha SDS CH-10MII, which always sounds good on keys. The trusty TS9 Tube Screamer also sees some action at the end of the track to dirty up the bassline, along with a TC Electronic Sub'N'Up octaver to get a bit more low end underneath.

All sounds you hear in the track were made using the MK-100 (plus a little help from the RX11 drum machine) and were recorded to a DAW, where EQ and reverb were added as required.

Big thanks to Chris (Wee Muse) for the loan of this little beauty. His channel, featuring fixes and improvements for vintage mini keyboards & instruments, is coming soon over at:
   / @weeinnovate-uk  

ALFONSE
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