Seaweed Factory has released FM_SK Sample Pack, a free collection of sounds captured from the Yamaha TX81Z module and processed with the Casio SK-1 sampling keyboard.
All samples were produced using a Yamaha TX81z sound module. Each percussive sample was then processed using a modified Casio SK-1 Sampling Keyboard to give the pure FM tones more grit.
FM_SK Sample Pack is available for free download via Seaweed Factory (27.4 MB download size, 48.3 MB on disk, ZIP archive, contains 173 audio samples in 24-bit WAV format).
For this sample collection, Seaweed Factory has recorded a broad range of sounds from the TX81Z FM module by Yamaha and processed them with the Casio SK-1 sampling toy keyboard. The resulting sound collection is gritty and rich in digital textures, perfect for re-sampling or layering on top of other sounds.
TX81Z is an FM module synthesizer, which shares the same architecture and sound engine as the more famous Yamaha DX11 FM keyboard. Apparently, the only difference between the two (please correct me if I’m wrong here) is the fact that TX81Z is packed in a module case.
Casio SK-1 is a simple sampler instrument, packed in a toy keyboard box like many other toy keyboards produced by Casio back in the day (the SK-1 was originally produced in 1985). Over time, the SK-1 has become a valuable item well known and appreciated for its Lo-Fi gritty sound. It is often used for adding a cheap digital feel to otherwise sterile sounds.
If you’re into this sort of sounds, make sure you browse the rest of Seaweed Factory website. They’re offering loads of free sampled instruments, including other Casio toy keyboards and several circuit bent toys.
Video Demo
Check out the FM_SK Sample Pack demo video:
http://youtu.be/NuArS6SSIw8
Links
Download FM_SK Sample Pack: click here
