The Shofuku Rebirth
Inside DX7 V with Nori Ubakata
In the early days of FM synthesis, only a few synth masters were talented enough to crack the code of the DX-7 and create patches that were simultaneously innovative, inspiring, and sounded fantastic.
Nori Ubukata was one of those people.
1984 FM MASTERS
After becoming a sound designer for the DX1 almost by chance, in 1984, Nori partnered up with Yasuhiko Fukuda to create two expansion cartridges for Yamaha’s FM legend. These “Shofuku” presets banks originally came on appropriately chunky memory cartridges, and gave the synth a whole new depth..
Behind the scenes, Nori has been busy working on importing these sounds from the original synth to DX7 V. Not only do they work seamlessly within the Arturia software, they’ve also been updated with some fun new features that Nori always wanted to add, but couldn’t on the original hardware.
At that time, we didn’t have any internet or LAN, so we used cartridges.
Explore the rare, vintage sound expansions from the mid-80s, brought back to life by Nori and DX7 V.
Inspired to explore the world of electronic music by the synth soundtrack elements of Stanley Kubrick’s 1971 masterpiece A Clockwork Orange, Nori’s expertise grew as he studied the analog sounds of Carlos’ dramatic score.
Although his skill grew from his experience with analog synthesizers, it was with the pioneering digital synths of the 1980s that Ubukata made his name. Now respected as one of the greatest synth sound designers and a true master of FM synthesis, the team at Arturia are thrilled to have such an experienced, talented synthesist in our team.
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Shofuku Cartridge 1
1984 FM MastersIn the early days of FM synthesis, only a few synth masters ...
Shofuku Cartridge 1 1984 FM Masters
In the early days of FM synthesis, only a few synth masters were talented enough to crack the code of the DX-7 and create ...
bass brass keys lead pad percussion sfx strings
Contains sounds for:
Analog Lab
Analog Lab V
DX7 V
In the early days of FM synthesis, only a few synth masters were talented enough to crack the code of the DX-7 and create patches that were simultaneously innovative, inspiring, and sounded fantastic.
Nori Ubukata was one of those people. In 1984, in partnership with Yasuhiko Fukuda, he created two expansion cartridges for Yamaha’s FM legend, the “Shofuku” presets, which gave the synth a whole new depth. Now you can own and use these original sounds again, updated to work seamlessly with DX7 V, with some fun new features that Nori always wanted to add, but couldn’t on the original hardware. Shofuku Cartridge 1 contains over 60 DX7 V presets, covering a huge range of sounds, from electric pianos to razor sharp keys, mind-altering sound effects, cool percussion, and all the zingy bass and pads you’d expect from such an FM monster.
bass (6) brass (4) keys (15) lead (11) pad (4) percussion (13) sfx (7) strings (6)
Shofuku Cartridge 1
1984 FM Masters
Over 60 DX7 V presets, covering a huge range of sounds, from electric pianos to razor sharp keys, mind-altering sound effects, cool percussion, and all the zingy bass and pads you’d expect from such an FM monster.
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Shofuku Cartridge 2
Rare sounds, regainedIn the early days of FM synthesis, only a few synth masters ...
Shofuku Cartridge 2 Rare sounds, regained
In the early days of FM synthesis, only a few synth masters were talented enough to crack the code of the DX-7 and create ...
bass brass keys lead organ pad percussion sfx strings
Contains sounds for:
Analog Lab
Analog Lab V
DX7 V
In the early days of FM synthesis, only a few synth masters were talented enough to crack the code of the DX-7 and create patches that were simultaneously innovative, inspiring, and sounded fantastic.
Nori Ubukata was one of those people. In 1984, in partnership with Yasuhiko Fukuda, he created two expansion cartridges for Yamaha’s FM legend, the “Shofuku” presets, which gave the synth a whole new depth. Now you can own and use these original sounds again, updated to work seamlessly with DX7 V, with some fun new features that Nori always wanted to add, but couldn’t on the original hardware. Shofuku Cartridge 2 contains over 60 DX7 V presets, with special attention being paid to really interesting, textured polyphonic key sounds. Unique pianos, organs, struck sounds and choirs all await, with breathtaking fidelity to the original instrument, and a unique style all of their own.
bass (7) brass (5) keys (15) lead (4) organ (7) pad (6) percussion (14) sfx (6) strings (2)
Shofuku Cartridge 2
Rare sounds, regained
Interested in DX7 ? Head to our dedicated page to learn more.
