You are allowed to enjoy this…

Get Your M-VAVE FM-1 Some Protection – A Little Hard Case for Your Little Synthesiser!

Darren — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 11:08:02 +0000

Get yours here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005013252832037.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.4.59c11802vml4n3 Buy my music here on CD & Vinyl: https://elasticstage.com/lock
Music, socials, etc: https://linktr.ee/darrenlock I'm an Amazon Affiliate and so gets a shiny penny if you buy a qualifying product via the links here.

The M-VAVE FM-1 Firmware Hub – All The Custom Firmware Under One Roof – The Ultimate FM-1 Tool!

Darren — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 21:52:41 +0000

**The M-VAVE FM-1 Firmware Hub | All the Custom Firmware in One Place** One page for the M-VAVE FM-1 custom-firmware pile: Felucca, SLOOP, sloopDX, X0X, F-Omni, Jangada, ChoralRoot, Melodee, Hortator, FiMba-1, GHOULBOX, Bubba, WaveLoop and the rest. Chrome or Edge, USB, click Install. Open source, free. Stock firmware is still a flash away if one of them bricks the fun. Hub: https://fm1.designburgapps.com/ Back to stock: https://youtu.be/hBE6vZe7BAc Official FM-1 firmware: https://www.m-vave.com/product?id=fm-1 FM-1 on Amazon: https://link.amazon/B0exzpCWw Music: https://elasticstage.com/lock Links: https://linktr.ee/darrenlock **Timestamps:**
0:00 The FM-1 firmware hub 0:40 What’s on it (SLOOP, Felucca, F-Omni, X0X…) 2:00 How install works 4:00 So Much Choice
6:00 Stock Firmware here too 6:01: Like & subscribe #MVAVE #FM1 #SLOOP #Felucca #FOmni #customfirmware #groovebox #synth #DarrenLockMusic #firmwarehub Like, comment and subscribe for more FM-1 experiments. I'm an Amazon Affiliate and so gets a shiny penny if you buy a qualifying product via the links here.

Turn The M-VAVE FM-1 Into An Omnichord with F-Omni-1 Custom Firmware

Darren — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 11:45:15 +0000

F-Omni-1 turns the cheap M-VAVE FM-1 pocket synth into an Omnichord-style strummer: chords on the buttons, a strum strip, and that Suzuki auto-harp thing without the £600 hardware. Browser emulator first, then use the USB web installer to install on the FM-1. Part of the FM-1 custom-firmware run (SLOOP, Felucca, Baud Girl). Stock firmware is still one flash away if you want the original FM synth back.
Try the emulator: https://charlesvestal.github.io/fm1-fomni/emu/ Install F-Omni-1: https://charlesvestal.github.io/fm1-fomni/install/ Back to stock: https://youtu.be/hBE6vZe7BAc Official FM-1 firmware: https://www.m-vave.com/product?id=fm-1 Buy FM-1 on Amazon: https://link.amazon/B0exzpCWw Music: https://elasticstage.com/lock Links: https://linktr.ee/darrenlock Timestamps:
0:00 Omnichord on an FM-1? 0:40 What F-Omni-1 is 1:20 Browser emulator 2:30 Install 4:00 Playing it 6:00 How to go back to stock 8:23 End: Like & subscribe #MVAVE #FM1 #FOmni1 #Omnichord #customfirmware #synth #Suzuki #DarrenLockMusic #strummer
Like, comment and subscribe for more FM-1 firmware experiments.

START (1999) 5.1 Surround Sound Mix via YouTube

Darren — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 17:59:09 +0000

If you have the ability to watch YouTube in surround sound (you have a TV or amp that can handle 5.1 audio), then you might want to check out this early attempt at surround sound audio I made a long while ago. This is one of my earlier attempts at music from 1999 and thanks to the magic of technology, we no longer have to piss around with DVDs for you to hear the 5.1 mix of this – though I imagine this will appeal to approximately three people, if that. Enjoy…or not!

Click here…

I’ll also get the Textures, Without Words, Textures, EchoNET and Pressure Point surround sound up there eventually… (Then I’ll get a copyright claim from myself because YouTube and copyright is dumb)

START – 5.1 Surround Sound Mix (1999)

Darren — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 17:52:22 +0000

Thanks to YouTube supporting 5.1 audio if you livestream it, I can now present the recordings I mixed in surround sound to you without all the faffing around with DVDs and what-not. This is START from 1999 and it's my first proper attempt at a continuous flowing album of instrumental music. You can buy this on CD and vinyl here: https://elasticstage.com/lock/releases/start-album Enjoy!

Can You Restore The M-VAVE FM-1 Back to Stock Firmware After Sloop/Felucca/Baud Girl?

Darren — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 12:45:14 +0000

Installed SLOOP, Felucca or Baud Girl custom firmware on the M-VAVE FM-1 and want the original FM synth back? This is the uninstall: official M-VAVE updater, stock firmware, back to factory. Custom firmware is fun. Stock is still there if you change your mind. Follow-up to the SLOOP first-go and MIDI videos. Official FM-1 software and firmware: https://www.m-vave.com/product?id=fm-1 FM-1 on Amazon: https://link.amazon/B0exzpCWw Links: https://linktr.ee/darrenlock
Timestamps:
0:00 Why restore stock 0:40 What you need (official updater) 1:20 Connect the FM-1 2:00 Flash stock firmware 4:00 Check it boots as an FM-1 again 4:37 End: Like & subscribe #MVAVE #FM1 #SLOOP #Felucca #customfirmware #firmware #synth #DarrenLockMusic #howtorestore
Like, comment and subscribe for more FM-1 and gear experiments.

Does The SLOOP Firmware Support MIDI on M-VAVE FM-1?

Darren — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 12:01:25 +0000

Follow-up to the SLOOP first-go video. People asked if MIDI works on the M-VAVE FM-1 with SLOOP custom firmware. Short answer: yes, after SLOOP 2.3.
TRS 3.5 mm to 5-pin DIN into a MIDI keyboard (Boss BMIDI-1-35). Channels 1–3 for the three synth tracks, channel 10 for drums. Pitch bend and mod wheel didn’t work here. USB MIDI is listed on the SLOOP site; this test is the hardware DIN cable. Yesterday it didn’t respond; after the 2.3 update it does. Boss BMIDI-1-35 TRS–DIN cable: https://link.amazon/B0e7TGFnu
Install SLOOP: https://isod89.github.io/sloop-fm1/webapp/installer/
Links: https://linktr.ee/darrenlock Timestamps:
0:00 Why this video (comments asked about MIDI) 0:34 SLOOP 2.3 update 0:52 TRS to 5-pin DIN cable 1:36 MIDI in — it works 1:53 Bass 2:26 Drums (channel 10) 2:57 No pitch bend / mod 3:05 Didn’t work yesterday 3:31 Which cable 4:22 USB MIDI 4:51 Why bother — £45 synth, more flexible 5:28 Uninstall video coming 5:43 Like & subscribe
#MVAVE #FM1 #SLOOP #MIDI #customfirmware #groovebox #synth #DarrenLockMusic #TRS #Boss
Like, comment and subscribe. Next one: how to uninstall SLOOP and go back to stock firmware. I'm an Amazon Affiliate and so gets a shiny penny if you buy a qualifying product via the links here.

Using the M-VAVE FM-1 with SLOOP Custom Firmware | First Go

Darren — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:34:35 +0000

First session on the M-VAVE FM-1 with SLOOP custom firmware. SLOOP turns the cheap pocket FM synth into a free 4-track groovebox: three synth layers plus a drum machine, built on the Felucca engines (VA, 4-op FM, phase distortion, organ, formant, granular, sampler, lo-fi) with chorus, delay and reverb. Not a full review — first go, exploring the patch and the workflow. Install SLOOP from here: https://isod89.github.io/sloop-fm1/webapp/installer/ Links: https://linktr.ee/darrenlock Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
0:33 The SLOOP Firmware
01:47 Jamming with SLOOP
07:27 Thoughts on SLOOP
09:10 Browser Editor
11:21 Outro #MVAVE #FM1 #SLOOP #customfirmware #groovebox #FMsynth #synth #DarrenLockMusic #Felucca Like, comment and subscribe for more synth and gear experiments.

The Spark Pedal

Darren — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 11:48:11 +0000

Music, socials, etc: https://linktr.ee/darrenlock I'm an Amazon Affiliate and so gets a shiny penny if you buy a qualifying product via the links here.

21-09-26 Nightfoot – Ambient Soundscape with Electro Harmonix Hardware Plugin

Darren — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 18:55:59 +0000

Music, socials, etc: https://linktr.ee/darrenlock I'm an Amazon Affiliate and so gets a shiny penny if you buy a qualifying product via the links here.

21-09-26 Ambient Guitar Density – Featuring MIDI Guitar 2, Roland XV-5080 Plugin & Valhalla Delay

Darren — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 12:02:51 +0000

**21-09-26 Ambient Guitar Density | MIDI Guitar 2, Roland XV-5080 & Valhalla Delay** Ambient guitar session — dense pads and delays. MIDI Guitar 2 into a Roland XV-5080 plugin, Valhalla Delay on the wash. Improvised / live-in-the-box textural soundscape/. Gear in this one: MIDI Guitar 2, Roland XV-5080 (plugin), Valhalla Delay. Links: https://linktr.ee/darrenlock **Timestamps:**
0:00 Ambient guitar density Layering / MIDI Guitar 2 XV-5080 tones Valhalla Delay End #AmbientGuitar #MIDIGuitar2 #RolandXV5080 #ValhallaDelay #AmbientMusic #GuitarPedals #DarrenLockMusic #soundscape Like, comment and subscribe for more ambient guitar and gear.

Does the Positive Grid SPARK PEDAL Work with Bass Guitars? Featuring Fender Mustang & Jazz Basses…

Darren — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 14:23:02 +0000

**Does the Positive Grid Spark Pedal Work with Bass? | Fender Mustang Bass & Jazz Bass Test** Bass through the Positive Grid Spark Pedal — does it actually work, or is “bass compatible” just marketing? Demo’d with a Fender Mustang Bass and a Fender Jazz Bass. Spark Pedal is sold as electric / acoustic / bass: 33 amps, 43 effects, ToneCloud, looper, USB-C interface, battery fly rig. This video is the bass reality check — amp models, presets, FX mode, low-end, and whether it’s a real compact bass rig or a guitar pedal that also takes a bass input. Full Spark Pedal unboxing and guitar review are on this channel. Spark Pedal: https://amzn.to/3SGR3jI Links: https://linktr.ee/darrenlock **Timestamps:**
0:00 Can you use the Spark Pedal with bass? 0:40 What Positive Grid claims 1:20 Fender Mustang Bass 4:00 Fender Jazz Bass 7:00 Bass amps, cab feel & effects 10:00 Practice, looper, recording 12:00 Final verdict for bass players #PositiveGrid #SparkPedal #BassGuitar #FenderJazzBass #MustangBass #BassAmp #BassPedal #AmpModeller #DarrenLockMusic Like, comment and subscribe for more guitar and bass gear.

Positive Grid SPARK PEDAL Review & Demonstration – Why This is a Must-Buy and Why It Might Not Be

Darren — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 19:37:04 +0000

**Positive Grid Spark Pedal Review & Demo | Bias FX Hardware — Who It’s For (and Who It Isn’t)** Full review and demonstration of the Positive Grid Spark Pedal — Bias-style amp and effects modelling in a compact, battery-powered stompbox. 33 amps, 43 effects, ToneCloud presets, 60-second looper, MIDI, Bluetooth, USB-C audio, AI tone building, and up to about 7 hours on the rechargeable battery. This follows my Spark Pedal unboxing. Here I go through real-world tone, Amp vs FX modes, the app, looper, gig use, practice/recording, and the honest trade-offs: phone/app dependence, battery-only power (no mains adapter), and whether it replaces a proper multi-FX or just lives on the desk. **Why it might be a must-buy:** compact fly rig, huge preset library, familiar Spark/Bias tones, looper, easy knobs. **Why it might not be:** battery management, app-centric workflow, better as practice/recording companion than a set-and-forget pedalboard for some players. Get the Positive Grid Spark Pedal: https://amzn.to/3SGR3jI More links: https://linktr.ee/darrenlock **Timestamps:**
0:00 Intro — must-buy or not? 0:45 What the Spark Pedal actually is 2:00 Build, controls, Amp vs FX mode 4:00 Tone demo — cleans, crunch, high gain 7:00 Effects, presets & ToneCloud 9:00 App, Bluetooth, AI tones 11:00 Looper & live/practice use 13:00 USB interface & recording 15:00 Limitations (battery, app, power) 17:00 Verdict — who should buy it #PositiveGrid #SparkPedal #GuitarPedal #BiasFX #MultiEffects #AmpModeller #GuitarGear #PedalReview #DarrenLockMusic Like, comment and subscribe for more guitar gear reviews. Previous unboxing: search “FIRST LOOK Positive Grid Spark PEDAL” on this channel.

FIRST LOOK – Positive Grid Spark PEDAL Unboxing

Darren — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 19:02:27 +0000

**FIRST LOOK: Positive Grid Spark Pedal Unboxing | Bias FX in a Pedal** First look and unboxing of the Positive Grid Spark Pedal — the hardware version of Bias FX that I’ve been waiting years for. This compact, rechargeable multi-effects pedal puts Positive Grid presets on the floor with MIDI, USB-C charging, and a solid rubberised base. In this unboxing I go through the packaging, manual, cables (USB-C + MIDI breakouts), build quality, knobs, I/O, and first impressions before a full review. If you use Bias FX 2, Spark amp, or want a compact guitar multi-FX pedal, this one’s worth a look. Get the Positive Grid Spark Pedal: https://amzn.to/3SGR3jI More links: https://linktr.ee/darrenlock **Timestamps:**
0:00 Intro — why I’m excited about the Spark Pedal 0:14 What it is (Bias FX in pedal form) 0:31 Unboxing the packaging 0:58 Manual & QR code 1:16 USB-C charging cable & MIDI cables 1:47 First look at the Spark Pedal 2:18 Size, texture, knobs & rubber base 2:46 Rear I/O and features 3:05 First impressions & coming review #PositiveGrid #SparkPedal #GuitarPedal #BiasFX #MultiEffects #GuitarGear #PedalUnboxing #DarrenLockMusic #GuitarEffects Like, comment and subscribe for the full Spark Pedal review and more guitar gear videos.

The EU Has Killed The Independent Music Scene With The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation

Darren — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 05:30:06 +0000

In this video, independent musician and label owner Darren Lock breaks down exactly how the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR / Regulation (EU) 2025/40) is devastating the independent music scene across Europe. From 12 August 2026, the PPWR applies new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules that treat small record labels, DIY artists, cassette/tape labels, and mail-order sellers the same as massive corporations. If you ship a single vinyl, CD, or merch package from one EU country to another, you can become the “producer” in the destination country. That means registering for EPR schemes, appointing authorised representatives, paying fees, and handling paperwork in up to 26 different member states. For a small label pressing a few hundred copies of an album, the costs and admin quickly become impossible. Many indie sellers are already stopping cross-border EU shipping, cutting off fans, killing mail-order businesses, and fragmenting the single market that was supposed to make Europe easier for creatives. What’s covered: How the PPWR works and why cross-border EPR hits micro-businesses hardest
Real-world impact on independent record labels, vinyl distributors, Bandcamp sellers, and DIY music shops
Why a regulation meant to reduce packaging waste is instead pushing small music businesses out of the market
The growing backlash, petitions, and calls for exemptions or a one-stop shop for micro-enterprises
What this means for the future of the European independent music scene, physical media, and cultural diversity This isn’t abstract bureaucracy — it’s already forcing German, French, Italian, and other European indie labels and artists to restrict or cancel shipping to other EU countries. Larger companies can absorb the costs; small ones cannot.
If you care about independent music, vinyl culture, cassette labels, or the survival of small creative businesses in Europe, this is essential viewing. Music, socials & more from Darren Lock: https://linktr.ee/darrenlock I’m an Amazon Affiliate — I earn a small commission if you buy qualifying products through any links (at no extra cost to you). Help the independent music scene: Share this video with other labels, artists, record shops, and music fans
Comment with your experience if you’re a seller affected by the PPWR
Support indie artists and labels directly while you still can
Follow for more updates on how regulations are shaping (and sometimes destroying) music culture Keywords & related topics: EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, PPWR 2026, independent music scene EU, indie record labels packaging rules, vinyl shipping Europe, mail order records EPR, Extended Producer Responsibility music industry, EU bureaucracy small businesses, DIY music labels crisis, physical media Europe, Bandcamp sellers EU, cross-border shipping music, authorised representative packaging, micro-businesses packaging waste, European single market music, indie vinyl distribution problems
#PPWR #EUPackagingRegulation #IndependentMusic #IndieLabels #VinylCommunity #EUBureaucracy #MusicIndustryNews #DIYMusic #RecordLabels #PhysicalMedia #EuropeanMusic #MailOrderRecords #PackagingWaste #EPR #IndieScene
Support independent music. Question bad regulation. Keep the scene alive. Music, socials, etc: https://linktr.ee/darrenlock I'm an Amazon Affiliate and so gets a shiny penny if you buy a qualifying product via the links here.

Return to Zero – Darren Lock (2026)

Darren — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 16:31:41 +0000

A tune without a home at the moment. Not sure what it is, but it is me warming up for whatever's next. Could be a song, could be nothing. Enjoy! Music, socials, etc: https://linktr.ee/darrenlock I'm an Amazon Affiliate and so gets a shiny penny if you buy a qualifying product via the links here.

27-07-26 Homelight – an improvised ambient guitar piece with six-string bass

Darren — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 15:48:27 +0000

Here's an ambient noodle for your consideration. Completed in three passes and featuring BIAS FX 2 for the guitar & bass, the Valhalla Delay plugin and some hand chimes… Music, socials, etc: https://linktr.ee/darrenlock I'm an Amazon Affiliate and so gets a shiny penny if you buy a qualifying product via the links here.

03-07-26 Lap Steel Ocean – Featuring Duesenberg Pomona Lap Steel + Arturia REV Ocean Reverb Ambient

Darren — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 12:49:09 +0000

Here I am noodling around with the Duesenberg Pomona Lap Steel in Positive Grid Bias FX 2 and Arturia's REV Ocean reverb plugin… Music, socials, etc: https://linktr.ee/darrenlock I'm an Amazon Affiliate and so gets a shiny penny if you buy a qualifying product via the links here.

03-07-26 Lap Steel Ocean – Featuring Duesenberg Pomona Lap Steel + Arturia REV Ocean Reverb

Darren — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 14:38:54 +0000

02-07-26 Oceansize – Ambient Guitar with Bias FX 2 & Arturia Rev OCEAN Reverb

Darren — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 18:35:08 +0000

Here I am improvising more ambient guitar slop using Positive Grid Bias FX2 and the new Arturia Rev OCEAN Reverb for some dreamy dreams… Music, socials, etc: https://linktr.ee/darrenlock I'm an Amazon Affiliate and so gets a shiny penny if you buy a qualifying product via the links here.

Adding some Jazz Bass

Darren — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:31:16 +0000

So I added a middle bit and now I’m redoing the bass track again, this time using the Fender Jazz bass. Music, socials, etc: https://linktr.ee/darrenlock I'm an Amazon Affiliate and so gets a shiny penny if you buy a qualifying product via the links here.

Thomann Bizarrely Goes into White Knight Mode & Sues Fender – Hypocrisy Levels Reach Overload

Darren — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:26:08 +0000

Thomann, the German company behind the Harley Benton guitar brand, a brand that has exclusively flooded the market with cheap copies of every guitar you can imagine, is now suing Fender because it suddenly sees itself as a white knight defending the rights of the little man to copy Fender’s product. My hypocrisy meter just exploded! Music, socials, etc: https://linktr.ee/darrenlock I'm an Amazon Affiliate and so gets a shiny penny if you buy a qualifying product via the links here.

22-06-26 Adding Fretless Bass

Darren — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:04:54 +0000

After the chordy explorations of yesterday, we settle on a groove and add some fretless bass… Music, socials, etc: https://linktr.ee/darrenlock I'm an Amazon Affiliate and so gets a shiny penny if you buy a qualifying product via the links here.

21-06-26 Jamming Around on Guitar -Trying to Get Back Into Writing Mode – Part Two

Darren — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 14:11:19 +0000

Music, socials, etc: https://linktr.ee/darrenlock I'm an Amazon Affiliate and so gets a shiny penny if you buy a qualifying product via the links here.

21-06-26 Jamming Around on Guitar -Trying to Get Back Into Writing Mode – Part One

Darren — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 14:08:09 +0000

Here I am with my faithful Fender Jazzmaster trying to come up with some guitar ideas for recording. Heat makes fingers sticky but we mess around until The Missus tells me it's time to start on dinner. Music, socials, etc: https://linktr.ee/darrenlock I'm an Amazon Affiliate and so gets a shiny penny if you buy a qualifying product via the links here.

Why I Refuse to Buy Waves Audio Products – A Response to SumnSumnSumn

Darren — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 12:28:41 +0000

Waves Audio threaten a YouTuber for having an honest opinion – original video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puYMj-9N8u0 Music, socials, etc: https://linktr.ee/darrenlock I'm an Amazon Affiliate and so gets a shiny penny if you buy a qualifying product via the links here.

Fender 2010 US Standard Jazz Bass in Olympic White – The Alan Harwood Collection 48

Darren — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:07:26 +0000

Here I am having a look at a delightful Fender US Standard Jazz Bass from 2010 in Olympic White. Music, socials, etc: https://linktr.ee/darrenlock I'm an Amazon Affiliate and so gets a shiny penny if you buy a qualifying product via the links here.

Gretsch 1965 Chet Atkins Country Gentleman – The Alan Harwood Guitar Collection 47

Darren — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 20:58:59 +0000

Here I am talking about the Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gentleman from 1965 which was part of the Alan Harwood guitar collection that was bequeathed to me. Music, socials, etc: https://linktr.ee/darrenlock I'm an Amazon Affiliate and so gets a shiny penny if you buy a qualifying product via the links here.

Fender Update & Counterfeiters Fall Into Line & Begin Settlement – It’s Good To Be Right!

Darren — Thu, 28 May 2026 15:21:48 +0000

Original Guitar World Article here: https://www.guitarworld.com/gear/electric-guitars/fender-speaks-out-on-cease-and-desists Music, socials, etc: https://linktr.ee/darrenlock I'm an Amazon Affiliate and so gets a shiny penny if you buy a qualifying product via the links here.

How Did The Guitar Community Get So Stupid? More About Fender’s Legal Action…

Darren — Thu, 21 May 2026 10:25:05 +0000

Or you can get my music at: http://darrenlock.bandcamp.com
Or make a direct donation at: http://paypal.me/paylock I'm an Amazon Affiliate and so gets a shiny penny if you buy a qualifying product via the links here. ———–LISTEN TO AND BUY MY MUSIC———–
Buy my music: http://music.darrenlock.com
Me at iTunes: http://bit.ly/lockitunes
Me at Amazon: http://amzn.to/2coSw6T
Me at Google Play: http://bit.ly/lockgoogleplay
Me at Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2c8m9eA
Me at Tidal: http://bit.ly/locktidal
Me at Deezer: http://bit.ly/lockdeezer