Mini synth advice

[noisepunk]

Have a look at the Novation Mininova too, it's cheaper than the Microkorg new and has a much more powerful synth engine with 36 note polyphony. Still got the vocoder on there too. If you want more knobs, bigger keys and aftertouch, the Ultranova adds them and can also double as an audio/USB interface.

Just had a look at these Novas... I think I'd actually grab one of these.

I went with a midi only keyboard, but before making that choice I had narrowed my choices down to the Korg XL and the Mininova, and decided on the mini-nova; it sounds richer, has more interesting (and customizable) features, is cheaper, and the XL actually feels pretty cheap- the upper half of the shell actually has an overhang which is pretty thin and looks like it would be really easy to break. The micro brute is pretty awesome too- my midi keyboard is an arturia, and I've become somewhat partial to that brand.

The alesis micron is also a good one- I haven't had much of a chance to mess with one but I've seen quite a few used live.

[PJazzmaster]

BTW: what about: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnnZgmYbPLY" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Zork]

Of course is the boutique series from Roland tempting, but have you seen the Sonic Lab review? Nick Batt is pointing out that the sliders have actually a really short range of only few centimeters what makes it hard if you really want to tweak in a sound exactly. I haven't laid my hands on the JP-08 but it's true: this thing is tiny! Absolutely a fact to consider...

[leppie]

I fall out of love with mine quite often, but I think the Mininova/Ultranova might be a good pick. I'm a lover of old polysynth sounds like in films and synth pop songs and for that reason I do have one of the Roland Boutique models, but for the type of sounds you describe being after the Novation pair fit the bill perfect.

Thinking of the 3 synths you mentioned though, 2 simple analog mono synths and a digital poly in the MicroKorg, it makes me wonder if the Roland JD-XI would be a good one to look at and a better fit then the Boutiques mentioned. After all in demos I've head it sounds good as is kinda packing both the analog and poly thing into a single unit. I'm sure a lot of the synths mentioned in this thread are all good though.

[Sonicxyouth]

I was thinking about getting a MicroKorg. I like the idea of selectable presets for easy live switching, but does anyone know if it can get those dirty bass filled Nine Inch Nails sounds?

[fuzzking]

I was thinking about getting a MicroKorg. I like the idea of selectable presets for easy live switching, but does anyone know if it can get those dirty bass filled Nine Inch Nails sounds?

Hmmm... for NIN type stuff, you might want to run the synth through a nasty Fuzz.

[username]

don't buy the Bass Station!! (unless it's the Super Bass Rackmount version, which kicks ass!!)
but the standard Bass Station is only really good for Acid Tekk stuff in my opinion... (cool, but not very versatile)

look at the Waldorf Pulse if you have a little more money or just wait for the Korg Volca FM to be released!!!

[mackerelmint]

Yeah, the Volca FM looks like hot shit.

Korg's just killing it lately.

[tremolo3]

I'd want it to be well-suited for atmospheric tones (such as Houses, Tycho)

I was looking for a synth for that very reason and after trying some of these not-so-expensive modern monophonic stuff (Arturia, Korg, Novation) I just decided they were not so deep enough for my main purpose, but you can have endless fun by tweaking knobs and slides.
Then I tried a MicroKorg and I was almost there... so it had to be a polyphonic synth.

A few weeks later I saw a Roland Alpha Juno on my local Craigslist and by reading some reviews and watching some videos on youtube I decided to get it.

I stopped using my guitar and my 5 reverb/delay pedals and now I just play that thing whenever I want to play some ambient stuff. And I'm pretty sure you could get the same results with any of those 80s cheesy synths like the Yamaha DX series or any other polyphonic Roland synth.

I haven't played "bassy electronic stuff" with it but it's definitely doable too.


Not a synth expert, just sharing my experience.

[planningtojazz]

i got the moog mother 32 in a trade for a roland boutique. LOVE IT.

the synths ive had goes as follows.

alesis micron
moog voyager
roland gaia sh 01
roland jp 08
mother 32

sofar the moogs are my favorite.

[Zork]

Has anyone already touched the Minilogue?

[planningtojazz]

Has anyone already touched the Minilogue?

i hear its amazing.

[InLimbo]

There was a Minilogue on Reverb yesterday for $499+$25 shipping. I nearly pulled the trigger. But there was only one picture and nothing in the description about having everything.

I figured I can wait another 3-6 months to get it from a reputable store with a warranty.

Still stoked about it though.

[tdbajus]

Have a look at the Novation Mininova too, it's cheaper than the Microkorg new and has a much more powerful synth engine with 36 note polyphony. Still got the vocoder on there too. If you want more knobs, bigger keys and aftertouch, the Ultranova adds them and can also double as an audio/USB interface.

I would say that the Novation Mininova is one of the coolests synths had at any price. And I literally have a Prophet 08 and a Moog Sub37 sitting next to me.