The Synth Thread...

All instruments that aren't guitars (or bass guitars).
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redchapterjubilee
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Re: The Synth Thread...

Post by redchapterjubilee » Mon Dec 04, 2017 6:59 am

budda12ax7 wrote:
Sun Dec 03, 2017 3:30 pm
Any feedback on the minibrute or micro brute...

Or

The ALESIS micron or ion??

I need to get a decent synth for recording ...
I've owned three of the four. Still have the Microbrute.

The Micron/Ion synth engine is probably the most "analog" like of the '90s/'00s era virtual analog synthesizers. I liked the basic tone of those synthesizers even better than the more celebrated Access Virus and Nord engines. Of course, the Micron is hampered by being in essence a preset machine. It is the very definition of tedious to program that thing. The Ion, on the other hand, puts all of that stuff right out on top for you to program to your heart's content. But Ion's also have issues with their outputs that crop up over time, as did mine. $250 to fix it. I'd love to have that synth back now.

The Microbrute also everything right out in front. Unlike the Alesis, no chords. All monophonic. One oscillator instead of 3. A Steiner-Parker style filter as opposed to a whole bunch of modeled filters. Full size keys on the Alesis vs little ones on the Microbrute (though Minibrute is full-sized). The Microbrute is a neat little synthesizer. If I'm playing keys live in a situation where I'm not just playing keyboards all night that is the one synthesizer I take with me. The control voltage matrix is cool for getting it to play with other CV stuff. I like to plug other things into the filter and warp the signal. Guitar, drum machine, etc. I use the sequencer for tonal bursts and I have a couple of sequences programmed in for things that I'd normally use my iPad for but in the instance I'm only bringing one thing out, then I've got the sequence. Tonally...it's no Moog. It can get raunchy in a hurry but I have a harder time getting it to smooth and subtle. It takes some getting used to, even coming from other analog synthesizers. It is not my #1 (that's my Vermona Mono Lancet module), but you'd be hard pressed to spend $250 on a better analog mono.

One other thing to take into consideration if you have a MIDI or USB keyboard. Arturia's Model D ships 12/15. A near clone of a MiniMoog for $299. I've had mine on preorder since July.

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Re: The Synth Thread...

Post by budda12ax7 » Mon Dec 04, 2017 8:13 pm

Thanks, this was helpfull

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Re: The Synth Thread...

Post by Zork » Tue Dec 05, 2017 11:50 am

For recording I would absolutely recommend a polyphonic synth. There are several virtual analog designs out there but I'd have a look on the Novation Ultranova or a Microkorg. These are much more versatile than the monophonic and purely analog Brutes and much more tweakable than the Ion or Micron.
I personally like the Microkorg very much for its cutting sound and powerful engine but the Ultranova will have full size keys, a more modern engine and better classic keys like pianos or stuff if you need them. Imo its slightly more vanilla than the Microkorg.

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Re: The Synth Thread...

Post by StevenO » Tue Dec 05, 2017 3:11 pm

The Microkorgs are cheesy but there is something I do like about them. Something I can't quite put my finger on... Tons of bands play them, whilst also having access to a ton of great and highly sought after gear.

LCD Soundsystem, for example (four of them):

Image

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Re: The Synth Thread...

Post by mackerelmint » Wed Dec 06, 2017 1:22 am

Everything about Nancy Whang in that picture is wrong.

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This is an excellent rectangle

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Re: The Synth Thread...

Post by StevenO » Wed Dec 06, 2017 2:41 am

How so?

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Re: The Synth Thread...

Post by mackerelmint » Wed Dec 06, 2017 9:22 pm

Man, the highwater overalls that her bra is hanging totally out of, the way her foot is pointed, the whole pose she's in, the expression on her face even. It just is wrongness.
This is an excellent rectangle

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Re: The Synth Thread...

Post by OffYourFace » Thu Dec 07, 2017 8:34 pm

bought myself a '74 miniKorg today.... from Belgium of all places. The price was too good. I'll have to rewire it for 120v but that's eazy peezy.
It'll be pretty cool having this one as all the ones in the US say Univox on them. This one just says minKorg-700.

I've wanted one for a long time because of the Cure and Johnny Jewel. And hey, let's all admit that it sounds pretty damn great on the first two Cars albums. I'm excited!


https://reverb.com/item/6623093-korg-700-1974

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Re: The Synth Thread...

Post by StevenO » Sat Dec 09, 2017 6:23 am

Damn, that looks great!

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Re: The Synth Thread...

Post by Kinx » Tue Dec 12, 2017 6:03 am

Both Crumar T1s that we use for bass on our record broke down just before sessions for our new album and only decent thing I got my hands on last minute was my buddy's LE Minimoog Voyager
Image

I had very hard time returning it back to him :D I was really, really suprised how good this thing sounds.
Check out my band, The Atavists ! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eG-HZtrljMg

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Re: The Synth Thread...

Post by mackerelmint » Tue Dec 12, 2017 5:21 pm

Samples from Mars is having a bonzo sale on their "everything" bundle. Lots of really cool stuff, and it really does sound better to my ears than the samples I have of various drum machines, for example. I have other things to buy right now, but if I didn't, I'd definitely be shelling out for it.
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Re: The Synth Thread...

Post by Jaguar018 » Tue Dec 19, 2017 9:42 am

I pre-ordered that Behringer Model D Moog copy thing. I saw a release date of 12/22... so we'll see if it ever arrives.

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Re: The Synth Thread...

Post by OffYourFace » Tue Dec 19, 2017 9:51 pm

Jaguar018 wrote:
Tue Dec 19, 2017 9:42 am
I pre-ordered that Behringer Model D Moog copy thing. I saw a release date of 12/22... so we'll see if it ever arrives.
8) 8) It's pretty great. At least the pre-prod one we have is.

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Re: The Synth Thread...

Post by mgeek » Wed Dec 20, 2017 2:28 pm

OffYourFace wrote:
Tue Dec 19, 2017 9:51 pm
Jaguar018 wrote:
Tue Dec 19, 2017 9:42 am
I pre-ordered that Behringer Model D Moog copy thing. I saw a release date of 12/22... so we'll see if it ever arrives.
8) 8) It's pretty great. At least the pre-prod one we have is.
Wow, just checked this out, totally getting one of those! Unbelievable price.

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Re: The Synth Thread...

Post by Haddock » Thu Dec 21, 2017 12:59 am

OffYourFace wrote:
Thu Dec 07, 2017 8:34 pm
bought myself a '74 miniKorg today.... from Belgium of all places. The price was too good. I'll have to rewire it for 120v but that's eazy peezy.
It'll be pretty cool having this one as all the ones in the US say Univox on them. This one just says minKorg-700.

I've wanted one for a long time because of the Cure and Johnny Jewel. And hey, let's all admit that it sounds pretty damn great on the first two Cars albums. I'm excited!


https://reverb.com/item/6623093-korg-700-1974
MiniKorg ? I didn't know that one ...
Well if that demo is a faithful representation, it does sound great, good find !
“Man does not cease to play because he grows old; man grows old because he ceases to play.” -- George Bernard Shaw

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