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Comments
Yeah hydra is in a completely different league compared to those synths when it comes to how it sounds. It can happily hold its own against my OB-6 and Polybrute, though fair enough if you’re dead set on only going analog.
Yup
https://synthanatomy.com/2023/03/behringer-pro-800-analog-clone-of-the-sequential-pro-600-with-8-voices.html
Hydra has been in and out of my cart multiple times and I spent time with the Explorer at Sam Ash, I love the size, look and aggressive sound, it’s like it’s waiting for me… so very tempting and the price is right!
Can you midi out from IOS to a hardware synth
but use a Bluetooth keyboard.
Which is in IOS?
From the suggestions I'm not sure some folks even read your initial question. Anyway, these are all Sub $1000.00usd with 99% of your wants [spoiler - encoders gonna be tough] ...
"Korg Minilogue XD Module" hits almost all your list. Caveat is that only 2 knobs are endless.
There's also the "Behringer Deepmind 12D" which are all sliders except for one encoder. That encoder feature might be an issue TBH.
Finally, with sliders also, is the "Dreadbox Nymphes".
The Behringher AKS mini lol
The issue is that there's really nothing out there that hits all of the OP's criteria. Even the Monologue you recommended is not a poly synth.
Yes, it can be done. Currently I run MIDI and audio out with an iRig Pro I/O. And there are other means that are less expensive.
The Pro 800 looks very promising indeed.
I’m inclined to say for now there’s not a clear home run answer without spending big bucks or going digital.
Part of me says to spend some time mixing my better software synths with a Mother 32 track on top. I should also mention I have tons of iOS synths and they are reasonably integrated into an Akai MPC. And that the Akai world has some convincing plugins now, especially the Mini D (Minimoog) and the OPX4 (FM).
What triggered this thread is that wish for true analog but with the convenience of presets, encoders, etc.
Thanks
Not a lot of analog polysynths in that price range sadly, especially if you want encoders too
Pardon my previous typo, I meant MINIlogue, [the link accurately directed to] which is mos def a poly.
fwiw, I actually waited for quite a bit of time before buying my Prophet 5 Desktop. It was announced Jan. 2021. I bought it almost 2 years later, in late 2022. There was one store that had it on Black Friday sale.
It wasn't just waiting for a sale. It was also saving up money over time, and trying to limit spending.
I honestly did not need it to make music, as I already had other hardware polysynths I was happy with - didn't matter they were all digital. It's just that I tried the P5 keyboard in the store in 2020 and it had been living in my head rent-free ever since.
After trying a number of different options, including a Prophet 5 USB hardware controller from Mode Machines, I'm now sticking with U-he Repro-5 on a 12" Windows tablet. The beautiful UI controls are large enough to be operated conveniently and I prefer to see the actual knob positions over the jumping values when turning knobs on the hardware controller.
To work with reliable Bluetooth MIDI, I'm using the old and very compact CME WidiBud which pairs well with the Yamaha MD-BT01 (and doesn't pair at all with the Quicco mi.1, fyi)
I'm surprised how well I can play it polyphonically on an old Gen 2 tablet, using ASIO4all and the power supply plugged in so the CPU won't clock down.
Your argument is so on point. I'm going to put up my analog Prophet 5 on sale right this minute, and buy Repro-5!!!
Nah, not really...
I have seen multiple reports from satisfied users of Repro 5 so it is not my place to argue that they made the wrong choice instead of getting an analog Prophet 5.
At the same time, my analog Prophet 5 is not going anywhere, unless I do something stupid like spill a drink on it. Then it would have to go somewhere after all.... a repair shop.
I'm quite sure that if I had one, I wouldn't sell it either. And feel no need for Repro.
I can´t recommend enought the Minilogue XD. Having had almost all the classics from Matrix-12 to Elka Synthex, from Prophet-5 to Oberheim 4-voice, The XD is one of my all time faves!
🙌🏽
The picture alone makes me smile.
I especially love the oscilloscope.
Caveat: treat the joystick with care, it unscrews easy. I often see models in store or online missing the joystick top. My OCD makes me check mine periodically 😂
I understand the love of analogue, my collection is as follows: Minilogue XD module, Werkstatt, MicroBrute, MicroFreak (analogue filter) ❤️ my current favorite soft synths are analogue’ly: Twin 3 and Knifonium.
Yes @Stuntman_mike ! some care with the Joystick!
I have both the keyboard and module version, first got the keyboard and liked so much I wanted 8 voices of XD
Having the desktop as an expander works fine except for sync of the LFOs in some modes... Id love a true 8 voices XD.
jason I remember reading somewhere about some XD fx and /or oscillators from you?? are they available? do you need som testing??
Have you tried the Prologue?
I assume the sound is the same, just more voices.
how desktop is desktop? These can be got for about 500$
https://www.sequential.com/product/tetra/
Oh man, I want one these too 😂
yes tried the Prologue but I find the sound different, also there are some more differences: The XD can have all three FX at once (mod+reverb+delay) and the lack of sequencer in the prologue is no for me....,
Thus sayeth ChatGPT:
Based on your preferences, I would recommend the Moog Matriarch. While it does have a keyboard, it can be used as a desktop module with a separate MIDI controller. It is a four-voice paraphonic analog synthesizer with no sequencer or arpeggiator, but it does have a built-in 256 step sequencer for modulation purposes.
The Matriarch has 90 modular patch points and a patchable modulation matrix for extensive sound design capabilities. It also has a stereo analog delay that can be used as an effect or as an additional modulation source.
The Matriarch has 90 knobs and switches, and most of the knobs are encoders for precise control. It has a classic Moog sound with a warm, powerful, and organic character that is highly sought after by synthesizer enthusiasts.
Ahhh, thank you for confirming my decision 🙏🏻
And then I asked:
Please recommend another option other than Moog
If you're looking for a polysynth desktop module with knobs that are encoders, but would prefer something other than Moog, then I would recommend checking out the Sequential Prophet-6 Desktop module.
The Prophet-6 is a six-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer that offers a classic and versatile sound, inspired by the legendary Prophet-5. It has a sleek desktop design and no keyboard, making it easy to integrate into any studio setup.
The Prophet-6 Desktop module features a user-friendly interface with 48 knobs and buttons, most of which are encoders for precise control over sound parameters. It offers extensive modulation capabilities with two oscillators per voice, a high-pass and low-pass filter, and a variety of modulation sources, including an LFO and two ADSR envelopes.
The Prophet-6 also has a built-in arpeggiator and sequencer, as well as a stereo analog distortion and delay effects for additional sound shaping possibilities. Overall, the Prophet-6 Desktop is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality analog synthesizer with a classic sound and a lot of hands-on control.
Great suggestions, pricey though
i used em for a while for performance/gig synths. There a ton of editors for them when youre in the studio, and you only map the tweakable knobs you need for a performance setting.
You can also keep daisy chaining the DSI mophos to keep adding voices (external mixing required)
Nice! Are they manageable without editors?
Really like what I see with the Minilogue XD. and the Tetra.
IMHO, unless it turns out to be a dud, the Behringer Pro 800 tempts me most. In part because it is supposed to have full MIDI CC control. THat was not on my starting thread list, but that would be very nice. I hope to integrate all this into an MPC, and full MIDI would be sweet.