(I know this is a commonly asked question, but I’ll explain my situation in detail, my priorities, and would be very grateful for some advice from people more experienced than I! Also long post, semi-tldr of options at the end)
I’m basically looking for a cheap analogue monosynth to add to my current setup, and have narrowed it down to a few options. I’ll explain my situation first…
I already have a Digitakt to sequence/sample and add delay and reverb, and I’ve loved learning the basics of subtractive synthesis on my Microfreak: I’ve had this since June and I’ve enjoyed the breadth of sounds this little thing allows you to create - making patches and playing with the mod matrix has been amazing (the screen has been such a great tool as a beginner to see what’s going on).
I love house, melodic techno, acid techno, and also make backing music for my amateur band (80s sytnthy stuff, 70s/80s covers, rock). I also love the synth sounds of Mike Dean, Pink Floyd… it’s pretty broad!!
So I’m now looking to expand my collection to have a bit more fun/expand the current sound palate. Since the Microfreak is a digital polyphonic (which I use for pads, improvs, sometimes leads), I’d be looking for an analogue monophonic to add some bass/leads/arps, sequenced on the Digitakt, and to have fun adjusting parameters on the fly.
(I realise I can sample approximations of such sounds from the Microfreak into the Digitakt, however nothing quite beats playing around with the real deal (plus the freak has quite a recognisable, digital sound, and I’d like to add some variety…))
My front runners are currently the TD3 and the Uno synth: both cheap and cheerful but a lot of fun.
I’ve considered and extensively researched all of Behringer’s other cheap analogues (Model D, Crave, Neutron, Pro 1) however: I’m not massively advanced in my understanding of subtractive synthesis yet, I’m not looking to get into modular, and also if I’m going to be fiddling I’d rather have a way to save presets. So with them I think I’ll save my pennies for now… (however willing to be persuaded otherwise)
The Uno synth is a real ugly duckling, with questionable build quality and questionable design/control layout, but this doesn’t concern me too much due to full midi implementation - ideal for pairing with the Digitakt. It also has a wider range of sounds than the TD3, so much more versatile…
Although there’s something so charming about the TD3 - it’s a classic, seems like a lot of fun, and although limited I’d love to experiment with the kind of acid sounds it tends towards. Also at that price…!!!
I know other aforementioned Behringers/other analogues might produce better sounds at better build qualities/longevity, and would probably have more scope for learning/exploration, however I’m just not sure if I’ll be able to make full use of them with my limited knowledge.
SO my options now are:
1) buy the TD3, have a bit of fun with it until I can also afford a better analogue synth to play with like the Typhon, or another Behringer like the Neutron
2) buy the Uno, incorporate a wider range of sounds and take advantage of midi implementation, but risk regretting not just waiting to buy a better Analogue for these purposes, and missing the acidy fun of the TD3
3) take the plunge and go for something like a Neutron or Model D, accepting the learning process and lack of preset saving
4) accept I’ll end up with both the Uno and TD3, and buy whichever’s cheapest now, and the other in a month or two
5) scrap all that and save ALL the pennies for something like a Deepmind 12 or Analogue 4, with no instant gratification…
I’ve been deliberating for days about this, anyone offer any advice, opinions, experience with any of the gear/combos mentioned, or a new take???
Thank you for taking the time to read!!
[link] [comments]