Nord User Forum

[soratach]

Hey, i'm with the NS2 88HA. And thinking of expanding on the 'synth' section. I am now looking at the minibrute and the new mophoX4. Just wondering what are your opinions on both synths.

I know they are quite different from one another. But kinda wanna know how you guys feel about them.

Soratach

[Mr_-G-]

No comparison, I think. The minibrute is monophonic, the mophox4 is polyphonic (OK 4 notes) and it can be expanded (at a price) with the tetra module.
If money were not an issue I would get the Mopho x4, but you might have something different in mind.

[soratach]

Thanks Mr G!

well, money isn't exactly a problem, although i don't exactly wanna buy both of them right away! lol.

I'm kinda new in this synthesis world, NS2 was really my starting point into the world of 'analogue'. I'm kinda into it at the moment. for me Minibrute seems very easy to operate, but MophoX4 seems to offer much more...again, price isn't an issue. but i don't really know the pros and cons of those synths.

[soratach]

What about the Prophet 08 and the Mopho X4?

[mjbrands]

I think the Minibrute would be a great way to get into making your own sounds, from scratch. The thing is fully analog, has lots of options, can be integrated into a setup using CV (usually modular synth modules) yet still has both MIDI and USB in-/outputs. Be aware that is a monophonic synth, so if you wanted to compare it to a Dave Smith, compare it to the regular Mopho. You do not have any way of saving sounds (other than writing down the settings), so it will force you to get good at quickly creating your own sounds.

The fact it does not have any way of saving sounds might be a reason to stay away from it. Most modern synths (like the Mopho/Mopho X4/Prophet '08) are more refined and do include stuff like saving sounds.

If synth modules are okay with you (so no keyboard, you could use the extern sections of the NS2) the following might be interesting too:
- Moog Minitaur
- Moog Slim Phatty

I didn't include any of the module versions of the DSI synths (Mopho, Tetra, Prophet '08, Evolver), since with the exception of the Prophet '08 you'd really need to use an editor on your PC to quickly create your own sounds.

Of course, you can also use a softsynth. Synth1 is used in quite a few tutorials and is completely free - it is pretty basic (which is good in this case, I think) but includes the essentials (like saving sounds).

http://www.kvraudio.com/product/synth1-by-ichiro-toda

[Lyonart]

Hi soratach,

I don't know much about either synth enough to comment in great detail but I did read in a very recent magazine article that the filters on the Mopho x4 are set up for more 'harsh' synth sounds and perhaps is not best suited for softer pad or string sounds. As with any of these things it is always a good idea to try gear out before you buy to make sure it is right for you.

Geoff

[Mr_-G-]

Another free and very good softsynth is this one:
http://zynaddsubfx.sourceforge.net/
Multitimbral and polyphonic. It does subtractive as well as additive synthesis (and has a pad synth as well as effects). Runs under linux, mac and windows.
If you are new to synths, it maybe a good idea to get familiar with synths before deciding on a particular instrument so you know which functions they have available and which are missing.

[soratach]

Thanks very much guys! really appreciated.

[Gustavo]

I would personally go for the MophoX4 just because of the sequencer and the patch memory. I have a Mopho and it is relatively simple to switch programs on the nord and have it tell the mopho via midi to switch to a specific patch (although it only works with bank A and the first 99 patches). So if you are using it live, that is a huge plus.

Another thing the mopho has going on for it is the sequencer. Since you have two keyboard you could find yourself in need of a sequenced bass, or arpegios or just holding a pad while actually playing another less repetitive thing. So the Mopho is quite handy if that could be the case.

I have heard the MiniBrute and I was somewhat impressed, but the smaller keyboard and lack of patch memory is enough reason to go with the mopho instead (in any of its versions).

Still which one sounds better depends on your style, but as a general opinion, I think the Mopho is much more versatile.

Saludos,
Gustavo

[soratach]

Thanks guys for the inputs. I actually had a chance to try out the Mopho X4 the other day and i had quite a good time with it. Although i didnt enjoy twitching the knobs as much as i thought i would have. But the sound really impressed me, unfortunately wasnt something i had hope for. The guy at the shop recommended me to try out the Prophet08. Any ideas?

What i want from it is basically cool leads and some arpeggiated pads with the options of layering and spilts, i guess Prophet08 would fit in rather well. I had thought of polychaining X4 with tetra, but the quality of the keys on X4 really put me off.