Nord User Forum

A raw oscillator compare test. And as usually only little differences.

• Test Boog - BS2 - A1 - Kross 2.mp3

Behringer Model D (Minimoog clone)
Novation Bass Station 2
Nord Lead A1
Korg Kross 2 (multisample Saw-MG3)

Even the PCM sample of the Workstation Korg Kross 2 is close to Boog

So the analog Moog magic seems to be elsewhere (drifting VCOs, Ladder filter?)

Regards,
Herbert

I would say it’s everywhere, to a certain extent.

No offense meant - I understand less and less the point of comparing raw oscillators waveforms in order to reveal any magic.
Even though it showed some obvious differences, do you think you could have concluded that here was the magic?

I think the magic lies in a global experience rather than in a single component (IIRC, the magic of the Minimoog is partly due to a calculation error…). The filter design, the resonance of it, the way you can modulate its cutoff frequency albeit through a potentiometer (Calibration? Type? etc) or an envelope (Fast? Slow? Curve ?...), the way the oscillators signals are sent into it (driven hot?...) are four other factors – selected almost randomly- that can influence the “magic”, and this is just to speak of filter

It’s like comparing (sorry for the cliché analogy) a Ferrari and a VW Beetle and stating, after finding out that the tires are different: Ha!! This is why the Ferrari has that je-ne-sais-quoi!!

Sometimes it's just seeing Moog on the back of the keyboard. I like your comparisons, all the good synths can make good sounds, that's what they do. We keyboard players can maybe distinguish some of the stuff stiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiive described, but IMO a square wave oscillator, is a ladder filter, is a triangle LFO, is a mod env, is an amp env, IS A SPADE. Throw it all through some effects, and most synths will give you something sweet. But you nearly blew my studio monitors when I pressed play. (I've been recording vocals today)

Well, the model D is still the one that has more low end....I agree on comparing the raw sound, I have always thought that finally they could do nice sound whatever the brand. But it gives you a hit of a no anyway so thanks for the comparison...

I'll take my Moog minimoog Model D reissue, thank you.

Ha yes, ok, no discussion about it....just that at 3000 Can$, I would prefer to save a bit more and invest in the Stage 3 compact....

I can imagine, that an analog synth sounds livier with more low end than an A1 using UNISON, or a Novation using drift parameter.
And that an analog ladder filter can sound better than A1 using LP M and DRIVE.

My personal inner dispute is more of that kind, that I´m wondering about buying a synth with only one voice, no patch memory, no FX in 2018.
Like buying an analog camera.

Regards,
Herbert

Only one voice is enough for a Lead sound or a Bass sound (or a Berlin-style sequence or EFX sounds). So almost all things excepting PADS. So, for anybody searching for a good(/cheap) NLA1 companion, choosing a good monosynth like the Boog (or a Bass Station 2) might be the best choice IMHO. Connected to a good EFX module like the TC Electronic M350 for delays, reverb etc.

stiiiiiiive wrote:I would say it’s everywhere, to a certain extent.....
I think the magic lies in a global experience rather than in a single component (IIRC, the magic of the Minimoog is partly due to a calculation error…). The filter design, the resonance of it, the way you can modulate its cutoff frequency albeit through a potentiometer (Calibration? Type? etc) or an envelope (Fast? Slow? Curve ?...), the way the oscillators signals are sent into it (driven hot?...) are four other factors – selected almost randomly- that can influence the “magic”, and this is just to speak of filter

He´s same opinion:

I think the difference was massive ?? The heft of the first synth was way above the rest especially in the three first registers. I guess that was the Boog ??