Tags: Keyboard synthesisers

Notes: Killer value for money here. Korg's budget synth brings proper analogue polyphony to a crazy price point. Amazingly versatile with sound to match synths two or three times the price.

Supplier's notes:
Meet minilogue; the stylish, innovative, 37 slim-key fully programmable analog polyphonic synthesizer:
minilogue's newly developed analog synthesizer circuit delivers polyphony and full programmability at a great price --- exactly what today's musician needs. With the minilogue, you can get your hands on the powerful sound that's only possible with real analog, and find inspiration with features including a polyphonic step and motion sequencer, on board tape-style delay, multiple sound shaping and filter options, and an oscilloscope display. All of these seamlessly integrated features make minilogue as fun and easy to use as it is powerful. It's the next-generation analog synthesizer for musicians of all types.

True analog sound:
The synth circuits for minilogue are all new ground up designs, delivering a synthesizer experience like no other. Unprecedented in this class, it's a four-voice polyphonic true-analog synth with an interface that's designed for accessibility. Whether you're performing live or producing in the studio, the minilogue is the fastest way for the user to explore and implement real analog synthesis in any situation.
The structure consists of 2VCO, 1VCF, 2EG, 1VCA, and 1LFO. The minilogue's unique wave shape capability lets you fine tune the oscillators' harmonics, creating the most divine sounds and compositions. The minilogue is also equipped with a variety of powerful types of modulation including cross modulation, oscillator sync, and ring modulator, as well as a delay with a high-pass filter. Powerful sound creation and rich variety are the true hallmarks of an analog synthesizer.

Polyphony and Presets - Perfect:
minilogue goes beyond analog synths in its price range by adding 200 preset locations. Select a program for instant access to great sounds - - ranging from thick basses to deep pads to brilliant polyphonic leads and atmospheric sounds. No need to have deep synthesis knowledge; just choose a sound and tweak - a workflow that is very familiar with musicians today. For those who want to dive deeper into the heart and soul of minilogue's engine, the minilogue hold 200 programs; with 100 editable factory programs included, and 100 locations serving as blank canvases on which to create your next analog masterpiece. Each preset can also hold a step sequence and delay settings along with the sounds you create.

Voice modes:
Selectable voice modes let you freely configure the four voices for performance. The voices can be set to four note polyphony for chords or layered for thick basses and leads. Other modes cover a range of sounds from octave shifted bass explosions to delicately staggered layered triggering.

Eight voice modes:
- POLY - operates as a four-voice polyphonic synthesizer
- DUO - operates as a unison two-voice polyphonic synthesizer
- UNISON - operates as an all-unison mono synthesizer
- MONO - operates as a mono synth with sub-oscillator
- CHORD - produces chords
- DELAY - voices 2--4 sound consecutively at a delay following voice 1
- ARP - an arpeggiator operates with up to four voices
- SIDE CHAIN - when a note sounds, the volume of the preceding voice is lowered

16-step sequencer:
Get creative with the intuitive 16-step sequencer with motion sequence recording capabilities, and make your sound truly come to life. The minilogue provides real-time recording with overdubbing, and step recording that lets you record simply by consecutively specifying notes, giving you a great way to create phrases and performances.

Oscilloscope visualizes the sound:
The OLED display will show the waveform as you sculpt your sound. Visual feedback is both educational and entertaining, and represents a first on a hardware synthesizer.

Build quality:
The uniquely curved, sand-blasted 2mm aluminum front panel, metal shaft potentiometers, solid, chassis-mounted metal shaft potentiometers and rubber-coated knobs give the roadworthy minilogue a standout look and feel to complement its powerful and dynamic sound creation capabilities.

Sync with groove machine:
In addition to the standard MIDI connectors, the minilogue provides a sync connector that can be easily connected to Korg's groove machines. Connect this to a volca series unit, an electribe, or the SQ-1, and experience a session with synchronized sequencer playback.

Notes: State-of-the-art analog modelling and multi-band vocoding are finally available in a compact, portable instrument. With 37 keys and 128 user-rewritable programs, the microKORG synthesizer/vocoder is perfect for the performer, producer, computer musician or beginner looking for an affordable synthesizer. The new microKORG delivers the quality sounds and features you expect from Korg at a price that will astound you.

The microKORG boasts the same dual-oscillator DSP synthesis engine found in Korg's critically acclaimed MS2000 and offers a wider selection of waveforms than any other modelled synth. Oscillator 1 features a total of 71 waveforms. These include traditional analog waves like saw, pulse, sine and noise, plus more unique choices like Vox wave and cross wave. Together they provide a cool selection that can be modulated to produce an extensive range of timbres. In addition, 64 exclusive DWGS waveforms from Korg's classic DW-8000 enable the microKORG to reproduce a broad collection of imitative sounds. Sounds like bells, electric pianos, guitars, basses and more that would be difficult reproduce on an analog synthesizer. You can also apply Ring and Sync modulation from Oscillator 2 to create the kind of complex timbres that are the true sign of an advanced synthesizer.

4 filter modes are available, offering -12 dB (2-pole) low pass, high pass and band pass configurations plus an extra steep -24 dB (4-pole) low pass setting. All include resonance. 2 classic ADSR envelope generators and two MIDI-syncable LFOs provide the power to shape your sounds. Add a virtual patch matrix that lets you create advanced modulation settings U routing the mod wheel to control filter cutoff or pulse width, using an LFO to control panning or amp level, etc. U and you have performance that is unheard of from a synthesizer in this price range.

The microKORG includes an 8-band vocoder with many advanced features. You can capture and freeze the formants of your voice, and then play it across the keyboard, or shift the formant frequency to make your voice sound male, female, like a child or just plain wacky! Best of all, the microKORG comes with its own microphone so you can start having fun right away.

3 types of modulation effects (chorus/flanger, phaser, ensemble), 3 types of delay effects (stereo, cross, L/R) and a 2-band equalizer add the finishing touch to the microKORG. The delays can be synchronized with the arpeggiator or to an external MIDI clock U a great feature for live performances or for laying down tracks. All effects can be edited to create your own, unique sounds.

Korg have used all of the microKORG's synthesis power in the creation of 128 great-sounding presets. They cover a wide range of the latest musical styles plus many vintage favourites. Sixteen vocoder Programs are also included. The pitch bend wheel, modulation wheel and 5 other knobs provide flexible realtime control over filter cutoff, attack, release and other important parameters. The edit mode allows you to fully edit the existing sounds, or to create your own new ones.

6 types of arpeggio patterns (UP, DOWN, ALT1/2, Random, Trigger) are built in, with control over tempo, gate time, swing, and up to a 4-octave range. You can turn individual steps on or off within a pattern, providing the feel and functionality of a step sequencer.

2 external audio input jacks are provided, so you can run other instruments, CDs and more through the microKORG's filter and effects, allowing you to process sounds in truly creative ways.

The microKORG's compact size is perfect for the musician or DJ looking to add a synth to his or her setup when space is tight. It's also a great choice for use in a computer-based music setup. The five realtime knobs on the front panel can transmit MIDI messages (control changes), so they can be used as controllers for software synthesizers. Use the 37-note velocity-sensitive mini-keyboard for controlling other gear or for recording and editing with your sequencer. And thanks to battery-power, the microKORG is the ultimate portable controller when used with a laptop computer!

There's no complex menu structure - all parameters are located on the panel for easy access to any function. A large dial and LED illuminated buttons provide easy program selection even on a dark stage. With its beige-gold body, wooden side panels and retro-influenced design, the microKORG has a look that's both vintage and funky.

Notes: The Subsequent 37 is a (2-note) paraphonic analogue synthesizer that builds upon the award-winning design of the ultra-powerful Sub 37 Tribute Edition. Its control panel is home to 40 knobs and 74 switches, placing a vast array of analogue sound-design tools and onboard sequencing options immediately at your command. The Subsequent 37 improves upon its source through the implementation of a number of user-requested sonic and functional enhancements. Each enhancement maintains the magic and character of its predecessor while also providing access to new dimensions of sound and improved playability.

The SUBSEQUENT 37 mixer section has double the headroom of that in the Sub 37 Tribute Edition. This provides access to a new range of classic clean tones in both mono and duo performance modes. Leveraging the mixer's newfound flexibility, gain-staging in the Ladder filter has been reshaped to boost harmonic saturation and analogue compression, resulting in an overall richer low end. Completing the sonic evolution of the SUBSEQUENT 37 is a re-tuned Multidrive circuit that extends well beyond the grit and growl of the original Sub 37.

"We are really excited to incorporate community feedback into the evolution of an instrument. Adding CV interconnectivity was the starting point, but we have also increased the headroom in the mixer and significantly extended the range of Multidrive, giving the Subsequent 37 CV expanded sonic capability and modular control." - Cyril Lance, Moog Chief Engineer

In addition to the sound engine augmentation, each SUBSEQUENT 37 comes with an upgraded keybed for improved playability, a high-powered headphone amplifier strong enough to drive the most demanding headphones, and a software plugin/editor for both Windows and Mac platforms.

Specifications

Sound engine: Analogue
Polyphony: Selectable monophonic or paraphonic (can be poly-chained)
Keybed: 37 note semi-weighted with after pressure
LCD: 128 x 64 pixel LCD with white backlight
Controllers: Pitch bend, mod wheel, after pressure, velocity
Sound sources: 2 variable waveshape oscillators, 1 square wave sub oscillator, 1 analogue noise generator, 1 external input/filter feedback
Oscillator calibration range: 22hz-6.8khz. Note range at 8' = 18 - 116
Glide module: Assign to osc1/osc2/both. Type - LCR, LCT, EXP, gated, legato

Notes: Cracking value in this brutalist beauty manufactured by Bristol's Future Sound Systems. Interesting features like wave-shaping VCOs and Sallen-Key filter make it the ideal starting point for a bigger modular setup.

Supplier's Notes:
Malevolent has been designed by Paul Whittington in collaboration with Bristol based synth manufacturer Future Sound Systems who have provided the analogue circuitry, and Ben Supper who developed the control interface:

Paul has a had a long career in developing products for some of the biggest names in the industry and is now using his expertise to build instruments, bringing in talents from friends he's made during his tenure in development.

Future Sound Systems are a renowned Bristol based synthesizer manufacturer, who are responsible for some of most forward-thinking designs on the market, they specialize in modular and semi-modular synthesizers & their design prowess is very apparent in Malevolent.

Despite its diminutive size, Malevolent sounds big, aggressive and is capable of everything from soaring leads, huge bass sounds, percussive phrases, weird sound FX and more.

It's form factor, user interface and price point make it a great option for those taking their first step in the modular domain, but it's unique sound, extensive modulation capabilities and the options for integrating seamlessly with other synthesizers, makes it a great option for experienced user who's looking for something a little different.

Modular Pure Analogue Synthesiser

Pure Analogue signal path designed by Future Sound Systems
Pure VCOs

19 Outputs and 19 Inputs for 3.5mm mono jack cable patching
Normalised signal path for immediate sound Malevolence
Additional rear panel line out
Additional headphone out


2 Voltage Controlled Oscillators
Saw / Triangle / Pulse outputs plus Mix for each oscillator
1V/Oct pitch control input
Shape control / pulse width modulation input
2x Frequency Modulation inputs
Coarse / Fine tune control
Shape mod amount control
FM1 and 2 mod amount controls
Shape control
Selectable waveforms for the mix output
Individual osc level control


LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator)
Triangle / Square wave outputs
Rate control

2x Envelopes
Individual ADSR controls for each envelope
Individual gate inputs
Individual envelope outputs


Multi-mode 2 pole VCF (Voltage Controlled Filter)
Low pass / Band pass / High Pass individual inputs
2x Frequency Modulation inputs with amount controls
Filter cutoff
Filter resonance


Mixer
Noise w/level control
Aux input w/level control


VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier) with overdrive control
Compatible with Eurorack standard 1V/Oct gear
Monophonic and patchable allowing individual pitch control of each VCO and gate control of each envelope
USB bus-powered
MIDI In / Out
Headphone out
Line out
Analogue clock in & out


USB-MIDI to 1V/Oct CV & gate conversion
All pitch and gate control is fully analogue
Analogue clock In / Out


Multi-function Joystick control
Left / right for pitch bend
Performable portamento
Performable vibrato
This is in addition to the analogue LFO
Latching hold mode


Arpeggiator
6 arpeggiator types
Up, Down, Up/Down 1, Up/Down 2, Played & Random
Auto clock sync
Detects analogue / MIDI or USB-MIDI clock and synchronises the arpeggiator automatically
Selectable sync rates when clock detected
Rate / sync control
Latch
6 Octave range
Analogue / MIDI / USB-MIDI Clock output when arpeggiator is running


Keyboard Control
32 Velocity-sensitive mini-keys
Octave shift +/- 4 octaves
Pitch output
Velocity output
Gate output
Local Off mode for DAW use


Includes:
5 Patch cables

Power Supply (9V 600mA)
USB C lead

Getting Started Guide


Weights and Dimensions:

Product (unboxed):
490 x 250 x 80 mm
2.61 kg

Product (boxed with contents):
690 x 320 x 160 mm
3.70 kg

Notes: One of the best synths money can buy. Hugely expressive PolyBrute engine expands to 12 voices with the same beguiling combination of FullTouch keyboard, Morphee control and ribbon strip. Immense

Supplier's Notes:
Unleashing the full power of PolyBrute

Continuing the legacy of its predecessor as one of the most powerful and expressive analogue synths ever made, PolyBrute 12 goes a step further.

A multi-faceted tool for musical expression, PolyBrute 12 lets you seamlessly evolve and control any parameters while playing. The input-perfect sensitivity of the keyboard, the bi-timbral morphing presets, the multi-axis Morphee controller, the Ribbon controller - all work in perfect harmony so you can breathe vitality and intricate dynamics into your sound.

PolyBrute's in-the-moment sonic display would not be possible without the raw energy of its Brute oscillators and dual enhanced classic filters. This, combined with its intuitive interface, elegant modulation Matrix and advanced software companion make PolyBrute 12 a synth for the ages - a matrimony of Brute force and human touch.

Full touch, full control

Discover a next-generation keybed and new aftertouch modes that bring you into a direct and tactile connection with your sound.

PolyBrute's patented FullTouch keyboard provides the exact position of every key across the entire range of movement. This not only allows for precise and dynamic aftertouch expression but it also puts versatility at PolyBrute's core - allowing you to go from regular playing modes to exceptional aftertouch and envelope control at the touch of a button.

You can also use PolyBrute 12 to control any MPE-compatible VST. If you don't have a MPE compatible DAW, you can still record expressively using MIDI 1.0, although at a lower resolution.

Mono Aftertouch

In this mode, the note is triggered by regular keyboard velocity and the classic aftertouch area corresponds to an assignable aftertouch signal, where all the voices receive the same level and amount of expression. Great for applying a unified modulation effect to a chord or phrase.

Morph between sonic worlds

Seamlessly blend from one patch to another and find that perfect middle ground

Each preset is made up of two sonic states, A & B. A dedicated Morph knob lets you seamlessly explore a continuum of sound between them. This, combined with the Morphee controller and PolyBrute's keyboard, paves the way for endless patch evolution and expressivity.

Analogue heart, seismic sound

PolyBrute's sound begins with two analogue VCOs sharing much of the same sonic architecture that has made the Brute family renowned.

Each oscillator generates sawtooth, triangle and square waves simultaneously, and you can mix between them to shape just the right signal source and timbre.

Dial in VCO 1's Metalizer wavefolding to escalate from pure to punchy. Bring in VCO 2's sub-oscillator to add an extra lower octave and some added rumble.

Dial in edgy FM effects by modulating VCO 1's frequency with VCO 2, or subtly alter a continuous range of harmonics with soft or hard sync.

1 VCF 1 Steiner

A 2-pole 12db/octave Steiner filter design with continuous sweepable slope types, as seen across the Brute range. The addition of the proprietary Brute Factor feedback control lets you add anything from subtle warmth to a electrified growl.

2 VCF 1 Ladder

Inspired by Dr. Bob Moog's legendary 4-pole 24db/octave ladder design. A low-pass classic, with added gain compensation and asymmetrical distortion to add upfront grit to your polyphonic patches.

Modern modulation sources

Modulation has always been essential in animating synth sounds.

PolyBrute weaves a web of envelopes and LFOs that's intricate and unpredictable in equal measure - a dynamic display of sonic motion.

Three Envelope Generators

PolyBrute's VCF and VCA have velocity-sensitive ADSR envelopes hardwired outside the Matrix for instant gratification. The third Envelope Generator features a delay stage (DADSR) and can be assigned to sculpt any Matrix modulation targets. Use the various repeat and loop modes to add complex movement to your patches.

Three Envelope Generators

PolyBrute's VCF and VCA have velocity-sensitive ADSR envelopes hardwired outside the Matrix for instant gratification. The third Envelope Generator features a delay stage (DADSR) and can be assigned to sculpt any Matrix modulation targets. Use the various repeat and loop modes to add complex movement to your patches.

Three LFOs

PolyBrute's three syncable LFOs span an extremely wide range - facilitating anything from beautiful evolving soundscapes to clangorous audio-range modulation. Options for waveshaping, polarity and retriggering let you take your sound way outside the box. Experiment with Matrix routing and tempo/MIDI sync for hyper-rhythmic effects.

Enter the matrix

The flexibility of modular patching combined with digital precision and analogue richness makes for a transcendent polysynth experience.

32 target parameters, 64 connections in total. Rearrange PolyBrute's signal chain with the touch of a single button. Dial in positive or negative amounts, intuitively assign one or more destinations via any relevant controls, instantly route PolyBrute's array of performance controllers and advanced modulation sources to influence just about anything in the instrument's chain - all without a convoluted array of wires.

But the Matrix doesn't just take care of PolyBrute's all-encompassing modulation routing - it's the centrepiece of every aspect of its architecture. In Presets mode, use the Matrix to select any of the 768 patch memory locations. Morph mode accesses advanced morph state editing. Sequencer mode transforms the Matrix into an intuitive visual pattern editor.

Main Features

61-keys with FullTouchr MPE Technology keyboard
Pitch Bend, Mod Wheel, Ribbon controllers
Morphee touch and pressure sensitive 3D controller
Osc and Noise Mixer with Filter routing
12dB/Oct Steiner Parker Filter

Continuous LP>Notch>HP>BP morphing
Cutoff, Resonance, Brute Factor

24dB/Oct Ladder Filter with Distortion
Three Envelopes
Looping capability
Two ADSR
One DADSR
Three stereo digital effects
Modulation FX : Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Ring Modulation
Delay : 9 algorithms including BBD, Digital delay
Reverb : 9 algorithms including Hall, Plate, Spring, Shimmer
Distortions : Subtle Tape, Classic Distortion, Soft Clip, Worn Out Tape, Germanium, BitCrusher, DownSampler
Arpeggiator, Matrix Arpeggiator, Sequencer
Stereo audio output
2 expression and 1 sustain pedal inputs
Two Analogue VCO's
Saw
Triangle + Metalizer
Square + Pulse Width
Sub
Linear FM
Hard Sync
Noise Generator
Continuous tone from rumble noise to white noise
Three LFOs
LFO1 and LFO2 with waveform selection
LFO3 with waveform shaping using Shape and Symmetry
Rate control & Tempo Sync
Various retrig options
480 presets and 768 preset slots
12x32 Modulation Matrix
Notes, Accent, Slide per step
3 tracks of automation
MIDI and USB I/O + analogue clock I/O

Platform specifications

Windows
Win 10+ (64bit)
4 GB RAM
4 cores CPU, 3.4 GHz (4.0 GHz Turbo-boost)
3GB free hard disk space
OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU
ARM processors not supported on Windows

Apple
Mac OS 11+
4 GB RAM
4 cores CPU, 3.4 GHz (4.0 GHz Turbo-boost) or M1 CPU
3GB free hard disk space
OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU

Required configuration
Works in Standalone, VST, AAX, Audio Unit.

Work with ASC
An elegant and simple solution to help you install, activate, and update your Arturia software instruments.

What's in the box

Box content

PolyBrute 12 Unit
Power Cord
User Manual
Registration Card

Instrument dimensions
Size : 38.3 x 17.1 x 6.1 inches (972 x 435 x 156mm)
Weight : 50.7lbs (23kg)

Notes: Originally released in 1970, Minimoog Model D was the world's first portable synthesizer and served as the archetype for all electronic keyboards that followed. The all-analog instrument gained acclaim for combining the colossal sound of the 1960s Moog modular synthesizers with the accessibility of pre-wired modulesimeaning that it could be played instantly and intuitively with no patch cables required. It was quickly embraced by a diverse roster of performers, with artists like Herbie Hancock, Kraftwerk, Rick Wakeman, Sun Ra, Piero Umiliani, Giorgio Moroder, Bernie Worrell, and Gary Numan all shaping unique sounds and forging new musical genres using the instrument.

More than a half-century since its invention, Minimoog Model D is back in production at the Moog factory in Asheville, North Carolina. An exceptional sonic tool and one of the most beloved and iconic synthesizers ever designed, it returns to the hands of synthesists of all kinds and serves as inspiration for the next generation of electronic musicians.

The three-oscillator, monophonic, analog synthesizer is securely housed in a locally sourced Appalachian cherry cabinet and hand-finished aluminum chassis. Sounding as vibrant and deep as ever, its legendary low-pass ladder filter, powerful oscillators, and rich saturating mixer retain the exact component placement and through-hole design of a 1970s-era Minimoog Model D.

While no changes have been made to the original sound engine or audio signal path, the 2022 Minimoog Model D includes a series of popular functional modifications that expand this legendary instrument's sonic capabilities. These modifications include a dedicated analog LFO with triangle and square waveshapes, a premium Fatar keybed with velocity and after pressure available via top panel CV jacks with onboard trimpots, MIDI integration, and a mixer feedback modification which allows the Minimoog Model D to overdrive and scream with the turn of a knob. And, for the first time in its history, the Minimoog Model D now features a spring-loaded pitch wheel with center deadband, allowing for improved playability and wild performance flourishes. This newest edition also includes updates to the MIDI functionality, allowing for improved modern studio integration.

SPECS
NUMBER OF KEYS
44
KEYBOARD RANGE
F0 to C4
KEYBOARD ACTION
Synthesizer (Spring)
NOTE PRIORITY
(Low, High, Last): User Selectable
SOUND SOURCES
3x Oscillators, Noise Generator and External Audio Input
OSCILLATOR FREQUENCY RANGE
0.1 to 20 kHz (In Six Overlapping Ranges)
OSCILLATOR STABILITY
(short term) > 0.25 %
OSCILLATOR WAVEFORMS
Triangle, Triangle-Sawtooth (Oscillator-1, Oscillator-2), Reverse Sawtooth (Oscillator-3), Sawtooth, Rectangle, Wide Pulse and Narrow Pulse.