Minilogue is a jewel. I've got one ever since 2018 and not disappointed a bit. It's so incredibly flexible and powerful. I even got to synthesize a Minimoog (close enough, I reckon) and happy to tweak it when I'm making music wirh the band. I accidentally came across this vid, I'm lying on a couch far from home at 1:13 am and hoping to get back home to try it out. Thank you for the video, Sir. And my ackowlegments to Dawless Jade and BoBeats for encouraging me to buy it. 💓
Nick, you're THE trusted reviewer. You're THE reason I have a Mininova, Volca Keys, and Volca Beats. I have a feeling that when your Minilogue review comes out, you'll be the reason I get one of those, too! Keep up the good work!!
Korg have hit the JACKPOT and delivered a masterpiece for less than 500 quid. Anybody and I mean anybody who doesnt realize that hasnt got a clue. The sound of this is both sweet and powerful. I normally wouldnt give an analogue synth a second glance. Nothing ive heard since the Juno 60 has excited me at an affordable price. Until now. This synth will become a true modern classic a standout from the pack. Ive had a go on my friends one and I have to have one. Nothing compares to this for less than a grand. people have got to know when something special hits the market. And the Minilogue is something special.
proud ownerhere !. the clicks are there and but do go away if the attack is changed. the only issues i have is with the maschine software. but i think its more the software than the korg. i use it with my kp3 and ko pro plus. makes a damn good amount of fun .
Korg really hit the bullseye with the Minilogue. So much high quality analog synthesizer goodness for such a decent price, it is incredible. Korg is the new Roland. Cant wait to get my hands on one!
+Brap Allgood I originally ordered during the first rush from Sweetwater. I'd ask about an ETA and it kept getting pushed back. Eventually I looked elsewhere and found places that had them in stock. 2 days later, I had a Minilogue on my doorstep - no thanks to Sweetwater.
The scope time base that is selected is based on the note value of the key being pressed on the minilogue. No pitch detection of the actual wave is used. I've verified this using my MS-20 mini as an input.
Nick and others you can sync the Volcas and pocket operators using the BSP. Change the last step position to 2 then switch on gate at position 1 only. Now they're in sync and you can even choose different time divisions for Volca and POs. Lovely. You can also mess with longer last step time in multiples of 2 as well. My setup is one sequencer for Minibrute and the other two for Volca sample and Pocket Operator Arcade. interested in seeing the full review of this tasty little poly.
+sonicstate Arturia have mentioned the possibility of adding Volca/PO sync options so may yet happen in a future update. However I do prefer the option of running at different time sigs and tempo divisions and don't mind tying up the sequencers. Would be even cooler if the drum sequencer offered different time sigs and step length per part but this is far less likely to happen than the additional Volca/PO sync option.
Questions for review: 1) did you notice the 'popping' sound that others have? 2) can you compare it to the Microkorg XL? They seem to have a similiar bright sound and features. 3) in mono modes how do the EGs trigger/re-trigger? 4) in mono modes is there any note priority like on the MS-20 5) do the knobs snap or catch when changing to different presets?
+davidevoid 5) It has 3 possible settings, standard it jumps to the knob state when you start moving it. Then there's a "catch" setting where it starts changing once you move it past its actual setting. And then there's a scaling setting where it'll change faster or slower depending on the knob position vs. actual setting, giving a smooth hybrid between the 1st 2.
Been waiting for this review since it came out! Can't afford it right now, but watching Nick make some cool sounds will make me feel okay for another couple months. As expected, you explored all the features I was curious about, and probably the first things I would have tried to screw around with. Thanks, Nick.
Thanks much! Your reviews are my go-to often before considering new equipment. The right mix of musical and tech considerations. Manufacturers should really pay attention to your improvement suggestions - they make sense from a musician's perspective. Carry on!!
Thanks for the video, Nick. Can't wait for the full review. Since there's a lot of controversy about certain aspects of the synth, I'd love to hear your unbiased opinion on those issues: clicking, envelope triggering behaviour, and so on. Thanks in advance.
Thanks Nick, this kind of special reviews are the "key" value to your channel. my thoughts to review: - keys: playability, touch, velocity, compared to other minikeys - fader/mod wheel: feel, usability, patchable to settings - portability: size, weight, robustness, ac adapter, where it fits - fine tuning: seems that most values can go 0-1023. How this will enhance the sound design process? - filter: The filter type (2-pole,4-pole), Can be "motion recorded"? - audio in: used as feedback for itself - resonance/amplitude: resonance knob affects directly to the loudness or is compensated? - oscillators: calibration, warm up time?, fine tune scaling/interpolation - patch storage: usage, It will cut the signal on a program change? delay still runs on that change? - in/out options and connectors quality - cleanliness of the signal output: with or without delay - how well are this envelopes implemented - monitor on headphones: can be split from the main out/master volume? - midi filtering options - "CC's"/sysex data: what values are exposed to midi or usb. any other fine tunes over 440hz
+victor piscue - Keys are reasonably playable, they're not as nice as full size, but bigger than your regular minikeys. And while they are the same as on the MS-20 mini and KARP Odyssey, they feel more robust and "bottom out" nicer than they do on those. - The pitch lever can only affect 1 parameter at a time, and while it can target just about any parameter there's currently a lack of scaling settings. The feeling is fine, but it'll eat a lot of dirt, and in the long run will require both protection and cleaning to not fail. - Size is irregular, but can be seen as a thicker and deeper MicroKorg. Weight is deceivingly low, and portability is good. The bottom part of the chassis has a cheap feel, but the overall structure is plenty strong and rigid. The "lip" will protect the keys to some extent and the knob and toggles feel very solid. Personally i'm a bit disappointed they didn't repeat the genius from the Odyssey, and ship it in a custom carrycase. But expect a bag/case on the market soon. - The 1024 step MIDI resolution does away with some issues that arise from the regular 128 step resolution, but also means the MIDI implementation is a bit strange, and external control can be problematic. On that note, currently atleast, the MIDI filtering is very basic, too basic really. - Oscillators calibrate on start up, so there's a 15 sec wait when you first turn it on. Mine have no other need to warm up. They're very stable overall, with just enough drift to introduce that VCO warmth. Once i had it go slightly out of tune after several hours use, just activate the calibration, another 15 sec wait and it's back in tune. - It has pretty much all the in/out options you'd expect, no CV/Gate but the rest seems spot on, and quality seems good both in terms of sound and durability. Though the delay introduces a bit of noise, there's already been an update that reduced that. I did a video with a frequency analyser on it that should give a fair perspective of noise etc. ruclips.net/video/_shFhYWBU4k/видео.html on my rig the noisefloor is around -100dBFS if i remember correctly.
+digidope I've been wondering if the voice detune/chord inversion knob can be motion sequenced. I'm a big fan of unison voices going in and out of tune.
Nice video/sounds! The delay is digital, it's more or less lifted straight from the Monotron Delay, but it's been made less noisy in an update. About the sync, the Minilogue has a some settings for the sync in the menu, so while i don't have any gear to test it properly, i'm fairly certain that you can get it syncing with gear other than Korgs own. Have made an unboxing/short demo video 2 weeks ago, showing some of the presets. Had planned to have done a more detailed tweaking video by now, but i'm so sick i can hardly sit up straight.
I cant remember if you mention it in the video, but theres actually a way to delete notes from the sequence and not the motion seq : just go on the step and press "rest" :)
I had my doubts about how much you could really do with the minilogue, but the amount of depth to the sound you managed to get out of the machine at 8:40 for the price it sells for is absurd.
Thank you for the Great Vid. After waiting for 2 months, mine was delivered on 04/14/16. It's a wonderful synth and a fine musical instrument. I'm a musician and not an EE or Techie. I love exploring it and it's infinite sounds. Love it!
I pre-ordered mine back in February so I was lucky to get mine when I did. The thing is gorgeous with its black exterior and bluefish white LEDs. @@victorpelini5995
Very interesting "review" of the Minilogue. This seems to be one nifty little beast. I really like how you pointed out the _volca_sync_ problematic between the BeatStep PRO and the Minilogue, because that was a bit of a decay in my state of mind. Now, we know why and most important how to work around this. Clever there :) Keep up the good work team sonicstate!
And I finally got mine! 6 years later, just now got the money for a new one. Been playing keyboards for 54 years now, this is a wonderful synth....as an extended monosynth...I need a minimum of 12 voices for me to call it a useful poly synth.
Very tempting; love the sequencer control of parameters. Just hanging on for an 8-voice or 12-voice Pro version with Polysix chorus circuit, and a 32+ step sequencer. Really pleased that Korg have taken build quality seriously.
+Uprightest Some commenters have been trying to encourage him to release these demo tracks somewhere online. Just the raw stereo tracks. He always manages to make something beautiful, and I for one enjoy the minimal production.
As always -- fantastic tips. Just got a Minibrute and love it -- but it's hard to imagine that the same cash could get this little monster. Now I have to think hard about whether I really need that Mother32 or whether I will get the Minilogue first...
After a keyboardless wilderness which seemed to last a millennium (well it was last century since I last owned one) I am now, once more, the happy owner of an analogue synth, one of these little monsters, and it was largely (or should that be fulsomely?) this review that clinched it for me (it was between this and a Arturia Minibrute, tough call). I just had to tell someone! Yay for real analog synths with loads of knobs and flashing lights!
Not sure if anyone's mentioned but I believe you can edit and clear individual notes by tapping the 1-8/9-16 button. Maybe someone else can share the exact steps.
9:25 the volcas do take midi sync data though. At least they sync up nicely to daw via midi so I would think arturia beatstep midi would work too?.. and if you sync one via midi you can use that to send the sync to another volca
Excellent "tips" video! Nick, thanks so much for the work you do. You're one of my go-to sources (the other being SOS, so pretty good company) when I'm researching a piece of gear for potential purchase. And I really like the way you do what you do, for what that's worth. Cheers!
Hey Nick, I've watched most of your reviews - I really appreciate your efforts here - this is the best channel for getting reviews of gear from front to back!! I've started buying gear now honestly based on much of the videos I see here. If I ever want to learn about anything I come to see if you have a vid. It's bad for my wallet :)
Just looked at the manual, you can change the sync in settings. This should fix your speed from the beatstep "Sync In Unit [16th Note, 8th Note] The Sync In Units determine how much the Sequencer will advance with each pulse received via the SYNC IN jack. 16th Note: The Sequencer will advance one sixteenth note for each pulse. 8th Note: The Sequencer will advance one eighth note for each pulse. TIP When Step Resolution in the SEQ EDIT mode is set to 1/16, a sixteenth note will be equal to one step, and an eighth note will be equal to two steps."
Great not-so-little teaser for the review video! I was just commenting on AutomaticGainsay's channel of how great it would be to use the Automation as a kind of Modulation source (also as a way to overcome the small modulation routing and waveshape on the LFO). Some questions I haven't seen (I don0t know if they already popped out in here): 1) Does the Motion Sequencer record quantized or un-quantized (in Volca Keys parlance: with ans without the Flux option)? 2) Is the USB-midi class complainant? Can you address the MIDI DIN ports from USB? 3) If possible, could you demonstrate it working in collaboration with the volcas? I think the Minilogue might be great as a main console for a volca studio: using the USB to connect to the DAW, perhaps using a MIDI split to control the Bass and the Keys on different channels (perhaps one of these volcas could feed into the External In of the ML), and the more rhythm-oriented volcas would sync using the sync-port... but I'm not sure if this would be possible (if it is, I'll buy mine in a heartbeat). 4) I see that when chancing the knobs, some values appear in the screen: oscillator tuning, it appears to be in cents, but how are the other values, specifically, is the Filter cutoff shown in Hertz? That would be great for teaching also... Cheers, and many thanks for these tips! :)
+Kelly Merrill Ha! I'm imagining some Korg marketing fool insisting that this won't sell, and now being all puffy and red in the face. But maybe, just maybe, they were reading all the comments online about clicking envelopes, and decided to halt the manufacturing process to fix all the forthcoming models! ...mmmMaybe. ;)
+inthefade well from what I have seen the arp did not sell that well. My local store in Atlanta GA has not sold a one. So I would say they only made a few of the minilogue so not to be stuck with a bunch of back stock. I wanted the arp bad. But that 999.99 price tag was a deal killer.
pheotus Oh really? I'm surprised the Arp didn't sell well, it seems that everyone I know wanted to pick one up... Though I don't know anyone who actually did so maybe you have a point. For me, it is that I can't have another synth for my live setup that doesn't have patch memory. My band would kill me if I spent any more time setting up between songs. That is another reason that the Minilogue appeals so damn much.
+inthefade i agree, tho i understand they wanted to keep true to the original.... they could have made patch memory of some sort. just like the roland boutique. great little box but no CC???
Actually, Waldorf's PPG Wave 3 vsti is insanely deep if you manipulate/layer sounds and add the amazing effects it has in it. It will do the job for me anyway.
Looking forward to your full review. My Minilogue videos were very Sonic State inspired. Strange that BSP sync won't work, clocks from my modular work fine.
+Flohr I think its more the resolution. Like the SQ1 runs at light speed at normal Euro speed. It needs dividing(i think by 4) and also its internal speed running at its lowest.
+Flohr Just looked at the manual, you can change the sync in settings "Sync In Unit [16th Note, 8th Note] The Sync In Units determine how much the Sequencer will advance with each pulse received via the SYNC IN jack. 16th Note: The Sequencer will advance one sixteenth note for each pulse. 8th Note: The Sequencer will advance one eighth note for each pulse. TIP When Step Resolution in the SEQ EDIT mode is set to 1/16, a sixteenth note will be equal to one step, and an eighth note will be equal to two steps."
+kingpishful I thought you could do that. I'm pretty sure I have it set "correctly". Its never a problem. And the Minilogue lets you switch the sync in behavior as well. I had it synced to my modular at a show I played last night and it worked perfectly.
Heya Flohr, I like your videos and channel. got a question, my minilouge seems to make a hiss or static that comes from the Delay feture. Is this normal? or am I applying to much control?
In your full review I'd be interested to hear if you can use the audio in to create a feedback loop practically and what it sounds like. Every review I've seen by you on a synth that has an audio input you do that anyway, but thought I'd throw that out there just in case.
Please discuss this synth's bass line capabilities. From what I've seen so far, seems like a versatile synth, but I haven't heard anyone specifically address this.
Great video Nick! Minilogue is a great machine. First thing I go to these days just because it's so accessible and easy to start making music with. Motion sequencing really helps compensate for the lack of some modulation routings. In some respects it's even more powerful, though overall it's definitely limited. Still a really awesome way to get movement from the synth. I love that Nick's first wave from the Erebus into the Minilogue oscilloscope is Pulse with PWM.
Hey Nick, Regarding questions for the review...You were speaking of syncing the Minilogue from other sources such as the Beatstep pro, however, what about the other direction? If one wanted to sync a modular, would that be possible? I assume it's the same problem only in reverse... i.e. not enough voltage without some sort of amplification??
"jolly hypnotic". You bet it is, not just the display, but every feature of this synth. 5 years after its introduction, still the finest example of a 4 voice poly synth ever made for under $1000.00. The fact that it cost half that is why it must be selling as many as the MicroBrute (now discontinued in the States :(
One question actually...did you have any issue with the resonance on the Minilogue while you had either MIDI connected to other gear, or audio in? I have experienced an issue where the ML resonance will suddenly peak at full and then the knob becomes basically a switch from zero to full and nothing in between. I have only seen it with my Mother 32 or JP-08 hooked up. Haven't been able to isolate if it's the audio input or the MIDI in/out that is causing it. A couple of other people have had an issue with this. Anything happen like that in your test?
Second this question. Seems like anyone who has tried external audio in will sooner or later see Resonance freak out. But can't figure out if it is just audio, or related to MIDI, both, or neither.
I'm sitting at work and can't wait for it to end because I want to be home playing my Minilogue after watching this video. You, sir, have made me frustrated now.
i hope you get yours as soon as it's possible :~) mine came earlier than expected after i'd preordered it and forgotten about doing so. oh boy was that a struggle to get the money QUITE faster
Clever idea using the sequencer just for modulation. The only thing that bothered me about this synth is the single LFO, which I find extremely limiting on a lot of my analogue mono's. But if you can get some tonal movement via the sequencer that can leave the LFO free for some trad vibrato/tremolo work. Maybe I missed it, but does it, or can it, interpolate between values? (e.g. if sequencing filter cutoff is it 16x distinct stepped values or are they smoothly interpolated over the duration of the step time to the next value?).
+RJJNY Thanks. That's a pretty cool system then, better than an extra LFO in that case. Maybe they could add a ramp/reverse ramp and S&H interpolation and you'd have a mega LFO with 16-step custom wave shaping function...or something like that....imagine the PWM that Nick could indulge in then (is PW a modulatable parameter?)
Anyone remember "Minilouge mania"? When was that? 2016 or something? People were actually flying around the country to get their hands on one.....Then, because the product wasn't ready to sell, the whole world had a couple of months to double think their "pre-order".....It was still a big seller (And still is) but KORG really screwed themselves on this one. If they had made sure that retail chains had product to put on the shelves the day after it was announced at NAMM.....Well, this would have sold more than the DX7 and M1 combined....which I believe are the top two selling synths of all time,.....literally, EVERYONE was RABID to get their hands on one of these after the initial announcement, I've never seen anything like it in the synth world, before or since,
Damn, that delay recorded into the sequencer to produce chorus/modulation trick is amazing!!!
Minilogue is a jewel. I've got one ever since 2018 and not disappointed a bit. It's so incredibly flexible and powerful. I even got to synthesize a Minimoog (close enough, I reckon) and happy to tweak it when I'm making music wirh the band. I accidentally came across this vid, I'm lying on a couch far from home at 1:13 am and hoping to get back home to try it out. Thank you for the video, Sir. And my ackowlegments to Dawless Jade and BoBeats for encouraging me to buy it. 💓
Nick, you're THE trusted reviewer. You're THE reason I have a Mininova, Volca Keys, and Volca Beats. I have a feeling that when your Minilogue review comes out, you'll be the reason I get one of those, too! Keep up the good work!!
Korg have hit the JACKPOT and delivered a masterpiece for less than 500 quid. Anybody and I mean anybody who doesnt realize that hasnt got a clue. The sound of this is both sweet and powerful.
I normally wouldnt give an analogue synth a second glance. Nothing ive heard since the Juno 60 has excited me at an affordable price. Until now.
This synth will become a true modern classic a standout from the pack. Ive had a go on my friends one and I have to have one. Nothing compares to this for less than a grand. people have got to know when something special hits the market. And the Minilogue is something special.
Well, that is THE nicest thing I've ever heard done with a triangle wave. What a brilliant trick!
proud ownerhere !. the clicks are there and but do go away if the attack is changed. the only issues i have is with the maschine software. but i think its more the software than the korg. i use it with my kp3 and ko pro plus. makes a damn good amount of fun .
"Jolly Hypnotic"
Korg really hit the bullseye with the Minilogue.
So much high quality analog synthesizer goodness for such a decent price, it is incredible.
Korg is the new Roland.
Cant wait to get my hands on one!
Please let Korg know you just sold this to me. $500 at Sweetwater? I wasn't even shopping for a keyboard.
+Brap Allgood Haha
+Brap Allgood I'd appreciate it if you did - any reminders to them is all good advocacy for us!
+sonicstate Do you have an Amazon affiliate link thingy?
I would buy all my music gear through it, if you did!
+sonicstate I sent a link to this video to my sweetwater rep. This is a great learning video :)
+Brap Allgood I originally ordered during the first rush from Sweetwater. I'd ask about an ETA and it kept getting pushed back. Eventually I looked elsewhere and found places that had them in stock. 2 days later, I had a Minilogue on my doorstep - no thanks to Sweetwater.
The scope time base that is selected is based on the note value of the key being pressed on the minilogue. No pitch detection of the actual wave is used. I've verified this using my MS-20 mini as an input.
that delay-modulated chorus is genius.
Nick and others you can sync the Volcas and pocket operators using the BSP. Change the last step position to 2 then switch on gate at position 1 only. Now they're in sync and you can even choose different time divisions for Volca and POs. Lovely. You can also mess with longer last step time in multiples of 2 as well. My setup is one sequencer for Minibrute and the other two for Volca sample and Pocket Operator Arcade.
interested in seeing the full review of this tasty little poly.
Yes its also possible to use one of the sequencers and Gate out. But that ties up a whole sequencer
I should add that the plus side is that you don't need an attenuator
+sonicstate
Arturia have mentioned the possibility of adding Volca/PO sync options so may yet happen in a future update. However I do prefer the option of running at different time sigs and tempo divisions and don't mind tying up the sequencers. Would be even cooler if the drum sequencer offered different time sigs and step length per part but this is far less likely to happen than the additional Volca/PO sync option.
Nick, this one is better than all the reviews I've seen so far, including the korg's themselves.
Questions for review:
1) did you notice the 'popping' sound that others have?
2) can you compare it to the Microkorg XL? They seem to have a similiar bright sound and features.
3) in mono modes how do the EGs trigger/re-trigger?
4) in mono modes is there any note priority like on the MS-20
5) do the knobs snap or catch when changing to different presets?
+davidevoid 5) It has 3 possible settings, standard it jumps to the knob state when you start moving it. Then there's a "catch" setting where it starts changing once you move it past its actual setting. And then there's a scaling setting where it'll change faster or slower depending on the knob position vs. actual setting, giving a smooth hybrid between the 1st 2.
+Marc the Darc Brilliant, that third option sounds great. Cheers.
the popping is easily fixed by adding a little attack
Been waiting for this review since it came out!
Can't afford it right now, but watching Nick make some cool sounds will make me feel okay for another couple months.
As expected, you explored all the features I was curious about, and probably the first things I would have tried to screw around with. Thanks, Nick.
Thanks much! Your reviews are my go-to often before considering new equipment. The right mix of musical and tech considerations. Manufacturers should really pay attention to your improvement suggestions - they make sense from a musician's perspective. Carry on!!
These are fantastic tips, especially on other things to do with motion sequencing. Well done, and thanks!
Thanks for the video, Nick. Can't wait for the full review. Since there's a lot of controversy about certain aspects of the synth, I'd love to hear your unbiased opinion on those issues: clicking, envelope triggering behaviour, and so on.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks Nick, this kind of special reviews are the "key" value to your channel.
my thoughts to review:
- keys: playability, touch, velocity, compared to other minikeys
- fader/mod wheel: feel, usability, patchable to settings
- portability: size, weight, robustness, ac adapter, where it fits
- fine tuning: seems that most values can go 0-1023. How this will enhance the sound design process?
- filter: The filter type (2-pole,4-pole), Can be "motion recorded"?
- audio in: used as feedback for itself
- resonance/amplitude: resonance knob affects directly to the loudness or is compensated?
- oscillators: calibration, warm up time?, fine tune scaling/interpolation
- patch storage: usage, It will cut the signal on a program change? delay still runs on that change?
- in/out options and connectors quality
- cleanliness of the signal output: with or without delay
- how well are this envelopes implemented
- monitor on headphones: can be split from the main out/master volume?
- midi filtering options
- "CC's"/sysex data: what values are exposed to midi or usb. any other fine tunes over 440hz
+victor piscue I would also like to know what happens when the Minilogue plugs into itself.
+victor piscue
- Keys are reasonably playable, they're not as nice as full size, but bigger than your regular minikeys. And while they are the same as on the MS-20 mini and KARP Odyssey, they feel more robust and "bottom out" nicer than they do on those.
- The pitch lever can only affect 1 parameter at a time, and while it can target just about any parameter there's currently a lack of scaling settings. The feeling is fine, but it'll eat a lot of dirt, and in the long run will require both protection and cleaning to not fail.
- Size is irregular, but can be seen as a thicker and deeper MicroKorg. Weight is deceivingly low, and portability is good. The bottom part of the chassis has a cheap feel, but the overall structure is plenty strong and rigid. The "lip" will protect the keys to some extent and the knob and toggles feel very solid. Personally i'm a bit disappointed they didn't repeat the genius from the Odyssey, and ship it in a custom carrycase. But expect a bag/case on the market soon.
- The 1024 step MIDI resolution does away with some issues that arise from the regular 128 step resolution, but also means the MIDI implementation is a bit strange, and external control can be problematic. On that note, currently atleast, the MIDI filtering is very basic, too basic really.
- Oscillators calibrate on start up, so there's a 15 sec wait when you first turn it on. Mine have no other need to warm up. They're very stable overall, with just enough drift to introduce that VCO warmth. Once i had it go slightly out of tune after several hours use, just activate the calibration, another 15 sec wait and it's back in tune.
- It has pretty much all the in/out options you'd expect, no CV/Gate but the rest seems spot on, and quality seems good both in terms of sound and durability. Though the delay introduces a bit of noise, there's already been an update that reduced that.
I did a video with a frequency analyser on it that should give a fair perspective of noise etc. ruclips.net/video/_shFhYWBU4k/видео.html on my rig the noisefloor is around -100dBFS if i remember correctly.
+digidope I've been wondering if the voice detune/chord inversion knob can be motion sequenced. I'm a big fan of unison voices going in and out of tune.
+inthefade Also, chord inversion being motion sequenced... That could just be a really weird pseudo-arpeggio.
+inthefade Yes both: detune and chord inversions can be recorded. Only knobs i have found that it does not record are: Tempo, Volume and Octave.
An interesting creative demonstration, thank you Nick.
the modulation recording really opens this thing up soundwise. Going to be saving some cash for one!
Nice video/sounds!
The delay is digital, it's more or less lifted straight from the Monotron Delay, but it's been made less noisy in an update.
About the sync, the Minilogue has a some settings for the sync in the menu, so while i don't have any gear to test it properly, i'm fairly certain that you can get it syncing with gear other than Korgs own.
Have made an unboxing/short demo video 2 weeks ago, showing some of the presets. Had planned to have done a more detailed tweaking video by now, but i'm so sick i can hardly sit up straight.
Those advanced sequencer functions are superb !
2 years later, this is still a good video. Thanks Nick.
I cant remember if you mention it in the video, but theres actually a way to delete notes from the sequence and not the motion seq : just go on the step and press "rest" :)
I had my doubts about how much you could really do with the minilogue, but the amount of depth to the sound you managed to get out of the machine at 8:40 for the price it sells for is absurd.
Thank you for the Great Vid.
After waiting for 2 months, mine was delivered on 04/14/16.
It's a wonderful synth and a fine musical instrument. I'm a musician and not an EE or Techie.
I love exploring it and it's infinite sounds.
Love it!
Thanks. This review actually made me buy this. It wasn't cheap, but I'm very happy with it.
Just got a Monologue XD and you are going to like it.
lucky you, not available yet here
I pre-ordered mine back in February so I was lucky to get mine when I did. The thing is gorgeous with its black exterior and bluefish white LEDs. @@victorpelini5995
@@dgkstl1421 hooo
I have to wait for july ehh
Very interesting "review" of the Minilogue. This seems to be one nifty little beast. I really like how you pointed out the _volca_sync_ problematic between the BeatStep PRO and the Minilogue, because that was a bit of a decay in my state of mind. Now, we know why and most important how to work around this. Clever there :) Keep up the good work team sonicstate!
And I finally got mine! 6 years later, just now got the money for a new one. Been playing keyboards for 54 years now, this is a wonderful synth....as an extended monosynth...I need a minimum of 12 voices for me to call it a useful poly synth.
Very tempting; love the sequencer control of parameters. Just hanging on for an 8-voice or 12-voice Pro version with Polysix chorus circuit, and a 32+ step sequencer. Really pleased that Korg have taken build quality seriously.
I haven't tried to sync the minilogue via "trigger sync" from my BSP but it works perfectly fine with my Boss DR110 and DR220.
Nick makes some dope music
+Uprightest Some commenters have been trying to encourage him to release these demo tracks somewhere online. Just the raw stereo tracks. He always manages to make something beautiful, and I for one enjoy the minimal production.
+inthefade I could listen to Nick for hours. He is up there in my synth royalty with Vince Clarke and Tom Ellard.
Uprightest Nick who?
Nick Batt, who is doing the review in this video.
true! No matter what he is touching. And those videos are always great, thx
The freshest tutorial i saw about the minilouge ... dope guy anyway
Absolutely blown away by this synth.....@ it's price point its ridiculously powerful.
Great tip with the octave and delay time modulation recording. Makes for a cool pad sound!
That last tidbit about the keystep speaking volca is handy. as always, this channel delivers on demos. korg + arturia = :)
Wow, I haven't seen any of these tips covered in other videos yet and not only that you got some seriously beautiful sounds.
Love your vids, always very informative and thorough. Great job and great sounds Nick!
I wish Nick was my best friend.
not a question but an other tip: (maybe obvious) if you hook send midi out of the Minilogue to the Erebus it will sequence
As always -- fantastic tips. Just got a Minibrute and love it -- but it's hard to imagine that the same cash could get this little monster. Now I have to think hard about whether I really need that Mother32 or whether I will get the Minilogue first...
Thanks for posting, very helpful tips and examples!
Thanks for this. I got one of these on day 1 here in the US. You gave me some new ideas. Much obliged.
very helpful review. I have the minilogue and did not know these.
Analoguely! Added to dictionary.
Really awesome tips - love them!
After a keyboardless wilderness which seemed to last a millennium (well it was last century since I last owned one) I am now, once more, the happy owner of an analogue synth, one of these little monsters, and it was largely (or should that be fulsomely?) this review that clinched it for me (it was between this and a Arturia Minibrute, tough call). I just had to tell someone! Yay for real analog synths with loads of knobs and flashing lights!
It gets jolly hypnotic.
That sequncer chorus idea was awesome.
Very nice use of the sequencer, thanks for all your energy that goes in to all these demos :)
That was clever with the motion sequenced delay! thanks, ill be using that one tonight
Great instrument, great podcast show.
Engine sequencer supports volca sync w/ cv board, I'm waiting for mine. Best demo of Minilogue by far, please do more with it!
Amazing tips, please do more on the Minilouge and the Arturia sequencer. Thanks
Not sure if anyone's mentioned but I believe you can edit and clear individual notes by tapping the 1-8/9-16 button. Maybe someone else can share the exact steps.
Beautiful work Nick.
great review, i already liked it but thought i didn't really need it...now i just must have it
Some cheeky little tricks. Cheers.
Nice tips Nick thanks. Remember people this is the MINILOGUE, so we can hope for the MAXILOGUE in the future maybe?
9:25 the volcas do take midi sync data though. At least they sync up nicely to daw via midi so I would think arturia beatstep midi would work too?.. and if you sync one via midi you can use that to send the sync to another volca
Excellent "tips" video! Nick, thanks so much for the work you do. You're one of my go-to sources (the other being SOS, so pretty good company) when I'm researching a piece of gear for potential purchase. And I really like the way you do what you do, for what that's worth. Cheers!
Hey Nick, I've watched most of your reviews - I really appreciate your efforts here - this is the best channel for getting reviews of gear from front to back!! I've started buying gear now honestly based on much of the videos I see here. If I ever want to learn about anything I come to see if you have a vid. It's bad for my wallet :)
Nice one Nick... love all your reviews and the sonic talk shows..
I loved this demo, from both sound and music side (especially musically)
like the melodies you play
Just looked at the manual, you can change the sync in settings. This should fix your speed from the beatstep
"Sync In Unit [16th Note, 8th Note]
The Sync In Units determine how much the Sequencer will advance with each
pulse received via the SYNC IN jack.
16th Note: The Sequencer will advance one sixteenth note for each pulse.
8th Note: The Sequencer will advance one eighth note for each pulse.
TIP When Step Resolution in the SEQ EDIT mode is set to 1/16, a sixteenth
note will be equal to one step, and an eighth note will be equal to two
steps."
Great not-so-little teaser for the review video!
I was just commenting on AutomaticGainsay's channel of how great it would be to use the Automation as a kind of Modulation source (also as a way to overcome the small modulation routing and waveshape on the LFO).
Some questions I haven't seen (I don0t know if they already popped out in here):
1) Does the Motion Sequencer record quantized or un-quantized (in Volca Keys parlance: with ans without the Flux option)?
2) Is the USB-midi class complainant? Can you address the MIDI DIN ports from USB?
3) If possible, could you demonstrate it working in collaboration with the volcas? I think the Minilogue might be great as a main console for a volca studio: using the USB to connect to the DAW, perhaps using a MIDI split to control the Bass and the Keys on different channels (perhaps one of these volcas could feed into the External In of the ML), and the more rhythm-oriented volcas would sync using the sync-port... but I'm not sure if this would be possible (if it is, I'll buy mine in a heartbeat).
4) I see that when chancing the knobs, some values appear in the screen: oscillator tuning, it appears to be in cents, but how are the other values, specifically, is the Filter cutoff shown in Hertz? That would be great for teaching also...
Cheers, and many thanks for these tips! :)
good stuff. is the scope /display mounted slightly squint in the panel? that would drive me mad!!!
I've been on the waiting list at sweetwater for weeks. One of the reps said it should have been in today but no luck. And it's driving me mad. MAD!!!
+Kelly Merrill yikes. They told me it would have been in today. I will wait for sweetwater to get it. They have the best customer service. And candy 😋
+Kelly Merrill Ha! I'm imagining some Korg marketing fool insisting that this won't sell, and now being all puffy and red in the face.
But maybe, just maybe, they were reading all the comments online about clicking envelopes, and decided to halt the manufacturing process to fix all the forthcoming models!
...mmmMaybe.
;)
+inthefade well from what I have seen the arp did not sell that well. My local store in Atlanta GA has not sold a one.
So I would say they only made a few of the minilogue so not to be stuck with a bunch of back stock. I wanted the arp bad. But that 999.99 price tag was a deal killer.
pheotus
Oh really? I'm surprised the Arp didn't sell well, it seems that everyone I know wanted to pick one up... Though I don't know anyone who actually did so maybe you have a point.
For me, it is that I can't have another synth for my live setup that doesn't have patch memory. My band would kill me if I spent any more time setting up between songs.
That is another reason that the Minilogue appeals so damn much.
+inthefade i agree, tho i understand they wanted to keep true to the original.... they could have made patch memory of some sort. just like the roland boutique. great little box but no CC???
My eye glances at suggestions and I see "Cool Things To Do With Kylie Minogue".. now I'm disappointed.
Као Птице Лет Your chances with the Korg are better.
😂😂😂😂
🤣😂🤣😂
Cant keep her out of my head...
Actually, Waldorf's PPG Wave 3 vsti is insanely deep if you manipulate/layer sounds and add the amazing effects it has in it. It will do the job for me anyway.
Looking forward to your full review. My Minilogue videos were very Sonic State inspired. Strange that BSP sync won't work, clocks from my modular work fine.
+Flohr I think its more the resolution. Like the SQ1 runs at light speed at normal Euro speed. It needs dividing(i think by 4) and also its internal speed running at its lowest.
+kingpishful hmm I guess I hadn't noticed because my QCD handles everything and I just set the SQ-1 where it needs to go.
+Flohr Just looked at the manual, you can change the sync in settings
"Sync In Unit [16th Note, 8th Note]
The Sync In Units determine how much the Sequencer will advance with each
pulse received via the SYNC IN jack.
16th Note: The Sequencer will advance one sixteenth note for each pulse.
8th Note: The Sequencer will advance one eighth note for each pulse.
TIP When Step Resolution in the SEQ EDIT mode is set to 1/16, a sixteenth
note will be equal to one step, and an eighth note will be equal to two
steps."
+kingpishful I thought you could do that. I'm pretty sure I have it set "correctly". Its never a problem. And the Minilogue lets you switch the sync in behavior as well. I had it synced to my modular at a show I played last night and it worked perfectly.
Heya Flohr, I like your videos and channel. got a question, my minilouge seems to make a hiss or static that comes from the Delay feture. Is this normal? or am I applying to much control?
10:08 "Analoguely" xD
Great tips, especially the chorus trick with the delay.
In your full review I'd be interested to hear if you can use the audio in to create a feedback loop practically and what it sounds like. Every review I've seen by you on a synth that has an audio input you do that anyway, but thought I'd throw that out there just in case.
thanks for the delay-as-chorus idea! Great!
Please discuss this synth's bass line capabilities. From what I've seen so far, seems like a versatile synth, but I haven't heard anyone specifically address this.
6:00 chord/patch sounds like Aphex Twin’s #3 ambient classic
Yeah it does, can hear that...
Great video Nick! Minilogue is a great machine. First thing I go to these days just because it's so accessible and easy to start making music with. Motion sequencing really helps compensate for the lack of some modulation routings. In some respects it's even more powerful, though overall it's definitely limited. Still a really awesome way to get movement from the synth. I love that Nick's first wave from the Erebus into the Minilogue oscilloscope is Pulse with PWM.
Jolly Hypnotic - this thing will put qualudes out of business!
Great démo , thank you for this innovation ;)jp
11:28 Two things in this vid I want are demonstrated fantastically- Korg and Arturia. And that is a cool jam.
Great Vid! I love the 2nd modulation source tip, gonna get my hands on one next week I think!
Hey Nick,
Regarding questions for the review...You were speaking of syncing the Minilogue from other sources such as the Beatstep pro, however, what about the other direction? If one wanted to sync a modular, would that be possible? I assume it's the same problem only in reverse... i.e. not enough voltage without some sort of amplification??
"jolly hypnotic". You bet it is, not just the display, but every feature of this synth. 5 years after its introduction, still the finest example of a 4 voice poly synth ever made for under $1000.00. The fact that it cost half that is why it must be selling as many as the MicroBrute (now discontinued in the States :(
I need to just bite the bullet and just buy this damn thing.
I just can't find anything horribly wrong with it.
Jamie, are you still loving it?
I bought the Korg Monologue instead because I can't afford the minilouge, I haven't received it yet but I'm excited.
Retro Plus there is a huge difference between these synths i hope ya looked into it
RyanBradley Yes I looked into it alot, for what I'm using it for the Monologue will be perfect.
@@RetroPlus i did exactly the same thing....... a year later now i ended up getting both! synths are a bit addictive
You are my Hero.
haha! I just tried it with my JD_XI and bingo it works!
WAY TO GO KORG! ANOTHER WINNER
Gaz will have GAS after watching this video!
One question actually...did you have any issue with the resonance on the Minilogue while you had either MIDI connected to other gear, or audio in? I have experienced an issue where the ML resonance will suddenly peak at full and then the knob becomes basically a switch from zero to full and nothing in between. I have only seen it with my Mother 32 or JP-08 hooked up. Haven't been able to isolate if it's the audio input or the MIDI in/out that is causing it. A couple of other people have had an issue with this. Anything happen like that in your test?
I wanna be in a stadium right now with ten thousand spectators just shouting Nick Batt! Nick Batt! Nick Batt!
Have you noticed random Filter Resonance spikes when plugging in external audio sources?
Second this question. Seems like anyone who has tried external audio in will sooner or later see Resonance freak out. But can't figure out if it is just audio, or related to MIDI, both, or neither.
+Robert Saint John I guess the silence speaks volumes on this one bruh :)
Nick these wee tunes at the end of some of your visa are really good and quite inspiring. Any chance of some sort of playlist for them all?
I'm sitting at work and can't wait for it to end because I want to be home playing my Minilogue after watching this video. You, sir, have made me frustrated now.
Frustrated?At least you have you Minilogue at home.I still wait for mine it will arrive middle of March.Now I feel like I'm frustrated.
i hope you get yours as soon as it's possible :~) mine came earlier than expected after i'd preordered it and forgotten about doing so. oh boy was that a struggle to get the money QUITE faster
can u transpose a sequence through the keyboard ?
Clever idea using the sequencer just for modulation. The only thing that bothered me about this synth is the single LFO, which I find extremely limiting on a lot of my analogue mono's. But if you can get some tonal movement via the sequencer that can leave the LFO free for some trad vibrato/tremolo work. Maybe I missed it, but does it, or can it, interpolate between values? (e.g. if sequencing filter cutoff is it 16x distinct stepped values or are they smoothly interpolated over the duration of the step time to the next value?).
+RJJNY
Thanks. That's a pretty cool system then, better than an extra LFO in that case. Maybe they could add a ramp/reverse ramp and S&H interpolation and you'd have a mega LFO with 16-step custom wave shaping function...or something like that....imagine the PWM that Nick could indulge in then (is PW a modulatable parameter?)
Anyone remember "Minilouge mania"? When was that? 2016 or something? People were actually flying around the country to get their hands on one.....Then, because the product wasn't ready to sell, the whole world had a couple of months to double think their "pre-order".....It was still a big seller (And still is) but KORG really screwed themselves on this one. If they had made sure that retail chains had product to put on the shelves the day after it was announced at NAMM.....Well, this would have sold more than the DX7 and M1 combined....which I believe are the top two selling synths of all time,.....literally, EVERYONE was RABID to get their hands on one of these after the initial announcement, I've never seen anything like it in the synth world, before or since,
I put this in 144p so it feels like I'm watching it on VHS