You totally nailed your summary of the Lyra. Such a unique sound. Took me about 10 minutes to learn what everything does but I'm still continuing to experiment and find new pockets of unexplored sound almost a year after buying one. A truly fascinating and inspirational synth! Great video sir 😊
Would really love to see a similar video on effects units (reverb, delay, distortion) or sequencers from an ambient drone perspective! Really loved this video.
Thank you! I like the effects idea, but I might need to consolidate my collection to contain a few more of the "standards", because, for example, my favourite drive pedal for synths is a fairly unknown pedal by a boutique builder in the UK (the Accomplished Badger by Fredric Effects if you're wondering!)
Thank you, this isn't about changing what I'm doing - just working out if I can also do other stuff (and seeing as this is one of my most viewed videos in about 18 months when you exclude release day drops, I think I will be looking at doing other stuff too).
Hey Oscillator sync, I'm 30seconds in and before I go on I just want to let you know how thoroughly I enjoy how technical you get. I understand the push towards content that is more approachable and ill always support your channel. That section in the distortion video about converting waves using dc offset as well as clipping was a revelation for me. there must have been 4 separate lifechanging perspectives in that video. I even modded my Seq Six track to have 6 outputs so that I can have a Polyphonic distortion Setup! (they run into a old moss mixer so I can saturate and pan every voice.. its a dream) Nobody forms my musical philosophy more than your 'technical, quiet, ramblings
That's really heartening to hear, genuinely. And don't worry, I have no intention of stopping the deep technical stuff, I'm just trying to work out if doing other stuff is feasible alongside it. I'm not always able to find the time (and mental energy, honestly) to do a 40+ minute technical video, even if that's what I'm most passionate about, which is why there are often big gaps between videos. If videos like this work for my usual audience then it just allows me to keep creative without the burn out (I hope!).
a comment from the future (having watched till the end). Burnout so real and if the stress of making such incredibly densely technical videos is a lot then know that I enjoyed this video a lot too. ^^ I think the comment was just a to say thanks (and not to tell you what to make)
So nice to have a genuine pro explain the technical aspects of sound creation. I have fallen in love with the Modwave sequencer, especially when used with the Librarian software. Your tutorials got me up & running in a few days...thank you!
This was an amazing talk. A tier list is good for clicks but you discuss your reasoning and sentiments so well that you stayed true to yourself. Thanks!
As a fellow LYRA8 owner and fan, I agree with every word you said about it, and you put it so well. Primordial, indeed. Such a unique and inspiring instrument! I also have an Op Six and have really enjoyed your videos covering Op Six programming. Those are the only two items we both own, but it was very instructive watching your thought process here as you compared synths. One thing I've managed to take away from watching this is that I really need to spend more time getting to know my gear better. I don't feel that I understand most of it as deeply as you seem to.
I don’t own any hardware synths, but the breakdown of the synths you own on the context of Ambient and drone sounds has been extremely useful. Lots of tips here! 🎉🎉🎉
I found this more interesting than most of these lists because a) you're placing the synths in relation to a specific use rather than how they are at all around synths and b) you know them really well and had a lot of interesting things to say about them. I don't know if that's good for the algorithm. But I enjoyed it!
Tier lists to dream to. Completely agree on the Lyra-8, there's just something about it. I usually run it into a filter to tame it, works great for textures when you have the modulation and noise running rampant. Such an inspiring instrument. Great video!
Shoutout to the Elektron Analog Four. Four tracks with two oscillators each, as well as subs and tons of modulation. Paired with the Elektron sequencer, it is quite an ambient beast.
What an emotional rollercoaster, fair S tier picks, hard to beat Elektron. Should have known that the unspeakable Eurorack horror was coming with how ominous the music was. Both technical and non-technical videos are good in my opinion. Always appreciate the in-depth synth videos (both performances and guides) and it's nice to see something show up again and again over several years time. I prefer it over the "I used this synth for a week, here's the review" type channels. Those can be interesting and useful sometimes, especially if explained in detail like for example Loopop. Still, nobody besides reviewers and stores will get new gear every week. The stuff you've been doing is more interesting. For one, inspiration - never heard the Lyra sound like "Study 6"" before. Makes me realize I need to explore what I already have more. Two, the in-depth patching videos are so meticulous and well explained that I can watch videos where you patch synths I don't own and apply it to what I do have. Not always possible, but maybe then I can figure out a workaround. Also now I know more about the limitations and overlap of the functions, and most of the time it turns out I don't need to spend money or time learning a new piece of kit. What I have can get me close enough and quickly enough. Again, awesome. Even in this video you said the Opsix could do panning per voice. I thought this was not possible. But of course, after a moment of reflection, of course. Per voice LFO on the program pan, so obvious. Now my old synth has a new feature that I might have looked for in the spec sheet on another synth. Thank you. Always look forward to technical videos, and just to throw something out there that I would find interesting: some DFAM style patches, or Syntrx/Synthi type stuff with weird stereo madness going on. The Buchla ones are always fun too. Anything blasphemous that shouldn't be done. Non technical, this video was a nice change of pace, not having to physically flex my brain for once. The music was great to listen to while the talking held most of the attention. Reminded me a bit of the Opsix live patching from a while ago, some nice music and relaxing Oscillator Sink voice can go a long way. In general, if you deem it interesting enough to make a video, it probably is interesting enough to watch. Take YT comments with a grain of salt, maybe take a nap.
It's almost impossible to explain the lyra-8 without just having someone (who is willing to engage with it) actually play it. It's an *important* instrument.
@@OscillatorSink An important lesson I've learned with the Lyra is not to concentrate in playing the Lyra with the "pads" but to manipulate the sound by the knobs and switches. Furthermore the Lyra offers interesting sounds when using it as an "effects device" for external sound sources.
A very cool video, I liked it a lot. Maybe you could complement it with a ranking of effects for ambient and drone? Keep up the good work: your channel always ranks HIGH on vibes :)))
I love the description of modular as an unsolved problem…by definition I think this nails the entire experience…one I’ve been grappling with since 2008
wow, this was a very interesting VDO! I most definitely would appreciate more content like this, and I need to mention.... you are a great presenter and you came over super 'sympatico'. Well done!
I've heard nothing but good things from people who own one and I'd love to spend some time with one. Lots of ways to add expression during performance with that one.
Love your criteria for choosing! Especially the *vibe* criteria. There is so much 'feels' in ambient/drone that you just can't discount it. We also share our top 2 synths, so I must have good taste! As for content, I say mix it up! What a shame to hold yourself to just one type of video. BTW, you DO inspire me, and lots of other artists. Never doubt!
Great list, and lovely sounds. I'll throw in a vote for the Moog Matriarch for ambient/drone. Throwing attenuated noise into the FB time of the delay creates an amazing, nostalgic warble for ambient pieces. Put a sequence together (in sequential or random order), turn the FB and mix up on the delay and you're quickly in a sweet ambient zone. When you start modulating everything it _really_ comes to life.
Really good video is this, and I've watched quite a lot of your videos over the last two years. My main reason for buying an opsix were your deep videos on it. I'm aiming to get a Lyra-8 at some point when funds can allow... Ambient and drone is totally my bag too. Great video! Keep it going...
@@OscillatorSink oh I certainly am… I need to learn it deeper. Another watch of your videos on it is due as I’ve got the hang of most of its overall functionality… I’ll most likely feature it on my future live rehearsal ambient performances that I’m uploading, in preparation to play live to audiences. I’d appreciate it if you would have a listen and give any feedback if you get time to do so 🙏🏻👍
I’ll echo @rayderrich’s comments - fantastic discussion of the rationale behind the choices, and definitely not your typical “listicle” kind of content. And in most cases, I’ll agree (based on the ones I’ve got/used or researched) on the rankings, too. I might bump the ‘Brute up to A tier, but it’d be a borderline choice to do so. I /loved/ the original Minibrute, but wasn’t quite as excited by the newer versions for some reason that I just can’t put my finger on. I’m sure you’ve done this already, but hanging the NTS-1 on the output of the MicroFreak is a pretty powerful combo, though my own go-to there is a Zoom G3n multi effect pedal. Again, great comparison! Cheers!
Thanks for the fun video. I think that a bit of a play with VCV Rack would guide your thinking on how to evolve your modular. You could probably find somewhat analogous modules to your hardware modules as a starting point, then start mixing it up from there.
Hey man! Loved this video. I'll be diving into your videos on how you make drones with the Elektron boxes next, which have been on my radar for other sounds already, but I"m intrigued about their applications here.
Great video. The Lyra-8 section was one of the things which finally tipped me over the edge into buying one, together with the Ornament-8. I should probably take a week off work to learn them, but I need to work to pay for them! 😁
This was lovely and thought provoking, thank you! I especially liked how there was a stated "Ambient/Drone" focus that you went out of your way to bring attention to. I'm going to say that either the top of your B-tier should go to A-tier or the bottom should be C-tier: you sounded WAY more enthusiastic about Minibrute and everything above it - for the rest of B-tier you much more "meh, it does a thing". :) Some thoughts on stuff I would love to see: * On the semi-technical side something on pairing things with each other, sequencers, and effects - possibly as an expansion or alternate take on this list? * When pairing things complexity explodes not just in terms of options of what to use together, but in terms of "how do I use these together". How do you approach these things? * You clearly dive very deep into the gear you use. How do you do that, how do you approach a new piece of kit? * On the less less technical side I would be really intrested to hear you talk about making ambient and drones - or music in general. Has your approach changed over time? How?
Thanks for the suggestions - you've mentioned quite a few video ideas that I have on my list, so I'm glad I'm on the right track there! Really glad you enjoyed the video!
I enjoyed this! Watched/listened in chunks over a few days. If you are interested to do more like this, I would be curious to hear your take on your favorite synth pairings, for ambient or whatever you like.
With the Lyra8 it feels like there's an alchemy from the direct physical interaction - your body is completing the circuit! And its wildness... it's a really special and somehow soulful machine.
Mr. Kreimer talked about how important the "direct" connection with the player is - and that wisdom certainly seems to come true in the case of the Lyra.
You could talk about the manual of a toaster I still would listen. Great content! Well, today my Liven Texture Lab arrived. It seems to be a proper ambient machine, too.
Lyra-8 Drone and the service manual for a dishwasher coming up! Oh yeah, that Liven looks really neat - this Superbooth was the Superbooth of Granular synths - lots of interesting instruments announced.
The Access Virus is an AMAZING drone machine. Especially when you put that baby into multimode.. in fact I think it would crap over many of the selections here. Unfortunately people are under the impression that it's just a trance synth....
I have to admit that my perception (which is certainly wrong, I'm sure) of the virus is that it's an ultimate "utility synth". It's not a synth I could ever see myself buying, but perhaps that's because I just haven't looked closely enough.
The Opsix SE is on my list of gear for sure, but there are a couple synths on this list that I've fallen in love with for their flexibilty, sound, and effects that have graced my studio. The Access Virus TI2 is capable of some of the most amazing sound. It's so great that I had to buy the keyboard variant. It may be closest to the modwave, given its wavetable capabilities, but I've really been enjoying working with it for some really nice darker ambient textures. The Arturia Polybrute I'd probably put second to the Waldorf Iridium/Quantum in terms of beauty and capabilities and commands constant exploration. Almost the same as I'd consider for the Novation Summit. In the journey to find my 'forever synths', the Summit, Polybrute, and Virus TI2 have made that classification. I'm really hoping the Opsix can also add to that. EDIT: I'd also say that Eurorack itself should be 'God tier' despite your Eurorack not being S tier. The challenge is how do you rate prebuilt synths against an empty sandbox that becomes pretty much anything you make of it? You could knock it down to S tier for the virtue of the fact that it requires a god-like understanding of synthesis and near unlimited funds. But it can also be A or B tier by virtue of the fact that it is like trying to sell people on Linux when they're quire happy with OS X (Unix base notwithstanding). 😁
Face reveal? I don't think I've ever seen your face before. I've always enjoyed your dulcet tones and in-depth out of the box thinking. Very nice to put a face to that velvet voice!
Haha, it's not officially a face reveal, it's appeared in a few other videos and thumbnails, but it's the first time I've spoken to camera for the whole video, yes.
Now that was a very enjoyable video, thank you for putting it together. I actually put some of your recommendations on my list now, although I doubt I’ll change my setup anytime soon 🙃 I only own a single synth out of this list, the Microfreak and that one is definitely sweet! Still need to check out the firmware update but judging by what I’ve seen online I’m going to like it even more now. I think the Elmyra I have is fairly similar to the Lyra, just fewer voices, and that one is really brilliant. Currently my main setup is my Crave and my Eurorack though, that definitely tops everything else. Is it ideal? No, modular never is, but I actually like it when my gear doesn’t make it too easy for me.
Having to work "with" am instrument (rather than it being too easy) is always inspiring in my opinion. It's why playing guitar, through a loud amp, smothered in fuzz and reverb is also fun: that constant push and pull as you interact with with feedback and vibrations.
@@OscillatorSink I also find limitations really inspiring. I’m not the type of person to sell gear if I don’t get along with it. I always try to find a way and usually it works out to be even more inspiring that way because I have to work for it.
i feel like you would really enjoy a grey meanie or blue Marvin 2600 my intro into modular and immediately made me feel like there was a new type of interaction with the instrument that is oddly rewarding
@@jonathanfrieze8497 That’s definitely coming at some point! It’s a little big though, so I’m still trying to figure out where it’s going to live in my studio!
Very interesting insights into how you personally rate your synths relative to your preferred style of playing and composition. B certainly could do with a subset or 3 😁. I agree with your choice of numbers 1 and 2. Although the Lyra is the real winner in everyone's heart, the Digitakt is just more versatile. Maybe an equal 1st place tie, taking both their technical and visceral merits into account? Cheers for an enjoyable and thought provoking video mate!
Listening back to this, the way you describe using the digitakt makes me think you might like something like a bitbox micro controlled by a knob box (e.g. nanokontrol or launch control). Sound design quite is not on the same level, BUT it lives in eurorack world, which offers possibilities. Sound design advantages vs. digitakt are: crossfading loops, granular, multi-samples (with velocity layers, no RR). I recommend it over the full size bitbox mainly because it has more outputs. (The full size has additional gate ins and more "pads," but it does not have more polyphony - taken together it's better if you want a drum/one shot sampler functionality in the rack.)
I took the Elektron plunge a few years back and now own several including the ones mentioned here. I just recently grabbed a mk 1 version of the Analog 4 and surprised how great that is too. Sure they are pricey, but imo worthwhile.
The Ekekrons always strike me as a good example of how "good value" doesn't always implicitly mean "cheap". The Analog 4 has been mentioned a lot in the comments and the idea might be burying itself in my brain...
@@OscillatorSink A4 is a monster. I think it's more powerful and versatile than the newer smaller boxes and thus, I'm sure you'll find it ticks all the boxes.
Pro tip : large crocodile clip for synths with capacitive Keybeds and medium sized clothespins or bag clips for little synths with ribbon controllers (monotrons) . Also a monotron is very easily turned into a talk box given it’s built in speaker. Happy droning
there's just something with the tone of your voice my friend... you're great to listen too, and very educational. Also like the way you spoke about the Lyra 8... Been looking for the best standalone drone synth for quite some time (not really "into" synths, don't want to own too many, for money and bulk reasons), owned and sold a few... Lyra might be my next try !
You're Opsix videos are why I bought it. My only disappointments are the lack of an 8-stage EG and the PI processor which I routinely bring to its knees. Nevertheless, the Opsix has become one of my two favorite contemporary, more or less "traditional", synthesizers.
I just got my hands on an old Yamaha VSS200 and it’s ticking all the boxes for ambient and has plenty of lofi vibe! I’ve been channeling it through the monotron delay and microcosm and it sounds deliciously dreamy!!
Oh wow, yeah, we had those in our high-school music department but it was before I really knew what it was. I love the texture inherent in those "low end" but surprisingly capable Yamahas of that era. Looks like the second hand market is starting to reflect that!
Oh, and another musician making fantastic ambient music with a Soma Lyra is KMRU (edited). A 26-year old sound artist called Joseph Kemaru, hailing from Nairobi, Kenya and now based in Berlin. Beautiful, delicate, haunting music. Drones, pure synthesizers, field recordings and whole lot of artistic feeling. His albums Epoch (Seil) and Glim are two of my recent favourites. I would quite like a Lyra, and a Cosmos too.
@@OscillatorSinkYes, absolutely, KMRU. I don't know why, I'm not dyslexic. But every single time I go to type his name, I type KHMR. No idea why, I end up going to Bandcamp. I even went to copy and paste, then typed it again the same. Seems those letters cause me to glitch, a human bug I guess. Jar (Seil), and Glim I think not on Seil are both beautiful too. And his writing (e.g. on kmruDOTinfo), and installation work is very inspiring too.
After seeing the self playing patches from red means recording here on youtube. I am thinking about getting a asm hydrasynth as my first real synth. Currently I only have experience with groove boxes (polyend play). But with this video now I have too many options to choose from for a good synth for ambient and other self playing types 😁 I appreciate the detailed talk 😊
Digitone for sure my GOAT synthesizer. I've got the keys version going into eurorack/outboard for processing and it is the starting point for basically anything I do. Didn't feel as strongly about Syntakt but maybe I just was already getting a lot of what the syntakt gave me that the DN didn't from my eurorack. Haven't gone for any Soma Labs stuff yet but constantly looking at it.
Strega was absolutely on the list in contention when I got the lyra-8, I just felt that the lyra was more hands-on, which is what I was feeling at the time. I'd really like to have a play with one - maybe with a 0-control as a playing surface.
You pushed me over the edge to buy my first synth with your Opsix content. And now you have it in S Tier - I feel privileged! Thank you for your channel and all the great information you provide! Any quick tips on warming up the Opsix’s sounds? I’m a big Tycho fan and he has Moogs and a Minilogues all over the place. And I’m… not ready to dive all the way into synth hoard-dom. 😅
Just watched this again, the combo of gentle drones in the background combined with your voiceover pondering the differences was perfect companion to some afternoon tea. :) I wonder how the "expanded modulation" in the Opsix mk2 matches with your wish for "Modwave mod parts in Opsix, please"?
My eurorack I'd give an S too, Rings is so pretty, Magneto is gorgeous, love all the filters, complex analogue oscillators and powerful/flexible digital voices. If I had to just use one, I'd keep that, and add an Oxi Coral module for polysynth duties. I wouldn't rate any my other synths quite S. Novation Peak is A+, because a Summit would be the S. Digitone is an A+ for me. It can be be upgraded to an S, with just a Volca FM plugged into the external inputs, to give it more than voices. Sequential Take 5 is also an A, taking off marks for only 5-voices. Effects aren't quite as good as the Peak, and programmability a bit less flexible. Tasty Chips GR-1, an A because it's an incredible good sounding granular engine, but using only on it's own the Reverb/effects are basic. And it doesn't have enough modulation sources and have to add an external audio I/F to process external audio. (GR-EX would be an S). Moog Grandmother a B+, can work really well in ambient, but in limited roles. Similar for 303, a B-. MPC One, hard to score, I think maybe B+, because it's very powerful, especially with OP-X, the synths, effects, granular, probability and and nice sampled electric pianos, but they need to consolidate and do more work on the software.
Great video - always enjoy your content, but this was really useful and wish it had been around when I started searching for synths for ambient music a couple of years ago! Interested that Moog haven't made your list. I've found that the Sub-Harmonicon can sound amazing for ambient (though lack of an internal LFO is a shame), and sometimes just leave it running for hours as background whilst I'm working...
Moog only didn't make the list because I don't own any. I've nearly grabbed a Subharmonicon a bunch of times, but there's always something else that just beats it and of course, the Matriarch would almost certainly be absolutely glorious in this musical environment.
I would 100% add the Tasty Chips GR-1 to the S-category ... while it has some disadvantages like no audio-in, which is odd for a granular synth that processes samples and works like a very advanced granular pedal, it turns everything you throw at it INSTANTLY into a huge ambient atmosphere.
Yeah, that one has been on my list forever - have you seen their new pedal "integral"? It's a convolution reverb so not a granular processor, but with the right convolutions loaded....there's some exciting stuff there. (Also the new GR Mega of course - bonkers! Oh, and I've just checked - the Mega also has an audio in!)
Yeah, Moog is conspicuous by its absence here - but there are a bunch of synths I'd love to own (the Subharmonicon and Grandmother/Matriarch in particular) that I suspect would have ranked highly. Too many synths, too little time.
I love my freak. I also enjoy your unpopular ambient drone tracks. A glaring omission is the PWM Malevolent. it is more unstable than a jealous boyfriend who sees you dressed up for a night out with the girls. I also love the Elmyra II I got after watching your video.
I'd love to try one and folks have asked for it again and again. I reached out to ASM a while back, but never got a reply sadly - I might try and get one second hand at some point, but there's almost always something else I want to get my hands on first.
@@OscillatorSink Haha no worries :) My synthesizer addiction is slowed down by my current photo gear addiction... I tell you, that's even worse ... Have a great weekend.
@@OscillatorSink honestly it's top S list, my favourite synths (that I own) are Opsix, Nord Modular G2 & Hydrasynth & the latter sounds much better by far than the other 2... simplest user interface imaginable, built like a tank (especially compared to the Opsix), incredible depth and the desktop pads allow you to play in ways you can't on a keyboard (like one finger playing 3 octaves of the same note all with poly aftertouch).... it's a dream sound design synth, I'd seriously consider selling half that stuff you listed & get that 2nd hand, you will absolutely love it, it's so up your street. Don't bother with a Blofeld though, horrible user interface, weak FX by todays standards & I haven't touched mine since I got a Hydra when they came out. It's an absolute must for programmers like you. I'd be very interested to see what you think of if compared with the Modwave (which piqued my interest but seemed superfluous having the Hydra)... I also didn't think I'd need a microfreak either until the new sample addition & now I'm sorely tempted.
Great list, OS! I wonder if you've had a chance to check out the Strega? I've viewed Strega as a more controllable replacement for Lyra-8, but I'm curious to others' thoughts. Thanks!
I haven't - it was on the shortlist when I bought the Lyra-8, so it's definitely on my list to try/buy (too many synths, too little time!). If that's the vibe you're interested in, you should check out the Elmyra2 as well (a few videos on the channel, including a workflow example if you wanted to see it in use).
Thanks! The Pulsar23 is absolutely my primary object of instrument lust right at the moment. It's a lot of money, and I know it's worth it but. Yeah. I'll need to sell some stuff to make room (physically and financially!)
@@OscillatorSink 😂 you can get a swarm sound out of it, and the midi learn is awesome. It is expensive but as you know you're paying for a synth thats next tank level. Its a beast in sound and scale lol.
The Blofeld has been mentioned almost more than anything else in the comments (maybe just beaten by the hydrasynth) so maybe that's something I've been sleeping on... The Medusa struck me as very interesting when it came out, but I heard conflicting information about the stability of the firmware which put me off. Might be one to look for second hand...
I liked this a lot more then I thought I would? I thought “oh no, someone doing a list video for the algorithm “.. but it turned out to be a lot more contemplative then I was expecting. Well.. I have a way different synth collection.. things I’d rank high for this sorta thing might include.. dreadbox / Polyend Medusa, Analog Four, 2600 clone, and DSI Tempest. I know on my.. hope to buy in no too long list.. there’s a Strega and a Lyra8.. and I’m thinking DFAM.
Calmest synth youtuber does calmest ranking episode ever, calming me right down. Thank you!
You totally nailed your summary of the Lyra. Such a unique sound. Took me about 10 minutes to learn what everything does but I'm still continuing to experiment and find new pockets of unexplored sound almost a year after buying one. A truly fascinating and inspirational synth! Great video sir 😊
Thank you!
Would really love to see a similar video on effects units (reverb, delay, distortion) or sequencers from an ambient drone perspective! Really loved this video.
Thank you! I like the effects idea, but I might need to consolidate my collection to contain a few more of the "standards", because, for example, my favourite drive pedal for synths is a fairly unknown pedal by a boutique builder in the UK (the Accomplished Badger by Fredric Effects if you're wondering!)
Your technical videos are wonderful and unique. Don’t worry about fitting with other channels. I love yours because it’s different.
Thank you, this isn't about changing what I'm doing - just working out if I can also do other stuff (and seeing as this is one of my most viewed videos in about 18 months when you exclude release day drops, I think I will be looking at doing other stuff too).
Hey Oscillator sync, I'm 30seconds in and before I go on I just want to let you know how thoroughly I enjoy how technical you get. I understand the push towards content that is more approachable and ill always support your channel. That section in the distortion video about converting waves using dc offset as well as clipping was a revelation for me. there must have been 4 separate lifechanging perspectives in that video. I even modded my Seq Six track to have 6 outputs so that I can have a Polyphonic distortion Setup! (they run into a old moss mixer so I can saturate and pan every voice.. its a dream) Nobody forms my musical philosophy more than your 'technical, quiet, ramblings
That's really heartening to hear, genuinely. And don't worry, I have no intention of stopping the deep technical stuff, I'm just trying to work out if doing other stuff is feasible alongside it. I'm not always able to find the time (and mental energy, honestly) to do a 40+ minute technical video, even if that's what I'm most passionate about, which is why there are often big gaps between videos. If videos like this work for my usual audience then it just allows me to keep creative without the burn out (I hope!).
a comment from the future (having watched till the end). Burnout so real and if the stress of making such incredibly densely technical videos is a lot then know that I enjoyed this video a lot too.
^^ I think the comment was just a to say thanks (and not to tell you what to make)
I concur. Your videos and depth is amazing and I found one appreciate all your effort. Thank you. 🙏🏾
So nice to have a genuine pro explain the technical aspects of sound creation. I have fallen in love with the Modwave sequencer, especially when used with the Librarian software. Your tutorials got me up & running in a few days...thank you!
"primitive sound in the best way possible" is a great way to describe the lyra
This was an amazing talk. A tier list is good for clicks but you discuss your reasoning and sentiments so well that you stayed true to yourself. Thanks!
That's really kind of you to say, thank you!
This is the most ambient Tier List I've ever seen. I could get used to this :)
A Tier List to help you sleep.
This was a truly wonderful, in-depth excursion. Thank you!
Thank you!
@@OscillatorSinkit would be great to see more like these on other topics.
As a fellow LYRA8 owner and fan, I agree with every word you said about it, and you put it so well. Primordial, indeed. Such a unique and inspiring instrument! I also have an Op Six and have really enjoyed your videos covering Op Six programming. Those are the only two items we both own, but it was very instructive watching your thought process here as you compared synths. One thing I've managed to take away from watching this is that I really need to spend more time getting to know my gear better. I don't feel that I understand most of it as deeply as you seem to.
very well explained, this gave me a lot of perspective . thanks for the knowledge!
I was clapping for every Elektron gear going straight to "S" tear! Amazing
This is exactly what i was looking for, so glad you used "vibe" as a factor because thats really mostly what i care about
Vibe is extremely important, especially in this area of music making.
The Synthstrom Deluge goes at the very top, aside from that I agree with your list ;) I really liked this video concept, keep these coming!
I don’t own any hardware synths, but the breakdown of the synths you own on the context of Ambient and drone sounds has been extremely useful. Lots of tips here! 🎉🎉🎉
I found this more interesting than most of these lists because a) you're placing the synths in relation to a specific use rather than how they are at all around synths and b) you know them really well and had a lot of interesting things to say about them. I don't know if that's good for the algorithm. But I enjoyed it!
Thank you! I figure as far as tier lists go - this is still a pretty nerdy one, so maybe not so far from my normal stuff.
Tier lists to dream to. Completely agree on the Lyra-8, there's just something about it. I usually run it into a filter to tame it, works great for textures when you have the modulation and noise running rampant. Such an inspiring instrument. Great video!
Thanks! Yes - it's endlessly inspiring!
Great that you chose the Stylophone. My daughter bought me one for my birthday a couple of years back and I love it!
Thank you! The world needed this video 😊
Shoutout to the Elektron Analog Four. Four tracks with two oscillators each, as well as subs and tons of modulation. Paired with the Elektron sequencer, it is quite an ambient beast.
Best synth channel on RUclips. Thank you.
You're very kind!
What an emotional rollercoaster, fair S tier picks, hard to beat Elektron. Should have known that the unspeakable Eurorack horror was coming with how ominous the music was.
Both technical and non-technical videos are good in my opinion. Always appreciate the in-depth synth videos (both performances and guides) and it's nice to see something show up again and again over several years time. I prefer it over the "I used this synth for a week, here's the review" type channels. Those can be interesting and useful sometimes, especially if explained in detail like for example Loopop. Still, nobody besides reviewers and stores will get new gear every week. The stuff you've been doing is more interesting. For one, inspiration - never heard the Lyra sound like "Study 6"" before. Makes me realize I need to explore what I already have more.
Two, the in-depth patching videos are so meticulous and well explained that I can watch videos where you patch synths I don't own and apply it to what I do have. Not always possible, but maybe then I can figure out a workaround. Also now I know more about the limitations and overlap of the functions, and most of the time it turns out I don't need to spend money or time learning a new piece of kit. What I have can get me close enough and quickly enough. Again, awesome.
Even in this video you said the Opsix could do panning per voice. I thought this was not possible. But of course, after a moment of reflection, of course. Per voice LFO on the program pan, so obvious. Now my old synth has a new feature that I might have looked for in the spec sheet on another synth. Thank you.
Always look forward to technical videos, and just to throw something out there that I would find interesting: some DFAM style patches, or Syntrx/Synthi type stuff with weird stereo madness going on. The Buchla ones are always fun too. Anything blasphemous that shouldn't be done. Non technical, this video was a nice change of pace, not having to physically flex my brain for once. The music was great to listen to while the talking held most of the attention. Reminded me a bit of the Opsix live patching from a while ago, some nice music and relaxing Oscillator Sink voice can go a long way. In general, if you deem it interesting enough to make a video, it probably is interesting enough to watch. Take YT comments with a grain of salt, maybe take a nap.
Thank you so muchyfor all your kind words (and I'm glad to have "unlocked" a new feature for your opsix!).
And I'm always here for more synth blasphemy!
Absolutely agree with the Lyra. So little on the data sheet but so mighty and excellent in use.
It's almost impossible to explain the lyra-8 without just having someone (who is willing to engage with it) actually play it. It's an *important* instrument.
@@OscillatorSink An important lesson I've learned with the Lyra is not to concentrate in playing the Lyra with the "pads" but to manipulate the sound by the knobs and switches. Furthermore the Lyra offers interesting sounds when using it as an "effects device" for external sound sources.
A very cool video, I liked it a lot. Maybe you could complement it with a ranking of effects for ambient and drone? Keep up the good work: your channel always ranks HIGH on vibes :)))
Seconded! You made a few references to external effects complementing your picks and I'd love to learn more about those tools.
Brilliant video, great to hear your insight on all these synths in this context 👍
Thank you!
I love the description of modular as an unsolved problem…by definition I think this nails the entire experience…one I’ve been grappling with since 2008
It's a nice problem to have though!
wow, this was a very interesting VDO! I most definitely would appreciate more content like this, and I need to mention.... you are a great presenter and you came over super 'sympatico'. Well done!
Thank you very much, and I'll get right on that!
Never stop, my friend!
Gotta check out the Arturia Polybrute. Absolutely blew me away, its specialty is expressive nuanced ambient.
I've heard nothing but good things from people who own one and I'd love to spend some time with one. Lots of ways to add expression during performance with that one.
It’s in the ‘stellar’ category
Your channel is the best! Your tutorials are amazing! Thanks a lot.
Cheers friend!
Love your criteria for choosing! Especially the *vibe* criteria. There is so much 'feels' in ambient/drone that you just can't discount it. We also share our top 2 synths, so I must have good taste! As for content, I say mix it up! What a shame to hold yourself to just one type of video. BTW, you DO inspire me, and lots of other artists. Never doubt!
We clearly both have excellent taste. Thanks for your kind words!
Dude you will always have a fan in me
Great list, and lovely sounds. I'll throw in a vote for the Moog Matriarch for ambient/drone. Throwing attenuated noise into the FB time of the delay creates an amazing, nostalgic warble for ambient pieces. Put a sequence together (in sequential or random order), turn the FB and mix up on the delay and you're quickly in a sweet ambient zone. When you start modulating everything it _really_ comes to life.
Really good video is this, and I've watched quite a lot of your videos over the last two years. My main reason for buying an opsix were your deep videos on it. I'm aiming to get a Lyra-8 at some point when funds can allow... Ambient and drone is totally my bag too. Great video! Keep it going...
Cheers! I hope you're enjoying your opsix.
@@OscillatorSink oh I certainly am… I need to learn it deeper. Another watch of your videos on it is due as I’ve got the hang of most of its overall functionality… I’ll most likely feature it on my future live rehearsal ambient performances that I’m uploading, in preparation to play live to audiences. I’d appreciate it if you would have a listen and give any feedback if you get time to do so 🙏🏻👍
This was actually very useful, thanks
Cheers, thank you for watching!
Thanks for all of your hard work, excellent and informative production 😎
Great video, i like yiur normal quiet technical stuff a lot too. Keep up doing what yiu do :)
I’ll echo @rayderrich’s comments - fantastic discussion of the rationale behind the choices, and definitely not your typical “listicle” kind of content. And in most cases, I’ll agree (based on the ones I’ve got/used or researched) on the rankings, too.
I might bump the ‘Brute up to A tier, but it’d be a borderline choice to do so. I /loved/ the original Minibrute, but wasn’t quite as excited by the newer versions for some reason that I just can’t put my finger on. I’m sure you’ve done this already, but hanging the NTS-1 on the output of the MicroFreak is a pretty powerful combo, though my own go-to there is a Zoom G3n multi effect pedal. Again, great comparison!
Cheers!
Thanks for the fun video. I think that a bit of a play with VCV Rack would guide your thinking on how to evolve your modular. You could probably find somewhat analogous modules to your hardware modules as a starting point, then start mixing it up from there.
VCV rack is the main reason (along with Zoia) that I ended up in this mess! But yes, I should use that as a planning tool some more.
Oh yeah baby, now this is content.
The Algorithm Must Be Appeased.
Organelle and Norns (Shield) are also great for ambient, drone, and generative music. They both also run Orac 2.0, with Plaits, Rings ans Clouds 😋
Norns (and supercollider) are something I've been meaning to look into - just need to find some more hours in the day!
@@OscillatorSink if you’d like to hear two artists who are deep into both of those tools - I’d highly recommend MatthewDavid and Raays
Great tier list man! You make me want to get an Opsix
I can't forgive myself not getting one when it was on sale for under $300.
This is the video I've wanted
Nice to see that you treat the cheap synths I have or can afford. :)
this was fun. I even felt some suspense, as a regular & longtime viewer who can't afford to buy any more gear for a while anyway.
Hey man! Loved this video. I'll be diving into your videos on how you make drones with the Elektron boxes next, which have been on my radar for other sounds already, but I"m intrigued about their applications here.
Cheers! Welcome to the channel!
Great video. The Lyra-8 section was one of the things which finally tipped me over the edge into buying one, together with the Ornament-8. I should probably take a week off work to learn them, but I need to work to pay for them! 😁
This was lovely and thought provoking, thank you! I especially liked how there was a stated "Ambient/Drone" focus that you went out of your way to bring attention to.
I'm going to say that either the top of your B-tier should go to A-tier or the bottom should be C-tier: you sounded WAY more enthusiastic about Minibrute and everything above it - for the rest of B-tier you much more "meh, it does a thing". :)
Some thoughts on stuff I would love to see:
* On the semi-technical side something on pairing things with each other, sequencers, and effects - possibly as an expansion or alternate take on this list?
* When pairing things complexity explodes not just in terms of options of what to use together, but in terms of "how do I use these together". How do you approach these things?
* You clearly dive very deep into the gear you use. How do you do that, how do you approach a new piece of kit?
* On the less less technical side I would be really intrested to hear you talk about making ambient and drones - or music in general. Has your approach changed over time? How?
Thanks for the suggestions - you've mentioned quite a few video ideas that I have on my list, so I'm glad I'm on the right track there! Really glad you enjoyed the video!
I enjoyed this! Watched/listened in chunks over a few days. If you are interested to do more like this, I would be curious to hear your take on your favorite synth pairings, for ambient or whatever you like.
So wonderful, thank YOU!
great video, can't believe I hadn't subbed before.
Well, allow me to formally welcome you to the channel!
Would recommend actually circuit (i made a synth pack for drones) and synthstrom deluge, which can do sub 1bpm and really long time stretch!
Nice one! The Digitakt is my favorite piece of gear. No matter what style.
It is, undoubtedly, a very good instrument.
That's ace, thanks. Can recommend Korg Wavestate + SOMA Cosmos
The Cosmos is definitely intriguing (but then, most Soma stuff is!)
I enjoyed you niche but algorithmic optimized video :)
You're the best man, thanks.
The mint green Lyra 8 is the best sounding one! 😆
Absolute facts.
Just the content I wanted. I don’t own any of these (if we omit Eurorack) and I gained much by hearing your thoughts. Will affect my shopping choices.
Great video. I tend to make more aggressive music so I have more “aggressive” synths but this inspired me to try and bend my synths to drone.
With the Lyra8 it feels like there's an alchemy from the direct physical interaction - your body is completing the circuit! And its wildness... it's a really special and somehow soulful machine.
Mr. Kreimer talked about how important the "direct" connection with the player is - and that wisdom certainly seems to come true in the case of the Lyra.
You could talk about the manual of a toaster I still would listen. Great content!
Well, today my Liven Texture Lab arrived. It seems to be a proper ambient machine, too.
Lyra-8 Drone and the service manual for a dishwasher coming up! Oh yeah, that Liven looks really neat - this Superbooth was the Superbooth of Granular synths - lots of interesting instruments announced.
The Access Virus is an AMAZING drone machine. Especially when you put that baby into multimode.. in fact I think it would crap over many of the selections here. Unfortunately people are under the impression that it's just a trance synth....
I have to admit that my perception (which is certainly wrong, I'm sure) of the virus is that it's an ultimate "utility synth". It's not a synth I could ever see myself buying, but perhaps that's because I just haven't looked closely enough.
Nice try Tiesto
@@decapitateallcops3214 those who know, know!
The Opsix SE is on my list of gear for sure, but there are a couple synths on this list that I've fallen in love with for their flexibilty, sound, and effects that have graced my studio. The Access Virus TI2 is capable of some of the most amazing sound. It's so great that I had to buy the keyboard variant. It may be closest to the modwave, given its wavetable capabilities, but I've really been enjoying working with it for some really nice darker ambient textures. The Arturia Polybrute I'd probably put second to the Waldorf Iridium/Quantum in terms of beauty and capabilities and commands constant exploration. Almost the same as I'd consider for the Novation Summit. In the journey to find my 'forever synths', the Summit, Polybrute, and Virus TI2 have made that classification. I'm really hoping the Opsix can also add to that.
EDIT: I'd also say that Eurorack itself should be 'God tier' despite your Eurorack not being S tier. The challenge is how do you rate prebuilt synths against an empty sandbox that becomes pretty much anything you make of it? You could knock it down to S tier for the virtue of the fact that it requires a god-like understanding of synthesis and near unlimited funds. But it can also be A or B tier by virtue of the fact that it is like trying to sell people on Linux when they're quire happy with OS X (Unix base notwithstanding). 😁
Face reveal? I don't think I've ever seen your face before. I've always enjoyed your dulcet tones and in-depth out of the box thinking. Very nice to put a face to that velvet voice!
Haha, it's not officially a face reveal, it's appeared in a few other videos and thumbnails, but it's the first time I've spoken to camera for the whole video, yes.
Now that was a very enjoyable video, thank you for putting it together. I actually put some of your recommendations on my list now, although I doubt I’ll change my setup anytime soon 🙃 I only own a single synth out of this list, the Microfreak and that one is definitely sweet! Still need to check out the firmware update but judging by what I’ve seen online I’m going to like it even more now. I think the Elmyra I have is fairly similar to the Lyra, just fewer voices, and that one is really brilliant. Currently my main setup is my Crave and my Eurorack though, that definitely tops everything else. Is it ideal? No, modular never is, but I actually like it when my gear doesn’t make it too easy for me.
Having to work "with" am instrument (rather than it being too easy) is always inspiring in my opinion. It's why playing guitar, through a loud amp, smothered in fuzz and reverb is also fun: that constant push and pull as you interact with with feedback and vibrations.
@@OscillatorSink I also find limitations really inspiring. I’m not the type of person to sell gear if I don’t get along with it. I always try to find a way and usually it works out to be even more inspiring that way because I have to work for it.
i feel like you would really enjoy a grey meanie or blue Marvin 2600 my intro into modular and immediately made me feel like there was a new type of interaction with the instrument that is oddly rewarding
@@jonathanfrieze8497 That’s definitely coming at some point! It’s a little big though, so I’m still trying to figure out where it’s going to live in my studio!
Very interesting insights into how you personally rate your synths relative to your preferred style of playing and composition. B certainly could do with a subset or 3 😁.
I agree with your choice of numbers 1 and 2. Although the Lyra is the real winner in everyone's heart, the Digitakt is just more versatile.
Maybe an equal 1st place tie, taking both their technical and visceral merits into account?
Cheers for an enjoyable and thought provoking video mate!
Listening back to this, the way you describe using the digitakt makes me think you might like something like a bitbox micro controlled by a knob box (e.g. nanokontrol or launch control).
Sound design quite is not on the same level, BUT it lives in eurorack world, which offers possibilities. Sound design advantages vs. digitakt are: crossfading loops, granular, multi-samples (with velocity layers, no RR). I recommend it over the full size bitbox mainly because it has more outputs. (The full size has additional gate ins and more "pads," but it does not have more polyphony - taken together it's better if you want a drum/one shot sampler functionality in the rack.)
I took the Elektron plunge a few years back and now own several including the ones mentioned here. I just recently grabbed a mk 1 version of the Analog 4 and surprised how great that is too. Sure they are pricey, but imo worthwhile.
The Ekekrons always strike me as a good example of how "good value" doesn't always implicitly mean "cheap". The Analog 4 has been mentioned a lot in the comments and the idea might be burying itself in my brain...
@@OscillatorSink A4 is a monster. I think it's more powerful and versatile than the newer smaller boxes and thus, I'm sure you'll find it ticks all the boxes.
Pro tip : large crocodile clip for synths with capacitive Keybeds and medium sized clothespins or bag clips for little synths with ribbon controllers (monotrons) .
Also a monotron is very easily turned into a talk box given it’s built in speaker.
Happy droning
there's just something with the tone of your voice my friend... you're great to listen too, and very educational. Also like the way you spoke about the Lyra 8... Been looking for the best standalone drone synth for quite some time (not really "into" synths, don't want to own too many, for money and bulk reasons), owned and sold a few... Lyra might be my next try !
sickos (me) watching the volca drum get put highest out of the korg volcas: "haha, yes!"
I had to do it to em
Hi! Great to see you 🙂 love the video!
Thanks!
Loved this, thank you. Earned a sub.
Cheers! Welcome to the channel!
You're Opsix videos are why I bought it. My only disappointments are the lack of an 8-stage EG and the PI processor which I routinely bring to its knees. Nevertheless, the Opsix has become one of my two favorite contemporary, more or less "traditional", synthesizers.
so close to victory for the occult device!
It was a battle between head and heart.
I just got my hands on an old Yamaha VSS200 and it’s ticking all the boxes for ambient and has plenty of lofi vibe! I’ve been channeling it through the monotron delay and microcosm and it sounds deliciously dreamy!!
Oh wow, yeah, we had those in our high-school music department but it was before I really knew what it was. I love the texture inherent in those "low end" but surprisingly capable Yamahas of that era. Looks like the second hand market is starting to reflect that!
Ha!! I'm so used to seeing your hands it's good to finally see the face that goes with them!! :)
Would help to follow along with the discussion with bigger pictures of the synth in question.
wow, amazing work!
Oh, and another musician making fantastic ambient music with a Soma Lyra is KMRU (edited). A 26-year old sound artist called Joseph Kemaru, hailing from Nairobi, Kenya and now based in Berlin. Beautiful, delicate, haunting music. Drones, pure synthesizers, field recordings and whole lot of artistic feeling. His albums Epoch (Seil) and Glim are two of my recent favourites. I would quite like a Lyra, and a Cosmos too.
I think you mean KMRU - but I tracked them down via Siel - I'll check them out, thanks!
Just previewed the first track on epoch - insta-purchase, cheers!
@@OscillatorSinkYes, absolutely, KMRU. I don't know why, I'm not dyslexic. But every single time I go to type his name, I type KHMR. No idea why, I end up going to Bandcamp. I even went to copy and paste, then typed it again the same. Seems those letters cause me to glitch, a human bug I guess. Jar (Seil), and Glim I think not on Seil are both beautiful too. And his writing (e.g. on kmruDOTinfo), and installation work is very inspiring too.
After seeing the self playing patches from red means recording here on youtube. I am thinking about getting a asm hydrasynth as my first real synth. Currently I only have experience with groove boxes (polyend play). But with this video now I have too many options to choose from for a good synth for ambient and other self playing types 😁 I appreciate the detailed talk 😊
Digitone for sure my GOAT synthesizer. I've got the keys version going into eurorack/outboard for processing and it is the starting point for basically anything I do. Didn't feel as strongly about Syntakt but maybe I just was already getting a lot of what the syntakt gave me that the DN didn't from my eurorack. Haven't gone for any Soma Labs stuff yet but constantly looking at it.
Awesome Vid! i think a Strega would be at home here.
Strega was absolutely on the list in contention when I got the lyra-8, I just felt that the lyra was more hands-on, which is what I was feeling at the time. I'd really like to have a play with one - maybe with a 0-control as a playing surface.
big fun video!
Thanks!
Great video i have been trying out my synths for drone making while i save for a lyra 8..
You pushed me over the edge to buy my first synth with your Opsix content. And now you have it in S Tier - I feel privileged! Thank you for your channel and all the great information you provide!
Any quick tips on warming up the Opsix’s sounds? I’m a big Tycho fan and he has Moogs and a Minilogues all over the place. And I’m… not ready to dive all the way into synth hoard-dom. 😅
Just watched this again, the combo of gentle drones in the background combined with your voiceover pondering the differences was perfect companion to some afternoon tea. :) I wonder how the "expanded modulation" in the Opsix mk2 matches with your wish for "Modwave mod parts in Opsix, please"?
My eurorack I'd give an S too, Rings is so pretty, Magneto is gorgeous, love all the filters, complex analogue oscillators and powerful/flexible digital voices. If I had to just use one, I'd keep that, and add an Oxi Coral module for polysynth duties. I wouldn't rate any my other synths quite S. Novation Peak is A+, because a Summit would be the S. Digitone is an A+ for me. It can be be upgraded to an S, with just a Volca FM plugged into the external inputs, to give it more than voices. Sequential Take 5 is also an A, taking off marks for only 5-voices. Effects aren't quite as good as the Peak, and programmability a bit less flexible. Tasty Chips GR-1, an A because it's an incredible good sounding granular engine, but using only on it's own the Reverb/effects are basic. And it doesn't have enough modulation sources and have to add an external audio I/F to process external audio. (GR-EX would be an S). Moog Grandmother a B+, can work really well in ambient, but in limited roles. Similar for 303, a B-. MPC One, hard to score, I think maybe B+, because it's very powerful, especially with OP-X, the synths, effects, granular, probability and and nice sampled electric pianos, but they need to consolidate and do more work on the software.
Great video - always enjoy your content, but this was really useful and wish it had been around when I started searching for synths for ambient music a couple of years ago! Interested that Moog haven't made your list. I've found that the Sub-Harmonicon can sound amazing for ambient (though lack of an internal LFO is a shame), and sometimes just leave it running for hours as background whilst I'm working...
Moog only didn't make the list because I don't own any. I've nearly grabbed a Subharmonicon a bunch of times, but there's always something else that just beats it and of course, the Matriarch would almost certainly be absolutely glorious in this musical environment.
I would 100% add the Tasty Chips GR-1 to the S-category ... while it has some disadvantages like no audio-in, which is odd for a granular synth that processes samples and works like a very advanced granular pedal, it turns everything you throw at it INSTANTLY into a huge ambient atmosphere.
Yeah, that one has been on my list forever - have you seen their new pedal "integral"? It's a convolution reverb so not a granular processor, but with the right convolutions loaded....there's some exciting stuff there. (Also the new GR Mega of course - bonkers! Oh, and I've just checked - the Mega also has an audio in!)
I was hoping that you own a Mother 32. It would have been nice to see how it stacked up with all these synths! Nice content, thanks!
Yeah, Moog is conspicuous by its absence here - but there are a bunch of synths I'd love to own (the Subharmonicon and Grandmother/Matriarch in particular) that I suspect would have ranked highly. Too many synths, too little time.
I love my freak. I also enjoy your unpopular ambient drone tracks. A glaring omission is the PWM Malevolent. it is more unstable than a jealous boyfriend who sees you dressed up for a night out with the girls. I also love the Elmyra II I got after watching your video.
I'd really like to have a play with the PWM - and also their new one that's got a lineage with the OSCar
Have you tried the Hydrasynth?
Would be great to have your opinion on that :)
Thank you for all the great content!
I'd love to try one and folks have asked for it again and again. I reached out to ASM a while back, but never got a reply sadly - I might try and get one second hand at some point, but there's almost always something else I want to get my hands on first.
@@OscillatorSink Haha no worries :)
My synthesizer addiction is slowed down by my current photo gear addiction...
I tell you, that's even worse ...
Have a great weekend.
Love to see him with the Hydrasynth. Alot of people would definately tune in.
@@OscillatorSink honestly it's top S list, my favourite synths (that I own) are Opsix, Nord Modular G2 & Hydrasynth & the latter sounds much better by far than the other 2... simplest user interface imaginable, built like a tank (especially compared to the Opsix), incredible depth and the desktop pads allow you to play in ways you can't on a keyboard (like one finger playing 3 octaves of the same note all with poly aftertouch).... it's a dream sound design synth, I'd seriously consider selling half that stuff you listed & get that 2nd hand, you will absolutely love it, it's so up your street. Don't bother with a Blofeld though, horrible user interface, weak FX by todays standards & I haven't touched mine since I got a Hydra when they came out. It's an absolute must for programmers like you. I'd be very interested to see what you think of if compared with the Modwave (which piqued my interest but seemed superfluous having the Hydra)... I also didn't think I'd need a microfreak either until the new sample addition & now I'm sorely tempted.
Great list, OS! I wonder if you've had a chance to check out the Strega? I've viewed Strega as a more controllable replacement for Lyra-8, but I'm curious to others' thoughts. Thanks!
I haven't - it was on the shortlist when I bought the Lyra-8, so it's definitely on my list to try/buy (too many synths, too little time!). If that's the vibe you're interested in, you should check out the Elmyra2 as well (a few videos on the channel, including a workflow example if you wanted to see it in use).
Interesting video 😉 I got some time with pulsar, the fx are crazy for drone stuff!
Thanks! The Pulsar23 is absolutely my primary object of instrument lust right at the moment. It's a lot of money, and I know it's worth it but. Yeah. I'll need to sell some stuff to make room (physically and financially!)
@@OscillatorSink 😂 you can get a swarm sound out of it, and the midi learn is awesome. It is expensive but as you know you're paying for a synth thats next tank level. Its a beast in sound and scale lol.
As someone new to synths, who picked a Digitakt, Digitone, Deepmind, Minifreak, and SH-4D, I feel quite validated in my choices after this 🙂
I think you would like the Medusa. Also the Blofeld is quite special for this because of the dual filter stereo field.
The Blofeld has been mentioned almost more than anything else in the comments (maybe just beaten by the hydrasynth) so maybe that's something I've been sleeping on...
The Medusa struck me as very interesting when it came out, but I heard conflicting information about the stability of the firmware which put me off. Might be one to look for second hand...
I liked this a lot more then I thought I would? I thought “oh no, someone doing a list video for the algorithm “.. but it turned out to be a lot more contemplative then I was expecting.
Well.. I have a way different synth collection.. things I’d rank high for this sorta thing might include.. dreadbox / Polyend Medusa, Analog Four, 2600 clone, and DSI Tempest.
I know on my.. hope to buy in no too long list.. there’s a Strega and a Lyra8.. and I’m thinking DFAM.
Just picked up a stylophone x-1 after hearing it here! Already thinking of ways to make a "hold"...