Ranking my Synths from Least to Most Favorite!

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  • Опубликовано: 10 янв 2025

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  • @trevord9811
    @trevord9811 4 года назад +10

    I love my NTS-1 too so fully agree as it's my go to synth at the moment. I also use the Volca Keys to learn more about basic synthesis (and enjoying great tutorials like yours to expand my knowledge).

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  4 года назад +2

      Glad to hear I'm not alone in learning from the Keys. It's just such a nice collection of controls, it really is a great teacher. Thanks for watching!

  • @eddiebrown7741
    @eddiebrown7741 2 года назад +5

    Got an NTS-1 in the mail yesterday, took my time and put it together. Connected a large USB battery and headphones to take a listen.
    Fifteen minutes later I put the NTS-1 back in its box. Anybody that has one definitely knows why I did that, just before bedtime. Not that I got any sleep. Because I didn't.
    Been into synths for less than a year, lost my mind and collected a small arsenal of very inexpensive but wildly-popular highly-rated analog desktop synths, a handful of semi-modular beasts and put together two fully-populated modular racks (one of which is a 95%-complete Behringer System 100). Grabbed a couple of excellent Z-series effects modules too, learning all the way.
    For the longest time I had been seeing many, many advertisements of the NTS-1, discounted it as a rinky-dink toy that wouldn't look good sitting beside any of my other plastic-clad equipment. Geez, how good could it be when it only costs a Benny?... I thought.
    I make this statement ever-so calmly: In my opinion, as I compare this tiny box to the little bit of cheap stuff I do have, and lots of stuff I considered getting that cost thousands, the Korg NTS-1 completely and thoroughly just sonically blows all of it out of the water. Easily. Has nothing to do with price/performance considerations. I've even reversed my negative position on 3.5mm MIDI and lost my aversion for cryptic menu-diving now. And that's after a fifteen minute listen.
    Won't put it on a pedestal, under glass and hot lights, behind a velvet rope. Gonna use it. After I get some sleep.

  • @Magiayresistencia
    @Magiayresistencia 4 года назад +2

    I have a microfreak and a nts-1 and i'm totally agree with you. I think you would love the volca drum!

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  4 года назад

      It's on the list haha, there's too much gear out there!

  • @idletimerap
    @idletimerap 2 года назад +1

    Volca Keys was one of my first pieces of great and I'm so grateful for the tactile intro to analog subtractive synthesis but I sold it after a couple months and gave not missed it once. Loved the process hated pretty much every sound. Also you were the one who convinced me to get the Office. Can't say it inspires me the same way it does you but I do love that lil derp

  • @socialjay3871
    @socialjay3871 4 года назад +3

    As someone who owns both a PO-32 and a MicroFreak I can only say that I agree with your summary of both... and I know it's your personal list, but the 'freak is my number one all day, every day - as you say, what a powerhouse synth! Nothing else out there under a grand can really touch it in terms of raw potential.

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  4 года назад +1

      Yeah, the patch bay just pushes it beyond my wildest expectations. Soooo much power!

  • @charlesneuzilmusic7236
    @charlesneuzilmusic7236 4 года назад +1

    I enjoyed your video today. I always like to here from people what they like about different gear they have, as well as what they don't like. Now you have me looking at the PO Office closer. I really enjoyed your comments on the Micro Freak. I have had my eye on the Micro Freak since it came out. I had just decided to purchase a Korg Monologue when the Micro Freak came out, but decided to stick with the Monologue, which I am very happy with. But I've been looking at that Micro Freak ever since! Maybe one of these days. I really need to spend more time with what I have right now rather than add something. Thanks as always!

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  4 года назад

      Thanks so much! The Monologue is still an outstanding synth (I ALMOST got one) with a ton of potential!

  • @PulzarTZ
    @PulzarTZ 4 года назад +2

    Awesome! My fav is the NTS-1 too, but I just go my hand on the Dreadbox Typhon, and it's already rocking the first place! Also the PO-s are also GOAT, not even mentioning the OP-1. Nice gear bro.

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  4 года назад

      Nice! I recently watched Cuckoo's video on the Typhon and it sounds excellent, probably even better with the NTS-1!

    • @defjeff2907
      @defjeff2907 4 года назад

      Typhon is bombigity boyos!!!! Everyone should own one, magical synth with endless possibilities.

    • @defjeff2907
      @defjeff2907 4 года назад

      @@FreeBeat oh it's better, for a price. But there's something about synths without presets like Nts-1 that I love.

  • @swampdweller5
    @swampdweller5 4 года назад +1

    I enjoyed your video. I too got into synthesis with the Volka Keys and still enjoy it very much actually. I ordered a NTS 1 last week. Omg I am excited to run saxophone thru the effects. Cheers

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  4 года назад

      Saxophone with the NTS-1 should be amazing! You've gotta post some of that on your channel (I just subbed so you have to haha). Thanks for watching!

  • @Oooo-bi7bi
    @Oooo-bi7bi 2 года назад +1

    I enjoy all your videos. You have an easy to listen to voice and style.

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  2 года назад +1

      Thank you, I appreciate that!

    • @Oooo-bi7bi
      @Oooo-bi7bi 2 года назад

      @@FreeBeat I mean it. I’ve stopped watching some of the big channels. As with other hobbies you start to notice they are sponsored salespeople. Which I get they need to make as much money as possible. But it’s not relatable unless you want to buy and not use or live with them.

  • @Apticx
    @Apticx 4 года назад +1

    Great video. I can agree on pretty much everything. Maybe some sound demos (a few seconds) would have made it perfect. Keep it up

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  4 года назад

      Yeah some demos would have been good haha. I'll do that next year!

  • @rayderrich
    @rayderrich 2 года назад +1

    One day I gotta get me that MicroFreak for sure. Nice list Sir!

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  2 года назад +1

      Thanks! It's changed quite a bit since I made this haha, maybe I'll update it this year :)

  • @TheMortyvicar
    @TheMortyvicar 4 года назад +1

    Very entertaining video. It was a real insight into your options. I wasn’t surprised to see the Microfreak in 2nd spot, but to see the OPZ getting beaten by two little guys.. wow now I know I need to get me the NTS1.... and possibly the Office (to fill that 3rd spot in the Analog Glide case😁)

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  4 года назад

      Haha honestly anything in my top 3 could have won first place on any particular day, just depends on how I'm feeling. But yes, you should get the Office lol. Thanks for watching!

  • @spectralknights2
    @spectralknights2 4 года назад +1

    Nice synths collection bro. Love those synths u have

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  4 года назад

      Thanks for watching!

  • @memorytheater
    @memorytheater Год назад +1

    Would love to see an update to this!

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  Год назад

      Maybe this holiday season I'll try again!

  • @gaoeykreg
    @gaoeykreg 4 года назад +2

    Ahh so we both can say the Micron was our first synthesiser! Like you I got mine around 2008 and I agree with everything you said regarding its clunky editing methods. Nevertheless I just can’t get rid of it. One day I might download a Mac editor for it and really get deep into its synth engine as I was never knowledgable enough back in the day to push it as far as it could go. It’s now having a well-earned semi-retirement on a shelf but occasionally I look at it and instantly go back to my teenage years enjoying playing it. Great video and nice collection!

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  4 года назад +1

      Thanks! Yeah, it's a shame that the UI is so poorly done because it really does sound amazing. Back in the late 2000's my band got by just using the presets! Thanks for watching :)

  • @defjeff2907
    @defjeff2907 4 года назад +5

    Nts-1 is my fave too! Sinevibes has a killer distortion for it, the only effect I think it was missing.
    I finally got a PO 33 so get a new one and start teaching me stuff 😉

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  4 года назад

      I'll have to grab that for my NTS-1! And hopefully I'll have a working KO by the end of the year :)

    • @defjeff2907
      @defjeff2907 4 года назад +1

      @@FreeBeat try to save 20% SINE-EMRC-ECQJ they gave me it with after purchase...
      Their Albedo Reverb is also awesome!

  • @patrickfitzgerald2861
    @patrickfitzgerald2861 Год назад

    I own the Akai Miniak, which is much the same internally as as the Alesis Micron, but with a better interface. For a guitarist like me who can't really play a keyboard, I am completely amazed by how much interesting music I can get out of it using only the factory presets and various controls. It may be the best $250 I ever spent on music gear. For how I use it the tiny display is fine, but I can see how it would be a pain in the butt when you wanted to program the machine yourself.

  • @fuzbeats
    @fuzbeats 4 года назад +3

    Ok, the office was unexpected. The fact they put a vocoder engine into the microfreak is also worth a note. I think I have to get one

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  4 года назад

      Yeah the freak really is that good. Maybe the best value in the synth world right now

  • @mikeexits
    @mikeexits 4 года назад

    In case you didn't know, you can update the Microfreak to have the same vocoder functionality as the new "Vocoder version" release! No extra hardware needed, other than a microphone of course.

  • @mcmike89
    @mcmike89 3 года назад +1

    I have the Korg MicroKorg S and it's pretty dope! I love EDM from the 80s all the way to today.

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  3 года назад

      Awesome, thanks for watching!

    • @mcmike89
      @mcmike89 3 года назад

      @@FreeBeat You’re welcome!

  • @dlvnmedia
    @dlvnmedia 4 года назад +1

    That Pocket Operator screen should be I think, a fairly easy replacement job. Just an OLED display and some soldering

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  4 года назад

      I'm sure it's not that bad, but it's very outside my comfort zone lol.

    • @dlvnmedia
      @dlvnmedia 4 года назад

      @@FreeBeat if you replace it - I will take the old one off your hands if you want - I am looking for projects as my industry has been shut down for months

  • @howardanderson3061
    @howardanderson3061 4 года назад +1

    Great vid, made me think about my synth situation and well, let’s just say
    that I have a lot of ties in the 1st, 2nd and even 3rd positions. Lol

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  4 года назад

      I'd LOVE to hear your gear list!

  • @R3V1ZION
    @R3V1ZION 4 года назад +1

    You gotta tweak the cutoff filter while bending notes (roll your fingertip) on the monotron to make it sing

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  4 года назад +1

      I do love that sound!

  • @mgrollins
    @mgrollins 4 года назад +1

    Oh, smart move leaving room for a "MIDI controller's" ranked, can't wait to see it!!!

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  4 года назад +1

      Hahaha I honestly hadn't thought of doing that, but now I want to!

    • @mgrollins
      @mgrollins 4 года назад

      @@FreeBeat Do it!

  • @Sadiquecat
    @Sadiquecat 4 года назад

    Po20 and microfreak are mind blowing :D

  • @Sky-on2cy
    @Sky-on2cy 2 года назад +2

    Playing that NTS1 through a keyboard and putting it through a loop pedal? You'll lose days! You can feather the volume on the keyboard and synth to fake polyphony too

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  2 года назад

      I need to get my hands on a proper looping pedal, thanks for watching!

  • @fisk0
    @fisk0 4 года назад +1

    Interesting list, happy to hear you still get use out of your least favorite gear, my two worst pieces - the Mode Machines SID and the Roland MC-303 rarely get any use in my setup due to how unstable they are. The on-board sequencers lose timing all the time and they frequently crash when you send them MIDI externally, so I basically only sample them when I need some sounds from them.

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  4 года назад +1

      I think you get a pass on that, if the gear is unstable I wouldn't want to use it much either!

  • @jjrusy7438
    @jjrusy7438 4 года назад +1

    Oh boy, looking through somebody's toybox is always fun. I also like these videos because it's how you see it and they suit your style, nobody else, so there isnt really a place for debate, just comparisons. FWIW, i do think the freak is the most power per dollar of any synth ever created. same price as that model D lol. One thing i thought was kind of funny was that your least favorite and most favorite pieces are basically different generations of the same thing. have you ever run some external sound through both korgs in series?
    lol . whoops, i was imagining the first thing i would do if i broke into your toybox. also, if you haven't upgraded to the v3 freak software, you can get it free and you have to get some adapters to get w/e mic you have into the headphone jack. then you will have a wicked vocoder in your toybox.

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  4 года назад

      Oh yeah the Vocoder is awesome, I'm having a lot of fun with it off camera. Also the Model D would have been way higher on my list if Behringer hadn't just instilled a nasty taste in most of our mouths haha. Thanks for watching!

  • @neonpop80
    @neonpop80 3 года назад

    What do you think of the Reface series? Primarily the CS and DX?

  • @rlynker
    @rlynker 4 года назад +3

    You mention no display on the OP-Z. Have you tried using the iOS or Android app with it? I don't own one, but it appears to give it even better functionality than the OP-1 that HAS a display.

    • @alexanderlund9240
      @alexanderlund9240 4 года назад

      the app is really nice when you first start out with the op-z, but when you know all the shortcuts its no longer necessary :)

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  4 года назад

      I do use the app from time to time, but like I mentioned, not having a screen is a huge plus for me. Just being able to fly around the OP-Z with nothing but buttons and LEDs is an amazing feeling!

  • @theh0r5e90
    @theh0r5e90 4 года назад +1

    I want to see more of the micron have wanted one ever since it was introduced but could never get in actually buying one and it often gets overshadowed in my buying structure

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  4 года назад

      If you check out the Halloween live show on my channel I feature that quite often in most of those songs. it's a great synth but it is extremely tedious to program

    • @theh0r5e90
      @theh0r5e90 4 года назад

      @@FreeBeat I checked that out as soon as that video ended it's just as tedious as programming a DX7 from the front panel

  • @tonymagno552
    @tonymagno552 3 года назад +1

    Where does the ELEKTRON MODEL:CYCLES come in on this list? I'm assuming you didn't own one when this video was made.

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  3 года назад

      I actually wound up ordering the cycles a week after filming this video I think haha. I'm planning on doing another one of these at the end of this year though! I'd say the cycles is fairly high, probably top five. Thanks for watching!

  • @segfault-berlin
    @segfault-berlin 3 года назад +1

    I expected the OP-Z to come first, I need to get an NTS-1 as a poor Mans multi fx pedle!

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  3 года назад

      The NTS-1 really is that good of a device haha. I'm excited to make my 2021 list in a few months, I think it's going to be pretty different from this one!

  • @stonedapesociety5628
    @stonedapesociety5628 4 года назад

    Great vid
    Dream about OP-Z

  • @sidneiribeiro3883
    @sidneiribeiro3883 3 года назад +1

    The number one is a minimal pocket set ❤️

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  3 года назад +1

      Thanks for watching!

  • @superbaconsh4ke76
    @superbaconsh4ke76 4 года назад +1

    nice video and synths! but where is the winner jam? :D

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  4 года назад

      It's on the way!

  • @mojophonic
    @mojophonic 2 года назад

    What is the angst about owning Behringer gear?

  • @psmaulehlien
    @psmaulehlien 4 года назад +1

    Cool video.

  • @marguskiis7711
    @marguskiis7711 2 года назад +1

    KM Delay is a revolutionary instrument, You just don`t understand it

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  2 года назад

      This video is coming up on 2 years old, I have grown to love the monotron a lot since then, and have featured it often on the channel :)

  • @wiggesobk
    @wiggesobk 4 года назад +1

    1:00 i know exactly what you mean haha
    My favorite is the K.O 😎

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  4 года назад +1

      My favorite of yours is everything you used in your Halloween show track!!

    • @wiggesobk
      @wiggesobk 4 года назад

      @@FreeBeat much thanks i appreciate that 🙏 looking forward for the new years show!

  • @azeriustv
    @azeriustv 2 года назад

    I missed the sound intros :P

  • @matthewwilson3673
    @matthewwilson3673 4 года назад +1

    any sequencers you would recommend to pair with moog werkstatt 01? looking to get into synths

    • @tentakul7
      @tentakul7 4 года назад +1

      I'm thinking of getting a werkstatt with a Korg SQ-1 as a sequencer, very affordable.

    • @tentakul7
      @tentakul7 4 года назад +1

      Or Arturia keystep. More expensive, but if you don't have midi-keyboard yet, best option. You got the keys, sequencer for synths true midi or cv/gate and a drum sequencer with 8 gate outputs to sequence drummachines...

    • @matthewwilson3673
      @matthewwilson3673 4 года назад

      @@tentakul7 the sq1 looked tempting but I'm really lost in terms of knowing if I would like the monophonic sound of the sq1 or not...like I have to buy it to find out but also don't wanna waste money

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  4 года назад

      I'm on board the Keystep train. Such a fun sequencer, and an excellent all purpose controller

    • @vprice509
      @vprice509 4 года назад +1

      @@matthewwilson3673 I have the Werkstatt, the Keystep and the SQ-1, which I just got on Amazon for $103. I really like it so far. I never read manuals first; I always try to figure out how stuff works on my own, to see how intuitive it is. That's why the Digitakt had to go back to Hell, from whence it came. I don't care how powerful it is. I want to learn Spanish, but I have no intention of learning Klingon (or whatever the Elektron dungeon keepers used to design that UI). Jebus. That thing is a nightmare for users. I don't know how they sleep at night. I imagine the hordes of Elektron fans also enjoy sudoku puzzles and math rock. The Keystep is great, and Arturia is a no-brainer when it comes to MIDI and CV controllers. What I dig about the SQ-1 is the simplicity and the modularness of it. I believe one would have to use a tuner to get specific notes. That does not bother me, personally. If some note sounds off in a sequence, I just adjust it until it sounds good. I don't think you can go wrong. If you are not sure, maybe look at some more YT videos to check it out.

  • @CornPop.
    @CornPop. 4 года назад +3

    Yo dawg I heard ya modulators have modulators!

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  4 года назад +2

      I chuckled at this longer than I'd care to admit haha

  • @vprice509
    @vprice509 4 года назад +2

    OK, OK, OK- I will get an NTS-1. Just stop nagging me. NTS-1 this, NTS-1 that. If NTS-1 jumped off a bridge, would you? Don't answer that question.

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  4 года назад

      Do I have another NTS-1 to replace the one that jumps? It's an important question.

  • @johnchongsing7745
    @johnchongsing7745 4 года назад +2

    NTS-1!

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  4 года назад +1

      More like NTS-Won! Yikes lol

  • @dzaxys4643
    @dzaxys4643 2 года назад +1

    I'll swap you a broken po33 for a model d

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  2 года назад

      Hahaha I think I'll pass :) I've come to terms with the Model D since this video!

  • @geoffk777
    @geoffk777 4 года назад +1

    The MiniMoog is a classic. Therefore, the Model-D, which is a nearly exact clone, is also a classic. If you are ambivalent about it, than you don't understand what it can do.

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  4 года назад

      Oh I definitely know what it's capable of. A lot of the synth community is just upset with Behringer right now, hence the low spot.

    • @geoffk777
      @geoffk777 4 года назад +1

      @@FreeBeat Ok, I've been following this, but I have to confess that I'm not entirely clear on why the community is so upset with them. Yes, they've been very slow coming out with polysynths, and they might need to focus their efforts a little better. But the Model-D, Poly-D, 2600, Mono-Poly and Odyssey are all solid efforts and reasonably priced. The 2600 is considered by many to sound better than the recent Korg version. Nobody else is dong what they're doing, so I'd think that players would be grateful rather than upset.

    • @tonywharton5220
      @tonywharton5220 4 года назад

      I'm also a bit confused about your beef with Behringer. Your decision is a little political to be honest. I'm quite shocked. Most people have a problem regarding Arturia Vs Behringer Keystep but that should not affect your decision. Throw it in the bin if you really feel that bad about it. If it wasn't for Behringer a lot of us wouldn't be able to afford really good quality gear from synths to drum machines and pedals. In my book Behringer have made only one mistake so you have cast them off. Shame on you. Buy the real thing in future.

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  4 года назад +2

      All I meant is that right now, I don't get super inspired when I see the Behringer logo. It makes me think of all the negativity and their poor response to the situation. I still think it's a fantastic piece of gear (the Model D) and I adore how it sounds. Maybe I should have been a bit clearer in the video intro. Most of my criteria for these ranking spots revolved around how the gear inspires me and how often I use it currently. That can and will change. Didn't mean to ruffle any feathers!

    • @tonywharton5220
      @tonywharton5220 4 года назад +1

      @@FreeBeat I forgive you 😜

  • @pepemomax
    @pepemomax 4 года назад +1

    1st 👍

  • @JansKanaal
    @JansKanaal 4 года назад +1

    Agree on the Behringer stuff. The fun is gone, suddenly.

    • @XprawlerX
      @XprawlerX 4 года назад

      what do you mean?

    • @mikeexits
      @mikeexits 4 года назад

      Why?

    • @JansKanaal
      @JansKanaal 4 года назад

      After they shamelessly copied the Arturia Keystep. They were already balancing on a thin line with synths they didn't invent themselves, but this really crossed the line of decent engineering.

    • @XprawlerX
      @XprawlerX 4 года назад

      @@JansKanaal So thin ice after arturia clone, what was it that crossed the line tho? You ain't making too much sense.

    • @JansKanaal
      @JansKanaal 4 года назад

      Just have a look at this, I'd say. ruclips.net/video/p5RSIWbZ6Vc/видео.html

  • @promethiousb1489
    @promethiousb1489 4 года назад +1

    The mono delay sucks,,,sounds awful,,,can use it for effects barely.....

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  4 года назад

      Haha it definitely has a unique sound. as long as you're not making professional recordings with it it's pretty fun to use though!

  • @rare_grooves_shack_1983
    @rare_grooves_shack_1983 Год назад +1

    all talk and no demo

    • @FreeBeat
      @FreeBeat  Год назад

      Nope, this isn't a demonstration video! Thanks for watching :)