I own the Mininova, and the first MicroKORG, (not the XL) and they are both good at different things. I think the Mininova sounds thin and metallic, (a lot like an 80's FM synth) but it has a ton of width and motion, so I think it's better for certain pad type sounds, and the performance controls are very intuitive. The MicroKORG has a lot more body to it, so the low end is much thicker and it sounds warmer than the Mininova.
I am getting the Novation Mininova because of what Teddy Riley said about the vocoder. He is a vocoder collector and he said that the Mini Nova was very unique from other vocoders.
Due to my specific needs (I was looking for a good instrument to be played with headphones, during travels for business reasons) I decided for Microkorg XL +, because it is smaller in dimesnions and powered also on batteries. Then I was surprised for the good quality sounds, the user friendly minikeyboard (better than the one from the competitors) and I found it very good also as a regular sinth for live applications. To my objective, it was incredible to be able to play such a good instrument while sitting on a train, without disturbing the other passengers and using my smartphone as a drum machine connected to the Audio IN, mixed with the microkorg sounds!
That's a really tough call. I like how this vid is an actual comparison. I hate it when people put up "vs" and it's two synths at the same time. Good vid.
I could be wrong, but think the Mininova is favoured by the reviewer (just my humble opinion) people confuse loudness with sounding good and the mini nova is definitely louder at times on this demo but the korg sounds better regardless. Bells and whistles don't account for much as a live performer I want simplicity and functionality. I'd like to hear actual live band performances with the xl before I commit to buying anything but definitely has potential.
I have both of them. And the MicroKorg is easier to get familiar with...The vocoder option is great...and the soul of the sounds are richer with micronkorg. BUT! There are more sounds and options on the Novation...and the Look of this keyboard is just amazing... If you need to choose a solid sound and a very easy plattform... I choose MicroKorg
@@clinuce Significantly too late for this comment to provide any value i suspect but i'd be inclined towards the Mininova for creation of ambient type tracks assuming the choice were only between these two instruments. I also own a Wavestation which is WAY more suited to ambient - super rich, lush, layered waves/pads - perfect for film scores.
There is a mistake in the specification comparison list at the end. He says in "Multi-Timberality:" that the MicroKorg is only 1 part and the Mininova is 2 part (split or layered). When in fact it's just the opposite, the MiniNova is only 1 part and the Korg is 2 parts . I have the Novation Mininova so I know. If you do the research you'll find out that is the case.
I don't know, is it just me? Is it the presets? Is it the engine? I don't have much experience with either, but the original MicroKorg seemed a lot nicer... as in more characteristic, angrier, than MicroKorg XL? Bloody loved the sound of the original. But the Nova is certainly SUPER interesting. Impressive.
Siana Gearz check out Nova vocoder and voice pitch shifting on youtube. it won me over as I was looking for something that did a great vocoder and the pitch shifting is amazing. I was able to make the exact same deep low voice like the voice on Yello - Oh Yeah ...I don't think the korg can do that. But the Korg has a nice fake piano sound that shows up in house music all the time. It's that Korg M1 piano sound I believe that is inside the MicroKorg XL
I ended up buying the Roland jd/xi and it has a great vocoder. You can also plug your guitar into it or use your voice. It does all kinds of crazy stuff. It's a little more expensive than the Novation or the MicroKorg but for what you get it's probably worth it depending on what you're looking for.
So I was listening to this video and reading the comments, and literally EVERYTIME I thought: "This sounds awesome" and I scrolled up...it was the Korg. Guess for X-Mas I am getting a XL + :-)
The reviewer applied delay and reverb effects to the korg and not much on the novation for equivalent patches. I believe this is why the korg sounds better on this comparison
Michael Kupfer LOL!!! I think its because we grew up on korg music. That s**t cut deep. I get goose bumps listening to the XL, whew!! Yet 256 sounds from novation is some great new school upgrade.
Just so you know the XL+ can load the MS2000 , Microkorg XL and XL+ presets via the Editor or Make your own or tweak the current or downloaded ones to your own liking
We are thinking of doing a video recording how we record our videos and sound. We basically use Focusrite audio interfaces for recording straight into Ableton Live. Our main unit of choice is the Pro 24 DSP but it all depends on how many inputs we require at the time. Video is then synchronised to the audio using iMovie. If ever you need a good recording interface the Focusrite offers pro quality at the right price.
ok ppl really need to stop yelling at each other about which of these is the “superior” synth. they each have their own strengths and weaknesses & i think it’s entirely a matter of personal preference. for me, the mininova is my synth of choice, but the microkorg does have a lot to offer in and of itself & i would love to someday own both. it’s ok to disagree about this - that’s how opinions work. but there’s no need to be so mean about it.
seems to me the xl has a more organic sound, a lot smoother......the novation seems a little more 80s synth sounding. both are nice, but I lean towards the xl
Mininova is monotimbral. Microkorg can play two sounds. That's a HUGE difference! (Given that sound quality is of the same range). If you already have a set-up, you might indeed hesitate between the two, as the Mininova has some interesting features that the Korg hasn't. But if it's your first and only syth yet and you don't have any money to invest soon, if you only have like one machine so far, (a sequencer of sorts) go for the Korg without hesitation, it's a no-brainer. Seriously, trust me.
I have a Korg Radias ( same soundengine as r3 and xl, but more polyphony ) and a Novation Ultranova ( same engine as mininova ). They are quite different, and I would not try to compare them. Both soundengines are good. It all comes down to which one you prefer making patches on. I think the one with the best workflow for you would be your best choice. You can get a lot better sound from both of them than in this video. Theese sound are to different for a x vs y comparision. This boils down to a contest between Korg and Novations soundbank makers ...
Best MiniNova Video on RUclips! Looked for some inspiration and motivation to buy it, next to all music store reviews ,which where actually totally boring, this is the most interesting one.
The micro is clearly excels in all the analog/classic type of synth sounds - far more musical & digestible, but the nova is absolutely amazing @ recreating those electro-mechanic (hammond, rhodes etc.) sounds via wavetables!
I think both synths are good for what they are. If I was to choose one it would be the nova I think the sound of the korg is perhaps a little clearer and more defined and realistic but none of the sounds come across as particularly original or of this decade 2013. even after a lota tweaking it still sounds a bit 80's 90's albeit a great sounding 80's 90's got vst's that can do all that much better . However what I look for in hardware synths is there ability to inspire me to create new sounds and textures live in real time EVERYTHING about tweaking the nova is more immediate and fun though we all have our own perspectives on this so it won't be to every ones taste! After spending 4 hours at turnkey putting them through their paces and annoying the hell out of the staff I choose the nova, (Very nearly walked out with the mini brute though I still want one of those!) There is just somin about the nova that works for me I have an old wasp synth and that is one of my all time fav synths I kinda feel the nova has the potential to be a modern classic it does not try to be any thing other then what it is. Not sure I felt that at all about the korg though it is still a good sounding synth I just couldn't see me wanting to use it live Bottom line for me is that I just have a lot more fun using the nova if I owned both the korg would sit there unplayed.
I'm going for the Korg, as I want full portability. I need to throw outdoor concerts. I also like the pianos on the Microkorg XL. I think the brass/string patches are more up to date on it as well. just my opinion.
this is probably too late to say this but you can actually power the mininova via usb which makes it super portable. you can power it with a power bank, car cigerette lighter, computer usb etc...
Unfortunately by default the MiniNova and UltraNova have all the parts of the sound engine that make it sound more analog turned off, and the presets reflect that. If you dig into the sound engine a bit you can get it to sound warm and pleasing. I have a video about it here: ruclips.net/video/V6SoFa7aSqM/видео.html
imho, the JDXi is a nice option for a beginner with a low budget. It has everything you need to start making music and to understand synthesis and groovemaking: drum machine, polysynth, analog monosynth, both with arpeggios and sequences, and of course, a vocoder. It's a lightweight you can take everywhere and do almost everything you want with. To some people, it's a "keeper". (see Woody Piano Shack's video about it.) When you look at it, it's 4 instruments for not even the price of 2 into one case. If I had nothing left, the JDXi would be the 1st thing I'd buy. I watched videos that made me think it sounds a bit dull but maybe that was just low quality sound compression. The drum section at least is punchy. People also complain about the plastic build. I'm not sure the JDXi's vocoder is very good compared to the Mininova's or older Roland voice processors. If you already have a drum machine, you may rather add a synth like these two above, they're more versatile as synths, or an analog synth.
Normally RUclips isn't a great place to make sound quality judgments but comparing these two in the same video is quite helpful. I like both these keyboards but the Korg definitely seems to have an edge sound-wise.
I really enjoy this video you made, it helped with deciding what synth to choose as I was so undecided, i went with the Novation MiniNova, but I still want to purchase the Korg lol... 👍👌
The Novation has some neat sounds, but overall,....I think I like the Korg's sound better. They're affordable enough to just get both, but if I had to pick, I'd go w/the Korg.
I'm not specialist but i feel like MicroKorg XL seems to sounds much more better no ? Good attack, more clear and more warm ... ( like we can allways feel the sound goes out from the matter - wood, crystal, etc )
Guys ... seriously...get the Novation Mininova .... it sounds so much more bigger & is more versatile compared to the Microkorg xl+ .... i was rather disappointed with the microkorg xl+ ... it was just too limited for me .... i got the Mininova instead & i immediately realised it was the better choice for me ... the sounds & possibilities on the Mininova are simply amazing .... for techno ... drum & bass etc .... the Mininova just sounds way better & the fx, controls & filters are just solid... 🤘🏾🤘🏾 ...
+Connor_Small14 Both of these are 100% digital synths, not a single analog component in them. What gives an analogue synth it's characteristic sound is mostly the filter, but both of these digital synths have 12 and 24 dB LP, HP, BP filters and more. You can just as easily make a patch that sounds "warm" or "digital" on either one. What The Mystic Trance really saying is that they like the presets on the MicroKorg more, which is fine, but they're really missing out on the potential of either of these instruments.
To be fair, I now own a MiniNova and like it much more than before. When I listened to the video I didn't like its sound too much, but that was because of the factory presets. A lot of them sound too digital and plastic for me, but I've loaded other soundbanks on it which sound much better to me, less digital, more analog. Still, I find the MicroKorg a bit warmer, but the MiniNova can sound warm too.
A perfect keyboard demo by the perfect keyboard demo player. Can you please post hours of your badass keyboard demo playing? The internet thanks you. Gotta check your guitar playing videos I guess now..
Setting aside whichever you guys think is the better synth, can we just appreciate this dude was playing some cracking riffs in this video lol. Top notch tunes.
The Mininova sounds are standard with a lot of reverb ( Roland issue on a lot of keyboards ). If you putt the effects off (verb and chorus) ,then you hear the real filter and then compare. I have both boards in the studio and I use the Korg most (layers in pads and dynamics).I like the vocoder of the Mini more
One thing i have noticed with the comparison, and bear in mind i dont muck about with synths that much, but the mini ova has more sharpness in its sounds where as the Korg blends them together better. Thing is with your examples it shows that depending on what you want one synth may not cut it which puts it in perspective for people :)
Tough decision but as I wanted a Midi controller and having a Novation bass synth I opted for the Mininova and I am not disappointed, go to say the Korg has a Casioesque looking keyboard. Great video, thanks.
The mininova seems like it's right up my alley. It's only about $100 dollars more on Amazon, but what I have seen from this, I'd say it would be worth it.
I just ordered a like new MiniNova cause of how fun it looks to play !! besides,it has its own unique sound compared to Korg products in general which I love Korg already have over a half a dozen Korgs !! But cant wait to get my MiniNova in this Friday it looks like its gonna be a blast to play and much more powerful than what most people are saying here. there are a lot of great videos with much better representations of the novation Mininova on RUclips.....its what made me decide on it instead of another Korg ;-)
Oops, Shabbee you are right, we have mixed up the spec at the end - the multi-timbrality of the MiniNova is 1 part and not the Korg which has split and layer. Thanks for pointing that out!
I would go with the mininova because I already have a Korg m50... so the mininova would just add more flava for while PLAYIN live in churches and concerts
Microkorg sounds thinner and a bit more digital. Sounds more like a software synth. Mininova has a nice warm, vintage, analogue sound. Better to have an initial warm fatter sound and then EQ in your DAW to make it sound brighter if you want to make it sound similar to the Microkorg.
I want to go busking with it on the street using an AMP & a RC 505. I will need another battery pack anyway for the looper so I don't mind that the mini nova requires mains power which is no problem anymore these days. I like that there are so many free downloadable patches for the mini nova from the 70&80 I think, LOVE IT! Maybe I should try to rent them play around with it but I think the mini nova is just more versatile. Great review !
Had MicroKorg for a year or so and really enjoy it's analogue-type sound and recently purchased but awaiting delivery of Mininova. The two can't easily be directly compared since both offer high functionality/versatility at a reasonably affordable price - it's apples vs oranges. MK providing rich, deep synthasis and MN hardout bass with lush FM pads. If i had to choose one over the other i'd edge towards the Mininova simply because it offers more immediate hands-on control over selected pad plus the arp just looks a whole lot more fun.
We were not sure weather to do the vocoder or not but we decided against as there are lots of vocoder demos and we wanted to concentrate on the sounds.
I've owned an Ultranova and sold it, now I have an original Microkorg and I will keep it for life. The reason is: Ultranova sounds worst than several VST, Microkorg sounds really great, Ultranova is a pain in the ass to program because it has so many possibilities and you get lost (Mininova is way worst than ultranova). Microkorg is simple effective, less controls but very effective. Microkorg lacks of some things (control lfo amount on mod wheel for example), but the sound is delicious...
@@intrascendente Because you don't really listen your Microkorg or ultranova you have at your own house. Buy a pair of good monitors a check for yourself, the sound of your ultranova is cold as ice. Diva vst plugin has much warmer sound than ultranova. Microkorg has a limited synth engine, but kills your ultranova sound with a pair of tweaks. Silly is not seeing the obvious. But, I'm not gonna argue about it, if you love ultranova, is up to you. I have nothing to do with it.
@@1983naam As I said before in some other comment: this comparison is quite unfair, since this demo is showing us only presets and not full capabilities. I assure you that Mininova can emulate every single preset of the Microkorg with no hesitate, it's a matter of menu-diving. I've owned an Ultranova, a Mininova and a Microkorg (not XL), and I can certainly tell you: the Nova series is way superior. If your argument is that UN or MN sound is cold, well, let me inform you: they're both digital, they're supposed to sound cold as hell (sic). If you want a "richer" and "warmer" synth, go for a Deepmind 6 (true analog, polyphonic and at the same price tag of the Microkorg XL+). Geez! I can't wait to read your thoughts on pieces of gear such like the Hydrasynth (one of my fav digital synths: cold and metallic sound… very, very metallic).
@@intrascendente my friend, sorry, but I don't care about hidrasynth. I'm a guitar guy, I care about Seymour Duncan, Mesa Boogie, Fender, PRS. I have a Microkorg, ms-20, and a nord lead 2. And sold my Waldorf Blofeld, Ultranova and Minibrute. Sold blofeld because I hate menu diving. Sold ultranova because I didn't like the sound (blofeld sounds better), and I didn't like it is not multitimbral, lots of choices but not multitimbral. At least Microkorg can have 2 Layers. And sold Minibrute because it has only one oscillator and one sub oscillator (not very versatile). I'm not a synth geek, I like guitars. But I know that I prefer Microkorg over ultranova sound. And it's lot easier to program a sound with ultranova than it is with mininova. Mininova is a pain in the ass, without the vst editor. I know why people like mininova more. It's fresh new, lots of possibilities. But sometimes, less is more.
I HAVE A MININOVA, A MICRO KORG, AND A YAMAHA MX 49 , THEY ARE ALL GREAT IN THERE OWN WAY, ITS LIKE CHILDREN THEY ALL HAVE THERE OWN PERSONALITY'S, AND STYLE, I LOVE THEM ALL...
I like the Mininova. The Korg's sound isn't as loud and futuristic, and I believe that the Mini ova has the better bass. It also has better options as well. I tend to believe that louder bass is better than clean, thumping bass, and I also like loud, catchy sounds too. This is just my opinion though depending on the demo.
you have the Multi-timbrality wrong for MK-XL+, it has 2 parts (layer or split). A bit more detail about the effects would be valid as the XL has lots more types. Any chance of seeing both editors running too?
good demo, like hearing practical examples rather than fast twiddly note runs, much easier to hear how each will be in use, think the Korg for me has the edge for analogue type sounds, both good though
hey there!! thanks for the great video. i'm really curious about the name of the sort of function you present at 2:23 which is using the step arpeggiator. what fascinates me about it is the capacity to choose chord v. up/down or other more common arpeggiator modes. does the mininova also have this function? i'm VERY called to this, and this would honestly be a major reason for what might call me to getting something like the XL+ over a simple microKORG if these are major differences as well between those two. thanks again, very instructive and helpful video!
nice work putting this together. the micro sounds better to my ears, but is a bit of a pain to get into the nuts and bolts of. it does have a dedicated usb patch editor, so you can build and tweak everything on your computer, which really lets you get everything out of the unit. they have the same sound engine as the radias synths, so they're bright and clean but heavy and will cut through a mix. you can also get some great gritty sounds. the mininova has accessibility on it's side, but it just doesn't sound as robust (again, to my ears). i think if you're just getting started with synths and aren't as concerned with the potential depth of the unit and editability, the mininova might be the better buy. at the same time, you could go with the microxl+ and learn as you go.
the korg has a better factory library, but the mininova has more functionality. this is such a hard decision cause they both seem really good ._. which one do you prefer?
I don't know what MicroKorg XL+ you guys have, but mine is multi-timbral, it even has a 'Timbre Select' switch on it's face.... Did you miss that part?
to hold the honor up for novation, and not blame anyone of this both very good synths, the novation presets, that it comes with are not good (you can download better, if you want), i have it and tweaked better sounds since the first day i got it... but i have to admit, the korg presets are very pretty! ..but when you compare both synths technically you will find out that they are very much the same, even when you compare the additional waveforms like pianos and organ waveshapes (but the piano waveshap, which is a pcm wave in the korg, i would give the korg a slight advantage) the novation has one oscilator more (3), and one lfo more (3), 5 effects, instead of only 2 like the korg, a bigger matrix, and a better vocoder, because cleaner, than the micro korg. the editors of both are pretty much even and provide both very much flexibility in creating a sound, quiet similar filter routing and lfo and matrix possibilities! both synths even have the same price..., you can't even say ONE is better than the OTHER...., it doesn't depend on the style of music, it depends on yourself.... if i wouldn't had have one, i would drive to the music store and put my hands on both!!! (the novation i think is better for synth tweakers, the korg better for piano guys - just my opinion..., but both are really good especially for that price)
I own both. They have same or similar sound capabilities and architecture. Both companies should create an outstanding synthesis only controller including the effects portions similar to the Roland SH-01 which I also own.
I try some mini Va today... I think mininova is the best and more flexible about filter type. The matrix control is very intuitive, like to have all knobs on the front panel. MicroXL+ have some acustic sample and acustic (...) piano sample, and this is a very good plus, if you need it. JD-Xi is not a real synth, is a cross between a minisynth and beatbox, and lack some of those 2 world. But sound great also and for live performance is very top. Aira system-1 have the most powerful sound of all minisynth (you can hear the difference from 24bit/96khz internal processing), but i don't like filter routing. only lpf+hpf. My choice? Nothing for now... XD
Interesting comparison - thank you. I'm leaning towards the Mininova. Can it be used as a midi controller for a DAW, via USB? Which of these two synths has the better keybed, or are they about the same?
I have the Korg MicroKorg XL+ Honestly, I think that the Korg isn't too good for dubstep if that's your style, but anything else it's pretty good at, it has a range of sound altering tunes / edits in the full edit section, it can go up to 4 voices which gives the sound a really dynamic taste to it, you can also change stuff such as if you want to the sound to slide from key to key with portmanteau and change the sound effects with everything from ring mod to grainsoft and distortion and more, the only down side (That I have found so far, there is so much to explore.) is that the more voices you have (from 1-4) The less keys you can play, for example, with no voice you can play 5 keys as long as you have poly keys selected, but when you select voice 4 you can only play two keys, which is kind of annoying, but easy to live with.
The Korg sounds here seem particularly uninspired. While I prefer the Novation for other reasons anyway, I wonder if this is really doing the Korg justice....
Syncopator in my estimation, not at all. these are based off of the stock sounds, which are meh. here's a track that i did, all synth sounds were made on a microxl+ soundcloud.com/apostrophical/cncncnn-1
So what I learned from the comments section: - Microkorg XL+ sounds a bit better/warmer, while the MiniNova sounds colder, more like plastic (though I think it's really the highs-that you can adjust- and the cold sounding reverb) - MiniNova is built way more sturdy, Microkorg is plastic piece of crap - MiniNova is more for live tweaking, changing things on the fly, Microkorg is better for studio - Both have NO Tempo Tap, but both can be used as MIDI-Keys for other VSTis. Still not sure what to choose :-( For X-Mas I am ordering these two and the Venom and doing a private comparison!
Personally, judging from the feature set of both, I'd go with the Mininova. But that's just me. I like the crazy sounds you can get out of the Mininova. Plenty of programming options. Not exactly designed to sound analogue. It leans more towards digital sounds, which I personally like. There is so much to explore in the world of digital. ;) But you can't go wrong with Microkorg XL+ either. :)
Just got the Mininova. Both are great machines, but I feel the Mininova is a little more flexible and the tones are super lush. I don't really play modern electronica. I like a bit of the old mid to late 80's industrial material....especially Skinny Puppy.
Yeah, the Mininova can handle some old Puppy and Ministry...but of course you'll have to dig down deep into the patch editor in order to get the right tones. Plus I run the synth through some external effects. For the money, you really can't go wrong.
If you would like to hear the mini in action, here is a soundcloud link to one of my tracks: soundcloud.com/adam-bash/white-phosphorous-remix-final And before anyone says anything, I am not posting this to try to get widespread attention to my music. I don't do it for a living, nor do ever intend to. This is just what I hope to be a helpful example of what the thing can do. It's not ALL mini nova as there was a few post production additive pads, but 80% is nova.
Which has the better feel, as a keyboard? I.e. which keys are more comfortable to play on? I have the Korg MicroKontrol MIDI controller keyboard, which has the same keys as the original MicroKorg. It's not very good, IMHO. Every thing else about the controller is great (easily assignable knobs and sliders), but the keybed is not nice to play on. It's not about the size of the keys - which I like - it's the way it's built. It makes the black keys harder to play than the white keys.
Perhaps the Korg XL's feature that would stand out in this comparison would be the fact of it being multitimbral (2 parts) and that's exactly what was just mentioned in the end and mistakenly as a Mininova's feature. We all know now that XL only has 3 knobs for editing and 128 memories, but don't take the 2 part multitimbrality away, because this means we can have 2 independent sounds morphing or being sequenced independently, equals to two synths in one!
The reality is you will pick the one you like best (Korg is mine) but at some point (a year later for me) the other will be “necessary” too. 😁 I thought the mininova was too cold and shrill but searching patches and my style of music for the MN I’ve changed my mind.😂
I own the Mininova, and the first MicroKORG, (not the XL) and they are both good at different things. I think the Mininova sounds thin and metallic, (a lot like an 80's FM synth) but it has a ton of width and motion, so I think it's better for certain pad type sounds, and the performance controls are very intuitive. The MicroKORG has a lot more body to it, so the low end is much thicker and it sounds warmer than the Mininova.
I am getting the Novation Mininova because of what Teddy Riley said about the vocoder. He is a vocoder collector and he said that the Mini Nova was very unique from other vocoders.
and what about the microkorg s?
Due to my specific needs (I was looking for a good instrument to be played with headphones, during travels for business reasons) I decided for Microkorg XL +, because it is smaller in dimesnions and powered also on batteries.
Then I was surprised for the good quality sounds, the user friendly minikeyboard (better than the one from the competitors) and I found it very good also as a regular sinth for live applications. To my objective, it was incredible to be able to play such a good instrument while sitting on a train, without disturbing the other passengers and using my smartphone as a drum machine connected to the Audio IN, mixed with the microkorg sounds!
That's a really tough call. I like how this vid is an actual comparison. I hate it when people put up "vs" and it's two synths at the same time. Good vid.
I could be wrong, but think the Mininova is favoured by the reviewer (just my humble opinion) people confuse loudness with sounding good and the mini nova is definitely louder at times on this demo but the korg sounds better regardless. Bells and whistles don't account for much as a live performer I want simplicity and functionality. I'd like to hear actual live band performances with the xl before I commit to buying anything but definitely has potential.
I have both of them. And the MicroKorg is easier to get familiar with...The vocoder option is great...and the soul of the sounds are richer with micronkorg.
BUT! There are more sounds and options on the Novation...and the Look of this keyboard is just amazing...
If you need to choose a solid sound and a very easy plattform...
I choose MicroKorg
which one would you recommend for ambient music?
do you think the microkorg S is a little better..for great 80 sounds..and general
@@clinuce Significantly too late for this comment to provide any value i suspect but i'd be inclined towards the Mininova for creation of ambient type tracks assuming the choice were only between these two instruments. I also own a Wavestation which is WAY more suited to ambient - super rich, lush, layered waves/pads - perfect for film scores.
@@marting6037 Perfect for film scores? Dude the wave station writes film scores just for looking at it.
There is a mistake in the specification comparison list at the end. He says in "Multi-Timberality:" that the MicroKorg is only 1 part and the Mininova is 2 part (split or layered). When in fact it's just the opposite, the MiniNova is only 1 part and the Korg is 2 parts . I have the Novation Mininova so I know. If you do the research you'll find out that is the case.
Yes this was brought up when the video was first done but don't have the master file and therefore could not change it. Sorry for that!
And would you change? Are you satisfied with mininova? I am choosing right between these two...
Ondřej Skalický close your eyes and listen....
The microkorgs have always had this verry 80's never ending story-ish vibe which I absolutely love!
Screw it, I'm getting both.
+Hector Gonzalez Right? Damn this synthesizer addiction. I'd be better off with a drug habit. XD
+Paul TheSkeptic hahaha dude me too. this is getting out of hand
I don't know, is it just me? Is it the presets? Is it the engine? I don't have much experience with either, but the original MicroKorg seemed a lot nicer... as in more characteristic, angrier, than MicroKorg XL? Bloody loved the sound of the original.
But the Nova is certainly SUPER interesting. Impressive.
Siana Gearz check out Nova vocoder and voice pitch shifting on youtube. it won me over as I was looking for something that did a great vocoder and the pitch shifting is amazing. I was able to make the exact same deep low voice like the voice on Yello - Oh Yeah ...I don't think the korg can do that. But the Korg has a nice fake piano sound that shows up in house music all the time. It's that Korg M1 piano sound I believe that is inside the MicroKorg XL
I ended up buying the Roland jd/xi and it has a great vocoder. You can also plug your guitar into it or use your voice. It does all kinds of crazy stuff. It's a little more expensive than the Novation or the MicroKorg but for what you get it's probably worth it depending on what you're looking for.
So I was listening to this video and reading the comments, and literally EVERYTIME I thought: "This sounds awesome" and I scrolled up...it was the Korg.
Guess for X-Mas I am getting a XL + :-)
Agreed. This Korg sounds nice, and more impressive than the Novation, imo. Although, they are both cool.
The reviewer applied delay and reverb effects to the korg and not much on the novation for equivalent patches. I believe this is why the korg sounds better on this comparison
Michael Kupfer LOL!!! I think its because we grew up on korg music. That s**t cut deep. I get goose bumps listening to the XL, whew!! Yet 256 sounds from novation is some great new school upgrade.
Just so you know the XL+ can load the MS2000 , Microkorg XL and XL+ presets via the Editor or Make your own or tweak the current or downloaded ones to your own liking
We are thinking of doing a video recording how we record our videos and sound. We basically use Focusrite audio interfaces for recording straight into Ableton Live. Our main unit of choice is the Pro 24 DSP but it all depends on how many inputs we require at the time. Video is then synchronised to the audio using iMovie. If ever you need a good recording interface the Focusrite offers pro quality at the right price.
THE MACKIE ONYX 2x2 WITH MIDI OFFERS MUCH BETTER PRO RECORDING QUALITY SOUNDS FOR ABOUT THE SAME PRICE! : )
ok ppl really need to stop yelling at each other about which of these is the “superior” synth. they each have their own strengths and weaknesses & i think it’s entirely a matter of personal preference. for me, the mininova is my synth of choice, but the microkorg does have a lot to offer in and of itself & i would love to someday own both. it’s ok to disagree about this - that’s how opinions work. but there’s no need to be so mean about it.
seems to me the xl has a more organic sound, a lot smoother......the novation seems a little more 80s synth sounding.
both are nice, but I lean towards the xl
Mininova is monotimbral. Microkorg can play two sounds. That's a HUGE difference! (Given that sound quality is of the same range). If you already have a set-up, you might indeed hesitate between the two, as the Mininova has some interesting features that the Korg hasn't. But if it's your first and only syth yet and you don't have any money to invest soon, if you only have like one machine so far, (a sequencer of sorts) go for the Korg without hesitation, it's a no-brainer. Seriously, trust me.
Is it easier?
I have a Korg Radias ( same soundengine as r3 and xl, but more polyphony ) and a Novation Ultranova ( same engine as mininova ).
They are quite different, and I would not try to compare them. Both soundengines are good.
It all comes down to which one you prefer making patches on. I think the one with the best workflow for you would be your best choice. You can get a lot better sound from both of them than in this video. Theese sound are to different for a x vs y comparision. This boils down to a contest between Korg and Novations soundbank makers ...
I just got my mini nova last week. LOVE IT!
Best MiniNova Video on RUclips!
Looked for some inspiration and motivation to buy it, next to all music store reviews ,which where actually totally boring, this is the most interesting one.
The micro is clearly excels in all the analog/classic type of synth sounds - far more musical & digestible, but the nova is absolutely amazing @ recreating those electro-mechanic (hammond, rhodes etc.) sounds via wavetables!
I think both synths are good for what they are.
If I was to choose one it would be the nova
I think the sound of the korg is perhaps a little clearer and more defined and realistic but none of the sounds come across as particularly original or of this decade 2013. even after a lota tweaking it still sounds a bit 80's 90's albeit a great sounding 80's 90's got vst's that can do all that much better .
However what I look for in hardware synths is there ability to inspire me to create new sounds and textures live in real time EVERYTHING about tweaking the nova is more immediate and fun though we all have our own perspectives on this so it won't be to every ones taste!
After spending 4 hours at turnkey putting them through their paces and annoying the hell out of the staff I choose the nova, (Very nearly walked out with the mini brute though I still want one of those!)
There is just somin about the nova that works for me I have an old wasp synth and that is one of my all time fav synths I kinda feel the nova has the potential to be a modern classic it does not try to be any thing other then what it is.
Not sure I felt that at all about the korg though it is still a good sounding synth I just couldn't see me wanting to use it live
Bottom line for me is that I just have a lot more fun using the nova if I owned both the korg would sit there unplayed.
Phenomenal simplistic comparison sans voiceover. Thanks!
I'm going for the Korg, as I want full portability. I need to throw outdoor concerts. I also like the pianos on the Microkorg XL. I think the brass/string patches are more up to date on it as well. just my opinion.
this is probably too late to say this but you can actually power the mininova via usb which makes it super portable. you can power it with a power bank, car cigerette lighter, computer usb etc...
I have a Mininova, and it can sound so much better than what this video shows.
Definitely. I don't get why its just a comparison of presets.
Can you share some of your fav mininova settings? I want to trade sounds. You can hear on my crystal jungles YT/FB.
Exactly it's an awesome synth incredible power!!
Unfortunately by default the MiniNova and UltraNova have all the parts of the sound engine that make it sound more analog turned off, and the presets reflect that. If you dig into the sound engine a bit you can get it to sound warm and pleasing. I have a video about it here: ruclips.net/video/V6SoFa7aSqM/видео.html
Wow. You guys should make one about the new Roland jdxi vs the mini nova
Jesus Valdes theres no comparation between jdxi and mininova
Valdemar Reynoso there is no comparation between microkorg and mininova neither!
imho, the JDXi is a nice option for a beginner with a low budget. It has everything you need to start making music and to understand synthesis and groovemaking: drum machine, polysynth, analog monosynth, both with arpeggios and sequences, and of course, a vocoder. It's a lightweight you can take everywhere and do almost everything you want with. To some people, it's a "keeper". (see Woody Piano Shack's video about it.)
When you look at it, it's 4 instruments for not even the price of 2 into one case. If I had nothing left, the JDXi would be the 1st thing I'd buy.
I watched videos that made me think it sounds a bit dull but maybe that was just low quality sound compression. The drum section at least is punchy. People also complain about the plastic build. I'm not sure the JDXi's vocoder is very good compared to the Mininova's or older Roland voice processors.
If you already have a drum machine, you may rather add a synth like these two above, they're more versatile as synths, or an analog synth.
Pierre Ripplinger jd xi is not great only for beginners but for everyone
Just ran through this review to play the snippets :) Great fun. Wanted to like the Mininova but the sounds on the Microkorg seem so much richer
Microkorg does sound richer but I already have plenty of synths for that Im after the dirt which really cuts through in a track.
Normally RUclips isn't a great place to make sound quality judgments but comparing these two in the same video is quite helpful. I like both these keyboards but the Korg definitely seems to have an edge sound-wise.
I really enjoy this video you made, it helped with deciding what synth to choose as I was so undecided, i went with the Novation MiniNova, but I still want to purchase the Korg lol... 👍👌
Nice to hear some old classic tunes!
@Virgil Simmerman What's the difference with Flixzone and other streaming services, ssay for example Netflix?
The Korg sounds great! But for a real time artist it looks like the Mininova. More control right at your fingers
The Novation has some neat sounds, but overall,....I think I like the Korg's sound better. They're affordable enough to just get both, but if I had to pick, I'd go w/the Korg.
I'm not specialist but i feel like MicroKorg XL seems to sounds much more better no ? Good attack, more clear and more warm ... ( like we can allways feel the sound goes out from the matter - wood, crystal, etc )
+amawalpe Micokorg does have a much warmer sound which i prefer but I have both synths and the mininova has a few features that the mico korg does not
Guys ... seriously...get the Novation Mininova .... it sounds so much more bigger & is more versatile compared to the Microkorg xl+ .... i was rather disappointed with the microkorg xl+ ... it was just too limited for me .... i got the Mininova instead & i immediately realised it was the better choice for me ... the sounds & possibilities on the Mininova are simply amazing .... for techno ... drum & bass etc .... the Mininova just sounds way better & the fx, controls & filters are just solid... 🤘🏾🤘🏾 ...
Totally agree, if you want big ambient sounds mininova hands down
i feel like the MIcrokorg sounded a little bit richer? mainly in the low end area. but I'm def buying a Mininova!
Most exciting = mininova even if I love korg
The MicroKorg sounds more analog, the Mininova has more overtones. Personally, I prefer the warmer sound of the MicroKorg.
+The Mystic Trance the mininova is straight up digital, that would be why.
+Connor_Small14 Both of these are 100% digital synths, not a single analog component in them. What gives an analogue synth it's characteristic sound is mostly the filter, but both of these digital synths have 12 and 24 dB LP, HP, BP filters and more. You can just as easily make a patch that sounds "warm" or "digital" on either one. What The Mystic Trance really saying is that they like the presets on the MicroKorg more, which is fine, but they're really missing out on the potential of either of these instruments.
korg doesn't feel as cheap in your hands
reason2910 Looks a bit too plastic, that's right
To be fair, I now own a MiniNova and like it much more than before. When I listened to the video I didn't like its sound too much, but that was because of the factory presets. A lot of them sound too digital and plastic for me, but I've loaded other soundbanks on it which sound much better to me, less digital, more analog. Still, I find the MicroKorg a bit warmer, but the MiniNova can sound warm too.
A perfect keyboard demo by the perfect keyboard demo player. Can you please post hours of your badass keyboard demo playing? The internet thanks you. Gotta check your guitar playing videos I guess now..
Setting aside whichever you guys think is the better synth, can we just appreciate this dude was playing some cracking riffs in this video lol. Top notch tunes.
The Mininova sounds are standard with a lot of reverb ( Roland issue on a lot of keyboards ). If you putt the effects off (verb and chorus) ,then you hear the real filter and then compare. I have both boards in the studio and I use the Korg most (layers in pads and dynamics).I like the vocoder of the Mini more
Very helpful comment, thank you!
Thank you very much for this comparison. This is very tough, can't decide which one to buy, because they both sound great.
One thing i have noticed with the comparison, and bear in mind i dont muck about with synths that much, but the mini ova has more sharpness in its sounds where as the Korg blends them together better. Thing is with your examples it shows that depending on what you want one synth may not cut it which puts it in perspective for people :)
I like the raw sound of the korg. The mininova sounds awesome aswell
Tough decision but as I wanted a Midi controller and having a Novation bass synth I opted for the Mininova and I am not disappointed, go to say the Korg has a Casioesque looking keyboard. Great video, thanks.
like for Running up that hill theme👍
like for tiny penis
The mininova seems like it's right up my alley. It's only about $100 dollars more on Amazon, but what I have seen from this, I'd say it would be worth it.
what a demo, thanks & nice job on the classic house lines!
I just ordered a like new MiniNova cause of how fun it looks to play !! besides,it has its own unique sound compared to Korg products in general which I love Korg already have over a half a dozen Korgs !! But cant wait to get my MiniNova in this Friday it looks like its gonna be a blast to play and much more powerful than what most people are saying here. there are a lot of great videos with much better representations of the novation Mininova on RUclips.....its what made me decide on it instead of another Korg ;-)
MiniNova sounds more pure and more like an analog synth. I prefer Novation 💪🏼
the mininova sounds fucking dope
Good song choice man! Running up that hill
Oops, Shabbee you are right, we have mixed up the spec at the end - the multi-timbrality of the MiniNova is 1 part and not the Korg which has split and layer. Thanks for pointing that out!
I would go with the mininova because I already have a Korg m50... so the mininova would just add more flava for while PLAYIN live in churches and concerts
I was hoping to hear the vocoders! Tasty video tho :)
Best video! Wnated to buy mininova, but after watching this I understood that Korg sounds better.
Microkorg sounds thinner and a bit more digital. Sounds more like a software synth. Mininova has a nice warm, vintage, analogue sound. Better to have an initial warm fatter sound and then EQ in your DAW to make it sound brighter if you want to make it sound similar to the Microkorg.
I have played both, and I think it's the complete opposite, Microkorg sounds warn and Mininova sounds thin like a software synth.
I want to go busking with it on the street using an AMP & a RC 505. I will need another battery pack anyway for the looper so I don't mind that the mini nova requires mains power which is no problem anymore these days. I like that there are so many free downloadable patches for the mini nova from the 70&80 I think, LOVE IT! Maybe I should try to rent them play around with it but I think the mini nova is just more versatile. Great review !
Had MicroKorg for a year or so and really enjoy it's analogue-type sound and recently purchased but awaiting delivery of Mininova. The two can't easily be directly compared since both offer high functionality/versatility at a reasonably affordable price - it's apples vs oranges. MK providing rich, deep synthasis and MN hardout bass with lush FM pads. If i had to choose one over the other i'd edge towards the Mininova simply because it offers more immediate hands-on control over selected pad plus the arp just looks a whole lot more fun.
We were not sure weather to do the vocoder or not but we decided against as there are lots of vocoder demos and we wanted to concentrate on the sounds.
I've owned an Ultranova and sold it, now I have an original Microkorg and I will keep it for life. The reason is: Ultranova sounds worst than several VST, Microkorg sounds really great, Ultranova is a pain in the ass to program because it has so many possibilities and you get lost (Mininova is way worst than ultranova). Microkorg is simple effective, less controls but very effective. Microkorg lacks of some things (control lfo amount on mod wheel for example), but the sound is delicious...
lol, this is probably the silliest comment on yt
@@intrascendente Because you don't really listen your Microkorg or ultranova you have at your own house.
Buy a pair of good monitors a check for yourself, the sound of your ultranova is cold as ice. Diva vst plugin has much warmer sound than ultranova.
Microkorg has a limited synth engine, but kills your ultranova sound with a pair of tweaks.
Silly is not seeing the obvious.
But, I'm not gonna argue about it, if you love ultranova, is up to you. I have nothing to do with it.
@@1983naam As I said before in some other comment: this comparison is quite unfair, since this demo is showing us only presets and not full capabilities. I assure you that Mininova can emulate every single preset of the Microkorg with no hesitate, it's a matter of menu-diving. I've owned an Ultranova, a Mininova and a Microkorg (not XL), and I can certainly tell you: the Nova series is way superior. If your argument is that UN or MN sound is cold, well, let me inform you: they're both digital, they're supposed to sound cold as hell (sic). If you want a "richer" and "warmer" synth, go for a Deepmind 6 (true analog, polyphonic and at the same price tag of the Microkorg XL+). Geez! I can't wait to read your thoughts on pieces of gear such like the Hydrasynth (one of my fav digital synths: cold and metallic sound… very, very metallic).
@@intrascendente my friend, sorry, but I don't care about hidrasynth.
I'm a guitar guy, I care about Seymour Duncan, Mesa Boogie, Fender, PRS.
I have a Microkorg, ms-20, and a nord lead 2.
And sold my Waldorf Blofeld, Ultranova and Minibrute.
Sold blofeld because I hate menu diving.
Sold ultranova because I didn't like the sound (blofeld sounds better), and I didn't like it is not multitimbral, lots of choices but not multitimbral. At least Microkorg can have 2 Layers.
And sold Minibrute because it has only one oscillator and one sub oscillator (not very versatile).
I'm not a synth geek, I like guitars.
But I know that I prefer Microkorg over ultranova sound. And it's lot easier to program a sound with ultranova than it is with mininova. Mininova is a pain in the ass, without the vst editor.
I know why people like mininova more. It's fresh new, lots of possibilities. But sometimes, less is more.
Cheers for the upload, Mininova it is :-) Can't wait!!!
I HAVE A MININOVA, A MICRO KORG, AND A YAMAHA MX 49 , THEY ARE ALL GREAT IN THERE OWN WAY, ITS LIKE CHILDREN THEY ALL HAVE THERE OWN PERSONALITY'S, AND STYLE, I LOVE THEM ALL...
I used to own an Ultranova, and while yes, it is more user friendly and has more features, the Microkorg XL wins hands down when it comes to sound.
I like the sound of the microkorg way better.
Forgot to showcase the vocoder but otherwise a great video, I like them both.
Thank you.
Last year these were both for sale, used locally. I went with the Mininova because of the animate buttons. Talked the seller down to $300cad too ;)
Great song choices! It's a tough call because they both have their strong suits.
The Mininova provides a unique sound engine. I would use it to replace a Roland JD-XI that my Studio 8 supercedes. Thanks for the demo.
I like the Mininova. The Korg's sound isn't as loud and futuristic, and I believe that the Mini ova has the better bass. It also has better options as well. I tend to believe that louder bass is better than clean, thumping bass, and I also like loud, catchy sounds too. This is just my opinion though depending on the demo.
Proper old skool riffs. :)
I will buy the mininova! I tested it @ prolight&sound in Frankfurt and I loved it since the first key I pressed
you have the Multi-timbrality wrong for MK-XL+, it has 2 parts (layer or split). A bit more detail about the effects would be valid as the XL has lots more types. Any chance of seeing both editors running too?
They are both very cool..I use them both...they both sound amazing to be so small..
good demo, like hearing practical examples rather than fast twiddly note runs, much easier to hear how each will be in use, think the Korg for me has the edge for analogue type sounds, both good though
hey there!! thanks for the great video. i'm really curious about the name of the sort of function you present at 2:23 which is using the step arpeggiator. what fascinates me about it is the capacity to choose chord v. up/down or other more common arpeggiator modes. does the mininova also have this function? i'm VERY called to this, and this would honestly be a major reason for what might call me to getting something like the XL+ over a simple microKORG if these are major differences as well between those two. thanks again, very instructive and helpful video!
Hello, we are using a monitor stand! It is slightly wobbly but does the job ok.
I love the pad category on the novation i think it's better than the microkorg
I agree
The Korg sound more true to the 80s sound while the MiniNova seems to put a more modern twist on the sounds. Both sound great though.
What is the song list of songs you played on these?
nice work putting this together. the micro sounds better to my ears, but is a bit of a pain to get into the nuts and bolts of. it does have a dedicated usb patch editor, so you can build and tweak everything on your computer, which really lets you get everything out of the unit. they have the same sound engine as the radias synths, so they're bright and clean but heavy and will cut through a mix. you can also get some great gritty sounds.
the mininova has accessibility on it's side, but it just doesn't sound as robust (again, to my ears). i think if you're just getting started with synths and aren't as concerned with the potential depth of the unit and editability, the mininova might be the better buy. at the same time, you could go with the microxl+ and learn as you go.
the korg has a better factory library, but the mininova has more functionality. this is such a hard decision cause they both seem really good ._. which one do you prefer?
Great playing and side by side comparison, thanks! I can't decide, overall the Mininova has more bang for the buck it seems.
bang for buck ? ...... it doesn't sound as good !
I don't know what MicroKorg XL+ you guys have, but mine is multi-timbral, it even has a 'Timbre Select' switch on it's face.... Did you miss that part?
XL has Single, Layer , Multi and Split
also is there a user preset area on the mininova where one can save their own sounds, or is the mininova all prset banks?
to hold the honor up for novation, and not blame anyone of this both very good synths, the novation presets, that it comes with are not good (you can download better, if you want), i have it and tweaked better sounds since the first day i got it...
but i have to admit, the korg presets are very pretty!
..but when you compare both synths technically you will find out that they are very much the same, even when you compare the additional waveforms like pianos and organ waveshapes (but the piano waveshap, which is a pcm wave in the korg, i would give the korg a slight advantage)
the novation has one oscilator more (3), and one lfo more (3), 5 effects, instead of only 2 like the korg, a bigger matrix, and a better vocoder, because cleaner, than the micro korg.
the editors of both are pretty much even and provide both very much flexibility in creating a sound, quiet similar filter routing and lfo and matrix possibilities!
both synths even have the same price..., you can't even say ONE is better than the OTHER...., it doesn't depend on the style of music, it depends on yourself....
if i wouldn't had have one, i would drive to the music store and put my hands on both!!! (the novation i think is better for synth tweakers, the korg better for piano guys - just my opinion..., but both are really good especially for that price)
I own both. They have same or similar sound capabilities and architecture. Both companies should create an outstanding synthesis only controller including the effects portions similar to the Roland SH-01 which I also own.
Fantastic demo. Nice work.
4:30 Born Slippy?
I try some mini Va today... I think mininova is the best and more flexible about filter type. The matrix control is very intuitive, like to have all knobs on the front panel. MicroXL+ have some acustic sample and acustic (...) piano sample, and this is a very good plus, if you need it. JD-Xi is not a real synth, is a cross between a minisynth and beatbox, and lack some of those 2 world. But sound great also and for live performance is very top. Aira system-1 have the most powerful sound of all minisynth (you can hear the difference from 24bit/96khz internal processing), but i don't like filter routing. only lpf+hpf. My choice? Nothing for now... XD
Oh yesss! What was this part at 6.20,i cant remember!! I loved it!!!Thanks for that super vid!!
jeff wackenthal Gypsy Woman - Crystal Waters
A&C Hamilton Musical Instruments Tanks!!
I like so much the sound of mininova! thanks for this demo.
Interesting comparison - thank you. I'm leaning towards the Mininova. Can it be used as a midi controller for a DAW, via USB?
Which of these two synths has the better keybed, or are they about the same?
I have the Korg MicroKorg XL+
Honestly, I think that the Korg isn't too good for dubstep if that's your style, but anything else it's pretty good at, it has a range of sound altering tunes / edits in the full edit section, it can go up to 4 voices which gives the sound a really dynamic taste to it, you can also change stuff such as if you want to the sound to slide from key to key with portmanteau and change the sound effects with everything from ring mod to grainsoft and distortion and more, the only down side (That I have found so far, there is so much to explore.) is that the more voices you have (from 1-4) The less keys you can play, for example, with no voice you can play 5 keys as long as you have poly keys selected, but when you select voice 4 you can only play two keys, which is kind of annoying, but easy to live with.
The Korg sounds here seem particularly uninspired. While I prefer the Novation for other reasons anyway, I wonder if this is really doing the Korg justice....
Syncopator in my estimation, not at all. these are based off of the stock sounds, which are meh. here's a track that i did, all synth sounds were made on a microxl+ soundcloud.com/apostrophical/cncncnn-1
So what I learned from the comments section:
- Microkorg XL+ sounds a bit better/warmer, while the MiniNova sounds colder, more like plastic (though I think it's really the highs-that you can adjust- and the cold sounding reverb)
- MiniNova is built way more sturdy, Microkorg is plastic piece of crap
- MiniNova is more for live tweaking, changing things on the fly, Microkorg is better for studio
- Both have NO Tempo Tap, but both can be used as MIDI-Keys for other VSTis.
Still not sure what to choose :-(
For X-Mas I am ordering these two and the Venom and doing a private comparison!
Personally, judging from the feature set of both, I'd go with the Mininova. But that's just me. I like the crazy sounds you can get out of the Mininova. Plenty of programming options. Not exactly designed to sound analogue. It leans more towards digital sounds, which I personally like. There is so much to explore in the world of digital. ;)
But you can't go wrong with Microkorg XL+ either. :)
VENOM FTW!
Gerry No
Well, the Waldorf should be "in a class all it's own" in this comparison because costs more than twice a much as the other two.
YouzTube99 The tabletop version costs $499, same as a Microkorg XL+.
Gerry No Agreed. I was comparing keyboards to keyboards of course. To my knowledge, neither Korg nor Novation offer a keyless version of these synths.
Just got the Mininova. Both are great machines, but I feel the Mininova is a little more flexible and the tones are super lush. I don't really play modern electronica. I like a bit of the old mid to late 80's industrial material....especially Skinny Puppy.
What abt the build quality? I think microkorg mk1 is better than microkorg xl, but wht abt mininova vs microkorg xl?
But the Mininova can do 80's industrial music like Skinny Puppy or early Ministry shit right?
Yeah, the Mininova can handle some old Puppy and Ministry...but of course you'll have to dig down deep into the patch editor in order to get the right tones. Plus I run the synth through some external effects. For the money, you really can't go wrong.
Adam Bash Niceee.
If you would like to hear the mini in action, here is a soundcloud link to one of my tracks: soundcloud.com/adam-bash/white-phosphorous-remix-final And before anyone says anything, I am not posting this to try to get widespread attention to my music. I don't do it for a living, nor do ever intend to. This is just what I hope to be a helpful example of what the thing can do. It's not ALL mini nova as there was a few post production additive pads, but 80% is nova.
Which has the better feel, as a keyboard? I.e. which keys are more comfortable to play on?
I have the Korg MicroKontrol MIDI controller keyboard, which has the same keys as the original MicroKorg. It's not very good, IMHO.
Every thing else about the controller is great (easily assignable knobs and sliders), but the keybed is not nice to play on. It's not about the size of the keys - which I like - it's the way it's built. It makes the black keys harder to play than the white keys.
Better and more refined sound on the korg, but interface on Nova is better.
Hi, so can you record songs directly on either of these machines? Or do you have to use a computer?
thanks. great video.
Perhaps the Korg XL's feature that would stand out in this comparison would be the fact of it being multitimbral (2 parts) and that's exactly what was just mentioned in the end and mistakenly as a Mininova's feature. We all know now that XL only has 3 knobs for editing and 128 memories, but don't take the 2 part multitimbrality away, because this means we can have 2 independent sounds morphing or being sequenced independently, equals to two synths in one!
The reality is you will pick the one you like best (Korg is mine) but at some point (a year later for me) the other will be “necessary” too. 😁 I thought the mininova was too cold and shrill but searching patches and my style of music for the MN I’ve changed my mind.😂
I love that you're playing Kate Bush in the strings category :)
It would be nice to see you try to build the same sound from INIT on each , string sound , lead sound , base sound , drum sound ect