Time stamps! 0:00 - 1:44 Intro 1:44 - 3:53 Minilogue XD/Minilogue OG (also there's a typo in the "Now Playing", it should say Minilogue instead of Monologue my b) 3:53 - 5:29 Roland Boutique Series 5:37 - 8:06 Roland MC-101 8:06 - 10:23 Teenage Engineering OP-1 10:23 - 14:15 Critter & Guitari Organelle 14:15 - 16:07 Moog Werkstatt-01 16:07 - 17:32 Empress Effects Zoia 17:32 - 18:05 Outro/Bean being cute Hope this is helpful!!
I know nothing about synths or music. But last month I bought a Yamaha Reface CS for $300. It's a blast and I hope I can master the TASCAM Pocketstudio so I can record it and export tracks into Soundation.
Flip the knob is a good song title. Cheers and I agree with boutique models, scored a 2nd hand SE-02 and Werkstatt for an unreal price. Cheers and slide the knob.
Small synths and grooveboxes for the win! The MC-101 has really grown on me, especially with the updates making its handling of samples so powerful and fixing some jank with the interface.
Great vid! Also can we just take a moment to appreciate that Roland went to the trouble of getting an actual artist for their promotion of their groovebox instead of just hiring an actor?
Hey Cuckoo I have an evolver can you do a private movie for meh i have ganj and weed CoolBoysHahaha cool thanks awesome gay ok super cute nice alright bye thank you bro thank you brosephy o joesephiieee hey we make we make oouutteeaaee hahahha joke kidding i love your stuff let's just welax and we like it we can be alright eh hey hey
I comcur with my vote for the Korg NTS-1 as well. It's such a great little kit for the price. The effects alone make it more than worth it. It's the only piece of digital gear that I have. I love that I can download new oscillators, reverb and delays both free and paid.
My vote is for the Korg Volca series. They are cheap, very small, battery powered, have excellent sound quality, a very intuitive sequencer, parameter locking, and live recording. I've got 4 and at this rate, I will probably get more. I love them all!
One of my all time favorites are the Korg Monotrons. I actually use them in most of my jam sessions on RUclips. They are super cheap and can do a lot. Especially when you run them through effects. I have marked my ribbon keyboard so I can play it in tune and I use a stylus to play it. I really think they are overlooked quite often and are considered toys. Great video by the way!!!
Hey there! Just wanted to give an FYI on the MC-101. You don't have to take out the SD card to load samples on. You can just boot the MC-101 in data mode to transfer files over USB. :) Thanks for the awesome video!
Yamaha Reface CS gotta be the best synth I've ever tried. I don't know, there's just something about it. An aura or something. And man, that thing sounds like a neon universe from the late 70s. Such warm sounds.
Dictionary: mojo - see Yamaha reface. Me: Love my CS. If all my gear got destroyed, the CS would be the first thing I'd replace because it's so inspirational. Fantastic design work in choosing its controls. Very quick to dial-in great sounds before the muse disappears. Doesn't sound too digital either. Got the YC too and getting the CP. Not sure how long I'll be able to hold off getting the FM either even though I'm adequately DXed.
I love my Reface CS. It's so approachable and tweakable and easy ... it just begs to be played, really. *edit* Of some note, actually, is that you can use the reface CS as a midi controller for the 101, and it's actually really good! The resonance/cutoff sliders map directly to it without any tweaking
Yes. It's good because it's simple and direct and therefor something you always can expects results from. It's limited sure but how much difference will it really do in practice..
…. Or get a Roland System-1 25 key Plug Out Synth ! It has 1 button/knob per function with an easy to understand layout for a first synth and a fun scatter wheel and arppegiator. It has 4 Oscillators, it’s own personal Synth engine, as well as a Plug Out option to switch to one of Rolands other virtual analog 4 voice polyphonic synths at a moments notice. 2 synths for 1!
Soooo good to watch! Would love love love a demo of each piece of gear showcasing its sounds. Like a compilation of jams with no talking. You're amazing!
I'm a guitarist and was very intimidated by synths for years but gained some interest during quarantine as I was learning to record at home. My first was a Korg Volca Keys and would absolutely recommend it for a beginner. Obviously for playing it's a little different with the touch keyboard but it was perfect for understanding how VC and LFO's work. I'm now obsessed with synthesizers and added a Roland GAIA and Elektron Model:Samples.
I'm kinda in the same boat but I went with a Behringer MS-1. It's a clone of the old Roland SH-101 and is a lot of fun! I also picked up their TB-303 clone (TD-3) and am trying to resist the urge to add a drum machine to the mix. Have fun!
@@distortimus7631 apples to oranges really. Getting virtual analog, wavetable, and FM synthesis with an excellent sequencer and a juicy analog filter and per step automation with the microfreak. The touch/pressure/position sensitive keys are super fun and can be mapped to filter cutoff/wavetable position etc. Hell of a lot more versatility than a standard analog monosynth imo.
The Korg Monologue is a fantastic synth, especially for acid bass and dirty sounds. Cheap too. For a synth /sampler with a DAW-esque experience check out the Polyend Tracker - especially if you cut your musical teeth on Amiga trackers like I did.
My first ever hardware synth was the Behringer Model D, quite a small boy indeed 😁 I think for the price, for its comparison with the Moog Model D, and some of its patching capabilities that give interesting sound design options, it’s a great deal! They go for around $300, and offer anyone that is interested in real synthesizers a solid starting point.
For a cheap analog Polysynth it's either one of the behringers or one of the minilogues. I went with the minilogue xd over the deepmind for 2 reasons. 1: i, like many others, am not particularly drawn to Behringer and their methods of doing business and ripping other businesses off. 2: I am a huge nerd with an engineering background and the minilogue has userprogrammable DSP, you can develop your own digital wavetable oscillators and effects with the Logue SDK :-) This makes it a lot more versatile and unique.
Thanks for your videos they are always amazing. My favorite small synths that I own are the Dreadbox Typhon, Elektron Model Cycles and the freak PO Arcade, and Yamaha Reface CS while been not perfect by any mean, sometimes you get a sound and you are like "are you the same boy that 15 minutes ago?". I am about to get the organelle just now it seems like a very helpfull machine.
The Moog Werkstatt-01 was my first synthesizer that I ever bought. I love it so much that I had to buy a second one before they stopped making them. No regrets.
Maybe reach out to Synthstrom and figure something out? :) I'm sure you could help with exposure, and their company really derserve it. Based off your videos I think you would really enjoy it. Anways, great content, and all the best from Denmark :D
Eternal Love for the Organelle. Got it after learning Colleens "A Flame My Love, A Frequency" was almost entirely done with that. You should check that album out. Peace.
Had the Reface-CP and LOVED it. Sounds incredible! I had to sell it just because I wasn't putting a lot of time into it and got a Roland System-1 which could probably make this list!
I would love to own a OP-1, but they really are crazy expensive now. So the OP-Z really does the same thing? (except using an IOS display instead of an inbuilt one). If so, that would be a much more affordable alternative. Unless i win the lotto tomorrow. Thanks!
I'd say my favorite smol bois are the Microbrute (had mine for like 5 years and don't plan on getting rid of it anytime soon) and the Digitakt. Oh man the Digitakt. That thing fits into the 'anything you want' category so well. 8 track midi controller, drum machine, sample based synthesis. The thing is nuts. It has been the brains of my setup for a few years now and I love it. So yeah Microbrute for ease of use, simplicity, and also being a great stepping stone into modular; Digitakt if your ready to dive deep. Great video too! 🎹😎🎹
As an engineer getting back into production and hardware synths, this video came at a great time. I was just looking at the OP-1 a few hours before this video went up!
My favorite synth is the Alesis Micron.... it has a lot of weird pad sounds but also great Bass and EP types as well.. The sequencer is awesome. I never see anybody talk about this anywhere. It can layer sounds and manipulate multiple seq \ phrases. It is unlike any other keyboard I've ever played.. super fun for making songs.
You made me get an organelle last year ...and I’m happier.....effects ...everything is so lofi lush organic....🌌 I exchanged the meris bass synth, for the ZOIA, but i need to put more time into patching
Being an old man, who grew up in another time, I'm so glad to see intelligent/articulate women making and talking about, electronic music. Hoping this is a trend, that will continue to grow. Don't let someone else tell you, what you can/can't aspire to.
@@justiinclark Of course there have always been great women in the synth world. Sadly there are still extra hurdles, like the sexual harassment on RUclips that women have to endure.
@@justiinclark I knew Wendy when she was Walter, so not a good example. Did not hear about Suzanne Ciani until recently, and never heard about the others. This despite being active synth music lover, all my life. If things have gotten better in this regard, I'm happy to learn about that. My comment was meant to be encouraging, not patronizing/eyeroll-inducing ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. Sorry you took it in a way, I did not intend. Best wishes for everyones success.
Have you tried patching the Werkstatt-01 with the Subharmonicon? I'm wondering if the Werkstatt-01 needs output signal amplification and/or (more-than-usual-for-Eurorack) input signal attenuation. Here are some smol bois that either I own, or I'm interested in: Waldorf Blofeld - just beware of possible encoder issues, and I believe there is a bug with LFO sync or something along those lines, that Waldorf refuses to fix. Audiothingies MicroMonsta - I regret not getting one when they were available. MM2 will be released next month; it looks to be better overall, but it gives up some of the OG's features, like the arpeggiator. Synthstrom Deluge - feature creep is real, but once you get past the learning curve, it's an amazing DAW-in-a-box. Make Noise 0-Coast - Eurorack gateway synth. Extremely well-thought-out feature set that really gets you thinking about what modules can do beyond their "official" functions. Moog Minitaur/Sirin - feature-poor compared to the Sub series, but the VCOs are fatter-sounding. And of course they're tiny. Korg Nu:Tekt NTS-1 - as an effects box, it's pretty awesome. As a synth, it's monophonic, so some xD/Prologue user oscillators don't translate too well on it, but it's fun.
Yes I've been experimenting with some patches! It's pretty easy to patch the subharmonicon into the werkstatt to send sequence & gate info, but you can also send the audio of the subharmonicon into the audio in of the werkstatt to use the filters n stuff there! still messing around but lots of fun blips and bloops!
The minilogue XD has a desktop version that drops the keyboard and $100. Some of the boutiques have a fun option if you use Roland Cloud; they can be midi-controllers for the VST version of the synth/drum machine version of the original. MC-101s are fun as hell; just wish I didn't need an external recorder to make a track. Never messed with an OP-1, but I've been loving my OP-Z; especially after I slapped an OPlab in for midi and cv functionality. I've had a werkstatt for awhile and it's a great little single oscillator synth that is remarkably versatile; especially now that that Moog bundled the CV adaptor into the box.
How would you compare these to the ELECTRO-HARMONIX MONOSYNTH www.ehx.com/products/mono-synth and the MERIS ENZO www.meris.us/product/enzo/ ? Thank You !
My one and only hardware synth is a Novation Bass Station 2. It’s clunky yes, it feels a little cheap yes, but it sounds FANTASTIC. Super phat, really aggressive if you want it but can also be super delicate if you need that kind of sound, it’s just great. Learning curve is a little tough (I’m still learning the ins and outs), but I can recommend it just on how it sounds alone
My small boy synths. Korg Monologue is smaller and 50% more affordable than Mini OG (but one voice). Volca Keys is solid synth (and cheapest way to polyphony... well, paraphony). Moog Werkstatt 01 is great (with Arturia Keystep). Elektron model: Cycles is a groovebox (drums, melody, FX) and MIDI sequencer with vibe on its own. PO33KO! is the smallest sampler and huge fun. Korg Monotron Delay is noisy FX unit rather then regular synrh but it doas its job like no other.
Awesome Vid! Couldn’t agree more with the synth selection, I would maybe add the elektron digitone to the list of top small synths. Thank you so much for this, love your stuff!
You really should try out the Access Virus Ti, or the Roland JP-8000. Virus Ti= Best Small boi synth, Roland JP- 8000 for the best synth ever. Both have the most amazing supersaws you'll ever find. Even Arturia stuff is amazing for plucks. Sorry, I'm a trancehead and couldn't help responding lol.
the op 1 beat noly all the synths which showed in here, it beats the whole studio.....oldie but goldie.....tremendous synth/sequencer/drummashine/daw/sampler/radio/videogame....fucking everything!!!!!!!op 1 is not a mini synth......its a moster of a synth in a lil box
Under $1000 in US but not in Australia unless your in Minilogue lol but I don't hate keep up up the good work. I was looking at the XD module but the keyboard one is actually cheaper in Australia. MC101 had a massive drop here which is good and puts it below $779.00 at the moment which is good but yeah I hate the SD card metal door on the verselab I removed it. I want a OP-1 I settled for a OPZ due to it coming in under $1000.00 at 999.00. Please keep creating amazing content Bad Snacks and keep the TWITTER game on fleek.
My favourites change with the music I am producing at the time. Obvious, I have selected synths that span a variety of use cases, but here is my top list at this time: (a) Waldorf Streichfett (always a top choice) (b) KORG Volca Drum (the randomise function is a sound engineers dream come true) (c) Behringer Neutron (what can I say - a necessary classic) (d) KORG Volca FM2 (surprisingly versatile) (e) Any of the Soniocware Loiven series (lots to choose from) (f) Korg NTS-1 (if you don't have cash and you want a synth - this is your number one choice) (g) IK Uno Synth Pro (might surprise you - it did me)
OP-Z REALLY sucks so bad and is not like the OP-1. I’ve owned both and the OP-Z has the worst build issues of anything I’ve ever owned. That said, cool video! Didn’t know much about the ZOIA before this
Those synths are fine for an electronic sound. I actually owned the Roland MC at 707 and sold it. It is very glitchy when you push the amount tracks and number tracks. It also doesn’t sound real. When tracks are chained together problems occur. The sampling is trash. I found the sounds limiting in terms of how real they sound-especially with the bass sounds. Way too many patches that have a saw wave. Everything just sounds like buzz. I understand that some people like that sound. It is not my sound. The sound engine has edit functions but I hate to waste my time with too much sound design. I prefer to edit sounds that are close and then I don’t mind making a few adjustments. Can you recommend any keyboards that sound real? I’ve been looking for a sample-based keyboard that is velocity sensitive and is loaded with real recordings, similar to a Nord stage-with more sounds.
I'm ordering a Werkstatt-should I order the extra 10 pack of cables made for it? Should I order 2 packs? None? Did you use any of the extra cables made for the Werkstatt? Thanks for your time!
The werkstatt is not really in the price class as the others, not inspiring but imo cooler than the others. I would pair it with the Akai Timberwolf and maybe Alesis Micron, novation bassstation for affordability.
Hi¡¡¡ I already got the ju-06a and I thinking about acquiring the sh-01a, but am realizing that they can achieve the same sounds or pretty close. Is it really worth to have the two of them ??
Love this thank you. I'm a total noob. Wanting to create some ambient electronic music. Considering a Seccond hand op-1. Is that a good way to go? I also have a MacBook and a iPad pro. I like the idea of Keeping things simple doing everything with one thing on the go. Thanks.
Affordable ?? I dont think so I dont know what world you live in affordable is ...maybe/under £300 is reacheable other than that you know what your talking about
What device do you recommend to connect an akai mini mk3 to a boss rc500 loop pedal (Im a guitarrist) that can bring powers and sounds (keys and drums for the pads) to the akai (without using a computer)?
Hi @bad snacks I wanted to ask why you have a zoia if you don’t like the user interface? do you just use it to download patches or as a basic effects unit? not trying to be rude I’m just curious because the zoia UI and modular capabilities is what makes it a unique product whereas everything else it does can already be done in a more straight forward way on your organelle. or did you get it for sound quality? Generally curious about the rational. Thanks!
Can we please NOT call compact electronic instruments Smol Boi's? It reminds me of the goofy Dawless Jammin thing.. I only just discovered your content. Gotta see what else you have to share. This stuff was unfortunately all old news to me. I'm going to explore some of your other content. Still interested in what you have to say, because you're not trying to be an "EDM DJ" on fake turntables. 😁
I vote for the Akai MPC One. I have the Live, but the One has similar features, but fewer built in samples. It is a synthesizer, sampler, multitrack audio recorder, drum machine, effects processor, mixer, and sequencer. You can play melodies and chords on it as well, or with a MIDI keyboard. I can use it to automatically create keygroups with any of the 3000 sounds in my MC-101. It can do much of what all the other synths mentioned can do and more.
Yes, it has a built in multitrack audio recorder with full editing capabilities but limited to eight tracks in stand alone mode. It has hundreds of effects that you could used for both audio and MIDI recording or plug in a (e.g.) guitar and used the effects in the MPC. As a sampler, it is unmatched for a stand alone box. I am still finding out things it can do that I do not know about and they have had some significant software upgrades adding functions. I have had many boxes like this, and my MPC Live is far and away the best for a wide variety of music production.
I agree that these are all great synths but I don't think this is a good list for beginners. I'm just getting back into making music and all of the synths you've shown are way too expensive for beginners, other than the Moog. Thank you for showing the Moog no one is really doing any real reviews of it.
LINK ME TOO THAT WERKSTATT-01 TRACK, GEEZ!!!!! HIT SO HARD I SLAMMED MY DRINK ON THE GROUND AND LEFT THE FRIDGE DOOR OPEN WITHOUT PROPERLY CARING FOR THE REPERCUSSIONS!!!
Shazam! I've been searching for some new gear. Totally forgot about Reverb.com. Bam!! Before your video was over I have a new Microbrute ordered. Thank you and keep up the good tunes
Did you happen to delve into any of the open source plugins on the minilogue XD? I think that's one of the features that put the minilogue on my radar but I know next to nothing about it lol
I also recommend (and own) the Roland JD-Xi, which also has many of the classic Roland synth and drum sounds PLUS a true analog monosynth AND a keyboard. It's about the same price as the MC-101.
Evolver/ from dah DSI himselfa it can be very muy beueno bro bro bro brio briochabro frienda yep it's cool eh friendo hahaha it fun idk hahaha idk haha idk ha idk idk
Thanks for the tour of your personal collection. Of all the hardware I've owned since the 80's, I'm glad I held onto my original Casio CZ-101. That thing still holds its own for luscious low-end. I also love buying crummy electronic musical toys in 99 cent stores and sampling/chopping them.
i'v the moog and the juno but i use on a 49 keyboard is so little that controller for a bomb like that........and that korg is top i had all the volca set with the same sounds......
you make me want to dust off my organelle m, i believe it was my first synth as well now im wayyyy deep in synth stuff, heavy in the eurorack thing, but yeah the organelle is so cool!
Time stamps!
0:00 - 1:44 Intro
1:44 - 3:53 Minilogue XD/Minilogue OG (also there's a typo in the "Now Playing", it should say Minilogue instead of Monologue my b)
3:53 - 5:29 Roland Boutique Series
5:37 - 8:06 Roland MC-101
8:06 - 10:23 Teenage Engineering OP-1
10:23 - 14:15 Critter & Guitari Organelle
14:15 - 16:07 Moog Werkstatt-01
16:07 - 17:32 Empress Effects Zoia
17:32 - 18:05 Outro/Bean being cute
Hope this is helpful!!
The moog is so usefull ! 👍
@Reylo Skywalkers We did, indeed
Thanks for the inspiration.
which headphones are your favorite to use in studio? or have you already done a video about that?
love the video! btw, if you put these timestamps in the description of the video itself, YT marks it on the video player which can be really useful.
this video is dangerous for my bank account
i'm sorry
At least we were pointed to Reverb.
I know nothing about synths or music. But last month I bought a Yamaha Reface CS for $300. It's a blast and I hope I can master the TASCAM Pocketstudio so I can record it and export tracks into Soundation.
I mastered the TASCAM. Yesterday my Micro Freak arrived. Amazing...
My new Dreadbox Typhon shows up tomorrow. Been wailing and warbling in my dreams for months.
Did it meet your expectations? ;) Sure did mine!
Eeee great list!! My current favourite smol bois are Volca Sample 2, the Arcade Pocket Operator, and the Reface CP. Endless jams. ✌️✌️😍
Flip the knob is a good song title. Cheers and I agree with boutique models, scored a 2nd hand SE-02 and Werkstatt for an unreal price. Cheers and slide the knob.
I love your emphasis on UX. This is certainly an area the synth world could do much better.
Que bonito
Small synths and grooveboxes for the win!
The MC-101 has really grown on me, especially with the updates making its handling of samples so powerful and fixing some jank with the interface.
My op-1 is like my child, frustrating at times, but love it to death
@UnderBridge Rock I’ve got one of those too, love it as much as the op 1
Great vid! Also can we just take a moment to appreciate that Roland went to the trouble of getting an actual artist for their promotion of their groovebox instead of just hiring an actor?
Nice!!
Hi Cuckoo!!
@@badsnacks hey Snacks!
Hey Cuckoo I have an evolver can you do a private movie for meh i have ganj and weed CoolBoysHahaha cool thanks awesome gay ok super cute nice alright bye thank you bro thank you brosephy o joesephiieee hey we make we make oouutteeaaee hahahha joke kidding i love your stuff let's just welax and we like it we can be alright eh hey hey
@@AJOLDMUSI chill out mate
Hi both of you!
Definitely a vote for the Korg NTS-1. You can run audio in through the FX!
I comcur with my vote for the Korg NTS-1 as well. It's such a great little kit for the price. The effects alone make it more than worth it. It's the only piece of digital gear that I have.
I love that I can download new oscillators, reverb and delays both free and paid.
My vote is for the Korg Volca series. They are cheap, very small, battery powered, have excellent sound quality, a very intuitive sequencer, parameter locking, and live recording. I've got 4 and at this rate, I will probably get more. I love them all!
One of my all time favorites are the Korg Monotrons. I actually use them in most of my jam sessions on RUclips. They are super cheap and can do a lot. Especially when you run them through effects. I have marked my ribbon keyboard so I can play it in tune and I use a stylus to play it. I really think they are overlooked quite often and are considered toys. Great video by the way!!!
Liking the new spot!
Thanks!! Me too!
I thought this was my first bad snacks video until I realized this was the MC-101 girl. 😂
Omg the MC101 girl. I watched her a few times in the promo before I got mine.
@@TLllllll maybe you need to up your beat game then 😎
@@TLllllll Can someone link the 101 girl video?
Hey there! Just wanted to give an FYI on the MC-101. You don't have to take out the SD card to load samples on. You can just boot the MC-101 in data mode to transfer files over USB. :) Thanks for the awesome video!
Interesting. That little thing is fire with its Zenology-Platform.
Yamaha Reface CS gotta be the best synth I've ever tried. I don't know, there's just something about it. An aura or something. And man, that thing sounds like a neon universe from the late 70s. Such warm sounds.
Dictionary: mojo - see Yamaha reface.
Me: Love my CS. If all my gear got destroyed, the CS would be the first thing I'd replace because it's so inspirational. Fantastic design work in choosing its controls. Very quick to dial-in great sounds before the muse disappears. Doesn't sound too digital either. Got the YC too and getting the CP. Not sure how long I'll be able to hold off getting the FM either even though I'm adequately DXed.
Completely agree. Best reface. So easy to tweak and get great sounds!
Agree... Reface CS is such a superb synth. I love the DX too. I have a DX7 mk1 from new, Motif , Modx, yet still love the reface.
I love my Reface CS. It's so approachable and tweakable and easy ... it just begs to be played, really.
*edit*
Of some note, actually, is that you can use the reface CS as a midi controller for the 101, and it's actually really good! The resonance/cutoff sliders map directly to it without any tweaking
Yes. It's good because it's simple and direct and therefor something you always can expects results from. It's limited sure but how much difference will it really do in practice..
Microfreak is a pretty stellar Smol Boi synth. If they added some built in effects it'd be prefect.
...or just add a Korg NTS-1 with its open architecture.
…. Or get a Roland System-1 25 key Plug Out Synth !
It has 1 button/knob per function with an easy to understand layout for a first synth and a fun scatter wheel and arppegiator.
It has 4 Oscillators, it’s own personal Synth engine, as well as a Plug Out option to switch to one of Rolands other virtual analog 4 voice polyphonic synths at a moments notice.
2 synths for 1!
The queen came back!
YAHAAAS
Neon Vines? She hasn't left to begin with. =p
Soooo good to watch! Would love love love a demo of each piece of gear showcasing its sounds. Like a compilation of jams with no talking. You're amazing!
Best small boi is the fuzzy one at the end.
I'm a guitarist and was very intimidated by synths for years but gained some interest during quarantine as I was learning to record at home. My first was a Korg Volca Keys and would absolutely recommend it for a beginner. Obviously for playing it's a little different with the touch keyboard but it was perfect for understanding how VC and LFO's work. I'm now obsessed with synthesizers and added a Roland GAIA and Elektron Model:Samples.
I'm kinda in the same boat but I went with a Behringer MS-1. It's a clone of the old Roland SH-101 and is a lot of fun! I also picked up their TB-303 clone (TD-3) and am trying to resist the urge to add a drum machine to the mix. Have fun!
Same story for me. However I realize that all these videos just enlarge our GAS.Do not ever forget this
Arturia Microfreak, brah. Smol. Cheap. Every time I turn it on and play it something cool happens.
I heard some great things about that synth. But for the price (a little more), I'd rather buy Behringer's Neutron or k2 or even model D.
@@distortimus7631 apples to oranges really. Getting virtual analog, wavetable, and FM synthesis with an excellent sequencer and a juicy analog filter and per step automation with the microfreak. The touch/pressure/position sensitive keys are super fun and can be mapped to filter cutoff/wavetable position etc. Hell of a lot more versatility than a standard analog monosynth imo.
@@trevor_mounts_music damn. I might buy it in the future then to try it out
I'd say even the Microbrute is a decent starter synth!
It definitely was for me!
The Korg Monologue is a fantastic synth, especially for acid bass and dirty sounds. Cheap too. For a synth /sampler with a DAW-esque experience check out the Polyend Tracker - especially if you cut your musical teeth on Amiga trackers like I did.
My first ever hardware synth was the Behringer Model D, quite a small boy indeed 😁 I think for the price, for its comparison with the Moog Model D, and some of its patching capabilities that give interesting sound design options, it’s a great deal! They go for around $300, and offer anyone that is interested in real synthesizers a solid starting point.
Looks like a “Paid” Video paid by sponsors. If you want affordable synth you need definitely to buy @Behringer
@@fabiosantoriell0 you must be new.../smh
For a cheap analog Polysynth it's either one of the behringers or one of the minilogues. I went with the minilogue xd over the deepmind for 2 reasons. 1: i, like many others, am not particularly drawn to Behringer and their methods of doing business and ripping other businesses off. 2: I am a huge nerd with an engineering background and the minilogue has userprogrammable DSP, you can develop your own digital wavetable oscillators and effects with the Logue SDK :-) This makes it a lot more versatile and unique.
Thanks for your videos they are always amazing. My favorite small synths that I own are the Dreadbox Typhon, Elektron Model Cycles and the freak PO Arcade, and Yamaha Reface CS while been not perfect by any mean, sometimes you get a sound and you are like "are you the same boy that 15 minutes ago?". I am about to get the organelle just now it seems like a very helpfull machine.
The Typhon is a blast! Time makes no sense when I'm digging into it
I feel like your demo on the Werkstatt really highlighted what the Organelle is missing, such huge sounds from that lil thing
The Moog Werkstatt-01 was my first synthesizer that I ever bought. I love it so much that I had to buy a second one before they stopped making them. No regrets.
Ever considered giving the Deluge a try? DAW in a box + sampler + looper + the workflow is really nice
I would LOVE to get my hand on a deluge, they sound so cool!
@@badsnacks I can confirm, Deluge has been a life-changing instrument for a beginner synthesist like me :)
Maybe reach out to Synthstrom and figure something out? :) I'm sure you could help with exposure, and their company really derserve it.
Based off your videos I think you would really enjoy it. Anways, great content, and all the best from Denmark :D
I was going to add Deluge if nobody else had. It's quirky, but amazingly-capable.
Eternal Love for the Organelle. Got it after learning Colleens "A Flame My Love, A Frequency" was almost entirely done with that. You should check that album out. Peace.
The Yamaha Reface Series. They are always looked over!
Ooooh good call!!
Super cheap for what you get too! I've got a reface cs and that thing is an 80s string MACHINE!!!
Had the Reface-CP and LOVED it. Sounds incredible! I had to sell it just because I wasn't putting a lot of time into it and got a Roland System-1 which could probably make this list!
I just ordered the DX Reface and I'm super stoked for it. Got it for like $230, so that was a sweet deal!
The Reface CS is a great buy. I love mine.
If you are not aware of Dreadbox Typhon and Nymphes you are missing out big time.
This. I love everything by Dreadbox, and these two are just insane for both their size and price!
I would love to own a OP-1, but they really are crazy expensive now. So the OP-Z really does the same thing? (except using an IOS display instead of an inbuilt one). If so, that would be a much more affordable alternative. Unless i win the lotto tomorrow. Thanks!
Very good video keep up the amazing work Bad Snacks
I'd say my favorite smol bois are the Microbrute (had mine for like 5 years and don't plan on getting rid of it anytime soon) and the Digitakt. Oh man the Digitakt. That thing fits into the 'anything you want' category so well. 8 track midi controller, drum machine, sample based synthesis. The thing is nuts. It has been the brains of my setup for a few years now and I love it. So yeah Microbrute for ease of use, simplicity, and also being a great stepping stone into modular; Digitakt if your ready to dive deep. Great video too! 🎹😎🎹
Digitakt & Digitone are my favorite devices.
For small synths, I’m really enjoying the Modal CraftSynth 2.0 just now...
Me too! It's limitations can be inspiring and it's so much value for money.
As an engineer getting back into production and hardware synths, this video came at a great time. I was just looking at the OP-1 a few hours before this video went up!
My favorite synth is the Alesis Micron.... it has a lot of weird pad sounds but also great Bass and EP types as well..
The sequencer is awesome.
I never see anybody talk about this anywhere. It can layer sounds and manipulate multiple seq \ phrases. It is unlike any other keyboard I've ever played.. super fun for making songs.
I wonder sometimes if it is the inspiration of the M-Audio Venom.
I constantly champion the Micron! It’s such a powerful synth.
You made me get an organelle last year ...and I’m happier.....effects ...everything is so lofi lush organic....🌌 I exchanged the meris bass synth, for the ZOIA, but i need to put more time into patching
Being an old man, who grew up in another time, I'm so glad to see intelligent/articulate women making and talking about, electronic music.
Hoping this is a trend, that will continue to grow.
Don't let someone else tell you, what you can/can't aspire to.
have you heard of wendy carlos suzanne ciani eliane radigue delia derbyshire i could go on...come on now...ladies been all up in this sh*t from day 1.
@@justiinclark Of course there have always been great women in the synth world. Sadly there are still extra hurdles, like the sexual harassment on RUclips that women have to endure.
Exactly. Hence I imagine the op’s comment might feel a bit patronizing/eyeroll-inducing ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.
@@justiinclark I knew Wendy when she was Walter, so not a good example.
Did not hear about Suzanne Ciani until recently, and never heard about the others.
This despite being active synth music lover, all my life.
If things have gotten better in this regard, I'm happy to learn about that.
My comment was meant to be encouraging, not patronizing/eyeroll-inducing ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.
Sorry you took it in a way, I did not intend.
Best wishes for everyones success.
Wendy Carlos is a woman. Whatever though peace.
Hey I really like that keyboard stand, can you please tell me what brand/model it is? Thanks! :)
on-stage.com/products/category/keyboard/stands/a-frame
@@markzzzsmith Thanks!
Waldorf Blofeld is mine
Must pick one up, sounds really nice, I have the pulse 2 which has great bass.
@@lardosian I have a Pulse 2 also :)
Have you tried patching the Werkstatt-01 with the Subharmonicon? I'm wondering if the Werkstatt-01 needs output signal amplification and/or (more-than-usual-for-Eurorack) input signal attenuation.
Here are some smol bois that either I own, or I'm interested in:
Waldorf Blofeld - just beware of possible encoder issues, and I believe there is a bug with LFO sync or something along those lines, that Waldorf refuses to fix.
Audiothingies MicroMonsta - I regret not getting one when they were available. MM2 will be released next month; it looks to be better overall, but it gives up some of the OG's features, like the arpeggiator.
Synthstrom Deluge - feature creep is real, but once you get past the learning curve, it's an amazing DAW-in-a-box.
Make Noise 0-Coast - Eurorack gateway synth. Extremely well-thought-out feature set that really gets you thinking about what modules can do beyond their "official" functions.
Moog Minitaur/Sirin - feature-poor compared to the Sub series, but the VCOs are fatter-sounding. And of course they're tiny.
Korg Nu:Tekt NTS-1 - as an effects box, it's pretty awesome. As a synth, it's monophonic, so some xD/Prologue user oscillators don't translate too well on it, but it's fun.
Yes I've been experimenting with some patches! It's pretty easy to patch the subharmonicon into the werkstatt to send sequence & gate info, but you can also send the audio of the subharmonicon into the audio in of the werkstatt to use the filters n stuff there! still messing around but lots of fun blips and bloops!
Had no idea you had a zoia! The user interface overwhelmed me so much I just went with the organelle hahaha.
I like the korg minilog just I don’t have room for it in my studio. I’m also maxed out on inputs. Time to upgrade my interface... ughh
My top 5 small synths...Waldorf Streichfett...Novation Mini Nova...Roland System 1... Modal Craft 2...Moog Minitaur.
Hey Bad Snacks! Where have you been? You’ve been missed
Best small synth... without doubt, Roland sh01a... so versatile
The minilogue XD has a desktop version that drops the keyboard and $100. Some of the boutiques have a fun option if you use Roland Cloud; they can be midi-controllers for the VST version of the synth/drum machine version of the original. MC-101s are fun as hell; just wish I didn't need an external recorder to make a track. Never messed with an OP-1, but I've been loving my OP-Z; especially after I slapped an OPlab in for midi and cv functionality.
I've had a werkstatt for awhile and it's a great little single oscillator synth that is remarkably versatile; especially now that that Moog bundled the CV adaptor into the box.
This reminds me to use my MC-101 more! Dope content as always!😁
Love the volca FM! Monotron is actually surprisingly big sounding too, and you can mod them to add midi (not that im smart enough to lol)
How would you compare these to the ELECTRO-HARMONIX MONOSYNTH www.ehx.com/products/mono-synth
and the MERIS ENZO www.meris.us/product/enzo/ ?
Thank You !
The 0 Coast by Make Noise. Brilliant and fun!
My one and only hardware synth is a Novation Bass Station 2. It’s clunky yes, it feels a little cheap yes, but it sounds FANTASTIC. Super phat, really aggressive if you want it but can also be super delicate if you need that kind of sound, it’s just great. Learning curve is a little tough (I’m still learning the ins and outs), but I can recommend it just on how it sounds alone
you're the reason i started getting serious about learning & making music :) ilysm
Aw!! This makes me so happy :)
My small boy synths. Korg Monologue is smaller and 50% more affordable than Mini OG (but one voice). Volca Keys is solid synth (and cheapest way to polyphony... well, paraphony). Moog Werkstatt 01 is great (with Arturia Keystep). Elektron model: Cycles is a groovebox (drums, melody, FX) and MIDI sequencer with vibe on its own. PO33KO! is the smallest sampler and huge fun. Korg Monotron Delay is noisy FX unit rather then regular synrh but it doas its job like no other.
Awesome Vid! Couldn’t agree more with the synth selection, I would maybe add the elektron digitone to the list of top small synths. Thank you so much for this, love your stuff!
You really should try out the Access Virus Ti, or the Roland JP-8000. Virus Ti= Best Small boi synth, Roland JP- 8000 for the best synth ever. Both have the most amazing supersaws you'll ever find. Even Arturia stuff is amazing for plucks. Sorry, I'm a trancehead and couldn't help responding lol.
the op 1 beat noly all the synths which showed in here, it beats the whole studio.....oldie but goldie.....tremendous synth/sequencer/drummashine/daw/sampler/radio/videogame....fucking everything!!!!!!!op 1 is not a mini synth......its a moster of a synth in a lil box
Under $1000 in US but not in Australia unless your in Minilogue lol but I don't hate keep up up the good work. I was looking at the XD module but the keyboard one is actually cheaper in Australia. MC101 had a massive drop here which is good and puts it below $779.00 at the moment which is good but yeah I hate the SD card metal door on the verselab I removed it. I want a OP-1 I settled for a OPZ due to it coming in under $1000.00 at 999.00. Please keep creating amazing content Bad Snacks and keep the TWITTER game on fleek.
Jaja Gabour,
Deluxian expectations r good Amiga! Graciaz 🏋🏻♀️👑🏋🏻♀️kingD
My favourites change with the music I am producing at the time. Obvious, I have selected synths that span a variety of use cases, but here is my top list at this time:
(a) Waldorf Streichfett (always a top choice)
(b) KORG Volca Drum (the randomise function is a sound engineers dream come true)
(c) Behringer Neutron (what can I say - a necessary classic)
(d) KORG Volca FM2 (surprisingly versatile)
(e) Any of the Soniocware Loiven series (lots to choose from)
(f) Korg NTS-1 (if you don't have cash and you want a synth - this is your number one choice)
(g) IK Uno Synth Pro (might surprise you - it did me)
OP-Z REALLY sucks so bad and is not like the OP-1. I’ve owned both and the OP-Z has the worst build issues of anything I’ve ever owned. That said, cool video! Didn’t know much about the ZOIA before this
i've recently been messing around with the Stylophone gen-x1. It's super fun and it costs barely anything for an actual analogue synth.
Those synths are fine for an electronic sound. I actually owned the Roland MC at 707 and sold it. It is very glitchy when you push the amount tracks and number tracks. It also doesn’t sound real. When tracks are chained together problems occur. The sampling is trash. I found the sounds limiting in terms of how real they sound-especially with the bass sounds. Way too many patches that have a saw wave. Everything just sounds like buzz. I understand that some people like that sound. It is not my sound. The sound engine has edit functions but I hate to waste my time with too much sound design. I prefer to edit sounds that are close and then I don’t mind making a few adjustments. Can you recommend any keyboards that sound real? I’ve been looking for a sample-based keyboard that is velocity sensitive and is loaded with real recordings, similar to a Nord stage-with more sounds.
Modal Skulpt is weird and cheap and tiny. It’s awesome, especially with a midi keyboard and the app.. No I don't work for them. Ha
I'm ordering a Werkstatt-should I order the extra 10 pack of cables made for it? Should I order 2 packs? None? Did you use any of the extra cables made for the Werkstatt?
Thanks for your time!
alll these synths are about 4 to 5 months salary....whow
The werkstatt is not really in the price class as the others, not inspiring but imo cooler than the others. I would pair it with the Akai Timberwolf and maybe Alesis Micron, novation bassstation for affordability.
Hi¡¡¡ I already got the ju-06a and I thinking about acquiring the sh-01a, but am realizing that they can achieve the same sounds or pretty close. Is it really worth to have the two of them ??
Love this thank you. I'm a total noob. Wanting to create some ambient electronic music. Considering a Seccond hand op-1. Is that a good way to go? I also have a MacBook and a iPad pro. I like the idea of Keeping things simple doing everything with one thing on the go. Thanks.
Affordable ?? I dont think so I dont know what world you live in affordable is ...maybe/under £300 is reacheable other than that you know what your talking about
What device do you recommend to connect an akai mini mk3 to a boss rc500 loop pedal (Im a guitarrist) that can bring powers and sounds (keys and drums for the pads) to the akai (without using a computer)?
Bastl Microgranny, Teenage Engineering PO-32, Korg monotribe, Korg NTS1
Hi @bad snacks I wanted to ask why you have a zoia if you don’t like the user interface? do you just use it to download patches or as a basic effects unit? not trying to be rude I’m just curious because the zoia UI and modular capabilities is what makes it a unique product whereas everything else it does can already be done in a more straight forward way on your organelle. or did you get it for sound quality? Generally curious about the rational. Thanks!
Have you had the chance to try out the Roland FA serie ? Thinking of getting that with a MC101 (and maybe moving to MC707 or MPC later)
Can we please NOT call compact electronic instruments Smol Boi's? It reminds me of the goofy Dawless Jammin thing.. I only just discovered your content. Gotta see what else you have to share. This stuff was unfortunately all old news to me. I'm going to explore some of your other content. Still interested in what you have to say, because you're not trying to be an "EDM DJ" on fake turntables. 😁
I vote for the Akai MPC One. I have the Live, but the One has similar features, but fewer built in samples. It is a synthesizer, sampler, multitrack audio recorder, drum machine, effects processor, mixer, and sequencer. You can play melodies and chords on it as well, or with a MIDI keyboard. I can use it to automatically create keygroups with any of the 3000 sounds in my MC-101. It can do much of what all the other synths mentioned can do and more.
Thanks for the hint. I never thought of it as a multitrack audio reccorder and effects processor. Might get it one day as my first hardware sampler.
Yes, it has a built in multitrack audio recorder with full editing capabilities but limited to eight tracks in stand alone mode. It has hundreds of effects that you could used for both audio and MIDI recording or plug in a (e.g.) guitar and used the effects in the MPC. As a sampler, it is unmatched for a stand alone box. I am still finding out things it can do that I do not know about and they have had some significant software upgrades adding functions. I have had many boxes like this, and my MPC Live is far and away the best for a wide variety of music production.
Many thanks for your reply! Sounds like the perfect machine for me.
Very cool recommendations! I would suggest checking out the Behringer Crave... Pretty sweet semi-modular analog synth experience.
I agree that these are all great synths but I don't think this is a good list for beginners. I'm just getting back into making music and all of the synths you've shown are way too expensive for beginners, other than the Moog. Thank you for showing the Moog no one is really doing any real reviews of it.
Moog should pay you for showing the Werkstatt in this way. Very cool.
Btw werkstatt is German for workshop
Excellent Video!!!! You are amazing!! - really really nice - Guitarist thinking of getting a Moog Werkstatt
LINK ME TOO THAT WERKSTATT-01 TRACK, GEEZ!!!!! HIT SO HARD I SLAMMED MY DRINK ON THE GROUND AND LEFT THE FRIDGE DOOR OPEN WITHOUT PROPERLY CARING FOR THE REPERCUSSIONS!!!
I personally hate op-1 for drums, it’s high frequency sounds like ass, like you’re recording from the radio or sum
Informative and entertaining that's what we want from our YT videos. And a pleasure to spend a few minutes in your company😊
Shazam! I've been searching for some new gear. Totally forgot about Reverb.com. Bam!! Before your video was over I have a new Microbrute ordered. Thank you and keep up the good tunes
Such good bois! Awesome video, snacks. Got the Organelle (thanks to your rec on an older vid) and still love it.
And damnit I might just have to get a dang werkstatt...
Did you happen to delve into any of the open source plugins on the minilogue XD? I think that's one of the features that put the minilogue on my radar but I know next to nothing about it lol
I also recommend (and own) the Roland JD-Xi, which also has many of the classic Roland synth and drum sounds PLUS a true analog monosynth AND a keyboard. It's about the same price as the MC-101.
Can you hook up the Mac 101 to an ordinary keyboard? Don’t judge, I don’t know much about synths.
Evolver/ from dah DSI himselfa it can be very muy beueno bro bro bro brio briochabro frienda yep it's cool eh friendo hahaha it fun idk hahaha idk haha idk ha idk idk
My fav smol bois: MFB Synth Lite & Synth (I or II); Vermona Mono Lancet; DSI Mopho & Tetra.
thanks for the video... organelle m may be in my future now... another fabulous small boi for your consideration is the Bastl Soft Pop x
My smol boi that performs like a thicc boi is the synthstrom deluge. I could and would never part with it!
Same! Blessed to own both the Op-1 and the Deluge. Two unique smol bois with completely different workflows.
@@MisterMajister and sequencing the OP-1 from deluge is a dream. Just wish you could run OP-1 synth and drums on separate midi channels
Thanks for the tour of your personal collection. Of all the hardware I've owned since the 80's, I'm glad I held onto my original Casio CZ-101. That thing still holds its own for luscious low-end. I also love buying crummy electronic musical toys in 99 cent stores and sampling/chopping them.
i'v the moog and the juno but i use on a 49 keyboard is so little that controller for a bomb like that........and that korg is top i had all the volca set with the same sounds......
Nice gear. Will you be doing a tour of the new studio and all the gear?
Where’z mi favorito cukooo?
Juglow mi well?🐝〰️➰〰️ 🧠
you make me want to dust off my organelle m, i believe it was my first synth as well
now im wayyyy deep in synth stuff, heavy in the eurorack thing, but yeah the organelle is so cool!
hey @bad snacks, love your channel - glad your still loving the Organelle and enjoying Orac :)
Thank you!! You are a genius!!!