If you 'strike' the optomix, the control attenuator should be fully CCW so you only hear the strike. Then you can use the Damp knob to dial in the strike dampening. But that's for the V2 and you have a V1. I think that was some of the improvements MN did for the V2. I am going to do an item on the optomix and try to figure out if there's a difference between versions. Natural Gate sounds really nice.
Absolutely; I mention that in the video (10:05) and am doing precisely that in the sequence with the ADSR envelopes, but maybe I should’ve dwelled on the distinctions more. The variable decay in NG is notably convenient, in any case.
Great video! I figured the Natural Gate was way hyped up, but I still wanted one hahaha. I just ordered the Takaab though because of your video. I think it sounds great and will go well with my other LPG’s. Can’t wait for more videos from you!
Is the price really that crazy? its two VCA and two Envelopes, Plus some extra faetures...and the build quality is really good. The gate completly closes and it is noisefree. . A optomix is also about 220€+ 2 Envelopes you very close to the same price. I think it´s worth the money...
@@jonsilvermann2473 I was referring to the crazy resale prices. I've seen units selling for anywhere from $700 to $1,000. It's not worth that. Let's hope production kicks up so they become more readily available.
While I appreciate the work put into NG, I find the price crazy for the 2 channel LPG, even with enhanced features like 3 decay modes. It works nicely but does not warrant 500 quid price, and no vactrols either. Optomix can be found for 160 on a second hand market.
Well… I still have Optomix in my rack, but I always reach for NG first. It’s too convenient, too good. It didn’t cost me 500 quid, but it gets used enough that it would be easily be worth 500 quid. And vactrols… there’s really nothing special that vactrols bring to the table in this application other than making every unit a gamble.
@@MartinDoudoroffLLC I agree about the gamble, but the envelope vactrol ping due to the nature of photo-resistor is unique (dragging and late, just like opto compressors). A matter of taste. NG is around 700 quid atm second hand, this is mental. However, glad you found a good use for it, it is in no way sub par, just different. You can get it to sound like optomix, and then you have all these other options. But again, price is insane.
@@MartinDoudoroffLLC Agreed, Cwejman one is story on its own. Absolutely these are insanely overpriced atm due to the hype. I don't mind forking money for modules I like, I have Serge setup separately from my Eurorack so I am not being steep on money. Somehow I did not have a chance to pick up NG when it came out, since it has this acoustic model, I am sure it would pair well with physical modelling stuff (how does it work with Rings or similar)?
@@earlsfield NG just works with anything. I particularly like it with wavetable oscillators. One interesting alternative to NG is Steady State Gate, which a friend has. SSG is very pliable. The down side to all the parameterization is that you have to stop and dial in the sound you want, but it seems pretty great.
You are unusually sore about this module. There was a time in history when you didn't even know it existed, perhaps it would help you to think back to those times instead.
Would you be willing to explain what you mean by that? I’ve considered buying one of these but would prefer not to deal with a company that doesn’t respect its customers
@@elyssapalmer2298 Don't really remember, sorry. I think it was about how much unbelievable hype they created around the module and then would open preorders for like 5 minutes or something. I'm sure they're respectful, just huge hypemen.
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If you 'strike' the optomix, the control attenuator should be fully CCW so you only hear the strike. Then you can use the Damp knob to dial in the strike dampening. But that's for the V2 and you have a V1. I think that was some of the improvements MN did for the V2. I am going to do an item on the optomix and try to figure out if there's a difference between versions. Natural Gate sounds really nice.
Excellent overview, thanks a lot.
Thanks for doing this. Good, solid comparison.
You can always put an envelope into Control on the Optomix and get varying decay lengths too.
Absolutely; I mention that in the video (10:05) and am doing precisely that in the sequence with the ADSR envelopes, but maybe I should’ve dwelled on the distinctions more. The variable decay in NG is notably convenient, in any case.
Great video as always Martin! I really appreciate these clear comparisons and straightforward presentation
Great video! I figured the Natural Gate was way hyped up, but I still wanted one hahaha. I just ordered the Takaab though because of your video. I think it sounds great and will go well with my other LPG’s. Can’t wait for more videos from you!
Great example of what sets Natural Gate apart. Not worth the crazy prices but a great module with options not available on actual LPGs.
Is the price really that crazy? its two VCA and two Envelopes, Plus some extra faetures...and the build quality is really good. The gate completly closes and it is noisefree. . A optomix is also about 220€+ 2 Envelopes you very close to the same price. I think it´s worth the money...
@@jonsilvermann2473 I was referring to the crazy resale prices. I've seen units selling for anywhere from $700 to $1,000. It's not worth that. Let's hope production kicks up so they become more readily available.
Great video! I prefer the Optomix as it sounds juciest :)
I like the design of the Natural Gate but hate sliders and LPGs without vactrols.
While I appreciate the work put into NG, I find the price crazy for the 2 channel LPG, even with enhanced features like 3 decay modes. It works nicely but does not warrant 500 quid price, and no vactrols either. Optomix can be found for 160 on a second hand market.
Well… I still have Optomix in my rack, but I always reach for NG first. It’s too convenient, too good. It didn’t cost me 500 quid, but it gets used enough that it would be easily be worth 500 quid. And vactrols… there’s really nothing special that vactrols bring to the table in this application other than making every unit a gamble.
@@MartinDoudoroffLLC I agree about the gamble, but the envelope vactrol ping due to the nature of photo-resistor is unique (dragging and late, just like opto compressors). A matter of taste. NG is around 700 quid atm second hand, this is mental. However, glad you found a good use for it, it is in no way sub par, just different. You can get it to sound like optomix, and then you have all these other options. But again, price is insane.
@@earlsfield 700 quid is a too much, but then again, plenty of people shell out much more for Cwejman and that ilk.
@@MartinDoudoroffLLC Agreed, Cwejman one is story on its own. Absolutely these are insanely overpriced atm due to the hype. I don't mind forking money for modules I like, I have Serge setup separately from my Eurorack so I am not being steep on money. Somehow I did not have a chance to pick up NG when it came out, since it has this acoustic model, I am sure it would pair well with physical modelling stuff (how does it work with Rings or similar)?
@@earlsfield NG just works with anything. I particularly like it with wavetable oscillators. One interesting alternative to NG is Steady State Gate, which a friend has. SSG is very pliable. The down side to all the parameterization is that you have to stop and dial in the sound you want, but it seems pretty great.
I always felt like LPGs are for people looking to add a voice on a small setup for live performances at minimum space cost.
You can look at them that way, but they are also an avenue to certain kinds of naturalistic sound shaping.
Yeaaaah, not worth being gaslighted by a manufacturer, is it.
You are unusually sore about this module. There was a time in history when you didn't even know it existed, perhaps it would help you to think back to those times instead.
While I don’t share the opinion, it’s a valid opinion.
@@MartinDoudoroffLLC An opinion predicated on a falsehood is not valid. E.g. "I don't like earthworms because they spread ebola."
Would you be willing to explain what you mean by that? I’ve considered buying one of these but would prefer not to deal with a company that doesn’t respect its customers
@@elyssapalmer2298 Don't really remember, sorry. I think it was about how much unbelievable hype they created around the module and then would open preorders for like 5 minutes or something. I'm sure they're respectful, just huge hypemen.