I got mine 3 years ago. I’m still not disappointed. It was my first synth and was great for teaching me all the ins and outs of analog synthesis. Would still recommend to anyone looking for a synth in the price range.
My first (and still only) synth! Love it still! Don’t have all the time in the world but it lets me dial in synth sounds to play my favorite synth parts of songs and also give me limitless hours of fun just messing around. I can’t imagine not having it there when I get a random urge to mess around. I love it!
My first (and still only) synth! Love it still! Don’t have all the time in the world but it lets me dial in synth sounds to play my favorite synth parts of songs and also give me limitless hours of fun just messing around. I can’t imagine not having it there when I get a random urge to mess around. I love it!
@@ferox965 No. it’s a totally different instrument. In my limited amateur experience, I use the Arturia Key Lab 49 and use their plugins emulations and then output it to a Focusrite interface with a Boss CPx1 compressor pedal with a fender style guitar tube amp. In my opinion the tone is outstanding and convincing. For the Hammond organ sounds I also use an MXR type early 70s type Phaser pedal and it really makes it sound lush adding to more realism.
I hated the MInilogue. I was going to return it, but I missed the 30 days to return it. It NEVER clicked with me. But eventually, as time went by, I have more and more warmed up to it. I think in about 10 years it will be my favorite. lol
The original Minilogue has been used extensively by the fantastic darkwave duet Minuit Machine, and I have seen them use it on stage every time I've been to one of their gigs. You can hear it for instance in their beautiful track DRGS. For this reason, it will always have a special place in my heart.
I think this kind of review is an EXCELLENT idea for many, many reasons. Looking forward to what you think of it in 8 years... especially in context to what you've experienced on other synths since then. I believe these are still in production so another review is entirely relevant.
thanks buddy! I also feel this is the kind of reviews that really bring alot of value to the viewers, given that its less technical and more contextual... How things stack up against the competition is hard to call on day 1 or 20...
What I love about the sound of the Minilogue is the grungy, lofi, almost cassette-tape character. I had the XD for a while, and while that is a very nice synth I got rid of it because it occupied the same soundspace as a lot of my other synths. If you have the Valhalla Ubermod, the bloom reverb is a great fit for the Minilogue.
I have an xd and I love the workflow and the variety of sounds it can make, and then it has that great FX section, but I gotta say, every time I hear the original minilogue I crave the huge amount more chracater that it has. The clicky attack combined with the dark and noisy analogue delay works so incredibly well for some patches. I'm glad I chose the xd personally, but I do sometimes catch myself thinking about getting the original. I think if you're getting a first synth, the xd is a no-brainer (in general, not just compared to the original), but if you've already got a versatile collection of synths, it's worth looking at both and deciding which fits more with your sound. That's my take at least. I reckon both are going to be future classics.
I know, it's weird, in analogue synths I tend to like the imperfections a lot sonically. Like I said though, as an all rounder synth the xd is a lot better, and I think that's more in line with what those people were hoping for out of the original minilogue at the time.
Got one used a few months back and have to say, as a beginner, it's great fun messing around with. Plus the visual readout of the waveform is super useful for figuring out how all the knobs affect the sound waves.
Check out the Minilogue and other alternative synths here (affiliate) ★ Original Minilogue ★ EU:thmn.to/thoprod/379052?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/2PbZM ★ Korg Minilogue XD ★ EU: thmn.to/thoprod/465932?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/Rxg72 ★ Modal Electronics Cobalt8 ★ EU: thmn.to/thoprod/506277?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/eDP4X ★ Arturia Microfreak ★ EU: thmn.to/thoprod/457192?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/ZknZK ★ Yamaha Reface CS ★ EU: thmn.to/thoprod/368212?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/PLJLR ★ Korg Wavestate ★ EU: www.thomann.de/se/korg_wavestate.htm?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/6a3mE (affiliate links means that I get a commission if you use them to buy something, at no cost to you. Great way to support the channel)
Great video. Love the new presets you made! This reminds me that I have to load up some of your minilogue patches that I got for free on your birthday. Cheers Bo!
Despite having plenty of monosynths, the OG minilogue is one of my fave synths for sub bass. It doesn't get much attention for this, but it can really rattle.
I always go back to this synth. So easy to work with! The workflow here is key. Sometimes, with other synths, I lose the creativity spark because they are to complex, or limited... but when I grab this synth, poom, magic happens right away!
It's a fantastic synth! The more I play it and learn how to use it, the more I love it. The sound and functionality you get for the price point is pretty amazing.
Beginner here and went with the original monologue. Less complexity was the key for me. I use a Microfreak too and they work well together. Thanks for the perspective!
My best practice with the OG Mini: Record a riff or some chords with the sequencer, then browse the other voice modes and add motion sequencing of the voice mode depth.
I am a guitar/mic and pedal gear guy when it comes to hoarding, but I love the character of the Minilogue. Feels alive, has good/great days and bad days. It feels like an instrument. Needs stereo width added when recording, easy peasy.
Hey Bo! Haven't watched your videos in a while, great that you are one of the people that do these vids of 4 years after! So important! Seems like winter/covid dimmed your spark slightly? Hope you're doing fine! Keep your vids coming!
I’ve only recently picked up a Minilogue, and since I’ve owned a Monologue for a couple of years now I felt at home immediately. The only thing I’m still trying to get a grip of is the filter and resonance, especially in a live band setting. It’s kinda tricky to find that sweet spot where it cuts through the mix, without being too harsh, or have it warm/subtle enough without it drowning in the mix. On its own, or in an electronic-only setup I absolutely love it!
I have a minilogue and monologue and love them both. I think using effects is a must for extended use of the minilogue. The minilogue's metallic, lo-fi sound is a matter of taste. The korg monologue has many of the great things about the workflow, it has the oscillioscope and is great for making bassline, acid and leads. the youtuber oscillator sink has many great videos about the many sounds you can get out of a monologue. i would perhaps recommend someone new to synths to consider getting a korg monologue and then one of the other polyphonic synths you listed.
Agreed, also at current prices a very interesting beginner's synth. Still want to take the (shock horror) hacksaw and dremel to it to create my very own Monologue module. It would sit very happily on top of that Blofeld Keys (anothet great survivor synth imho) I still want to get. :)
Love my monologue and routing other synths/instruments through the “audio in” jack. I also like making drum synth types of percussion with it and sampling those sounds into my DAW to make drum kits. The synth itself is pretty nice and I love the built in distortion for beafing up bass patches as well as the ring mod. Awesome first synth, but I think putting a little more cash forward and getting a used minilogue is a better buy for beginners because it’s a poly.
I really wanted to buy it when it came out back in few years but I couldn't afford it. I didn't gave up the idea of owning one and I bought one 2nd hand few months ago. It was pretty cheap. I love the "simplicity" of making various sounds without jumping in and out of the menu. For me, it still holds up to the newest synths and very beginner friendly. Also it's an analogue one. 😀 Have some good pedals with it and you never get bored of it.
After a 20+ year hiatus, I got me back into the world of synths, and I was surprised to find a basic, affordable, good looking synth like the Minilogue, so I chose it as my first instrument to restart. My old M3 and WAVESTATION synths were so esoteric in terms of sound creation that I always used preset sounds, but Minilogue has basic parameters, so it's easy to know which knobs to twist to get what kind of changes. That said, I bought your presets too! I think the XD and MicroFreak are similarly affordable and easier to create more complex sounds, but for now I'm enjoying how much variety I can get out of the original Minilogue.
There's probably one other option for a "beginner" synth that people should consider: the Roland GAIA SH-01. It's reasonably capable, and true knob-per-function (there's no display, so no menu diving!). I think the Wavestate is far beyond any beginner - especially for sound design, it's very complex. You also need SCUBA gear to get through the extensive menu diving you'll be doing to work with it. BTW, I think the short hair suits you, Bo! :)
I think the Gaia is not true 'knob per function' The oscillator layer system, or 'tones' I think they call them, with separate LFOs and envelopes for each layer of the sound means that you can’t look at the panel to know where everything in the sound is. And the lack of the screen makes it a hot mess to navigate things that aren’t on the top panel.
@@danpreston564 -- All of that is true, but its design also makes the Gaia capable of some pretty interesting sounds. I like it, overall, despite the sometimes confusing user interface. Roland used to provide Gaia ]Sound Designer software but discontinued it a few years back. It's nearly impossible to find that now. I've tried! It might help with that problem of Gaia not having any kind of display screen. I wish Roland would re-release the software.
Just bought one 3 weeks ago, I played the demo they had on my local music store and it was the only unit available they had for sale. I didn't mind, it was in a pretty good shape. The metallic tones this synth has are beautiful in their own way, I wouldn't replace it. The only downside is that I can't connect MIDI to Ableton because of Catalina OSX driver issues, but I still use it on my tracks, it really adds a unique sound to my music.
This is my first synth and I also purchased a ventris dual reverb. I cannot stress enough how much a good effects pedal can make a cheap synthesizer sound exceptional
I can’t blame beginners going for the XD over the original either, but to have been part of minilogue initial launching makes those who have owned the minilogue recognize a particular intimacy with it, it’s a wonderful journey maker.
Like many comments here: I have had the Minilogue for a few years and I still love it. As Bo says, it doesn't have a particularly "impressive" sound when you hear it on its own, but it fits so well in a mix. I have other flasher / richer / warmer / fuller sounding poly synths, but the Minilogue plays so well in a mix. It is as musically valuable to me as those more expensive synths. This is not just a beginners' synth!
I will never give away my minilogue. It's kind of simple but you can create millions of sounds and they are unique. Kinda gritty and metallic, not for everyone. The only thing "better" with the XD is that you have all 16 sequencer steps in sight. Soundwise the microfreak gives me everything "digital" I need.
A few years ago I nearly bought a Minilogue, but rented one to try first. I held off and saved for a Minilogue XD module instead, and never looked back. The built-in effects, nicer sequencer, better joystick, and lovelier look and feel were all worth the price upgrade.
Fantastic review, thank you so much! I have the Arturia Microfreak and would recommend it a ton, it's super fun and very unique sounding. The keys are a little weird so I sometimes send MIDI through it, but they're very expressive once you get the hang of it.
I actually tried the XD at the shop, 2 days later i tried the original minilogue, since then i struggled in my head which one is worth, but it seems like you help me out Bo, much loveeeee
Thanks for the recommendations! Been eyeing up a Minilogue as a first synth for a while, but while I really wanted the hands-on controls and oscilloscope, I also wanted something more modern and warm/lush? sounding. Modal Cobalt8 looks like the one!
I got my first synth in 1983. It was and still is a Korg Poly 800. What I have learned about synths is this; they all have a place and a learning curve. Some steeper than others and it's up to you to invest the time in discovering the beauty or quirkiness.
what a classic -- so glad this is the synth on which i learned subtractive synthesis and it gave me a more holistic understanding of sound design--i think a big part of that is the excellent layout and very minimal menu diving...great review
Got a Minilogue a few months after It's release and as of today this still is my go to synth. I use it for my industrial project and I realy like the unison modes and the mono mode. For me it still counts as a relevant piece of equipment and I would suggest it to any beginner as the price is just right for what you get. And be honest: it's like the bass station 2 which still is a as relevant as the Minilogue even after all these years.
Something I was really expecting to see in this line-up was the Roland System 1m. Not so much because it's new, it's not. But rather because it's semi-modular, which is key especially if you're relatively at the beginning of acquiring gear for your studio. The fact that it can stand on it's own as a synth while also allowing you to expand later in a modular way is fantastic, and I don't see it on many other synths.
That is a great feature! My Arturia Microbrute (my first synth) is also eurorack compatible and patching with it is one of my favorite things to do when building a sound!
Even tho I'm planning to sell all of my VA to get a Bheringer Poly D, the minilogue and mine DX7 are synths I will never sell. It can sound really cold for an analog, but it has something in terms of sounds really unique...
I ended up returning the Microfreak for a used Minilogue because of its distinct sound. The Microfreak is excellent, but I find it's sounds already exist in some of my VSTs. Something about the character of the OG Minilogue really speaks to me, and it takes no time to twist some knobs and have the sound your after. All this to say thank you Bo for giving this synth so much coverage and making the buying decision easier!
(And I have 2 MFs (although I am speculating in the Vocoder edition being a bit of a collectors item in the future). Nice to have an MF next to my WFH desk to have some ambient sequences playing.)
Great update Bo! I think I will go for the XD then. Just to add something to the list: I believe that Deepmind 6/12 are also great beginner analogue polys.
Just used this for the weekend session, nice co-incidence to find this review here today! Very good synth for it's price. I seem to find some use for this no matter the style which is made. Especially with different pedal settings, reverbs (modern digital analogue delay), choruses it can quite easily be nice spice or whole dish of the song.
Like Bo said the XD has a lot more to offer and is my recommendation. Some people are still in love with original Minilogue and that’s ok. The digital oscillator is great on the XD and there are several people making user digital oscillators that you can load into synth to combine with oscillator 1 and 2. I’m new to physical synths so this was my first purchase. I have learned a ton by using this synth. Good luck. Merry Christmas to your son!
Check out Time Shoebridge. He's got some interesting user oscillators for Minilogue XD and Prologue, and they won't break the bank. Tim has a great RUclips channel. Search within RUclips using "Tim Shoebridge Minilogue XD user oscillator" to see those and a tutorial on how to install them.
Very helpful summary. At a similar price point, I would add the Roland JD-Xi, which I own. I've seen this synth also recommended by @tBlancVie and Woody Piano Shack. It has many beautiful and classic Roland tones (some virtual analog, some sampled) PLUS a true analog monosynth and a drum machine. It's basically a four-part keyboard groovebox aimed more at people who want to make music quickly with great-sounding synth presets, rather than design their own patches. The sound shaping features are there, but they are mostly accessed by menus.
Always enjoy watching your videos , as you're naturally calm, informative and fun 👍 I never bought a minilogue when they were new, because i knew Korg would come out with something more powerful soon after. Whilst i was right, watching your video makes me hanker for one. The reason being it's less encumbered with menu diving than the minilogue XD, which whilst a future classic in the making, really deserves a longer keyboard. It would be a killer if it had more voices , and a bitimbral function too, but that's for korg to rethink/redesign. Same goes for the wavestate, which isnt a beginners synth at all in my opinion; lots of complexity under the hood, compared to a conventional analog, VA or even a rompler due to wave sequencing AND parameter and note et al sequencing too. That also desperately needs a longer keyboard and multiple outputs (the original wavestation AD or EX - can't remember which - was geared towards multitimbraility, even though it had a lower voice count). The reface CS is ideal for a beginner, due to its simplicity; the minilogue is a complex beast by comparison. And the microfreak is a totally different beast, with all manner of sonic fun & frolics for everyone (even more so with the vocoder update). All in all, i like the original minilogue more now than back then. Korg improved upon the sound engine considerably, but in doing so, took some odd choices in interfacing and implementation in the process. The original is a bona fide classic in the making, due to the more instantaneous nature of its interface, which doesn't sacrifice on the ability to coax some surprisingly powerful sounds out of it.
Good first synths: Bass Station 2, Microfreak, Microbrute, Minibrute (2?), Hydra desktop, Cobalt8, Monologue, Minilogue, Reface CS, Deepmind, perhaps Mininova or Ultranova... and in some cases, add a multi-fx device too.
Even today while we see so many companies (go back to) producing analogue synths, an affordable four voice real VCO synth remains something special. And yes, compared to the XD, "special" means not as versatile but more of a classic with a bit more character. The XD has caused quite a price drop but cannot fully replace it, so now is a great time to grab one on the used market.
I'm a couple of weeks late but I'll share my experience with the original Minilouge; I remember having a look in the synth section of Guitar Center and seeing this stainless steel looking synth with a wooden back plate sitting on a small tray, I pulled up a stool and started playing some notes with the standard sound envelope. I began turning knobs and knocking switches to change the envelope to my liking... I was hooked! The ease of use and the polyphonic features make this a GREAT starter for those dipping their toes into music production, even if it isn't the most competitively priced synth. The aesthetics, functionality and accessibility of this synth make it a top choice for me.
I would say that it still holds up. I would recommend it over the XD for a beginner, since the XD relies more on menus and unknown controls. I think the XD will probably be completely superseded in the future, with a model with a couple of more controls for the digital multi engine, and perhaps better overview of what those parameters does on the front panel (OLED display for the digital engine as well with parameter names). I guess though that it is possible that Korg will implement the missing features of the OG in to the sucessor to the XD, so it will replace them both. I wouldn't be surprised if Korg made a fully digital synth that can run the code of the multi engine, with multiple OSCs, and with greater polyphony, and with modelled filters, in the same format as the Wavestate and OPsix, and that would then be more powerful and flexible than the included Multi engine in the XD, something then worth considering as a complement to a Minilogue OG, for exapnding the sound palette. At this point, I would say that clones coming from Behringer seems like the biggest threats, in terms of hands on synths with little to no menu diving, and some will come with the additional polyphony that one might want out of the Minilogue. I'm not an analog purist, but even with digital offerings, there isn't much else that is as hands on, the Sledge has gone up in price, or is on its way out of the market, and the System-8 and the Peak, can't compete in terms of price, thought they do offer more (but they are above that 1000 Euro/dollar, and that does matter, even if the additional features could be considered worth the price difference). It feels like it shouldn't still hold up, with all the synth news in the last couple of years, but there really hasn't been anything that is as hands on, without hiding several of typical functions in menus. The FX section was always weak, and needed external or DAW processing, but that is also a good thing in some ways, as it isn't like with some other synths, that the FX section has aged poorly, but because it offers built in FX people still judge the sound with those on, instead of the pure sound, and up-to date external FX processing. The modulation section was always a bit limited, but not more than many of the old classic synths. In my view, the greatest drawback, was the limited polyphony. I wonder what a studio rack expander module for it would cost, if they made one, without the hands on control, designed to be programmed from a Minilogue OG unit or software. 8 voices, would make it even more useful, as it would let more notes ring out, or for building more impressive unison sounds.
just here to say the minilogue reigns supreme in my eyes. have a lot of equipment and vintage synths but nothing is as easy to sit down to and just find a good sound.
I'm still considering the OG minilogue despite the release of the xd. Both are on sale now where I live for the holiday season. The only thing that makes me lean more on the xd is the digital engine, and my recent admiration for Mutable Instruments modules. I believe someone ported Plaits and a version of Clouds in there somewhere... Your video is still making me believe that the OG logue is still relevant... probably for its more utilitarian approach.
I like the minilogue a lot. It also kind of serves as the master midi keyboard here as the keys are the perfect size / tension to punch in bass lines. Just wish we could modulate shape if VCO 1 and 2 independently
The mono bass on this is about the richest I've experienced, the minilogue is the best IDM synth, it may not be as versatile but it sounds very otherworldly.
I very nearly picked one of these up as my first synth at the beginning of this year. I ended up going with the Arturia Microbrute to save the $100 (at the time). The main disadvantage of the Microbrute is the fact that it's purely monophonic, but it was a trade off I was willing to make. I don't regret my decision, and I do still think that the Microbrute is a great beginner option if you a. don't care that it's only monophonic and b. are okay with the sound (which is distinctly nasty in a way that is great if you're into it, but limiting if you're not). It does mean that I'm now looking for a good synth to play pads on. Thinking Microfreak, but this video gave me a lot to think about. Excellent as always!
I personally prefer the sound of the microfreak and the cs over the xd, but I think the og minilogue definitely stands out to me over all of those as having it’s own sound qualities and originality. It’s going on the gear list now for sure. 👍
I really hope more synths in the future have the built in screen to show the waveform. Such a cool little feature. I bought a standalone one to plug into my synths but it's obviously not so straightforward.
After more than three years, I still love my minilogue. If I were to buy a new first analog synth today, I might consider the Behringer Model D, both for the layout and the extra oomph in the deep end. And yes, you'll have to buy a midi keyboard, but the model D is inexpensive so that should leave some room. But having had some experience, the Wavestate is high on the list as the next synth.
I would investigate issues people are already having with the Model D or these Behringer clones in general. There is a price to pay for getting these Behringer clones for so cheap. There have been a few times I was tempted, but the issues that are already flaring up have quickly squashed my temptation.
I love my Minilogue XD! If you have a midi controller then Hydrasynth module might be fun if you are willing to consider digital synth. Love your purple background.
I've got an MS2000R (rack-mounted) and enjoy playing around with it. It's got lots of knobs on the front panel to twist and turn. Much fun. But it's a digitally modeled analog simulation, not a true analog synth. Minilogue and Monologue are pure analog and XD is a sort of hybrid. I'm not saying that MS2000R isn't as good as a Minilogue, it's just a different instrument. I like both the MS2000R and the Minilogue XD.
I never quite liked the harsh sound of the Minilogue. I have the Monologue and adore it for bass and leads. Could you please do a Korg Wavestate vs Modal Argon8? Would love to hear your comparisons!
Is it ok if i sample some of your playing in this video for a beat or two ? This gave me loads of inspiration (might be not for profit or not, i can't know at the moment)
I’m coming back to it after a long period with eurorack system, and will pair it with bunch of Erica synths and the happy needing fx…should sound even better I think. Thanks for the video
I wouldn't know of any other synth that makes the minilogue irrelevant. all we had coming onto the market since then was not as capable or much more expensive.
Also, the pitch bend stick thing is my favourite pitch bend control. Very ergonomic and easier, in my experience, to accurately pick out notes within a melody - eg. picking out the semitone when the bend range is +/- 2 semitones. I find wheels much trickier for this. So good as a MIDI controller as well, for that reason. (And the knobs give out CCs, of course).
I got mine 3 years ago. I’m still not disappointed. It was my first synth and was great for teaching me all the ins and outs of analog synthesis. Would still recommend to anyone looking for a synth in the price range.
My first (and still only) synth! Love it still! Don’t have all the time in the world but it lets me dial in synth sounds to play my favorite synth parts of songs and also give me limitless hours of fun just messing around. I can’t imagine not having it there when I get a random urge to mess around. I love it!
My first (and still only) synth! Love it still! Don’t have all the time in the world but it lets me dial in synth sounds to play my favorite synth parts of songs and also give me limitless hours of fun just messing around. I can’t imagine not having it there when I get a random urge to mess around. I love it!
Does it do Fender Rhodes and Hammond B3 style sounds?
@@ferox965 No. it’s a totally different instrument. In my limited amateur experience, I use the Arturia Key Lab 49 and use their plugins emulations and then output it to a Focusrite interface with a Boss CPx1 compressor pedal with a fender style guitar tube amp. In my opinion the tone is outstanding and convincing. For the Hammond organ sounds I also use an MXR type early 70s type Phaser pedal and it really makes it sound lush adding to more realism.
You can get a Rhodes type of sound. There’s a great tutorial online if you search ‘Minilogue Rhodes Tutorial’ or something like that on RUclips.
The older the Minilogue gets, the more “classic vintage” it becomes.
Yeah!! Totally
I hated the MInilogue. I was going to return it, but I missed the 30 days to return it. It NEVER clicked with me. But eventually, as time went by, I have more and more warmed up to it. I think in about 10 years it will be my favorite. lol
Tatsuya Takahashis masterpiece! It is a fantastic instrument and absolutely relevant!
I was just about to watch your Minilogue video from 2018 and then I saw this. Thanks for all the reviews!
The original Minilogue has been used extensively by the fantastic darkwave duet Minuit Machine, and I have seen them use it on stage every time I've been to one of their gigs. You can hear it for instance in their beautiful track DRGS.
For this reason, it will always have a special place in my heart.
I think this kind of review is an EXCELLENT idea for many, many reasons. Looking forward to what you think of it in 8 years... especially in context to what you've experienced on other synths since then.
I believe these are still in production so another review is entirely relevant.
thanks buddy! I also feel this is the kind of reviews that really bring alot of value to the viewers, given that its less technical and more contextual... How things stack up against the competition is hard to call on day 1 or 20...
What I love about the sound of the Minilogue is the grungy, lofi, almost cassette-tape character. I had the XD for a while, and while that is a very nice synth I got rid of it because it occupied the same soundspace as a lot of my other synths. If you have the Valhalla Ubermod, the bloom reverb is a great fit for the Minilogue.
You described it exactly as I always thought about it. Its a very unique sound and that alone is a huge plus.
I just love how it sounds and if added some effect pedal is just magic. Very good for ambient cords. I would buy one just for the unique sound it has.
I have an xd and I love the workflow and the variety of sounds it can make, and then it has that great FX section, but I gotta say, every time I hear the original minilogue I crave the huge amount more chracater that it has. The clicky attack combined with the dark and noisy analogue delay works so incredibly well for some patches. I'm glad I chose the xd personally, but I do sometimes catch myself thinking about getting the original.
I think if you're getting a first synth, the xd is a no-brainer (in general, not just compared to the original), but if you've already got a versatile collection of synths, it's worth looking at both and deciding which fits more with your sound. That's my take at least. I reckon both are going to be future classics.
I know, it's weird, in analogue synths I tend to like the imperfections a lot sonically. Like I said though, as an all rounder synth the xd is a lot better, and I think that's more in line with what those people were hoping for out of the original minilogue at the time.
Got one used a few months back and have to say, as a beginner, it's great fun messing around with. Plus the visual readout of the waveform is super useful for figuring out how all the knobs affect the sound waves.
Check out the Minilogue and other alternative synths here (affiliate)
★ Original Minilogue ★
EU:thmn.to/thoprod/379052?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/2PbZM
★ Korg Minilogue XD ★
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/465932?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/Rxg72
★ Modal Electronics Cobalt8 ★
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/506277?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/eDP4X
★ Arturia Microfreak ★
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/457192?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/ZknZK
★ Yamaha Reface CS ★
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/368212?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/PLJLR
★ Korg Wavestate ★
EU: www.thomann.de/se/korg_wavestate.htm?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/6a3mE
(affiliate links means that I get a commission if you use them to buy something, at no cost to you. Great way to support the channel)
Always great content. Keep doing what you're doing man, cause it's always the best!
Great video. Love the new presets you made! This reminds me that I have to load up some of your minilogue patches that I got for free on your birthday. Cheers Bo!
Despite having plenty of monosynths, the OG minilogue is one of my fave synths for sub bass. It doesn't get much attention for this, but it can really rattle.
I always go back to this synth. So easy to work with! The workflow here is key. Sometimes, with other synths, I lose the creativity spark because they are to complex, or limited... but when I grab this synth, poom, magic happens right away!
I love my minilogue. I keep mine paired with a Zoom Multistomp pedal. unstoppable! Thanks for the great content Bo!
I appreciate the comparisons and how in depth the review is. Keep it up, this is good content
It's a fantastic synth! The more I play it and learn how to use it, the more I love it. The sound and functionality you get for the price point is pretty amazing.
I thought I just read "Kylie Minogue 4 Year Review"
true!
You just came out...
I always call my Minilogue, "Kylie" :)
Haha 😂
Still holds up haha
Another great video with beautiful bits of music.
Beginner here and went with the original monologue. Less complexity was the key for me. I use a Microfreak too and they work well together. Thanks for the perspective!
Love this knob modification, and wish manufacturers would implement distinct "section colours" like this
My best practice with the OG Mini: Record a riff or some chords with the sequencer, then browse the other voice modes and add motion sequencing of the voice mode depth.
bring the long hair back! ;)
great video. just purchased mine a few days ago. been drooling over it for 3 years now.
I am a guitar/mic and pedal gear guy when it comes to hoarding, but I love the character of the Minilogue. Feels alive, has good/great days and bad days. It feels like an instrument. Needs stereo width added when recording, easy peasy.
Hey Bo! Haven't watched your videos in a while, great that you are one of the people that do these vids of 4 years after! So important! Seems like winter/covid dimmed your spark slightly? Hope you're doing fine! Keep your vids coming!
Its been a difficult time I think for everyone. Im doing ok
Just got my Minilogue yesterday!
Have fun! I know I did!
And still do! Just used it to recreate and play the last synth lead from La Femme D’argent by Air, worked perfectly!
I’ve only recently picked up a Minilogue, and since I’ve owned a Monologue for a couple of years now I felt at home immediately. The only thing I’m still trying to get a grip of is the filter and resonance, especially in a live band setting. It’s kinda tricky to find that sweet spot where it cuts through the mix, without being too harsh, or have it warm/subtle enough without it drowning in the mix. On its own, or in an electronic-only setup I absolutely love it!
I have a minilogue and monologue and love them both. I think using effects is a must for extended use of the minilogue. The minilogue's metallic, lo-fi sound is a matter of taste. The korg monologue has many of the great things about the workflow, it has the oscillioscope and is great for making bassline, acid and leads. the youtuber oscillator sink has many great videos about the many sounds you can get out of a monologue. i would perhaps recommend someone new to synths to consider getting a korg monologue and then one of the other polyphonic synths you listed.
I can say that I own a Korg MONOlogue. And after years YES it’s still a GOOD synth
Agreed, also at current prices a very interesting beginner's synth. Still want to take the (shock horror) hacksaw and dremel to it to create my very own Monologue module. It would sit very happily on top of that Blofeld Keys (anothet great survivor synth imho) I still want to get. :)
i use the monolougue regularly. fattens up the low end of mixes nicely.
I've made over 30 whole tracks using nothing but a monologue, it's great
Love my monologue and routing other synths/instruments through the “audio in” jack. I also like making drum synth types of percussion with it and sampling those sounds into my DAW to make drum kits.
The synth itself is pretty nice and I love the built in distortion for beafing up bass patches as well as the ring mod.
Awesome first synth, but I think putting a little more cash forward and getting a used minilogue is a better buy for beginners because it’s a poly.
@@pimhansen6720 Monologue Module would be dope.
I really wanted to buy it when it came out back in few years but I couldn't afford it. I didn't gave up the idea of owning one and I bought one 2nd hand few months ago. It was pretty cheap. I love the "simplicity" of making various sounds without jumping in and out of the menu. For me, it still holds up to the newest synths and very beginner friendly. Also it's an analogue one. 😀 Have some good pedals with it and you never get bored of it.
After a 20+ year hiatus, I got me back into the world of synths, and I was surprised to find a basic, affordable, good looking synth like the Minilogue, so I chose it as my first instrument to restart.
My old M3 and WAVESTATION synths were so esoteric in terms of sound creation that I always used preset sounds, but Minilogue has basic parameters, so it's easy to know which knobs to twist to get what kind of changes.
That said, I bought your presets too!
I think the XD and MicroFreak are similarly affordable and easier to create more complex sounds, but for now I'm enjoying how much variety I can get out of the original Minilogue.
There's probably one other option for a "beginner" synth that people should consider: the Roland GAIA SH-01. It's reasonably capable, and true knob-per-function (there's no display, so no menu diving!).
I think the Wavestate is far beyond any beginner - especially for sound design, it's very complex. You also need SCUBA gear to get through the extensive menu diving you'll be doing to work with it.
BTW, I think the short hair suits you, Bo! :)
I think the Gaia is not true 'knob per function'
The oscillator layer system, or 'tones' I think they call them, with separate LFOs and envelopes for each layer of the sound means that you can’t look at the panel to know where everything in the sound is.
And the lack of the screen makes it a hot mess to navigate things that aren’t on the top panel.
@@danpreston564 -- All of that is true, but its design also makes the Gaia capable of some pretty interesting sounds. I like it, overall, despite the sometimes confusing user interface. Roland used to provide Gaia ]Sound Designer software but discontinued it a few years back. It's nearly impossible to find that now. I've tried! It might help with that problem of Gaia not having any kind of display screen. I wish Roland would re-release the software.
Just bought one 3 weeks ago, I played the demo they had on my local music store and it was the only unit available they had for sale. I didn't mind, it was in a pretty good shape. The metallic tones this synth has are beautiful in their own way, I wouldn't replace it. The only downside is that I can't connect MIDI to Ableton because of Catalina OSX driver issues, but I still use it on my tracks, it really adds a unique sound to my music.
Just purchase a midi interface!
@@jazzjeffjazzjeff Will do!
This is my first synth and I also purchased a ventris dual reverb. I cannot stress enough how much a good effects pedal can make a cheap synthesizer sound exceptional
Try a chorus also! It is soooo nice with Minilogue
I can’t blame beginners going for the XD over the original either, but to have been part of minilogue initial launching makes those who have owned the minilogue recognize a particular intimacy with it, it’s a wonderful journey maker.
Well put. I remember hearing about the original Minilogue and being so, so excited with all its features.
Thank you for this great video, I'm currently agonizing on which synth to buy as my first one! Also, I love the chords you used.
Like many comments here: I have had the Minilogue for a few years and I still love it. As Bo says, it doesn't have a particularly "impressive" sound when you hear it on its own, but it fits so well in a mix. I have other flasher / richer / warmer / fuller sounding poly synths, but the Minilogue plays so well in a mix. It is as musically valuable to me as those more expensive synths. This is not just a beginners' synth!
I will never give away my minilogue. It's kind of simple but you can create millions of sounds and they are unique. Kinda gritty and metallic, not for everyone. The only thing "better" with the XD is that you have all 16 sequencer steps in sight. Soundwise the microfreak gives me everything "digital" I need.
I'd say it sounds "Dry". Maybe not what I'd want for a first synth but certainly something deserving a tip of my hat :)
Crazy its been 4 years, its still ace as is the monologue! I feel its more than beginner synth as well, cheers and nice knobs!
A few years ago I nearly bought a Minilogue, but rented one to try first. I held off and saved for a Minilogue XD module instead, and never looked back. The built-in effects, nicer sequencer, better joystick, and lovelier look and feel were all worth the price upgrade.
Fantastic review, thank you so much! I have the Arturia Microfreak and would recommend it a ton, it's super fun and very unique sounding. The keys are a little weird so I sometimes send MIDI through it, but they're very expressive once you get the hang of it.
I think its absolutely still relevant, producer Monte Booker just got a personal custom synthesizer inspired by the Minilogue
I actually tried the XD at the shop, 2 days later i tried the original minilogue, since then i struggled in my head which one is worth, but it seems like you help me out Bo, much loveeeee
Thanks for the recommendations! Been eyeing up a Minilogue as a first synth for a while, but while I really wanted the hands-on controls and oscilloscope, I also wanted something more modern and warm/lush? sounding. Modal Cobalt8 looks like the one!
I got my first synth in 1983. It was and still is a Korg Poly 800. What I have learned about synths is this; they all have a place and a learning curve. Some steeper than others and it's up to you to invest the time in discovering the beauty or quirkiness.
what a classic -- so glad this is the synth on which i learned subtractive synthesis and it gave me a more holistic understanding of sound design--i think a big part of that is the excellent layout and very minimal menu diving...great review
Got a Minilogue a few months after It's release and as of today this still is my go to synth. I use it for my industrial project and I realy like the unison modes and the mono mode. For me it still counts as a relevant piece of equipment and I would suggest it to any beginner as the price is just right for what you get. And be honest: it's like the bass station 2 which still is a as relevant as the Minilogue even after all these years.
@@BrandonAdams1010 exactly!
Every minilogue review, Bo’s hair gets better
Bought it and sent it back after a week. Just didn’t have a sound that grabbed me. Bought the XD and love it.
Something I was really expecting to see in this line-up was the Roland System 1m. Not so much because it's new, it's not. But rather because it's semi-modular, which is key especially if you're relatively at the beginning of acquiring gear for your studio. The fact that it can stand on it's own as a synth while also allowing you to expand later in a modular way is fantastic, and I don't see it on many other synths.
I really like Mr. Basic YT Channel for the same stance you take on the System 1m
That is a great feature! My Arturia Microbrute (my first synth) is also eurorack compatible and patching with it is one of my favorite things to do when building a sound!
Even tho I'm planning to sell all of my VA to get a Bheringer Poly D, the minilogue and mine DX7 are synths I will never sell. It can sound really cold for an analog, but it has something in terms of sounds really unique...
I ended up returning the Microfreak for a used Minilogue because of its distinct sound. The Microfreak is excellent, but I find it's sounds already exist in some of my VSTs. Something about the character of the OG Minilogue really speaks to me, and it takes no time to twist some knobs and have the sound your after. All this to say thank you Bo for giving this synth so much coverage and making the buying decision easier!
Love the t-shirt, really cool.😀
This makes me want to get one.
(And I have 2 MFs (although I am speculating in the Vocoder edition being a bit of a collectors item in the future). Nice to have an MF next to my WFH desk to have some ambient sequences playing.)
Great update Bo! I think I will go for the XD then.
Just to add something to the list: I believe that Deepmind 6/12 are also great beginner analogue polys.
Just used this for the weekend session, nice co-incidence to find this review here today! Very good synth for it's price. I seem to find some use for this no matter the style which is made. Especially with different pedal settings, reverbs (modern digital analogue delay), choruses it can quite easily be nice spice or whole dish of the song.
I’m currently debating between the minilogue and the minilogue xd for my son as a Christmas gift so this came at the perfect time.
Like Bo said the XD has a lot more to offer and is my recommendation. Some people are still in love with original Minilogue and that’s ok. The digital oscillator is great on the XD and there are several people making user digital oscillators that you can load into synth to combine with oscillator 1 and 2. I’m new to physical synths so this was my first purchase. I have learned a ton by using this synth. Good luck. Merry Christmas to your son!
Check out Time Shoebridge. He's got some interesting user oscillators for Minilogue XD and Prologue, and they won't break the bank. Tim has a great RUclips channel. Search within RUclips using "Tim Shoebridge Minilogue XD user oscillator" to see those and a tutorial on how to install them.
Very helpful summary. At a similar price point, I would add the Roland JD-Xi, which I own. I've seen this synth also recommended by @tBlancVie and Woody Piano Shack. It has many beautiful and classic Roland tones (some virtual analog, some sampled) PLUS a true analog monosynth and a drum machine. It's basically a four-part keyboard groovebox aimed more at people who want to make music quickly with great-sounding synth presets, rather than design their own patches. The sound shaping features are there, but they are mostly accessed by menus.
Great to see you start developing a patches! Hope to see and get an Argon8 (and Cobalt8 as well) preset pack from you someday)
OG minilogue is still worth a purchase. Just not as easy of a decision with the options available today as Bo pointed out.
and I've just bougth a minilogue! what a coincidence haha
Always enjoy watching your videos , as you're naturally calm, informative and fun 👍
I never bought a minilogue when they were new, because i knew Korg would come out with something more powerful soon after. Whilst i was right, watching your video makes me hanker for one.
The reason being it's less encumbered with menu diving than the minilogue XD, which whilst a future classic in the making, really deserves a longer keyboard. It would be a killer if it had more voices , and a bitimbral function too, but that's for korg to rethink/redesign.
Same goes for the wavestate, which isnt a beginners synth at all in my opinion; lots of complexity under the hood, compared to a conventional analog, VA or even a rompler due to wave sequencing AND parameter and note et al sequencing too. That also desperately needs a longer keyboard and multiple outputs (the original wavestation AD or EX - can't remember which - was geared towards multitimbraility, even though it had a lower voice count).
The reface CS is ideal for a beginner, due to its simplicity; the minilogue is a complex beast by comparison. And the microfreak is a totally different beast, with all manner of sonic fun & frolics for everyone (even more so with the vocoder update).
All in all, i like the original minilogue more now than back then. Korg improved upon the sound engine considerably, but in doing so, took some odd choices in interfacing and implementation in the process. The original is a bona fide classic in the making, due to the more instantaneous nature of its interface, which doesn't sacrifice on the ability to coax some surprisingly powerful sounds out of it.
Great video! I used to have to monologue but I sold it so I could get the OP-Z. Way different beasts but both great!
Good first synths: Bass Station 2, Microfreak, Microbrute, Minibrute (2?), Hydra desktop, Cobalt8, Monologue, Minilogue, Reface CS, Deepmind, perhaps Mininova or Ultranova... and in some cases, add a multi-fx device too.
Never getting rid of it. It’s on its way to becoming a classic!
I picked one up today at a great price...it’s perfect for that 80s Korg sound
Even today while we see so many companies (go back to)
producing analogue synths, an affordable four voice real VCO synth remains something special. And yes, compared to the XD, "special" means not as versatile but more of a classic with a bit more character. The XD has caused quite a price drop but cannot fully replace it, so now is a great time to grab one on the used market.
Agreed - picked one up for £290 a couple of months ago
I'm a couple of weeks late but I'll share my experience with the original Minilouge; I remember having a look in the synth section of Guitar Center and seeing this stainless steel looking synth with a wooden back plate sitting on a small tray, I pulled up a stool and started playing some notes with the standard sound envelope. I began turning knobs and knocking switches to change the envelope to my liking... I was hooked! The ease of use and the polyphonic features make this a GREAT starter for those dipping their toes into music production, even if it isn't the most competitively priced synth. The aesthetics, functionality and accessibility of this synth make it a top choice for me.
I would say that it still holds up.
I would recommend it over the XD for a beginner, since the XD relies more on menus and unknown controls. I think the XD will probably be completely superseded in the future, with a model with a couple of more controls for the digital multi engine, and perhaps better overview of what those parameters does on the front panel (OLED display for the digital engine as well with parameter names). I guess though that it is possible that Korg will implement the missing features of the OG in to the sucessor to the XD, so it will replace them both. I wouldn't be surprised if Korg made a fully digital synth that can run the code of the multi engine, with multiple OSCs, and with greater polyphony, and with modelled filters, in the same format as the Wavestate and OPsix, and that would then be more powerful and flexible than the included Multi engine in the XD, something then worth considering as a complement to a Minilogue OG, for exapnding the sound palette.
At this point, I would say that clones coming from Behringer seems like the biggest threats, in terms of hands on synths with little to no menu diving, and some will come with the additional polyphony that one might want out of the Minilogue.
I'm not an analog purist, but even with digital offerings, there isn't much else that is as hands on, the Sledge has gone up in price, or is on its way out of the market, and the System-8 and the Peak, can't compete in terms of price, thought they do offer more (but they are above that 1000 Euro/dollar, and that does matter, even if the additional features could be considered worth the price difference).
It feels like it shouldn't still hold up, with all the synth news in the last couple of years, but there really hasn't been anything that is as hands on, without hiding several of typical functions in menus.
The FX section was always weak, and needed external or DAW processing, but that is also a good thing in some ways, as it isn't like with some other synths, that the FX section has aged poorly, but because it offers built in FX people still judge the sound with those on, instead of the pure sound, and up-to date external FX processing.
The modulation section was always a bit limited, but not more than many of the old classic synths.
In my view, the greatest drawback, was the limited polyphony. I wonder what a studio rack expander module for it would cost, if they made one, without the hands on control, designed to be programmed from a Minilogue OG unit or software. 8 voices, would make it even more useful, as it would let more notes ring out, or for building more impressive unison sounds.
Thanks for the great comment!!
I mean anything that you can make good sounds with always relevant amirite? And it's definitely got a unique character. I like it!
just here to say the minilogue reigns supreme in my eyes. have a lot of equipment and vintage synths but nothing is as easy to sit down to and just find a good sound.
I'm still considering the OG minilogue despite the release of the xd. Both are on sale now where I live for the holiday season. The only thing that makes me lean more on the xd is the digital engine, and my recent admiration for Mutable Instruments modules. I believe someone ported Plaits and a version of Clouds in there somewhere...
Your video is still making me believe that the OG logue is still relevant... probably for its more utilitarian approach.
Its a classic, thanks Bo
I like the minilogue a lot. It also kind of serves as the master midi keyboard here as the keys are the perfect size / tension to punch in bass lines. Just wish we could modulate shape if VCO 1 and 2 independently
you always make the chopin progression hehe
Cool analog sound...
The mono bass on this is about the richest I've experienced, the minilogue is the best IDM synth, it may not be as versatile but it sounds very otherworldly.
I very nearly picked one of these up as my first synth at the beginning of this year. I ended up going with the Arturia Microbrute to save the $100 (at the time). The main disadvantage of the Microbrute is the fact that it's purely monophonic, but it was a trade off I was willing to make. I don't regret my decision, and I do still think that the Microbrute is a great beginner option if you a. don't care that it's only monophonic and b. are okay with the sound (which is distinctly nasty in a way that is great if you're into it, but limiting if you're not).
It does mean that I'm now looking for a good synth to play pads on. Thinking Microfreak, but this video gave me a lot to think about. Excellent as always!
Got enough synths with 4 Voices or less Recently picked up a Digitone and it sounds Great.
That Modal Cobalt 8 all day. But minilogue is cool too. Makes a good first synth.
But i'm printing out a poster of that Modal for my vision board
I personally prefer the sound of the microfreak and the cs over the xd, but I think the og minilogue definitely stands out to me over all of those as having it’s own sound qualities and originality. It’s going on the gear list now for sure. 👍
I really hope more synths in the future have the built in screen to show the waveform. Such a cool little feature. I bought a standalone one to plug into my synths but it's obviously not so straightforward.
Thank you for sharing! Very useful. Where did you buy your custom knobs?
chroma caps from dj tech tools
After more than three years, I still love my minilogue. If I were to buy a new first analog synth today, I might consider the Behringer Model D, both for the layout and the extra oomph in the deep end. And yes, you'll have to buy a midi keyboard, but the model D is inexpensive so that should leave some room. But having had some experience, the Wavestate is high on the list as the next synth.
I would investigate issues people are already having with the Model D or these Behringer clones in general. There is a price to pay for getting these Behringer clones for so cheap. There have been a few times I was tempted, but the issues that are already flaring up have quickly squashed my temptation.
@9.30 Is Darth Vader watching over this one? I see his reflection in your screen...
I love my Minilogue XD! If you have a midi controller then Hydrasynth module might be fun if you are willing to consider digital synth. Love your purple background.
Is the Korg MS2000 worth purchasing if I already own this in your opinion?
I've got an MS2000R (rack-mounted) and enjoy playing around with it. It's got lots of knobs on the front panel to twist and turn. Much fun. But it's a digitally modeled analog simulation, not a true analog synth. Minilogue and Monologue are pure analog and XD is a sort of hybrid. I'm not saying that MS2000R isn't as good as a Minilogue, it's just a different instrument. I like both the MS2000R and the Minilogue XD.
I never quite liked the harsh sound of the Minilogue. I have the Monologue and adore it for bass and leads. Could you please do a Korg Wavestate vs Modal Argon8? Would love to hear your comparisons!
Is it ok if i sample some of your playing in this video for a beat or two ? This gave me loads of inspiration
(might be not for profit or not, i can't know at the moment)
Which would you rather buy, the Argon 8 or a Minilouge or Minilouge XD?
I love my Minilogue. Maybe I miss more arp options. Anyway, I love it!
where did you get those colored knobs on the minilogue?
I’m coming back to it after a long period with eurorack system, and will pair it with bunch of Erica synths and the happy needing fx…should sound even better I think. Thanks for the video
I wouldn't know of any other synth that makes the minilogue irrelevant. all we had coming onto the market since then was not as capable or much more expensive.
I have the Monologue and I detest the knobs. Guess the Minilogue uses the same ones since you've changed them :) Pray tell, where did you get yours?
Dj tech tools chroma caps
@@BoBeats Thanks man! 🎹
Also, the pitch bend stick thing is my favourite pitch bend control. Very ergonomic and easier, in my experience, to accurately pick out notes within a melody - eg. picking out the semitone when the bend range is +/- 2 semitones. I find wheels much trickier for this. So good as a MIDI controller as well, for that reason. (And the knobs give out CCs, of course).
14:26 How did you get that synth so clean?
love your colored nobs dude! Where did you get them???
dj tech tools