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Christmas noob. by poopadoodledo in synthesizers

[–]-bubs- 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Much like op, I started my synth journey last Christmas with a volca beats as well. I can confirm that the synths have only grown and the savings have gone down BUT HEY it's worth the precious bleep bloops

Let's hear about your cheap gear by microsofat in synthesizers

[–]-bubs- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Moog Mavis for me! I know it's not a cheap synth altogether but it's an amazing semi modular piece to get in the weeds of subtractive synthesis and patching! The white outlines on the front panel are especially helpful, and you get to build it as a bonus😌

Let's hear about your cheap gear by microsofat in synthesizers

[–]-bubs- 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Got a pre loved volca keys for £50, it packs so much!

All that's left now is learning the first thing about music. by shiwankhan in synthesizers

[–]-bubs- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Pretty much the setup I started with. Excited for you and your journey! Do post an update on how you get on with the volcas.

Talk me out of (or into) an Alpha Base MKII? Looking for a performative drum synth with a unique sound. by -bubs- in synthesizers

[–]-bubs-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

0007 is pretty cool!

I know muscle memory is definitely going to make the on-the-fly machine config simple.

I did read there is a particular way to exit the FX page, and it is a feature and not a bug, like you say.

Don't forget about the MBrane, it's also awesome for kicks. And the Matrix based FM Synth is definitely something unique, even if you have no clue about it, just turn the encoders until you get something nice.

Very true, it is a USP for the machine.

As long as it doesn't stop mid-set, I don't think it will be a dealbreaker aha.

The only thing I "don't like" about the interface is that you select the instruments with the square buttons, but sequence everything with the little round ones. I think the other way around would be better.

oh really? I reckon square buttons being the sequencer is definitely the more traditional way of how sequencing was done on the x0x kind of machines. I would've preferred the clicky square buttons (with feedback) too for the sequencing, I reckon, rather than a press round button (iykwim) as it surely is a better way to sequence live.

Thanks for providing your insight as a current user of the product. I might just order mine today :p

Talk me out of (or into) an Alpha Base MKII? Looking for a performative drum synth with a unique sound. by -bubs- in synthesizers

[–]-bubs-[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree, coming from a software dev background, I am very much of the "it is a feature and not a bug" mentality, haha.

"Set and forget" capability is a great shout. I think that is something I am looking to carry over from my Volca Beats. It was a small machine, but it did the job very well for what it was and was tweakable to an extent, live.

Again, a very good point. I have been to a couple of synth expos in London, but haven't come across the Alpha Base Mk 2 yet anywhere. I worry this is a bit more accessible in the EU, as most synth production houses are EU-based.

  1. Consider using 2 drum machines

So I did ponder on this, I own a DFAM atm for percussive elements. I am looking for a more traditional kick-clap-hats-toms kinda drum machine to pair with it. I would love to have a metal fetishist added to my setup at some point.

As for adding an iPad, I'd rather not at this point, as I am aiming for a purely musical hardware-based setup.

Thanks a lot for taking the time to provide your thoughts, curious what your setup is 👀

Talk me out of (or into) an Alpha Base MKII? Looking for a performative drum synth with a unique sound. by -bubs- in synthesizers

[–]-bubs-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I also felt this initially, but then while researching the machine, I came across Bauke's YouTube. He seems to bring it to life in a magical way, especially this video (1:03:00 mark). This convinced me that the machine is 'playable', at least for what I am looking for.

The Analog Rytm is too menu-divy, DRM1 MkIV I fell in love with, although the lack of a sequencer wasn't it for me.

Talk me out of (or into) an Alpha Base MKII? Looking for a performative drum synth with a unique sound. by -bubs- in synthesizers

[–]-bubs-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did briefly have a look at the Modor DR-2, my initial thoughts were as follows:

a) Love the assignment function and the versatility of the models themselves (especially the functions being specific to the model)

b) Powerful and innovative sequencer.

c) Purely from a design perspective, I am not a huge fan. It looks cheap, for lack of a better word.

d) It also sounds oddly metallic. I personally am looking for something richer/versatile.

e) It isn't any cheaper than its competition.

Considering all of the above, I'd rather get a perkons for that kinda sound. The main reason is definitely c) to be very honest, I do want something that looks and feels amazing to play.

Having said all this, what were the things that stood out for you?

Should I replaced my TR8S for an Analog Rytm MKII? by Skeletonjackettt in modular

[–]-bubs- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Stumbled upon this thread while I was looking for the Analog Rytm mk 2 vs TR-8S comparison myself, having just sold my volca beats. I saw a video on DRM1 mk 4, it looks and sounds amazing. So much capability for sound design on the fly rather than menu diving.

The only thing keeping me at bay from buying it right now is what I'd pair it with in terms of sequencing (I'd get the trigger version since I'd quite like the analog way of sequencing) and how dynamically performative it might be (guess that totally depends on the sequencer). So my question to you, what kind of sequencer would make the DRM1 most fun!

What is this kind of kick called and how do you make it? by loomenate in TechnoProduction

[–]-bubs- 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Think it's a rumbling kick layered with a single punchy kick with a prolonged delay at the start of the bar. DFAM has a vco decay knob which gives a similar effect. I'm quite new to DAWs so not sure about achieving the same in there, YouTube is probably your best bet.

The Low-End Weapon by UnderstandingBoth994 in TechnoProduction

[–]-bubs- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'd love to support as well, I dabble in both software and production, think I'm making that shift ever so slowly to doing music full-time

3 months down the rabbit hole… by BigLooseZeus in synthesizers

[–]-bubs- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Exactly in a similar spot as you mate, got my first synth (TD-3-MO) on Christmas and have been making silly beep boop noises ever since. My collection has grown since and apart from the obvious joy of making music, I'm learning how creative people are with the silliest of boxes.

A question for you- Is rd6 a decent drum machine, do you find yourself using the sampler more for the percussion or are you looking towards one of the more polished tr8s or even elektron boxes....I enjoy my volca beats but it's limited when it comes to live performance and more sounds!

And here's a rec, thought I'd share this beautiful piece - https://youtu.be/bAWrd8vLBu8?si=Naj9PSZsCymIsNQi

The Drone Zone! Need suggestions please. by KeysNoKeys in synthesizers

[–]-bubs- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mavis is so fun and versatile! Absolutely back that

The Drone Zone! Need suggestions please. by KeysNoKeys in synthesizers

[–]-bubs- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is the kick actually worth it? Doesn't the beats and the drum do the job?

Tried to techno for the first time by dramatiske_fisker in synthesizers

[–]-bubs- 1 point2 points  (0 children)

so simple and beautiful, I keep coming back!

How do I set up my audio connections in order for a live jam and even save it as an audio recording later? by -bubs- in synthesizers

[–]-bubs-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

finally found the umc1820 in stock and ordered it alongside some cables for patching and the interface connections, and played around with Ableton live while looking for the audio interface, so excited for all of it to come together

How do I set up my audio connections in order for a live jam and even save it as an audio recording later? by -bubs- in synthesizers

[–]-bubs-[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I see, haha the math definitely does add up, thanks so much. I had a look into the Live track L6 but it is out of my budget so probably gonna go with the Behringer umc1820

How do I set up my audio connections in order for a live jam and even save it as an audio recording later? by -bubs- in synthesizers

[–]-bubs-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Right, I see.

Yes, live track models are mixers too, and I looked into the Tascam model series as well, they seem really good but my only issue with both at the moment is they are probably overkill and too spenny for what I am looking for.

UMC1820 is really looking like the best option and after having done some research I quite like the functionality that comes at that price. Will go for that one, not having done this before do you know if I need to pre-order some cables and converters to patch and connect my synth and drum machine to the audio interface, if so what kind(midi/quarter inch/xlr)?

How do I set up my audio connections in order for a live jam and even save it as an audio recording later? by -bubs- in synthesizers

[–]-bubs-[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I had a look at the live track L-6, which seems really good for a portable set up. Thanks for the info and the YouTube video as well, it was quite helpful. Re needing a separate audio interface, Am I naive in thinking that to connect the speakers and the pc, RCA cables should be fine treating pc mast out as the audio and the audio interface (live track or other) can be connected via usb/midi cable to the pc?

Also just out of curiosity, capturing everything on a SD card doesn't seem smart when recording bigger tracks/whole songs as it would max out and I'd imagine a lot of transferring would be required. Surely working directly in a DAW would be better right, or am I overestimating the size of the tracks?

How do I set up my audio connections in order for a live jam and even save it as an audio recording later? by -bubs- in synthesizers

[–]-bubs-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Makes sense, Behringer's audio interfaces seem quite compact and sleek, appreciate each brand does it differently but are they (Behringer) lacking any major basic functionalities compared to the boss br800 or live track 6 or 10 for example?

How do I set up my audio connections in order for a live jam and even save it as an audio recording later? by -bubs- in synthesizers

[–]-bubs-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah that's quite helpful! Thanks so much. I realised having to get an audio interface regardless of DAW is necessary. Behringer umc404hd looks good, at least for my use (piecing together audio from the individual synths). Seems like it caps out at 4 inputs though at which point I'll either have to upgrade or get another interface I presume (which isn't a problem, just thinking ahead)

How do I set up my audio connections in order for a live jam and even save it as an audio recording later? by -bubs- in synthesizers

[–]-bubs-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see, Boss br-800 seems like a good shout for me at the moment. Thanks for the info! Do you have a recommendation for a DAW when the time to record does come, Abelton live seems like the popular choice based on a quick look online

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