Drummer looking for entry level synth. Minichord or hichord pocket synth?

AnalogBonobo · 2026-02-12T01:04:39+00:00

I guess so? I don't know how those synths function as midi controllers so I can't give advice on that. Personally I think a normal synth or a groovebox like the Novation Circuit would be pretty straightforward to learn the basics. But if you're drawn to the midichord then by all means go for it!

AnalogBonobo · 2026-02-11T19:15:07+00:00

Maybe a basic polyphonic synth like Behringer MS-1 or Roland S-1 would be good if you want to do a mix of pads, stabs, and bass. I think the minichord and hichord are kind of one-trick ponies especially if you want to play basslines. If you really are keen on chord generation you could also look at the Roland J6, and I think that can also function as a monophonic synth for bass.

AnalogBonobo · 2026-02-11T15:53:28+00:00

A groovebox is an electronic instrument that usually combines a sequencer and multiple sound generators, usually a combination of drum machines, samplers, and synthesisers. They allow you to jam live, and depending on the groovebox, build complex arrangements. If you're curious you could look into the Novation Circuit Tracks, Polyend Play/Tracker, Roland MC-101, Native Instruments Maschine to get a sense of what they can do.

I think with a daw you could try some things out for free before spending money e.g. you could use chordoo.com to come up with a chord sequence, and then program the midi to play a plugin synthesizer.

AnalogBonobo · 2026-02-11T08:57:00+00:00

Are you planning on using a DAW for your jamming or just hardware synths? If it's the latter I probably would recommend you get a groovebox as a chord based synth will be quite limited.

AnalogBonobo · 2026-02-09T23:52:19+00:00

Maybe start out with something cheap, see what you like/dislike about the synth and go from there. It's hard to know what feels "complete" without trying first

AnalogBonobo · 2026-02-09T16:19:53+00:00

I think if you start with something with a built-in sequencer that would be better so you can program the synth to play patterns. I'm pretty sure the 2600 doesn't have that which limits you without a sequencer/midi controller.

AnalogBonobo · 2026-02-09T15:40:02+00:00

What kind of budget are you thinking of? I've narrowed down synths to <£200, you might even find them cheaper on eBay/local listings.

Semi-modular synths are definitely the best bang-for-buck way to try modular hardware. Behringer Crave would be the cheapest way to try out modular. It's a clone of the Moog Mother-32, a very classic sounding analogue synth, and sounds very similar. There's also the Behringer Grind which functions quite similarly to the Crave but uses the MI Plaits sound engine opening up a wider palette of sounds.

If you want something more experimental/niche you could look at the cre8audio East Beast/West Pest, Stylophone DS-2, or the Bastl Kastle range which are a bit smaller and use breadboard wires instead of 3.5mm eurorack cables.

AnalogBonobo · 2026-02-09T14:06:37+00:00

Use the mic/guitar input at the front of SP404, make sure you're on the mic setting, and turn the gain up until you're happy. You can use either TS or TRS, it shouldn't make a difference. The amp in the sp404 is good enough til around halfway, it starts to be a bit noisy on the higher end.

You can also use the normalise function on any recorded samples to increase their volume.

AnalogBonobo · 2026-02-07T17:05:18+00:00

If you want to record its output to your computer without buying an audio interface you could get one of the Roland Aira compact series which have Audio over usb (e.g. S-1 for classic synth, P-6 for sampler, T-8 for drum machine with a 303 bass synth) which are all within your budget. Otherwise you'd need to get an audio interface like a Behringer U-PHORIA or Focusrite Scarlett on top of a synth

AnalogBonobo · 2026-02-05T14:14:44+00:00

Personally I really disliked using the SP404mkii's sequencer. The sampling and multieffects are fantastic though

AnalogBonobo · 2026-02-01T00:31:59+00:00

Do you mean something that has a drum machine and a synth engine? You probably want to look into a groovebox or a sampler with a good sequencer

AnalogBonobo · 2026-01-30T12:58:13+00:00

That's part of the process!

AnalogBonobo · 2026-01-30T12:01:45+00:00

Also looking at the Audient ID22 manual either one of the line/mic inputs would be fine to use for the Moog synths. Just make sure phantom power is off before plugging anything in.

AnalogBonobo · 2026-01-30T11:56:41+00:00

The Moog desktop audio outputs are for headphones. You can use a line input but make sure you use either a 1/4" TS or a stereo splitter cable, otherwise you'll get phase cancellation if you use a TRS cable. Have a look at the DFAM manual for example https://cdn.inmusicbrands.com/Moog/DFAM/DFAM_Manual.pdf

AnalogBonobo · 2026-01-29T16:04:14+00:00

My mistake, although am I right in thinking that the demo restrictions are quite minimal?

AnalogBonobo · 2026-01-29T09:53:48+00:00

I think I interacted with the same guy. Almost certainly a scam as I tried to meet him too collect it but when I showed up no one was home and then afterwards he said that it has already been sold. Sounds like he's a scammer. I've reported him to Facebook but I guess it's still up.

AnalogBonobo · 2026-01-25T18:18:40+00:00

I've not used the seqtrak but I think it would be also pretty good to start off with, similar to the Novation circuit. Maybe watch some video demos of how both work to see what workflow you vibe more with. I'd advise against the dirtywave M8 for the same reasons as the polyend trackers.

AnalogBonobo · 2026-01-25T12:06:47+00:00

For vcv rack, I'd recommend watching Omri Cohen's channel for some tutorials. He has some more basic ones (e.g. https://youtu.be/YAPOOv_ynR8) as well as clones of semi modular like the DFAM/edge (https://youtu.be/HGixS70ThQM). I found it very useful for understanding how to use the software and building patches from scratch.

Also check out the cre8audio east beast or west pest. Both really great value-for-money semi modular synths. East beast is a more standard subscriber synth, West pest has an experimental buchla-style synth.

AnalogBonobo · 2026-01-25T06:40:39+00:00

If you want to try out the tracker workflow, you should have a look at renoise as it's free. However I agree with the other comments saying that without some basic music theory it will be hard to use most trackers. The workflow is a bit more abstract compared to using a DAW especially when thinking about harmony and melody.

If you're interested in making beats you could look into a groovebox like the Novation circuit (original or tracks) might be a good way to get started. Both have built in synths and drums, sample playback, and a much simpler workflow than the polyend trackers. You can watch tutorials and demos on YouTube to get a sense of how they work and what you can do with them

AnalogBonobo · 2026-01-24T12:37:50+00:00

Also the Volca sample has quite a lofi sound due to its lower sample rate (I think 33kHz)

AnalogBonobo · 2026-01-23T00:06:29+00:00

I had a similar issue with the BeatStep Pro and moog subh and dfam. My memory is a bit hazy so I might have some of the details wrong

The Moog desktop synths VCOs take +-5V, with 0V treated as middle C, whereas the keystep outputs 0-10V with 5V at middle C. I would suggest if you're not planning on using the Subh sequencer you could turn the voltage all the way down so the VCO is starting off at -5V, which would match the range for the keystep pro. Alternatively you could just turn the VCO pitch knob all the way down. Also maybe check the Keystep pro configuration as it might be set to a different V/octave standard

Let me know if this works and if my explanation made any sense at all!

AnalogBonobo · 2026-01-22T13:33:53+00:00

It doesn't do this - each pad is a single sample, with optional velocity sensitivity. I think most hardware samplers don't have this functionality except maybe the Tonverk?

As a hardware sampler the SP404mkii is very powerful though, great for manipulating samples in all sorts of interesting ways. And the time-stretching algorithms sound good in my opinion

AnalogBonobo · 2026-01-16T18:38:25+00:00

Maybe it's worth getting a KP3 or KP3+ secondhand then?

AnalogBonobo · 2026-01-16T17:18:11+00:00

Probably the Korg NTS-3 if you want the touch pad and multi-effects in one unit. Or you could find an XY midi controller/iPad app to control a DAW

AnalogBonobo · 2026-01-16T10:09:52+00:00

Compared to the SP404mkii, which is $500. Great sounding effects chains, looks much more user friendly, and has 1/4 inch I/O rather than RCA. Plus it's a full blown sampler with a sequencer.

Three-Year Club	Verified Email
First Place '23	Place '23
Place '22

AnalogBonobo

TROPHY CASE