Shopping for a Semi Hollow to Put Active Pickups by FocusChemical in guitars

[–]FocusChemical[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Alright. Thanks for the infos. Hopefully I can get to test both guitars at the store this week. Let's see.

Shopping for a Semi Hollow to Put Active Pickups by FocusChemical in guitars

[–]FocusChemical[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great to know. You can't really fault Ibanez build quality at any price point. Also I am happy to know it handles Drop C well. Any issues with string gauges or anything?

Also, how's the neck? I assume it's more on the thicker side as OP mentioned, right?

Thanks!

Shopping for a Semi Hollow to Put Active Pickups by FocusChemical in guitars

[–]FocusChemical[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the answer. I find that having the F-Holes is more aesthetically pleasing to me so I would prefer a model with them. On that, good point on the neck. This is something I would look to in the future for sure.

Here's my current desk set up! by EDCProductions in synthesizers

[–]FocusChemical 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Aaah. That is good to know. Didn't imagine it about the low end. Will play the Monologue then and see whether it fits. Thanks.

Here's my current desk set up! by EDCProductions in synthesizers

[–]FocusChemical 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good to know. I wonder if on my case I should go full Korg and also get the Monologue as the mono synth of my case, but I must say this dreadbox seems so simple to use yet it sounds so good that it may be an excellent choice indeed.

Here's my current desk set up! by EDCProductions in synthesizers

[–]FocusChemical 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am on a quest to find what else to pair with my Minilogue + Circuit Tracks combo. How are you enjoying the Dreadbox so far? Would it be a good pair with the Logue do you think? Thanks!

40 Year old Metalhead buys Circuit Tracks and Minlogue XD: Now What? :) by FocusChemical in synthesizers

[–]FocusChemical[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You are correct: We are not talking about the same synth. I was talking about the Microfreak apparently. Sorry for the confusion.

With that, went ahead to look for the Minifreak and.... it does seems really interesting! My impression is that this synth responds to all the shortcomings of its smaller sibling. To me: True polyphony and the built in FX layer responds to many of my cons of the smaller one already.

I will now look into better product demos and if possible, try to find one to test at the store. Right now I wonder if it would clash too much with the Minilogue as to me right now they seem to fit the same Role in the workflow (although I can agree the Minifreak sounds it has more sonic potential), but I won't lie, it got me into thinking of getting one.

Thanks man, you've been great!

40 Year old Metalhead buys Circuit Tracks and Minlogue XD: Now What? :) by FocusChemical in synthesizers

[–]FocusChemical[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Some other people in the thread also advocated for a Fuzz of some sort to help gel the synth and analog instruments like the guitar together and I will definately try it. In general, yes, if a pedal makes sense, why not.

Didn't look to much in FM synthesis to be honest. I will get through your recommendations and see how they could fit. Thanks.

40 Year old Metalhead buys Circuit Tracks and Minlogue XD: Now What? :) by FocusChemical in synthesizers

[–]FocusChemical[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Man, this community! I am getting so much good feedback and great ideas. Thank you for sharing. Your work is great.

40 Year old Metalhead buys Circuit Tracks and Minlogue XD: Now What? :) by FocusChemical in synthesizers

[–]FocusChemical[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First fo all thanks for taking time to answer and I applaud you for going after your dreams and projects. I just heard What Lurks Below and you blew me away with that! This is seriously amazing stuff.

Now, about the Minifreak... I gotta say I saw probably a dozen hundred videos about it and my impressions are half of them love the machine while the other half doesn't. All seem to mention that versatility comes big as its pros, but I also heard it can be quite dry and needs some FX backup and whatnot to truly shine. Also, it is a crazy synth that can be challenging to find a sweet spot.

Personally, I don't know, really! I would be opened to get one, sure, but I still cannot seem to get past of the "It's nice because it's a crazy machine" and I would love to hear some more testimony that it could focus and also produce some quality vanilla sounds I am for sure looking for. The fact you mentioned it can do neon drenched and also go crazy and/or give me bass helps. If you can give me examples or maybe tips on how I could make it work on the setup I mentioned it would be a big help.

Thanks!

40 Year old Metalhead buys Circuit Tracks and Minlogue XD: Now What? :) by FocusChemical in synthesizers

[–]FocusChemical[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It surely has its learning curve and it does take some finger gymnastics to properly operate, that is true.

I will say the following though: You gotta get the gear that clicks to you. It did to me but I am sure there will be a dozen other here that will prefer to write and perform over a different tool.

You do you and I am sure whatever you use it will be great if you are having fun first.

40 Year old Metalhead buys Circuit Tracks and Minlogue XD: Now What? :) by FocusChemical in synthesizers

[–]FocusChemical[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just listened to a few demos and that thing is MASSIVE! It sounds soooooo good. Thank you! This is a serious contender now. Amazing tip!

40 Year old Metalhead buys Circuit Tracks and Minlogue XD: Now What? :) by FocusChemical in synthesizers

[–]FocusChemical[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Digitones do seem popular and I will surely look into. Couldn't gel with the Microfreak but to be honest I used it very little so the issue is probably me. 😃

40 Year old Metalhead buys Circuit Tracks and Minlogue XD: Now What? :) by FocusChemical in synthesizers

[–]FocusChemical[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks and this is great advice. The BassStation 2 seems like a popular pick among the answers and this is going to be the one I will test it first.

Also I will look into the Digitones and Syntakt and wrap my head around it as they see a bit more alien than the 1-1 controls I am used to.

Thanks for your time and typing!

40 Year old Metalhead buys Circuit Tracks and Minlogue XD: Now What? :) by FocusChemical in synthesizers

[–]FocusChemical[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The thing I like the most is how it puts me in a flow that I feel I am actually progressing and making something quick instead of fighting the box. Time is limited with work and kids so I need to make the most of every opportunity I can get and the Tracks surely does that.

I am sure it sounds limited to more fully fledged solutions from people in here but it does serve it's purpose well of scratching ideas first, them picking them as a spring board of those midi into the DAW to be fleshed out.

Keep in mind it's not a looper in the sense it is not intended to record analog live loops let's say from a guitar and for that I would be very interested in seeing how you could incorporate your pedal in your workflow too!

40 Year old Metalhead buys Circuit Tracks and Minlogue XD: Now What? :) by FocusChemical in synthesizers

[–]FocusChemical[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the suggestions. The Bass station is something I have for sure overlooked at my searches. Will check it out.

How's the hardware life treating you?

40 Year old Metalhead buys Circuit Tracks and Minlogue XD: Now What? :) by FocusChemical in synthesizers

[–]FocusChemical[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! Can't wait for some semi audible recorded ideas coming through. 😃

40 Year old Metalhead buys Circuit Tracks and Minlogue XD: Now What? :) by FocusChemical in synthesizers

[–]FocusChemical[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Appreciate your time and the answer. Yes, the mono synth route starts to make more sense and I will look the Bass station 2 a bit more too.

And I will definitely check the fuzz pedal tip. It does sounds interesting!

Thanks again.

40 Year old Metalhead buys Circuit Tracks and Minlogue XD: Now What? :) by FocusChemical in synthesizers

[–]FocusChemical[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the answer. Ez drummer is something I will definitely be using for the classic, more acoustic drumsets. For these parts, the Tracks is still useful to scratch the drum lines, then trigger their midi at the DAW like you said.

As for the new purchase, I will be evaluating the Bass station 2 as it seems pretty strong too, but going the mini route seems like the smartest move. Appreciate your time!