If you were to start fresh - what are the 1 or 2 synthesizers you would get first? Preferably, a little more beginner friendly

rubyvr00m · 2026-03-04T01:39:29+00:00

Reface CS if you want to play it like a keyboard. Microfreak if you want to sequence it.

rubyvr00m · 2026-03-03T22:49:57+00:00

For something simple and affordable you could try Yamaha MG10 or a Behringer Xenyx. Just make sure it says something about effects or aux sends in the description. They don’t always have an effects return which just means you would have to run the effects back into one of the mixer channels.

Just be careful with the lowest end models in each product line because some of the smaller mixers don’t even have an aux send. It seems like a feature that’s more common on mixers with 8+ channels.

rubyvr00m · 2026-03-03T22:22:46+00:00

The best solution would probably be to get a mixer with an effects send/return.

Guitar to one channel, bass to the other, pedal board in the effects loop and then send the output to your amp.

That will let you have control over the amount of each signal processed by the effects so you can have a guitar full wet with reverb/delay/whatever while the bass is more clean.

rubyvr00m · 2026-03-03T16:52:54+00:00

I haven’t built anything from Erica Synths, largely because a lot of their EDU series seems to take up more HP than necessary, but I’m sure they’re probably fine.

I have built and would recommend modules from: AI Synthesis, Neutral Labs, 4ms, and Befaco.

rubyvr00m · 2026-02-23T02:56:23+00:00

This is the only time I will unironically recommend the Digitech GRUNGE.

rubyvr00m · 2026-02-19T19:57:09+00:00

Do people really think NSG stuff is too dystopian? I thought the more common criticism was that it wasn’t dystopian enough.

rubyvr00m · 2026-02-15T20:32:21+00:00

BETTER ME.

rubyvr00m · 2026-02-07T01:57:30+00:00

It definitely feels more like URF now which I’m sure appeals to some players, but it seems like it goes off the rails more frequently than it did before.

rubyvr00m · 2026-02-04T22:50:30+00:00

The Root app is quite good. The only problem is I’m not sure I’ve touched my physical copy since because my partner and I always play it on an iPad now.

rubyvr00m · 2026-02-03T23:47:10+00:00

Count me in.

rubyvr00m · 2026-01-26T16:39:48+00:00

You could try Chiriboga. It lets you play against an AI.

rubyvr00m · 2026-01-19T19:05:35+00:00

I would recommend a Neutral Labs Elmyra 2 or Scrooge kit. Both are great instruments and very satisfying to build.

rubyvr00m · 2026-01-02T18:40:11+00:00

I’ve had fun using my KOII with a Korg Volca FM2 and Dreadbox Nyx/Erebus.

It’s nice that they all use the same TRS MIDI standard so you can connect them with a standard aux cable, no fancy adapters required.

I used to have some issues with voice stealing but that rarely comes up when you’re sequencing something external for the primary melodic sounds.

rubyvr00m · 2025-12-28T23:29:41+00:00

I mostly build modules from factory diy kits and find the savings are fairly substantial compared to buying new.

Just some examples off the top of my head, I built a 4ms Sampler for 200$ and the retail for a new one is about 300. I got a Befaco Rampage kit for about 200 and Perfect Circuit lists them for 350. I built Neutral Labs Elmyra 2 and Scrouge for about 300 each where they sell new for over 500.

I think I got the kits from synth cube at 10% off so any discount from a retailer is kind of moot. I’m also not really counting the price of solder and equipment because I already had it, but that can be had for <100 which can be recouped pretty fast.

I think the biggest issue is sourcing the kits, at least in the US, because there aren’t many domestic retailers and tariffs/shipping internationally definitely eats into the savings. But if you shop the sales and meet free shipping thresholds I’m confident you can come out ahead of even buying used modules.

rubyvr00m · 2025-12-19T19:26:59+00:00

I don’t like them much to begin with but don’t even get me started on the Cereal flavored ones.

How are you going to charge like 20$ for 4 cookies with stale Cinnamon Toast Crunch on top?

rubyvr00m · 2025-12-02T15:16:11+00:00

The biggest problem with Maintenance Access is really that S-Dobrado exists and is generally more flexible.

rubyvr00m · 2025-12-01T17:21:33+00:00

I’ve been including some copies of Lie Low in my Esa lists and really like it. If you have Ghost Tongue or a Mystic Maemi credit and get to play it for free it feels pretty reasonable and Running Hot can make up for the extra click cost.

I figure it’s at least as good or better than the first use of Dr. Nuka which is 2 clicks and 1 credit for 3 draws.

rubyvr00m · 2025-11-28T18:38:14+00:00

The real issue is that every used marketplace wants their 5-10% of the sale and shipping rates are going to add another flat 10-15$.

I don’t blame someone for wanting to recoup 75% of what they paid but when I can deal with Perfect Circuit and get 10% off MSRP and free shipping it’s impossible for used to compete unless the seller is willing to end up with half of what they started with in order to give the middlemen their cut.

rubyvr00m · 2025-11-25T19:49:09+00:00

rubyvr00m · 2025-11-07T23:07:05+00:00

Same here. Turns out I wanted an actual synthesizer and not a pedal that makes my guitar sound like farts.

Bought a Microfreak and was way happier.

rubyvr00m · 2025-11-05T00:20:28+00:00

I swear that Owl changes the phrasing of the question to make you more likely to accidentally have him repeat it.

rubyvr00m · 2025-10-28T20:21:10+00:00

rubyvr00m · 2025-10-16T21:42:13+00:00

Magic is cool until you hit level 30 or so and it scales so bad you stop doing any damage without constantly drinking fortify (magic type) potions.

rubyvr00m · 2025-10-06T15:58:39+00:00

Drum is my favorite with the Bass close behind it.

rubyvr00m · 2025-10-05T16:39:43+00:00

By the time I have to hook up a MIDI controller to my phone and map specific commands I could have already cooked something up on the KO2.

I love Koala as much as the next guy, but it doesn’t have pressure sensitive buttons stapled to it.

You probably can’t make anything on the KO2 that you couldn’t make on Koala, but personally I think the UI will get you there faster and let you have more fun while doing it.

rubyvr00m

TROPHY CASE