Sunday, December 29, 2024

As much as I like the Moog Prodigy . , ,

it is based on the MiniMoog, and has a very similar sound. Perhaps the Arturia MINI V rev 3 is among the best of the traditionalist appearance, and functionality. However, even this model of Mini has a modulation matrix, effects, and a dedicated LFO hidden away in a secret panel that you can open and close when needed. Altogether, the nice rendering hides a real powerhouse of possibilities in sounds.




However, there are digital instruments that have the same kinds of layout and produce very close imitations of that original MiniMoog 3 oscillator synthesizer. Here's one of my favorites:


The Minimonsta 2 is based on the old Mini layout but has some modern additions. Being software, the cost is almost arbitrary, and there used to be some limitations related to the computer resources in your home computer. Nowadays a notebook computer can handle many of them simultaneously. Rather than trying to duplicate the 1970's synth legend, the task is to find instruments that can keep up with your tastes as a musician, and give room to grow.

GForce Software wrote the Minimosta 2, and they have some other synths that I like. Arturia makes a Mini V virtual Mini that is very true to the real thing. I have that, but sometimes this one works because it is one of the better sounding ones that can be made to sound like the original Mini, but has the means to go beyond those sounds. 

It has more knobs than will fit on one screen. It has multiple built-in effects, and a modulation matrix. The envelope generators are full ADSR types instead of ADS ones on the MiniMoog. 

My favorite synths are now available in the DAW's that I use. Primarily Logic and Reason. Roland Cloud makes some very authentic Juno 60, and Jupiter 8 instruments, and GForce also makes the Oddity3 ARP Odyssey that goes beyond the original. Sonic Projects makes the OP-X Oberheim emulators. Great sounding synths by any standards. Google some of these terms and you'll find plenty of information about them.

I also use some real life rack mounted ROMplers, namely the E-Mu Systems Proteus modules and some Yamaha TX-81Z's that provide an FM synth that rounds out my mix. The sounds I like tend to have a certain gravitas and contribute a depth to the music on their own that affects the overall piece in a positive way. I'll write about some of them here, but will not get too technical about it. Yeah really.


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