A decision matrix to choose which synth to buy because apparently I can't make decisions

The Lounge General Discussion
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In my dual capacity as programmer and chronic non-decider, I built an online decision matrix system, which I’m using to tell me which synth to add to my lonely Digitakt.

(Impulsive, know-your-own-mind buyers out there, I salute and envy you.)

A decision matrix is a means of defining competing options and key criteria, then scoring the former against the latter to end up with a final score and, ultimately a decision.

The matrix tells me to go with the Korg Multipoly, but I might disobey my own creation and get the Digitone II anyway. Thus making a mockery of 6 hours of programming.

Anyway, here’s my synth decision matrix, and if anyone else finds the concept useful (not necessarily just for synth purposes), I offer it to the world.

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As a Multi/Poly and DN2 owner I support either. Although I am tempted to swap out for the module version of the M/P since I sequence mine so often.

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Listen to your gut. Your gut knows stuff.

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You can add that as an criterion to with importance 9 :slight_smile:

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I should have and not ate that burrito!

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How do you find the MP - is it menu-divey as I suspect? Korg’s digital range scare me a bit - they look like complex muthas!

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this is neat but youll probably have a better time going to a local shop and trying them out, unless you dont have any nearby.

For instance, it kinda doesnt work to compare the digitone II and the korg multipoly. They work and feel totally different, totally different synthesis techniques, etc. Ranking like this wont really guide you the way playing them will.

If you can’t try them IRL then sure, go with the matrix.

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Yes. It’s deep and even with all thise knobs and buttons there’s still a lot of menus. However, the app on my computer makes it way easier. I spent a few days with them linked and it helped me understand what’s going on way better then the menus don’t seem so bad. I do think the UI is a slightly better than most Roland stuff because they put a lot of parameters on a page, instead of just one or two to scroll through for a year.

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I couldn’t try out either before purchase, but I already owned a DT and had owned a ModWave prior so I had a gist of what the UIs would be like.

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Oh yeah for sure - nothing beats hands-on, although right now my local store has none of the options I’m considering, which isn’t helpful, although they’re expecting the Multipoly in store soon. My matrix was just something fun to build and, at best, provides secondary usefulness.

Thanks, that’s helpful. I’m trying to stay off screens so if you need an app to help stay out of menu diving that might be a negative for me. I expect the Cobalt is a less menu-divey (and more basic) equivalent to the MP.

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You definitely don’t need the app to use it at all. It just helps my brain to understand the structure better. But, like I said, it’s pretty deep when it comes to sound design and then it’s four timbres so it can feel like it multiplies the depth.

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