Cheap synth to pair with A4 MK1

Elektron Gear Analog Keys/Four
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I’ve been getting deep with using just the A4 to make tracks… it’s lots of fun but I very quickly run out of voices… with all these cheap synths about I’m trying to identify one which will pair nicely with the A4, mainly for bass duties but also something that offers a different yet complimentary tonal range, don’t want to spend too much so no more than £300.

Top contenders so far are:
Behringer Neutron
Behringer Model D
Artura MicroFreak

I would love to know if anyone has any recommendations, experience of using any of these with the A4… Neutron seems like the best choice due to all the patch points but something about the sound seems a bit harsh and distorted, doesn’t sound as creamy as the Model D, so I dunno… going around in circles a bit here listening to endless YouTube demos!

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Have you thought about the model: samples?
It’s not really a synth, but since you can load single cycle waveforms it’s pretty much a synth.
And there are 5 other tracks for drums or other samples.

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Microfreak range of sounds is very wide. Also the 4 note paraphony works very nicely. I forget the details but I believe they have a (virtual?) vca for each voice. You still share the filter but for many uses you get much closer to 4 note polyphony rather than the normal sound of paraphony.

Model D is great but not different enough from your A4.

And of course I much mention all that a cheap used blofeld could bring you. :slight_smile:

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something like the neutron would be great. Delivers the bass you want and you can use the cv outs of the A4 for a lot of patching fun

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Microfreak is real cool and different. Has its own sequencer vibe too,

I’d personally look for something bi timbral or multi timbral, to use A4’s FX track and CV track as a pair of 4 note midi sequencers.

So for your budget contenders are
Blofeld,
Nord Rack 2 (Maybe £)
JP-8080
Beat up Virus B (maybe £)

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6

Why don’t try an Evolver. Very capable synth with totaly different range of sound, pretty experimental if needed, and that would appreciate the A4 fx. It have also 4 sequencers internaly routable to a lot of destinations. Can produce bass too.

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A Dreadbox Erebus v2 should be within your budget and is a brilliant synth to pair with the A4 (bass, leads, some pad-y sounds all possible + it’s paraphonic).

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What about the Korg nutekt

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Thanks for the suggestions everyone, I decided to go for a Neutron in the end, knob per function really appealed and whilst I have no experience with hardware modulars or eurorack I find it intriguing as to what might be possible using the A4’s CV sequencers.

Btw the Neutron sure has some weighty bass tones, nicely complements the rather sensible tones of the A4!

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Nice, have fun. There is a lot to explore with this patchbay

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