the blofeld seems really interesting…how does it compare to the modal?
The synths you mention are big boy synths, hard to fit that into a reasonable small interface for a reasonable prica wher you still have an audience.
If menu diving is fine and you only need physical controlls for the parameters, you actually primary need a midi controller and some time to test if you like the combo after maping it, navigating the menues on the ipad. Adjusting parameters and playing through midi.
Not sure if there are newer organelles, but while its capable of a lot, it does not have a good interface for complex patches. There are patches that try to be universal, but look at the interface, do you really have more input then an ipad with a midi controller?
Like the launch control 3?
Norms has a bigger screen, so could be better.
But i have honestly no knowledge about it.
Drawing oscilators shapes: it wont replace other synthesis methods or be a wavetable synth.
Its mainly there to somewhat broaden the pallet of a classic subtractive synthesis synth.
I only used it twice, i keep my synth sounds relatively sinple and to the more heavy lifting with layering and sampling. I think loopop has a good feature overview of the s-1.
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The Blofeld is a super deep Wavetable Synth.
Description of the Carbon8 by Modal :
CARBON8 redefines digital synthesis, delivering next-generation sound design and performance capabilities. Powered by a groundbreaking engine—twice as complex as our renowned ARGON8 and COBALT8 series—CARBON8 fuses advanced waveform algorithms and wavetables into an 8-voice polyphonic synthesizer with state-of-the-art filter technology, deep modulation options, and dynamic performance tools.
Designed for sound explorers, CARBON8 offers an unprecedented level of sonic flexibility. Whether you’re crafting lush, atmospheric textures or bold, aggressive leads, its innovative architecture ensures limitless creativity.
Now for the Sound, you’ll have to listen to some videos.
It’s not necessarily about having “more” input than an ipad + midi controller, but its about having it all in one box. An ipad + midi controller basically requires a desk. Plus i’ve always found it clumsy to navigate between the apps, find the right software to use., etc. But yeah, i agree that the synth engines are very sophisticated.
Kinda boggles my mind that no one can seem to get “dawless” quite right.
Except Elektron 
The issue is that “quite right” varies a lot with the user. Each new device seems to have its share of enthusiastic adopters and disillusioned detractors. They haven’t gotten it quite right for you, or for me, either, but it’s probably unlikely that one device will satisfy both of us.
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Well, im sort of side eying the tonverk here, because I thought THAT would be the device. But instead I feel like I have yet another box that is missing some function critical to me.
Wanna work on one? lol
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Heh, yeah. Let’s pull in half a dozen others here and produce a Frankendevice!
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how hard could it be…
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If your style relies on lots of LFOs, elz1 play can definitely feel restrictive. What makes it special is the ability to layer granular, physical modeling, wavetable, FM, and the DNA Explorer (extractions of your own waveforms). The latest update makes it especially awesome if you’re into Waldorf.
Elz1 is more about unusual sound sources than deep modulation, which is something you don’t find in many truly portable (opxy sized) synths.
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Perhaps there isn’t a Goldilocks synth for you? I’m finding the thread frustrating as it feels like people are making suggestions which are shot out of the sky like clay pigeons.
If you could say more about what type of synthesis you would like, that would help.
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Got a chuckle out of me, considering my avatar
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I did, above. If you find the thread frustrating then feel free not to read.
For me, for portable, it’s Dirtywave m8, and by a country mile. Great synths, including FM, subtractive, wavetable, samples, modulation, reverb, delay, distortion, limiter and ott compressor, more.
When I want knobs, I plug in a tiny midi knobs box over midi (often I just assign parameters to the touch screen). When I want a keyboard, I plug in a keyboard. Recording poly midi isn’t a strength, but you can play 8 voice polyphonically live, just fine, with midi input, it’s great fun (and you can record the audio of that polyphonic playing very easily, on the device itself). Plus you have a great sampler sequencer arranger if you want it.
I feel the GAS as much as anyone, but in my experience the best move is often to get better at using a great tool I already have, often the m8. The skills and knowledge consolidate and make everything faster and better.
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Roland Jupiter Xm? Maybe a bit too big, but…
- Full Zencore engine (very deep)
- Multi-timbral (4 synth, and 1 Rhythm part)
- 37 mini-key keyboard (decent feeling)
- Built-in speakers (sound good, by all accounts)
- Can run on 8 AA batteries (about 3 hours)
- Sequencer (kinda weak, but usable)
- Intelligent Arpeggiator (looks neat)
I want one because it looks like the ultimate couch jamming synth, but they’re kinda pricey so I keep balking.
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Push 3 standalone
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part of me thinks this is probably where ill end ip. I have a push 2, but it never gets used because i hate breaking out a laptop to make music. But if i can do most things on the device…
Do you know how granular you can get with sound design on the device?
yeah I looked into this, because spec wise it sounds good, but everywhere ive looked people have said the interface is horrendous.
yeah, im going to try using them in conjunction and see how i feel about that.
There are some gripes i have with the device that i think would be mitigated by a separate midicontroller (the bento), like polyphony. At least I think so?