As per the thread title, would you rather have a Keyboard or Desktop version of a synth, and why?
Curious to hear from people who’ve had the same synth in Desktop and Keys versions… guessing there’ll be a fair few Digitone people here like this.
Personally, I’ve spent the last couple of years favouring Desktops for the compactness/space saving aspects, and being able to pair them with various keyboards.
More recently though, I’ve started realising that I gravitate more to my synths that have keys, and that those keybeds are a massive part of the feel/vibe of the synth.
Notable synths in this category for me are my Moog Sub37 and Matriarch, and Analog Four Mk2.
I know the latter is a strange one, but that little one octave keyboard is a big part of my perception of the A4. The Moogs, I just couldn’t imagine liking as much without the keybeds.
It’s now got me thinking that I might swap out some of my desktop synths.
(If anyone is interested in trades for a Prophet Rev2 and Novation Peak, lmk!)
I’m definitely in two minds and conflicted over it. Lots of irrational psychological stuff attached to my decisions.
I find it nice to have a synth I can play as one unit, but when it comes to sequencing it externally, I feel like I’m wasting it by not always playing it. Also keyboard versions are harder to take to gigs.
If I had more space I’d probably have more keyboard synths, but I’d never sequence them
Definitely desktop modules. I’m using a Launchpad Pro mk3 as a master keyboard (and dreaming of trying out the Linnstrument), and I don’t think I’d buy another modern synth that doesn’t have a desktop version. Worst case, I’m buying it and chopping the keyboard off. Having a keyboard on my BS2 somehow makes me like it less.
I recently got a Moog Grandmother and it’s so much more fun than any other synth I’ve owned. The immediacy, without having to worry about connecting stuff up, is great.
I also once tried a Digitone Keys in the Berlin Elektron store when it was still there, and preferred it over the regular version quite a lot.
I also count the OP-Z in this group. Once you have keys on a sequencer it’s a real pain to do it otherwise. I have used my OP-Z to sequence the Digitone before, just because of this. Hold down a step, play the keys, done.
Keyboard versions are more immediate, but if you lack space modules are the way to go. Lack of space is the only reason to prefer modules if you know how to play the keyboard.
Desktops do also make it easier to work multiple synths side by side. Having my REV2, DT, DN, and Boog all stacked together keeps everything in reach and feels very playable.
I traded my 61-key Virus for a desktop Virus and am much happier.
I also traded my A4mk1 for an AK and am much happier.
I’m on the fence regarding the Jupiter Xm. I might prefer the MC-707, or maybe an Integra 7. But it is extremely convenient to have the keyboard and speakers, so I’ll probably keep the Xm and maybe add an Integra or MC if I find an amazing deal.
Does the Lyra count as a desktop module or a keyboard?
…i love one to use one dedicated proper master keyboard, that offers me the same feel, no matter what sound i’m handling…
and if i have to tweak hw, i always play/record some midi line upfront in case i have to provide such data upfront to do so…
therefor, no synth with keys for me…if a device offers no desktop version, it’s no device for me…
only exeption here was the digitone keys, since it offers such a great keybed…
and stuff that comes along with obvious other concepts for keys…like a microfreak…
but in traditional keys…i need ONE SAME THING FOR ALL…velocity and aftertouch granted…standard pitch and modwheel granted, too…76 keys at least…88’s better…since many applications ask for keyswitches and i like the simplicity of ALL possible notes of the official frequency spectrum layed out right in front of me at any given moment…
of course, i prefer desktops.
i just don’t play keys, and got no plans to learn – i’m a drummer, and happy with grid/pad controlers for all kinds of note input.
moreover, a friend of mine, professional piano/keyboard player, also prefers desktop versions – because he already got enough instruments with keys, and storage space is not unlimited.
I like Nord keyboards because the keybed (while not fantastic) is SO close to the controls. If you want to put another module behind it, to use the keyboard as a controller, it’s a great space saver, depth wise, though a bit wide. Very ergonomic, as it puts the module closer to you.
I just wish I had more space in my room for some two or three tier stands. But with wall mounted bulk shelves, acoustic treatments, and tight walls, I’m not so lucky. The limitations keep my wallet happier, however!
Can’t wait for the Osmose…
But apart from this, I’m happy with my Keystep 37 and 61 SL mk3. Plenty of arp and chord magic in there.
I prefer desktop units cause I can bring them to other places and they don’t eat much space.
This for me too. I love programming sequenced lines but having a keybed makes composing and riffing ideas so much easier for me. For example I’ve got a Peak. Amazing sounding synth but I just know a Summit would be more immediate.
Definitely more a programmer than a player here but I do feel more connected to an instrument with keys. However, so long as I have one great quality keybed I can happily use modules alongside it. In some cases I actually prefer the layout of the controls on the module versions (Rev2 and P6 spring to mind).
Portability isn’t so much an issue for me but space is… and some of my older keyboards (Juno 60, Mono Evolver, Little Phatty) just don’t fit into the room I now use.
