Looking for a simple polyphonic analog keyboard synth

Jukka · 2024-04-04T14:31:17.784Z

Check this fairly recent thread too :

Analog Poly Synths w/ Analog Controls (no presets) Other Gear

I would like to know about analog poly synths (at least 3 voices) that have pure voltage controls for the LFOs, filters, and amps; no digital controls; no preset saving. Just pure continuous electricity. Anyone know of any? I know about the old Dave Smith and Tom Oberheim stuff, so we can skip right over those. Anything goes: vintage gear, boutique companies, DIY kits, etc. I would prefer to know about new synths from active modern companies, but honestly I can’t seem to find anything at all,…

Jukka · 2024-04-04T14:40:17.665Z

One of a kind analog polyphony with a keyboard and no presets, could be a NiftyKEYZ with whatever creative content you wanted to stuff inside. It’s been my adventure ( thought experiment ) for a while. Plus that could evolve as you grow.

The keyboard is 4 note CV / Gate, but that isn’t necessarily the limit with this.

Acidizer · 2024-04-04T14:41:10.959Z

I would forget about the “analog” stipulation. It means nothing.

Roger · 2024-04-04T14:41:38.316Z

Analog or analog modeling is fine.

Acidizer · 2024-04-04T14:47:12.615Z

Juno has 61 keys but no velocity and it is decades old, more worryingly.

The System 8 has 49 keys (as does most modern polys) and has a convincing Juno inside it, the Jupiter 4 you can purchase for it is more vintage sounding. The main System 8 engine is one the best sounding synths I’ve experienced.

UDO Super Gemini is the ultimate synth on sale right now, imo. That has 61 keys, if you can’t afford it that the Super 6 has 49 keys. The UDO synths are thee best sounding synths I’ve used.

OB-6 is very analog sounding, but almost to a parody degree. I don’t find it very useful and becomes tiresome after a while.

Roger · 2024-04-04T14:48:11.116Z

Do they have manual mode?

Acidizer · 2024-04-04T14:49:01.430Z

Yes there is a button for that.

FilipNest · 2024-04-04T14:49:20.157Z

Seconding this sequential note. I hardly ever use the presets on my OB6, mostly just using the manual button (WYSIWYG) or doing an init patch and then twisting all the controls until they’re where they should be.

Tempted to add a sticker to show the init patch positions for all the knobs.

Oh how I wish for the Nina motorised knobs thing to become a standard.

Obelisk · 2024-04-04T14:49:42.104Z

I went for a prophet 5 in the end because of the simplicity, but there must be a more affordable option. The Behringer desktop clone is pretty close if you already have a midi keyboard

Acidizer · 2024-04-04T15:01:29.719Z

Prophet 5 is a very good WYSIWYG analog synth. Looks and sounds beautiful.

Roger · 2024-04-04T15:01:31.173Z

The pro800 looks like it might be perfect. Thinking about sticking that in a eurorack case with a couple of effects pedals…

Roger · 2024-04-04T15:11:17.533Z

Very interesting concept. ~~If only it had midi out.~~

Acidizer · 2024-04-04T15:11:49.539Z

Pro 800. Sounds decent but…

No keys (desktop), external FX, and low build quality = a detached feeling and not inspiring. If indeed what you are after is inspiration and to get lost in sound design.

Jukka · 2024-04-04T15:11:55.805Z

Roger:

had midi out

It does.

FilipNest · 2024-04-04T15:12:08.433Z

Acidizer:

OB-6 is very analog sounding, but almost to a parody degree. I don’t find it very useful and becomes tiresome after a while.

Not to get all how dare you but I’ve played the OB6 a lot and feel I’m still only on the surface of what it can do. Especially with extra MIDI modulation you can make it do all sorts of weird and wonderful things. Most of what’s on YouTube or in the presets is vintage synth cliche which put me off at first but you can take it to all sorts of places.

Acidizer · 2024-04-04T15:15:17.331Z

What can I say! Ex-OB-6 owner, those are my thoughts. I actually enjoyed the Prophet 6 more.

Roger · 2024-04-04T15:16:22.331Z

My bad. It’s not explicitly mentioned on the product page, but I confirmed it in the manual that the midi thru is also midi out. Hmm. Hmmmmm.

Jukka · 2024-04-04T15:26:19.370Z

On the NiftyKEYZ :
Plus both In and Out can be 5 pin DIN or USB.

MIDI out can be from the keyboard or the built in sequencer.

MIDI In also functions as a 4 note MIDI to CV.

NiftyKEYZ thread.

Roger · 2024-04-04T15:34:45.309Z

Anyone have any thoughts on the Behringer UB-XA?

sacguy71 · 2024-04-04T15:36:39.323Z

Oberheim OB X8 or Prophet 10.