Ongaku and Bento Synthesizers

apapaatai · 2022-07-08T15:47:38.707Z

Has anyone here used these very interesting synthesizers developed by Giorgio Sancristoforo?

resonant_space · 2022-07-08T16:43:36.069Z

Normally, the only thing I use a computer for is a recording console–no vst instruments, but I like Bento and Ongaku. I started with Berna 3, which is super interesting, but “patching” on a computer is kind of awful (for me at least). Then I picked up Bento and it really fits what I like for computer-based music making. It’s self-contained, weird, and sounds good. Since Ongaku was done in a similar format to Bento, I picked it up when it was released. Both are highly experimental and fun, and sound fairly organic for digital instruments. The licenses are super reasonably priced and you can test out demo versions. If you’re looking for conventional vst instruments too integrate into a daw, these aren’t a good choice. If you’re into weird sound design and experimental instruments–Bento and Ongaku are fantastic.

apapaatai · 2022-07-08T22:03:09.858Z

I don’t even use a DAW, so I sense I would like Ongaku and Bento. I am mostly interested in drones, abstract electronics and morphing sounds. It seems it would be perfect for me.

resonant_space · 2022-07-08T23:49:57.989Z

It sounds like you’d dig both. I’d start with the demo of Bento because the manual for Ongaku isn’t out yet. There’s a video but it’s nice having the manual. The demo works for 10 min at a time–I knew I wanted to buy a license when those 10 min would fly by.