I’m sitting here sequencing my Blofeld from an Octatrack. Moving between the different parts on the Blofeld is doable, but a bit of a hassle. If say part 3 is a bit too loud or needs a bit of a filter cut, navigating around to change this parameter takes quite a bit of menu diving. Also, saving the multi-program doesn’t save the individual programs, so if you’ve edited all of the programs while in multi-mode, you need to save them all individually. I’ve fucked up several times thinking I had done this process the right way, only to later realize I forgot to save part 5, for instance.
Anyways, this isn’t about the Blofeld, but about multi-timbrality and layering of patches. I’m a sucker for it. When well-implemented, as in for instance the Elektrons, layering sounds is such a breeze. On the Elektrons you can easily skip between the different parts to make them fit together, they are basically built to function that way. Sweet.
But not a lot of synths that I have tried have multi-timbrality this well implemented. There are usually a lot of menu diving involved to switch parts, or a lot of multi-programs needing to save individual parts or whatever.
So, basically - which synths out there have implemented multi-timbrality in a way that encourages layering of programs, and that doesn’t have you needing to save every individual program to save the multi-program?
I think the only synth I’ve tried that does this well besides the Elektrons are the Nord-synths, but I didn’t quite gel with the sound of the Nord Rack 2, so ended up selling it.
Anyways - being able to easily layer programs is a blessing with a synth, in my opinion - so which synths does this well, in your opinion?
I got an Ion too, and working multi-timbrally with it is easy enough, I agree. You still need to save individual patches on it though.
The JD looks a beast! Not too expensive either. Too bad I don’t have space for it. Can you save a program on that and have all the individual sounds saved at the same time?
Thanks. I’ve liked the Prophet 8 for some time, but still find it a bit too expensive. It sound great though!
Had the Evolver for a little while, but found editing it to be too much of a hassle, I never got the overview over where I was in the matrix and suddenley edited the completely wrong parameters - and it’s basically only one monophonic voice.
Thanks for the suggestions! Anyone tried a Novation Nova? They look neat for multi-timbrality.
I love the Nord lead 4 for layering. It’s basically a 2X with extended wave options. If your not hip to the nord sound then also check out the Korg Radias. 4 layers, easy to access, and a master FX slot. Very under rated synth in my opinion.
I’ve been quite keen on the Radias, looks like a fun synth. Thanks for the suggestion.
Does anyone know how the Spectralis 2 is in this regard? Is it easy to switch between parts and save a part?
I’m using Virus c and it gives me a lot of freedom. 16 multitimbral and great sound. And i’m not a trance guy…
It does need some get to know how, to understand the menu.
I’m curious about the Virus also - but how do you switch between parts on it? And if you save a multi-program, do you need to save the individual patches by themselves as well?
You have couple of options how to save parts and multi. In multi mode you only save the multi mode. In single you save the patch changes you make. But there is an option that i use and is called single multi. That means that any changes you make on a patch will be stored into a single when saving multi. Switching is easy. You can use program change or simply click a button on virus. Accessing parts is simple allso. You have dedicated buttons for changing the part that is in focus and you can tweak them.
And i must say… I got it for 400 €! Couple of scratches (small ones)
Interesting that you brought this topic up. I have the Blofeld as well, and haven’t even bothered to try Multi Mode yet. What I find interesting is that Multi Mode seems to be an afterthought on many things.
Ah, sweet! That sounds good. I’ve looked at the Ambika before, but decided to get an Analog Four instead. It’s good to know though, as I really like working with “layering” stuff, so buying synths where you can’t do this is somewhat pointless.
I think you’d like the Nova - I recently picked up a desktop - small footprint about size of an Elektron box but slimmer. The multi editing is a breeze compared to Blofeld, there is menu diving but more knobs and buttons - it’s covered with them. When you save a multi it prompts you to save the individual patches and will either save all, or let you step through and save just some.
For an old machine it’s versatile, can sound awesome and has some sweet stuff like dedicated effects per part, a pretty cool arp, lots of filters and novations last update added extra polyphony and new waves/filters.
Got mine boxed for less than 200 euro on the bay - they tend to go around or below that - bargain IMO.
Yeah, it’s strange. 16 part multitimbral synth and working in multi-mode is such a hassle. Same on the Microwave XT. [/quote]
Yeah, I have another Waldorf in addition. I’m not unhappy with either one of them. But when you brought this subject up, it made me realize that the ease of multi modality is what is making me hope I can add one of the Elektron synths (MnM or A4) to go with my OT someday.
Anyone tried a Novation Nova? They look neat for multi-timbrality.