What two analogue synths would you choose for minimal techno-setup with Digitakt acting as a sequencer, mixer and drum-machine? Currently I am hooking Doepher Dark Energy mki and Pioneer Toraiz AS-1 to Digitakt, but lately I’ve been thinking of replacing AS-1 with other under $500 semi-modular synth, like Pittsburgh Lifeforms SV-1, Make Noise 0 coast, or something else (dont want to go full modular…). One option would be Begringer Model D, but frankly - I am not a big fan of its sounds… Korg MS-20 mini could also be interesting, however it’s a bit too chunky for small setup. Do you have any interesting interesting setup-examples or ideas?
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Analog 4 is very powerful.
An incredible little monosynth is the Dreadbox Typhon
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+1 for A4 Digitakt combo
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Dreadbox Hades re-issue
Dreadbox Erebus re-issue
Moog Minitaur
Analog Four
DFAM
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Analog 4 mk1.
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Yes! Isn't the Analog Four the most incredible and deep instrument from Elektron so far? - #481 by Jeanne
4x analog synth + 4x sequencer in one. It’s awesome.
(Also patch flip!)
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For whatever reason I really like using my Norand Mono with the Digitakt
+1 for the Analog 4 - brings a lot of power to the set up and easily integrates with Digitakt
The Dreadbox Erebus re-issues sounds amazing, but without CV patching is kinda meh
Moog Mother 32 is a great synth and has lots of semi-modularity. In the same waters is the Moog Sub-Harmonicon, which I personally prefer, but might be too weird for your setup
Bastl SoftPop 2 is the curveball im throwing in. Its semi-modular, and has lots of sonic pontential. Can do normal synth things, but can get real weird if you want it to. Its also really compact.
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Moog Mother 32 + 0Coast for covering a lot of sonic territory and cross-patching fun, especially through the DT’s delay and reverb.
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Mother 32 has nothing on a MK1 A4 in my opinion. Need a lot of bolt-ons to make a M32 sound good.
Source: had M32 & Subharmonicon - sold for A4 Mk2 which I still have
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Vermona Mono Lancet.
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I currently use an Lifeforms SV-1b with my Digitakt + Digitone as a mono bass, but have used a Volca bass in the past. Both work great in this setup.
Downsides to the SV-1
- Low availability
- Single envelope for both amp and filter, you can get around this with other modules or sending mod (CC1) to the filter, but just something to keep in mind.
- You will need to manually tune it every so often, although it’s quite stable.
Upsides to the SV-1
- So many simultaneous oscillator types from the two oscillators
- Great utility modules if you ever want to expand into more modular gear
- Has multiple filter outputs as well
Downsides to the Volca bass
- Limited control of amp and filter envelopes
- Limited sequencer but not much of a problem using a DT
- Can be a little noisy
- Only square and saw oscillators available
Upsides to the Volca bass
- Cheap, affordable, lightweight, portable and can be battery powered
- 3 oscillators that can be tuned ±12 semitones independently
- Can run 3 separate sequences on the 3 oscillators, but this needs to be on device
- The EG can receive Midi CC messages for adjusting attack, decay/release, and cutoff eg int.
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+1 for both A4mk1 and Mono. The A4 has huge depth and the Mono offers much immediate fun.
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Dreadbox Nymphes to have a 6 voice synth.
Then either the Bastl Softpop II, Make Noise 0-Coast, or Erica Synths Desktop Bassline DB-01
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I have two A4’s, DFAM, Sub-harm, and M32 and there really is not a comparison to be made between the the A4 and the semi-modular moogs. Two totally different synths that are insanely powerful in very different ways. The M32 was included in the list because OP said they wanted semi-modular.
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My setup has a Digitakt sequencing a DFAM, Mother 32, O-Coast, and Nymphes, and Digitakt makes an incredible sequencer and effects for the setup.
0Coast and Nymphes are both 500$ and very easy to recommend…
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get a used Analog 4 MK1. Heck I would even do that in the future as such a good synth! Maybe a used Dave Smith Tetra or Mopho? Always loved the sound of those old Dave Smith Sequential boxes.
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i managed to get a lot out of a digitakt and nord lead4 rack… it sounds great and i dont care if its analog / virtual analog …
technically you could have 4 x mono synths , some shared fx. you could configure independent outputs etc…
or swap for a virus synth . A/B/C etc… they sound good too… plus they have fx and ability to eq .
ignore the analog/digital nonsense and just focus on which could be very capable at wide range of useful sounds with patch storage.
analog 4 mk1 is also very good option… theyre quite cheap (£500 ish) and you could jam on one without turning any other gear on…
semi modulars are fine but if you consider the actual sounds you might want, (bass , blips etc) theyll probably be quite simple patches that can be achieved via generic modulation matrix available on nord/virus etc.
and midi cc sequencing could get you quite far instead of patch cables.
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Virus b or c would be great. I love mine when I don’t try to use the broken ti software. Awesome sound!
I’m surprised nobody mentioned the Typhon. A beast on its own, and its input and FX coupled with DT resampling means a lot of fun and flexibility.
Depending whether VAs are in or not, a MicroMonsta 2 would complete the palette well with bread n butter and poly duties, and a nice growl with its great distortion and filters.
A good mono with killer FXs and a bi-timbral poly, all in a compact footprint. What else?
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0 Coast and Strega.
The 0 Coast has massive MIDI Capabilities, also acting as a MIDI 2 CV converter for further using its modulators for strega. Add stack cables and enjoy the massive sound pallette and happy accidents
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