KVR Audio

commodore · Post by **commodore** » Sun Jul 19, 2020 2:30 pm

I’m looking for ideas for a desktop bass synth for my studio. Has to be smallish, preferably no keyboard. I was thinking Moog Taurus, but seems too limited. But I do like the quality. I got the korg arp odyssey, which it pretty sweet, but I also like having presets.

Looking for other ideas. Thanks!

Silaris · Post by **Silaris** » Sun Jul 19, 2020 3:02 pm

The following list of small desktop synth modules are good for bass, and can store presets:

* Moog Minitaur/Sirin (based on the Taurus)
* Pioneer DJ Toraiz AS-1
* Roland Boutique SE-02
* Waldorf Pulse 2

I have all four synths available in my studio, but if I had to choose one it would be a toss up between the Moog Minitaur/Sirin or Waldorf Pulse 2. Overall, the Waldorf Pulse 2 is far more flexible, but the Minitaur/Sirin's sound is so good.

The below video I found on YouTube is a basic comparison between the Moog Minitaur and Waldorf Pulse 2:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMWMmiEOjoQ

revvy · Post by **revvy** » Sun Jul 19, 2020 3:42 pm

Love my Pulse 2 for bass. Well, for many things, including bass.

foosnark · Post by **foosnark** » Sun Jul 19, 2020 3:53 pm

My favorite thing for bass is a somewhat saturated triangle. Both Microbrute (not really what you're looking for) and the 0-Coast (maybe?) do that very well. No presets, but also pretty simple synths to just dial in.

commodore · Post by **commodore** » Sun Jul 19, 2020 8:05 pm

Silaris wrote: ↑Sun Jul 19, 2020 3:02 pm The following list of small desktop synth modules are good for bass, and can store presets:

* Moog Minitaur/Sirin (based on the Taurus)
* Pioneer DJ Toraiz AS-1
* Roland Boutique SE-02
* Waldorf Pulse 2

I have all four synths available in my studio, but if I had to choose one it would be a toss up between the Moog Minitaur/Sirin or Waldorf Pulse 2. Overall, the Waldorf Pulse 2 is far more flexible, but the Minitaur/Sirin's sound is so good.

revvy wrote: ↑Sun Jul 19, 2020 3:42 pm Love my Pulse 2 for bass. Well, for many things, including bass.

oh wow, thank you. I had never considered the pulse 2, but it sounds amazing. I never fit well with the blofeld so never even considered the pulse 2. I really like the sound. I'll have to watch some more demos of it, but right now that seems perfect for what I'm looking for. Thanks again!

AnX · Post by **AnX** » Sun Jul 19, 2020 8:16 pm

vitocorleone123 · Post by **vitocorleone123** » Mon Jul 20, 2020 1:46 am

I’d choose Siren if not just bass and you want Moog. But I’d take SE-02 over all.

Depends on if you want lots of harmonics in your bass (Moog) or more modern.

I think the Pulse 2 is overpriced, new.

Halonmusic · Post by **Halonmusic** » Wed Jul 22, 2020 9:53 pm

Waldorf Rocket.

JoaquinAce · Post by **JoaquinAce** » Wed Jul 22, 2020 10:21 pm

I use either the Pulse 2 or the Bass Station II. The BS II still have really nice filters, overdrive and distortion and it's priced fantastically for what you get. I know you said preferably no keyboard but the BS II is small.

PatrickW · Post by **PatrickW** » Thu Jul 23, 2020 9:33 am

- Waldorf Pulse 2
- Moog Taurus
- Novation Bass Station II (somewhat bigger because of the keyboard)
- Toraiz AS-1

All four sound great and have a rather distinctive sound because of the different filters.

Stefken · Post by **Stefken** » Thu Jul 23, 2020 1:39 pm

Se-02.

thecontrolcentre · Post by **thecontrolcentre** » Thu Jul 23, 2020 1:50 pm

Doepfer Dark Energy

http://www.doepfer.de/Dark_Energy_III_e.htm

deastman · Post by **deastman** » Thu Jul 23, 2020 11:03 pm

After my latest experiment last night, I’ve decided that my favorite desktop bass synth is a Pro-1, Neutron, Mother-32, and 0-Coast all stacked together. That also works well as a 4-voice polysynth, routed with a Blokas MidiHub. Next up, I’m going to try stacking a Minibrute 2S, FutureRetro 777, D-05, and Tom Oberheim SEM together through A Boss MD-500, Strymon BigSky, and maybe an Eventide H9.

chk071 · Post by **chk071** » Thu Jul 23, 2020 11:14 pm

Silaris wrote: ↑Sun Jul 19, 2020 3:02 pm The following list of small desktop synth modules are good for bass, and can store presets:

* Moog Minitaur/Sirin (based on the Taurus)
* Pioneer DJ Toraiz AS-1
* Roland Boutique SE-02
* Waldorf Pulse 2

I have all four synths available in my studio, but if I had to choose one it would be a toss up between the Moog Minitaur/Sirin or Waldorf Pulse 2. Overall, the Waldorf Pulse 2 is far more flexible, but the Minitaur/Sirin's sound is so good.

The below video I found on YouTube is a basic comparison between the Moog Minitaur and Waldorf Pulse 2:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMWMmiEOjoQ

I watched that video a long time ago. I still think the Minitaur smokes the Pulse 2 in every regard. Just sounds better in any way. Not that the Pulse 2 sounds bad, but... the Minitaur just beats it.

That said, I'd get the Sirin, if then. The Minitaur has a too small note range.

revvy · Post by **revvy** » Fri Jul 24, 2020 3:27 am

You tried them or just watched videos?

Desktop bass synth - what’s your favorite?