New MPE synths...

[John the Savage]

Hey John,
I use USB only and it routes in my DAW fine. By the way have you checked out the latest firmware? I'm amazed and surprised at the new presets, great starting points for fun. They really stepped up the game I thought, and it's nice they keep improving things. I've stopped using VST's mostly on Linnstrument and just use the Argon8m, they are an amazing combo.

The Argon is stitched into my live rig, and the MPC is the only host device onstage with me.

To that end, I do believe I'm running the latest firmware, yes. And I did notice that there were a bunch of new MPE presets, but I don't use presets. I prefer to design my own sounds from scratch, and enjoy that process. In many respects, as both a player and a producer, sound design is what I get paid for. I tend to avoid playing with presets, because often you cannot unhear what you have heard.

Cheers!

[Dirk Diggler]

Ah got you on the MPC, now I understand.
I'm with you 100% on presets, that said there are some phenomenal starting points in those new presets.

I just wish we could import our own wavetables and samples though.

[John the Savage]

You know, I always think that being able to import one's own wavetables would be an asset; but then, honestly, I don't know that I'd ever make use of it. For starters, I think the tonal palette of the Argon is already legion. To that end though, while I do require the synths in my toolbox to do my bidding, preferably with as few caveats as possible, I do like hardware for its limitations.

The problem with presets, at least for me anyway, is two-fold: 1) typically, they simultaneously reveal too much and too little about the synth at the same time, and 2) they impress upon me someone else's idea of what the synth is and what a sound should be. I like to keep a clear head when designing sounds. That's how your DNA gets in there. I want my fingerprints, and mine alone, all over it.

Cheers!

[t-IB]

Thanks for posting your findings.

And still, it seems that MPE continues to elude synth designers, particularly in the realm of hardware.

Cheers!

It's a somewhat curious thing that the best I've found so far in terms of response is the humble axoloti core. The modor nf1m remains my keeper, though it's midi for that as it doesn't have a host port.

Have you tried a Micromonsta 2?

I like finding issues with things but this synth has me stumped, it all just works really well.

I haven't, and need to spend more time with the Hydrasynth before I make a call on that. I had the first MM and everything I put forward was addressed in the V2, so I really should get on board at some point... I don't suppose it has a USB host - powering both off the one PSU would push me over the edge.

(my hydra-purchase hasn't quite gone
as planned thus far and so far made me love the modor more. More time required... and probably one of those not you it's me moments!)

[John the Savage]

No, sadly, the MM2 does not have a host port.

Cheers!

[t-IB]

No, sadly, the MM2 does not have a host port.

Cheers!

Well I've managed ok this far with old school din midi so it's not a deal-breaker... and I've thought before about dual timbrality and MPE. I'm in no rush but I'll probably check it at some point.

[invisible_touch]

I've been really happy with my MM2. I previously had a MM and upgraded to the MM2 as soon as they added MPE support. I was able to greatly simplify my live rig with it since I now can use both sides of the Linnstrument split in MPE mode with a single synth.

There was a small bug in the firsts MPE firmware that kept it from being able to change Combi patches via Program change, but that was quickly fixed. I set up Switch 1 and Switch 2 on the Linnstrument to increment/decrement Combi patches so I don't even have to touch the MM2 during a set/rehearsal.

[BobDog]

Wait! The Micromonsta 2 supports MPE?

I remember Samuel saying, with absolute adamance, that the MM2 would NOT support MPE. He seemed to have his reasons. As such, I never gave it a second look.

I do think it's a brilliant little synth. That said, I've never had my hands on one.

I'm looking at the release notes for firmware 2.1, and indeed it would seem that MPE is now supported. Hmm... Tempting, but for now, I'm committed to the Argon.

Cheers!

It works perfectly as well, even in mono mode, play a note, then hold another, slide the first note then release the second note and the first note is at the correct pitch. Why the hell other synths can't manage this I don't know.

I would say for me at least it is the best MPE implementation I have seen on a hardware synth, I can find nothing to moan about, which is not like me!

[BobDog]

Thanks for posting your findings.

And still, it seems that MPE continues to elude synth designers, particularly in the realm of hardware.

Cheers!

It's a somewhat curious thing that the best I've found so far in terms of response is the humble axoloti core. The modor nf1m remains my keeper, though it's midi for that as it doesn't have a host port.

Have you tried a Micromonsta 2?

I like finding issues with things but this synth has me stumped, it all just works really well.

I haven't, and need to spend more time with the Hydrasynth before I make a call on that. I had the first MM and everything I put forward was addressed in the V2, so I really should get on board at some point... I don't suppose it has a USB host - powering both off the one PSU would push me over the edge.

(my hydra-purchase hasn't quite gone
as planned thus far and so far made me love the modor more. More time required... and probably one of those not you it's me moments!)

My hydra love didn't last long, failure to fix bugs is a bit of a killer.

The new NF1 firmware fixed the "can't play two same notes properly", so this is more useable for me now.

[John the Savage]

You're making me want a Micromonsta 2 again, Andy. I really don't need one anymore, but I've always had a soft-spot for that synth. It really does sound good for such a tiny, all-digital device from a small, one-man operation. I just don't know that I can justify having it in the rig alongside the Argon. Hmm...

Cheers!

[minorAfno]

New (old) MPE synth for iOS and now macOS too: good old Animoog, now Animoog Z https://www.moogmusic.com/media/animoog ... w-features

[Roger_Linn]

Thanks for reminding me. I've just added AniMoog Z to the Recommended Sounds page.

[Tj Shredder]

The original AniMoog seems to be vanished from the app store, but still is working fine here. Don't forget your backups...

[minorAfno]

The original AniMoog seems to be vanished from the app store, but still is working fine here. Don't forget your backups...

It's still available for previous owners. It's also possible to export legacy presets and timbres to the new version. Exporting is a bit buggy but they seem to be working on it.

It sounds as good as the old one, great to have it on Mac, and it is fast to move around, program and play.

I'm not so fond of the design though, not as "Moog-ish" as their other instruments (kind of unfinished?)

[jray]

Hey John,
I use USB only and it routes in my DAW fine. By the way have you checked out the latest firmware? I'm amazed and surprised at the new presets, great starting points for fun. They really stepped up the game I thought, and it's nice they keep improving things. I've stopped using VST's mostly on Linnstrument and just use the Argon8m, they are an amazing combo.

I've been thinking about getting a standalone synth to pair with my Linnstrument 128 recently. I work as a software engineer and when I'm finished work for the day I find myself itching to get away from the PC for jam sessions (I compose songs on the PC however), and it would be nice to have something portable to take with me.

How is the Argon8m when it comes to ease of creating patches? I see that there's an iOS app where quite a few things are accessible, but what about on the unit itself? I had a Novation Peak for a while (which I regret selling!).