Softube Model 84 (Juno 106)

[Funkybot's Evil Twin]

Yeah, it's kind of like they said, let's take the worst part of some of Arturia's design philosophy with overly skeuomorphic designs that feature hidden panels, and find a way to make it even worse! In practice, I don't find it the worst thing in the world, but it's annoying for sure!

[Echoes in the Attic]

It's not bad how they did the Model 72 with the extra panel that pops up because nothing shifts. But they made the juno after that! What were they thinking.

[BONES]

I think it's a great way of doing it. It's definitely one of my favourite GUIs, both from a usability perspective and because it looks so damned cool. Cutting things off a little bit just makes it a bit playful/fun.

[LoveEnigma18]

I found the GUI getting cut odd too, but thinking about it again, I agree with BONES here. It is actually better than GUI expanding and covering up screen space unnecessarily, like in Arturia synths. So, I think it is not really a concern. Most of the UX related improvements, including browser window not being integrated, would have been nice, but are not a show stopper at all. It is so good I think we can live with it as it is.

[LoveEnigma18]

Just saw on the Softube website that Model 84 Polyphonic Synthesizer 48-hour special offer will be unlocked between January 21st - 23rd. Don't think the price will be better than the recent $79 offer. The demo will last until then, so I can probably start using it in my music already.

More here: https://www.softube.com/unlockable-offers

[Funkybot's Evil Twin]

Just saw on the Softube website that Model 84 Polyphonic Synthesizer 48-hour special offer will be unlocked between January 21st - 23rd. Don't think the price will be better than the recent $79 offer. The demo will last until then, so I can probably start using it in my music already.

More here: https://www.softube.com/unlockable-offers

You gotta appreciate a company that tells you weeks in advance when they're going to have a product on sale. I don't understand it. But I appreciate it. And maybe that's what they're trying to do: build up some good will.

[BONES]

Most of the UX related improvements, including browser window not being integrated, would have been nice, but are not a show stopper at all. It is so good I think we can live with it as it is.

The good thing with Softube's browsers, though, is that you can move them onto a separate monitor if you want to and they allow you to browse and tweak at the same time. The either/or nature of most VST browsers annoys the hell out of me, this is a way better solution.

[LoveEnigma18]

Just saw on the Softube website that Model 84 Polyphonic Synthesizer 48-hour special offer will be unlocked between January 21st - 23rd. Don't think the price will be better than the recent $79 offer. The demo will last until then, so I can probably start using it in my music already.

More here: https://www.softube.com/unlockable-offers

You gotta appreciate a company that tells you weeks in advance when they're going to have a product on sale. I don't understand it. But I appreciate it. And maybe that's what they're trying to do: build up some good will.

True, and I believe no other company does this. At least to my knowledge.

[LoveEnigma18]

Most of the UX related improvements, including browser window not being integrated, would have been nice, but are not a show stopper at all. It is so good I think we can live with it as it is.

The good thing with Softube's browsers, though, is that you can move them onto a separate monitor if you want to and they allow you to browse and tweak at the same time. The either/or nature of most VST browsers annoys the hell out of me, this is a way better solution.

Yeah, maybe some companies do things slightly unconventionally for this reason and/or they also think about such aspects. I don't use a second monitor, but I am OK with this browser, especially as it is decently done. The overall GUI is really beautiful and pleasure to work with, partly thanks to the simple architecture of Juno-106.

[WolfKay]

Most of the UX related improvements, including browser window not being integrated, would have been nice, but are not a show stopper at all. It is so good I think we can live with it as it is.

The good thing with Softube's browsers, though, is that you can move them onto a separate monitor if you want to and they allow you to browse and tweak at the same time. The either/or nature of most VST browsers annoys the hell out of me, this is a way better solution.

Well, this is oh so true!
It's probably *the* most annoying design drawback in most soft synths and effects currently: you can't actually browse presets and edit synth or fx parameters at the same time, like you would on a hardware machine. Instead you find yourself constantly clicking on the same "Preset" or "Patch" tab and "Edit" or "Synth" tab, switching from one view to another.
This is so time-consuming and such a workflow killer!
And no, a preset zone in an "Edit" or "Synth" mode is not enough, as it's too limiting: you want all the preset informations and search filters to be accessible at the same time with (or in) the main edit window.
I'd love to see a separate preset browser implemented in my favorite instruments and FX plug-ins, as what has been done in Softube and Melda products (separate window) or in Reason and Plogue Bidule (separate list in the main window).
C'mon U-He and Arturia… nudge nudge, wink wink

[rasmusklump]

In Cubase you can do this with the Mediabay for Halion and GA as well

[LoveEnigma18]

In Cubase you can do this with the Mediabay for Halion and GA as well

Indeed. I was trying to recall what else does that but couldn't.

EDIT: I like the implementation in Steinberg products better, as it is provided as a window that can be docked or floated as per preference.

[Vortifex]

Edited

[LoveEnigma18]

I don't like dongles, but, there's way too many quality plugins which use iLok protection.

I had to get over my iLok hate to buy Model 72, it was just too good to pass up. I would have bought Model 84 too but even at its sale price it felt too expensive for what it offers.

I checked the history and it seems that Model 72 started going on sale for $48/$43 (which I assume is the price you paid) one year after it was released. So going by this trend, I guess Model 84 might get a similar price tag during or post summer of 2022, which is about 6 months away depending on location. $79 is not that bad though, especially when you (I ) really want it. Watch out for the offer on Model 84 next Friday, though.

[chk071]

Yeah, the Softube deals are great. Hopefully (for my wallet...) the next deal won't be too great.