KVR Audio

Trancer · Post by **Trancer** » Fri Apr 21, 2023 10:16 pm

If you had to choose and keep one of these three synths, which one would it be?

Polybrute / OB 6 / Prophet 6.

Quality, reliability, sound, ergonomics.

To complete a Virus Ti2, Nord Lead A1, Subsequent 37, Toraiz AS-1, Blofeld.

The Polybrute appears to be the most interesting, sequencer matrix, modulations for example.

What do you think ?

cryophonik · Post by **cryophonik** » Fri Apr 21, 2023 10:37 pm

As someone who owns a PolyBrute, Prophet 6 desktop, and just bought an OB-6 desktop (currently en route and expected next week!), it's hands down the PolyBrute for me, primarily because of its versatility, range, and incredible amount of expression. It's obviously not a Prophet or Oberheim emulation, though. It can go reasonably well into those types of sounds, but if you really want a Prophet sound or an Oberheim sound, you're better off going with one of them instead. For the record, I also have a Virus TI2, Subsequent 37, and Blofeld.

One thing to consider is which version of the P6 and OB-6 you are considering. If you're considering the keyboard versions of these two, there are two conflicting things to consider regarding the keybed. First, the P6/OB-6 have a very nice Fatar keybed, similar to your Virus TI2 (assuming you have a keyboard/Polar version). The PolyBrute's keybed is not as nice by most people's standards and some people don't really care for it - it's definitely a point of contention for many PolyBrute owners or would-be buyers. I'm a formerly trained pianist/keyboardist and I actually like the PolyBrute's keybed, primarily because its aftertouch feels very nice to me, but it's admittedly not as nice as the Fatars in the Sequential and Virus synths. Second, the PolyBrute's advantage is that it has a 61-key/5-octave keyboard, compared to the 49-key/4-octave keybed in the P6/OB-6. That's one of the common complaints of the Sequential 6-series synths - i.e., that the keyboard is too short for such expensive synths. So, that's the tradeoff, if you're considering the keyboard versions. If you're considering the Sequential desktop modules, then obviously none of that is relevant.

cryophonik · Post by **cryophonik** » Fri Apr 21, 2023 10:45 pm

One other consideration is that the PolyBrute comes with a free software editor/librarian (PolyBrute Connect) that works as both a standalone app and a plugin in your DAW and it's very nicely done. The P6/OB-6 does not include any software, but you can buy them from Soundtower for $100 (or you can buy the standalone and plugin versions separately). In my experience, the Soundtower apps are not all that great (seems to be a consensus among its users), especially for the price, while PolyBrute Connect is excellent and has worked without issue for me. It's a very nice bonus feature IMO.

pdxindy · Post by **pdxindy** » Sat Apr 22, 2023 3:04 am

cryophonik wrote: Fri Apr 21, 2023 10:45 pm One other consideration is that the PolyBrute comes with a free software editor/librarian (PolyBrute Connect) that works as both a standalone app and a plugin in your DAW and it's very nicely done. The P6/OB-6 does not include any software, but you can buy them from Soundtower for $100 (or you can buy the standalone and plugin versions separately). In my experience, the Soundtower apps are not all that great (seems to be a consensus among its users), especially for the price, while PolyBrute Connect is excellent and has worked without issue for me. It's a very nice bonus feature IMO.

PolyBrute Connect is excellent... and it's an advantage that it's from Arturia. It integrates very well and you know it will be updated again.

zerocrossing · Post by **zerocrossing** » Sat Apr 22, 2023 3:27 am

I’ve got the Prophet 6 and PolyBrute. In terms of reliability, all I can say is that I haven’t had any problems with either of them. The PolyBrute has a lower build quality, but it seems to be holding up fine. The keybed is lighter than I like, but it’s fine. The strip and Morphee are awesome.

Sound quality? Both are great. The Prophet 6 has a bit more mojo, but the PolyBrute has a lot more going on. It’s like comparing a great Kobe steak to a great lamb vindaloo.

It’s a tough choice. I think you should buy one and start saving for the next.

Trancer · Post by **Trancer** » Sat Apr 22, 2023 11:55 am

Thank you for your feedback and reviews.

Indeed the Polybrute Connect really seems to be a plus for the use and management of the Polybrute.

For my part, wanting to stop using the computer as much as possible, it will serve me if necessary for the minimum.

To do well the same three

I'm more into the sound of the OB6 than the Prophet 6 actually.

Definitely a filter issue.

Too bad there is not an independent module only with the Oberheim filter.

I don't know which one I'll take Polybrute or OB6 first.

From what I hear, could read, the possibilities of the Polybrute is much more versatile, therefore perhaps better to take it first.

Azbest · Post by **Azbest** » Sat Apr 22, 2023 12:03 pm

I've only ever used an OB-6, but as far as I'm aware, the Prophet 6 is basically the same thing, with 24db filter instead of 12. So it's up to you to decide which flavour you prefer. Never used the Polybrute, but I do have a Matrixbrute and like the sound of it a lot (it's somewhat opposite to the OB-6 - low mid focused with attenuated high end in contrast to bright highs and dipped low-mids on the OB). The matrix modulation is quick, intuitive and offers possibilities that will last you a lifetime of experimentation.

The conclusion is, get the UDO Super 6.

Trancer · Post by **Trancer** » Sat Apr 22, 2023 12:14 pm

Thank you for your feedback and review.

Regarding the Uno, I don't know if firmware improvements, but not so long ago quite unstable and not yet fully optimized.

But a very beautiful machine and with a most pleasant sound.

But not too convinced.

However, it could be a good choice, but not especially for me.

pdxindy · Post by **pdxindy** » Sat Apr 22, 2023 3:01 pm

Trancer wrote: Sat Apr 22, 2023 11:55 am From what I hear, could read, the possibilities of the Polybrute is much more versatile, therefore perhaps better to take it first.

It is up to each users interests... As a single synth, I would get bored with the limited modulation of the OB6. The PolyBrute has a huge range of modulation and performance possibilities.

cryophonik · Post by **cryophonik** » Sat Apr 22, 2023 4:45 pm

Yeah, the PolyBrute has by far the most features and modulation capabilities of the three, more and better effects, far better sequencer with parameter sequencing, more filter options (ladder and Steiner Parker), more envelopes and LFOs, etc etc etc. It will cover most of what the Prophet 6 and OB-6 can do, but not the other way around. The main reasons to choose an OB-6 or P6 over a PolyBrute IMO is to have “that” specific sound, or if you want a desktop module for space reasons (the PolyBrute is quite huge).

Uncle E · Post by **Uncle E** » Sat Apr 22, 2023 4:54 pm

Azbest wrote: Sat Apr 22, 2023 12:03 pm I've only ever used an OB-6, but as far as I'm aware, the Prophet 6 is basically the same thing, with 24db filter instead of 12.

They sound completely different from each other.

zerocrossing · Post by **zerocrossing** » Sat Apr 22, 2023 5:05 pm

Trancer wrote: Sat Apr 22, 2023 11:55 amI'm more into the sound of the OB6 than the Prophet 6 actually.

Definitely a filter issue.

Too bad there is not an independent module only with the Oberheim filter.

The OB-6 has a more characterful filter, but the way you can use the Prophet’s high and low pass at the same time makes up for that, at least for me. Do a search on YouTube for the guy who copied his presets on both. My conclusion was that they both sounded fantastic, and the hassle of me trading the Prophet for the OB wasn’t worth it. You really can’t go wrong with either, though. Modern classics.

It’s probably a good idea to get the PolyBrute first, though. Either Sequential is a subset of its features, and it has a great character of its own. You might find that it’s all you really need.

rod_zero · Post by **rod_zero** » Sun Apr 23, 2023 1:06 am

T%he polybrute for sure

Trancer · Post by **Trancer** » Sun Apr 23, 2023 8:46 pm

Thank you for your feedback and reviews.

The Polyubrute seems to be a relevant choice.

Given its versatility and its possibilities of modulation and its sequencer part.

It may be able to approach the sonic territory of the Prophet 6 and OB 6.

As has been rightly said, the reverse will not be possible.

vitocorleone123 · Post by **vitocorleone123** » Mon Apr 24, 2023 12:50 am

If you want onboard modulation and spend your time designing sounds, the PolyBrute.

If you’re interested in the sound itself and a 1:1 interface with lots of nuance to the controls and range and interactions, the Sequential synths.

Totally different goals behind the making and using of each synth. Personally, if I want modulation I can use software synths or just software to modulate my OB-6. But, honestly, deep sound design starts to get very boring for me, and I’d rather have modest to simple synths with the highest sound quality my ears love.

I’ve had the OB-6 for years and I’m still finding new things, or different things it can do. I’d never trade it for either of the other two, and since I don’t have space (or cash) for the other two, I’ll stick with the OB-6 desktop.

Again, what are your goals? What do you want to do with the synth?

Choice Polybrute or Ob 6 or Prophet 6 ?