PolyBrute 12 and Muse - simple synth bass

[Jim Roseberry]

Currently comparing PolyBrute 12 and Muse.

Was watching some Anthony Marinelli videos... and decided to make a simple Synth Bass sound with each.

Figured I'd upload a small clip and let others hear and chime-in.
There's four short segments.
Which do you think are PB12... and which do you think are Muse?

PolyBrute 12 and Muse

[red33mer]

I´d say the second one is the Muse, its a tad darker. Nevertheless I´ve got them both here atm and sometimes can´t really tell a difference.

How do you like them in comparison? You´ve got a favourite or a winner? I am so torn between these two. Both great.

[Jim Roseberry]

I´d say the second one is the Muse, its a tad darker. Nevertheless I´ve got them both here atm and sometimes can´t really tell a difference.

How do you like them in comparison? You´ve got a favourite or a winner? I am so torn between these two. Both great.

First = PolyBrute 12 with its output EQ set to low-boost
Second = Muse with Mod Osc set to triangle to add some additional low end
Third = Polybrute 12 with output EQ disabled (to compare).
Fourth = Muse with Filter opened just a bit (attack less dark).

It's a tough decision between Polybrute 12 and Muse.
Of course there's some overlap... but they're such different instruments... it's easy to justify both (other than the cost).

You have to work a bit harder to get Polybrute 12 sounding as thick/full as Muse.
I actually like the UI for Polybrute 12 slightly better.

One thing I was really worried about (as a previous Moog One owner) was intonation.
That's not a problem with Muse. (such a relief!)
When I first got Muse, I powered it up and let it warm-up for the better part of an hour.
A couple of the voices were significantly out of tune.
Read the manual... and ran the Quick Tune utility.
Literally takes under a second... and intonation issues were (are) gone.

For those who don't have access to both:
The Ladder Filter on PolyBrute 12 sounds nothing like a Moog Filter.
Doesn't have as much character.
That said, running the Steiner>Ladder (Filters in series) helps to beef-up the sound.

I like PolyBrute 12's Envelopes slightly better than those on Muse.
They're slightly more precise.
I might even say PolyBrute 12's response seems more immediate (less latent).
Keep in mind I'm talking subtleties. I have no problem playing Muse.

While Muse's Filters sound good... I don't think they sound as nice as the Filter on a Model D.
I'm not crazy about the Muse Envelope sliders. The knobs feel better (IMO) vs the sliders.
I prefer PolyBrute 12's Envelope sliders.

Muse's LFOs are more capable of the Model D's "wipe-out" type (extreme) vibrato.
PolyBrute 12 gets somewhat in the ballpark... but much more subtle.

Muse has a tendency to sound thicker/fatter.
Muse attack is a little more articulate.

With PolyBrute 12, I find that subtle settings can impart a little more character.
For this Synth Bass sound, I had the Sub Osc set to 1 or 2.
Gave the sound a slight bit of growl.

PolyBrute 12 takes an analog synth... and gives it many modern appointments.
Effects, EQ, Full-touch keys, additional controllers, etc.
I wish the Output EQ allowed full control (not just a small handful of presets).

I'd say this...
If you are wanting a Moog, get the Muse.
It's much more THAT particular thing than the PolyBrute 12.
PolyBrute 12 can get Moog'ish... but I'd draw the line there.

PolyBrute 12 is really its own Synth.
With the Analog Accuracy parameters, you can "loosen things up" to sound a bit more like vintage synths (or Muse).

What I'm discovering about PolyBrute 12 is that... it's kind of "the synth that could".
If you can imagine it... you can likely accomplish it.

I'm torn between PolyBrute 12 and Muse.
I may ultimately keep both... and sacrifice something else to make space (and replenish funds).
If you're trying to decide between the two, I'm sure my random thoughts aren't much help.

[cryophonik]

I listened to these earlier today at work on my crappy computer speakers and was going to guess:
1 PB12
2 Muse
3 PB12
4 no idea, but maybe PB12 again

The telltale Moog smudge was apparent in the second one, but not so much in the last one