Please help me decide a hardware synthesizer

[Uncle E]

Get the MODX. Then they'll give you the plugin. Then I'll be jealous of you.

[LoveEnigma18]

If only I can find MODX M.

[Jim Roseberry]

While I may buy an analog/hybrid analog synth at some point (most likely minilogue XD or maybe Wavestate MK2), for now, I am currently torn between FANTOM-06 and MODX M6.

Considering I have some Roland Cloud instruments and sound packs already and plan to get ZENOLOGY PRO during the sale, there are two schools of thought I am going through:

1. Get FANTOM-06 and then expand its sound palette with various sound packs.

2. Get MODX M6 instead as I already have ZEN Core sounds that I can use in my DAW. MODX M6 looks a bit more modern and nice to me. The only problem right now is MODX M models are out of stock everywhere in my country, so while I am not in a hurry, not sure how much I would need to wait.

MODX M has a deeper architecture than the Fantom-06.
ie: A single sound can consist of up to 128 Elements (loosely an Oscillator).
These Elements also have trigger conditions.
Yamaha has much better library of String/Brass instruments.
MODX M also has more polyphony.

[Jim Roseberry]

Get the MODX. Then they'll give you the plugin. Then I'll be jealous of you.

I've got three licenses for ESP.
It's cool to be able to run a virtual Montage M (as plugin).
The downside, it's not the most CPU efficient plugin.
If you're not running a monster machine, don't set high performance expectations.
Yamaha really needs to address this.

[BLUEsunny]

.. I have had many synths .. multitimbral synths (workstations) are the way to go now.
.. having modwave , wavestate, I'm now more into multi-layered sounds - sequences ..
so the same here - I'm fine to wait for the MODX 61 - and yes I did study the manual of the Roland 06..
... being able to send midi to the modx on any of the 16 channels will give you more freedom to create 'fancy' complex patches in modx .. I'm after minimal setup with boosted results.. I guess having powerful laptop helps...
in short - check the spec of MODX - a lot on offer to keep you busy for a good amount of time.

I thought I write this as I was in a similar situation a not long while ago ..

best wishes > Enigma

[EnGee]

It seems they cost about the same. For me, I would take the Fantom-06 over the MODX M6 personally. But I need to go to check it in the shop before buying it! I advise you to have your list of questions in your mind and go to a city near you that has the Fantom 06 unless you are able to take the risk of accepting some disadvantages not visible to you for now.

The main advantages for Fantom-06 (depending on my impression of reading the spec and watching a video about it) are:
1. 24bit/96khz audio interface (must be sure of that).
2. Midi Notes can be edited, so this is great if I want to use it as a standalone workstation without a PC.
3. It has pads and more controls than MODX, so it can replace my midi/keyboard controller comfortably. [edit] I see now that the pads are not velocity sensitive! so they are just like buttons!

Not sure if you can already use your Zen core sounds/plugs with the Fantom, but if yes, that would be super!

[edit]
Maybe it is better to buy something like Minilogue XD and have fun (also learn more about sound design). It costs way less also
[/edit]

[LoveEnigma18]

While I may buy an analog/hybrid analog synth at some point (most likely minilogue XD or maybe Wavestate MK2), for now, I am currently torn between FANTOM-06 and MODX M6.

Considering I have some Roland Cloud instruments and sound packs already and plan to get ZENOLOGY PRO during the sale, there are two schools of thought I am going through:

1. Get FANTOM-06 and then expand its sound palette with various sound packs.

2. Get MODX M6 instead as I already have ZEN Core sounds that I can use in my DAW. MODX M6 looks a bit more modern and nice to me. The only problem right now is MODX M models are out of stock everywhere in my country, so while I am not in a hurry, not sure how much I would need to wait.

MODX M has a deeper architecture than the Fantom-06.
ie: A single sound can consist of up to 128 Elements (loosely an Oscillator).
These Elements also have trigger conditions.
Yamaha has much better library of String/Brass instruments.
MODX M also has more polyphony.

Thank you for the suggestion. I do like the acoustic sounds (piano/strings) on MODX M and it is one of the very few reasons of buying it against FANTOM-06.

[LoveEnigma18]

.. I have had many synths .. multitimbral synths (workstations) are the way to go now.
.. having modwave , wavestate, I'm now more into multi-layered sounds - sequences ..
so the same here - I'm fine to wait for the MODX 61 - and yes I did study the manual of the Roland 06..
... being able to send midi to the modx on any of the 16 channels will give you more freedom to create 'fancy' complex patches in modx .. I'm after minimal setup with boosted results.. I guess having powerful laptop helps...
in short - check the spec of MODX - a lot on offer to keep you busy for a good amount of time.

I thought I write this as I was in a similar situation a not long while ago ..

best wishes > Enigma

Thank you, one more vote to MODX M then. In the end, I hope I make the choice that works well for me!

[LoveEnigma18]

It seems they cost about the same. For me, I would take the Fantom-06 over the MODX M6 personally. But I need to go to check it in the shop before buying it! I advise you to have your list of questions in your mind and go to a city near you that has the Fantom 06 unless you are able to take the risk of accepting some disadvantages not visible to you for now.

The main advantages for Fantom-06 (depending on my impression of reading the spec and watching a video about it) are:
1. 24bit/96khz audio interface (must be sure of that).
2. Midi Notes can be edited, so this is great if I want to use it as a standalone workstation without a PC.
3. It has pads and more controls than MODX, so it can replace my midi/keyboard controller comfortably. [edit] I see now that the pads are not velocity sensitive! so they are just like buttons!

Not sure if you can already use your Zen core sounds/plugs with the Fantom, but if yes, that would be super!

Thank you for your further thoughts. Yes, the FANTOM-06 advantages you mentioned are what I consider important too along with balanced outputs and some others over MODX M. Trying out one is almost impossible for me, so I must decide based on videos and guidance from forums and general search and of course my preference based on sounds/looks/layout/features.

FANTOM-06 does support ZEN core sound packs and expansions, and that is one more reason in its favor.

[edit]
Maybe it is better to buy something like Minilogue XD and have fun (also learn more about sound design). It costs way less also
[/edit]

Yes, exactly the other thought going on in my mind.

[EnGee]

Yesterday I was playing with my DeepMind synth and it was a big fun tweaking the sliders having the sounds changing in a way little bit more fun than a computer. Then I tried a JUN 6 emulation by Arturia and it was fun as well! But more convenient.

I really don’t think I’m going to use the hardware if I stay with Windows or Mac. But I think I prefer to use the hardware (both MODX and DeepMind) in Linux as Bitwig’s instruments are not to my liking, and I prefer to use only native software on Linux not bothering with Wine.

Seeing the big hardware companies how they make silly cuts on their flagship cut versions (MODX and Fantom 0), I really don’t want any kind of their shits. While their flagships are crazy expensive for just a hobby if I have already similar or better alternatives in my computer!

Just a thought, means I regret buying the MODX and DM now

[LoveEnigma18]

It is a difficult decision, but I am most likely going for Yamaha MODX M7. Not in stock yet, so I will need to wait for a month I guess.

Owning Roland Cloud stuff already has me covered with Roland sounds, so while there are a few other pros with FANTOM-06 like balanced outputs, pads, and better sequencer mainly, I think the sounds, features, looks and user interface on MODX M series is excellent. Also, I am considering that MODX M is newer.

The following playlist of (older) MODX further convinced me. A lot of what I hear is awesome and pads are just heavenly!

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... 3ZsBsiKjt-

[Michael L]

A lot of what I hear is awesome and pads are just heavenly!

Best reason!

[LoveEnigma18]

A lot of what I hear is awesome and pads are just heavenly!

Best reason!

I will be sure to update once I get it.

Appreciate everyone for the suggestions in this topic.

[vitocorleone123]

Yesterday I was playing with my DeepMind synth and it was a big fun tweaking the sliders having the sounds changing in a way little bit more fun than a computer. Then I tried a JUN 6 emulation by Arturia and it was fun as well! But more convenient.

I really don’t think I’m going to use the hardware if I stay with Windows or Mac. But I think I prefer to use the hardware (both MODX and DeepMind) in Linux as Bitwig’s instruments are not to my liking, and I prefer to use only native software on Linux not bothering with Wine.

Seeing the big hardware companies how they make silly cuts on their flagship cut versions (MODX and Fantom 0), I really don’t want any kind of their shits. While their flagships are crazy expensive for just a hobby if I have already similar or better alternatives in my computer!

Just a thought, means I regret buying the MODX and DM now

Bitwig plus hardware equals love.

I’m using DAW software to modify values on a hardware synth the going into the DAW out to hardware fx going into DAW software into 3rd party software going out into more hardware back in for some software mixing into a hardware compressor and back into finish in 3rd party software.

I’ve never used any Bitwig instruments, but many of the fx are excellent.

[EnGee]

Bitwig plus hardware equals love.

I’m using DAW software to modify values on a hardware synth the going into the DAW out to hardware fx going into DAW software into 3rd party software going out into more hardware back in for some software mixing into a hardware compressor and back into finish in 3rd party software.

I’ve never used any Bitwig instruments, but many of the fx are excellent.

Good to know

I’m thinking of a Linux setup that includes Bitwig Studio and/or Studio Pro 8. I’m testing two distros now (Mint and CachyOS). Depending on the results, I’ll mostly return to the hybrid setup (software and hardware) and see what hardware communication setup I can reach with MODX and DM12D.