Best 300 bucks I´ve Spent on a Synth: MicroMonsta 2 Review // Audiothingies 

Don't get price gouged on the secondhand market, the site says they're going to have a new batch available next month.

Q. 04:00 budget synths that off more than one voice/channel? A. elektron cycles - 6 voices - 6 splits elektron samples - 6 voices - 6 splits novation circuit - 2 synths inc 4 drum voices blofeld - 24 voices - 16 midi channel splits roland mc 101 - 4 channels - and drums roland compact T-8 drums and a bass synth roland verselab - 7 sections plus vocal section dsi tetra - 4 channels roland jdxi - 2 digital synths, 1 analogue synth and a drum section. korg electribe - 16 channels roland sh-4d - 4 synth tracks and a drum track

Thanks for a great review! I liked the way all parts were accuratly yet effortlessly covered. I've been an owner of the original Audiothingies P6 (original predecessor to the Micromonsta) for several years, and I was also blown away when I first got it.

Awesome video. Great script, lovely set space, thoughtful sprinkled commentary. Super fun to watch!

So glad to see you do a review of this, awesome bit of kit. Tiny box, massive sound ❤️

Think this is one of my favourite videos you have ever uploaded, you’re so slick and positive in your presentation of this 💕

Love your review... thank you so much for sharing this... this is an interesting synth!

Wow. This must have been one of the most sympathically presented youtube videos I have ever seen. And - of course - I am now on the waiting list for MicroMonsta. But anyway, awesome job, new subscriber!

Thanks for this great overview! I’ve seen some videos about this synth before, but they only scratched the surface. Thanks for diving deeper!

Really appreciate this video! Thank you for the thoughtful and easily digested articulation!

After this video,I put myself the waiting list for it. I just got a chance to order one. Jumped on it right away. Can’t wait to try it.

Cool to see the Micromonsta receive some love! It's an awesome device

Great presentation of this lovely little device! Made me see a use again for my old OG Circuit which I haven't used in ages. If I can catch one in the wild, that is.

Absolutely adore this synth. I’ve played a decent amount of “economically” sized menu-divey synths, but the workflow of the MicroMonsta is actually enjoyable to build patches in. Just the right balance of stripped down but still immediately usable. Mod Matrix feels the most restricted by the four encoder limit, but it’s a non issue for me personally.

I own MM1 & MM2, and i´m totally happy with both! I love you #audiothingies keep on your great french work, independant influence ... and hey... damn great reverb on the mm2! #The Midlife Synthesist Great Vid... THANK YOU!

Excellent Video thank you for sharing 🤘🏻❤️

Been waiting for the next batch of these to become available, then your video came out and I found myself checking the AT website multiple times per week even though I was on their notification list for the next batch! Finally ordered it this weekend and should have it soon - can't wait!

The waveform graphic that appears starting at 0:05:16 is a simple and extremely helpful visualization of what synth parameters are doing.

Got the first one and fell in love. Even though it is digital it sounds magical. The pads and strings are lush and pianos sound great. I've been on the waiting list for a while for the new version.

Dude, this was VERY fun, entertaining and enlightening. Thank you. Also, it doesn't hurt that you are completely adorable.

Merci beaucoup!!! its a pleasure to hear somethings good about us(i 'm french),and thks for ur great vids!! (sorry 4 my poor english)

Good stuff, I've almost pulled the trigger on this little guy a few times but this just adds fuel to that fire. You can ask to be notified on their site when its back in stock. From experience you need to jump when you see that email, like right away - not a half day later or week later :). I came close to buying it once but was a bit strapped for the holidays if memory serves. It's still on the wishlist for sure.

The MM2 was my first synth. I loved mine so much that I bought a second, and have zero regrets. I'm pairing them with a Striso (MPE controller), and usually use 'em in one of a few ways. First -- since I'm primarily a vocalist that wanted to play chords to sing over -- I just put them both in "Stack" together for the lushest chords ever. Four voices each with different envelopes, so that the sound develops and evolves naturally when I'm just playing chords to sing along with. I usually have one keys sound, one or two pads, and then fill in the rest with organ or strings. Second -- when I'm trying to live play a bass line, chords, and a melody -- I put one MM2 split at F2, with the lower voice set to a bass (or something else that I'm using as a bass), and everything above it as a pad or other chord sound. With the second MM2, I put the split at G3, with the lower voice doing chord stuff, and a lead sound on the upper voice. This way, any notes I play in the middle of the keyboard only trigger my two chord voices, and not my -- often more aggressive -- bass and lead sounds. The melody line also gets the sound of the first chord voice, and the bass notes get the sound of the second, but that usually helps tie the whole thing together even better, but I understand that's not the sound everyone would be trying for. Lastly, if I'm not trying to play it completely live, I'll use a sequencer (Korg SQ64) to play three of the parts, plus my Drumbrute Impact, while I keep the 4th voice free to play on top of. One thing I have to say for us beginners is that just learning the presets is daunting on its own. Making my own patches, at least ones I'm happy with, still eludes me. What's really impressive about the presets is that it's really hard to make a patch that has wide sweet spots, but the presets do. There's a community resource for sharing patches ( www.presetpatch.com/synth/audiothingies-micromonsta-2 ), and I love a ton of them, but many don't even make sound unless the dials are turned to the correct position. The other best resource out there for the MM2 is The Ant ( sourceforge.net/projects/the-ant-2/ ), which is a standalone DAW specifically for the MM2. It's not official, just someone's passion project. I haven't used it myself, because I don't own a proper computer. Anyway, great review. It's a fantastic sounding synth, and I hope to keep learning its secrets.

i had one of the first out of the first batch and loved it. hopefully the current owner is using it to its full potential like I couldn't.

So after this experience, if you see the second hand Audiothingies Doctor A reverb/delay pedal - grab it! Amazing sound, my favourite fx box so far :)

This has been a fantastic sounding crazy deal for years. Audiothingies also had the Doctor-A reverb/delay which also sounds great.

Just wow. Glad I discovered your channel. MPE and all those features are unheard of for the price range. My Hydra needs a friend. GAS pains now. I’m also a middle aged synth nut.

Mine arrived yesterday. First impression: a beast sound wise,good build quality, not too difficult to understand architecture, but some menu diving is necessary.

The way it looks reminds me of DSI TETR4 (I think the display is exactly the same). Really nice sounds and fx. Great video!

The Waldorf Blofeld is a 16-part multi-timbral budget synth - well worth a look!

This machine is amazing, guitar center around here has ‘‘em even out on play floor, so been able to play around with it a few times. Been really thinking of snagging one. But not just yet, but again this thing blew my mind.

I own one myself and love every bit of it. Took me a while to get one but it was worth waiting.

Nice video! Looks like a lot of fun

I love (lovely character int that sound set aside) the design of the thingie and it looks sturdy and primo quality as well :) I'm gonna try it out as soon as I get my hands on one... Nice midicontroller, checked the list in the comments section :) Another excellent vid, Sir!

Thanks for the video, never knew such a synth even exists

Thanks! I didn’t know about this synth. 👏🏻

Waldorf Blofeld is 16 part multitimbral, you can also split the keyboard to different sounds, all at different MIDI channels. I got one for $350 used. Awesome digital synth, with over 1000 sound patches, plus you can load or create new patches.

Had the first version, great fun. If only it had a button on the front panel to audition sounds. Still got my magnet bottle opener 😎

Great review. Better ending. Saved me some money. Thank you.

Just found your channel and I love it, never heard of this synth (tho as you said super elusive) I also never heard of the joue play! These both look insanely cool. I've been trying to collect random synths and groove boxes to hook up with my mpc one and occasionally SQ64 or eurorack. I really was considering a digitone or digitakt (or both but which one first) but I am considering one and maybe a couple other brands toys to equal the price difference. Definitely keeping an eye on this channel

If you want vintage the Roland D-5 is an option. It's a relative of the D-50. It came out in 1989. I got mine for $190 + $75 shipping in reverb a couple of months ago. It's 32 note polyphonic and 9 part multitambral. It does keyboard splits. It is a full size 61 key synth. So it won't fit in your pocket. But if you have room; check it out.

Great video, it would be awesome if you mentioned the controllers you used to input to the synth in the description

Finally! I got one of these last year, it’s a bit menu divey but it sounds really good.

Thx for the review. I'd like to hear some bass sounds (just the info/tip for the future) but it sounds really vivid.

Awesome review, what a lovely synth for the price, I might be picking up one of these, it's a really beautiful and clear sounding synth, I liked the melody you made around 2:20

the alesis ion/micron is a multi-timbral synth and even has its own sequencing. you can do a mix of sequence tracks and keyboard splits. Different beast for sure though, and it's only 8-note polyphony as opposed to 12. I used to run out quickly when using it.

Hooray! Glad to see you back at it and having a good time. You almost had me worried there for a bit. Pair that thing with your Moog for the lows and pump both into an Octatrack or a 1010 Bluebox for fun. I'm willing to bet you would have a blast with that. Cheers!

I'm not sure if it was mentioned, but the Red Sound Dark Star is multi-timbral with 5 parts. I realize this is a hated and older synth, but you can get those used for less than $200. It also has 8 voices of polyphony. While it lacks some of the oomph of other analogue synths out there, it sure does have a lot of features reserved for very high-priced gear.

Very good review. My only critique is the G rating for gas. I think its hard to get excited for a little affordable digital synth. But just like you, I heard all the rumors of how good it is and purchased one second hand. It actually helped rid me of alot of GAS and made me sell some gear! Work horse and absolutely amazing synth at any price level! I know, blasphemy, but Im no longer interested in an OB6 since getting the MM2. 😅

blofeld, the the two new Roland boutiques, used nord desktop modules,and I suppose the new Roland zencore synth. Someone also said the digitone which I own and love. I do love multi timbral synths

Great review ..well explained ...i was going to give you a thumbs up anyway ... but i liked the fact that you did not go overboard with likes so i would give you two thumbs up.

I have one of the original micro monsters, love that thing. Great video 👍🎉

Loved the video man, gave you a like!

Glad you like our craftmanship and designs

Amazing! I want one. 😍

Just discovered your channel... I subscribed (and knew I was in trouble) as soon as you said this video was rated G for gas. Lets get it!

just sitting down for breakfast. perfect timing!

Bless you, professionally I have no business watching your channel, BUT... your presentation and skills show me this fascinating world of Synths...

This little box deserves more fame! I do love mine to bits, it's like a pocket sized Novation Summit

nice vid bro. Like your humor :D

Wow I've been blasted into the future , battery power usb for the win, same.with my MC 101,. Love your controllers. 😮 this poor man (me) is saving hard for this wonderful synthesis!

Much much thx for reviewing it, this synth deserves so much attention... and to answer ur question: wine, cheese and bread, what else could it be ;)

I subbed to your channel earlier today, with the explicit understanding there would be no tempting me with incredible budget synths! 🫣😆🙄 Daaaaaaamn!!

The Roland JX-08 is also bitimbral and each voice can be sequenced via independent midi channels (~10 voices/channel), but you are committing to a pretty specific sound with it. The micromonsta seems stylistically a bit more flexible. Great vid!

Love your French! Italians make things like Fatar keyboards, and KORG’s arranger and stage pianos!

I had V1 for a while, let it go in anticipation of V2 quite a while ago but never got around to picking up V2 when it came out. V1 was good as it was and I still recommend it, but that dual of the 2 is hard to pass up.

Woah glad the video did well!!!

Great video, MM2 has been on my 'want' list for a while! In my setup, I think it would compete most with the Digitone (and Digitone would be my pick for a competing 'budget' multitimbral synth). I think sequencing this with 2 of the Digitone midi tracks would also be pretty rad. The other comparison that comes to mind is the Volca FM2, just based on the compact size and wide sonic range, but also dependence on some external midi controller or sequencer. @analogkitchen is the only youtuber I've seen consistently using the MM2, they do seem kind of rare.

Hell yes! I've got an original Micromonsta, and it's excellent. Sounds amazing, fun to program, lots of range. Definitely one to never sell, and very underrated. Really spotlights how overpriced and overhyped most other synthesizers are.

I bought the original Micromonsta when it first was released. I was happy when they added MPE since I also bought a ROLI Seaboard Block around the same time. It was my first foray into using 5-dimension controllers with synths. Now I want to get MM2 + the Joué or the Erae Touch! (I do honestly prefer some of the features of Mk 1, such as the DIN MIDI plugs and AC/DC power supply input. But I do have to run it through a Ventris to get that nice reverb on the patches.)

congratz for the best price value device!

great video!

Fantastic video! Btw, oxi Coral is also multitimbral with 8 parts for < 500 €. Truly awesome

Beautiful! Sorry, new to this channel but have to say what I'm sure hundreds have said below..... The Synclavier or the Fairlight each cost more than twice the cost of the house I grew up in! Really interesting - thank you!

Budget multi-timbral synth. The Dirtywave M8 set to poly mode. I use it every day like this. It continues to amaze me.

Love the guitar neck simulation pad controller at 2.10 😊 Must try and find one. Do you have a link for that too please?

Thank you for creating this video. The thumbnail pulled me in with Link, I have the same light. Just getting back into making beats and find RU-vid very helpful, haven't been into creating music since 2014. In the past I've used mostly software so starting out with the Live 2 I'm going to be using outboard gear and hardware. The MicroMonsta 2 is really dope from what I've seen here, and I plan on getting it down the line after watching. Have you heard of the Blipblox After Dark? I think I'm going to get that for a first.

oh my gosh i must have this!!! it sounds similar to my sonicware 6 voice thingy!

This feels like it would go really well with the Novation Circuit Tracks, making use of its bitimbral mode with the Circuit’s two polyphonic MIDI tracks!

Boutique Roland JD-08 is multitimbral and polyphonic (I think there is 128 voices) synth with two seperate sequencers for two patches You can choose at one time. Every patch is made of 4 layers and every layer is like separate synth where You can choose one of I think 108 waves as source of sound, You have extended envelope, two LFO's, built in effects.... You can split or even asign key ranges for every layer. Basicly You can make at once 8 different sounds and sequence them. Price for new is 400 $.

Wow. I come from the '70's/80's analog synth generation and boy is this unbelievable. I have to say though, that even though I understand everything you are saying in your EXCELLENT and concise demo, I'm intimidated as hell, and it makes me want to just run to the piano and play! I'm also intimidated by all of your interesting input controller devices, which also make me want to run to the piano! I can see getting this unit, however, and hoping the presets are good enough. I honestly don't see myself doing much programing, but I would have fun manipulating the presets in real time. I have liked and subbed, thank you!

I use it with my Digitakt.(direct powercombo!) I had a few more synths that I would power up when I'd start a session, but would eventually end up jammin with the just the 'takt and the MM2 in bitimbral.(and didn't feel like I need anything else) My 2 cents since I have the MM2 and use it regularly for two years+ now: 1. You were mentioning it's unapologetically digital: It can be, but the VA waves+filter+distortion sound really warm, analog-ish, full of character. 2. If you buy it as a wavetable synth, you'll probably be dissapointed.(only 8 wt, and no custom wts) and they are rather buzzy as opposed to clean and glassy(like the classical Waldorf ones) - I don't find this an issue since the VA and the limited WTs do sound good anyway. 3. I actually make a lot of bass with it.VA oscs are rather dark - so no prophet type buzzy, lush top end, which - while a bit of a bummer - does mean more of the bass and mids go through the amp, and this combined with the filter not eating the low end, equals nice strong basses.(have to pay attention in bitimbral mode when it comes to levels, as it may distort if you're not careful) 4. Agree with the interface being very intuitive and and easy to use for the capabilities of the thing. For my minimalist setup I just wanted to add an analog mono and wavetable poly synth to my digitakt, but I ended up with the MM2 instead. (it's neither an analog monosynth nor a fully wavetable synth like I wanted initially, but it so well designed and thought out that I ended up with it as my main synth/s and don't regret a thing)

"Affordable Split" synths... the Waldorf Streichfett receives two MIDI channels at once, the lower controls the strings section and the upper controls the solo section. I got one used for $200.

Any Casio with the HexLyer synth engine is at least 6 parts. The PX-5S had 4 layers where each can be AiR (pianos) or Hex (6 part synth). So that means 24 parts of synth tones.

This thing is so perfs

The preenFM2/3 is amazing same engine for both but the FM3 has a better UI and 6 assignable outs 12 note polyphony assignable over 6 synths that you can assign different midi channels and also give a range of notes each synth will respond to like a keyboard split but more granular

Great presentation, Can hopefully get one next time around!! What is the very cool yellow keyboard unit you are using as a controller?

Great point on the usable vs mind blowing factory presets. A lot of the Rev2’s presets are wild, “it can do THAT” inducing, but not easy to fit in a mix!

I excuse your French 😅 I’ve got this little monsta. I really like it’s tiny and not too expensive, yet very powerful. Combined with a Blackbox, SP-404mk2 or some of the Aira mini stuff and you can have a looot of fun. I’m a bit surprised it’s not covered in terms of reviews and especially tutorials on RU-vid. I remember I really had to check the manual as even though the workflow is fairly easy, you still need to « get it ».

Great video about this amazing piece of art! Your video just came by on RU-vid, otherwise I probably never heard about the MicroMonsta. I had a lot of nice synths, like the Andromeda A6, Waldorf Q, Waldorf Micro Wave XT, Korg Z1 and some others. I still have a lot of (rack) synths keyboards and workstations, like Kurzweil K2500 SX, Yamaha Motif XS, Roland Jupiter-80, Roland VK-8, Yamaha, EX5R, Novation Supernova, Nord Rack 3, and a lot of other synths. But in the past few years, I upgraded my studio, I worked with a Tascam DM-4800 mixing console in combination with Cubase Pro, monitoring with Mackie HR824 Mk I. Decided to switch to Presonus Studio One and bought the StudioLive 64S console for a really good integration between mixing console and DAW, and a lot of good plugins, synths, effects, etc. And I was just looking for a small desktop synth with a lot of capabilities, just because of turning knobs, instead of using the mouse. One question, you where talking about a 2 channel MPE controller. I’m a pianist. Is there any MPE 2 channel controller you recommend in combination with the MicroMonsta for a pianist? Btw I send you some money via RU-vid. Regards, Mark Hofland

Your French is impeccable! :) Vraiment ! (Really) Beautiful " little " machine!

Hey there. Thanks for this useful video. Sounds like a very nice machine. Can you please tell me, where the drums came from at around 3:30? I love them. Especially the claps.

Great vid, this small device remind me the greatness of the mutable instrument (Rip) ambika... Cheers.

Been on the wait list since March.......! Hurry up, Audiothingies!

Good stuff, well done...

This is exactly what I’ve been looking for to supplement my Juno 06-A module! I’ll be sure to scour reverb and such for one of these. Question for ya: what are these different controllers you’re using throughout the video? I’ve seen exactly 0 of them 😂

micromonsta 2 is a must have! ...and with a little bit of improvisation, you can even fit it into a eurorack case and run it from the 5V rail...

Great review, merci, et ton français est pas mal du tout ! Bel effort! Korg Modwave is polyphonic bi timbral and not too expansive.

I feel like that about my MC-101, similar price too! 😀

Cheers from France!