everyone with a XD should add Sinevibes SVF 4-pole state variable filter modfx to it. With that, it becomes a whole new synth in therms of sound design capabilities!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these, especially the expander. I have the K/B version of the XD (along with the NTS-1) and completely agree w/your assessment.
If you have an external sequencer that can record MIDI data in real time, the MIDI out on the XD is useful in that your sequencer will record knob adjustments as CC messages that can be played back (which is exactly how the automation works on the onboard sequencer). Virtually every parameter transmits and receives as MIDI CC, so if you have a sequencer with the capability to do so, you can add any number of LFOs to any destination over MIDI. The limitations are very real, I'm just saying this as someone who was very happy to pair an xd with a Squarp Pyramid.
That's a great insight! I definitely have sequencers with MIDI CC recording ability (Elektron), I haven't thought to record the XD's MIDI OUT, then play it back to the MIDI IN. Great tip! Edit: now that I think about it, I have done this with a DAW, just not with a hardware sequencer.
What a thoughtful video. Just finished watching the whole thing. Well done and you earned a sub. Currently looking for the ideal companion for my Novation Summit and Circuit Tracks. I was thinking an analog mono capable of thick-ish bass lines with its own unique character might be the perfect compliment to what I already have. Something like the Moog Sub 37 or Pro 3 would probably be perfect, but just don't have the budget for them anytime soon (if I want to stay married). Have been interested in the Typhon for quite some time as well, but not sure that it quite fits the bill for my application, though plenty swear by it. Then, I started looking into the Minilogue XD module and it's really piqued my interest. Have always heard great things about the Minilogues and I like the idea of adding a different Korg character to my pairing with four true analog voices. Also like that it has quality built-in effects, but then so does the Typhon. Any thoughts about your comparisons/recommendation between the XD module and the Typhon?
Hard choice, I love them both! I think it really comes down to monophonic versus polyphonic. Both have excellent effects engines, though the XD is more expandable, you can also get the XD effects engine stand-alone in the form of the NTS-1 for $100, so for some that will be a better value. As a mono synth the XD is good, but polyphony is where it shines. The Typhon can't do polyphony of course, but brings analog FM to the table, which I absolutely love. The raw sound of the Typhon oscillators has a lot of texture and impact, whereas the raw sound of the XD is more tame and sweet. In my setup, I've found I've started using the XD more for chords, pads, and background tones like that. The XD is great a sounding very smooth and lovely and just melting into the general mélange of the song. For me the Typhon is quite the opposite, it always wants to be front and center. I generally use it for basslines and leads, and it always ends up bringing a lot of character to the song, it's just a very strong voice. The Typhon sonically reminds me of a distorted electric guitar, and it tends to take that kind of role in my music. Given that you already have the Summit, I think the Typhon might bring a more unique sound to your setup, if you are looking for something to cut through and take charge. The XD probably has more overlap with the Summit, but is obviously a better choice if you want more polyphony.
@@minimal.camera Thank you so much for the thoughtful, detailed reply. Great insight and much appreciated! There is something about that Korg Logue timber that just really appeals to me, but agree that the Typhon is probably the smarter compliment to a Summit. That said, I decided to go in a completely different direction and order an Akai Force instead with my remaining funds. Looking forward to implementing it as the brains of my modest DAWless setup and layering the Summit in my different iterations for jam tracks until I have the funds to later pursue a proper analog voice or voices to add to the equation. Keep up the great work!
With two XD's, don't polychain, use one as left channel and the other as right channel and sound design separately on each for a true stereo field of sound. The XD is still a monaural synth, the only thing stereo is the effects. When you design for a true stereo synth, you will be surprised at the huge stereo field you can produce.
As far as I know, no, it won't work, at least not directly between an XD and monologue. It may be possible with some external midi processing box, I'm not sure. It would be so cool if there was a standard for this! The NTS-1 could be a great 'voice expander' for pretty much any synth.
Simple answer is no, not that I'm aware of. However, I believe you can set custom scales in the menus, I've never messed with it myself. The MIDI controllers I use with the XD all have easy to use scale modes, so I just use those.
@minimal.camera Hi do you mean keyboard fold on digitone keys? Does it scale lock on the keys aswell as trigg buttons...does each consecutive white key map to the notes in a given scale? Thanks
Yeah I really like the Volca Keys, its sound is definitely different from the Minilogues, a lot more raw. Honestly I'll probably buy another Volca Keys at some point, there's just something special about it, especially when drenched in reverb.
Hi. I am not an owner here.But don't tou have a dual mode when you polychain them. I believe I watch some video and it said with this 'dual mode' ( no more master/slave) you can adjust each osc individually?
I haven't seen that. You can certainly have two XDs and sync them, and then play them as two separate synths (without using polychain mode). But in polychain mode they are pretty locked down.
Hm, an interesting tip...I like the synth but the scrolling makes me mad, no +/- or up-down buttons here, an insane mistake. Thanks! What I did before was that I RECORDED the scrolling steps in Cubase (it sends scrolling data too)...in Cubase I moved the cursor to a desired data recording and the synth swithed the sound via Cubase Midi Out (from data record track). So it works...but I miss the scrolling buttons, darn it. (on the MS 2000 they are still there)
You can get much more out of the step sequencer by setting it to 1/1 speed and driving it with the arpeggiator using the "as played" order. Then you can record very long automation lanes and get cool sequences out of it.
I saw on a video that one can play extensions (seventh chords) on a volca keys … but I thought it was only 3 voices … Not sure if they used an lfo or sub or something as a fourth voice, but if you can play extensions on a volca keys, it seems a better, cheaper, portable/small option than either of the minilogues (digital voice and effects, aside - and assuming you use eg a keystep with it)
Thank you so much for this video. It certainly made my decision not to buy this synth easier. I really like the sound of the Minilogue XD and also the ability to load custom oscillators/effects, something that keeps me looking at this synth over and over, but I think with the other devices in my studio it will eventually disappoint. I do however like the NTS-1 for effects! Unfortunately its oscillator cannot be tuned differently, at least I haven't read that it is possible, otherwise I could have used it as a synth too.
I’m starting on synths and come from a guitar background. Which one would you recommend, the minilogue OG or the XD? I like the effects on this one but there is something about the OG.
They are really both top notch. If the OG calls to you more, I say go for it. If you miss the effects, you can always add them later with the $100 NTS-1.
Agreed. Great first synth, and I enjoyed it but, I'm selling mine just got a deepmind 12 module, the limited sound design was to restrictive. Just to let u know shift+program makes it move through patches super fast.
@@allgonewrongful I don’t think the deepmind sounds that great. On the other hand, i think the minilogue xd is one of the best sounding synths ever made. A real upgrade would’ve been to the Korg Prologue.
@@DNGMaestro I have to agree that it’s absolutely a downgrade in terms of sound quality. I’ve spend ample time with both and can’t deny it. 4 voices is a bummer though
Totally agree that the Deepmind 12 is a great sounding synth… 12 voices just opens up possibilities not capable on (most) other synths. The sound quality is Fantastic, IMHO. The only thing is that may take a but more tweaking as there is just so much more options and few limitations… just greater range, which can be a double edged sword.
I linked my monilogue XD midi cable to my Korg Kross 2 which picks up all the Kross progs & drives the seq as well. If you push the arp or drum button on the Kross it gets really wierd.
I have an XD keyboard, Im really tempted to get a Prologue instead of another XD to get more voices, I feel using the XD module with a 61 keys keyboard controller wont give enough voices to be worth playing with 2 hands, XD is great with 1 hand and the other hand on the knobs, And like getting 2 polychained XDs + a keyboard is basically 3 things for playing 1 instrument, which for me is completely ridiculous Having both XD and Prologue you could play 2 hands on the Prologue while running a sequence on the XD, doesnt need to be a Prologue but once you are familiar with the XD, got and learned custom oscillators, all of that can be brought to the Prologue Although thats alot of money for a synth that doesnt do much exept beeing an XD with more voices, 61 keys version is huuuge, I wish there was an XD with more voices, so you get the great size and if need 2 hands you plug a keyboard to it
Yeah, I think the Prologue is the better fit for playing 2 handed. I ended up going with the Digitone as my next polysynth, then eventually replaced that with the Digitone Keys. Still only 37 keys, but really nice quality ones. For a while I used the 61SLMK3 as well, that was another good option.
I can't wrap my head around this. SD cards have 1TB capacity now and the Korg's built-in sequencer has... 16 steps? Why?! You can have a different sequence for every patch, so we know that with 500 patches, the hardware can hold at least 8000 notes/chords. The hardware can do it, but Korg says no. This synth would have so much potential as a music workstation if Korg applied itself. I'm quite disappointed. Every single one of my other synths has at least double that capacity. Bass Station 2 has 32 steps, Microfreak and Cobalt 8 have 64 steps. I mean, it's nothing to write home about, but still much better musically. Actually, is there a synth with a decent sequencer built-in? Something that could hold thousands of steps with automation? Or do they just not bother?
I 100% agree. Elektron makes great synths with excellent internal sequencers, 64 steps plus pattern chaining. The A4 could be considered a direct competitor to the XD (both 4 voice analog). There's plenty of others in the digital realm too, such as Novation Circuit, Deluge, etc. Why KORG insists on limiting the sequencer so much is thoroughly confusing.
@@michaelm1 I came from a hiphop/sampling background and we've had nearly infinite, customizable amount of steps and sequences since the 90s with the MPC line of sampler/sequencers. I run all my gear into mine, which I just upgraded to an MPC ONE from my old, dead MPC1000 w/JJOS2XL. I don't know what I'd do if I had to rely on these tiny built in sequencers.
@@IGD-974 Thank you! I'm so glad that I'm not alone in this. And thank you very much for the tip! MPC ONE, you say. I'll look into it and I'll probably get it as soon as the budget allows. Cheers!
Hey thanks for the video! I have two questions; hope they are not dumb questions tho: Can you easily do the "step-parameter-lock" when using external gear/DAW for sequencing the XD? And would it be possible to use external gears (let's say for example TE's Op-z or Polyend tracker) for different parameters as additional LFOs or parameter sequencing using midi CC?
Absolutely, a great question. Yes, the XD's internal sequencer can do 'step parameter lock' either step by step, or as a continuous motion across multiple steps (what KORG calls 'motion recording' and what most others call 'automation'). The step by step method is very precise and great for glitchy stuff, if you want parameters to jump from one value to another abruptly. The motion recording is better for smoother transitions, like if you want a knob to turn slowly over a period of time, perhaps for a gentler or more ambient sound. Yes, it is definitely possible to use external sequencers, in fact I highly recommend it to get around the 16 step limitation. OP-Z and Polyend Tracker should both work great, though I haven't used either. I do use my Elektron sequencers with the XD, and my SL MK3 as well, those work great. The XD's MIDI CC mapping is hardcoded, meaning you can't change how it is mapped out. So that means you'll want an external sequencer that does allow you to customize the MIDI CCs you are sending from the sequence, which pretty much any higher end sequencer like the ones we've mentioned here will do. So you will have to put some time into configuring the sequencer with a template in which everything is mapped out to the MIDI CC values that the XD is expecting to receive. Once you do you'll have full control and over time you can learn to play the sequencer just as fluidly as you would the XD itself. This BoBeats video is the best tutorial on the XD sequencer that I've found, it demonstrates how powerful (and limiting) the XD sequencer is on its own: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-IHPBpT-RWt4.html
The biggest critique I have is the multi engine having 6 of its parameters tucked away in menu, like I can understand the lack of space, but seeing the Prologue as big as it is, with so much space for more than 1 ME setting knob, like why? lol
@@minimal.camera oh yeah, I love the 3 oscillators combination, the ME being more than a MicroFreak, then you add the two others and it's soo lush, super straightforward too, The motion reccording alone help for evolution over time, and you can use a trick to start it only when you play a key, so you get more one shot LFOs
Very good video and good advice. I have a question, I would like to know if I could use the Minilogue XD module as a stand alone instrument (synthesizer), to be able to do the same as the keyboard version (obviously limited when playing) but it could be played a sequence and at the same time in keyboard mode ?
Its great! I'm still in the early stages with it, so I'm underutilizing its capabilities while I learn the basics. I would say its a great platform for messing with audio directly, and I'm having fun using it to create 1 shots. For MIDI sequencing I still prefer Elektron. There's a lot I still need to explore, like working with loops, slices, granular, etc.
@@minimal.camera Here is a video of someone with a BlackBox making a gigantic poly stereo synth from just a MicroBrute: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0ZuwNmDbfWA.html
Yes, you can use the NTS-1 as a send effect from your daw, if you have an audio interface to record it back in. The NTS-1 is fully digital though, not analog.
I really wish they would add a mod matrix for the joystick. The VCS3 joystick is an amazing tool for expression because it could be routed to multiple sources at once. Having a joystick that is always half pitch bend is a bit disappointing. Edit: I did the same thing with the presets, starting at slot 500 and working backwards. I also had to overwrite the slot 1 with an Init patch. The factory preset was too much!
Sorry if this is a stupid question, I'm just getting away from software world and into hardware synths, but you said you like to use other sequencers with the minilogue. Is it possible to do motion sequencing on an external sequencer, or do you just sequence the notes and try to achieve this just by hand?
Hello! Totally valid question, and the answer is that it depends on the external sequencer you are using. Some do have motion recording (and might call it something different, like automation, or parameter slides). Others don't. I believe you can also use the XD's internal sequencer for motion recording only, and send notes from an external sequencer. This is a bit tricky, as the XD sequencer will record those external notes coming in, then you have to go through and erase them after. So its kind of a clunky workflow, but its possible.
As a Dreadbox user, what are your thoughts on comparing the XD mudule and the Nymphes? Especially when already having the NTS-1 (which is really a killer app, i totally agree).
I haven't used a Nymphes, but watched plenty of videos on it. I definitely think it gives the XD some stiff competition. Ultimately the sound profiles are pretty different, while there is some overlap in the basic analog subtractive sounds, the XD can get much weirder I think, with the digital oscillators and effects. The XD interface is far more intuitive, the Nymphes interface requires more some practice I think. Now the Nymphes running through an NTS-1 might be the best of both worlds... I definitely see some overlap between the Dreadbox Typhon and the XD, given the extensive effects section on the Typhon. If you only played the XD as a mono synth (or something like the Monologue or Volca Bass run through an NTS-1), that would definitely be in the same ballpark as the Typhon. Pretty amazing that a small company like Dreadbox can produce such compelling synths to compete with a behemoth like KORG!
@@minimal.camera The Typhon is really tempting too. Probably even more than the Nymphes. But in fact I am looking for the poly synth „of my choice and here the XD module is on top of the list. Just because the Nymphes seems to be less versatile. I rather take in consideration as an alternative too the XD module the Hydrasynth Explorer. Yes, it's digital but how much of a difference does this really make? As a sound design-tool to feed the DAW it is a great option as well, I guess. With 8 instead of 4 voices and with the Polytouch which seems to be quite an expressive option to have. Still not decided but XD module or Explorer is kind of my actual „final choice“ as my external poly synth. Too much choice in the market … ;)
@@breitbanddesign Indeed the Hydrasynth Explorer is probably your best 'bang for buck' in that price range. They are all good options! Just different flavors of synthesis and UI.
YO TODAVIA NO ENTIENDO COMO NO TIENE LA OPCION DE QUE CUANDO CAMBIO DE PROGRAMA SE REINICIE LA SECUENCIA PARA QUE MANTENGA EL COMPAS COMO CORRESPONDE, ESTOY FASTIDIADO CON MIS LIVE SETS, CUANDO CAMBIO EL PROGRAMA SI QUIERO UTILIZAR UNA SECUENCIA DE 5 PASOS ES IMPOSIBLE CAMBIAR A UNA DE 16 PASOS Y QUE ARRANQUE EN EL INICIO MANTENIENDO EL COMPAS DE LA CANCION, SI PUDISTE RESOLVER ESO AGRADECERIA MUCHISIMO QUE ME AYUDES!
51 minutes? Really? For this continent? And it’s just talk about one synthesizer? This should have been an 8 to 14 minute video tops. In the future your videos are going to target way better if you shorten them down condense them down to something that’s very thoughtful of the viewer because we are spending our time, we are spending money on resources like devices and power to operate the device to watch your video on. Please take these points into consideration when making a video. Lotta fluff, needs a haircut!
I hear you, and I appreciate the feedback. The whole point of my 'fireside chat' series is to slow down and talk through whatever is on my mind. RU-vid is full of videos that are an hour of content chopped down into 10 mins or so, and the pace ends up being so frantic that is just kind of stressful to watch. When I make tutorials, I edit heavily to be as concise as possible, but this is not a tutorial. When I'm sharing my meandering thoughts on something, I want it to be more like sitting down over a cup of tea and talking it out. I do make small edits here and there, but this is mostly my unfiltered thoughts. As far as catering to the algorithm, I have zero desire to do that.
Disagree. As a HD owner, I really appreciate the well thought out and thorough analysis. Confirms some of my own feelings and gives me lots if new information and ideas. Thank you!
