Want to buy Argon8 or the new Cobalt8? (affiliate links) Cobalt8: (US) imp.i114863.net/eDP4X (EU) redir.love/nazGt9Tn Argon8: (US) imp.i114863.net/0bKWL (EU) redir.love/29RChEad Argon8 module: (US) imp.i114863.net/DE9vG (EU) redir.love/SdJ443ie Modal CraftSynth: (US) imp.i114863.net/me4gy (EU) redir.love/Dk5Y1iIK Other good options: Korg Minilogue XD (US) imp.i114863.net/Rxg72 (EU) redir.love/dlk50GPM Korg Wavestate (US) imp.i114863.net/6a3mE (EU) redir.love/pLjYs9YB Novation Peak (US) imp.i114863.net/zQZYx (EU) redir.love/CBWO0Row Affiliate links means that I get a small commission if you buy something using them, at no cost to you)
i used the Argon 8 quite a bit on my latest release Renewal. Listen here: Spotify: bit.ly/BobeatsRenewalSpotify Apple Music: bit.ly/BobeatsRenewalApple Google Play: bit.ly/BobeatsRenewalGoogle Bandcamp: bit.ly/bobeatsrenewalbandcamp Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/bobeatsmusic
This seems like a really great first synth, or a general-purpose synth for subtractive-style sounds. It's straightforward and easy to learn, while also providing enough features to build almost any sound in this general category of synthesis. It's well-made, inexpensive for what it does, and puts everything into one box. So I've been recommending it for anyone getting into music hardware.
Best part about this synth is they are working on a VST plugin that allows the sound engine to be manipulated within the DAW so you can use full midi for it instead of having to record audio tracks from it's output. AWESOME. Cannot wait
"so you can use full midi for it instead of having to record audio tracks from it's output" eh that does not make much sense - you can use full midi with any synth having midi ports or midi over usb - so normally you use midi AND record audio from output. For lot of current synths you have vst plugins - what it does is that it just hides midi comunication and audio input setting and you just use it s it was any other vst without audio/midi setup hassle.
@@BrokenBeats94 depends on the context, Id rather have a module and just use midi as it would make it cheaper and a lot of synths don't have big enough keys tbh
Excellent work Bo! A very informative video and I really got a sense of the instrument and your relationship to it. You do that very well. If you still have a Hydrasynth at your disposal it would be interesting to see a workflow comparison... I own the Hydrasynth and may pick up an Argon8m (desktop - no keyboard ) when they are available in Canada.
jugglerjoe and to be fair, the Hydrasynth is much more complex and rewards deeper diving into the programming. There are more wave tables and a greater degree of modulation available in the Hydrasynth. Don’t forget poly after touch. That doesn’t take anything away from the Argon8, which is also a beautiful instrument. Either way, I don’t think there is a wrong decision to make in selecting between either of these two synths.
This is a great synth to just dive into and start experimenting with. I’ve been pairing it with a minimoog…the mini handles all the warm & rich sounds while the Argon8 takes on all the complex, morphing chordal stuff and bright leads.
very nice in-depth presentation. Actually your video inspired me so much that I took some time off to work at some tracks with my Argon (which I bought three weeks ago)
Nice sounds coming out of the Argon! Love the oled too, the visual feedback really helps me understand the effect of changing different parameters. However them limiting modulation options to 8 is an unnecessary limitation as modulation possibilities is where digital synths really shine imo. I wouldn't mind having one in my studio though!
#BoBeats Thank you for highlighting this awesome synth. The Argon 8 is a magical instrument and you make excellent use of it. Great sounds, FX, sound design possibilities, the Argon 8 is sure to be a future classic. Keep up the great work!!
I know they’re not really in the same ballpark but I recently got the Craft Synth 2 and knob quality aside, it’s a blast to design sounds with. I think the Argon8 sounds great, thanks for the in-depth demo Bo!
Often sounds a bit fizzy to me (like a harmonica sound, might be the wave folding, isn't in every sound but certainly a lot) it's same with the skulpt videos. Seems to be a modal thing not a digital thing. My virus could go from fat to blatantly digital yet still not sound fizzy. 8 matrix slots seems excessively low for a monotimbral digital. especially compared to wavestates literally infinite mod slots
speaking of mod slots, I find it annoying that Korg skimps out on modulation capabilities of its Volcas and 'logues, and then gives tremendous modulation capabilities to its romplers (Kross2/Krome, Kronos, Wavestate) just one Kross2 patch blows all the 'logues put together out of the water and beyond lunar orbit at modulation, and Kross2 can load 16 patches at once in its Combination mode (32 for Kronos), then you can sequence modulations with its 16-track sequencer, and the sequencer can be easily set to loop a select number of bars to imitate the sequencers on the 'logues and grooveboxes
I also want to mention that I highly enjoyed the parts of this video where you tried to put into words what effect a knob has on the quality of the sound,. I would love to see more videos only focusing on that while not trying to also cram in review and device tutorial. But it will be a lot of work to make 3 separate videos for each synth. So I don’t want to critic and just give a compliment about how good these sections came out! 👍🏻
only 8 mod slots is a huge bummer for the encoders to offer more resistance to being turned, that would indeed require different potentiometers, not just the knobs that are placed on them, as far as I know more textured knobs = better grip, this one is easy for the manufacturer to achieve if they want
I love the encoders as they are; super easy and light to twist with the tip of your finger at same time you play or tweak another encoder with the tip of another finger
After listening to "KORG WAVESTATE SOUNDS REALLY GOOD" and debating I went ahead got the Wavestate, Argon 8 sounds really good but the Wavestate can make some crazy stuff! all while pushing one key 😁
Wow Bo generally I don't like to post anything negative on gear reviews but the sound you used to show off the programable arp was just awful, would love to hear a clear bass or lead sound that wasn't so harsh on the ears. soz.
Hmm... The Argon8 wins for the quality of its effects and oscillator modifiers, and perhaps also for its UI. It's a great general-purpose subtractive polysynth, well balanced, and probably won't leave the user disappointed. Would work well with a DAW, for multitracking it. The Sledge has lots of onboard controls so it definitely competes in terms of UI. It's monotimbral (or bi-timbral in the Sledge 2), which is also sort of comparable to the Argon8. But if I understand correctly, its engine is pretty scaled down compared to a Blofeld, so the Argon8 is probably nicer in most ways. The main benefits of a Sledge2 are that it can do 2 timbres, and it can load a limited amount of samples for acoustic sounds like a piano. Also, 5 octaves instead of 3... it's large, and designed for use on stage. The Blofeld probably has the widest sound palette, and it can play up to 16 different sounds simultaneously (more like 8 in practice; limited by processing power) so it pairs well with a multi-channel sequencer. Also, the desktop version is by far the least expensive of these three synths, and it takes far less space. But the Blofeld also has the worst UI, since it only has a few physical controls and it relies very heavily on menus to create or edit sounds. The menus are designed well so it's not a huge drawback, but you can expect to spend a lot of time using just a few knobs. Also, its factory presets aren't great. I have a Blofeld, because I wanted lots of voices in a small box... and because it was much cheaper than an Access Virus. I typically use about 4 to 6 timbres on it simultaneously, so it makes more sound than the rest of my gear combined. It's very practical for DAW-less use, but its age certainly shows, and it'd be really nice to have more physical controls.
Thank you for the reply. I may get this because the 61 key version called argon 8x is the same just extra keys. But the sledge 2.0 looks good too. I really need a synth like the argon 8 but with controls like the sledge. Something that I can play 80s style but also synthwave music.
Of the two, I'd personally go for an Argon8. It may be a bit short on mod matrix slots, but the Sledge doesn't even have a matrix. It's really dumbed down.
Sounds (and looks) good! The desktop module is very compact and small-studio-friendly. They saved space by cleverly combining some of the encoders and buttons into click encoders. There's also a large version with 61 keys. Would like to see more synth makers offer this trio of sizes. Korg makes modules by just chopping off the keys, and could learn something from these guys.
I think the Argon8 is a nice little synth that sounds great. My biggest issue with it is that the sounds are not that diverse from each other. Where other synths like the Minologue XD (i know it's not the same architecture) and Hydrasynth can both produce much more varied sonic imagery. I want all three of those mentioned but have only ordered the Wavestate so far.
@Andrew Mwah I was going for a Minilogue XD, but pre-ordered the Argon8 Module instead. The Minilogue is OK but its physically wider the the Argon module (which is a problem for me space wise) and I already have a Peak which does pretty much what the Minilouge goes and more - the exception being programmable arp and sequencer - which the Argon can do.
I own the Korg Prologue 16 for raw analog VCO Sound and it's Digital Engine, the Peak for the modmatrix and i will buy the wavestate as my digital synth....in no way I'm pure analog ;-)
@@Ark-yq9em Yes I know about the user oscilators - and Ive seen a lot on youtube demos. That part is really interesting - Btt there not really wavetables, and cane do the evolving stuff quite as well. At its heart the Miniloque is a plain subtractive synth with no real mod matrix. The Peak also has wavetables which perform a similar function to the XDs digital Osc, Basically pthe Peak can pretty much do anything the XD can apart from sequences and programmable arp patterns so theres a lot of crossover. The Argon just seems to offer a lot more in the way of variation, and modulation/evolving sequences compared to the XD. Waverstate is also great, but is a completely different thing. Peter Gabriel in a box....
Great in depth review Bo - very comprehensive ! - for the people that are just wanting to hear some varied factory presets being played with no talking - try this link ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-VZvZqDPCT8c.html
#BoBeats, I’m still watching this video as I’m typing this comment, but as an XD owner (as you might be too?), would you see this as this year’s XD (comparable size, knobs, screen, build), as either a complement to or substitute (?) for an XD, or...what? I like what I’m hearing, and the build quality is on a par with the XD (perhaps better, I don’t know?), but I’m not sure if it’s enough (beyond the keyboard) to supplant the XD. Both bring considerable strengths (and some weaknesses too), I’m sure, and it’s certainly intriguing. Would appreciate your thoughts.
They are definitely more complementary than similar in terms of sound. This has a more moving but distinctly digital tone. Workflow wise they have a similar hands on feel with the Argon 8 requiring a bit more menu diving and shift commands.
BoBeats, thanks for responding. I noticed that the Argon 8 will also come in a module form as well as a 61-key version (which otherwise appears identical to the one you’re using here, i.e., just the fuller size and no (apparent) additional features). Anyway , for this size/form factor, I’m wondering if the new Wavestate is the real/better complement if you already have an XD-which I refuse to part with. That one is a favorite for sure, and I have an Arturia MIDI controller for those times when a full size keyboard is a must.
The Waldorf Blofeld has been available for 12 years now, still going strong through the analog revival. It is still a good competitor for the new digital wave of synths in price and features (multitimbral).
Hi Bo! Great video! I do not own any synth for the moment apart from a model samples from elektron. I am considering an analog/digital combo with the argon8x and an analog module for bass like moog sirin controlled by model samples. This is only for hobby because I do not have much of a space or time to spend. I really would like to hear your opinion or proposal for this setup.
yes the Minilogue and XD keybeds are a weak point of those otherwise lovely synths. But then again... With 4 note poly I get why they didnt go for a large keybed and saved it for the Prologue
Not everyone agrees about full-sized keys being a good thing. For those of us with narrow fingers, it's kind of a drawback. I'm glad they're making a module version too, to cover a wider range of preferences.
Well that's why there's a demo, to show the sounds, because let's be happy best here, hardware synth shops aren't very common at least in London I think I've seen only a handful
Looks and sound great but I'd probably say the Microfreak is a good deal, even at 4 voice polyphony. I've just got a Minilogue XD so I definitely won't be getting a new hardware synth soon
umm that's like saying would you swap your motorbike for your car - maybe when you want to cut through a huge traffic jam in summer to get the beach a bike is more suitable , but when its winter, raining and cold a car maybe the better choice . I think digital/analog different timbres together are cool.
It's got about half the number of keys necessary for a keyboard player. A lot of manufacturers seem to be going down this rabbit hole recently. Even 61 notes is lightweight.
2 years ago I started with a volca sample and a volca fm. A friend of mine bought a Digitone, was blown away! I got drown into synthworld. Yesterday the argon8 took a place next to my proud digitakt and Korg ARP odyssey. This Synth is really amazing, it’s not an entry level synth, but the hard work wil definitely pay off! It’s a pity it’s a bit underrated and not well represented on RU-vid. This synth is perfect for long ambient wavetable jams!
The synthesizer is great but has a big flaw it is really difficult to adjust the volumes of the sounds, especially when you increase the effects the volume drops a lot. I have already written to Modal and I hope that with a firmware update this will be resolved. Did you notice that, too? Best regards
This synth strikes me more as an musical instrument than the Wavestate which strikes me as an (re)arranger of sounds that already need to have musical character. The output of this one is probably more restricted qua flavor of timbre, but the harmonics may be more pure. So, now I am starting to doubt... wanted a Wavestate but this one just sounds so really really good.
I have spoken to the developers a lot - and have pre ordered the module (I have an FA07 for VA stuff and a Peak, which is more subtractive - this will add evolving wavetable stuff). They have some interesting ideas and are open to users suggestions/requests. I wanted the programmable Arp to be savable to a patch which it currently isnt, and they like the idea. The plan is to make the patterns you design assignable to the sequencer OR/AND to the Arpegiator. They also want to add the animation lanes to the Arp to you can use filter sweeps and such in an arp pattern.
great video. This one seals the deal: Argon sounds grainy and thin and is definitely off the radar for me(listening thru hi-def stereo speakers). FWIW, I have no justification for a hydrasynth either, but I like its sound more. So i'm staying with plan A: pre-ordered a wavestate and after that I will be shopping analogs/poly-analogs from hence forth because I have enough romplers and digital synths (moog matriarch is my dream synth)
It may be worth noting that the patch built in this video used a bitcrusher effect and some other techniques to make it sound distinctly digital. I'd check other sound demos for a better idea of its range before making any decisions.
Antagligen Minilogue XD om du vill ha något analogt... kanske nya Sub 25 från Moog om du bara vill ha en fet bas synth. Sen finns det ju typ Ultranova från Novation som också ska vara bra
@@sssncodesstuff3364 sort of, Jupiter Xm is also a rompler, but Wavestate falls behind in its level of sample quality from what I can hear in youtube vids, wabve-sequencing aside
Now I don't know whether to get this or the Korg Wavestation. 1st world problems. I have the Minilogue XD already, so I'm leaning towards the Wavestation.
The Wavestate offers a different approach and more tools resulting in more versatility and complexity. The Argon8 offers you a different sound-engine than the Minilogue XD while being a somewhat similar kind of instrument in the way you create and play sounds.
I have listened to several argon8 videos through good speakers and I can't get good feelings for the sound quality. I think it will be a let down vs the analog minilogue. I couldn't really justify either this or the hydra just as another synth anyway, BUT I did pre-order a wavestate because that does something different.
Thank you all for your replies. I love the idea of a modular Minilogue XD but that would be stupid, even for me. I reckon it's the Wavestation (when it's released) I'll buy, in no small part because my wife has offered to jam with me on the Minilogue if I get one of them.
I am not feeling this synth, I don't know ... It sounds so thin, dry, sharp, rhaspy, I guess they say "it has character". There is always this background buzz, and no it is not my equipment. I have watched other videos and I hear the same. The effects are also weak in comparison with other synths. Features and oscillator spread do not make a synth, at the end it is the sound that it produces, and to my ear it does not sound very appealing. In comparison the Minilogue XD although with only 4 voice polyphony and 3 oscillators sounds much nicer, and fuller. The Wavestate is in a category of its own and beats both hands down.
That's called digital, of you want warmth get an analogue synth, Digital synths don't care for soft sounds as they give more possibilities whilst sacrificing warmth, at that, this is a fairly inexpensive synth so it's not going to be like a Waldorf synth in terms of sound but I believe it's comparable to soft-synths like Serum or Massive which is great for software people getting into hardware
OK, so for a first serious synth I'm considering the Blofeld, the Deepmind 12D and this one. The Blofeld (desktop) still seems unbeatable (in terms of price too) but the Deepmind 12D and Argon 8 would be definitely a second synth... Am I right or am I missing something?
@@BoBeats Definitely! I don't need a built-in sequencer since I have the Beatstep Pro for that, so I thought, considering the Blofeld's 25 voice polyphony, for a less than 500 euros, is simply incredible.
@citizen of the earth. I was looking at the Blofeld, however once you starting adding layers those 25 voices start disappearing and you may end up with only 4 voices. Plus it’s not the easiest to use. I have this line up: DM12D, Neutron, Pro-1, K2,TD-3, JD-Xi, Microfreak, Skulpt, Craft Synth2, Roli Songmaker, Arturia Sparkle LE and a MK 7600. I also have the Serum wavestation VST. I was initially interested in the ASM and Korg Wavetable. However after using the Skulpt and Craft Synth2 and the editor to creat my dark ambient sound and music, I’ve decided to get the desktop version of this.
@@sssncodesstuff3364 I know but they are competing with each other and I would like to see a side by side of the different things they do and the sounds they can achieve.
@@Iofflight78 if you go and look loopops reviews of both you will know everything you need, when the architecture of the synth is completely different there is really not much to compare head to head.
