I disagree that the large jack on the Focusrite is a mistake. You can easily take a large jack converter with you on the road, but once you only have a small jack input, you rule out everything that comes only with large jack plugs.
For those who don't want to completely leave the box, Sirin might be a nice portable control surface for Omnisphere 2.6, which in turn could add polyphony to Sirin's sound via its Sirin emulation.
Sorry you're getting so much hate in the comments. I like the Sirin a lot. Once I got mine hooked up to where I could modulate it in Live, man, it's just great. Hard to beat the beefy sounds and that Moog filter! I imagine most of the "Overpriced!" comments are coming from people who haven't owned a Moog and/or don't understand the incredible control you get from the "Under the Hood", "Extended", and "Settings" sections of the free Librarian/Editor (including pitch calibration for those concerned about tuning!), many of which can be utilized with "shift-commands" on the device itself if you don't want to run it connected to a computer. Also: holy cow that jam was great.
Joseph Hollibaugh I don’t mind! It has created a fascinating debate and I am writing a tasty vlog to talk about it. Whilst people have the right to say whatever they want here they don’t get to vlog back a crushing conclusion.... mwah mwah mwah
from the m32 manual: 11.1. About Pre-Mapped Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects All KOMPLETE and NKS Instruments are pre-mapped, which means that the keyboard’s knobs and Touch Strips are automatically assigned to key parameters as soon as you load an Instrument in KOMPLETE KONTROL. You do not have to manually configure a mapping or assign knobs via MIDI learn. You can customize the parameter mapping for each Preset file in the Plug-in Panel of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software. For more information, refer to Customizing Parameter Mappings using the Plug-in Panel.
TheMgoldfarb gawd this is complicated. Whilst I know that everything comes with mapping assigned I need to reassign the controller output of the keyboard so that the controller with pitch assigned becomes the controller with expression assigned is this possible can’t find it anywhere?
@@TheCrowHillCo I think this is done with the Controller Editor software, you can open that up, click on the pitchbend control, and assign it to a new CC on the right-hand side of the window. I haven't dug into it myself very much but that seems to be the tool you use.
@@TheCrowHillCo I don't believe it is possible at the moment with the M32, according to Native Instruments (support.native-instruments.com/hc/en-us/articles/210264165-My-Native-Instruments-Controller-does-not-Appear-in-Controller-Editor), the MIDI mapping is fixed and cannot be changed, so the bands and the rotary controls will always output the CC's the NI has set. It's the same with my A61. There is one solution I know you can use, but it involves software. There's a fee app called MIDIPipe (www.subtlesoft.square7.net/MidiPipe.html) and it has an option to convert incoming message to something different outgoing, so you can tell it to change pitch bend to Expression. Might be an option for you?
Novation's Bass Station II deserves to be on the first-synth list as well, for the sound, value, features, and price point, as long as long as the buyer is OK with a potentially overwhelming amount of knobs/controls.
In regards to the large headphone plug. The Focusrite is not actually intended to be taken on the road necessary. If you look at the marketing for it, it's aimed to be a budget audio interface to be used in home studios. Whiles, it can be taken on the road I think it's main audience is bedroom producers. One more thing to the note I believe that the large 6.5" jack actually accepts a higher omh output. Which is incredibly useful when you have studio headphones that require a high ohm input.
Remember that the Focusrite is an entry level audio interface, so is aimed for new/bedroom producers who will be using it as their main interface, so will need a proper headphone jack instead of a mini-jack. It's also easier to get a jack to mini-jack adapter than the other way around. Have to say that I love the recent Moog designs with different colours for each function - I wasn't sure at first but it's super helpful for learning and quick patching! Hope that other synth makers follow the trend...
Really enjoyed the piece of music Sandy gave us this week. I watch these videos as a replacement for buying synths, so they're all 'must-not buy' for me.
I acquired the Moog Minitaur about a year ago. Played with it for a bit but want to spend some more time on my synths over the next few months and see what comes from it.
Inspired to open VCV rack again and actually learning!! I know I will surely pick up my first mod in the future.Damn Sandy! YOU'RE A BEAST!! I may have cried a little, absolutely beautiful!
@Christian Henson Music Someone already mentioned below that you can not change the controller mapping with the software "Controller Editor" from NI for the M32. As a momentary fix you could add the built-in Modifier Midi FX in Logic to your channel and then convert Pitch Bend to Expression messages. Unfortunately this also resets CC11 to the value 64 every time you let go from the pitch bend as it jumps back to the middle position. Maybe this is helpful. Cheers!
Also, i get it that this is about getting out of the box but the great plug in editor that Moog gives with this synth is exactly how it should be done.
Nice review but as others have pointed out, the price tag on this synth doesn't really match your message (of must-have first synth). Though It looks like the Sirin is a 'limited edition' of the minitaur which is still available (at least in europe) at half the price of the sirin :) Anyway, of course it's a good bet to invest in a moog at some point ! Cheers
The Minitaur is a bit cheaper, about $100 US less comparing new to new. The big difference other than colors is that Minitaur tops out at C5 for pitch, while the Sirin top out at D8.
I got a SIRIN and she’s small but packs a punch! Awesome little synth. It’s a real Moog and the pedigree shows. (My first reall moog synth other than theremins) It’s instantly musical and sounds phenomenal. Inspiring to play, the circuits have a soul. (I own plenty of other synths, vsts and samples too. I have a Boog (Behringer model D) also) solid construction, looks and feels great. Full Midi, full 88 key range, software program!!! Editor with extended features (that’s a big + ), saving patches. Only thing it’s missing is a power switch, odd omission. Got a demo version from sweetwater so it was -60 off, no tax, no shipping. Then another -50 off, had some store credits & only paid 75 out the door. Got the rack ears for 55. This was a no-brainer since it could be resold easily (retains its value or increases). Moog is the real deal. I would even argue that the Behringer model D Could have commanded a higher price point if it had full midi and polished complimentary software program. (Dials saving their settings, recalling and sharing presets,etc..) that would have advanced the model D beyond it’s original. Still great in its current form.
I just wish the behringer model d had more extensive patch points to interface with other gear. No OSC out is the worst. PWM would have been great too.
Yes the price is higher than other Chinese manufactured synths... remember though, Moog employees hand build these units, and you are supporting arguably THE pioneer and true innovator of glorious analog synthesis.
Hi Christian! I have a totally unrelated question, as I had an idea that, well, relates to what you do. Say, hypothetically but not very hypothetically, I have a studio session planned with a nice ensemble in a nice room. I'd probably want to record a few samples with them at the end of the day "for flexibility in production", but I'm not sure what approach I could take to just have a few short cool things. I do this with drums all the time, but obviously as those are one shot samples it's way easier and quicker to do. What would you say? A few long notes, some ostinatos, some shorts, something entirely different?
A second hand Minitaur is the best sounding, best value mono synth on the market right now. It sounds absolutely beefy, has patch memory and works beautifully with a DAW.
I just bought mine. Tohmann was already sold out and the other shop had 1 left. I just had to buy it. My first Moog, can't wait for it to be Saturday. Gonna be making lots of crazy sounds while watching people fly a self landing rocket into space.
Hey Christian, to get more saturated sounds out of Sirin connect the headphone output to the input of Sirin then hold the glide button and turn the Vco 1 Lvl knob to mix the audio input back to Sirin.
Hmmm, I say it that way when I say Bob Moog but when I talk about Moog synths I say it the way everyone else says it.... which is wrong, but how most people say it. For me it is like activating a massively strong French accent when saying a word like entrepeneur (but look at me, I can't even spell it).
My first digital synth which I learned a great deal from, was the Boss DS-330. 99 bucks back in 2000. Clearly very different modules, but getting into hardware has many cheaper avenues
i had a DSI Mopho (keyboard) which was a great first synth, one voice but with a sub oscillator, lots of hands on controls and playability, mod paths for when you started getting more into it and a sequencer too, and yes- cheap as well. I sold it in the end for about £50 less than i paid(2nd hand) 3x years later as i looked after it so that was a 50 quid rental there.... It was and is great. I now own a Vemona Perfourmer which i would also say is an amazing first synth as it has 4 voices, its easy and very intuitive to program and sounds amazing. I also know i will get my money back if i ever decide to sell as i bought an almost new one second hand and got a good price. Its also the CV in version so would play well with modular gear should i ever go down that road, what a machine. The only caveat is that you need to hook it up to a sequencer or keyboard to play it but that's not a huge deal. Sirin does sound nice though and boasts similar modular compatibility
Hi Christian! I came to your channel via the 2-part series on composing scores, and I really learned a lot from those videos. Thanks, man! Here's a suggestion for a new video: how you go about finding and/or creating riser-style sounds. Thanks!
Sandy, your performance is awesome! And I have been such a good boy this year. Saving my pennys for a fresh Mac (maybe the i9 iMac?) but the music Sandy is creating is just about to take me onto a side road! Help me someone!
pound for pound you can do so much more with the iMac for sure I just find myself making more music for fun with hardware. I hope I'm not being a bad influence!
The Sirin does sound lovely. I'm sure it's worth every penny. Great jam from Sandy too. Regarding sync between Elektron boxes and Pamela's New Workout, I'm sending DIN sync 24ppqn clock (and run) from Digitakt MIDI thru to PNW via ALM's handy Din-Sync Adaptor Cable. It works a treat!
@@DobsonsLab Correct. PNW expansion is output only. I'm sending clock/run FROM the Digitakt. The ALM DIN adapter cable splits the signal and these go INTO the PNW clock/run inputs. Hope that makes sense?
My man crush concerning this channel continues unabated. I’m learning a huge amount about stuff I hadn’t truly taken that seriously regarding composition and sound design. Even if some of the equipment used is out of my price range right now, I take a ‘Grand Tour’ delight at watching someone who genuinely knows their stuff, putting the posh boxes through their paces. Speaking of taking music back out of computers and back into the hands of real devices, have you checked out the German performer/composer Heinbach’s channel at all? His work with esoteric synths, dictaphones and 70s audio test equipment is well worth watching. He has a very dry but playful sense of humour as well as being an expert in the field of reclaimed sound. ru-vid.com
Really like sandy’s jam. The sirin looks like a repacked version of the Moog Minituar. Tbh i prefer the look of the black version and would rather have a mother 32 then the sirin for it’s patching, sequencer, and expandability. The mother 32 is easier to travel with and use as it even has a little keyboard built in. I would highly recommend you check it as a travel companion. Used ones go pretty cheap|.
Yeah it is a minotaur but with an expanded oscillator range. My problem with the Mother 32 is I don't think it will achieve that Moog Classic status like the DFAM will, basically because its so difficult to use, requiring all sorts of combinations of key presses to program. So I think with the latter you won't get as much use nor indeed will it maintain its resale value.
Expensive vs. Cheap theres a topic for you. One could argue that we cherish expensive more that "cheap knockoffs". But is that true and if so... why? Or is less expensive instruments a way for those without "limitless funds" a way down the rabbit hole? I'm not really thinking about how they sound, more what they represent. Great vid and what a jam!!!
Anders Wall yeah I think it’s a good subject. Every over priced thing I have bought I still own every feature rich piece of “too good to be true” is now probably in landfill.
Christian Henson Music The other side is that if it’s something you’re taking a punt on, it might as well be something where you’ll get most (if not all) of your money back if you do decide it’s not for you and move it along. At least that’s what we can say when justifying the price ... ;)
I would highly recommend looking at the newly released at Merging Technologies Anubis for your mobile rig. It´s a 4 i/o portable interface that contains the same converters that Bob Ludwig uses to master records. I sometimes get the pleasure of working with the Anubis´ bigger brothers; the Horus and Hapi. Cannot praise their products and customer support enough.
“Howl” 😂 🐅 what a great demonstration on the knobs as well as a kool song before your demo. Regardless I’m going to buy one of these today. But what all was the man in demo song using besides the Moog Sirin. I suppose now that I say that it’s superficial in the song and easy to distinguish; however, does anyone concur that some may buy based on the combination of sounds that were presented, seemingly misleading yes...? Either way I’ve been looking for an entry into Moogs dimension and It’s like Chris is Hagrid from Harry Potter and myself naive young Harry. While The Gate is like the the secret entrance in the England train station and Moogs dimension Diagon Ally. Oh and my theremin is like my Nimbus 3,000. 🦉
I have the reissue Moog Model D (it is beautiful)...and was quietly thinking I really needed the Sirin to get that fat bottom end. But I am chuffed to report that by comparing your fat bottom to my fat bottom, my Model D has what it takes! Huzzah!
Frustratingly, I also haven't had any luck with re-assigning the pitch strip on the Komplete M32 to a CC. (At least for Ableton Live) From what I can find on NI's forums, only the S-series keyboards allow custom routing of the modwheel and touchstrips in their controller editor, but as of now the M32 is locked. While searching for a portable workaround, I came across this handy little app named Ribn that has been working out well. I've mapped the app to expression, vibrato, dynamics, etc. in my spitfire libraries. Although I miss the tactile feedback of physical faders, using my smartphone for some extra control so far has been really enjoyable. The looping/LFO functionality is pretty cool too! In case this helps anyone else looking for a portable solution, here's a video about the app: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GLWECUu3HaY.html
Gah, I'm such a schizophrenic when it comes to modular. I love the playful element of it and the beautiful sounds, but the freedom of it just doesn't outweigh the constraints for me when it comes to actually writing music to distribute to the world beyond jamming. Maybe Modular Mondays will eventually persuade me otherwise one day... a beautiful jam by Sandy either way.
Also has PWM and noise. The Sirin has two VCOs with hard sync, two ADSRs instead of one AD/ASR envelope generator, more LFO waveforms, 128 patch save slots, and various other hidden features. Not everyone wants to go modular, and/or not everyone needs a(nother) sequencer. So for some, the Mother-32's feature set is less compelling. There's also the quality of sound. I haven't played around with the Mother-32, but the Sirin's VCOs are noticeably warmer and fatter than the Sub37's, for example. I wonder if there's something about V/Hz vs. V/oct that contributes to that? But anyway, there may be a similar difference in sound between the Sirin and the Mother-32.
Hm, underwhelming. No, your first analogue synth can only be the Make Noise O-Coast (No-Coast..?) Pair it with a Befaco Muxlicer or BeatStep Pro and the sonic world is er, your oyster. (Great jam from Sandy). Always been a fan of NI gear - got the S88 MkII. More lights than Las Vegas
The 0Coast is fantastic although not traditional subtractive so a little harder to understand. But the modulation options built in are brilliant for making patches that change over time. It’s very inspiring to work with.
John Paul Patton because I’m an idiot? But for me it is a great way to buy into the world of Moog and have something that will likely appreciate in price.
@@TheCrowHillCo I would certainly disagree that you are an idiot! I do agree with you, from an investment point of view and as an entry point into the world of Moog, it makes sense. I just feel that there might be better options for a first analogue synth that are more affordable, more feature-laden and are better teaching tools. I personally think the Korg Monologue is fantastic. The Sirin does sound massive, though...
Absolutely not a good first time synth, not a lot of feature and at that price I'd rather spend a bit much to get a minilogue, or even get a Behringer Neutron for a bit less.
I think Moog for some years has been so over rated. They price themselves based on the name more than ever and deliver so so sounds. Now days you can half and then some the cost to get those sounds and filters. Behringer are now staring to produce some really quality gear and a fraction of the price and yes its not moog blah blah blah but sounds just as good and better on some fronts.
