SYNTH VS SYNTH -- Moog Mother 32 or Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms SV-1? 

Super underrated channel. Your set, camerawork and delivery are totally professional. Keep it up man.

2:34 (CAPTIONS) Wow, the Moog already gave up..

I bought a Lifeforms SV-1, and couldn't get a serious tuning problem with the Oscillators resolved, so back it went. I've had a Mother-32 for a while, and I'm happy with it.

I need to say thank you - for me this is thee best synth vs synth edit i have enjoyed! So very helpful and well spoken . Enjoyed all yours so far . This = excellent!

I love the gurgle of that Lifeforms resonance at the beginning

What a great, informative video. Thank you for this. I already have the Mother-32, and now you have ignited my curiosity about the SV-1.

so i haven't gotten to play with the lifeforms much, but I have to say I really appreciate the design on the m32; keeping the patch bay on the right keeps a lot of the knobs clear for messing around with.

Man your video's are just the best on youtube. Great work

I have both (actually 2x M32), and they all play very well together. But man, that SV-1 continues to surprise me. I took it to a jam session recently and blew some cats' minds.

Thanks for this video, I was confused about Roland System 1-m or Mother 32. The choice is clear. Thanks again and keep up the great work!

I do have to say I got the Mother-32 (at the time, the Lifeforms one wasn't an option), but I have to recommend the M-32 to someone apprehensive about getting into modular, because the basic source material of the M-32, before even patching anything, is totally solid. The M-32 was a smart design in many ways - the limitations for example... I've had moments where I want to do something just a little more complex (something the Sub-37 would be able to do), and when I didn't have the feature, it forced me to patch the feature (like keyboard follow). If you're intimidated by Modular, it's a great way to begin, because you don't HAVE TO use the patchbay but you CAN. In contrast, the MS-20 which many people use as an entry point is not designed intuitively, forcing you to patch things just to use basic functions, and the patch points are so poorly labeled/named that even someone who understands modular can have a real hard time trying to do anything in it. The patchbay on the Mother-32 is very clear and easy to use. I also think the little rubber keyboard is surprisingly nice to use, so I usually play it alongside my keyboards. I'll have a stack of actual keyboard synths, plus the mother-32 on the side, and it's surprisingly easy to play live. The Lifeforms is a turn-off to the beginner, only because it really forces you to build a modular rack in order to use it. 1. If you're willing to take a full step into modular, building a rack, the Lifeforms is superior. 2. If you're just testing the water, get the Mother-32.

Imho you can't really go wrong with either, both have strenghts and weaknesses. Think you're right about picking the SV-1 in case you're a bit more experienced/willing to build a modular system. Your pros and cons about both seem spot on to me. Good video.

Terrific video bro. Straight down the line. It's taking every ounce of strength left in me to not go modular. The rest of my life depends on it. My friendships, my finances, my travel and other pursuits. This is a fight I think I'm losing. Not long now, as the Borg say... "resistance is futile.'

Excellent video and objective comparison. I had never really paid any attention to the SV-1 (in fact when I saw the title of the video on RU-vid I thought it was going to be about the Korg Electric Piano of the same name) but after watching this I'm quite intrigued. A year ago I chose between the 0Coast and the Mother 32 and I chose the Mother 32 based pretty much solely on a) the beautiful filter b) the fact I could grok subtractive synthesis whereas the 0Coast was just too "weird" and c) the sequencer / keyboard combo. As a first modular synth, I still think it's the best choice, especially if you have *nothing else*, because the sequencer makes it useful as a standalone box, whereas the SV-1 would need something like a BSP or an SQ-1. In retrospect, it's a bit of a false economy as the sequencer on the M32 only works well with the M32 (given you can't decouple it from the M32's oscillator) so if you are going to buy a second module (and as such a case, and another sequencer), then the SV-1 might be a better choice.

Great video! Awesome comparison of the options and features.

thank you! very nice picture! please more raw waveforms and filters test! Mother is simple but this sound..... it is just sweet and amazing!

SV1 has been my 1st modular synth and I'd make that choice a thousand more times. I've had it for a year and a half and still discover new things I can do with it. Plus it integrates perfectly with my modular system.

Great video, I had this exact question and appreciate the points you make.

I get that the sv-1 has more features, but to my ear, the moog just has that beautiful, rich sound that is hard to beat.

I love my M-32. I got it and the DFAM to initially sync together/patch with my Grandmother. Now I’ve built half my Make Noise skiff, bought the 0-Coast , and am waiting on my Make Noise Tape & Microsound Machine rack. If I awash going to start a rack, I’d definitely go with the Lifeforms bc of the possibilities, but also bc putting the M-32 in a rack is gonna take up a lot of valuable hp at 60hp vs Lifeforms 28 hp. That would be a huge factor if the question was choosing one to put into a rack build.

They sound very different. I would choose the Lifeforms first, but the Mother 32 is a great addition because it has that Moog oomph.

Great break down of both synths. I'm just getting into modular after my computer crapped out. Both of these are dope and I'll keep an eye out for them in the future. But right I'm leaning towards the Model D or the O coast. Im from the West coast and it's going to be awesome recreating and pushing those sonics I grew up listening to. Subbed.

Great vid. thank you so much. By the way, I would love to see how you use both in which combination and patches

Great review! I think you made the right choice - that's what I would have picked as well.

2:08 - obviously the Mother 32 appears limited when it comes to waveforms and sound shaping but that's a really on the surface critique that I see a lot of people make. I have a couple synths, and added the M32 to my collection last year. It is the only synth I own that's single oscillator but it easily holds it's own and can make incredible sounds that most people wouldn't know was form just a single osc synth in a blind test. The SV-1 looks great too but still, don't mistake what the M32 can do.

I bought my mother 32 two months ago and i really love it, ive used it on all the albums ive worked on lately and im only still scratching the surface i love it

Thanks for the video, The SV-1 is a beast :)

You just earned a subscriber. I'm wanting to get back into music. As a saxophonist I'm looking for something different and a way to expand and experiment with minimalist music. I could see one of these as part of that system.

I got my mother 32 to sound like a sublime angel trumpet fart but this SV-1 looks great also. Thanks for the video!

I built my rack around an M32. In fact, for a while I had two, but sold one and got an SV-1. I just never got along with it for some reason, despite the 2nd osc. Maybe it was the filter... But anyway, the M32 is still the primary sound/shaping module in my rack, the SV-1 is gone, and OBTW I *love* my Behringer Neutron ;^) .

I found your video very informative, Keep up the Good work man, Thumbs up! : ) .

moog needs to make a standalone eurorack ladder filter

Great Video. Thanks for laying that down. Do you think these both could be 'too much' for a total newbie? Or is it best just to get one and start playing to learn? Going from Garadgeband and waiting something that I can fill my house with autogenerating ambient soundscapes.

My choice was Mother and I don't regret. Mother opened door to modular synthesis for me.

And now... the Minibrute 2 and 2S. Damn you, Arturia! For real though, the SV-1 is a masterpiece.

This is the video I was waiting for

My choice between the 2 was the SV-1. Had a ton of fun with it, but as my rack has increased in size I find myself using it less... Reminds me that I need to get back into it!

I've been looking to start my first rack and I had settled on the SV1. 👍

Great job!

I'm a noob at modular synths, so I think I'm going to go with the M32. Thanks for the vid!

For me it all goes down to the filter, and regarding this Moog's filter is the best imo. Pittsburg can be multimode and all that, but while I had the unit I found it quite metallic sounding and unapealling.

Fun with electricity! Well thought out review, thanks! I envy those with the funds and patience to build a good rack system. I'm still having difficulty getting my mind (and ears) around the Deepmind 12. A Euro rack system would drive me bonkers! A good kind of bonkers but still bonkers....

I found myself having to make this exact decision a while back. Had I known how deeply I was going to get into modular, I may have been more inclined to purchase the SV-1 because it offers a lot of basic utilities that I needed early on. But honestly it sounded (and still does sound) kinda generic and sterile to me. After watching this video, I wonder if simply having a different filter module would have been enough to convince me, but I'm still in love with my Mother-32💗

I honestly bet you're a blast to hang out with. Love your spooky vibe lol

Great comparison dude. I have both... For a while I had two Mothers, but sold one and got the SV-1. I ended up pulling the SV-1 out of my rack after a few months, and was going to sell it (despite liking it quite a bit), but now that I've been without it (loaned to a friend), I am going to get it back and re-integrate it into my rig. If the SV-1 had a sequencer, IMO it would be a lot harder to choose a favorite. And if only the Moog had two OSCs!

Awesome review. I appreciate the objectivity. I really like the sexiness of the SV-1 with the cleaner aesthetic and more options but... most of the demos I'm seeing are using it in a "techno beat driven" context. I'm more interested in Eno style generative atmosphere. That said- I've seen a few Mother-32 demos doing exactly that... and really, really well to boot. I'm 100% torn. I want the SV-1 for it's extra's but how is it for generative? (I do realize building a custom setup is really the way to go, but I just want to jump into it with the intention of exploring to see if I want to go deeper). Thoughts anyone? Thanks in advance!

The music playing in the background is great, anywhere to hear it?

I just got the Moog, but... I love the ladder filer more than life itself so....

Cool video. I'm curious what your take is on the upcoming Behringer Neutron. While not exactly eurorack (tho compatible), it IS semi-modular with a nice side patch bay, and at a great price point of $300usd. I was looking at picking up a Korg Monologue as my first physical synth, but with this Behringer coming out in April at the same price I might wait, as I'm more interested in having something modular. I'm also building my soldering skills in order to try DIY eurorack, to reduce the cost.

Nice video, just bought a mother 32 myself. It's my first true analog synth. It's been really fun so far but I still don't really understand the appeal of a complete modular setup. Am I missing something here? Most times I've seen/ heard people working with completely modular stuff its sounds more like noise than music. Maybe that's just me though.

New to modulars buying my first modular Synth make noise 0-coast or sv1 please suggest or any other ? Thank u ❤

Awesome Video, thank u

Dat Lifeforms Blade OSC.

Hey Noir! This is kinda off topic but are you in any bands/groups at the moment?

So if I'd choose the Lifeforms SV-1 it means I'd have to get a separate sequencer? I'm pretty new to this, so I'm trying to figure out everything that's required to get going. What's a good standalone sequencer that can be used together with the SV-1, one that you'd recommend?

The Moog filter has the best sound imo.

Nice video. Actually played a little with both at a friend's place. Moog sequencer is very nice (will have to check full feature set) - but yes - multiple LFOs (never have too many - LOL!) and lots of waveforms spoils one quickly. ;) I love sound of Moog - but not swayed or tied "big names". I've yet to start a modular but have programmed dozens over the years - superfungoodness for any Lucky Man.

Thank you

Very informative video Will you do one about the Neutron when it releases as well? I think it'll be the go-to starter for many people. I think it'll be a great little machine, but for those looking to expand down the line the SV-1 might be the way to go. The SV-1 seems to have less features on paper, but it looks more specialized to me. But then I only know them from pictures and specs.

so i might be in the market for a modular, i use propellerhead reason for my DAW so i have a brief understanding with basic connections. not sure when it comes to the hardcore midi routing,gates, and other oddball CV. but i can hook up LFO's split CV signals, Merge CV, and route envelopes. I saw the new arturia semi modulars that just came out and i was thinking about either of those brutes. is that in the same ball park as far as flexibility/patch creation? i feel like a semi modular would be good for a first run as i make most my music in Reason, with the help of my minilouge. what do you think?

need to see you do SV-1 vs Microvolt

Hey so Iv been wanting to dive into modular. I’m finding that Erica synths offers some specific needs of mine. Wavetable oscillators as well as the additive wavetable VCO/oscilloscope (Erica synths graphic) I was thinking of getting a Arturia mini brute 2 or 2S and in the future getting the Arturia rack brute, would getting the minibrute 2 give me the ability to just get the Erica synths oscillators? And maybe some filters Or would I have to still get the VCOs and still have to get an adsr, filter, midi to cv, and other basic modules. In this scenario does the Arturia mini brute act as a good base to patch other VCOs through? Or is it a synth that sits side by side along the Erica synths Rack brute setup I don’t think Arturia really made any content explaining their rack brute. It just looks like a housing for euro rack

Very cool video, it inspired me to buy the lifeforms. I still have a question tho. Please keep in mind I'm very new to modular. So I'm trying to play the lifeforms with my roland fp-90 digital piano/midi keyboard. But the keyboard won't trigger the sv-1, I cant hear any sound. I have them connected with a midi cable and the midi adapter cable. Using my headphones. Sv-1 turned on and the "mono" led is lit up. Can you help me get it to work? :(

Get the starter Lifeforms Pittsburg kit it has several modules and ready to rock including case and power supply but as a Moog fan this is a tough decision!

I love the new touchscreen Bitbox modular units that are now out from 1010 music systems. You can have a compact modern eurorack with just 3 small Bitbox modular units that wont break the bank or require 100 patch cables.

Good demo. Can PM Lifeforms make Buchla like sounds? Thanks.😏😏😏😏😏

Great vid like usual. Quick question: do you have any insight into the kb1--the keyboard type module Pittsburgh sells?

WOuld choose the sv-1 and sequence it with an Elektron A4.

SV1 or the upcominng Behringer Neutron?

I’m late to the party. I just purchased the M32 which hasn’t arrived yet. One big thing, sound of Moog aside, is the 13 pin midi in. Seems like it will integrate with my DAW better. The M32 receives not only midi note on/off and velocity, but midi CC as well to an extent. I have a TEC breath controller, and other controllers to play with (mid guitars, Roli Seaboard), which potentially could could open up a new world for M32 (or it may not...time will tell). Another thing I’m curious about is using my DAW as the sequencer vs the internal sequencer. Hopefully it’ll meet my expectations.

i'm not a modular synth person...I prefer VST plugins...but...your review was really so cool and so helpful. maybe one day I will be a modular person!

Thanks for this, I have been trying to find a video like this for a while. How do you feel about pairing the SV-1 with a Make Noise 0-coast? I would love to see a video of those two together.

I bought an SV-1 so I guess my choice would be SV-1 :) of course I looked at the mother before buying but the SV-1 just seemed the better deal to me.

Thanks for this video. I am new to all of this. Even so, if I were to choose, it would be the SV-1 because of expandability. Another option I am looking at is the Arturia MatrixBrute Analog Monophonic Synthesizer. What is your view on that VS these?

I have both as well. They are such different beasts. The mother is smooth and creamy, and the sv1 is an untamed beast. I use the mother mostly for bass and i use the sv1 for freaky stuff. I would say mother is a good first piece of gear but i reach for the sv1 more often.

If I only I had seen this video a few days ago. My 32 just came in today but at least I have and midi to cv module without having to buy one right off the bat, so I can buy modules and play without racking up too much debt.

Does the KORG MS20m(Ltd. Edit.) win after all circuit bending Mod’s?

Nice video. This is the first of your’s I’ve seen. I think the state-variable filter sounds a lot weaker than the Moog ladder filter. I’d go with the Moog.

I think the correct answer it both!

Can moog be used as a standalone unit to make music please ? And how does the sequencer work ? Does it have different channels that you record what you play and gives you the option to loop them so you can continue experimenting over it ? Well I think I need to read a bit more on it.I am an electric guitar player who likes to experiment with sound a lot and I don't like digital Technology too much I experiment with mechanical features of the guitar and with amp settings but I won't say no to a simple analog equipment which can open up my horizons.Is it possible to push electric guitar signals through the filters of the moog ? Or is it better to leave it alone ? Thanks in advance

read about filter bleed in some reviews on the sv-1 - I can't stand filter bleed or cross talk of any sorts in any of my gear, even at -70db or less..

just realised you said "smash that like button" haha!

Having all the patchpoints concentrated in one location seems like it'd be a PITA.

Absolutely the SV-1. Constantly feel a lack of this and that when trying to use the Mother-32. The sequencer is nice, but.. as far as I know you can't put whatever audio source you want through the filter. Again, just seems to not be able to do any of the things I want it to.

Get both for a fun cross modulatrix!

This helped me decide. Glad I saw your video before grabbing the Mother 32. I'll be getting the SV-1 to complement my Arturia Minibrute s2.

PML sv-1 but... Behringer D or neutron?

Have you tried the Intellijel Atlantis? The Mother 32, Lifeforms SV-, 0 Coast and Atlantis are all full self contained systems in a way, and often considered the first step into modular type of units. I got a Mother my self and consider another. Then again maybe an Atlantis or the SV-1. Or maybe I just skip that and jump straight into that dark murky and dangerous world of modular for real. I got a case and two modules secondhand, so my toes are already inn there.

Good vidy !

As a newbie the M32 is killer, but with a little more experience and knowledge the SV-1.

Lifeforms all day long , beautiful , blessed be

i bought both.

Lifeforms SV-1 vs a moog synth is kind of hard to take a fast decision.I got a subphatty so it is clear that i will choose the pittsburg synth to not repeating but for a first synth the moog is a better choice in my opinion .the incorporated sequencer is a big plus even if you can hookup an external one. i wished my subphatty did have one.i would like to know a little bit more about the reliability of the pittsburg products.

would you make a review about the 0-Coast?

I got a Make Noise 0-coast as I was bored with Moog and have been having tons of fun. Wacky West Coast synth Buchla style on budget.

Honestly, its almost too difficult to choose. The SV-1 definitely has more sound design capability, but the Moog seems a little bit quicker to work with; the standalone capability of the Moog is also a nice touch (of course, the SV-1 Blackbox is an option). Overall, like you said, the SV-1 is the winner; I would definitely agree that it has a wider potential audience and slightly denser sound design capabilities. NEXT EPISODE: Timbre Wolf or A Literal Bag of Flaming Garbage?

I mean I got the moog 32 for 210$ and a pedal I wasn't using.... Great trade it sounds fantastic. I feel like It will be hard to part with.....It has that classic Moog sweetness.

Does the Sub 37 sound different from the mother? I really love the mothers tone.

Are you going to make a video on the new Minibrutes?

Can you review the crave?!??!!??