UNO Synth Pro - Sonic LAB Review 

I had a Pro3 for a good while and sold it earlier this year. I bought the Uno to replace the hole it left and it does a shockingly good job of it. Sounds great and it’s super versatile. Also built better than my Pro3 or Grandmother was.

Seems someone is actually hiding behind his phone.

Yeah that's a bad sign. I'm very happy with the Yamaha MODX, Arturia MicroFreak, and Synthstrom Deluge in that all three companies have added some pretty serious improvements several times to those devices. Definitely affects my buying choices now.

Rubbish. We had all our major issues addressed in one of the first firmware updates, mainly being able to set the full ADSR for each envelope, even though it's not reflected in the front panel labels. Other issues are most likely too isolated to individual users to be easily replicated or bothered with. You also have to remember that it's an ANALOGUE synth, there is only so much that can be done via firmware updates. UNO has had more than appropriate attention from IK and they have definitely listened to users in adding new features. Of course, with Uno Pro they have done even more, eliminating pretty much every gripe I had about the original Uno.

@@ZetaCarinae Yamaha would probably not do much with MODX if it weren't as popular as it is. They do have a history of not updating stuff that doesn't sell enough for their liking, same as Korg and Roland. Synthstrom Audible is a little boutique company, they have no choice to begin with unless they wish to dig their own grave. Yamaha has countless products beyond synths and they also have great rep, they can get away with more stuff more easily.

@@novakillbones2140 How can you say, "Rubbish" when the individual stated that in the forum and several request - the version has been stuck (not updated) and with little to no response from users nor the manufacturer?

@@bobcatt2294 It's absolute rubbish to suggest that a warning is required because, as I said, IK have been very attentive to user feedback. Read any forum and you will see plenty of dumbass requests get ignored by every developer, which is just as it should be.

I just got mine a few days ago and I’ve been having a blast with it. It can sound gnarly as hell or pretty subtle and low key. Did you get the full size? I did and it blew my mind how good the build quality is.

@@HotStrange I got the desktop version. I go through a lot of gear and I sold it. I can't wait to see their next synth. I hope they build on it with a one knob per function with their reverb, and an added delay. I will preoder if they do!

…it’s a little Gem!💯 💎

Or you could have both lol

Yes, incredible oversights.

I kept my JD-Xi clean and taped on the overlays for improved readability, plus lack of fingerprints

@@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene The problem with the old textured surface of the original Uno is that it made the panel much harder to read, especially from an angle. Yes, the Uno Pro gets prints on it but it's not a huge problem because it's not a touch panel and, having both side-by-side, it's a compromise I am more than happy with.

Yes it could. But probably better to buy the desktop version and get a dedicated Midi keyboard

I own it, I use it, I proudly admit it 😄

Those fingerprints are from Nick pointing out things on the interface. I've had mine for a few weeks now and, because you don't actually need to touch that surface, it doesn't really get too many fingerprints. Just a few smudges around the edges of my Desktop version, which are easily wiped off at the end of a session. I doubt you'd get any on the big version.

@@novakillbones2140 I have the full size one, and can attest that you still get fingerprints on it. The glossy interface is the same exact size on both, so it’s just as easy. Amazing synth though, despite being a print magnet.

PS: Having the Reverb and Delay Amount parameters actually control the send into those FX (rather than the FX return/mix as on most other synths with built-in FX, like Novation Peak) is a great feature of the UNO Synth Pro. Used it yesterday when running sampled drums through the UNO filters; turning up delay amount for short moments, creating dub-style delays which will trail on, is fantastic. The only things I miss from the FX section would be having all FX parameters available as mod matrix targets; an additional high pass filter for the delay; and a more classic (think EXH Small Stone) sounding phaser model.

Why? There is absolutely no benefit in making it Type C, which is for USB3, not USB 2. For me it means I can use any of the several old powerbanks I have lying around, including those with a fixed microUSB cable (Nokia bricks). MicroUSB just gives you a whole heap of options, where Type C is way more restrictive for zero benefit.

@@novakillbones2140 do you work for IK or something?

You own a LaunchKey? Thinking about adding one for my 1010music BlackBox. Sharp keys?

@@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene No, not sharp. Just mildly annoying. If you press a key down and feel along its sides, it should be smooth, unless it's a piano action with the semi-wooden key gimmick. With the LaunchKey it's almost as if the keytop is melded on to the rest of the key. This creates a slight 'lip' that runs across the side of the key. It's likely not the case that the keys are made by two pieces. Another way to describe it would be... like if you had a bunch of blank circuit boards with perforated edges that you have to punch out before using them? Or punch out the holes on the back of a cardboard box for Easter Eggs to dry from painting? It's as if the keys arrive from the factory all in one flat, and you have to break them apart for assembly of the keyboard. The breaking is what leaves a tiny edge along the keys. This isn't the case either. I think the keys are simply manufactured this way, in that they have an intentional indent on both sides of the key closer to the front edge. The same thing can be found on a few Alesis controllers. I like my keys smooth on the top AND along the sides. I wouldn't call it a deal-breaker though. The 37-Key Midi controller market is somewhat shabby at the present. The benefits the Launchkey offers easily outweigh a tiny lip that you might not even notice. Most keys for synth and piano have tops that protrude past the base of the key ever so slightly. Something like a Hammond organ has no such thing. But having this tiny overhang makes it necessary to clip, cut or mold the plastic key in order to machine this shape. Some keys are more clever about hiding the ridges that crop up as a result of this. NEVERMIND. THIS ALL MAKES ZERO SENSE

Isn't Launchkey their budget line? Impulse controllers have nice keybeds, and their SL line is even better. Yeah, Uno Pro, Ultranova, SL controllers, and Argon8x have the same Fatar TP9S keybed. I love it, that's part of why the full-sized Uno Pro tempts me, but the mini version saves space and cost significantly and I already have good keybeds.

Uno. Uno.

@@ZenMountain thx =), typo / autocorrect on smartphone, probably due to "uni - university". I know everyone would say that now :D

heh nice

thank you so much for your help! It was amazing but I couldn't tell what it was, I can hear the original song now "why cant this be love"!

It sounds crap and thats awesome!

Not far from as good as a Mopho

Right side button second row from top. At least there is in the desktop version. Just hold the dual purpose button down for 2 to 3 seconds

Look for the ”Hold” button. Beware of transient noice when switching on/off though.

" I am pretty sure already that it is the best synth I have ever owned." That's because you never owned a CS-80. And this is only $300.00 less than I paid for mine in 1986, so- pass.

@@georgeray3492 Wow, lucky you. How come you haven't made any videos of your CS-80? Maybe do a head to head with an UNO PRO and put this debate to rest?

@@djleapwarren2716 I’m pretty sure that debate never even woke up lol

@@marekrosinski3025 Obviously 2 different classes of synths but I think slinging a CS-80 around as an overtly aggressive rebuke towards the quality of an UNOPRO, Rightly Deserves a video comparison. Especially since George is a content creator.

@@djleapwarren2716 well, I'd watch it popcorn in hand.. the UNOPRO does look like its got some cool sounds

Yes, I would agree, and that exact thing happened to me a couple of times - good idea

You kind of can - if you press the DATA knob you are redirected on the section menu. and example: if you have OSC selected, pressing the DATA you are redirected in that section of the menu.

@@DELLAsoundengineer That's great -- much easier to have the general DATA knob as a multifunctional tool.

@@sonicstate It sounds good though, forgot to write that.

not even close, the Hydra's competitors are the Mininova, Peak, Blofeld, Argon8, and Korg's Modwave that will be released in the future Uno Pro can serve as a versatile lead/bass synth, though. Hydrasynth's fortes don't include bass, if I remember correctly.

Well, Excuse Me!

Aren't you describing a Hydrasynth ?

@@Ken-W1KAL Yes I am.

Agreed. 2021 there's no excuse for it not to be USB C.

Yes. Why no wall wart power option? I want a supply from the manufacturer so I know there is clean power. I have a device that has massive noise from my USB power source, but is whisper quiet with the manufacturers power supply. At least offer the option of a clean USB supply we can buy!!!

Why? It works perfectly well and if you don't have half-a-dozen microUSB cables lying around, there is something wrong with you. I have some devices with microUSB and some with Type C and I cannot see any reason to choose one over the other, beyond the fact that several of my Type C cables are very flaky and none of my microUSB cables are. I also got a free powerbank with my Uno, so it's clean power all the way. (Yes, it can be quite noisy with a USB data cable, you have to be very careful with your cable placement.)

@@albedo0point39 Similarly, there is no good reason for it to be, either.

@@novakillbones2140 Because they are poor quality, noisy and move around in the socket! I have the Uno Drum and NO chance would I use it for a gig with micro USB power. Also, no instrument that calls itself "pro" should use miscro USB for power.

Better than the Sequential Pro 3? wtf

@@Jason75913 Why not?

Was thinking the same myself and similar price point. My Alesis Micron still sounds amazing, though the deep bass isn't in the same league as the Uno. Am very tempted to buy this synth.

Good one. I've only seen the Vermona PerFourMer with this.

Yeah, uncommon in analogue synths.

Better still, it switches itself on automatically when you connect the power, which is a nice touch.

Uli

Bro, your Deepmind? Rev2? Minilogues and Prologue? JD-XA?

And what about Waldorf Blofeld? Hydrasynth? Novation Summit? Roland System8? OB6? The new Take 5? The list of current polyphonic synths is long enough and monophonic machines have their (sound) place in synth space…

More fool you. Patching Uno and Uno Pro is a breeze and I'd also rate them as close to the most enjoyable synths to just play around with and tweak that I have owned. I like using it more than Monologue or Minilogue, for example, which are both knob-per-function analogue synths. Once you have patch memory, the whole knob-per-function thing ceases to be immediate and becomes largely a waste of time.

or Trio perhaps yes!

"Dos" or "Tres", haha

Just like digitone keys, or Blofeld keys - and many other examples. Hydrasynth got it right here -changing the layout to suit the larger space.

$650 is not a bad price for what it does. It’s a 3-voice paraphonic synth with an insane amount of features. No one says this about the Pro3 or Matriarch or MatrixBrute. They’re all in the same vein and 2-3 times the price of this. I could maybe see your point if it had a limited feature set like the Monologue, but with the amount of things you can do, plus the build quality and sequencer/effects, I think it’s a more than fair asking price.

Just ordered the keyboard version for £289 from Amazon, which I think is a steal, and the lowest I've ever seen it go for.

Nope, at least my desktop version IS noisy, especially the ring modulator, taking a bit of the fun away. I’m really hoping for some things to improve with a firmware update...

It depends. There is still noticeable data noise from USB but if you connect it to a straight power source, it is very quiet. You also need to play around with the positions of your various cables to get it as quiet as you can. The Bluetooth from my Roli is the biggest problem I have.

@@novakillbones2140 It might be a difference between desktop and keyboard, and between each unit. I only use USB power. I wrote to IK Multimedia about the ringmodulator and some "background tones", but am still waiting for an answer wheather it can be improved in firmware.

Its is honestly one of the least attractive looking new synths I’ve seen in a long time. Not that that matters a ton....but it matters a little.

Same here

Look at all those greasy finger print marks.. shiny plastic ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-d_TssVQbpxw.html - that's one thing that puts me off :) but it sounds pretty good + full size keys.

You're not shallow. Sounds great but it's ugly and looks cheap. You want objects not only because of their functionality.

Typhon is sort of like a Crave/Mother32 on steroids, Uno Pro is closer to a Minilogue XD though the mod matrix brings it close to having the capabilities of a semi-modular like the Crave/Mother32. Waldorf's Pulse 2 is most like the Uno, but lacks post effects and sounds a lot glassier.

Really you think the desktop price is too much? What would you consider reasonable?

@@sonicstate No. I think this synth is badly priced for what it is and does. I never mentioned the desktop version as I don't know the price of that. Compare this to the Deepmind 12 or 6. Argon 8 Cobalt 8.

@@tonywharton5220 $400 for the desktop, consider that there's the Waldorf Pulse 2 for $800 (in the US), and is similarly a 3-osc analogue with a (smaller) mod matrix but no post-effects

@@Jason75913 The Deepmind 6 is £410 in the UK. No comparison really. The Uno pro is unfinished, just like the original Uno Synth and Uno Drum. I myself was waiting for updated fixes for both for well over a year. There was no way to factory reset the drum until recently. You can't keep putting out synths that need fixes or updates.

A better comparison would be the Minilogue XD - this has presets recall/digital control of parameters + dsp effects - that adds a lot of complexity.

@@wavesequencer The Minilogue is polyphonic, not paraphonic. But yeah, this is overpriced compared to the XD too.

I'll take this over a Poly D any day - well, especially when I don't like the Poly D, I'll take my Ultranova over a Poly D, too.

@@Goettel I was aware of that.. but not too many other recently released 4 voice analog synths with presets recall and digital multi-effects right? Poly or Para - either way - the PolyD is quite different.

Seriously? You couldn't give me a Poly-D, by 2021 standards it's a piece of garbage. Minilogue XD doesn't have half the balls of Uno Pro, either, and it's filter is way too restrictive to even contemplate. MiniXD does have amazing effects, though, but it is for a completely different use case to Uno Pro.

No.

Which Moog are you comparing it too?

The price of a Moog?? What??

You couldn't make this disappear in a mix if you tried. It has all the balls of any VSTi, at any price. It's an absolute monster that can do with just three oscillators what takes a lot of VSTi 16 or 32 voices of unison to match. Don't get me wrong, we work 100% ITB in the studio but when you get up on stage in front 1000 people, it still feels right to have hardware in front of you than just a MIDI controller, and we've tried it both ways over the years. This thing sounds better than any hardware I've owned in the 40 years since I bought my first synth so if you are only going to buy one hardware synth, this is definitely the one to get.

Your ears are not working properly.

or $400 for the mini version is quite fine, in ma 'pinion

It’s a metal housing with a Fatar semi-weighted keybed, solid build and heavy, but okay

Take your medication man.

That's what they said about the op1 😉

@@annother3350 And they were right.

@@annother3350 who ever said the OP-1 is ugly??? Never heard that before. After owning one for 5+ years... yes, it's a toy.

@@ZenMountain 'Horrible interface' doesn't mean ugly. It means it has a poor way of interaction between man and machine. Many aspects of the op-1 seem that way. Is the op-1 not even useful though if you pick one of its synths and integrate it into a studio setup? I've heard it make some great noises