Bass Station 2 vs Monologue: comparison, tutorial, review and demo

[@arkasonus7678]

I have both synths. And yes they don't sound the same. That's why I got the 2 of them. If you have to choose only one synth, the BS2 is more interesting. The BS2 is a bit more creamy and smoother, more classical sounding. Monologue is good as an extra synth, not as main synth, in my opinion.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

I should sell one of my Monologues and get a BS2.

[@kgreggbruce1552]

Arka Sonus and your opinion really shows with all the music you have published on your channel. Really great stuff there, everyone should check it out so they can better understand where your opinions are coming from.

[@hulkslayer626]

@@kgreggbruce1552 HAHAHAHA

[@xxheartbrokexx100]

I mean they're both entry level, neither are "main synths"

[@HammyHavoc]

@@xxheartbrokexx100 Tell that to people churning out great tunes with far less. It's always in the ideas rather than the gear, and gatekeeping what constitutes a reasonable synth is ridiculous.

[@rexterrocks]

I love my Monologue. I'm getting really good at creating sounds. I can get a lot of vintage sounds from it. The sequencer is great fun, I spent the other night getting a 'Tubular bells' pattern going.

[@WingHouseCup]

Both are pretty sick bass machines. I always lean BSII. Plus Novation has stood behind their product for how long now. That they are still releasing really functional updates is amazing to me.

[@StarskyCarr]

Their updates are AMAZING pretty sure lots of others would’ve released them as a new synth - with the same internals!

[@dfreeman120]

Good to know, great company

[@Brokeninc]

Thank you for taking the time to make and post this.

[@patkelly3966]

I believe AFX Twin did the micro tuning on the korg too. there is a AFX scale.

[@rexterrocks]

He did indeed do a number of the tunings on it.

[@Ferrichrome]

The fact that Aphex Twin has personally worked on both these synths should tell you they're both worth it :D

[@dfreeman120]

100% . How does the BS2 compare to the rack Super Bass Station regarding sound, features and effects ?

[@Ferrichrome]

@@dfreeman120 I don't have the super bass station, but the BS2 has more features for sure. Mine has been great so far.

[@dfreeman120]

@@Ferrichrome copy that thx

[@Myexpectationsarerealistic]

Why, is he supposed to be someone worth listening to on the art or science of synthesis?

[@Ferrichrome]

@@Myexpectationsarerealistic yea

[@Geepstar]

You have so often exactly the comparation I am looking for. Thanks a lot. The Bass station is on my radar for quite some time now, but the Monologue I can get for real cheap so I was wondering, but better spend the extra money instead of regretting.;-)

[@BobRossa]

I have never been in the same room as a Monologue but you said something about the range of the rate of the LFO's. I couldn't find anywhere that said how slow the LFO's on the BS2 could get. I put the LFO on a square wave and made it effect pitch, turned the rate all the way down and timed it. 17 minutes and 30 seconds for the slowest LFO cycle on the BS2.

[@StarskyCarr]

Wow that is slow and a nice bit of research :) The manual states its from 0 to 190Hz, so 17 mins is pretty much zero! The Monologue runs from 0.05 Hz to 2800Hz which is why I said it had a greater range. i.e. 190 vs 2800.05 Hz

[@SpeccyMan]

You made it AFFECT pitch!

[@BobRossa]

@@SpeccyMan I hate the way it looks and sounds. Language is a fluid thing and I'm giving it a nudge. If you're Nick Batt you're one of my heroes. If not...

[@rleriche5044]

@@SpeccyMan it's not incorrect

[@kierenmoore3236]

@@BobRossa Don’t mess with my language, paesano! What are you, American?!

[@Rulon-bo1ig]

I do love korg products but I think I might prefer what I’ve heard on the bass station 2 so far! It does sound a little creamier and less aggressive. I’ve never really been a fan of agressive bass especially now I’m getting older. I know you can do smooth also on the monologue though. The korg quality/ price ratio has always been what I love most about them but maybe it’s time to try out novation. More controlled bass!!

[@ArcAudios77]

Great Video as always. As a Monologue user I feel you made a valuable point regards 'Knob Direction' markings. A terrible oversight from Korg that should not be repeated in any Production Unit getting Sold. Thanks for your work.

[@everpuremusic]

They learned that lesson with the new minilogue xd, though.

[@gnarlysoundscapes7210]

I agree, the all black knobs on Monologue (and Minilogue) are a problem. I painted mine.

[@patkelly3966]

That lack of display increments on the monologue knobs is easy remedied by a careful application of tip-ex to the indented groove on them.

[@jc3drums916]

I used a Uni Posca 0.7mm paint pen. The tip just barely fit in the knob groove, and it required about three applications to become completely opaque. You can pick different colors too.

[@Paradroidx]

Use your ears not your eyes Lol. But i hear ya some visual knob readouts would be nice

[@tuparsio]

Yep it's quite hard to read the panel.. if you don't mind the tiny screen, you can set parameter display to "all" (Global edit 5) and it will show you the values of each know (only when you tweak them, of course). I've found this helpful.

[@acatwhopurrs5031]

I can finally say I have them both. The only thing I hate about the Korg: I can't see where my knob is when I'm in a dark setting, eyes closed during a climactic synth ambiance. Otherwise, they sound different and both have certain advantages over the other. I like the Korg for the simpler interface and sequencer. Novation: everything else.

[@synriser6742]

Maybe try this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIXFlmihmsljq5o

[@jregras]

store.djtechtools.com/collections/in-stock/products/chroma-caps-knobs-and-faders this will solve the issue. They have a raised indicator and great color options, the black knobs blend in perfectly (a bit taller than stock knobs, perfect for important controls). I also use a red one on the master vol. Glow in the dark are a killer option especially if you have a dim damp/UV

[@waynesilverman3048]

Good video ,I've got an electribe 2 sampler and minilogue and I'm looking for a new synth to make psych trance do u know what would be ideal ?

[@d3tuned378]

If your eyes are closed, wouldn't you be unable to see it even in a bright envronment? ;)

[@DestroyER82]

Im not really fan of that DCO vs VCO bashing. Just detune BS II by one cent or turn on OSC error function (or even put subtle S&H pitch modulation) and you are there. Also I preffer PW to go to 85 or 90% over going to 100%, I dont like when PWM goes all the way to "silence". Overall Monologue can compete only with sequencer, nice display and with small factor / size. Everything else.. its not even close and not ever fair how far better in all aspects BS II is (and this direct compare shows its even more radical than how it felt for me when I personally tested em, but not side by side). But... if someone like that kinda agressive Korg feel and timbre (mostly that phat filter does that job), its a must have piece of gear. Thanks for this show and review, your channel is really great and in-depth, enjoying it a lot. GOOD JOB!

[@lorenzodelterra6295]

I agree. I had both and sold the Monologue. It sounds really nice, but in the end the BSII is just so much more powerful, and with all the new features there really isn't much difference between DCOs with "error" and VCOs. Warm smooth sounds, and a ton of features which you don't have even on much more expensive synths. Well done Novation!

[@DestroyER82]

@@oOFTJOo I wasnt really judging sound, because thats really personal thing. Thats why I said for thoose who love that feel of Korg sound is Monologue 100% to get piece of gear. Thats why I personally bought vintage Yamaha CS mono for quite some money, because even its pretty limited, I freakin love that sound and timbre. But features and posibilites wise, BS II simply bashes it hard in this comparison.

[@ruxiwang9571]

interestingly the digital synth sounds more analogue than the analogue. monologue is unique for its cold, linear, hard digital sound while BS is even dirtier than most analogue synths.

[@e-conrecords4665]

@@ruxiwang9571 Neither of these synths is Digital. The BSII has Digitally Controlled analogue Oscillators (DCO’s). The Korg has Voltage Controlled analogue Oscillators (VCO’s).

[@ruxiwang9571]

@@e-conrecords4665 thank you for correcting me. I thought dco is digital oscillator.

[@DAD-ix9db]

GREAT video!!! :D I never thought that was so different sounds. I always loved the BS2 but .... side by side ... like you did... show me so the deeper and solid sound of the Monologue with the VCO in some parts. I'm so thankfull of your video. I think that people needs to stop asking non sense questions like "whitch one is better?". There is no answer to that without a deeper analisis of what you gonna do. The relevant question before decide about adquire an instrument should be ALWAYS: Which of the two inspires you the most? :D I'm glad to own BOTH :D

[@e-conrecords4665]

BSII has more presence & cuts through a mix better IMHO. Everything about the BSII’s UI feels far more premium and feature packed. The fatar keybed on the BSII kills the Korg’s spongy microkeys, and then there’s the dedicated pitch and mod wheels. Overall, the BSII is a better all round experience.

[@a_nick_t]

The problems I had with the Monologue (I owned one) were the extremely limited envelopes/LFO, lack of standard pitch/mod wheels, and I found the filter kind of harsh. I’d take the BS over the Mono any day. YMMV

[@StarskyCarr]

I know what you mean. It never really bothered me until trying to replicate certain patches. If you take it for what it is and work within its limitations its great sounding, but maybe it has a few limitations too many?

[@s.fleming2441]

yeah, that synth sucks and s kind of boring to me, am selling mine

[@benbauer1065]

I have a minilogue xd which has the same vco, vcf and digitally controlled lfos. I found the digital lfo to be such a bummer. I fight with it often to get a musical sound like any other synth with the lfo. Iv been trying hard to like my Minilogue xd but its hard. Can't seem to like the effects much either. Plus the sequencer is only 16 steps. Frustrating.

[@LukezyM]

@@benbauer1065 I think the XD is freaking amazing, isn’t that funny. One man’s trash, another man’s treasure.

[@paulwalsh6734]

Xd is a beast. Run it through a guitar pedal .

[@cellrok]

Thanks. I was waiting for this video to come out. Yeah, with the gear you already have i would also keep the Korg. I had it once and the Oscillators sound so pristine and clear. Really great for leads also, and overall very playful. Don't know what it is, but it ticks all the right boxes for the price and that's what makes it so enjoyable. It's not letting you down and has a proper sound. Guess that brings some extra charm and joy compared to others.

[@jc3drums916]

Same. Even though the BSII is clearly superior when it comes to features, especially after that huge update, the Monologue is just plain fun. Being able to play the sequencer like an instrument unto itself is a big deal to me, and the LFO makes up for its limitations with its Fast and 1-Shot modes. When I first got the Monologue, I didn't really know what I was getting into (I was sold mostly by the sequencer, and the price), and I was bummed out about the standard features it didn't have. Now, I'm more thankful for the esoteric features it does have. (Although I still feel Korg should've dropped VCO2's triangle wave instead of square, or even better, keep both and use Shift+Mixer for Noise and Audio In.) If you want Moogy, but don't want to pay for a genuine Moog, the BSII is the way to go. If you already have a Moog and/or want something different, get the Monologue.

[@BarbesDub]

cool comparison !! i just sold my bs2 (used ) i use it 6 years and now i loofk for another mood :) cool the Monologue

[@dawgboybinley6128]

Really Great video Man! I was specifically looking for this Too so Thanks!. I think the monologue is a great example of the beauty of "raw" analogue synth sounds. But i love all the features on the bass station.

[@StarskyCarr]

You perfectly summed up the differences there 😀

[@Paradroidx]

ah crap i forgot about the Aphex Mode. brilliant. Like a program change inside a synth.. I may finally get one now..

[@aptudo]

Both very nice. I still love the sound of my MicroKorg for these kinds of sounds. On my limited budget, I can only consider new synths if they can sound entirely different than what I already have.

[@StarskyCarr]

You've got to love the MicroKorg. I have one myself that's collecting dust these days - but I used it extensively for live as it can cover pretty much anything in a live setting and is so portable.

[@nebula0697]

So when is novation releasing BS3 with automation lanes, live sequence record, and analog delay as seen on Neutron?

[@roblewis5044]

I love both synths, just a little different in some ways, but love them both.

[@robertamason1890]

Wouldn't you say the bass station is a little bit better of a snyth ?

[@alphanumeric1529]

5th comment... we finally agree on something, with your final conclusion, the Monologue does have its own sound, its own capabilities, and does sound rawer, more unbridled, a touch more insane. I'd go that way. I have vst's if I want a static DCO sound. I'd certainly be happy with either synth though, I would find a use for them in every track I do, and even better, I'd love to have both of them as they are complimentary. Think a Behringer MS-1 and a Moog Sub 37 are next in line (in about a decade when I get the Gmother paid off).

[@effebidi9677]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@qix6424]

If its your only synth Id go with the Novation, if its a second synth then maybe the Korg.

[@jimabbey9544]

I got the monologue for the reasons you mentioned ,The monologue has its own sound ,kind of reminiscent of the Moog Analogues . like the vintage Sonic 6

[@RetroPlus]

14:24 Fun fact, you can actually use the monologue's filter as a third oscillator, it's actually a sine wave. It's ideal for sub bases or triads.

[@StarskyCarr]

Yeah, you can do it in any that have keyboard tracking and self oscillation. I didn’t mention it as both the BS2 and Korg can do it i.e. the BS will have 4 osc.

[@TROGULAR10000]

nice little jam at the end. great comparison

[@abominablemusic]

thanks for the really in-depth video; I've just got a monologue, so this was really useful.

[@ThinkerThunker]

You said you have other synths that cover everything the BS2 can do. What synth has an "Aphex" or "AFX" mode? Thanks.

[@StarskyCarr]

I have that covered with the DSI Tempest.

[@joshvanhorne]

Roland JD-800

[@Mobiluks]

Alesis micron

[@patkelly3966]

That springy pitch bend is great modulating other stuff then pitch...Flavour

[@SisterRose]

I do struggle to find the perfect analogue mono for me still. I really love the Monologue but the lack of that extra square is what kills me. Same with the Dreadbox Typhon. Not sure the Bass Station II really does it for me either though. They're both great synths, I just wish I had that big double square tone on an affordable synth other than the BSII for some variety.

[@LukezyM]

BS2 has got all that. I think it’s the best budget mono. Typhon is not that bad either. Monologue is too limited.

[@leftovernoise]

Bs2 has literally everything you're asking for. It's got a lot of character and is incredibly flexible for the price. It's an absolute workhorse of a mono.

[@jc3drums916]

IMHO Korg should've put the noise generator where the Drive effect is, and given VCO2 a square wave. That Drive effect is near-useless. Other than that, I love my Monologue. Yeah, the BS2 has more features, but the sequencer on the Monologue can be played like its own instrument, something you can't really do with the BS2's. "Better" really just depends on how you want to use a synth.

[@alphanumeric1529]

Grandmother as well. And, NAW! Subs can't get down to C, they can hang around E and F, in fact, they really punch there. One of the things I love about the Grandmother. With a limited keyboard, no point in having 3 or 4 wasted keys.

[@alexwestconsulting]

...thing is, I don't know why anyone would buy a monlogue rather than save for minilogue (I own a minilogue). Anyone who has a monlogue has a shitty minilogue. I love how the mini/mono line looks (so do the korg fanboys), but BS2 is a beast. Even with my minilogue I will still gladly keep my BS2. The radius and microkorg are soon to go though. I've got a few dave smiths, a few moogs, volcas galore, rolands etc, and the BS2 is a keeper.

[@xxheartbrokexx100]

Entirely untrue the monologue is its own unique voice and is quite good. It's very different from the minilogue in many ways.

[@dustincassidy]

The filter on the original Minilogue was not good and that is the reason I don’t own one. The Monologue has an amazing and totally improved and re-voiced filter and is a big part of why I own one. Also the sequencer is way beyond what you get with anything else at this price point or even quite a bit above. Also it has micro-tuning. I urge you to take a second listen and look.

[@alexwestconsulting]

@@dustincassidy amazing? Better yes, no doubt, but as your main bass synth? A minilogue is poly, something that very few analog synths at that price point are, but there are many mono options. But yes, I have admittedly unfairly downplayed the monologue's worth.

[@flexliv]

You did not set the resonance to keyboard tracking on the Monologue, at 25 min... That makes the sound alot different.

[@StarskyCarr]

Haha - check out nathanscribe’s comment - looks like one of you is probably correct! The tracking will follow the keyboard but I was talking about the width of the filter really, how it pulls out various harmonics. Thanks for the comment - good to know folks watch these :)

[@Paradroidx]

You can set the res to keyboard tracking? HOw? I can only set the filter cuttoff..

[@ShaunBartone-e8w]

It's too bad Carr glossed over the Motion Sequencer on the Monologue, which I think is its strongest feature. I've owned a couple of bass synths and always got frustrated with how static and boring they can be. I traded one of them in for the Monologue. It's the Monologue's Motion Sequencer that produces patches that are both fluid and predictable.

[@perlichtman1562]

Enjoying going through many of your comparison videos (thanks for making them - please keep up the good work!) and I just wanted to make a minor point. The text you include around 26:31 is a little ambiguous but I interpreted it as saying that you didn’t test the 12dB filter mode on the Bass Station II because the Monologue doesn’t have one. I’m guessing that was a typo because all the Korg “logue” synths so far (Monologue, Minilogue, Prologue) feature a 12dB lowpass feature - its the 24dB filter that’s missing (except on the Minilogue).

[@StarskyCarr]

Haha nicely spotted. It was a couple of years ago so I can’t remember what I wrote but yeah most likely caused by editing up to 3am and completely losing the ability to think straight 😂

[@mack_solo]

There is no "Sine" wave on Monologue, which I found peculiar. You can't "Shape" a sawtooth into a triangle or triangle into a sine wave. The "Shape" function is really a folder (west coast shaper for y'all americans) for sawtooth and triangle, and PWM adjuster for square wave. And I don't know if you missed it, or got it edited out, but you can use "Shape" on both VCO 1 and 2 except for the noise. Selecting "Noise" de facto switches off VCO2 (manual diagram confirms this). It would have been nice to have "Noise" as a separate On/Off switch and have "Square" wave on VCO2 instead. Worth noting - as you've mentioned several times - that you tried to match Monologue to Bass Station 2, rather than having both synth replicate "a sound" and attain it via two different hardware pathways. I say this cos every time i get an itch to buy a Bass Station 2 or a Roland SE-02, it really comes down to me not being fully competent in getting the sound out of Monologue which I already own. IMO considering it is nearly half the cost of the other two synths (in my area), it easily analogues on par with them as far as the quality of sound is concerened. My only complaint/request for the future update (apart from black knobs with black indicators on them - WTF 🤪) is lack of "Original Value Indicator" (except for motion sequencing lanes which are preserved). Although you can recall any of the 100 presets instantly - there is no way to tell which switch/knob was where originally (unlike say on Electribes), because all knobs are potentiometers the moment you touch them the sound/sequence goes hay wire and you hafta work your way up to the orginal by feel and ear - i get caught by this EVERY SINGLE TIME. 😆 I keep coming back to this video cos like you said the choice is not as clear cut as it may look from the title, and it does depend on ones own assortment of already owned instruments and tastes of what one considers "analogue" to be.

[@kierenmoore3236]

Can the Minilogue XD do everything (get as low as, etc) the Monologue does? Can you have double square waves on the Minilogue XD? Four lanes of sequencing? Note slides?

[@nathanscribe]

You talk about the 'musicality' of the BS filter compared to the Monologue, around the 25min mark, but it sounds like you've got keyboard tracking on the BS cutoff but not on the Korg there. A quick google suggests that's in a menu?

[@StarskyCarr]

Good point. It was included in an update, and accessed via the function key. I normally have it turned off for these comparisons - just another parameter to match. Possibly the Korg initial patch has it turned on as standard. The musicality I was talking about was the sound of the resonance I think the peak is a little wider making it less harsh, pulling up more harmonics in the higher frequencies.

[@Vimana]

@Krusha Grape The keyboard tracking of the filter is 100% on the BS2 by default. (It's 50% by default for the acid filter though.) After the firmware updates you can now set it to zero and quite a few values between zero and 100%. I've always thought that it's good that you have the ability to play perfectly tuned notes with the self-oscillating filter by default. The option to set it to zero etc. was still a very welcome addition! Overall, the difference with the Korg and the BS2 had quite a lot to do with the keyboard tracking the filter very differently. In Korg it was definitely zero and on BS2 it was 100%. It made it harder to achieve similar results.

[@thirfytash7286]

I don't know what it is I keep wanting to like the bs2 and keep going back to watch videos on it every other month or so wanting to like it so I can buy it, and have money set aside for it but every time I just keep passing on it it just doesn't do it for me, I love all its features for its price point but the oscillators and filters just don't do it for me, on the other hand I bought the monologue first couple videos I've watched on it and loved it ever since, it's inspirational to me not just because of the way it sounds but also it's quirkiness lets me create things by accident I just would never come up with on a traditional synth, but as a first synth or if I could only afford or had room for one synth I guess I would go for the bs2 because of how much more it can do and then would try to alter its sound to my liking in the mix Update: Finally bought a bs2 after researching afx mode more and I love it! I can create sounds that fit my style with ease on it and get it to sound exactly like I want it to, it has a more midrange like sound to me that really cuts through the mix so I have designated it as my “guitar” synth as I have it take on the duties of filling the guitar frequencies of a mix if you’re thinking more in a traditional band type of mix, but don’t get me wrong the bs2 is great at bass and leads too but those mids it’s where it really shines IMO, especially with the paraphonic mode.

[@0ooTheMAXXoo0]

Sawtooth is half a wavelength as compared to a triangle or sine or square so it should sound an octave higher...

[@StarskyCarr]

I don’t get that... if it’s got the same cycle rate it should be the same pitch. Why is it only half a wavelength? It is 50% above zero same as sine, triangle and square? Why is the cycle rate higher, and why do no other synths do this? Not disagreeing with you btw - just interested. :)

[@OMG_so_Nerdy]

I actually prefer the keybed layout on the Monologue. I think it's more useful that way than the standard two octave layout like the BS has. I see it as having one centered octave with lots of room on both ends to transpose up and down, which isn't possible on the standard 25 key layout without having to mess with transpose buttons real time, which is just frustrating as hell. Usually 37 keys would be my minimum requirement for a keybed, for that reason. One center octave with two octaves surrounding it. But with the layout on the Monologue it works, which is why it's the only 25 key synth I still own.

[@MartinBrossman]

Love this like all of yours. What do you use to give the "scope" view of the waveforms?

[@andysw3]

Had both, sold both - preferred the BSII but the Monologue is quite a bit cheaper, takes up less space and runs on batteries. Not a fan of Korg mini-keys either. Bought an SE-02 instead, i like that it is tiny but understand why it’s not for some people.

[@Nala239]

Forgot microtuning in the korg which is also a aphex twin feature .

[@StarskyCarr]

Unless you watch my video about microtuning on the Korg ;) KORG Monologue Microtuning tutorial kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXuUdXuvhdJmfqc

[@PatrickDiAngelo]

I think the Bass station wins hand down, differet level for me..except the sequencer of course, where the Korg shines.. But OSC's, EG's, Filters, and the overall sound is better on the BS..just IMO of course...\\\

[@StarskyCarr]

If I didn't own other synths that can pretty much cover most of the BS2 functions and sound it BS would be the winner (obviously), but I think the character of the Korg is unique which is why I picked it at the end as the one for me. But having a few to pick from I don't really need either of them ;)

[@PatrickDiAngelo]

@@StarskyCarr Well, it seems you're a lucky person then..;)

[@Kung_Fu_Jesus]

I’ve played both and kept one, the BS2 just sounds better to me. It sounds more alive than the monologue. Also the plasticky feel of the monologue made me think it would last very long. I’ve been caught out by the build quality of the cheeper Korg stuff before. The BS2 however just feels like a much more expensive synth.

[@impurfekt]

The Bass Station II is made of plastic. The Monologue is made of wood and metal. Granted, the keyboard on the Monologue makes it feel like a toy.

[@jc3drums916]

@@impurfekt Not to mention the Monologue's knobs are chassis mounted.

[@hyoonoot]

The bass station 2 sounds better imo

[@SpeccyMan]

I do not like the layout of the keys on the Korg (a bad habit with them) at all. This is why I bought the BS2 and I'm very happy with it.

[@reintje58]

Very interresting. Thank you.

[@leftovernoise]

I lovedy bs2 so much. I only got rid of it because i got a summit, which has a very similar character in the filter ao the bs2 became obsolete for me. I did love it tho, got it dor 180 bucks at a pawn shop. Great bread and butter monk

[@zenobibonsai]

Does the Bass Station have key tracking? if so was it on in this test as the filter frequencies shift when you play unlike the korg which remains constant. 25:19 Bass Station (Key tracking??) 25:28 Korg Monologue Just a though could be wrong... Great video anyway. Bass station 2 for me : )

[@zenobibonsai]

Actually I think Novation call it "Filter tracking"

[@StarskyCarr]

I can't remember tbh. Possibly looking back at it... but I think the patch was made from the initial tone that doesn't have filter tracking? Anyway the 'sing' aspect wasn't about how it tracked the keys, but more the overall tone. Trying to demo in that segment, but something I'd noticed while playing them next to each other for a few hours. The Korg has a much gnarlier sound.

[@SteelNight7]

It defaults to filter tracking but can be turned off or even inverted using function key. Just holding function and double tapping first C key will open filter tracking parameter.

[@effebidi9677]

I think that there are many synths that can do much more of both. So much more of bass station ii too. If I compare my Blofeld to BSII for the same price (+ a keystep) I will fly above it 13 worlds. So what? what is the deepest synth? I would rather ask: what is the best bass/mono synth for bass/mono parts. If we come to Leads we start a new field. Reality is that BSII is so complete that I truly miss a module version and a 49keys version. Form factor in BSII is one of the worst points.

[@dfreeman120]

BS2 vs Super Bass Station ?

[@dodgingrain3695]

Something like the monologue needs to have a weight put in the case to make it feel less cheap. I generally am not a fan of the way korg's sound but it sounds better than the bass station. To me the a/k stations always sounded far better than the bass station.

[@mmhcreates]

Cheers for sharing this. Any ideas on whether the Minilogue xd is capable of creating bass lines like the Monologue/Bass Station 2?

[@menacerisamir198]

the Bass Station 2 is my choice , i just do not like the korg keyboard

[@SisterRose]

Which would be a better companion for the Microfreak? I like the Analogue Sounds I can get from the MF but it's variety, despite the Mod Matrix is kinda limited at least compared to the BSII. I'd maybe be looking at the Minilogue rather than Monologue.

[@niknayme3754]

Bought a black Monologue the week it was released. Cos it has no effects, mine has a guitar pedal reverb Velcro'd to the back of it! I love the sequencer with the slides (sadly missing from the Minilogue). If you make 303 type grooves on it, you can easily play pitch shifts of your sequence (a lot easier than trying to do that on a real 303 or TB-03), though it isn't quite a 303 sonically. Bargain!

[@sanakassara]

I can state without ever touching the Bass Station, that it has got nothing against the Monologue. I started to play synths with Monologue and because of it's features - like for example the invaluable OLED display - I now understand much more about synthesis than I would have ever understood if I would have started with the Novation's synth.

[@everpuremusic]

I guess, Korg tried to get more into the direction of those old MS-10/20 synths. The monologue is just super direct fistful-of-bass-in-your-face. The Bass Station is very defined and controlled in comparison - although it clearly also has its crazy, weird side. I wish there was a Bass Station module without the keys (and no, the Mono Station is *not* the same thing.)

[@andrewverran3498]

Hey m8 love your videos. I am after a current synth that sounds as close to the Roland SH2, i have been told that the Bass Station 2 would be my best bet. would you agree or suggest something else? Much appreciated.

[@StarskyCarr]

The closest would be this… if you don’t mind analog modelling rather than analog. I’ve found these Roland ACB models to be stunningly good. Doesn’t look as cool as the BS though. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnOTfYqOmK9maZI

[@andrewverran3498]

@Starsky Carr that does look nice , but I would rather a standalone synth not software dependent? Cheers.

[@StarskyCarr]

@@andrewverran3498 once you’ve uploaded the SH2 it’s in there for good. So you never have to use the software again. Just worth mentioning. SH2 is VCO and the BS is DCO so if any the monologue is a little closer. But there’s nothing really that matches it as a 1:1 replacement (which is why I originally thought of the system1). The Grandmother is a 2 VCO that’s probably closest in some ways as well - although lifting the price considerably. But tbh any of these will give you the SH2 style experience.

[@andrewverran3498]

@@StarskyCarr ok so you only have to load it once..that sounds better...never owned an SH2 but had an SH5 in the 90s....loved that thing too !! System 1 seem s the go then...thanks for the advice. Peace.

[@StarskyCarr]

@@andrewverran3498 yeah just sign up to Roland cloud for a free month.. upload the plug-in and you’re set. I’ve got the system 8 and think it’s amazing (except for the looks, keybed and green LEDs!) sonically they’re great. It’s just a shame they didn’t make the system 1 and system 8 look and feel nicer as I think they’d have had much more impact.

[@lbarnett748]

The monologue can sequence drums and bassines In the sequencer using the 4 locks. I guess the bass station is better in other ways with the apex mode and a creamier saw sound . The monologue on the other hand has the better sequencer and can beatbox using its mono voice kind of like a human and it’s nice to save patches but I prefer to make all in one beats to completely abuse it’s limits. Check out the monologue demo on my page if interested. I put some riddim dubstep together on this thing stand alone. except vocals from the electribe. I’m no good with tagging so just click my pic for the demo and it’s the first vid you’ll see . If your geared towards the Monologue this will encourage it. Peace.👍

[@danicsibra1951]

Ya...the Monolgue is pretty damn good at acid bass lines...if thats tour thing. Can get very dirty. BS can get a bit more creamy.

[@davidcole1362]

Another brilliant video!! Any chance you can do a comparison of the Pro one and the Toraiz AS-1? Cheers 👍

[@StarskyCarr]

If you lend me a Toriaze for a few days no problem ;)

[@davidcole1362]

No problem!

[@PierreRipplinger]

Can you key-transpose the sequence with one of these synths, or both?

[@PatrickDiAngelo]

On BS you can, i'm not sure on the Korg...

[@StarskyCarr]

You press and hold the Key Trig/Hold button until it flashes on the Monologue (its not in front of me at the mo. but as far as I recall).

[@alleykat6273]

The Bass Station 2 is more aggresive but the Monologue is warmer

[@chrs1968]

The Aphex twin stuff made it more "come to Daddy" it's an amazing tune wether you rock or dance

[@Zaubrer488]

great video! but I've been wondering why you didn't face off the Monologue and Minibrute. I think they are much more often considered the "go to cheap beginner" synths. I've been eying on a Bass Station for months but due to regular updates from Novation the prices are pretty much stable (which is not the case for the Monologue and Minibrute which constantly go down a bit). If you are an owner of the BS I guess its super great. Got a Circuit and one has to love the long term updates of Novation products.

[@StarskyCarr]

Watch this space.. minibrute vs monologue may be coming soon :)

[@Zaubrer488]

@@StarskyCarr great to hear!

[@alexanderthomas542]

Gr8 review😄

[@Paradroidx]

mmm i give it to the KOrg for the dope sequencer.. nice

[@patkelly3966]

Both machines are great at acid but mono wins for me not least cos its so straightfwd

[@patkelly3966]

Don't know about yous but I like my bass well, BASSY! HEAVY!! I don't mind sometimes when basslines have loads of harmonics a plenty of mids/tops but really what I want from a bass synth is those gut felt jobs and I dnt just mean subs. Mono takes it again. Wicked sequencer too. and a scope!

[@alphanumeric1529]

Would have bought the Monologue but for the ENV. They didn't have to cheap out THAT badly.

[@AlekseiDroganov]

It would be so great to put Monologue filter into Bs2🔥🙏 And, of course, we expect new Bass Station 3 from Novation and some amazing new synth from Korg And very interesting could the Bass Station record parameters changing as well as 4 length on the Monologue or... Thank you for your reviews ❤️

[@patkelly3966]

One downer on the korg for me ( soz to spam up yr page btw ) is that the editor software just won't work on my pc. all the drivers etc are present and correct but it won't connect over the usb. Midi neither but thats cos my interface is old. you can store up to 80 sounds though if u bin the factory.

[@graviton9282]

It does have an input gain level adjust, I believe...

[@koolooberyded2463]

For where I live Monologue is like $700 CAN

[@patricklaureys9238]

Love that Liverpool accent!

[@alphanumeric1529]

F, third comment... It would have been better to make the sounds on the Monologue, and reproduce them on the BS2. The Monologue is quirky and hobbled all over the place. The BS2 is a straight up, classic East Coast synth. Much easier to recreate sounds on the BS2. You know what the filter env is going to do, you know what the amp env is going to do. (of course, I'm a vco guy, so like the raw sound of the M, if I wanted a clean Osc sound like BS2, defo a VST is the better way to go - never mind the tactile experience of the BS2, you lose it when you have the same set of controls for two different functions - you can't make fine adjustments, because you'll come back to a fader, but it will be out of place, and when you move it, you have to re-establish its general former position, and then try to refine it - it is a nightmare, I've got an 80's poly VCO that is the same way, and even worse, it drives me up a wall)

[@cronenbergj]

Does a Peak or Summit sound the same as the Bass Station 2, doing Basses and low end ?

[@KiR_3d]

Korg's choice in the design of modulation blocks is so stupid! They could easily make two digital envelopes with controllable slope shape... And make two normal digital LFOs. Nobody would judge that! But they've just make some castrated version of normal (two full ADSRs) envelopes and LFOs that could be there instead of these (but without slope control) taking much more place on a PCB of course. I'm only guessing about these things BTW. But my little anger is real :) Oh, and that choice to not be able to modulate the 2nd VCO... Is very stupid as well. Is there no "space" on a microcontroller to bear that or what? (i mean that it goes to presets as well so it takes ins/outs) Other than that I really like how VCO1 of Korg Monologue sounds! VCO gives more "live" here than DCOs on Bass Station. Marketing managers "do" their job :D Their job is to castrate all possible features that "are too good for such a low price" so the company could benefit more on selling Prologues and etc.

[@huli8557]

I don't think that Korg's decision is stupid, it's just different. Open your mind bro.

[@patkelly3966]

DCO vs VCO? Always!

[@zap7759]

One sounds like its meant to go into produced music tracks and the other like its for jamming/wanking up a sound isolated for fun.

[@thefxbip315]

Monologue is more mischievious.BS 2 is more controlled and focused.

[@alphanumeric1529]

4th comment... you have to have 2 square oscs... it's like half my pallet of sounds.

[@OWL.]

I would rather save money for poly synth

[@StarskyCarr]

haha, I'll have to check out the monologue at some point.

[@OWL.]

​@@StarskyCarr I think You meant minilogue right? :D I would save money for Deepmind from Behringer but if I would have to choose between BS2 or Monologue. BS2 would be my pick. It looks more like proper synth with a lot of features. Monologue looks for me like "hipsterish" thing to put pics with it on instagram with text "me an my toy, wee look so cool together".

[@StarskyCarr]

sowik hah yes , I meant Minilogue... I keep on mistyping them. Never seen a hipster with a Monologue, maybe one with a Volca or 2 stashed in their beards :)

[@fortheloveofnoise]

@@StarskyCarr Don't let the hipsters see my Jazz Solo Cup designed Monologue....or they will steal it!

[@JimmiG84]

I have a Deepmind 12 desktop. It's a great synth, but it doesn't make monosynths obsolete. Many songs only have one or maybe two polyphonic elements (strings, pads etc.) and several monophonic elements (bass, lead, arpeggios etc.). For bells, plucks etc., you can "fake it" by slapping a delay on a monophonic synth so the notes ring out a bit. As stated in the review, the immediacy and uniqueness of the Monologue makes it quite attractive if you already have a few "bread and butter" synths (I have the DM12, UNO Synth and a crapload of VSTs), even if the BS2 wins in terms of pure "specs".

[@rainbowdash1203]

Novation wins

[@Paradroidx]

BS2 probably waaayyy less buggy with its drivers than Korg.. UGH what a nightmare setting up the Monologue.. That said. I cant stop playing with it Lol.

[@atozee1500]

BS2 is so much better.

[@noahbenzing8370]

666 Likes!! I said "BYE LITTLE PAMPERS!" ~NMB

[@0e0]

definitely low E for bass players.

[@kierenmoore3236]

Or one full octave, with leeway to E each side …

[@AnthonyElsetinow]

I’d get a moog sub phatty instead of the BS… you can get them about same price.

[@nukubu9379]

The Bassstation 2 is digitally controlled while the Monologue is 100% analog.

[@kontesov]

Really?

[@kontesov]

Considering two ones, analog deep sound is my main criteria. Could you share a proof link ragards your statement?

[@MrElectribes]

@@kontesov Der Signalweg ist vollständig analog, auch die Effekte und das hört man! Die Steuerung dagegen ist komplett digital

[@AguaMineralNatural]

They are both analog, but BS2 has DIGITALLY CONTROLLED oscillators

[@kierenmoore3236]

Misleading/misinformed comment.

[@aex2170]

oh please, very different synths...