KORG minilogue XD vs. OG // the Ultimate Comparison

[@SONWU]

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[@sibbyeskie]

Been working with XD a lot and found how to really get the most out of it. For those who want a more classic sound, big bass, be sure to use Mono mode (chord + zero voice knob), load up a good classic type user OSC like poly8, supersaw or the phase distortion one. Now make sure you dont go nutty on the shape into FM territory and it should be a nice clean saw/sub/pulse. I tend to set this against OSC1 (eg: detuned saws, same octave), and set OSC2 an octave lower as fundamental. Then I often use the LFO as 2nd filter ENV to really shape the attack/decay. And if you did things right should have a lot of bite and bass so the 2pole sounds more like a 4pole now. Use chorus:vibrato mode to get some subtle warble. Use resonance to enhance the bass tone. Open up the sustain and release to bring out the thickness. Since it’s mono, you don’t have to worry about overlap. Most of the time people make use of too many extra features that go off into digital territory, but if you stop yourself from doing things mindlessly you can make anything you could on the OG and get really beefy classic sounds.

[@SONWU]

a few corrections ad additions (thanks for helping): 1. The minilogue OG has an audio input (which can run an external signal through the OG's filters), whereas the XD has CV mod options. 2. The LFOs on both devices are slightly different, with the XD having a 1-shot mode that isn't available in the OG 3. The XD can also set the velocity tracking to anywhere between 0-127 rather than just On or Off (via menu). It's however routed to EG Intensity, not to the filter cutoff itself. So you need to route the EG to Filter and dial in some intensity. If you have the EG routed to Pitch for example, Velocity will affect Pitch modulation rather than Cutoff. 4. OG is mono, XD is stereo. 5. I mixed up the filters... XD is 2 pole :)

[@raedbravo]

Thanks a lot, I bought a Korg minilogue OG in July and I'm studying sustractive synthesis. Your explanation is quite clear.

[@SONWU]

This is a great synth for learning synthesis! It allows you to get your sounds right, without just drowning them in reverb ;)

[@alistairfletcher6187]

OG minilogue is a modern analogue classic. Ppl will be digging these up in 30 years. I've been inside these, they're built to last, higher build quality than some big boy names.

[@SONWU]

100% such a great device...monologue as well

[@_marlene]

that's fantastic that the guts are solid as you report. I really love the console and how it's built, I think the minilogue and XD are both incredibly beautiful industrial sturdy objects

[@danadams8649]

the keys are trash@@_marlene

[@catbat06]

@@danadams8649 xd module

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

Comparing both really makes you appreciate HOW MUCH features and functions the stuffed into the original Minilogue :) Seriously, the original already has everything i need and the XD really is only for those who want just a liiiiittle bit more.

[@SONWU]

Yup, both great devices....but I really love how simple, yet powerful the OG is!

[@gazzar67]

Nice comparison. A couple of minor corrections: the xd filter is 2 pole and it also has velocity tracking; they just moved that into the menus. Some other differences are the audio input on the og vs CV mod options on the xd, mono vs stereo output, microtuning on the xd. Probably other differences too, but those are the ones that come to mind. One thing they share is that they both sound great!

[@SONWU]

Thanks for adding some more points...and correcting my mistakes...I still am a synth-noob :) I must have missed the velocity tracking in the manual for some reason. Anyway the fact it's accessible on the front panel is still quite nice. And you are right, they both sound very nice!

[@JimmiG84]

On the XD you can also set the velocity tracking to anywhere between 0 - 127 rather than just On or Off. It's however routed to EG Intensity, not to the filter cutoff itself. So you need to route the EG to Filter and dial in some intensity. If you have the EG routed to Pitch for example, Velocity will affect Pitch modulation rather than Cutoff.

[@SONWU]

@@JimmiG84 Thanks for the input...great info. This of course can be a nice feature in too in terms of being more nuanced. But then again hidden in the dreaded menus...

[@SONWU]

PS: Microtuning is also available on the OG (just checked)

[@josephwright5921]

The ability to add plug-in digital oscillators and fx is what really takes the XD up a notch. The software synths by Sine Vibes, Tim Shoebridge and Hammond Eggs are phenomenal. Wavefolding, 4 operator FM, some really awesome arpeggiator synths, transistor organs, triple bucket brigade chorus, string machines, etc. are all available now.

[@ferenclucas2842]

great video learned alot!

[@yasunakaikumi]

3:59 - As a XD user, well sub OSC is pretty much you can do on the 3rd OSC so no competition there and with the digital OSC you can actually use any waveform are a sub. also voice unison depth has already beaten by that digital OSC as it can do it easily (can even goes virtually 12 voice which already someone did a hack) For the envelope generator, I think korg realized that 4 voice is not enough be use for pads anyway, and most of the time I see myself just making drones so it's fine for what it is, unless I go use the chain mode to use 8 voice which at the point just buy a prologue lol tho my crappy take on XD is the pole of the filter, they taken out the 4 pole so it's harder to make a bass, and instead made a separated synth that is aimed for bass which imo a useless nut job (as a Japanese, I can say it's soooo Japanese BS move again that they try to squeeze more money out of something that everyone kinda uses)

[@SONWU]

Thanks for sharing. I still the the 2 envelopes in the OG are useful...but I can see your other points!

[@Getthenderson]

MLXD does have a mono mode, it's the first choice in chord mode, though it doesn't have the sub osc option.

[@SONWU]

Oh yeah, forgot about that, but without the sub osc it's just not the same ;)

[@corzakkzakkcor3309]

@@SONWU There are 2 fm type sub oscillators in the vpn section of the multi engine

[@paulatreides0777]

Original for me through pedals amazing.

[@SONWU]

Sounds good to me!

[@GrayGhostDog1]

Awesome job going thru the differences... I've been eyeing an XD desktop for a minute, but I have a Peak and recently acquired a Take 5. The only excuses I can come up with for getting one is the available features at this attractive price-point. It sounds pretty decent... I've had a nasty case of GAS this past year.

[@SONWU]

Same here, GAS hit me hard...But yeah in your case, maybe the XD might be overkill. But then again only you and your wallet can decide ;)

[@IGD-974]

If you already have a few synths then maybe check out the Dreadbox Nymphes desktop, 6 voice polyphonic analog. Sounds very interesting.

[@spazimdam]

Great comparison! Tells me what I need to know.

[@SONWU]

Glad it was helpful!

[@neonpop80]

Ive been scratching my head trying to decide which to get but I hate diving into menus and I love unique sounds. The OG sounds more unique and once I record a sequence I like to focus on changing parameters. OG for me. But the bad part of the OG is the half button sequencer, I usually like to see the full thing so I can add or remove steps on the fly. This was a really missed opportunity for me, otherwise everything on the OG seems better suited for me. Thank you

[@SONWU]

Yes, the half sequencer is a shame...but it still is a great device. Especially at the price point. Just lovely :)

[@IGD-974]

@@SONWU I don't know what I would do if I had to rely on those built in sequencers. I'm a little spoiled having nearly infinite steps and sequences running synths into my MPC.

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

Who knows, maybe the Minilogue sometimes sees another revision that uses the one row of sequencer buttons, minus the digital Oscillator engine of the XD.

[@kierenmoore3236]

@@KRAFTWERK2K6. Korg likes to neuter other features, though, if they improve one thing like that … so that some people feel the need to buy all three 🙄😏 …

[@kierenmoore3236]

Great comparison! Thanks 😎🙏🏼

[@haslo_]

Nice comparison, it'd have been better with less bias though. Every feature the xd has that the OG doesn't "doesn't matter", while every feature the OG has the xd doesn't is "amazing"? That's unnecessary, they're both great...

[@SONWU]

They both are great indeed :) Thanks for the feedback!

[@DavidFedele]

Thanks for such a brilliant comparison! I am beginning on my journey of learning synthesis, and .... would like to know if there is a difference in the two, for one who was wanting the instrument to learn the very basics of synthesis? Many thanks

[@SONWU]

Thanks! If you want to learn the basics, the minilogue OG is the way to go. Nothing to distract you from learning there and plenty to keep you interested for a looong time. And if you want a monosynth, the monologue is also great ;)

[@DavidFedele]

@@SONWU - Brilliant, thank you. The OG it is then! 🙂

[@SONWU]

@@DavidFedele Enjoy, the used prices for them are ridiculously low sometimes! Good luck!

[@KurtFuller]

Hi Having a Korg Opsix, would it be better complemented by a Korg Minilogue or a Minilogue XD?

[@SONWU]

I think either one would complement it well. I’d probably go with an xd module in that case…saves some space :)

[@user-nu7xx7pc1d]

great viedeo!!

[@SONWU]

Thanks!

[@JL-bu8bz]

“Why I prefer the synth that I have.” Tks for explain this

[@SONWU]

my pleasure ;) (I've had both)

[@santiagomestres8447]

This video is great. My pocket is greatful

[@SONWU]

That's nice to hear!

[@chahan2016]

Excellent presentation✨✨🍻

[@SONWU]

Thank you!

[@e8root]

XD apparently also have velocity sensitivity. Velocity in OG can also affect volume - option is hidden in patch menu. As for comparison OG is purely analogue synth with zero digital anything while XD has digital oscillators and digital effects - and them being user programmable it actually expands possibilities of XD quite a lot. Effects from XD can be added to OG with NTS-1 - which has this advantage it works with any audio source. As for additional oscillators unfortunately NTS-1 won't help as it is monophonic... unless that is enough then NTS-1 can use used - just not at the same time as providing effects... in this case we would need two NTS-1. Personally I got Volca FM but have yet to play with this combo. Filter-wise OG has very characteristic filter which can add lots of loud high pitched noises when resonance is cranked up whereas XD seems to have some kind of low pass filter... in the filter section? OG can produce high frequencies at very high volume. Anyways other than unfiltered pure shapes both Minilogues will have different sound. On analog front OG has more possibilities in shaping sound - I am perplexed why Korg removed so much of the options to affect sound with second EG and then removed release from it? Come on... they even removed delay... I would miss my analogue delay if I had XD... unless I didn't have OG that is :)

[@SONWU]

Hey, thanks for your in-depth answer. I agree with a lot of what you mentioned here. One thing I'd like to mention though is that the OG's delay isn't analog as far as I know. It sounds gritty, but it is a digital chip after all.

[@e8root]

@@SONWU Yeah, you are right, fully analog delays like BBD chip would be probably too expensive to implement in cheap synth and I checked it and Minilogue uses PT2399. I expect this chips isn't exactly doing the same thing as typical ADC/DAC converting bitstream to PCM and back to analog because it isn't needed in such use case so its probably more like DSD... which would still be very digital but different. Anyways, it seems to be only ever used for delay itself and can be bypassed while in XD (at least judging by its manual schematics) always goes through NTS-1... I mean post processing stage :) BTW. Check in google "mafezz minilogue modifications", there is easy to do mod to bring Minilogue filter up to Monologue-like standards. Found this page today and my Minilogue magically already has 50K ohm feedback resistors. mafezz recommends 68K but specifies 47K to 100K range being ok and I didn't have 68K resistors so went with more "compensation" and... it sounds great. Engaging resonance barely reduces volume without filter and with filter reso doesn't reduce anything at all. Do recommend :)

[@SONWU]

Oh wow, that's great info. I am not very confident with a soldering iron…but maybe one day I am going to check it out. That sounds like a really useful mod.@@e8root

[@AlexFavilla]

I think it was all a little biased. And I maybe I can understand why... I have a XD and let me say this: both are great and different synths. It's like comparing a Juno 60 and a 106. Just take both :D

[@dji.e.3868]

I got the OG sent to me by accident I have to ship it back to get the XD. Should I keep the OG?

[@SONWU]

You'll be happy either way ;)

[@BeatsByJarel]

There is a Interface for the minilogue xd..that make it easy for the digital osc menu diving

[@SONWU]

Thanks for the tip!

[@bororobo7036]

Original Minilogue is definitely way to go. Time will prove that original will be more sought after.

[@SONWU]

That is my suspicion a well!

[@joserancel6255]

One thing...is only my opinion....very good sound of both synths....I've seen a lot of videos of minilogue xd....sometimes it sounds a little bit more digital the sound..maybe im wrong...what do you think? Thanks

[@SONWU]

Hey! I think they are both great synths and it's not really worth thinking about if they sound "analog" or not. The more important question is: Does it sound good to you? If you watch videos of them and prefer the xD, go for it. If you like the OG, go for that one. On the OG the filter might frustrate you. On the xD, you might get a little distracted by too many options. But both are great!

[@joserancel6255]

@@SONWU this is the thing....i like both.....🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@LostStylus]

Are the ysthe same size?

[@SONWU]

Yes exactly the same!

[@producer1762]

filter knob is bigger on OG

[@SONWU]

Yes indeed!

[@rederickfroders1978]

The OG is definitely more original, but the XD is a bit more allround as far as sound goes.

[@legacygone]

Ultimate comparison? my man doesn't even have the other synth... This is super biased...and this video should be called "why I prefer the OG" Both great synths and some people prefer one and some the other. If you are trying to decide between the 2, move on to another video...far better and more informed videos out there.

[@Asmuk]

The video brought a lot of useful info but unfortunately was very biased towards the OG.

[@SONWU]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@vitsamutsu]

Looks like Korg put out an inferior synth according to this review

[@SONWU]

No, not inferior...just different.

[@vitsamutsu]

@@SONWU but you would be pretty foolish to buy the xd on the basis of this review I guess

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

That's really a subjective observation. It is different enough in features and functions that it's basically an alternative Minilogue rather than a successor and you still have the choice between both depending on what you want. Not many synth manufacturers release 2 variations of the same instrument and letting you chose the one that suits your needs the most. Certainly NONE of them are perfect or superior because what makes something superior or inferior is only dictated by personal preferences and needs. If i had the budget i'd totally own both.

[@new.romance999]

@@KRAFTWERK2K6 which one do u have/would have?

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

@@new.romance999 Definitely would have the regular Minilogue. I don't need the extra digital waveforms as i already have that sort of thing covered with the Arturia Microfreak.

[@jimabbey9544]

Opinions are like Butt holes. Everyone has one! Between the Xd and OG minilogue, it is all about Preference! Just because YOU say the Og is better, does not mean a thing!

[@SONWU]

👍