Korg Monotron Delay - Should you buy it? (Review)

In this video I review the Korg Monotron Delay that I recently got. It is a fun little machine and a great product for the price. Hope you enjoy and be sure to like, subscribe and comment;).
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Monotron delay
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[@marsvolta1690]

Any instrument in the right hands can be masterful - nikola tesla

[@marsvolta1690]

jk but that be dope if he said that !

[@BoBeats]

haha yeah

[@2112jonr]

Apart from the bagpipes ;)

[@ThePunisherAgent47]

hahaha oh yeah

[@pplfthftr7526]

Lvmrsvlt!

[@JobimSynthMusic]

monotron delay is such a minimal instrument that I was able to explore all the depths of it in 4 full albums featuring only the delay and the duo. I also made some videos and tracks. and then I sold the monotrons. it's a very immersive experience playing it if you embrace the noise and the abstract harmonies and melodies. it's a tiny time travel machine putting you immediately in 1965 with no keys to play melodies.

[@tekhnopranaexploratoryelec1445]

Wow! Your comment made itching to buy one!!!

[@gnarlysoundscapes7210]

You can get some really amazing sounds out of the Monotron Delay... great for adding atmosphere and lo-fi grittiness to ambient music.

[@trikOsk]

I agree!

[@hairychris444]

The nastiest delay known to man. Noisy as hell but I love it. EDIT: I own this and the Duo. Had them since they first came out & they were cheap. Delay is noisy because it's pure analogue.

[@BoBeats]

+hairychris444 yeah its real cool but also real noisy. I always turn down the highs on the mixer if I use it

[@dxtrs_mnpltr]

BoBeats Put a gate on it...

[@mikeexits]

Apparently it's because of battery power. Theoretically if it were modded to take power externally it would be less noisy.

[@GearGuy]

The biggest downside to this is that the keyboard is way too big!

[@BoBeats]

haha! :D

[@80iesDude45]

with full weighted hammer keys ;-)

[@neonblack211]

Agreed and no touch response... lame

[@KOZGERFWAD]

Oh. I thought this was a cooking show by Bob eats.

[@bajusz994]

Best review I've seen so far! No one shows how their little speaker sounds.

[@BoBeats]

Want to pick up a Korg Monotron? EU: thmn.to/thoprod/273950?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/gbNGvX US: bit.ly/3vceJOy (Links are affiliate links and using them supports the channel at no cost to you.)

[@jediblues3]

I bought the Delay and the Duo as an introduction to synthesizers. I love them and their noise. It's analog, tiny and cheap- of course they're not going to be perfect and clean. For me these are strictly for music demos, and experimentation- informal things like that. They sound huge through my bass amp. Anyways, thanks for the video!

[@BoBeats]

I agree with that mate! Glad you dig them and the video. Thanks mate

[@matthewevans3718]

Just got this for Christmas today and i almost like it more than my minibrute2 it’s just so fun to play. I love noise

[@Fusion_1994]

great work as always

[@BoBeats]

Fusion 1994 thanks man! I really appreciate the support

[@christianlwensprung2722]

Not really related to this video, but I just wanted to thank you for all the great tips on your channel. I am starting to get a pretty good picture of where I want to go with my studio, but I couldn't have done it without watching many of your videos, so thank you very much for that.

[@BoBeats]

You are most welcome!!

[@Logiwonk]

I just checked the circuit diagram, this uses the venerable PT2399 IC for delay, hence the "dirty delay." Also interesting point, it uses a analog to digital to analog for delay so not 100% analogue, but still a great effect. If you like electronics you can get these chips for like 2.50 USD and play around with them.

[@jupitermenace9920]

Great video. I've bad mine for a bout 3.5 years. It's been useful at times, frustrating in others. Believe it or not, I prefer they Volca Keys onboard delay.

[@BoBeats]

JupiterMenace I can definitely understand why you wouldnt want this on every track! The noise is quite bad.

[@jamiewyld6199]

All of the 'trons are from a signal to noise point of view AWFUL. Having said that, if you disregard the noise or spend time cleaning it up results are worth it. I chose a different path, I EMBRACED the noise and often use it in tracks to add "dirt" to percussion or "bite" to audio signals. White noise going through the delay sounds so GOOOOOOOOOOD you may become addicted (like me).

[@BoBeats]

+Jamie Wyld a very good point there! Use it creatively!

[@BoBeats]

Links always get stuck but I almost always allow them. I will check it out mate =)

[@dreamsalamander]

Is it noisier than the original monotron though? I really wanted the original but it's no longer produced. I have a hard time deciding cos there are videos where the original was used for melodic songs, something I understand, while all videos on the delay are just ambient drone soundscapes. Was also impressed by the smooth note to note slides on the original, smoother than stylophone apparently. So my question is can the delay do everything the original does? If yes, I'm buying

[@rockhead11]

dreamsalamander who cares???? It’s $40 !!!!!!!

[@MattGreerMusic]

I have basically the same exact thoughts on it. As a delay, it probably has the best effects on the sound of any unit I have. I call it my OK Computer delay but yeah, that hiss is pretty extreme. To the point, regular noise reduction techniques don't even really get rid of it. But it is what it is and it's very fun.

[@BoBeats]

Yeah I agree. Especially when you turn up the cut off the noise gets quite annoying at times. Still I find that it is a lot of fun to use. And affordable.

[@Blodfjez]

Just found ur channel. Sold! Great work, man. Keep it up, please!

[@adastra123]

Lol. I bought one years go , then gave it away to a young girl who was fascinated by it. I missed the fun I had with it , just ordered another about 10 minutes ago. I will probably never use it for anything because of the noise. But it will keep me out of mischief for ages. Waiting rooms and coffees out on my own with a pair of earplugs and the noisy little thing and that's me in my happy place. It's just a fun piece of kit. Great video has me looking forward to it again. I

[@vitaliiandronov8629]

noise is your friend here, brings some life to a track, and paranoid london use monotron delay to distort 808 sound

[@adastra123]

@@vitaliiandronov8629 True enough. Jean Michelle Jarre used noise as a feature. But the signal to noise ratio for a more clinical recording would irritate me after a while . But I have used it for theatre over a pa system. I like your idea with the 808. I hadn't thought of that so thanks for that.

[@tomevans4826]

Can the monotron delay play in tune? I'm not fussed about tuning it to A4 = 440Hz or whatever, but is the 'A' on the keyboard of the device still harmonically a fifth above the 'D'?

[@StephanS]

Since i got my Monotron Delay when it first came out, i've used it in sooo many songs

[@minisynthcollective7822]

I got the Time Machine. Thanks BO. It is great.

[@BeatGrooveRhythm]

Another great review man , thanks Think I might get my hands on one.

[@BoBeats]

Thanks mate!!

[@mateoaponte7556]

What kind of cable did you use to connect it to record it? I found mixed results online and of course whatever cable you used worked and I was wondering which cable that was. Thank you and love the video and channel! You made me buy one of these now haha

[@K_E_Robin]

I got this urge to get myself Korg Monotron Delay and utilize to an EQD Arpanoid Polyphonic Pitch Arpeggiator for extra layers! Maybe Rainbow Machine too!

[@DECIMA1]

I got one and I really like it!

[@maxmatson1578]

I love using mine for the monologue and volca FM!🎹🎧💫😵💥✨👽😎👌✌

[@HazeAnderson]

I love my Monotron Delay so much that I bought a Monotron Duo. I bought the Duo mainly for processing audio thru its filter but the cross mod actually makes some BIG sounds. If you think the Monotrons are noisy, you should try using TWO Monotrons at saem time. 😬

[@keithkowalski8763]

ive had a delay for a few years and yes its fucking worth it. mostly just as an fx unit but its pretty kewl.

[@BoBeats]

Yeah its insane value for money, despite the noise.

[@moosey62]

Hi Bo. Thanks for the presentation. Please can you tell me: are you running mono in and mono out?

[@horzey1]

thank you very clear and informative

[@BoBeats]

thanks Paul! Glad you like it

[@vincenzofederico8938]

I love my monotron! My ribbon keyboard doesn't play the same sound each time I touch in the same point, does it happens to everyone? I can't understand it from videos

[@SorchaSublime]

If I were to make a delay unit I would probably actually include a noise knob so that you could actively dirty up the sound. I feel like its an extremely good option to have.

[@cranklabexplosion-labcentr8245]

I’m going to plug this into my 300W speakers and use this for Halloween to make screaming sounds.

[@desktorp]

Good job keeping it short.

[@uprougher9459]

Everyone should have a Tron delay, even if they don't make music.

[@christianbriones8365]

Sounds good for noise and power electronics.

[@damiancockette]

hey, do I have to use a MONO cable right? also if I want to use it as a microphone effect, the mic should be mono? thanks

[@stephenkyburz6529]

Your "divorce note" just killed me ! Joke aside this unit is indeed pretty much fun. We use it for experimental sounds and being able to do so with a unit that is as cheap is pretty cool ! Plus I know they put out circuit plans for the Monotrons if ever you want to have fun wit circuit bending. So it's also a good option if you want to experiment with circuit bending without the fear of breaking an expansif device.

[@michaelflinders9838]

sorry if this is a suuuuuper dumb question but, can you use these for simply playing out MIDI notes in your DAW? (Logic Pro X)

[@supernothing77]

so I theoretically could use this as an effect for my cheap Yamaha Keyboard? What about with a guitar and amp? thanks for the vid!

[@jlmusic6057]

Hey BoBeats, are any of the Korg Monotrons in the series usable for midi? If not, is there a way to make them usable fr midi without going all out diy and stuff: I'm big on electronics and recording in music but havent delved into the worl of synths and wanted to see if theres a way i could buy and use a monotron without doing any major diy

[@BoBeats]

Hey mate! I can't say I have seen a Monotron with midi and if there is one it is surely modded :)

[@jlmusic6057]

ok Cheers

[@boshtovar]

what do you plug the auxilary cord into ? trying to get into Synths

[@colliecandle]

Thanks for the review - i will avoid that thing like the plague !

[@BoBeats]

You are welcome sir! Pretty sure its not a device for everyone

[@influxxmedia]

So how would this compare to a guitar delay pedal. I typically run everything through my guitar rig. Any benefit to using this as well? Cheers

[@BoBeats]

+Influxx Media i guess it depends on which delay. But this is definitely more crazy and wonky sounding than most pedals I have come across. Its a ... fun thing to play with really. Doesnt fit everything but can make some totally wacky sounds

[@CentipedePriest]

If you patch something into the Aux in, are you obligated to use the headphone jack, or will the built-in speaker still be functional?

[@BoBeats]

When you use the aux I think the speakers stop working. I have not found a way around that.

[@tylerevans1700]

If you have something plugged into the headphone out, then yes the speaker is defeated. But as far as I remember from doing this specifically, im 99.998% sure that solely using the aux in does actually still allow you to use internal speaker. Just dont plug a cord into the output (headphone symbol) and it should give you the delay and filter effects before comimg out the speaker, and the internal synth/ribbon controller still works too obviously. Hope that helps homie

[@cmbaptista]

If you plug into the Aux in and don't plug a headphone jack, the Monotron built-in speaker works, but in my opinion it's a crappy speaker, why use it anyway? I like the deep bottom sounds you can get when you put the Monotron cut-off filter in use, but the Monotron speaker is not good (for anything).

[@matthewrwebb9900]

Good stuff.

[@BoBeats]

Thanks mate! Checking your page now

[@GuitarManiac1975]

Ooooh, missed that video until today...

[@lastsun6]

I love your accent man

[@BoBeats]

+Ben Crabtree cool :-) thanks

[@ricofleurima6034]

Hahaha, I was just saying the same a minute ago! What David Attenburoughs voice and accent do to nature docu's, yours does to synth review/tutorial video's! It's just very pleasant to listen to you explaining, exploring and sharing your knowledge and thoughts with us! Always a pleasure to watch your uploads!

[@PitorioTorpini]

how is it actually possible to sequence the monotron. It has no possibility to receive midi and also no integrated sequencer. Is there any way to do this?

[@djformalin]

Nice video...thank you 🎼

[@MrCggv88]

good review

[@JesperK86]

Hey BoBeats, yesterday I received my Monotron Duo and I just tried to connect it to my Circuit. Because it's my first external synth, I didn't succeed to connect it. Could you tell me which cables I need exactly and how the connection works? Thanks!

[@mikeexits]

I don't think the Duo has a MIDI input so you likely won't be able to, unfortunately. Volcas have MIDI in though.

[@Glennastete]

Fösta video och det tog för mig bara två sekunder att inse att du är svensk. ;)

[@BoBeats]

Haha, ja det hörs jättetydligt.

[@Glennastete]

Trevligt!! ha det bra.

[@BoBeats]

Detsamma!

[@1.2.3.4..5]

I have duo and i highly recommend it

[@BoBeats]

I got to catch them all. And the PO's! :D

[@BoBeats]

Thanks mate! I hope you get some bad ass stuff out of it

[@andyq9669]

The original monotron has the best sound shaping controls, but misses out on the accurate keyboard of the duo, however you can play very interesting sounding leads on it using a stylus and some practice; think of it like a theramin or a fretless guitar string. The deal is to run a duo or original monotron through the delay to thicken it up or add some space. The filters on all three sound great - much, much better than the harsh and horrible filters on the Volca Bass and Keys. Gotta catch 'em all as the mans says...

[@BoBeats]

I need all the Monotrons, and PO's :D

[@victorevers1758]

Monotron Delay is great. Monotron Duo is also awesome especially if you run it trough the Hall of Fame!

[@BoBeats]

I gotto get that Duo! You like it?

[@artemisshaffer8654]

BoBeats Just subscribed! I use the duo with a digitech digidelay and a behringer reverb machine for a very retro sound. Check out Nguinn (an dat) on soundcloud. Playlist is called "Return to Forbidden Planet".

[@BoBeats]

Thanks for the sub! Can you put the link to your Soundcloud here so I don't miss it (off to work atm). Would love to hear how that sounds.

[@artemisshaffer8654]

BoBeats Here it is: soundcloud.com/nguinn/sets/return-to-forbidden-planet

[@BoBeats]

Cool! Listened. Some real dark and deep sounds there. Pretty amazing what you can do with these small devices. Thanks for sharing mate!

[@kindreadproject]

nice rewiev, i've got a monotroneand i love it! se ya ciao

[@BoBeats]

+kindread project thanks mate!! Cya around!!

[@DeadWhiteButterflies]

Anyone know if this works well with a guitar as a delay pedal substitute?

[@DECIMA1]

Personally I enjoy this unit very much

[@haroldmcfarlane4160]

once tweaked the synth noises will sound total diffrent, uax send is the one for me

[@promethiousb1489]

mono or stereo for input/output..?

[@borisundercover]

Hi everyone ! I’m a total neophyte I was wondering if you can connect this amazing little thing to a MacBook and record it on GarageBand ? Thanks and sorry if stupid question !

[@DakDario]

Can i plug this unit to a dj mixer?

[@jorgeuribera]

Hi! Anyone knows if this filter works as stereo or mono? Thanks!

[@Themadfranklin]

Nice!

[@Some_Cat_]

Inexpensive multi effects guitar/bass peddles are probably more use though. All the delays you want plus other effects. Want dirty? Add some crunchy overdrive. Sorted.

[@camman1056]

£30 delay synced into a free looping program on your phone = one of the best cheap set ups known to man

[@petrzemla489]

which looping program do you recommend? :)

[@camman1056]

@@petrzemla489 loopify beta on play store, there was a better one but it got removed

[@Brianuyahoo]

I like your "divorce rating"! 😂 .. price, size, cabling! I take it that it took a hit on the noise!

[@Yotunen]

very good for the price and you can mod the shit our of it to make it even better

[@grovermcdiarmid8109]

could this be connected to a zoom h6

[@shonjones7231]

Is this before you got accoustic treatment?

[@BoBeats]

this is a very old video, this is before... everything

[@durrcodurr]

Check out this track that I made using Monotron Delay: soundcloud.com/ekkehard-morgenstern/space-atmo-1 :D -- I'm a bit sad that it's only battery operated, but the sound definitely makes up for it! ;)

[@BoBeats]

Very cool! The stereo image sounds a little strange to my ear (a lot of audio on left side) but I really dug the feel of the track.

[@durrcodurr]

Thank you! :)

[@alexprimerpunki]

Is he going to do a proper demo?

[@Max16032]

I sold mine a while ago. Huge mistake! :'V

[@Ratskank]

I couldn't agree less, found it to be the most disappointing product I've ever used, it was noisy as hell!! Not in a good way either, in a totally unusable way, not sure if my unit was particularly hissy or they're all like that, but I sold it on a day after getting it. Still a great vid as always mate. Just disagree on this thing being any good at all. Korg could of used better components and doubled the price, at least it would be worth keeping (in my opinion)

[@BoBeats]

thornequest yeah I can really see your point of view here. The hiss/noise level is really a deal breaker! I just happen to like having something like this, but it is not something I would use on every track. Thanks for the input mate!

[@Ratskank]

No worries man, I know you mentioned the noise but just wanted another view in the comments for people reading this, as for me, I didn't realise just how noisy it'd be and was full on disappointed. but great vid as always bro

[@BoBeats]

Thanks mate for the support! =)

[@andyq9669]

The noise is excessive, but they're great fun to play with. Not everything has to be used for recording, people have fun playing crappy acoustic guitars badly around the campfire singing twee folk songs. Next time you're out in the woods with some buddies watching the stars you can just whip out a monotribe, some 'trons and a battery speaker and get the party started...small enough for hiking trips too or f'ing with on the train on the way to work...

[@BoBeats]

Yeah I love the fact that I can play it like an instrument and that it has this character to it. My other FX are not as dirty but I also find that I play them less. Interesting how it works out!

[@MrSilkydrew]

You killed it. No divorces, a ha ha

[@DamienDrake]

6:16 "Oh! Ah! Shit! Fuck!"

[@jupiterbarnen1125]

Love the monotrons - all of them!! I usually use them together with the great Korg Gadget app on iPhone for weird effects, gorgeous filter sweeps etc. Check out JUPITERBARNEN - SPELA FORTNITE HELA DAN on Apple Music & Spotify to hear the monotrons in an old school synth pop mix.

[@xatarrada]

Agree with "high frequencies entering so soon in the Delay cue" topic. Also did a review here, me too : threepixels.org/jak/index.php?ID=305

[@idopido1]

recommended as first synth?

[@BoBeats]

No. A Volca, Minilogue or Circuit would be my advice

[@idopido1]

BoBeats the thing is this one costs about 50$ and the minilogue costs about 500$

[@idopido1]

BoBeats and as a 16yo i cant afford 500$ (bdw do you think buying analog synth as a semi starting preducer (half a year) is neseccery or should i focus on other stuff

[@BoBeats]

1. Get a DAW (cubase, ableton, etc). 2. Learn that first. 3. Get a soundcard, keyboard or any other controller you need. 4. See if you really need an external synth.

[@sarcasticmaniac628]

Mine stop running after playing it for 1 hour. The batteries died and it didn’t come back to life after I replaced them.🤔

[@gnarlysoundscapes7210]

Try a different set of batteries. This happened with mine too... put in new batteries, nothing. Thought maybe they were bad batteries, so I stole some from a remote control, and it worked! ...the weird thing though, is I tested the batteries that didn't work in another device, and they worked fine. For some reason the Monotron hated them... no idea why.

[@fernandocorena4181]

@@gnarlysoundscapes7210 I've had the same problem with two of my three monotrons, unfortunately I stored them without batteries for very long time and then when I plugged them back (with new batteries) only the original monotron worked well, the other two (duo and delay) sounded very low. they get old quickly I guess.

[@sandb1867]

JESSE from Breaking Bad! Well, a more handsome version.

[@davidhodgin8900]

back up from the camera man

[@BoBeats]

Yeah I have learned to do that now ;-)

[@andyq9669]

dude, filter coffee is crap. You gotta get an espresso machine, or a moka pot. Beats can't thrive on filter coffee.

[@BoBeats]

AndyQ naw mate. Filter coffee is really nice, especially with a great machine like the one I got. But I also use a espresso machine, a press (?), and several other machines/gadgets.

[@andyq9669]

can they all be synced?

[@BoBeats]

I wish :D that would be one insane machine

[@melancholerik]

heyy I know this was long ago, but here's a tip: maybe you can't sync all the coffee machines, but have you tried making "red eye"? Basically, it's a cup of filter coffee in which you then add an espresso shot. There are different names for the drink I think, but I know it as a red eye.

[@Wil_Dsense]

Does it have aftertaste? 😅 Btw, Organic coffee is purer buzz!🎶 you probably knew that tho :)

[@gokhan9395]

Beats by Bo

[@e.z.demirtas697]

i have 4 more is better the sound is unique!

[@nexusobserve]

Noisey = low signal to noise ratio

[@DaVeTheWaVe]

autofocus is disturbing... but the video is good indeed... bye

[@KcLee677]

Under $100 and extra use for more musical simple..

[@SoundPeer]

wow, almost 7 minutes and no sound from the unit...

[@BoBeats]

Yeah sorry about that! My videos have gotten a bit better in the years since :-)

[@thegamingguy1]

Imagine making a gear review and barely playing it

[@BoBeats]

thankfully ive improved over the years

[@holocius]

My like was 666.

[@ricofleurima6034]

LIKE!

[@Decoy303]

If only it didn't eat up battery power so fast.

[@benitomalacalza663]

Grumpy gnomes Little wonder then, little wonder

[@azeriustv4642]

It has one good Filter... Besides that i wouldnt recommend

[@zupikeroenchernobyl4796]

Es novedoso, tengo una banda, pero la verdad no sirve más que para hacer sonidos. No es de mucha utilidad!!

[@benengland1710]

lol it sounds like a dying goat

[@BoBeats]

haha very true! :D

[@robertgarscadden]

So why are you listening you [e-mail]

[@fabien4436]

"I have a problem that i make stuff that sounds too clean" weird flex, but ok

[@mabgins2151]

You are beautiful. Single?

[@Centurion3060]

go straight to the point you talk a lot

[@kevinschantalle]

nonnnsense video u just talking!!