Best 300 bucks I´ve Spent on a Synth: MicroMonsta 2 Review // Audiothingies

[@OMEGAGENESIS-gw2fx]

Don't get price gouged on the secondhand market, the site says they're going to have a new batch available next month.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

This is great advice! Lots of scalpers out there selling for $500+ smh. Patience is the way! Cheers mate!

[@OMEGAGENESIS-gw2fx]

@@iamrocketray Thanks for the heads up! I'll stay on top of it. I'm already on their list, so I'll order ASAP.

[@OMEGAGENESIS-gw2fx]

@@MidlifeSynthesist I agree 100%. I get it to a degree, when something is no longer going to be available, and there's a slim chance to get said gear, but I don't care for sellers who price gouge. For example, I per-ordered a brand new M8 a couple weeks ago, and it's going to be shipped in July. It cost $600 usd and some change after taxes/shipping. There's one on Reverb going for $1600 used. That takes a special type of greed. I see this type of thing a lot, especially since the chip shortage. I've paid a little over the msrp for hard to get gear, but only a small percentage. People who do these things can't be into the gear for the love of making music, it seems that they're more about taking advantage of people, and wholly driven by greed.

[@Lo-fi_Hi-brow]

How much are they new?

[@OMEGAGENESIS-gw2fx]

@@Lo-fi_Hi-brow $290.00 usd

[@fefelatulipe650]

Glad you like our craftmanship and designs

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

@@fefelatulipe650 it’s an amazing device!! Hope you design many more!

[@Tazanthro]

I signed up for the stock notification the day this video came out and just got invited to purchase one from their website today!

[@cresshead]

Q. 04:00 budget synths that off more than one voice/channel? A. elektron cycles - 6 voices - 6 splits elektron samples - 6 voices - 6 splits novation circuit - 2 synths inc 4 drum voices blofeld - 24 voices - 16 midi channel splits roland mc 101 - 4 channels - and drums roland compact T-8 drums and a bass synth roland verselab - 7 sections plus vocal section dsi tetra - 4 channels roland jdxi - 2 digital synths, 1 analogue synth and a drum section. korg electribe - 16 channels roland sh-4d - 4 synth tracks and a drum track

[@d.g.f.7056]

That's not even including vintage gear that you could get that does even more. The e-mu proteus 2000 128 voices and 32 channel multitimbrality set across two midi inputs so each one is independently controllable. That's not even bringing up the amazingly complex capabilities of its synth engine. Or the Roland XV-5080 with the same amount of voices and similar 32 channels set up that comes with its very own unique and most of all useful synth engine. I mean if you're just gonna disregard machines like that you're only doing yourself a disservice, cause there ain't much even today that stacks up to the synth engines in those machines...I mean hell Roland's been riding off a re-skinned version of the XV-5080's synth engine with the Zen core, but in my opinion they're not set up in a way that makes it easy to program...funny how the old rackmount machine was easier to program from the faceplate than pretty much any of their new desktop stuff.

[@d.g.f.7056]

That's not even mentioning the Kurzweil K2XXXR, which is a whole different can of worms and once again completely unmatchable even when stacked up to modern offerings. I got two of them one for $300 and another for $399, and that was probably the best $300 I ever spent on a synth.

[@cresshead]

@@d.g.f.7056 or Yamaha MU80, 64 notes, 32 midi channels, I had one in the 90's amazing.

[@d.g.f.7056]

@cresshead I've not really dabbled with Yamaha's offerings of the time, mainly cause I've got my studio made up and don't wanna add more stuff, but two that are very tempting for someone like me are the TG77 and the A4/5000. Though I'm pretty sure I know the machine you're talking about...I've done a lot of research trying to optimize my home studio lol.

[@cresshead]

@@d.g.f.7056 i had the Sy77 back in the 90's -VERY nice synth keryboard version of the TG-77 also had the Tg-33 was a bit of a yamaha nut back then!

[@mattalber]

Dude, this was VERY fun, entertaining and enlightening. Thank you. Also, it doesn't hurt that you are completely adorable.

[@garycitro1674]

Wow. I come from the '70's/80's analog synth generation and boy is this unbelievable. I have to say though, that even though I understand everything you are saying in your EXCELLENT and concise demo, I'm intimidated as hell, and it makes me want to just run to the piano and play! I'm also intimidated by all of your interesting input controller devices, which also make me want to run to the piano! I can see getting this unit, however, and hoping the presets are good enough. I honestly don't see myself doing much programing, but I would have fun manipulating the presets in real time. I have liked and subbed, thank you!

[@PaulvanEgmond]

Cool to see the Micromonsta receive some love! It's an awesome device

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

I love it! Was surprised to see very little coverage of it on KZbin🤷🏻‍♂️

[@johnheinze8141]

Absolutely adore this synth. I’ve played a decent amount of “economically” sized menu-divey synths, but the workflow of the MicroMonsta is actually enjoyable to build patches in. Just the right balance of stripped down but still immediately usable. Mod Matrix feels the most restricted by the four encoder limit, but it’s a non issue for me personally.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Can’t agree enough! I was expecting to be frustrated but it was fluid and fun to program! It’s become one of the few synths that I prefer starting from an INIT patch instead of a “starter” preset. Cheers!

[@oscillationcommunications709]

As a long time Blofeld user and fan,I’ve ALWAYS wanted to pair this one with it. Seems the perfect digital duo.✨⚡️✨

[@echelonforge]

Wow. This must have been one of the most sympathically presented youtube videos I have ever seen. And - of course - I am now on the waiting list for MicroMonsta. But anyway, awesome job, new subscriber!

[@Xenthara]

JD-08 and jx-08 are both bi-timbral. Awesome little synths. Also Waldorf blofeld I believe

[@dvuemedia]

Waldorf Blofeld is 16 part multitimbral, you can also split the keyboard to different sounds, all at different MIDI channels. I got one for $350 used. Awesome digital synth, with over 1000 sound patches, plus you can load or create new patches.

[@brmbkl]

at the risk of inflating 2ndhand prices ; dsi tetra

[@odourboy]

Beat me to it! Blofeld is da bomb.

[@randyhudson3081]

Blofeld has some nice things going for it, but: it doesn't support MPE, you can only get 16 multitimbral parts with the simplest of patches, and the reverb is (to my taste) unusable. For my purposes the Micromonsta 2 is a clear winner.

[@SmallWorldBigThings]

Bought mine for 380 AUD ;)

[@PORRFNK]

@@brmbkl is underrated

[@anthonywestbrook2155]

The MM2 was my first synth. I loved mine so much that I bought a second, and have zero regrets. I'm pairing them with a Striso (MPE controller), and usually use 'em in one of a few ways. First -- since I'm primarily a vocalist that wanted to play chords to sing over -- I just put them both in "Stack" together for the lushest chords ever. Four voices each with different envelopes, so that the sound develops and evolves naturally when I'm just playing chords to sing along with. I usually have one keys sound, one or two pads, and then fill in the rest with organ or strings. Second -- when I'm trying to live play a bass line, chords, and a melody -- I put one MM2 split at F2, with the lower voice set to a bass (or something else that I'm using as a bass), and everything above it as a pad or other chord sound. With the second MM2, I put the split at G3, with the lower voice doing chord stuff, and a lead sound on the upper voice. This way, any notes I play in the middle of the keyboard only trigger my two chord voices, and not my -- often more aggressive -- bass and lead sounds. The melody line also gets the sound of the first chord voice, and the bass notes get the sound of the second, but that usually helps tie the whole thing together even better, but I understand that's not the sound everyone would be trying for. Lastly, if I'm not trying to play it completely live, I'll use a sequencer (Korg SQ64) to play three of the parts, plus my Drumbrute Impact, while I keep the 4th voice free to play on top of. One thing I have to say for us beginners is that just learning the presets is daunting on its own. Making my own patches, at least ones I'm happy with, still eludes me. What's really impressive about the presets is that it's really hard to make a patch that has wide sweet spots, but the presets do. There's a community resource for sharing patches ( www.presetpatch.com/synth/audiothingies-micromonsta-2 ), and I love a ton of them, but many don't even make sound unless the dials are turned to the correct position. The other best resource out there for the MM2 is The Ant ( sourceforge.net/projects/the-ant-2/ ), which is a standalone DAW specifically for the MM2. It's not official, just someone's passion project. I haven't used it myself, because I don't own a proper computer. Anyway, great review. It's a fantastic sounding synth, and I hope to keep learning its secrets.

[@rtxf]

Give us some demos man! I’m subbing with notifications in case you will :)

[@Azederac]

WOW …. you have managed to buy two MM2, when most of us still struggle to get their first one! I’m on a waiting list since 9 months already 😕

[@MarcusPadrini]

The way it looks reminds me of DSI TETR4 (I think the display is exactly the same). Really nice sounds and fx. Great video!

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

I hadn’t thought of that! Now I like it even more😜❤️

[@Jesdmalg]

Awesome video. Great script, lovely set space, thoughtful sprinkled commentary. Super fun to watch!

[@ftlbaby]

Budget bi-timbral synth: Roland JD-08. Is $350 USD considered budget? From Sound On Sound review: "My tests were showing that the JD‑08 has much greater polyphony than the JD‑800... 128 voices. So why don’t Roland say so? Anyway, when using four Tones per Patch, the polyphony is 32 notes and, when you use the JD‑08 bi‑timbrally, it can drop to 16. If this sounds a bit low, don’t forget that a JD‑800 offers six and three notes respectively when used in these ways, so it’s a big step forward. The second is the addition of an arpeggiator. This offers the usual up, down, up/down, random and ‘as played’ modes, with programmable rate, range, transposition, gate length and velocity, plus Hold. Some of my favourite moments with the JD‑08 occurred when I played something on the JD‑800 and had the module generating a complementary arpeggio. The third is the addition of a 64‑step, two‑track (Part A and Part B), polyphonic sequencer with memories for up to 128 Patterns. You can input your notes in four groups of 16, either in real time or as individual steps, and you can program things such as velocities, gate lengths, ties and shuffle. You can also sequence control changes, but bear in mind that these will operate on all of the Tones in the relevant Part when you do so. There are six replay modes to make things more interesting, as well as a random performance generator. In addition, you can select Patterns using Program Change messages on the System MIDI channel (of which more in a moment), allowing you to create extended songs. Finally, a clock input on the top panel allows you to synchronise playback to an external analogue clock. Despite the arcane programming needed to get the best from it, this is a creative tool that some users will love." -Gordon Reid

[@niceheartwhitesuit]

The Roland JX-08 is also bitimbral and each voice can be sequenced via independent midi channels (~10 voices/channel), but you are committing to a pretty specific sound with it. The micromonsta seems stylistically a bit more flexible. Great vid!

[@Mgm_Designs]

The JX-08 is actually what I want and yes this synth looks like it has more features. I like the fact the JX-08 has 2 sequencers

[@XenonOrion]

jd-08 too

[@sssncodesstuff3364]

a huge bit more flexible:)

[@XenonOrion]

@@sssncodesstuff3364 oh yeah the JD over here actin all oct-timbral & pretty flexible flexxin 108 waveforms and the ability to rock to groovebox status once you start programming splits on the keyboard. MicroMosta looks cool tho :)

[@roncordell]

Been waiting for the next batch of these to become available, then your video came out and I found myself checking the AT website multiple times per week even though I was on their notification list for the next batch! Finally ordered it this weekend and should have it soon - can't wait!

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Awesome!! Thank you for watching!

[@Synth-PatchesCom]

So after this experience, if you see the second hand Audiothingies Doctor A reverb/delay pedal - grab it! Amazing sound, my favourite fx box so far :)

[@andreash3906]

Great presentation of this lovely little device! Made me see a use again for my old OG Circuit which I haven't used in ages. If I can catch one in the wild, that is.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Glad you enjoyed it!! Cheers!

[@RikMaxSpeed]

The Waldorf Blofeld is a 16-part multi-timbral budget synth - well worth a look!

[@jayjones2821]

Never got a sound I like out of the Blofeld

[@Daphoid]

Good stuff, I've almost pulled the trigger on this little guy a few times but this just adds fuel to that fire. You can ask to be notified on their site when its back in stock. From experience you need to jump when you see that email, like right away - not a half day later or week later :). I came close to buying it once but was a bit strapped for the holidays if memory serves. It's still on the wishlist for sure.

[@wackenthaljef]

Merci beaucoup!!! its a pleasure to hear somethings good about us(i 'm french),and thks for ur great vids!! (sorry 4 my poor english)

[@MrFidelityc]

So glad to see you do a review of this, awesome bit of kit. Tiny box, massive sound ❤️

[@philbrown8181]

Helpful review, and some super clean sounds coming out of it. Thanks and I have my own one now.

[@nexuzeb79]

I love (lovely character int that sound set aside) the design of the thingie and it looks sturdy and primo quality as well :) I'm gonna try it out as soon as I get my hands on one... Nice midicontroller, checked the list in the comments section :) Another excellent vid, Sir!

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Thank you so much Sebastian!! Nice to see you here my friend🔥🔥

[@butcharmstrong9645]

I believe the Roland JX-08 boutique synth is bi-timbral and you can split and/or layer the voices. It has 20 voices with various ways to use them independently

[@yendanjin]

the more you showed us this super interesting little device, the more I wanted to know. Damn 15 minutes are just not enough :D would watch a hour long version of this video in a heartbeat! Thank you for this video

[@bostn64]

Really appreciate this video! Thank you for the thoughtful and easily digested articulation!

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Thank you so much!! See you soon my friend🙌🏻

[@rethardotv5874]

Great video, it would be awesome if you mentioned the controllers you used to input to the synth in the description

[@suntzu6122]

This thing is so perfs

[@CiabaMusic]

This little box deserves more fame! I do love mine to bits, it's like a pocket sized Novation Summit

[@Jason75913]

lol, no But it is quite neat.

[@CiabaMusic]

@@Jason75913 that's clearly a provocation, but think about it: Bitimbral 3 osc(VA+Wavetable) 3 env 3 lfos Drive/distortion Same onboard fxs Advanced arpeggiator Extended modmatrix Quick hands-on programmable modifier MPE And doesn't sound so far off too I've got the MM2 and a Peak, and as far as they're so different in price and size, they do cover the same ground. If I'll be forced to part ways with the Peak I'll be perfectly fine with just the 'Monsta as a polyphonic box

[@bennolee348]

blofeld, the the two new Roland boutiques, used nord desktop modules,and I suppose the new Roland zencore synth. Someone also said the digitone which I own and love. I do love multi timbral synths

[@SmallWorldBigThings]

I have Blofeld which is 16-tembral synth and MC-101 which is groovebox but you can consider it as a 4-tembral zencore based synth ;) Great devices!

[@thefool2007]

Just wow. Glad I discovered your channel. MPE and all those features are unheard of for the price range. My Hydra needs a friend. GAS pains now. I’m also a middle aged synth nut.

[@andrewdoucet3029]

Thanks for this great overview! I’ve seen some videos about this synth before, but they only scratched the surface. Thanks for diving deeper!

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Thank you so much for the feedback my friend! I’ll be revisiting this one for sure! Cheers!

[@ChristopherOrth]

"Affordable Split" synths... the Waldorf Streichfett receives two MIDI channels at once, the lower controls the strings section and the upper controls the solo section. I got one used for $200.

[@sector328]

I had a streichfett and i have the mm2, i don't think they're comparable, for 100 buck more the mm2 has so much more to offer. Also the Waldorf is more oriented towards string sounds, while the mm2 can be more versatile. I would suggest the Waldorf for pads, the mm2 for a full fledged poly synth (X2)

[@andreasl597]

Mine arrived yesterday. First impression: a beast sound wise,good build quality, not too difficult to understand architecture, but some menu diving is necessary.

[@jennoscura2381]

If you want vintage the Roland D-5 is an option. It's a relative of the D-50. It came out in 1989. I got mine for $190 + $75 shipping in reverb a couple of months ago. It's 32 note polyphonic and 9 part multitambral. It does keyboard splits. It is a full size 61 key synth. So it won't fit in your pocket. But if you have room; check it out.

[@richardfarabaugh7604]

The Waldorf Blofeld. 16 part multitimbral.

[@ChrisMcNeely]

Bless you, professionally I have no business watching your channel, BUT... your presentation and skills show me this fascinating world of Synths...

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Wow, thank you! Really appreciate the kind words! Cheers!

[@zrobertez]

I love mine. Use it with a tr6s for drums. My only complaints are that its hard to reorder patches, like if i create a new lead patch that i want my other leads, you have to do some copy paste shuffling or very carefully do the same from a computer. Wish i could order patches by category and not just number. Literally my only complaint! Nice to haves would be some more effects and a patch editor/organizer on the computer.

[@danbatts7583]

Hey Midlife! Just received my MM2. Had to come back to leave a comment, put myself on the wait list first time I watched this back along, and rewatched it again when I got the in stock notification. I went ahead and bought it thinking I'll try it out and can always sell it on, cos I don't really need it what with already owning a Hydra and a Freak and a Nymphes and a Neutron etc. Anyway, played with it today and realised within 10 minutes it's a keeper. Love it already. GAS is real, but this is my first new synth in over a year so, y'know, doesn't really count. Thanks for the heads up, from one midlife synthesist to another.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Hey dude!! Thanks so much for hitting me up! I’m really happy my video was helpful and you found something that inspires you! Wish you lots of fun times and happy music making 🙌🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@inklipMedia]

The waveform graphic that appears starting at 0:05:16 is a simple and extremely helpful visualization of what synth parameters are doing.

[@timsmyname]

This has been a fantastic sounding crazy deal for years. Audiothingies also had the Doctor-A reverb/delay which also sounds great.

[@jean-michelmurat8694]

Yeah I bought both they are great and deliver fantastic sounds

[@ricardlupus]

Thanks for a great review! I liked the way all parts were accuratly yet effortlessly covered. I've been an owner of the original Audiothingies P6 (original predecessor to the Micromonsta) for several years, and I was also blown away when I first got it.

[@deekay5695]

I own MM1 & MM2, and i´m totally happy with both! I love you #audiothingies keep on your great french work, independant influence ... and hey... damn great reverb on the mm2! #The Midlife Synthesist Great Vid... THANK YOU!

[@andrewdoucet3029]

just sitting down for breakfast. perfect timing!

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Bon appetite!

[@woef]

i had one of the first out of the first batch and loved it. hopefully the current owner is using it to its full potential like I couldn't.

[@alexanderlane]

Great point on the usable vs mind blowing factory presets. A lot of the Rev2’s presets are wild, “it can do THAT” inducing, but not easy to fit in a mix!

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Exactly! The Pro 3 has the same effect for me. When I’m jamming on it by itself it’s mindblowing, but it’s harder to fit into an ensemble. Thanks for watching my friend! See you on the Discord🤟🏻

[@alexanderlane]

@theinvisibleman yep, definitely, I just meant the factory presets. not even all of them, but there are a lot that are like ray gun noises or drums or other cool but not usually what I want sounds. I usually end up just starting from an init patch

[@iAussieGuy]

Awesome review, what a lovely synth for the price, I might be picking up one of these, it's a really beautiful and clear sounding synth, I liked the melody you made around 2:20

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Thank you so much! I’m having a blast with it so it gets my full recommendation 🔥

[@iAussieGuy]

@@MidlifeSynthesist I'm looking for a synth that's really out there and this seems to fit the then there is the Waldorf Blofeld synth that I think sounds so strange and different but in the best way but that one's rather pricey, it's so nice though 😃

[@davidfurodet1753]

Much much thx for reviewing it, this synth deserves so much attention... and to answer ur question: wine, cheese and bread, what else could it be ;)

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Lol! I should’ve known!🤣😜 🥖 🧀 🍷!

[@RikMaxSpeed]

Love your French! Italians make things like Fatar keyboards, and KORG’s arranger and stage pianos!

[@PANTA-Music]

This is a great example of why other synths are asking just too much money, instead of this specific synth to be 'budget'. Actually, I think this synth is worth the money, but also comes in a fair price. The prices have been driven up for so long as I can remember. Not because of 'quality', but because of profit. How making music is still considered a 'niche' market for them. Audiothingies, Behringer (even Korg or Roland to an extend) all understand that smaller budget peripherals opened up the market for everyone. Not just for the rich. Even if I have 3000 dollar to spend, I rather buy 5 or 10 desktop synths + midi controllers, than a single overpriced synthesizer / workstation. I stand by them for 100%. I hope more brands are going this road, just to end this terrible capitalistic mindset that Teenage Engineering haves, for example.

[@CristiNeagu]

Umm... the capitalist mindset is what Audiothingies and Behringer are doing: Offering an alternative product at a competing price in order to win over the market. You should want more capitalistic mindset, not less.

[@adaming9847]

"The prices have been driven up for so long as I can remember." That's just ridiculous. Synths have been getting cheaper for as long as I can remember!

[@myklewarren]

I remember “if you can afford a truck, you can afford a synthesizer”

[@nate9361]

Yeah, the profit motive fucks up literally everything. I hope you as an artist or songwriter can urge the revolution to happen via the "gift economy" where every necessity is free and we just work hard for luxury items/experiences. Personally I have a few songs that could steer people in the right direction.

[@zynthio]

That's actually the opposite of what we want. We need more capitalism! Without capitalism there would be no marketplace diversity or competition. If Ford was the only truck brand in the world, Ford would be able to just throw any price tag they wanted on their trucks - instead they have to compete with Chevy, Dodge, Toyota, Jeep, etc. If there's no one to compete, then a company can ask whatever they want for a product They were able to sell the OP-1 for so much, because they knew there wasn't anything else on the market at the time that had the same feature set and unique design that could compete Wanting more brands to go down this road, as you say, is a capitalistic mindset. We need more companies creating products that can perform at the same level, so we the consumer have more choices when purchasing.

[@ultramouse]

the alesis ion/micron is a multi-timbral synth and even has its own sequencing. you can do a mix of sequence tracks and keyboard splits. Different beast for sure though, and it's only 8-note polyphony as opposed to 12. I used to run out quickly when using it.

[@styssine]

Screen and menu layout seems to be reminiscent of the micron.

[@CrescentRollCarl]

Budget multi-timbral synth. The Dirtywave M8 set to poly mode. I use it every day like this. It continues to amaze me.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Nice!! That little guy is in a league of it’s own🔥

[@GeorgeLocke]

Mc 101 has 3 parts

[@humfreee]

Preen FM 2 is 4 way multi timberal. Also some of the Roland boutiques do 2 way. e.g. JX08.

[@Jason75913]

​@@GeorgeLocke isn't it 4?

[@GeorgeLocke]

@@Jason75913 don't own one but iirc it's the synth channels and one drum?

[@jellewils3974]

I'm 42 and have just gotten into wind synths, since they don't wake up the kids like my saxophone does. Aerophone for instance. Also bought a Stylophone beat to "test the waters" and get into making my own backing tracks. I might be turning into a midlife synthesist myself...

[@rbgeluidservice1179]

After this video,I put myself the waiting list for it. I just got a chance to order one. Jumped on it right away. Can’t wait to try it.

[@markhofland1898]

Great video about this amazing piece of art! Your video just came by on KZbin, otherwise I probably never heard about the MicroMonsta. I had a lot of nice synths, like the Andromeda A6, Waldorf Q, Waldorf Micro Wave XT, Korg Z1 and some others. I still have a lot of (rack) synths keyboards and workstations, like Kurzweil K2500 SX, Yamaha Motif XS, Roland Jupiter-80, Roland VK-8, Yamaha, EX5R, Novation Supernova, Nord Rack 3, and a lot of other synths. But in the past few years, I upgraded my studio, I worked with a Tascam DM-4800 mixing console in combination with Cubase Pro, monitoring with Mackie HR824 Mk I. Decided to switch to Presonus Studio One and bought the StudioLive 64S console for a really good integration between mixing console and DAW, and a lot of good plugins, synths, effects, etc. And I was just looking for a small desktop synth with a lot of capabilities, just because of turning knobs, instead of using the mouse. One question, you where talking about a 2 channel MPE controller. I’m a pianist. Is there any MPE 2 channel controller you recommend in combination with the MicroMonsta for a pianist? Btw I send you some money via KZbin. Regards, Mark Hofland

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Hi Mark! Thank you so much for your support❤️🤩 I really appreciate it. As for an MPE controller for a pianist, the Expressive E Osmose comes to mind. Added benefit is that it comes with it’s own extremely powerful synth engine🔥. Hope that helps! Cheers my friend!

[@raveagainstracism]

Got the first one and fell in love. Even though it is digital it sounds magical. The pads and strings are lush and pianos sound great. I've been on the waiting list for a while for the new version.

[@EZBOT_]

Nice video! Looks like a lot of fun

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Thanks my friend! I think you would make absolutely insane music with it in your elektron setup🔥🔥 totally recommend you pick one up if you get the chance👍🏼

[@grayshadowglade]

Hooray! Glad to see you back at it and having a good time. You almost had me worried there for a bit. Pair that thing with your Moog for the lows and pump both into an Octatrack or a 1010 Bluebox for fun. I'm willing to bet you would have a blast with that. Cheers!

[@RikMaxSpeed]

Twisted Electrons is just one Englishman who happens to enjoy the sun southern France! 🇫🇷 😉

[@ChristopherOrth]

Hell yes! I've got an original Micromonsta, and it's excellent. Sounds amazing, fun to program, lots of range. Definitely one to never sell, and very underrated. Really spotlights how overpriced and overhyped most other synthesizers are.

[@BirdYoumans]

While there are many free plugins out there that sound as good or better, I do agree that what I heard here is nice enough to use for sure and appears not to need a computer. Not everyone wants to go to the trouble to set up a lap top for live stuff tho once that is done the sky is the limit with some of the best plugs I have ever heard now available for free up to about 200 bucks. The Diva by U-he is a monster. I have hardly used anything else since I got it. But yes, this is a neat little synth if you like having having portability and knobs to play with. Nice video as well! The Diva by the way, if you have a keyboard controller with knobs, has a midi learn mode so you can set it up to play with knobs as well, but you do need a computer. So again, this one would be a bit easier since it appears to be truly plug it up and play.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Absolutely agree! I LOVE Diva and it sounds absolutely insane. What I like about the Micromonsta (and hardware in general) is the immediate hands on control and dedicated interface, but soundwise the Diva is a great alternative. Cheers my friend!

[@BirdYoumans]

@@MidlifeSynthesist I do like the hands on aspect of hardware synths. In the "early days" I had an Arp, a Pro One and a DX7 and loved them. Still have them. I now use the plugin versions because they are so much more versatile and easy to set up and I only do studio work now so I don't have to worry about how to deal with it live like I use to. (DEXED and the U-he Pro 1 Pro5, again monster plugs.) And even tho I like the mixer in my DAW, I still use my Yamaha DM2000 for my final mix because it is hands on as opposed to "mouse" on lol! So "knobs" still play an important role in my production of music. And besides for those still playing live, yes you can have one keyboard and a computer and sound great but go back and look at the keyboard stacks in the days Emerson, Lake and Palmer or Yes and others. Those stacks just look great where as, even tho it is easier and probably even sounds better, the single keyboard just does not have the majesty of a stack of keyboards! But I'm glad I lived long enough to be able to use todays technology. We now have Disney land in our studios. Anyone who doesn't remember what it was like to splice tape with a razor blade really has no way of knowing what we have now! 😊

[@jackcimino8822]

You can get a Novation Nova for $400. It is 6-part multitimbral, and the latest firmware makes it have 16 voices.

[@thealmightycommenter]

Think this is one of my favourite videos you have ever uploaded, you’re so slick and positive in your presentation of this 💕

[@impulsecoupling]

I wrote to the dev team not long after receiving mine with this feature request: "You probably hear this often, but it occurred to me today after I applied the latest Dreadbox Typhon firmware update which added audio over USB, that this would be such a great feature for MM2! I really love the MM2 but like many have struggled with the ground loop issue from USB power. The Typhon was even worse in its noise! But being able to register it now as a USB audio interface (fw v4.1) eliminated the need to use analog outputs to my Scarlett and negated the ground loop issue. Is it possible with the current hardware spec to add this via firmware?" No response but I imagine they get lots of feature requests.

[@PhilCouling]

Hmm? Jean Michelle Jarre? Air? Daft Punk? M83? The French have been into electronica for a pretty long while now. Awesome little synth!

[@MarkGardner66Bonnie]

Love your review... thank you so much for sharing this... this is an interesting synth!

[@petert7807]

Very good review. My only critique is the G rating for gas. I think its hard to get excited for a little affordable digital synth. But just like you, I heard all the rumors of how good it is and purchased one second hand. It actually helped rid me of alot of GAS and made me sell some gear! Work horse and absolutely amazing synth at any price level! I know, blasphemy, but Im no longer interested in an OB6 since getting the MM2. 😅

[@l.musicandsound]

Such a good synth. Best purchase I have made in conjunction with my Linnstrument. It's so unfortunate that some people actually believe MPE is useless, this is such a powerful combination.

[@randyhudson3081]

Same here: it's such a great match to a Linnstrument.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

100%!!

[@wendigo2442]

U should tape it to the back of the linnstrument and sell the creation to me for 40 dollars

[@matthewgaines10]

MPE is very useful. It's just not necessary to compose or perform music. The evangelists of MPE suggest it should the baseline of everything moving forward. It's just a tool. Use it if it serves you well. Ignore it if cost of entry is too high for controllers or you can accomplish what you need without it. How you work determines what tools are best for you.

[@2112jonr]

Both of the MicroMonsta's are incredible synths, more so for the small package they're packed into. 😀

[@watchaddicts1213]

Agreed and thanks for the reply, Jason. Beyond all good synths having certain SHINE spots, what you always hope for is a unique sound. I hear that in Nymphes, for example. What I'm hearing [online] from Micromonsta 2, gives me great hope that I've found another synth that has its own sound; as opposed to its specialty being emulates this or that. In the 2010s,, as I began THE GREAT SYNTH SALE, the Swiss army knife types (my Romplers) were the very first synths to go. I'm thinking M2 will be a keeper for sure.

[@symbiat0]

Finally! I got one of these last year, it’s a bit menu divey but it sounds really good.

[@workethicrecords5901]

It's kinda funny, all this stuff used to be very standard in the mid 2000s. Micron, venom, nord lead rack, k station, ect. I'm pretty sure all of these had multitabrality higher than 2 parts.

[@PaulvanEgmond]

I have both the Micron and the MicroMonsta, and I like sound of the MicroMonsta better.

[@DizzyDocc369]

This machine is amazing, guitar center around here has ‘‘em even out on play floor, so been able to play around with it a few times. Been really thinking of snagging one. But not just yet, but again this thing blew my mind.

[@monomakes]

Had the first version, great fun. If only it had a button on the front panel to audition sounds. Still got my magnet bottle opener 😎

[@K.KILLORAN]

Almost perfect. If only it had two audio outputs so you could process each patch differently

[@neoaltima]

There is the option to route each through the left and right channels separately.

[@mvaudio5]

Fantastic video! Btw, oxi Coral is also multitimbral with 8 parts for < 500 €. Truly awesome

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Thank you so much! And thanks for the tip on the Coral🔥❤️

[@jamestillman5247]

Thanks for increasing the selling price of my MM2!

[@MathHammer]

Waldorf Blofeld, Novation Circuit (both versions), Fred’s Lab Tooro (a little pricier, fewer voices, analog filters)

[@spenzasequenza]

micromonsta 2 is a must have! ...and with a little bit of improvisation, you can even fit it into a eurorack case and run it from the 5V rail...

[@woef]

i used mine powered by a mobile phone. a usb b to usb c cable and some midi controller app.

[@Interdimensions]

Boutique Roland JD-08 is multitimbral and polyphonic (I think there is 128 voices) synth with two seperate sequencers for two patches You can choose at one time. Every patch is made of 4 layers and every layer is like separate synth where You can choose one of I think 108 waves as source of sound, You have extended envelope, two LFO's, built in effects.... You can split or even asign key ranges for every layer. Basicly You can make at once 8 different sounds and sequence them. Price for new is 400 $.

[@krazywabbit]

Great review. Better ending. Saved me some money. Thank you.

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

I’ll get you next time😜 Lots of love brother!

[@krazywabbit]

I spoke too soon. Thanks to the friendly pushers in the community, I’m back on the gas train. Still, thank you!

[@KordTaylor]

Thanks! I didn’t know about this synth. 👏🏻

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Happy to help!

[@halcyone8363]

This feels like it would go really well with the Novation Circuit Tracks, making use of its bitimbral mode with the Circuit’s two polyphonic MIDI tracks!

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

Absolutely! Personally, I’ve had a blast sequencing it bitimbrally with the Polyend Play, the Circuit should be perfect 🤟🏻

[@infn8loopmusic]

Absolutely! And with the motion sequencing for outgoing midi connections and all the wonderful pattern options it would be a perfect match for this. You could actually stack the tracks first two synth voices with it for absolute insanity

[@Kevhuman]

I have a mm2 and a tracks. They form part of a larger setup but If I ever need something portable those two work very well.

[@leftovernoise]

That's what I do with both synths in my summit, use synth 1 and 2 on tracks to sequence them and then midi 1 and 2 to sequence my other two synths. If I didn't have a summit I'd absolutely go for the micromonsta 2 to do the same thinf

[@lspyderp]

I love this video because one of my best musical friends/mentor is French and we are hooked crazy on synths !

[@MidlifeSynthesist]

🔥

[@bigggmoustache8868]

@4:09 The Microkorg is 4 voice multitimbral. It is a very cool feature.

[@18-tube-wattamp64]

Been on the wait list since March.......! Hurry up, Audiothingies!

[@dyscotopia]

You're absolutely right that this thing is impossible to find anywhere. Which is a blessing for my budget

[@JonathanGrover]

The Waldorf Blofeld has 16 multitimbral parts for $300+ used; it is older and does not support MPE to my knowledge though. For a high end multitimbral synth where money is no obsticle then the Access Virus TI2 is unrivaled. I still would love to own a MicroMonsta 2 if I could find one out there

[@industrawrex2588]

I own one myself and love every bit of it. Took me a while to get one but it was worth waiting.

[@veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee]

can get a JD-08 for same price and that's oct-timbral! 8 different sounds/waves at a time or 8 *different* sequences playing at a time. so with keyboard splits, if you really wanted you could have: -kick drum -snare -hi-hats -cymbal -bassline -melodic synth lead -synth pad/chords -and one layer left over for whatever you can dream up all these layers going on at the same time playing their own sequence! wow!

[@mark35mi]

Waldorf Blofeld. Budget. 16 part multitimbral. 25 voices

[@poldidak]

Check out the Supersaw patch at 4:50. It sounds like it's saying "Roland. RoLAND. RoLAND."

[@blanitz]

I use it with my Digitakt.(direct powercombo!) I had a few more synths that I would power up when I'd start a session, but would eventually end up jammin with the just the 'takt and the MM2 in bitimbral.(and didn't feel like I need anything else) My 2 cents since I have the MM2 and use it regularly for two years+ now: 1. You were mentioning it's unapologetically digital: It can be, but the VA waves+filter+distortion sound really warm, analog-ish, full of character. 2. If you buy it as a wavetable synth, you'll probably be dissapointed.(only 8 wt, and no custom wts) and they are rather buzzy as opposed to clean and glassy(like the classical Waldorf ones) - I don't find this an issue since the VA and the limited WTs do sound good anyway. 3. I actually make a lot of bass with it.VA oscs are rather dark - so no prophet type buzzy, lush top end, which - while a bit of a bummer - does mean more of the bass and mids go through the amp, and this combined with the filter not eating the low end, equals nice strong basses.(have to pay attention in bitimbral mode when it comes to levels, as it may distort if you're not careful) 4. Agree with the interface being very intuitive and and easy to use for the capabilities of the thing. For my minimalist setup I just wanted to add an analog mono and wavetable poly synth to my digitakt, but I ended up with the MM2 instead. (it's neither an analog monosynth nor a fully wavetable synth like I wanted initially, but it so well designed and thought out that I ended up with it as my main synth/s and don't regret a thing)

[@Griuofficial]

Thanks for the video, never knew such a synth even exists

[@johandypablofrias3453]

nice vid bro. Like your humor :D

[@alexsoti3997]

As a french, I liked this intro. merci

[@rossr6616]

I have worked with some French Engineers and learned that French universities can and do produce excellent software and hardware engineers.

[@lairdtomfrenchelectromusic2545]

Your French is impeccable! :) Vraiment ! (Really) Beautiful " little " machine!

[@m.ericwatson968]

Someone mentioned it being like a micro blofeld, sounds so good for it's size and price

[@SmallWorldBigThings]

Only Blofeld has multitembral (not bitembral as micromonstra) ;)

[@markhofland1898]

Thanks