Minimoog Fight: Behringer vs UAD vs Softube vs Arturia vs GForce

[@fjprobeats]

Behringer the best for me no doubt. Its an actual analog engine, more pleasant tone and obvious the only one with real analog feel. People go by brand.. UA is not magic, is hard to fight analog gear with a plugin.

[@stevehofer3482]

I agree that the Behringer sounded best. The Arturia is the only one in This group that I have, and it seemed to lack character compared to the others. The Arturia sounded flat. The G-Force sounded the most different, but It has a character all its own. I would like to hear Cherry Audio’s emulation next to these.

[@wouterdesmedt1736]

It's rare to find a video that's both informative and so much fun. Great job on this. I pretty much agree with your assessment. Personally, I really like how engaging and musical the Softube synths sound. I actually want to fiddle with them and not just slap on a preset and be done with it, like I do with most soft synths.

[@SaturnVoyager11]

The Arturia emulation is probably the worst one, the minimonsta 2 is clear the settings can’t be matched in the same way than the behringer or the UAD. I own the UAD version and I’m quite happy with it, it’s incredible.

[@GeminiDrive]

You weren't very honest with the Arturia. At 1:24 you didn't detune it like the others, making it sound thin in comparison. At 2:29 you used a saw on one oscillator and a saw-tri on the other two, instead of saws on all three like in previous examples, making it sound radically different. The Mini V isn't the best pure emulation but it is a decent synth in its own right.

[@sibbyeskie]

It’s not as simple as you say. Detune isn’t static in analog. It has flux which varies the detune sound and helps create that pleasent “alive” rather than static detune effect. You can certainly detune Arturia much more but I’d you take it as far as hardware it starts to sound less useable because it doesn’t fluctuate. Put another way, the Behringer here was probably very slightly detuned whereas you have to highly detune the Arturia to get the same maximum beating, but since it’s static it isn’t very pleasant and would sound more like just out of tune. Similar to why tape warble can sound nice compared to a fixed warble without subtle fluctuation. All issues in the video are things I’ve noticed for years using Arturia. I wish it weren’t the case but it simply is.

[@adam872]

For me the UAD version is the one that I liked most consistently. It sounded great on all of the tasks.

[@Music73777]

My opinion is pretty much the same. I have everything in the comparison except the GForce version. I think the Softube Model72 sounds really good, but the Uad seemed to consistently sound the most like the ModelD. I think Softube did a little better overall with the Model 84. I like some of Arturia’s instruments and effects, but they should probably revamp their Mini. The Arturia will produce usable sounds, but it seemed to be the least authentic. The GForce was sounding thinner, and a bit harsh to me.

[@HugoDaSilva7]

Great video I'm just sorry you didn't use Synaps Legend, I think it would have added a lot

[@JeremiahTrue]

I agree. I have that and really enjoy using it. Would have been nice to see here.

[@michaelsnowviolin]

You have to flip the "Soft Clipping" switch on the Arturia to get a controllable overdrive, as instructed in the user manual.

[@EarlyMist]

Will this make it sound more authentic? It doesnt sound so in this demo.

[@michaelsnowviolin]

@@EarlyMist No idea, but it would have provided for a better evaluation if soft clipping had been turned on. FYI, I recently got Moog Music's Model D soft synth, and the overdrive is way closer to how the original synths seem to behave. I wish that soft synth had been included in this lineup.

[@EarlyMist]

@@michaelsnowviolin well it should make sense Moogs own version should emulate this! They wouldnt put their name to it otherwise

[@sibbyeskie]

No still sounds terrible and worse the soft clip effects the output and doesn’t sound natural at all. Just muffle and thinner. Honestly Arturia Mini is pretty bad and I’ve had it since 2003. That might be a clue as to why.

[@faramirfarami9869]

@@michaelsnowviolin If AM I correct the "original" softsynth should be the one from UAD ?

[@marcom.]

Well done and fun to watch, but there's one very important contestant missing: The Legend from Synapse Audio.

[@dan-star]

It's good I use it a lot for bass but it's not a minimoog clone

[@andivax]

@@dan-starwhy? 3 oscillators. Looking pretty MiniMoogish for me

[@dan-star]

@@andivax if only it was that simple

[@emmomartins5383]

the Arturia sucks when compared to Behringer's. I hv both, did the test. It sucks.

[@PauloARod]

Boog is Boss! We all know how good UAD and Softube VSTs are so no surprise but I was expecting better from Arturia whereas the GForce, which I didn't know, sounded the weakest in almost every fight.

[@andivax]

The best comparison❤ BUT you are wrong with the Arturia. I've just checked with Mini V4 and it's VERY close to the hardware.

[@MeAlexSenna]

Great production on the Video. Arturia not quite there, that’s the last and worst place. Terrible; since they consider an emulating company 😢

[@ageshero]

Dude keep this up and you’re gonna go KZbin gold, trust. 🎉

[@MacXpert74]

The arcade video style was really nicely done! I also agree with you conclusion. The Arturia seems to sound the least accurate. The real hardware sounded the best.

[@McCreeStudios]

I own a vintage Minimoog. Recently purchased the UAD. IMO the UAD is the only software version I’ve heard that captures the analog sound of the original. Worth noting, just like the real Mini, the UAD does not let you play chords on your midi keyboard. Maybe that is why it sounds so fat and nasty.

[@kazr4853]

Great video! I think the vsts generally do a pretty decent filter emulation but those lovely fat oscillators moving around on the Poly D make the software sound very cheap. Especially in the attacks, always changing, that's where I find the software versions unusable.

[@nicolasstrawberry4148]

Thats wasn't the Poly D, that was the Model D, but I agree. I actually have the Poly D and it sounds lovely

[@amazeus1980]

I got Behringer model D and plugins sound really bad compared to it. Overdrive reveals everything…and Minimoog without overdrive sounds like nothing interesting…

[@kierenmoore3236]

HW > SW

[@andreievkalupniek5717]

Arturia is the weakest. I agree with your comments ate the end - just note that the Softube is modeled after a 1972 mini Moog probably older than the others

[@Bata9999]

Great video! One of the best synth comparison videos I've seen! I agree with your assessment of the various merits of the emulations. For certain examples I liked the character of the GForce. I had a nice 1977 Minimoog which sounded amazing but I preferred the Moog reissue because of the Fatar keyboard and some of the extra features they added. I never tested the feedback trick on the reissue though. None of your examples remind me of my Minimoog's external input overdrive but I think that has a lot to do with the oscillators pitch and waveforms settings. For feedback I like to use 3 saws tuned to Root, Octave Down, and a Fifth (can be up or down). Oscillator set to a fifth should be down a bit in the mixer a bit. This gives like a guitar powerchord type sound that sounds really good with the feedback trick.

[@DaveFore_AudioEngineering]

Agreed on the GForce. On the feedback trick, I know for sure that for the Voyager this is a big no-no which is a bummer.

[@Submangalam]

jajaja awesome! veery good comparison! Behringer; winner, arturia looose

[@bontempo1271]

Synapse Audio - The Legend is probably gonna be the one to get closer to the hardware Edit : take a sub for this video alone !

[@blankspace0000]

The softube actually sounded the closest to real minimoogs that I've heard. The behringer sounds better than all of the plugins but it's not really a minimoogish sound. The nice sizzle in the top end is missing.

[@sevchyk]

Who the hell will use these sounds in their songs?

[@MrACangusyoungDC]

Gary Newman

[@lucmermans37]

That arturia is unbelievably bad. And the analog wrecks the digital ones too

[@charliobrown3960]

arturia emulations are just marketing, all their vst sound dull and digital. The uad sounds really good, very similar that the original, but the model 72 is very good too. The gforce plugins also are good but not so much for me.

[@jno8039]

UAD minimoog native sound great BUT... it doesn't have midi learn

[@budgetkeyboardist]

Great job! In college, I played Rhodes and a MiniMoog in our band, and as much as I love the MiniMoog, I'd have used a software version in a heartbeat if one had been available, because the MiniMoog would, every once in a while, go horribly out of tune. These days I use the Mini V3.

[@sibbyeskie]

I have a Behringer Poly D, Model D and Moog Gramdmother and they are all very Minimoog-y. The Behringers especially are very stable and take only a minute to warm up. The Moog is closest in overall character, very stable but takes about 10 mins to warm up. I think those older designs were more prone to annoying tuning issues than today.

[@FredTRZ]

Honestly the Arturia one sounded awful compared to the others :/

[@benzmobil]

Great production! Those UAD and Softube plugins sound really good and usable, could have easily replace the hardware in a busy mix.

[@lundsweden]

Even in a minimal mix IMO!

[@sevchyk]

No bullshit plugin will ever replace the hardware…

[@wilhelmbembenek3632]

The comparison with the original Minimoog is missing. The Model D is still just a clone.

[@rainy2063]

1) "Behringer = UAD = Softube" - Sounds Gritty "Arturia" - Sounds clean "Gforce" - ? Different? 2) "Behringer =~ Softube" - Chaotic sound "UAD" - Phaseiyshhh a little bit "Arturia" - Sounds VERY clean "Gforce" - ? Different? 3) Everyone are different in some case (but arturia WORST, it's just bubbling like sink 😕), UAD and Softube I like more of all them 4) "Behringer = UAD = Softube" - But UAD has a little bit "full" sound at my opinion, and Softube a little bit less of highs "Arturia" - Sounds so VERY clean "Gforce" - ? Different? 5) "Behringer = UAD =~ Softube" - Sounds gritty with so few and minor differences btw them that doesn't matter "Arturia" - well... does it has a point to exist? "Gforce" - ? Different? _ my list) 1) UAD Moog Minimoog - this is VST plugin and really decent one, doesn't take off space in your room. I like how sounds overdrive 2) Softube Model 72 - cheaper (for now) and still good one, as first one doesn't take off space in your room. 3) Behringer Model D - most expensive of all them, needs space and care - alt) Gforce Minimonsta2 - this one just stand off, it has own good sound, but expensive - alt) Arturia Mini V3 - this is just generic soft synth. There is no point to use it 😕

[@rainy2063]

Softube Model 72 would be even better

[@kristophermiller6160]

Why isn’t synapse audio in this?

[@PROTSHNEKI]

Asturias mini v4 sounds deeper than Moomodel d app, v3, u he diva, behringer d and lads Moog imho

[@SisterRose]

Is the Arturia just not able to do detuned SAW? What's the deal with it

[@i.balazs]

Behringer Model D wins, no question.

[@scottharris7222]

Extremely well put together video format. Great fun and excellent pacing. Model D for the win.

[@ConwayBob]

I agree that the Behringer Model D does the best job overall at modeling an analog monosynth. That's probably because it *IS* an analog monosynth!

[@noou]

I fully agree with your conclusions. Very fun, right to the point and effective comparison. If only shootouts were all like this one! A minor note: +1 for adding Synapse The Legend to the test.

[@KiR_3d]

Arturia's plugin sounds simply horrible! It's very contrasting to their analog synths (not all of course). And Behringer's ModelD clearly shows that it's a true "moog" sound! Because it's overdrive is just flawless! I've didn't expected that simulating a simple overdrive circuit is such a complex task for software.

[@GeoffModulate]

Great video! I've got a Behringer and to me, it sounds great. I've seen the comparisons online and it's very very close to a real Moog, and there is enough variation between Moogs that it's in the ballpark of Moog because there isn't a 'perfect Moog' to use as a benchmark.

[@fjprobeats]

Behringer wins by far in this test. Very nice sound.

[@logicalblackman8228]

I own an original Minimoog, not a reissue. The Behringer sounds the same.

[@MCHmuzykaElektroniczna]

Mortal Kombat wins ;-) Good Job 👍

[@crazyman6555]

Die ganze Synth Collection von Arturia klingt einfach fade und billig

[@oriomenoni7651]

Arturia is a joke.

[@matiasmoulin2126]

I've never been impressed with Arturia. The first MiniBrute I got broke immediately and the replacement has a faulty key, however I kept it because I suspected that another replacement will probably have another issue - at least it's still running, that's as good as it gets. I sold my KeyStep because it bent. 3 issues on 2 different products were enough to be done with their hardware for ever. The software synths never impressed me either. I had some use for some of them especially to track some quick ideas, but found that other products sounded better and inspired me more in the long run. I can't put my finger on it but I just don't click with their stuff. Something about it feels cheap and mass produced.

[@XZIZD]

Damn, i dont give a damn about the topic Minimoog vs Minimoog so much, but that video was very well done! Awesome! Sub.

[@tuc5987]

Lovely production, but the sounds aren't well matched, the Arturia one, while my least favourite, can sound better than shown here. Your Detuned Saw had almost no detune to speak of in the Arturia one. Hold Shift to avoid the half-note steps for proper detune, for example. Filter settings between the synths also seem super off. As a comparison, this is difficult.

[@SectorSevenSlumz]

I agree the arturia sounds are complete different patches almost. Different filter amount, resonance, no detune almost at all. The funk bass was a totally different sound too. Almost seems like they are asking you to not like Arturia haha

[@SectorSevenSlumz]

And then the overdrive has different filter settings for each sounds making them obviously different and totally incomparable.

[@jackcimino8822]

What about Synapse Audio's The Legend?

[@maxfreedom774]

U-HE DIVA winner

[@moskva-kassiopeya]

We need an update with the new Mini V!

[@theblowupdollsmusic]

This was fun to watch. Great Street fighter edits.

[@Harrysound]

You didn’t need to put so much work into it

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

I copied patches from videos of Real Mini Moogs with Arturia mini V and they sounded the same.

[@triplebeam23]

Ya I can tell ya that a real moog and arturias version are about as far off as they come .. if you think that sounds good you really need to listen to Diva

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

@@triplebeam23 It works for Me and it was free to.

[@BrofUJu]

​@@triplebeam23 he didn't have the soft clipping option on, makes a big difference

[@SamSilk]

@@triplebeam23 Totally agree.

[@kristianborisov5928]

After watching again the video, I was almost to buy the UAD version, which is currently $65 only, but I decided to compare my Minimonsta 2, which I like very much how it sounds, and I couldn't believe it is so far away from Model D, as shown video. I was able to get it far closer to Behringer and UAD versions, than in the video, with the first patch (Funk Bass) - close enough to make me wonder whether buying the UAD version is justified even at this price.

[@martinhengst9033]

Cherry Audio Miniverse is missing. It's the least expensive. And the best.

[@Genital.Wartzenegger]

I wish it was a blind test since I'll always see the name berhinger and hate it. Arturia as usual is the flattest and dullest soft synths in the game.

[@hansdumbf7608]

Softube wins, G-Force loses!

[@KJMadeItt]

this video idea was amazing! thanks for reminding me of my childhood while guiding me on making a good decision for music 😂😂

[@synthsforfunk]

Hi there agree that despite the technology progress in software instrument development the hardware is still ahead of plugin equivalent soundwise! Thanks for the comparison . You may check out some of my hardware analog synthesizers demos including Behringer Model D and Poly D. Great job! Take care

[@The_Master_Brain]

These VSTs sounding ugly

[@OWL.]

Legend from Synapse vs model d 😊

[@arirahimzadeh]

AMAZING

[@oricatmos6453]

berhinger polyd ?

[@craigturb]

I have a Poly D, so I'm a bit biased - I love the Model D and Poly D Behringer sound. I think it mashed the soft synths in the face! I was disappointed with the Arturia sound in comparison to the rest. Really great video! 😀

[@synthmaven]

Yeah the Arturia is defo a few steps below the rest.

[@michelebass5151]

Hello, I'm with you concerning the Arturia. I didn't know to be disappointed until I got a Model D and went to the Arturia and couldn't get it to sound nearly as warm. The Model D bass has a certain tightness that I could not get from the Arturia.

[@dxbass]

behr -Win 🎉🎉🎉

[@aboveaxis]

model d easy win

[@vaiman7777]

Everything but the Moog. Sounds like a band!

[@Lance_Arn]

This is my second time watching this video and I still find it informative.. I purchased the Boog Model D a year ago and I still find it an amazing instrument.

[@BarryBlotto]

UAD killed it.

[@ackzz]

I use to have the Model D and a Minimoog, I would say the Model D is the closest for me - Cheers!

[@bengsynthmusic]

You meant Poly D?

[@ackzz]

No, the Model D just like in the video @@bengsynthmusic

[@bengsynthmusic]

@@ackzz Oh okay. The Behringer Model D. I was confused and thought you meant Minimoog Model D.

[@BOB_T]

Nice vidéo wonderful 8 bit stuff. All Presets could have been closer to the Behringer with more tweaking. Vst requires more fine tuning adjustments to sound the same.

[@this.is.shashwat]

Most entertaining synth video I have ever seen!

[@s_the_first]

Good job. I guess I agree with your summary for the most part. But I can afford to be a little more judgemental (as a bystander). The model D sounds amazing. UA also sounded incredible next to the model D. Softube (to my surprise) fell short of UA. Arturia sounded like trash. And gforce… oh gforce, gforce, gforce… have you considered deleting yourself, gforce? I believe it’ll make you sound better. Context: I don’t own the Boog, yet. I own tons of UAD, softube and all of arturia. Never heard of gforce before today. I’ve always despised the sound of the arturia stuff. I’m sure it’s great in isolation. But next to competitors, dreadful.

[@Roman_andtheprey]

Thanks for the dragon punch in the childhood. Amazing

[@kineticstringwell844]

softube one for me its my goto moog vst

[@MofoNsh]

Im not surprised about Arturia. Ive owned the hardware CZ1 , Martix 6 ,and the SQ80. And they don't even come close.i can only imagine how far off the others sound.

[@synthplayer1563]

The detuned saw examples sound very different and sometimes not so convincing. The best is always the Behringer. It's so cheap, why should you use the software?

[@ChCarnix]

It's not possible to say which won as a genuine hardware MiniMoog wasn't part of the process. How can you say which one sounds most like a minimoog if a minimoog isn't included in the test. They all sound very different, particularly the arturia, which, crazily, costs a lot more than the others, but, each one will sound good at something. That something might not be being an accurate minimoog emulator..... It would've been nice to see NI Monark in there too as Jarre, a moog fanatic, actually endorsed that one and said it was as good as the hardware.

[@TheDavidPoole]

Very interesting. Did you set the controls identically on each synth, or were you trying to make the same sound come from each synth?

[@DamdamRreco]

Honestly thank you for this ! You made it fun to watch, concise and interesting. Hope to see more 😊

[@laner4195]

Dang, Arturia's sound really is different. Closer to digital. But does an average customer know the difference if we add sound goodizers? I say it does what it does.

[@zerorossing207]

First off, Arturia? 😂 Second, I think the parameter ranges differ between plugins, so you could have gotten closer if you specifically tuned the filter to the exact frequency.

[@user-zd4qy5zl7i]

Uad >=softube>>>arturia

[@ScottMcFadyen]

Oof, the Arturia is just sad by comparison : ( I really hope @ArturiaOfficial updates it soon.

[@classicarcadeamusementpark4242]

How come Music Music's own Moog soft synths aren't included in this comparison? Some Behringer owners have said they said more faithful to the original vs the Boog hardware.

[@sibbyeskie]

This is a much better constructed demo than most that showcase the differences. I have a few Moog-likes and a Moog and software versions are always off in so many ways. The detune and oscillator character is always really simplistic sounding. Drive (especially on Arturia) is iffy. Mixer saturation and how it suppresses harmonics not right. FM usually sounds like simple digital (again, Arturia wtf?). Amazing how all of these small parameters combine to make such a complex one that’s still very difficult to emulate. PS> to my ears the official Minimoog app on iOS comes closest. It’s pretty impressive for software emulation.

[@BadTrip69]

Pitty that there is no Legend synth and Monark :(

[@gioogle7629]

and Legend is the lightest plugin among these

[@V3RYG00D]

Don't agree at all. Ridiculous. Fake vs fake.

[@dannyanalog4423]

Of course the Boog is the Winner, this has that powerfull bass like the original for 5% of the price from the original

[@Jaredkfjones]

Liked this as soon as I saw the ode to Street Fighter! Nice job!! The Softube sounds fantastic.

[@Claude_van]

My question is: do SMD caps sound different from good old caps?

[@JusTVIDSE]

hey im looking to buy the UAD plugin but im wondering how CPU heavy it is, anyone got an idea?

[@aandarcom]

Surge XT can do all the winning sounds here except that feedback example - its feedback slider range is more subtle.

[@JonadanandtheFreaks]

Now lets try the new Minimoog VST from Arturia : Mini V

[@luciendevolontat2488]

Fantastic video; I’m a huge street fighter fan, (and the music of it). Cheers.

[@Mr_Kri]

Bloody amazing video, ao entertaining 👍👍👍👍

[@lekernous]

all sound great, the most important it which one you will choose when inspired by. call you. 🤔🤔

[@gadjox]

Fun part with Softube is that you get components for their Modular environment if you buy their synths. The UAD sounded nice though. Wonder how the Synapse would do.

[@robertm3730]

Very creative way to present a video and also a very good comparison.

[@keeppushin]

Hope you keep this format of videos

[@NullStaticVoid]

I used to have an early 70's Mini on loan fora couple of years. Used it on a ton of stuff. I still use samples I recorded of it despite owning a dozen synths and twice that many soft synths. Surprised at how different they all sound from each other. The overdrive was an interesting difference. Most of these apps/hardware don't replicate the way that resonance and overdrive compete for control. You can dial in a certain amount of overdrive then almost remove it by increasing resonance. This isn't strange actually. It's similar to how opamps use feedback to linearize the signal. Also on a real Mini there are a lot of little things that don't always show up in emulations. Like the way the mixer of it clips asymmetrically. Or how the noise behaves. It's not pure white noise. There is a kind of living quality to it that I've never heard replicated. Even the Minimoog re-issue doesn't get it right. I did a ton of patches based on modulating the filter with noise and once you hear it you know. But then it's also an aspect of that filter that is hard to recreate. Even for Moog. Of all of them I really liked the UAD. I have a lot of UAD DSP so I might have to pick that up next time they have a sale. Also, why not the Moog music Mini App? It's on Mac OS now and it is really good.