Moog Minitaur - Scoring Demo (NO TALKING)

I'm questioning my hobby as a composer a lot at the moment. Things are difficult, but I think things need to change. And sometimes, that means an old friend has to leave the studio. I have the Minitaur since more than 3 years now, and I think it is time to swap it for something more versatile, or more experimental. I thought I would let it go in glory, and take it for a last dance. This is an extremely good sounding synth, designed for scoring. I will miss it.
Please enjoy some sound demos, and a rescore of Hostage, from #detroitbecomehuman
INTRO: 0:00
SOUND DEMOS: 0:46
RESCORE: 6:08
FOR THE GEAR HEADS:
Computer: iMac 27’ 2019, 3.7GHz i5, 40GB RAM
DAWs: Ableton Live 10 Standard
MIDI Controller: Novation Impulse 61
Monitors: Yamaha HS5
Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT 990 PRO 250 Ohms
Microphones: Rode NT1-A, Shure SM57
Interface: UAD apollo Twin X Duo
Guitars: Fender American Standard, Epiphone Les Paul Traditional Pro
Synths: Moog Minitaur, Arturia Drumbrute Impact, Eurorack system
Software Synths: U-He Diva and Zebra2, Serum
Amp: Fender Hot Rod Deluxe
#moog #dark #synthesizer

[@TDB_Music]

Hey everyone, I want to thank all of you for the overwhelming support on this video, I did not expect such positive feedback ❤ Some of the sounds used here actually made it into a sample pack I just released called DEVIANT. If you are interested, you can check it out here, I absolutely love this pack and I hope you will too: thomasdb.gumroad.com/l/deviant

[@ThePedalboardOrchestra]

One of the best sound demos of the Minitaur here on KZbin. 👍👍👏👏 This little synth is amazing 🖤

[@TDB_Music]

Thank you, that means a lot! 🙌

[@analogmission]

This is by far the most interesting Moog Minitaur feature I've ever seen. That's a fine score, as well. I would never have thought to try and get something like this out of the Minitaur, and for that reason, I am sad to see this instrument leave your collection.

[@TDB_Music]

Thank you, it means a lot coming from you! Really loved that Green Valley performance!

[@skazzato1002]

​@@TDB_Musicyeah, that Green valley performance is great

[@Mecoh]

Wonderful! I love the sound design, including the use of effects, and the score is pretty solid! It was inspiring, I watched it twice and subscribed the channel, hope to see more like this!

[@TDB_Music]

Thank you so much for the kind words ❤️ it was a ton of fun to make this score, and it warms my heart that someone else might be enjoying it!

[@5lip5pace]

Awesome work man! Love the grit

[@TDB_Music]

Thanks a ton!

[@christdolphin69]

wow, i love content like this. more of this please

[@TDB_Music]

Thank you very much, that’s very kind!

[@thegreatsiberianitch]

Awesome work, the scoring is so great, adds so much tension to the gameplay. I've been wanting a Minitaur for a while. Simple but with so much potential, so universally applicable but so unique. A special little synth indeed.

[@TDB_Music]

Thank you so much! Little synth with a big sound

[@bobbythompson4268]

Best way to make purchases like this, I’ve found, is to put back a couple, go online, enter your payment info, and hit submit. Problem solved, the problems created by spending that money will take care of themselves somehow!

[@ricardleandro]

Wow! Congratulations on this…very inspiring!

[@TDB_Music]

Thanks a lot for watching!!

[@johan9187]

Holy crap, this was good. You did well in sqeeuzing all the possible juice out of the minitaur and inspired me to use mine more. If have both the subsequent 37 and an Iridium, these are great synths, but there is magic in the Minitaurs simple workflow.

[@TDB_Music]

Thank you, this means a lot! I agree that the Minitaur has some magic to it, because of it’s simple architecture, it’s so difficult to make it sound bad. Hope you can have fun with yours again!

[@712Jefferson]

Damn, you crushed this. Great work.

[@TDB_Music]

Thanks a lot! I’m still really happy with how this came out

[@giselediniz]

Thanks you.. i want one of this. Terrific ALL the effects

[@Durosai]

Really good stuff man. I love my minitaur so much

[@TDB_Music]

Thanks! It really is a special synth

[@michaelwalters3908]

Great job! Loved it!

[@TDB_Music]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hernannieto1]

Amazing. Thanks

[@davespicer2143]

That was bloody brilliant mate!

[@TDB_Music]

Thank you very much, that means a lot!

[@dimass1008]

wow! 👏👏👏its really amazing work!!💥

[@TDB_Music]

Thank you so much 😀

[@giselediniz]

The world Will turn in a dance floor

[@matiascastrocomposer]

So good! Now I need a Minitaur. Thank you!!!

[@TDB_Music]

Glad you like it! And hope you’ll have fun with the Minitaur if you decide to get one!

[@pyrexcarrier]

So good, congrats!!

[@TDB_Music]

Glad you like it!

[@user-ch1dr5tm3i]

amazing work

[@TDB_Music]

Thank you so much!!

[@LuctaeMusic]

Beautiful!

[@TDB_Music]

Thank you very much!

[@KurasWawa]

Great job man!

[@TDB_Music]

Thank you very much!

[@PrimitiveInTheExtreme]

Fantastic Demo 🔝🔝🔝

[@TDB_Music]

Thank you very much!!

[@inglorious76]

amazing job!

[@TDB_Music]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@microativhub]

this goes super hard

[@TDB_Music]

Always the goal ☠️

[@johnpaullovetek1809]

Muito interessante e poderosos os sons do Minotauro!

[@petrfux]

Kool! Your raised my heartbeat.

[@TDB_Music]

Mission accomplished!

[@eafortson]

Very impressive dude. Well done.

[@TDB_Music]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@NicolasMelis]

nice! sounds great

[@TDB_Music]

Thanks a lot!

[@toskabyss]

phenomenal

[@TDB_Music]

Thank you! That means a lot

[@macaronafterparty]

Fantastic!

[@TDB_Music]

Thanks, this means a lot!

[@jasonchristian8362]

never selling amy of my moogs, but you do you. sounds great

[@TDB_Music]

The regret is definitely present!

[@DAZMOSROCKS]

great sounds

[@TDB_Music]

Thank you!!

[@milocero]

great work

[@TDB_Music]

Thanks a lot!

[@NikoNoxious]

Excited to do something like this with mine and Bigsky. Thanks

[@TDB_Music]

That sounds like a wonderful combination! Have fun

[@giselediniz]

Amazing

[@TDB_Music]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@BeatsByGemsmiff]

🔥🔥

[@bobbythompson4268]

Sick. Picking mine up tomorrow from guitar center.

[@TDB_Music]

Hope you’re having fun with it!

[@metaspherz]

I am very impressed with your skills. You're young, so don't get too critical of your hobby. It might take you 10 years to become an overnight success! Experimenting with new gear can be fun, educational, and productive. Stick to your hobby!

[@TDB_Music]

Thanks for all the kind words on the videos! It really means a lot. I think as a hobbyist, it’s important to have gear that inspires you in different directions. I feel like I’m at the point with the Minitaur were I need more experimentation options. But who knows, it might come back in a couple of years!

[@renevanderkraats3811]

Wow....that part from 5:19 to 6:00 was really impressive in composition and sound!

[@TDB_Music]

Thank you so much!

[@Cysubtor_8vb]

Hmm, I have u-he Zebra Legacy and is planning on getting the Moog Minitaur, but hadn't thought about how that combo could get an Hans Zimmer sound 🤣 Nice demo!

[@TDB_Music]

I would recommend getting presets from The Unfinished for Zebra, hands down the best presets for composers!

[@imola8]

you really have a got taste for cool sound. I like it a lot! May i suggest a blofeld desktop synthesizer. It`s awesome and extremely versatile and affordable.

[@TDB_Music]

Thank you for the kind words! I think the Blofeld is really underrated, as it looks capable of really powerful sounds. I’m just not sure how easy to is to experiment/play around with it? Will keep an eye out

[@JimBo-jf2qp]

Very nice. I have the Moog Sound Studio trio, and a Behringer Neutron. If you're after something more creative and experimental, I highly recommend the Subharmonicon or the Neutron :) I also just got a Digitone Keys, and to be honest I'm a little overwhelmed by all that it can do! The sound design, sequencing and performance potential in it are HUGE.

[@TDB_Music]

The Moog Trio is also pretty high on my list, especially the combo DFAM-Subharmonicon. I feel like the DFAM would fit my composing style perfectly, lots of percussive loops and bass pulses, it just looks so exciting!

[@RockweedAK]

@@TDB_Music​ I’ve got the combo sitting on my desk and have been pretty happy with them. Especially when I run them through some effects. I have to say though, I’ve been missing having a clean lead voice. The mother 32 just didn’t do it for me for some reason. After watching your video, it sounds like the Minotaur could fill that niche nicely.

[@TDB_Music]

I’m not sure I could recommend the Minitaur for leads, because it has a hardware-limited range! No matter what you do, it is not possible to produce sounds higher in pitch than C4 (I think, I’m not sure, but around there). That’s why Moog released the Sirin, which doesn’t have this range limitation. The Minitaur will do fine in the Bass / Mid range, but for Mid / High range, it won’t work. So please check it out before purchasing one!

[@JimBo-jf2qp]

@@RockweedAK Nice! I'm glad you're enjoying the holy trinity :) What kind of effects do you like to push them through? Also, in what way doesn't the M-32 cut it as a lead for you?

[@MrFrattocchia]

@@RockweedAK I own and agree regarding M32. If not expanded with one full ADSR at least it sounds always too static, it is thought to be used with more modular gear. With Minitaur you will miss full octave extension and a PWM, but is more expressive than M32, and you can save patches. If was existing a proper expansion with noise, pwm and some cv mod sources in the 0v-5v range, I would have suggested Sirin.

[@goodmusic7459]

The music is better than the movie :)

[@TDB_Music]

My editing skills are definitely on the "to be improved" list!

[@drsamurai009]

I've always longed for the bass girth and growl of an OG Taurus, but the prices were just too out there. With the Minitaur and a deep controller like my KMI 12 Step, I finally have THAT bass sound under my feet. For the fullest sounding analog bass, nothing touches it. It may not play scorching high lead sounds, but this was an excellent video example of pushing it's limits and creating a more than full sounding mix, even with the C4 cap. Well done!

[@TDB_Music]

Thank you! I’m glad someone noticed the cap, because it’s for some reason one of my favorite unintentional features. I love playing chords with that, having the upper octaves wrap up, it just gives a super cool sound. It’s definitely a synth that should be more popular!

[@drsamurai009]

@@TDB_Music hmmm. I never though of using that octave wrap as a performance feature. I'll have to explore that idea.

[@TDB_Music]

@@drsamurai009 sorry I just realized my mistake, not the octave wrap up but the hard limit. If you tune one oscillator an octave up from the other, then try to break the hard limit, the higher oscillator will stay at C while the other will play normally, giving you the possibility to make “chords”. They sound nasty and I absolutely love making ostinatos like this. Only works in C though

[@discomfortdesigns]

The Knight!!

[@TDB_Music]

No cost too great. No mind to think. No will to break. No voice to cry suffering. Born of God and Void. You shall seal the blinding light that plagues their dreams. You are the Vessel. You are the Hollow Knight.

[@keithgoodale3945]

Incredible sounds here. What are you looking at as a replacement?

[@TDB_Music]

Thanks for the kind words! I have to say right now I’m considering the Matrixbrute, I know it would be a big change but I feel like I would be able to get something out of it for a while. Other contenders are the DFAM, Grandmother, Sub37. We are spoiled with choice these days!

[@OCEANSINSPACE]

sounds cool , its the good time for changes though.

[@TDB_Music]

Agreed, I really believe gear is a good way to inspire and guide your music writing. If you feel stuck, then maybe changing gear is the start of a new direction

[@theleastsignificantbit4794]

Great video! Did you make the overlay yourself? That is an excellent idea!

[@TDB_Music]

Thanks! It’s an overlay from Oversynth, I think it’s the “Blackphase”. Can 100% recommend these, they make life so much easier!!!

[@els1f]

This sounded amazing! I've been thinking about getting this since it came out but other things kept coming up first lol. Where did you get that faceplate/overlay? It doesn't come with it, does it?

[@TDB_Music]

It’s an incredible synth! The overlay comes from a company called Oversynth, and they are a life changer, I fully recommend it!

[@tehbigshow]

Idk man...that demo at the end was magic. That scene could play out in different ways. Is there some choices that could be made to have you keep the Moog?

[@TDB_Music]

Making this video had me seriously reconsider my decision. But I think I’m at the point in my life where I would like something that can teach me more about synthesis. Or something more experimental. More modulation, a keyboard, more distortion, more weirdness… but damn if I won’t miss this thing

[@theleastsignificantbit4794]

The Subsequent 37 has a lot of features like looping envelopes and everything can be tweaked via midi CC. It can sound smooth or very aggressive, but it isn’t as smooth as the Minitaur in the low end. The Minitaur is melted butter-hot melted butter.

[@TDB_Music]

It’s definitely on my short list for the Minitaur’s replacement, it’s been a dream of mine for a long time!

[@bysbox1]

I had both. Ended up getting rid of the Subsequent 37 and keeping the Minitaur. The Subsequent 37 has great modulation capabilities, but does not have that deep low end that the Minitaur has. You can tell the difference in the oscillators. I actually have a Matriarch and a Grandmother on the way that I think will be a great compliment to the minitaur and OB6. Both Matriarch and Grandmother sound different than the Subsequent 37 or Minitaur (more grittier).

[@dankeplace]

I got rid of mine as was sick of tethering it to PC to see the patches. Great sounding machine let down by this simple patch viewing thingymabob.

[@TDB_Music]

Yeah, I gave up on trying to use presets and just did everything from scratch. Thankfully a good overlay helps for this, but I didn’t get along with the VST connection

[@dankeplace]

@@TDB_Music it's a great sounding synth, needs proper ADSR and small display for patches.

[@Grant82gc]

I only ever use it via VST and I use it ALOT. For me it's a great synth that accompanies your daw.

[@TDB_Music]

It’s cool to see how different people have different workflow! To be honest I think this is how the synth was designed, to be used on the desktop with a strong connection to the DAW with the VST

[@dankeplace]

@@depth78 It's a really nice sounding synth, if you can get to play with one, you will understand what I mean when you need to tether it to a computer to see what patch you're on. I found it frustrating because I loved the sound, hated the need for a pc. If you wanted to save some money, there is a Behringer clone called the Toro, I am not too fond of it. Erica Synths Bassline DB-01 is nice and similar price here. Norand Mono is another very capable synth but MK2 is out now.

[@mariodquiroz]

Nice! Where did you get the extended label printing for the Minitaur controls?

[@TDB_Music]

Thanks! It comes from an online shop called Oversynth, they make my life sooooooo much easier!

[@hellf.o]

Awesome! So grab a DFAM!😍👍

[@TDB_Music]

Thank you!! The DFAM is definitely high on my list, it feels like a must have for scoring. Good blend of analog pulses and experimental sounds. Now if only I had the budget for a DFAM and a Matrixbrute…

[@NickVu]

I'm really curious what you swap this out for. Trying to find something that can even come close to Minitaur bass in eurorack format.

[@TDB_Music]

I haven’t replaced it with anything yet, it left an empty spot in my studio. I’m trying to use my eurorack system more, as well as a DIY system. But when I need a “moogy” sound, for now I use NI Monark. Someday I will get a replacement!

[@joshua42777]

if I just wanted that Moog bass sound would this be the best option??

[@TDB_Music]

Haven’t really tried any other options but it’s pretty good at it!

[@sashaatree6535]

to which minitaur's in/outputs the reverb pedals are plugged to please?

[@TDB_Music]

There was no reverb pedals used, only reverb softwares (just used as a simple insert/VST in the daw). The Minitaur has a standard Line output which I used for recording, not the headphones output.

[@soundvandal3570]

I miss mine. What did you replace it with?

[@TDB_Music]

So far nothing. I want to finish some ongoing projects before exploring a new synth. But I use NI Monark whenever I need some Moog sounds, as it’s pretty awesome!

[@sentokan]

Ur Moog has all the shift functions on it. How comes?

[@TDB_Music]

I had an overlay on top of it to show me the hidden functions. Came from a company called Oversynth, and honestly that was a life changer!

[@FlynnTaggart23]

Cool demo, you got some nice noises out of the mini but also stiched them together in a musical way. I think it's a keeper, though I'm biased. I drive mine by CV from my Analog Four (A4). I've gone up and down, back and forth... In my mind I'd have to go to something like the Kijimi to replace it but can't justify it the $$$ or the complexity. The AR, A4 & OT I have are deep enough already & i'm not using all they offer. So I came around to just accepting the mini for what it is... when I need that thing it's there and it is the best at what it does, it just only does that one thing... On the up side the Mini isn't very expensive so when you buy another one to replace the one you sold you won't be too much out of pocket;)

[@TDB_Music]

I have a feeling I may buy it again in a couple of years once I really miss it! I think for people who love Elektron stuff, the Minitaur is a great addition, especially for live performance. It’s solid and reliable, will pretty much always sound good.

[@chateautemp]

Super basic question - did you record your loops to an external recording device?

[@TDB_Music]

Everything is recorded directly into an audio interface and into Ableton. I used the midi keyboard through Ableton to control the synth, and processed some of the sounds directly in the computer once recorded

[@chateautemp]

@@TDB_Music Got it thanks. The part at 2min where you're looping the delayed kick part is what I'm referring to. I haven't figured out how to record audio while doing that with a loop. I'm sure it's a basic thing but can't for the life of me find it out there in tutorials!

[@TDB_Music]

Ah yes, took me some time too! Basically, you need one MIDI channel that is set to sent the programmed midi notes to the synth. Then, you need an audio channel that is set to record the audio IN from the synth (in your audio interface). In Ableton, there is a device called “External Instrument” which combines both tracks into one, so you can play the MIDI and hear directly the synth on the same track (as if the external synth was just a plugin), which is how I was able to add effects to it. I would always recommend however recording the audio to a separate track. The reason you don’t see the audio recording in the video is because I’m using a screen capture software to capture the sound, to make it easier for the video editing!

[@chateautemp]

@@TDB_Music Ah yes makes sense. Will give it a go. Thanks for the explanation. :)

[@tonyt303]

Where did you get that overlay ?

[@TDB_Music]

From a maker called Oversynth, they make tons of these and they are life savers!

[@YanivhmTube]

And to think what you can get out of with Behringer model D (Boog)...

[@TDB_Music]

I was quite hesitant between the Model D and the Minitaur for my first synth. I think both are really capable and would be a perfect fit for anyone looking for a good sounding first synth!

[@scottglasgowmusic]

I love my Minotaur but it always sounds "rubbery" and not "edgy" or has any kind of bite (like all MOOG products TBH). I used it once on a big film and sort of cringe when I hear those tracks. It is just dated--- but I still have mine and probably will keep it as my one MOOG in my studio. Cool cue.

[@TDB_Music]

I think the one thing missing on it is a way to overload the filter through the oscillator mixing stage, like lots of other Moogs! But I always find it really interesting how different composers have different experiences with the Minitaur. Whether it fits someone’s taste or not, I think it definitely made a mark on the gear landscape. Thanks for watching!

[@eyesintheskies]

Anyone know what midi keyboard that is?

[@TDB_Music]

Me, I know! It’s the Novation Impulse 61 :) wonderful keyboard for the price with lots of faders, not sure it’s still in production but it is great. A bit big, but if you have the space I would recommend it

[@amonster8mymother]

Can you lfo the filter?

[@TDB_Music]

Yes, there is a single multi-shape LFO that can be assigned to both the pitch and the filter cutoff

[@JakeSweeper]

It's a pity you've pulled the minitaur out of the rotation for sale as you sound like you really know your way around it. Hope whatever is replacing it kills.

[@TDB_Music]

I’m still searching at the moment. I have loved every minute spent with the Minitaur, but I hope changing things around will push me in a new direction!

[@wesleyforman8391]

all factory or download to patches?

[@TDB_Music]

No presets at all, they were all made on the spot. I find the synth very easy to use so no need for presets

[@wesleyforman8391]

@@TDB_Music you have any saved? There's a lot of under hood features using the software so although may be easy to program you cant do everything from knobs so

[@TDB_Music]

@wesleyforman8391 you definitely can, but I personally don’t like it when the knobs don’t show exactly what the synth is doing (like when you load a preset). It’s not the Minitaur’s fault, just me :) so I never saved any presets

[@stumsi-music]

Great action here, I love it. It seems we both share the same passion about Moog synths. Check my battle between Minitaur VS Sub37 if you're interested in...

[@TDB_Music]

I will definitely check it out!