Mopho Keyboard v Bass Station 2 // The Value of Intuitive Design

[@andolinitheflyingtortellin4765]

Menu-Dive any% WR

[@JorbLovesGear]

😂 Manual-Skip, glitchless pb

[@iancain6647]

Jorb such a sincere channel. We all love synths here, and even if that's all we have to share then that's enough to me. Thank you.

[@elliespohr]

Your channel has all the hallmarks of quality and as long as you stick with it you'll grow. Seriously, great work in general.

[@JorbLovesGear]

Very kind, thanks so much. Always working to get better

[@timodeboer8229]

Jorb has become one of my favourite channels by far - super crisp explanations and visuals - and FAIR comparisons. Keep doing your thing 😎

[@JorbLovesGear]

Cheers! All things I'm working hard at, nice to hear that

[@kiko1935]

This is far and above the best new synth channel to come out, keep up the great work

[@JorbLovesGear]

High praise, thank you! Always always trying to improve

[@TryASMR]

Agree!

[@yes0genesis]

Bass Station II was my first hardware synth and I love it. Was definitely the right decision to get it as my first and all the updates throughout the (many) years has more than justified it and kept it new and exciting.

[@Farold_Haltermeyer]

I love watching Jorb’s MoPho videos for the simmering rage 😂😂

[@JorbLovesGear]

INFERNAL MACHINE

[@Farold_Haltermeyer]

@@JorbLovesGear as a Mopho and Tetra user I feel your pain ;) oddly got rid of my BS2 and am tolerating the interface on these old DSI's as they get me nearer the Pro-One sounds...but there are moments...actually, Infernal Machine is an amazing name for a synth (speaking of which, have you tried the PWM Mantis in it's current state...kept thinking you'd enjoy it whilst trying it out)

[@justaustinmorris]

No chance there's zero comments here. I don't even own either of these synths - but just had to say you're videos are the BEST. Anyone who wants to talk about synths should use your channel as a reference point. Thanks for the great Deepmind patches!

[@JorbLovesGear]

First to it, cheers. Thank you! PolySix soon!

[@testohtoby]

I was just thinking about this comparison today and your video just popped out. Really helpful video (and channel too, def a subber!)

[@robertlee1176]

36k in subscribers? What on earth are people doing? This is always fantastic content

[@JorbLovesGear]

ahhh bless, thank you

[@JWolde]

The button functionality of the mopho seems similar to the Nord Lead. On the Nord I tend to cycle through the button modes a couple of times before hitting the right setting. Easy to bash those buttons too quickly. Having used a page based layout on a different synth, the ux is so important. Great video!

[@logantechno4495]

great content man! I agree about the mopho being more time consuming to program & I ended up mapping my most used parameters via CC to Maschine studio so I can easily find everything with minimal diving and repetitive presses and so I can automate it. that being said I still have to menu dive for the mod matrix.

[@gazeboofdestruction]

Thanks for the Mopho content. I picked one up from a friend and while I have enjoyed the presets I have found the rest of it pretty impenetrable. As an older synth that’s not a big grail piece, I haven’t been able to dig up much tutorial content about it. I recently traded an old bass for a Korg Minilogue and I’ve been finding that a much more accessible introduction to synthesis. Now I just need to decide whether to keep the Mopho in the closet for a few years until I can wrap my brain around it or just sell it and get it out into the world for someone else to enjoy.

[@JorbLovesGear]

Minilogue is an excellent way to learn, I still proudly recommend the original as a first synth. I've been meaning to do a sort of demo / walk-through just focusing on the mopho, because you're right there aren't a lot of good resources. This comment helps me want to make a point of doing that, cheers.

[@marcosrotllan]

@@JorbLovesGear still waiting the mopho video!

[@JoshIsMakingMusic]

I used to have a Mopho X4, and while it sounded great, I found the interface extremely unintuitive, and I disliked how many button presses stood between me and the settings I wanted to access. I've now got a Korg Prologue 8, and I'm a very happy camper.

[@pjfossum4378]

My first analog synth (non-rompler) was a mopho x4 (4 voice poly version). I have to admit that with the goal of learning synthesis it was the wrong synth to buy from the get-go. It took me forever to understand what something like an envelope did. It was pretty unintuitive from a beginner's standpoint. And the misc. functions menu was kind of a drag to use with that little screen. That being said! I still own the mopho x4 and have no intension of selling it. It's an amazing value for cost and that modulation matrix (on a 4 voice synth no less) is really a star. It seems like it was designed by people with a great understanding of subtractive synthesis and thus seems like it's kind of built for them and not a pleb buying their first synth. Btw, love your content, keep it coming!

[@JorbLovesGear]

Well said, the features are the big sell in a lot of ways. To be honest, still don't get why they didn't call it the tetra keyboard. Or over a prophet 4, like half the pro 8, it's a weird product line up.

[@TayTayMakesBeats]

Love the Uzumaki sticker, fits the Bass Station really well.

[@JorbLovesGear]

It really is perfect. My buddy's, he chose well!

[@adventuresinasmr1314]

I own the Mopho desktop and the BS2. If I could only have one I'd keep the Mopho because it sounds more vibrant and it can be programmed in ways the BS2 cannot. I'm not much of a player, more a sound designer, hence the tradeoff in the UI is not a problem for me.

[@JorbLovesGear]

Good example, different tools for different users

[@nigelrogers8690]

Love this channel, great video 👏🏾

[@JorbLovesGear]

Cheers, thank you!

[@thesrabbit]

I’m fine not having knob per function on a deeper synth if it has an easy to read screen that shows me what’s happening. As I watch this vid, the Mopho seems ok to me, unlike the tiny Rev2 screen that I have to squint to see. Elektron does a pretty good job of jam packing stuff into a small box without making it a bad user experience.

[@JorbLovesGear]

Elektron is a wonderful example, the way the screen relates to the encoders is so simple, but super effective. Lots of others copying that lately, look at the opsix and wavestate. I didnt know that about the Rev 2, now ive REALLY got to try one.

[@marcioaugusto4659]

Is Mopho synth good for bass playing? Im looking for 808 sound and that full synth bass sound

[@JorbLovesGear]

it is, but so are a lot of things these days, and the mopho interface is a bit of a drag

[@chiefbucknell]

As Novation keeps adding new features in firmware updates, I’ve used a label maker (set to the smallest font possible) to add slightly-sloppy reminders above or below the keys, to remind me how to get to the newer features.

[@JorbLovesGear]

Now it's just as functional as the afx station! Lol

[@chiefbucknell]

@@JorbLovesGear😂 Exactly!

[@svt4001]

It makes me think of the difference between simple and complex carbohydrates and how the body assimilates them. TheBS being like a sugar that is sweet to the taste, quickly absorbed, but might leave you hungry shortly thereafter; and the Mopho being a complex carb that may not be as sweet but "stays with you" longer.

[@KattKirsch]

The Toraiz AS-1 has been an amazing synth that punches so far above its pricetag; but it is 100% menu diving, and seems counterintruitive... at first. Now that I've been learning it, I realize that to make a patch, I just click through every menu option, make a choice, run back through afterwards to polish, and patch is done. Really dramatic example of something that's impossible at first, then just start to clicks if you're willing to invest in it. That "if," that's the biggie.

[@JorbLovesGear]

That is a great example, the learning becomes getting used to that workflow, knowing what the values are gonna sound like, anticipating the next one etc etc. All the Toraiz stuff has passed me by, but I almost bought a squid, was impressed by them at knobcon.

[@KattKirsch]

@@JorbLovesGear Oooh I haven't messed with the other stuff, really trying to keep it one thing per brand per function; but if I could polychain the AS-1 I'd probably be on my way to building a Prophet 6 x3

[@marcosrotllan]

I had the Toraiz synth and i sold it. I think i still dont want to selll the mopho keys.

[@KattKirsch]

@@marcosrotllan Different strokes and all that. I just wanted a big raw prophet tone and somehow got that, PLUS this fat juicy weird goofy lead synth.

[@MBArkestra]

I agree. I resisted the AS-1 at first, almost selling it twice, but once I stopped lamenting the lack of knobs and just used the thing it really clicked. Now I kind of love programming on it. Yes, more knobs would be great, but the methodical nature of scrolling through the menus pulls stuff out of me I probably wouldn’t make otherwise. As usual the answer is to not think so much and just make music.

[@TwinCitiesOxygen]

What is a step up from the BSii for modern monosynths with user presets

[@JorbLovesGear]

If I were buying something new, today, premium af, probably the pro 3. But bs2 still kicks ass

[@TwinCitiesOxygen]

@@JorbLovesGear did you see the PWM Mantis that’s coming out in late fall?

[@JoshIsMakingMusic]

Love that Uzumaki sticker.

[@JorbLovesGear]

Me too!

[@77rgoss]

Interesting comparison, man. Much appreciated. I have been wanting to get my hands on a Dave Smith instrument, as I currently do not have any in my collection. I've looked at the MoPho. Would you recommend that synth as a good "jumping off" point? I'm not really interested in desktops. And I'm not really looking to drop a couple k on anything atm.

[@JorbLovesGear]

A good jumping off point for DSI stuff? Definitely. If you can find a good deal on a mopho keys, mopho SE, or mopho x4, great place to get the sounds.

[@streettrash_sid]

Picked up a used Novation Mono Station for £180 practically unused & a very clean Circuit for £120. Wanted a Bass Station 2 however they were always £300+ used. The Mono is fantastic. Cannot understand why it’s so underrated & cheap. The Circuit & Mono work so well together. £300 bargain.

[@JorbLovesGear]

ooo thats a great combo

[@ruffiankick]

Dope Uzamaki sticker on your BassStation ha!!

[@JorbLovesGear]

Cheers! From a good buddy, he's the one with good taste.

[@notsure1135]

Owned both, the mopho keyboard with aftertouch is the best by far I have ever played. I still own the BS2 but I mourn the sale of my mopho 8 years on…

[@j-star1]

With all the currents updates on Bass Station. Do you think is still worth gettin the Mopho?

[@JorbLovesGear]

Hard to say, if the bs2 updates are of particular interest, maybe not! to be honest though, the prices differences make it pretty easy to justify the bass station, when they come really close in features.

[@jakobsweet5219]

Hey Jorb! Do you have any interest in the korg prologue? I find that its super intuitive on the surface but then theres this whole extra world that expands behind the menus that I can't seem to wrap my brain around. Would be extremely interested to hear your opinion on its "intuition score" for its under the hood features and also just generally curious if that synth is on the horizon for you at all. thanks!

[@JorbLovesGear]

I certainly do. I had an 8 for a minute and did a short 'why I'm selling' ghadt never got released. I have been thinking about a revisit. Really fun for bread & butter synth sounds

[@jakobsweet5219]

@@JorbLovesGear id be super interested in seeing that vid if it ever comes to fruition! - thinking about swapping mine for something new or pairing it with something else to fill in its gaps.

[@kiko1935]

Oh man- an example where synths miss the mark in terms of intuitiveness? The Roland SH-32. Despite its impressive specs it is compromise in a box. I still like it but I remind myself "take your time" before programming on it. Conversely, the Nord Lead 2X, another high polyphony multi timberal monster seems to be much more intuitively laid out, and it's programming surface area is smaller (I think?) I've only had it for 6 days and I'm able to easily assign mod wheel destinations, velocity, morphs etc. Cool topic!

[@JorbLovesGear]

Sh 32 is one of those in betweeners that could be a hidden gem, or stay a dud. I'd enjoy one if I can find a good deal. Nord lead, great example, super refined panel on those. And actually, not unlike the bass station, the menu diving is really just shift + 1 or 2 other buttons. Good examples!

[@kiko1935]

@@JorbLovesGear hey, if you're serious I'll sell you mine! KIKO1#8146 on discord 👍

[@sulate1]

I had a Mopho desktop unit for a number of years. While it had great sounds on board the UI killed any love I had for it. Sold it and bought a Microfreak, which keeps getting better and better.

[@kaiwetronic]

The shortcuts on the Basstation workflow remind me of my MiniAK... But even so, it gives you just one encoder for all editings... A nightmare to programm it...!!

[@JorbLovesGear]

My worst nightmare is a low-knob count

[@kaiwetronic]

@@JorbLovesGear so, never mess with the Micron or the MiniAK...!! Anyways, they have the best VA engine of all time... like having all the best features of all the best synths in one box... Seriously, mate... The Ion is the best option if you have enough space in your studio...

[@waterthroughyouropenhands]

Fire

[@johnclint9894]

Lovin that uzamaki decal

[@JorbLovesGear]

Same lol

[@johnclint9894]

@@JorbLovesGear quick question brother.. am a new sub & watched a few of your videos regarding sampling. Saw you recommend the keystep pro. I currently use a mpc studio but would like to get a midi to control vst's with more ease. Would you reccomend the mopho or the arturia keystep with the sequencer?

[@JorbLovesGear]

@@johnclint9894 I like the keystep, but to me, just having another synth with a midi keyboard is enough. Especially when you would probably sequence with the mpc anyway. So keystep is affordable and convenient with just usb, but of you have a synth in front of you already with a keyboard, just turn local midi off and you're getting the same experience.

[@johnclint9894]

@@JorbLovesGear bet, so the mopho would be the better option correct? I was thinking that it would, but since i'm new to production i wanted a second opinion

[@JorbLovesGear]

@@johnclint9894 ehh it's a different one, if you already wanted a mono synth, hell yeah. No reason to buy a little keyboard if you already have one. Or, if you're down with just the software synths in the mpc, hit the keystep for like 1/3rd of the price

[@bryceheffinger8895]

I want an oscilloscope to play with my synth it’s soothing to me what kind is that ?

[@JorbLovesGear]

This is a B&K! But honestly, get anything cheap you can find. If it works, it should be able to visualize synths.

[@LORDLOBO]

@@JorbLovesGear Thanks for rocking. Loving your channel... Which model B&K? How would one set it up to monitor the synth waves? I find it soothing too...

[@dwcs6570]

Very good channel....just a small tip: please, less talk and more sound comparisons ;) Keep it up!

[@SirRigbyBaconKaiser]

100% Menu dive Speed run when Jorb?

[@JorbLovesGear]

This is honestly in the meme video backlog now, patch speedruns.

[@flamegrylls8965]

Hey, just FYI, I find the levels of voice to synth too differernt, which makes it hard to watch - I turn up the volume to hear the voice then get blasted by synth sounds. Is a bit jarring (IMO)

[@JorbLovesGear]

I've had tons of trouble with audio, I've definitely improved since this!

[@amonster8mymother]

👍

[@iancain6647]

Yes.

[@1dkappe]

I really liked the bs2 initially but have really come to hate it with time. The first thing I taught myself was how to set the knobs, switches and sliders to the correct positions for the init patch, otherwise you’re working in the dark. Doing the same for a preset is tedious and impossible for the functions and setting. So, no, the bs2 is not a synth that shows you exactly where you are.

[@dannyovington8445]

So true mate I have one for making harsh bass,noise and screeches and kick drums but like you said its a nuisance to remember where ur at

[@amonster8mymother]

Isn't the basstation DCOs?

[@JorbLovesGear]

i think so? so is the mopho

[@amonster8mymother]

@@JorbLovesGear no really?? Is the sub 37 dcos or VCO?

[@JorbLovesGear]

@@amonster8mymother sub 37 is vco. Changes a lot less than you'd think

[@amonster8mymother]

@@JorbLovesGear I want one VCO one dco.

[@ushnicyuvnikof2748]

Moog sounds better to me, listening on Hs8 monitors through a Focusrite Clarett.

[@jordanzish]

Timer is kinda useless here. It might actually be making your point less clear. You obvious have muscle memory on both machines but it's making you pause and think about something else.

[@JorbLovesGear]

Well said!

[@jordanzish]

@@JorbLovesGear Thanks bud. Love the channel btw; keep doin' what yer doin'.

[@JorbLovesGear]

@@jordanzish cheers! Always working on more

[@TobiasBaker-c5b]

Mopho is built like a tank ans sounds better