Dreadbox NYX 2 Synthesizer - SonicLAB Review

[@timlinn1074]

Few things in life are inevitable - death, taxes, and Nick Batt reviewing Dreadbox gear.

[@Jason75913]

I thought he had already reviewed the Nyx MkII? I believe this synth came out in the spring? Or was it early summer?

[@emresound]

And him adding PWM to everything. Love it.

[@c.fanger5083]

It would be really interesting if Dreadbox made a drum machine, considering all the interesting features their synths have.

[@gnarlysoundscapes7210]

You should let yourself get lost in your synths more often... that's the part of the review that makes me want to buy it!

[@inthefade]

We need a Nick Batt minimalist album made from gear he reviews. It is always so good.

[@Deeplycloseted435]

A mono reverb can really sound amazing in a mix, when all other reverbs are in stereo. It sort of highlights the sound, and makes it stand out.

[@mikeexits]

Never thought of that honestly. I was never really bothered by synths having only mono out to be honest. I could never think of any benefits to stereo for that aside from panning the sound, which you can do in a DAW or on a mixer anyway.

[@HotStrange]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="756">12:36</a> “I mean...you know me”. Yes we do, Nick Batt. Yes we do :,)

[@nym053]

I bet that if you put it through the Digitone and use the chorus with reverb and ping pong delay on the master it's gonna sound heavenly.

[@HotStrange]

nym053 “if you through it” lol

[@nym053]

@@HotStrange - Hahaha yeah I through my Digitone everyday. It deserves it. Just edited it 🤣

[@Jason75913]

I'd use a Specular Tempus or RV-500 instead of any other synth's built-in reverb.

[@HotStrange]

nym053 lol glad you were able to take that joke in stride. Almost didn’t make it because I was afraid I would come across as a pedantic ass 😅

[@patrickhoelscher8435]

What more can you want from a synth than to get lost in it? Thankyou for the great review!

[@anx1]

I could spend hours on this synth sounds really interesting could you hook up a stereo reverb to it thou ? Maybe a blue sky 👍🎹🎛

[@Zinfidel1]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="550">9:10</a> That is haunting. Hey, Mr Dreadbox, if you're reading this... send sonicstate your new Chromatic modules! I want to hear more of the Hysteria, Eudemonia, and Dystopia!

[@MrBothandNether]

Plus 10 to this.

[@HotStrange]

Everything Nick did with the filter from around 7 minutes until 10 mins or so was beautiful and haunting. That alone sold me on this synth.

[@RobLocksley]

Got 2 Nyx one now, had one stolen so I've owned 3.... That kinda shows how much I love the Dreadbox Nyx. Getting the v2 someday...

[@fortheloveofnoise]

If you don't mind me asking, how was it stolen?

[@RobLocksley]

@@fortheloveofnoise I had it with me visiting my mother, we where on vacation and during that time my sister moved out and the moving company (based in Malmö, Sweden) just 'lost' it... Apparently some other stuff where never found either. I was in contact with the company and after being somewhat unhelpful and giving the most roundabout odd answers and explanations I reported it stolen to the police. Never found it, had a lookout on 'for sale' boards and auctions sites but it never showed where I saw it. It was an early one, I was in on the 2nd production run pre-order... I just hate criminals!

[@HornieCow]

@@fortheloveofnoise someone took it without asking.

[@jonnyjames3202]

Sorry for your loss. Kensington lock would be a welcomed addition to Dreadbox hardware IMO... wouldn't have solved the moving issue though.

[@psyched0ut]

@@RobLocksley Didnt it have a serial nr?

[@z3r0slugfm]

It has a lovely melancholy sound.

[@micedevice2389]

Sorry if I don’t get it, but why reverb needs to be stereo? I totally see the point on a delay where wide spread and ping pong makes a huge difference in space perception, but in general stereo reverb makes two copies of the same signal...or am I wrong? ( by the way I have a lot of stuff with stereo reverbs, big sky, digitech polara,... and Elektron a4, digitone, octatrack, that have a reverb and stereo outs)

[@stuartchapman5171]

Stereo on a fat reverb adds realism. You hear in stereo, a reverb is a multifaceted 3d reflection of the sound, it equates to a combination of different delay lengths from multiple directions, stereo on reverb, more than any other effect really brings out the sense of the 3d space its trying to create.

[@FunkTree]

I wonder what keeps dreadbox from putting a stereo out on their synths,...especially this one with two filters

[@richardfarabaugh7604]

That was fantastic at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="750">12:30</a> where you cranked the reverb and the filter resonance and within moments you had a beautiful ambient patch. Bravo Nick. It’s obvious you know your business when it comes to synth sound design. It’s been interesting watching your artistry grow over the years. You always continue to inspire.

[@pointsurrender]

Damn those oscillators sound good!

[@Diamond_Eyes_24]

I’m still on the fence when you have a synth with built-in FX. Both Nyx, Erebus & others like Neutron are attractive but, for me, would be always bypassing their built-in FX for more deeper/dedicated (stereo) outboard FX like pedals or modules. Bit of a gimmick and there’s always one who’ll say: wish Nyx had delay instead of verb.... boutique FX to go with a boutique synth - anyway, rabbit hole

[@aptudo]

I sometimes feel the same, but when you can apply modulation and envelopes to the effects, they almost become just another tool for sound shaping, like, say, the filter.

[@PorchBass]

I'm with you. The delay and gain structure on the Neutron is just poorly implemented (I think to encourage people using the patchbay!).

[@gnarlysoundscapes7210]

I like built in effects because they give a synth a unique character, and also allow it to be played standalone without a whole rack of external gear. Also, the Neutron's delay modulated with sample and hold sounds awesome, if you're into weird lo-fi stuff.

[@angelos808]

Dreadbox started as an FX company, so this must be inherent and fun element in their design

[@Lowebrau]

I love Nick's addiction to PWM (and his reviews)

[@jonnyjames3202]

Nick. Please Stop! I just bought the Erebus V3... My kids won't have a Christmas if you keep reviewing Dreadbox Synths! Have you no restraint, sir?! P.S. Thank you for your contribution to the synth community. With Love from Texas

[@MrBothandNether]

Kids!!! Crap!!!! _I knew I forgot to do something_

[@jonnyjames3202]

@@MrBothandNether I've actually kept my toddler quite entertained playing with my Erebus. She knows to be gentle with it, just like our pets! lol

[@johncuba1612]

i have the nyx2 (born out of chaos) & love the drone mode (dip switch mode) in Combination with the Bandpassfilter !

[@nalaeel219]

Just got mine today. Couldnt be more happier. Love dreadbox. Cant wait for the abbys 2

[@dna598]

mono reverb does not cut it.

[@SPAZZOID100]

dna598 add FX in DAW.

[@MediaMusik777]

You cannot produce stereo on the Nyx V2. The filter does self-oscillate. You cannot feed the output and overdrive it. But you can use stackable cables :) nicks 2 its yours!!!!!

[@michaeltough2449]

I don't need to argue with myself over buying a new synth, my wife does that :))))

[@HotStrange]

Wow how original! Can’t believe this is the first time anyone’s ever used that joke.

[@HotStrange]

michael tough you have to have approval from your wife to buy something you want and I’m the one with sand in my vagina? 🤔 okay tough guy.

[@TheParanoidAndroid79]

Man, Nick. You went right for the pwm. You gotta work up to that. You know, show it a good time; get to know it a little better.

[@jasonbeatty831]

Bought mine over the summer and its my first semi modular synth. I'm still finding new things bout patching! Even this video gave me a few more ideas. Ive been having endless fun with it. Surprised you didn't talk about the Drone mode on the amp, it's a beast. I never owned V1, so I can't really compare the reverbs, but I absolutely LOVE it on this version. Little shocked how much press this machine isn't getting....

[@thelantern9075]

Jason Beatty I think it sounds awesome too, don’t have one, but the patching aspect always kinda of intimidates me, not really sure how things work.

[@jacobclayton4828]

Or the oscillator sync for that matter. most analog dual oscillator synths have osc sync, but few sound as harmonically rich as the Nyx V.2....It’s a damn shame that the Nyx v.2 isn’t being covered more. I’ve had mine since mid-August, and it’s ridiculous how few reviews, patch sharing ideas, and praise from the synth community in general over just how awesome and deceptively powerful the Nyx v.2 is. Automatic Gainsay does a eight part review of this synth, which I recommend to those still on the fence on acquiring one. (Though it was Nic’s review of the original Nyx that sold me on getting the new version, much gratitude Mr. Batt!)

[@jacobclayton4828]

Wooden Penny, that’s understandable, but the only thing for it is to get a semi-modular and spend two weeks or so just having fun, playing it unpatched for a bit, then try plugging some outputs into inputs, and see what happens. I started with a Neutron last January, and didn’t know the first thing about the practical application of the patch bay. Ten months later, and I now have begun my decent into eurorack modular madness, lol! Take it slow, perhaps buy a used, inexpensive semi-modular, and if it’s not you, resell it.

[@woody9283]

That does sound good. Prollt not a good beginner synth though. but man does sound good.

[@Phil-1]

Anybody else start with the last couple of minutes of Nick's reviews to hear him playing out?

[@HotStrange]

hogberto no I like to hear the jam in context. When you listen to the review first it makes it interesting because you have some kind of idea of how he got there and it puts the clinical review stuff into context by showing it in a musical light.

[@HotStrange]

Is it just me or are Dreadbox synths really cheap for what they offer? Easily some of the best sounding synths of the century and all for under $600. Tons of features, built very well, and full of character.

[@AdrianBond]

Lost me at MONO REVERB. Don't understand why synth manufactures lame out like this and deprive would-be users of STEREO. A shame.

[@JeveMCD]

This review was one of the ones that helped me buy my own Nyx v2, and I definitely agree. It is a unit that you get lost in playing with sonically, and suddenly you've lost 2 hours without noticing it.

[@Jason75913]

So the dual filter can be used in a parallel mode? Can you set different cutoffs for each filter in that parallel mode? Does that not give you stereo sound through the headphone output?

[@bigchung3833]

Can this hook up to a Korg ms20 mini?

[@TwinCitiesOxygen]

Did you figure this out?

[@AnalogMonoxide]

Great review as usual Nick. Also, my cat enjoyed watching you hands moving across the screen.

[@supercompooper]

The crazy tube circuits reverb was AMAZIAnG

[@deweyismyneighbor5917]

For a Mono Reverb it sounds really good.

[@blipnosis2020]

I want one!

[@kwaping]

Looks like a Death By Audio guitar pedal.

[@rodrigolaporte274]

Awesome! love that Dreadbox sound... what a great review, Nick

[@valdiskrebs566]

Nice demo, great outro music, but waaaaaay too short.

[@HotStrange]

I really shouldn’t watch this but I’m going to. And then I’m going to get it. I honestly think it’s priced very well for what it is.

[@fjfrancois]

Haut Strange Lol dude I see you everywhere, take care

[@impurfekt]

Finally the Nyx 2 gets the review it deserves. Spot on. Bravo Nick.

[@HazeAnderson]

Your synth reviews are my favorites, Nick. :)

[@BarbieChaite]

Hi, what is the difference between the Nyx and the Erebus ? Except the number of VCO... do thay have their own sound ? Thanks.

[@triplebacon1]

looking forwards to a Friday fun jam ;-)

[@BrunoWiebelt]

a proper synth ... nice review

[@Kkidzz]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="545">9:05</a> F'Me....Nick, STOP opening my wallet..... :(

[@chancemeeting2849]

Jeez, no kidding. That was magical.

[@dalelaushman8749]

Fun Friday next?

[@Stefanune]

New reverb sounds really really flat at my ears :( nyx1 reverb was great

[@stuartchapman5171]

Greetings from Breezeblock Beats. Ive just come here from your NYX 1 review. Great to see another well thought through and comprehensive review. Great to see the improvements to the modulation speed or rather slow. They really have got it right this time. The slightly expanded reverb control set is a nice touch. You didn't mention whether they've solved the reverb clipping issue with this new module? It's a real deal breaker for some of us. Especially if you're playing live or a long way into the 5th take of a really long epic recording. All that aside, keep up the great reviews.

[@coconutlust470]

love coming back to these vids and seeing nick get passionate about dreadbox gear. He's right - there is something special about them and it's great to see someone who feels that noodle and play.

[@winterblood78]

Got V1 and V2, great machines. The only issue I'd like to be fixed is the drone loop stop (it stops as the hold goes down); the company told me that will be a firmware in the future for this.

[@eirikjohnsbraten6370]

I wonder how this would sound if you connected it to a Mimiq Doubler? Would it magically turn that reverb to stereo, or would it sound cheesy?

[@bigPianist99]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="217">3:37</a> of course, Nick

[@uirehuigedkahds]

I don't even know what to say about the fact that they left the reverb mono. Dreadbox makes such quality gear but that was a terrible decision imho. I would have bought it otherwise.

[@iantanner7579]

Had one for a few months now, definitely a keeper, personally, i really enjoy the limitations, as it forces me to approach the machine from a different perspective, - only issue i had was unlike the Erebus v3, the Nyx2 doesn't like my Roland midi controllers, but it works fine with my Arturia and Akai controllers... even ended up buying some WL modules to augment my modulars with some of that *dreadbox* character....

[@micedevice2389]

Ian Tanner I think there is a new firmware for Nyx 2, that solves some midi issues with some external controllers.

[@iantanner7579]

@Mice Device - Thank You, much appreciated.

[@johnadams5489]

Pretty robust fat sound. Lots of bottom end. Not too complicated. $599.

[@cesaresanmartino]

Nick you are the most fun I get out of reviews ! Competent, informative, energizing ! Thanks !

[@zorbanongreco]

Nice review of another interesting synth but toooo pricey...🐂💨

[@SPAZZOID100]

Pricey???

[@zorbanongreco]

@@SPAZZOID100 : Yes pricey !😀😎 🐂💨💨💨💨💨💨

[@69Painkiller69]

Dreadthony Nyxtano! Halloween costume? ;)

[@monomakes]

Looking closely, you can get it for 469€ all in in Spain.

[@Dea_Decay]

Thank you for the review! Been eyeing one for awhile now and I know I would absolutely love it. It would be my first semi modular synth (I've not tried modular at all) but the sounds on this are so beautiful and exactly what I gravitate towards. Hopefully in the not too distant future I can get my hands on one. If it wasn't for recent car issues I probably would have.

[@onathanj]

Really interesting synth. I wish more synths had a reverb that you could modulate. VST:s aswell.

[@PedalScience]

Killer demonstration Nick. Beautiful sounds

[@ArthurStone]

Thanks Nick/SonicState; great review as always. It does sound good : D

[@sauce_aux]

Shit. I want one. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@bliss000]

If you stick the hold to full doesn't that give you legato mode?

[@fortheloveofnoise]

I know it is a bit of a stretch, but I would love to see you review the GS Music Zeus when it comes out.

[@johnnybeaver4093]

All you need for stereo is two of them.

[@promethiousb1489]

Aww,,GAS knocking my door,,,,,,again…..

[@SyntheticFuture]

Sounds cool, but definitely not for me. Which is fine 👍

[@acialist]

the split resonance reminds me of whales

[@benjaminchilton9240]

What is that MIDI cable?!

[@YandI-u2h]

I have V1 and 2! For me, 1 has the edge in sound and 2 has the extra functionality, I often use them in 'Polychain' mode. If Dreadbox were to release a V3 addressing the points that Nick has raised, then I would sell 2 to buy it... then again, I would probably keep all three.

[@sonicstate]

I did try a stereo pair with 1 L and 2 R - it was pretty awesome

[@YandI-u2h]

@@sonicstate I have tried that and this is where you can hear that difference between the two of them... although they both sound superb. Maybe, one day, they will go for a stereo 4 voice Nyx with a few extra bells & whistles. As always an excellent review... thank you!

[@shawnsaul7759]

Diana Volte I emailed Dreadbox and they said only Nyx v1 can be polychained to another Nyx v1. How do you polychain Nyx v1 and Nyx v2 together? I’ve been wanting to get the V2 to work in stereo as well? How do you go about achieving this

[@chedhead3278]

Cheers Nick, very nice indeed. :)

[@oraz.]

that filter sounds awesome

[@MadelnMachines]

I wish I had an Abyss

[@sircliff323]

sounds high quality

[@dmomcilovic9185]

Agreed, no stereo reverb, not for me, pity would have ordered straight away

[@christianelias623]

Dr. Who!

[@superultrathanksmom3845]

Nick did a time warp at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="562">9:22</a>

[@christianwelde]

Nicks 2

[@milkweedreflections]

Nyx 1 or Nyx 2?

[@annother3350]

mono reverb!!

[@Frylund]

I would gladly have payed 100 euro more for a stereo reverb

[@ChazSeamus28]

I agree but this synthesizer still sounds amazing

[@SPAZZOID100]

Frylund nobody else would.

[@eirikjohnsbraten6370]

I would too.

[@station2499]

When you say "surface mount" you don't mean like the old Alesis mixer from the early 1990's with surface mount friction pots, do you?

[@DjRafiV]

Station 2 Surface-mount technology (SMT) is a method for producing electronic circuits in which the components are mounted or placed directly onto the surface of printed circuit boards (PCBs). ... An SMT component is usually smaller than its through-hole counterpart because it has either smaller leads or no leads at all. (Google)

[@station2499]

@@DjRafiV Just making sure that's what he meant. Was the previous NYX point to point like a handwired guitar amp?

[@DjRafiV]

Station 2 on that I’m not sure.

[@MrBothandNether]

@@station2499 that is why the 1st Erebus and Nyx were so much taller. The Abyss is a mixture of both mounting methods, pretty much.

[@station2499]

@Leandro Barros thank you everybody for clearing up the manufacturing. I agree, the synthesizer sounds phenomenal

[@jeanbonnefoy1377]

soundscapes for Blade Runner! !

[@iantanner7579]

Love it, - but i feel it would've been more aesthetically pleasing to have at least one red LED, say in between the two LFO knobs, instead of the white internals, - i understand the whole nyx = night theme, but still... Anyway it's a gorgeous device, and the build quality is superb, would never dream of selling mine. btw, my nyx2 looks good with red pvc toggle switch covers on the waveform selectors, and grey on the rest.

[@MrBothandNether]

It makes it difficult to see the print in the dark. And while I can almost operate the Abyss by feel, this one is much more complex imo. Perhaps this esthetic would've been more useful with glow in the dark print and light. Thanx for the great switch sleeve idea, I replaced all my Abyss knobs with larger Collins type bakelites for more precise movement.

[@apislapis]

Lovely to meet you at Synthfest UK 2019 btw (I was on the blue mob. scooter), where I happened to treat myself to a Nyx 2 & Erebus 3 for £399 each. Having listened to various demos of both dreadboxes, it's that characterful sound that no other synth manufacturer imho can give me at this price range that persuaded me to invest in the new versions of Nyx & Erebus. It is a bit disappointing the Nyx is mono however, it's a great opportunity to put it in the centre of the mix and pan other synths around its beautiful sound. Another great video Nick, thank you.

[@SoundOfVinyl]

To pricey, I wish they could bring this in Neutron range pricewise.....

[@SPAZZOID100]

Peter Rogge ?????

[@SPAZZOID100]

Peter Rogge stick to Behringer.

[@SoundOfVinyl]

Behringer buys Dreadbox, problem solved, knowhow Dreadbox combined with large production

[@marcoderivas2920]

Is there a way to audio IN so we can use reverb for external sources? I'm interested in the possibility of Audio OUT a Lyra-8 in the Nyx reverb. I can imagine the reverb modulator can make Lyra-8 sound even crazier.

[@marcoderivas2920]

Self-reply: In the patch bay, there are two mini-jack inputs, one goes in the filter 1, another one in filter 2. Ok, it’s not a big jack input like on the first NYX but we have our two inputs. Yes, the signal goes into the reverb, so you can still use the NYX 2 as a reverb effect.

[@KiR_3d]

Is the reverb BBD chip based?

[@frankschneider7190]

mono reverb = no go

[@fuchslochtv]

When should I buy the Erebus model and when the NYX?

[@dr.getter7118]

When? You mean, which one suits you the most? Only you can answer that. What are you looking for?

[@patrickhoelscher8435]

I have both, I use the Erebus more for lead sounds, the Nyx more for pads and atmosphere stuff.

[@themodularmodular]

@@patrickhoelscher8435 which one has better & more flexible in bass dept to your liking?

[@patrickhoelscher8435]

@@themodularmodularI´d choose the Nyx V2, because the Erebus I have is Version I and then the Nyx V2 has a lot more options. I don´t know about Erebus III. From my very subjective feeling the Nyx is more edgy and the Erebus is more "round" and "nice". For bass I currently use Dreadbox Hades + Analogue Solutions Nyborg-12.

[@PaulLawlerMusic]

I had 2 NYX 1s and they both broke when I started patching eurorack into them for some reason.

[@SPAZZOID100]

Don’t do that next time.

[@PaulLawlerMusic]

@@SPAZZOID100 That's why I never mentioned a 3rd one.

[@monomakes]

Is the reverb stereo?

[@supremelc3667]

DreadFull!

[@pekkagronfors7304]

Very nice sounding unit. But a synth without presets is show stopper for me right now. I already have a bunch of them.

[@SPAZZOID100]

?????

[@profd65]

I like this guy, but play some f-cking music, don't just twirl the knobs and talk. Too many people on YT do this: they give you a video owner's manual of the synth, explaining what all the knobs and sliders do, but they don't actually demo the thing. I'm not going to buy it if I haven't heard it make music. What? Am I supposed to buy it because the "wooooop" noise it makes sounds better than the "woooop" noise some other synth makes? I mean, there's not even a f-cking keyboard there for you to play.

[@sonicstate]

The reason I may go through some of the features is because the NYX 2 is not a standard synth layout. And it's a review not a demo. I suggest you refine your search terms to include the word "demo".

[@jrodohio]

You're new, aren't you?

[@SjN7HETIK]

mono reverb? uhuhauauauhauhauahuah, SAD. They will never see my money for this banal synth, the only interesting (but anyway not too much) thing was the reverb till Nick said 'mono'... (yes Nick, totally agree, it's a shame) ...So the only thing changed is turned worse. As always, 'good job' dreadbox, I thought this company is useless, now I ask myself whoTF buys their shi7!!!!

[@77advanced]

What a noobie comment)

[@waveshello4051]

If the Nyx 2 is 'banal' you either don't understand synths or the meaning of the word 'banal'. Total facepalm.

[@MrBothandNether]

"Banal" is about the last word I'd use. Now if I were to typify baseless destructive YT criticism

[@johncuba1612]

whats your Problem ? sounds like pure dumbness & NEBUCHANTISM !

[@dr.getter7118]

What the hell is your problem dude.. are you bloody stupid?

[@SjN7HETIK]

with the same money I can buy better synths like Roland SE, or Minibrute2, Bass station2, Neutron by Behringer and then add all the digital FXs I want. Stupid dreadbox, your name is the only almost right thing: you are able to produce just DEADboxes

[@steventaylor3789]

It’s ok if you don’t like the synth but the way you go about expressing it is very immature. Making fun of the company name is a case in point. Your understanding of the word better also needs some work. You’re talking about an opinion so better is perhaps not the best choice of words as it relates to fact.

[@dr.getter7118]

You sound like an 8-year-old.