One step up from a Monotribe?

robosardine · Post by **robosardine** » Tue Apr 24, 2012 1:41 pm

Hi- I was interested in the Monotribe- but I don't think it is quite what I am looking for- having no immidiate ability to set an exact bpm or having no midi, and being a bit small etc. Is there an analouge groovebox out there with these attributes - with at least 16 steps in the sequencer- but doesn't cost a small fortune? Cheers

Bowmoney · Post by **Bowmoney** » Tue Apr 24, 2012 2:15 pm

nope

if you want analogue, your next step up is the DSI tempest

robosardine · Post by **robosardine** » Tue Apr 24, 2012 2:24 pm

Cheers.... but £1500-...... a bit more than I was hoping. It's got lot's of bugs I seem to remember reading as well. Mmmm

Bowmoney · Post by **Bowmoney** » Tue Apr 24, 2012 2:49 pm

my buddy loves his tempest...but yeah, as far as i know for a standalone analogue groovebox...that might be your only option

TechnoMusic · Post by **TechnoMusic** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 4:12 pm

Ive got a Tempest that I use along with the ESX and a Novation KS Rack they are a great combo.

hazabikit · Post by **hazabikit** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 5:39 pm

I have a Tempest too, and I have to say it is the next step up from the Electribes.
The hardware architecture has six independent voices, each of which has two analog(ue) oscillators, and two digital oscillators.

It's not buggy, but the OS is still in beta, and some features are still being developed.
You can get weekly OS updates from the Tempest support forum if you like.

X-Trade · Post by **X-Trade** » Wed Apr 25, 2012 5:48 pm

EMX.
I don't really think that the 'analogness' of the mono' series is a defining feature.
The sound from comparable digital units is still superb.

laikenf · Post by **laikenf** » Thu Apr 26, 2012 2:12 pm

Tempest is good, but a bit expensive; The Electribes are the way to go. These are accessible machines that don't require an eternity to master, they sound very good (esp. once you start layering sounds and using the aux. outs) plus it's very well built (metal casing, good knobs and responsive buttons); Never dad a problem with my EMX, and I've owned mine for almost 4 years, using it on a daily basis and even gigging with it. Question is: you want sampling capabilities (ESX-1)? or you want a varied synth engine (EMX-1).

robosardine · Post by **robosardine** » Thu Apr 26, 2012 4:09 pm

I have the EMX and an ESX already. I was hoping for some sort of analogue equivalent on a budget... less than a tempest... but more than a monotribe.

roblabs · Post by **roblabs** » Thu Apr 26, 2012 10:54 pm

Have you looked at those Roland MC303s, 505s, 808s, etc?

Electromachines · Post by **Electromachines** » Thu Apr 26, 2012 11:47 pm

Choices are limited for real analogue groove gear.
If cost is an issue,then the Tempest and machinedrum series is out,same with tb303, tr808.

Analogue synth/sequencer combos to check out would be the classic Roland MC 202, FutureRetro Revolution and the amazing x0xB0x.

If i were to get an analogue groove combo, i would go for a x0xb0x and a korg electribe ER-1 for the drums (ok its not a true analogue drum machine, but it sounds great).
These two sound KILLER together and would integrate well with your EMX/ESX.

roblabs · Post by **roblabs** » Fri Apr 27, 2012 12:02 am

korg electribe ER-1 for the drums (ok its not a true analogue drum machine, but it sounds great).

I've been hearing this alot lately, not just here but at other forums, etc. What exactly makes the ER1 so great? Is it the punchiness of the drums? Furthermore, would you say it boasts the best drums of the electribe series? Is the ER1 better than, say, the ES1/ESX with some fine drum samples?

Thanks...

leo.clifton · Post by **leo.clifton** » Fri Apr 27, 2012 11:48 am

I've got the Monotribe and think its a great introduction to analogue synthesis. It has a fantastic fat sound and the filter is beautiful, you won't get the same from digital modelling, although obviously you'll have a lot more options in terms of modification and saving patches. There is a very simple mod which you do in order to input midi to it, meaning that you are no longer limited by an 8 beat sequencer and can easily use your DAW to play more complex melodies and patterns. I've done the mod and I am by no means adept at circuitry. All it requires is a simple 5 pin midi socket, some cable and an 80ohm resistor. There are videos on the internet showing you exactly what to do although it will mean openign the device and voiding the warranty obviously. You can also set the BPM of the sequencer by running a metronome (or similar) through a mini-jack socket on the back which is designed for syncing (just run it out of the headphone jack on your audio interface).

I recently purchased the Electribe ESX and have been a bit disapointed to tell you the truth, obviously its a sampler so it wouldn't be a substitute for a synth in any way (the two synth parts utilise looped samples to create synth like sounds). I dislike the filter in particular and have found midi connectivity difficult to implement. I'm not particularly fond of the FX section and would normally do this on the DAW as they are all digital anyway. I can't speak for the EMX although I would imagine that a lot of the core functions are similar. Therefore I wouldn't consider the Electribes if your looking for something to act as a strong hardware synth and you want to be able to craft your sounds. They make good drum machines for working on the fly (bar the midi problems) and the arpegiator is fantastic. (Before anyone shouts at me this is just my opinion and I may well not be utilising the ESX the way you do).

There are quite a few options which will give you analogue sound without having to shell out as much as the Tempest. I'd have a look at the DSI Mopho (monophonic) or Tetra (4 voices). You could pick the Mopho up for around £200-250 second hand and the Tempest for around £400, new your gonnan need to add £100-150 to each. They are limited in the number of knobs you have to play with and will take a bit of time to learn how to modulate (though I believe the tempest at least has VST support).

I've recently purchased a Slim Phatty which is the modular version of the Moog Little Phatty (no keyboard). Words cannot express how much I love this machine. Its hands on enough that you can sit for hours twiddling and crafting your sounds but also has Midi over USB support and a digital interface meaning you can easily save and access your old patches. The signal path itself is purely analogue though and you get that classic Moog sound from it. Perfect for phat bass sounds as well as warm harmonic leads. The slim is about £680 new and I got a second hand for £520.

If you are going to spend some serious cash then try to have a play with the device first. With the higher end stuff this can proove difficult as a lot of the stores don't have them and may ask for a deposit before you order. Also, the DSI models aren't that common in the UK. The mono and electribes will be there in a lot of good equipment stores though so just takes some headphones with you and give them a go.

Also consider that the higher end stuff holds its value quite well after the initial depreciation from new to second hand, which means if you don't end up liking it you can sell it on and not make too much loss (or even a profit if you get it cheap on ebay in the first place).

leo.clifton · Post by **leo.clifton** » Fri Apr 27, 2012 11:53 am

Just to address the question about samples. I don't like the drum sampels on the ESX or ESX-SD model, can't speak for the ER1. I found them drab, not cruncy enough in places and pretty old fashioned. I've also found it a struggle getting new samples on to the machine as there is a lack of USB connectivity. You can either move them over individually via the Smartmedia or SD card or you have to create an 'ESX' file type, I've only managed to find a custom editor for doing this but their are compatibility problems running that on a mac and I've found that the electribe sometimes deletes the new samples. If your planning to make your own samples then the transfer issues won't be so much of a problem. I wouldn't by the machine for the samples that are on there.

robosardine · Post by **robosardine** » Fri Apr 27, 2012 12:11 pm

Hi- thanks for the replies. Had all the roland mc's- none of them are analogue. The future Retro & xox box are only 8 step- I think. The mc 202- is it analogue- I will check this option out. The Mopho/tetris etc don't have built in sequencers- which is what i am looking for. Is there even a workstation that can do what I want? Cheers.