Thinking of Swapping Out FRXS for Neptune II

[lhm1138]

Don't get me wrong, the XS is awesome. I just need something faster interface wise. The XS is actually quite complex. End up spending more time dicking around then writing music, because there's so many possibilities. Looking for something more basic that still sounds great with snappy envelopes.

Before I get the ubiquitious "keep both!", well I would. But on a limited budget here. Plus, if I kept the XS, it would pretty much collect dust when I wasn't using it to create samples or felt like veering off into experimentland.

Any complaints about the Neptune II? I remember reading somewhere the fuzz/distortion section was sort of wonky.

[rids]

Yeah, this is one of those threads that isn't based on which is better, just what based on what you want to do. So I tend to be the protagonist in this sense (even though I think the XS is to die for). So no convincing to keep the XS from me. The Neptune has a great analog character and if you want it you should go for it to suit your composition style. Not sure about how fast the Env. are, but the distortion sounds very nice (at least in the clips I heard it in). So I'm not sure where you heard wonky.

I've wanted on also because it's my pick for high quality analog and bang for buck in one. I have too many synths, but I almost want to just buy it to try and sell it. But..... you what happens when you 'intend' to do that

[lhm1138]

Originally Posted by rids

Yeah, this is one of those threads that isn't based on which is better, just what based on what you want to do.

Exactly.

What I mean by wonky is I thought I read somebody saying the distortion/fuzz still bleeds through when the setting is at zero.

I love the sound of the XS, it's unique. But I really do love that 24db filter Moog sound, the whole vintage thing. The XS doesn't really sound retro unless you bust your ass on it. I reently got an old miniKorg, and the one VCO on that just sounds a lot warmer and big than the XS. The XS sort of reminds me of a Nord Lead with an analog 12db filter, which is certainly NOT a bad thing, just not what I'm wanting right now.

[lhm1138]

Nobody's going to attempt to dissuade me? I'm a little disappointed here.

[rids]

Aaaa, yeah, it's me again

I would if you said 'Which synth should I buy'. But you said that the XS was impeding your workflow and I will always acknowledge no matter how great a synth sounds, that if it doesn't gel with you, then sell it. Especially if you feel another synth will allow you to speed up your workflow. To me, it's a no brainer.

I think you only question now should be 'how good does the Neptune sound' and 'is there anything buggy about using it' (which you hinted at).

I like the Neptune, but love the XS. It actually fits me and my style like a glove. (there's your dissuade )

[ctrlshft]

Haven't played the Neptune, but the audio/video I've heard of it is really impressive considering it's price point.

That said, the XS is beautiful, probably one of the most inspiring, flexible semi-modulars ever made. I really regret selling mine, although at the time it was done out of necessity not as much choice.

I wouldn't sell it for a Neptune, but then again it really just depends on whether the reason you're thinking of doing this is because you don't have the scratch for a Neptune up front, or because you want to offload the XS for something that'll better fit the sound you want.

[PeteJames]

The XS is badass and raw, you probably won't come across anything like it again. It doesn't really sound that vintage if that's what you want. If you want to use in in a more traditional way just hide your patch cables

[bluemoon]

why not go for a SE1x instead? Moogy in spades and has patch storage with helps greatly when you just want to sit down and play.

[lhm1138]

Yeah, if I had the scratch I would def keep it. You know how it is out there now though, things are tight.

Bluemoon, I've had the ATC-1 and ATC-X with the quad filter. Didn't gel with it much for a few reasons. It did have a nice Moog Source sound to it though. Is the SE-1x different?

Thing I like about the Neptune is it has a very early Roland SH sound to it.

I'm also considering maybe a Dave Smith MEK for the interface and patch storage. I think patch storage is a bit underrated when it comes to working fast.

[ctrlshft]

Originally Posted by lhm1138

Yeah, if I had the scratch I would def keep it. You know how it is out there now though, things are tight.

Bluemoon, I've had the ATC-1 and ATC-X with the quad filter. Didn't gel with it much for a few reasons. It did have a nice Moog Source sound to it though. Is the SE-1x different?

Thing I like about the Neptune is it has a very early Roland SH sound to it.

I'm also considering maybe a Dave Smith MEK for the interface and patch storage. I think patch storage is a bit underrated when it comes to working fast.

You might want to also consider the new Tom Oberheim SEM as a replacement, guess it depends on how much you need to recoup in funds by selling the XS.

[networkacid]

DO IT. Neptune2 ftw!

[lhm1138]

Originally Posted by networkacid

DO IT. Neptune2 ftw!

Good to know. How is it for creating analog percussion?

[lhm1138]

Originally Posted by ctrlshft

You might want to also consider the new Tom Oberheim SEM as a replacement, guess it depends on how much you need to recoup in funds by selling the XS.

Hmm, hadn't considered that one. Doesn't really seem to be any demos online for it yet. I do like the Oberheim sound.

[Rust Creep]

the Neptune II is great. best buget emulation of the vintage moog sound I've heard.

if you simply need a more vintage sounding synth the Neptune or the new SEM would be great choices. but I don't think giving up the XS to acquire either would be worth it.

the XS can do so much. so its easy to lose one's self in programming it. just focus. keep to the subtractive basics... osc=>filter=>amp with envelopes shaping and LFO's modulating.

i don't think many monosynths today can do percussion as well as the XS either. accent envelopes are your friend here.


I've had so many sonic discoveries with the XS i can't imagine ever getting rid of it. i enjoy losing myself in the depths of programming the XS but the more I program it the more i am able to quickly program whatever sound i need. i keep a book of patch sheets... its like my synthesizer grimorie that contains all my most powerful and arcane patches so i can quickly dial in very complex sounds that i've previously conjured up.

so yeah. Keep the XS. the XS may never sound as vintage as actual vintage or modern vintage emulations but with proper programming it can come very close. the XS is known to be very aggressive sounding and boy is it.. but i think too many people think it can only be aggressive. i think this aggressive sound is so easily tapped into because the oscilators themselves can overdrive the filter and then there's additional overdrive that can be applied.

the XS is so much more powerful and expressive that if you didn't absolutely need that vintage moogish sound... it wouldn't be worth it to trade down for a Neptune II. I think the Neptune II is great but more specific in its uses.

[controlvoltage]

I use my FR XS in tandem with a Moog Little Phatty. Usually I just use the Phatty as a controller for the XS, but any time I need a 24dB lowpass filter on the XS, I just patch it to the external audio input on the LP and I'm sorted.

I think this combo offers the best of both worlds... although it doesn't fit the "either/or" paradigm you're describing, it might be worth consideration.

[Dogboy73]

Originally Posted by Tsarin

the Neptune II is great. best buget emulation of the vintage moog sound I've heard.

I've got a Neptune II & I don't think it sounds anything like a Moog. It's a great sounding beast though. Nice & fat for sure. I don't know about problems with the FX section (fuzz/distorion) bleeding through. Seems okay on mine. One of the issues I've had is with the built in MIDI > CV, which seems a bit flimsy. I think it's sorted on newer models & I've spoken to users that dont have any problems so maybe it's just me. There's a mod to make the envelopes even faster than what they are & also one to give it PWM. not done these myself as I'm not one for going at my gear with a soldering iron! Anyway, here's some demos I posted up on YouTube (Several other demos on YouTube as well);







Nept2 : Spectral Audio Neptune 2

[Dogboy73]

.... Another good Neptune 2 demo here (along with an MFB drum synth);

[lhm1138]

Originally Posted by Tsarin

so yeah. Keep the XS. the XS may never sound as vintage as actual vintage or modern vintage emulations but with proper programming it can come very close. the XS is known to be very aggressive sounding and boy is it.. but i think too many people think it can only be aggressive. i think this aggressive sound is so easily tapped into because the oscilators themselves can overdrive the filter and then there's additional overdrive that can be applied.

That's more like it. Now the neurons are firing. What tricks do you use to get it to sound more drifty and vintage? I could get good stuff doing things like routing LFO out at a very very slow rate to the CV in, but it's kinda hit or miss.

[Rust Creep]

you don't even have to patch the LFO out to the CV in.

in the "oscilator modulation" section of the XS you can choose the amount of modulation that it applied to either osc A or B and the modulation source.. you can use the LFO, any of the oscilators, external sources, positive and negative envelopes, the envelopes of the the synth can also control the amount of modulation that is applied

as to how to program vintage sounds it would depend on which sound specifically.

a general rule with the XS though is that the more sound sources added to the filter the more over-driven it is, resulting is less or no resonance. so when using just 1 oscilator I'd never set it's value past a couple of ticks to the right of center in the mixer, if using 2 oscilators i wouldn't set their amounts in the mixer past the halfway point (center), and even less if feeding all 3 osc into the mixer.

not over-driving the filter should help you be on your way to programming more vintage sounds on the xs.

[Oli]

Originally Posted by Dogboy73

Anyway, here's some demos I posted up on YouTube...

Hi,

I just wanted to say thanks for putting up those demos. I've watched them a fair few times in the past, and rather enjoyed them.

Cheers

[Dogboy73]

Cheers, Oli. Glad you liked them. I keep meaning to put up some more vids of the Neptune 2. I will do soon.

[hogberto]

Originally Posted by Dogboy73

Cheers, Oli. Glad you liked them. I keep meaning to put up some more vids of the Neptune 2. I will do soon.

they're not up yet.

get on with it.

[Dogboy73]

Originally Posted by hogberto

they're not up yet.

get on with it.

I was going to do it tonight. But I work in a school. We finished early (end of term, half day) & went to the pub ...... so I'm pissed now & in no state to make vids! Maybe tomorrow? I (half) promise it!!

[our_swimmer]

May I suggest a Roland SH1 or SH2? Both are fast, and fairly limited in their options, though I say that as positively as I can. You dial up a good sound and you're away, which I daresay describes the birth of both techno and EBM.

[hogberto]

Originally Posted by Dogboy73

I was going to do it tonight. But I work in a school. We finished early (end of term, half day) & went to the pub ...... so I'm pissed now & in no state to make vids! Maybe tomorrow? I (half) promise it!!

you teachers. constantly pissed and always on holiday.

i'll give you a 48 hour extension.

don't make me come over there. tutt

[lhm1138]

Originally Posted by Dogboy73

I was going to do it tonight. But I work in a school. We finished early (end of term, half day) & went to the pub ...... so I'm pissed now & in no state to make vids! Maybe tomorrow? I (half) promise it!!

NooOoo! Drunken videos are the best, dude!

[lhm1138]

Originally Posted by Tsarin

not over-driving the filter should help you be on your way to programming more vintage sounds on the xs.

Thanks. I've noticed this, that the key to getting warmer more retro sounds is to keep the filter from being overdriven.

[Dogboy73]

Originally Posted by hogberto

you teachers. constantly pissed and always on holiday.

i'll give you a 48 hour extension.

don't make me come over there. tutt

LOL.

Here's a couple more vids;

.... actually I'm not to happy with the audio quality on those. Must have compressed them a bit to hard! I'll rdo them I think.


EDIT: I've removed those vids. The quality was shocking compared to the other Neptune 2 vids I've uploaded. I'll redo them them tomorrow & this time I'll start with an AVI & squash that down to FLV, with the audio track set as high as possible. Stay tuned people

[asynchro_nous]

Originally Posted by Dogboy73

.... actually I'm not to happy with the audio quality on those. Must have compressed them a bit to hard! I'll rdo them I think.

Still conveys the character of the sound nicely.

What do you think of the A&H filter? I've been considering one of those for a while.

[Dogboy73]

Originally Posted by asynchro_nous

Still conveys the character of the sound nicely.

What do you think of the A&H filter? I've been considering one of those for a while.

In any case I think I'll redo them on the morrow I was rushing a bit (on the lash again tonight! Xmas, it's a bind isn't it!! )

The VF-1 filter is very nice. It's good for thickening up beats that otherwise sound a bit weak. You can make them sound warmer & punchier putting them through this. It also works a treat on string/pad sounds from software & my MS2000. In fact it's really nice on strings/pads from the MS2000. Makes them sound a lot nicer. The filter switches are also really good. There is no 'pop' when you select them & you can combine the filter types. It's a nice little unit. Build quality is fantastic & it looks & feels superb.