Mopho desk vs Mopho keyboard

[sentokan]

Is it worth the double price for the keyboard? And why?? I mean why not use a controller with many knobs instead?

[Jomox]

Not sure, personally id get the desk and use other keyboard with it.

[ctrlshft]

Originally Posted by sentokan

Is it worth the double price for the keyboard? And why?? I mean why not use a controller with many knobs instead?

You're paying for a dedicated controller, with knobs specific to the intricate functions of a quite complex analog synth. You can certainly use a knobby controller and the desktop version, but it'll probably take up more space, add more clutter, and certainly be more difficult to edit than if you had the mopho kb. you might also look at the prices of most keyboard controllers that have similar feature sets to the Mopho KB. I think you'll find that 800 bucks for the Mopho is a steal.

[ddavi78]

Originally Posted by ctrlshft

You're paying a dedicated controller, will knobs specific to the intricate functions of a quite complex analog synth. You can certainly use a knobby controller and the desktop version, but it'll probably take up more space, add more clutter, and certainly be more difficult to edit than if you had the mopho kb. you might also look at the prices of most keyboard controllers that have similar feature sets to the Mopho KB. I think you'll find that 800 bucks for the Mopho is a steal.

I agree - I have had both and once I bought the keyboard version it made a huge difference. Being able to quickly modify or design a patch is great and much more fun than using the software. For the price it is hard to beat....a great synth.

[Cloudwalker]

Not to mention being able to polychain into a tetra, and control it with the knobs.

[Bumply]

Originally Posted by sentokan

Is it worth the double price for the keyboard? And why?? I mean why not use a controller with many knobs instead?

Yes. 100% yes.

1 - The keyboard is a really good keyboard. DSI keyboards outdo the controllers easily.

2 - It's a dedicated controller. That means no bugs, hiccups, or difficulty mapping.

3 - It's not just a sound module anymore with the keyboard, its a musical instrument, and a much more expressive one that you'd get with the controller.

Caveat: It depends on how much you plan to use the mopho. If you are happy with pre-sets, and don't mind using automation in a DAW or sequencer, then you don't need it. But if you want to program patches, and if you are a keyboard player, then its worth it.

[aeonsound]

yes, agreed with all the above.

it's not just about being able to access more of the synthesis functions (and therefore get more out of the synth). the keyboard model is just more pleasurable to interact with in every way - the knobs on the desktop (particularly the four main endless rotaries) are plasticy and horrible. i really appreciate that DSI built this thing to a price - and the sound of it is absolutely immense, so they compromised in totally the right places - but if you to get phyiscal with your gear, then go keyboard.

i'm a desktop owner, and if i could go back in time i'd ask past-me to save for a few extra months

[GeorgeHayduke]

Originally Posted by sentokan

Is it worth the double price for the keyboard? And why?? I mean why not use a controller with many knobs instead?

Yes, definitly get the keys if you can. You will get so much more pleasure and useability from it.

[sentokan]

Thank u all!

[sentokan]

The thing is...I control it with the BCR knobs and the Polar keys...and I must say...up to this point is flawless...so even though I get ur points...still I don't know if it's worth the financial effort at this time...

Thanks to all again!

[RonGherkins]

Originally Posted by Cloudwalker

Not to mention being able to polychain into a tetra, and control it with the knobs.

This, and the extra knobs, was the reason I went with the keyboard version. A lot of potential for even more increased versatility.

[Jomox]

My thoughts where based on super poor man mode

But if money is not an issue then it seems worth it from what everyone is saying.

[ctrlshft]

Originally Posted by Jomox

My thoughts where based on super poor man mode

But if money is not an issue then it seems worth it from what everyone is saying.

Good news is that you can't really make a bad decision, it's just a great synth. You'll really need to edit via computer w/ the desktop, but to me that's not a big deal.

[JES]

Very happy with the keyboard version.

[aeonsound]

Originally Posted by ctrlshft

Good news is that you can't really make a bad decision, it's just a great synth.

true dat. the best thing about the mopho is its sound, and both sound the same...

[rockerbruce]

If I could have gotten as good a deal on the keyboard as the desktop that I did locally. I constantly find myself cursing the menu more than any other synth I've used, wishing I had moar knobies that were labeled.

[aeonsound]

the one thing i really can't abide is the stepped cutoff pot. i bought a synth with an analog filter to avoid discrete values, damnit!

[projectwoofer]

Originally Posted by aeonsound

the one thing i really can't abide is the stepped cutoff pot. i bought a synth with an analog filter to avoid discrete values, damnit!

Does the desktop version has that? Too bad...tutt

[chembros]

Originally Posted by aeonsound

the one thing i really can't abide is the stepped cutoff pot. i bought a synth with an analog filter to avoid discrete values, damnit!

Really?
The Tetra's filter knob isn't stepped...

[laikenf]

Hmm, neither is the MoPho KB's

[GeorgeHayduke]

The stepped pitch is annoying though.

[Pym]

It's stepped, the filter is tuned to pitches from C0-C10 so you have 164 values. It's a nice bonus if you want to use the filter's self oscillation as a sine wave generator, you can keep it in tune by using the filter's cutoff values.

Try assigning the mod wheel for filter changes if you don't want it to be stepped

Originally Posted by chembros

Really?
The Tetra's filter knob isn't stepped...

[chembros]

Oh I meant the knob turns smoothly and doesn't have grooves like most of them. . My bad.

[aeonsound]

It's a nice bonus if you want to use the filter's self oscillation as a sine wave generator, you can keep it in tune by using the filter's cutoff values. Try assigning the mod wheel for filter changes if you don't want it to be stepped

yes, i can see there were good reasons for doing it that way; and yes, i tend to use the modwheel for precisely that purpose!

i do hope you don't think i'm ungrateful. the Mopho is a really magic little box, and given the size and price it packs an astonishing punch. every time i turn it on i smile thanks very much to everyone at DSI!