MFB 522 vs Korg Monotribe vs ???

[Praxisaxis]

Ok for some strange reason I've got a couple of hundred bucks that I didn't realise I had and I want to blow it on a little analogue drum machine. The thing I like about these two is that they're cute.

The pros for the MFB are essentially:
* independent outputs
* tweakability of the drum sounds.
* several drum sounds
* midi

The pros for the Monotribe are
* metal case, better build, a bit bigger
* sequencer (albeit limited)
* synth
* cheaper

Am I missing anything? I'm after basic analogue drum sounds to complement my existing machines which are mostly digital. I've got a Machinedrum which is really ace, but it's gritty as all heck and could do with a bit of real analogue to supplement it. Mainly for studio stuff (so the limited sequencer and midi is not such a big deal).

Or, should I forget these two and get something else in the same league? Suggestions are welcome

[Praxisaxis]

Or.... there's a Yamaha RX5 I can get for probably around the price of the monotribe... that's tempting too. Not exactly analogue though

[cdog]

Drums on the monotribe are extremely limited. Kick sounds great though.

[flat earth]

If you are prepared to 'roll your sleeves up', theres already some mods to alter the drum sounds on the Monotribe.

I have to agree with above, they got the 'kick' just right. Just a shame they couldn't have squeezed in a open hat, clap and rim.

I dare say a more featured version will eventually follow.

[Ossicle]

If an analogue drum machine is what you're after foremost, the MFB 522 is the one to get. I'd get it for the kick alone, big and bouncy (unlike my MBase). The hat and cymbals are also great and drift nicely. The sounds are so classic it will never get obsolete.

Get a better analogue monosynth (than the Monotribe) later, if you need one.

Ok, I don't have the Monotribe so take that into account. I do have the Monotron (and I must say I like its dirty and noisy filter a lot).

[Praxisaxis]

I hate to admit it but one of the main reasons I'd get the monotribe over the MFB is because it has a better (and better looking) case.

But I'm taking on this advice... have been thinking about an MFB for ages. Waiting for one to turn up on Ebay but it seems nobody has ever wanted to get rid of one

[Praxisaxis]

So they've both got good kicks. . (doesn't make my decision easier).

[Praxisaxis]

I think I might just get an MFB (and wait for Korg to get its act together and make the best damn analogue drum machine ever).

We're waiting Korg... are you reading this?? I want a Phat-otribe, with that nice black metal case, independent audio outputs, some sort of external control, tweakable sounds and five or six drums that sound like PHAT.

[Ossicle]

Originally Posted by Praxisaxis

I hate to admit it but one of the main reasons I'd get the monotribe over the MFB is because it has a better (and better looking) case.

How about the Schlagzwerg? Has all the best instruments IMO, versatile, makes weird sounds too and looks a lot better. Costs more of course but seems to be worth it. I might change my 522 for that one day.

I agree, Korg should make a proper analogue drum machine. Not enough good ones aroud. Jomox or Vermona don't sound right to me.

[Praxisaxis]

How about the Schlagzwerg? Has all the best instruments IMO, versatile, makes weird sounds too and looks a lot better. It costs but seems to be worth it. I might change my 522 for that one day.

Yes I was thinking about it - looks like it has stacks more possibilities than both of them. The only thing is I can't find a really decent youtube demo of it; to me it comes across not sounding as good as the MFB. Not that that means anything.... would love to see a good demo of it though.

[flat earth]

Originally Posted by Praxisaxis

We're waiting Korg... are you reading this?? I want a Phat-otribe, with that nice black metal case, independent audio outputs, some sort of external control, tweakable sounds and five or six drums that sound like PHAT.

2nded

[msl]

I have a 522, as stated the main attraction is the kick. The clap is also very very nice, the cowbell and hats are usable. The snare is total crap.

My issues with the 522 is that it feels kinda limiting at the end of the day. None of the knobs transmit midi so you can't program any sound changes, everything has to be done live. Build quality is flimsy, tiny tiny knobs, tempo knob range is too big, not sensitive enough.

Don't get me wrong I'm not expecting miracles for the price, it is cheap, but it feels like it too. IMO you might as well spend an extra €300 and get a Vermona drmII.


.

[Praxisaxis]

What do the Vermonas sound like? Opinions here are better than listening on Youtube, just about

[Barfunkel]

Dunno if the music's up your alley but here's a couple of my tunes. Drums all Vermona DRM1 mk III, with no extra processing.

http://soundcloud.com/user4904810/barfunkelizm

http://soundcloud.com/user4904810/is-it-a-dream-or-just-a

[Praxisaxis]

That's lovely. Sounds so dark and warm with my machinedrum-accustomed ears.

I like.

[Ossicle]

That IS nice Barfunkel!

Heres two random snippets of tracks I'm working on, drums are mostly done with the 522.

[cdog]

Originally Posted by Ossicle

I agree, Korg should make a proper analogue drum machine. Not enough good ones aroud. Jomox or Vermona don't sound right to me.

Combine the electribes into one and make all the synthesis analog! The Polytribe!

4 voices of drums, + cymbal and hat samples
2-4 voices of synth
16 bit sampler with a couple gig memory, ES style chopping/slicing
built in kaoss pad for FX (able to process external sounds)
tons of pads, knobs, slider, and 16 step sequencer, song mode
6 outputs/2inputs midi in/out/thru

Doesnt even need a fancy GUI, maybe just 2line monochrome LCD display, or something like the MPC1000 they would sell a lot of them for $1000-1500, and it could compete well against Machinedrum et al if it was done right...

The kids would buy it! Do it Korg!

[invisiblekiduk]

To op-

You mentioned the korg having a sequencer- the 522 has one too! It's a bit of a pain (8 buttons plus shift to get the full 16), but looking at the korg that limitation isn't exclusive. Much more in terms of memory too, the korg only seems to have one sequence memory at power off.

And of course the midi in does make it alot more useful with other gear.

Sure the mfbs sounds can't be controlled over midi, but the korgs drums aren't editable at all (without mods, and even then not as flexible it seems)

As an owner of the 522 I totally recommend it, really kicks.

With regard to the guy about the snare, i find it totally useable. nothing totally magical but it works. Each to their own of course, not arguing!

[rad9k]

Originally Posted by invisiblekiduk

As an owner of the 522 I totally recommend it, really kicks.

+1

Originally Posted by invisiblekiduk

With regard to the guy about the snare, i find it totally useable. nothing totally magical but it works. Each to their own of course, not arguing!

+1

the snare is not best 522's sound but *for me* it is ok (after some proper eq)

also agree that bd & clap are best

[Dogboy73]

I love my 522. A poor man's 808 but for the money it's a pretty bloody good little drum machine.

[Praxisaxis]

I can't understand why but I'm more and more impressed with the monotribe, after initially hating it (for lack of facilities). But from the demos it actually looks good for live performance, and despite the virtues of some of these other machines many of them aren't geared up for that so much (especially not so much the analogue ones). Looks like it's quick and easy to play on stage.

And really the price for a new unit is very good - much better than a lot of old second hand gear on ebay. Ok someone talk me out of this.

[duggabax]

mfb 522. i mean the monotribe would be FUN, but if you want to actually make tracks, there's only one choice.

[Praxisaxis]

I know, I know. I just can't get past the fact that the MFB looks like it's going to fall apart.

They should put it in a proper box.