Minimoog voyager or Doepher A100 modular?

[Tibbon]

So if I had about 2-3K to burn, and was looking for a great synth, which should I go for, or which would you go for?

A Minimoog Voyager Anniversary (i've got a killer deal on these), or a pretty well loaded up Doepher A100 modular system with a full rack of the modules I want (will cost more now with the dollar sucking).

I am very much into Radiohead and NIN for sounds. I know trent has both, but I simply can't afford both.

To me:
A100
+ Fully modular, will do anything I want
- Takes longer to develop sounds

Voyager
+really nice little keyboard built in
- Very overused for leads and basses, but just because it rocks at them
+ Programmable/recallable
+Sounds much better than the plugin, and does the stuff RIGHT vs the plugin

If I was playing Live, i'd go for the Mini in a second, but i rarely play live, and if anything I could use my laptop with the Arturia plugin, which I already have.

The Doepfer is attractive in so many ways though. I love getting weird sounds on my Sidstation and Machinedrum, and this just seems to be the next logical step.

Or should I say screw it and get a Nord Modular G2 or an Andromeda?

[AnalogBob]

Tough calll.... I didn't think much about the tone of the Doeffler stuff....A moog withe the expander would be a good idea.... Nord Modular would be good aswell...... Or check out the Macbeth m5

[Tibbon]

I always figure if it's good enough for Trent, then it's good enough for me so sound quality on the Doepher was and at the same time isn't the concern. It's more about how good i can program.

[Bryce]

Originally Posted by Tibbon

So if I had about 2-3K to burn, and was looking for a great synth, which should I go for, or which would you go for?

[spam]

Seen this yet?

[/spam]

dB
DSI (besides being the ADAM guy, I also work with Dave Smith)

[rjx]

I would get the Voyager rack for $2000 and a used Nord Modular for $1000. Not that the nord can't do bass well, but you will have great analog bass with the Voyager, and everything imaginable under the sun with the nord mod.

Could you pm me what you're deal is on the voyager and where? I doubt I would get one since I just picked up some Great River stuff, but maybe I an afford it.

Good luck with you're decision!

[rjx]

I forgot I had these....

MiNiMooG VoYaGeR

Nice little Demo Song I love how beautiful the song sounds at 1:05

Bunch of random Voyager stuff
#1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12, #13, #14

[Gregg Sartiano]

The Mini Voyager is pretty f*&k'n cool. I can vouch for that.

2k-3k? Have you thought about going vintage? A lot of people dumped their vintage synths years ago -- some of the stuff can be had for a steal! I used to have a Juno-60 + MIDI converter -- MAAAAAAAAAAAN I got some FAT sounds out of that thing! I traded it for a guitar amp (necessary at the time), so don't flame me for getting rid of it. The filters were INTENSE (cooler than the 106, which I have also owned).

I currently have a thirty-year-old EML 101 (Electrocomp Music Labs) which is also bad-to-the-bone. I make sure that a guitar tuner is always handy when I'm using it, though -- it's a beast! I'd have to buy a MIDI-to-CV converter to actually use it with MIDI (I've seen a few here in L.A., especially at Future Music, which is probably L.A.'s coolest vintage keyboard shop, esp. since Black Market seems to be closing).

In fact, I'll play parts in 'live' and then beat-detect them with the 101 a lot. Heck, that's easier than messing with MIDI half the time, anyway!

The Studio Electronics SE-1 is pretty dang cool, too, although I think the Voyager is better, hands down.

[Reptil]

mmm first I want to state that the Doepfer is f*ckin awesome, and anybody not getting a good sound out of it should try harder, or look at the machine in a different way. This is a deep synth and there are no presets. Having said that go for the deluxe PSU. It will make it soundquality overall much better.

Ok the moog is a moog. period. you want that fat moog sound, go for it. Also consider getting a macbeth. These synths (also handmade) sound just as fat, controls are a bit different. IMHO
The moog is a players instrument. You'll enjoy playing it. Also has blingbling.

The doepfer is a different beast. It is a modular synth. You'll be able (when you're hooked) to change its configuration with many different modules. Not only doepfer's but other european manufacturer's as well. This is a highly programmable synth. You will enjoy programming it, as there is no substitute for real knobs and cables. The sound is... just as good as your programming skills. It can be very warm, clear as glass, nicely behaved, or vicious. The overall sound of some english and french modules is IMO a little bit more fuzzy and less direct. So if you want that get one or two different modules. Or insert a guitar pedal, or a tube compressor, or anything Quality is (go for the transformer PSU one) undisputable. also you need a midi-CV interface. For sequencerthings and clock you'll need that to use your computer. Has blingbling but in a weird way.

The Nord is amazing. It can be programmed just as the doepfer. And played like another small portable synth. There are two buts. 1. the nord will sound like a nord. This is not at all a bad thing. 2. in programming it, I noticed that you will get results when using a larger number of modules. when programming the doepfer the sound you are after is often achieved with only a few modules. This is IMO a significant difference, because the level of complexity rises with each selection of modules that you will have to use extra, making it more difficult to "grasp" the sound. I o w the doepfer is more complex than at first sight, the nord has a more easy way of adding and using a lot of steps in making a sound. Both are awesome machines. Simular in theory but different in their "way of doing it". Less blingbling for the G2.

Consider an Andromeda. It has been on my "need to get list" for sometime. Very complex. And a real Buchla. Blingbling plenty.

Rob a bank, and buy a Technosaurus or a sunsyn.


Ok which one? Don't go for two at the same time, because you have to learn one first. All of these synths (the moog too of course) have to be programmed. You'll have to know how substractive synths really work and how the individual building blocks sound. But you probably figured that out. Then get more synths, and enjoy the differences. The doepfer is a lifetime project. You can keep on buying modules. (I am its eternal slave). You'll find a lot of new patches all the time, if you try hard enough. (so maybe it a symbiosis) My (musician) friends have moogs, macbeths, nords and doepfers. I like all of my friend's synths, but the doepfer is addictive. I have a doepfer, and some arp axxes hooked on. (and some not-modular synths) Auditioning in shops is difficult, as the sounds depend on the quality of the programmer. So try to get some examples from regular users, or from the net.
If you want simplicity but good results, don't get a doepfer, or any of above. Screw it and go for a different concept like a rompler. or a nordlead, or consider a virus. (!) very fat both.

If you choose any of the above more programmable ones go for the deep end. You'll like it.

hope this is of any use (half past 3 am over here)


*this is someone else's doepfer* http://www.synthfool.com/images/doepfer2.jpg

you could go for a cheaper software version. But there is nothing like hardware.
And this is gearslutz

[Tibbon]

Thanks. I've used the Mini a good bit at the studio I was at, and truthfully think that I am quite a bit better using it than the owner of it. He just uses the presets. What a shame.

Synthesis in general doesn't scare me, and i feel that I understand all the building blocks pretty well. I took a handful of Synth classes at berklee for whatever that is worth.

I'm going to look back into the Maybeth and Dave Smith. I've considered getting an ARP2600 as it's my favorite synth ever. I used to have access to two of them, with a Arp sequencer and an oddysey. Hooking them all up together was really something. However, i have seen SOOO many on eBay that are questionable. You'd think that in Mass you'd be able to find more people with Arps sitting around, just as you'd hope that in Ashville Moogs are aplenty. But that's not true apparently.

[Sounds Great]

Originally Posted by Tibbon

I'm going to look back into the Maybeth and Dave Smith. I've considered getting an ARP2600 as it's my favorite synth ever. I used to have access to two of them, with a Arp sequencer and an oddysey. Hooking them all up together was really something. However, i have seen SOOO many on eBay that are questionable. You'd think that in Mass you'd be able to find more people with Arps sitting around, just as you'd hope that in Ashville Moogs are aplenty. But that's not true apparently.

I had a Roland System 100 which was kind of like an Arp 2600. Pretty cool modular synth with a keyboard module and analog sequencer module, all patch cable hook-up.

And an Arp Quadra which was also really cool!

But for fat, don't forget about the Profit 5. I had the Profit T-8 and it IS phattt!

I really do want to get a Moog Voyager, though, probably be my next keyboard.

[Gregg Sartiano]

Moog's in Asheville now, but I think they were manufacturing in Buffalo, N.Y. during the glory days of the late '60's and '70's.

[Bryce]

Originally Posted by Tibbon

I'm going to look back into the Maybeth and Dave Smith.

Lemme know if you have any questions about the Dave Smith synth.

Dave sez he thinks the Evolver engine is the coolest thing he's ever made. Considering his legacy (all the Sequential synths, Korg Wavestation, etc), that's saying something...

dB
DSI

[nbutter]

Originally Posted by rjx

I would get the Voyager rack for $2000 and a used Nord Modular for $1000. Not that the nord can't do bass well, but you will have great analog bass with the Voyager, and everything imaginable under the sun with the nord mod.

$1000 for a used Nord Modular? That's crazy talk!!!

Hell, I know a guy -- right here on gearslutz -- who's been advertising a Modular Rack for $500 on Craigslist in NYC! And... erm... oh, yeah, it's me! Hmm...guess i oughta post on GS too...

(btw, the modular IS amazing. i got a lead 2 with keys so i'm throwing mine back in... but, like, wow).

i will say that the dave smith number's a bit more drool-worthy, though!

[STARSKI]

I have a Studio Electronics SE1 and it sounds great. I have had it for about 6 or 7 years and when they were first making them you could get a discount if you sent them in an old moog. To me that says something about the oscillators in it. PHAT PHAT PHAT. I do all my bass lines with it and have never gone back...

[rjx]

Originally Posted by nbutter

$1000 for a used Nord Modular? That's crazy talk!!!

Heh I was talking about a used G2 keys, but you gave me another idea

Used Voyager keys or new Voyager rack + Used G2 engine + original Evolver

$3000 will get you all that synth power

[BrianK]

FWIW: I have owned just about every old synth you could want. (Search The Moog Cookbook for verification).

I am overjoyed that modern companies make synths as good or better than the old ones. You can get a monster synth (all those mentioned above) for a fraction of what they would cost, if "vintage". I don't care if it's new or old, or digi or analog. If it sounds GOOD, that's what you want.

In my opinion, there are two analog synths that kill; Andromeda for power and flexibility, and Voyager for sonics and pure musical quality. The Voyager doesn't "do a lot" in the synth world, but sonic tone quality is why people still use drums, electric guitars, Hammonds etc. You don't NEED a zillion sounds if they are great ones.

The Andromeda is a programmer's dream. I STILL don't know what it can do. There are modualr and virtual modular synths that do more, but they generally have limitations (like no presets for real modulars, and lack of tone quality for virtual ones).

[Tibbon]

Any input as to your feelings for the sound quality of the Nord G2's? I've tried the 1 voice demo, and Nord says that it doesn't sound quite like the real deal since it's coming out of your computer instead of their D/A convertors etc...

The impression I got was that it was really clean, which would be great for some things. I know you can 'dirty it up' but it's certainly not dirty sounding like every 2500/2600 i've played. All the sounds i've heard from the doepfer are a little warmer to me, but not trashy (I've got my sidstation for that)

I rather like the idea of a used G2 engine, used voyager and used evolver. Although, the Doepfer MS404 looks pretty cool too instead of the evolver.

Truthfully, i'd most like to have all of the above of course. A Voyaver and the Doepfer plus maybe a G2 engine would rock, but it's beyond my affordability.

[C/G]

Originally Posted by Tibbon

I am very much into Radiohead and NIN for sounds.

You should give Stereolab a listen. Full of Moogy goodness. They are the masters.

[Tibbon]

I got the Voyager- a Signature edition. #144. Walnut. Still lusting after the modular, but now I can start super small and just buy single small modules and use them with the Moog at first instead of building an entire system.

[rhythminmind]

I had to make the same decision not to long ago.. I went with the voyager RME with both CV breakouts. Unlike the keyboard addition RME is has both CV in & out breakout boxs. You get much more then the a100 setup. Nevermind much better sound. I use a DSI Prophet 08 for physical keys.


Products > Minimoog® Voyager® > VX-352 CV Expander
Products > Minimoog® Voyager® > VX-351 CV Expander

You can hear me making some noize with it's CV i/o here Things!



...

[Tibbon]

I wish they keyboard version actually had a breakout for in and out. Otherwise you have to constantly patch your modular into the back of the keyboard.

I *think* that when you plug any cable into the back of the Voyager it automatically uses it, so you can't rewire it (easily) to a patchbay.

[emilision]

Originally Posted by Tibbon

I wish they keyboard version actually had a breakout for in and out. Otherwise you have to constantly patch your modular into the back of the keyboard.

I *think* that when you plug any cable into the back of the Voyager it automatically uses it, so you can't rewire it (easily) to a patchbay.

Please elaborate...

I'm considering a Moog Voyager Keyboard as a centre piece to modular setup...though the modular side of it won't start for a while.

Thanks.

[The Real MC]

What he means is the RME has two breakout boxes. One is the VX351 for outputs, the other is VX352 for inputs. Each connects via a cable with DB25 connectors.

The Voyager already has the inputs on the back panel and only the VX351 output breakout box can be used.

You can rack the RME VX351/VX352 where it is convenient for patching to a modular. But with a Voyager you miss out on the VX352 input breakout box unless you don't mind reaching for the back panel.

Then again, the RME lacks the touchpad of the Voyager which is a really cool controller that provides three CVs simultaneously.

Pick your poison.

[emilision]

Thanks. Yeah the touchpad is an attraction, indeed. So the "Touch" strip is CV outs for the touchpad on VX351, and the Gate is touch/let-go?

Also the keyboard/wheels are nice enough too...it makes the whole thing feel like an "instrument"...which is what the Minimoog was all about to begin with.

I kinda feel if I went with the rack maybe I should just get something else, like an SE1x (and save cash) or maybe Cwejman S1 MkII or even a Fenix II synth (if he's still selling them); if the ideal is already broken, or something...

What I was wondering though was what this meant exactly:

"I *think* that when you plug any cable into the back of the Voyager it automatically uses it, so you can't rewire it (easily) to a patchbay."

I'm guessing that once something is plugged in there it switches something to that "In" and bypasses something internal (even if it's not live)?

[t.o.t.s.]

I laid down a lot for a doepfer system some months back and all of my synths have been sitting idle since. I have semi-modular stuff and a lot of nice hardware but the fully modular setup has radically altered my workflow and taken my music in new directions. It's hard to say which to pick as personal workflow has a lot to do with modular preference but I was worried about taking the plunge at first but since it arrived I havent had a single moment of regret. I've been playing with synths semi-professionally for 20 years and I've never had more fun with it than this past year.

Using doepfer a-100 as a base and then expanding with the multitudes of eurorack manufacturers out there... you can build yourself something incredibly expansive.

[tonneaj]

Eurorack modulars are the way to go, but not if you like holding onto other things. That's why we call it eurocrack.