Elektron Musical Instruments

Which would you choose, and why?

thanks,
Federico

On Fri, Dec 08, 2006 at 10:36:37PM +0100, Federico Ciapi wrote:
> Which would you choose, and why?

The SFX-6, hands down.  I prefer the sound and I'm dead fast
with it.  There's very little loss in translation from idea
to sequence and sound for me.

-- 
Yours,
Niall.
.. .  .   .    .     .       .           .             .                 .
Aleph-Null.                             A Simple Insinuation Around Silence.
http://aleph-null.net
.. .. gpg public key - http://www.aleph-null.net/niall.gpg .. ..

> The SFX-6, hands down. I prefer the sound and I'm dead fast
> with it. There's very little loss in translation from idea
> to sequence and sound for me.

Niall, why do you say you prefer the sound of the SFX-6?
Is it more versatile?

Unfortunately I'm not able to test any of these synths :-(
So any advice is really welcome.

I noticed there are no SFX-6 available right now, hope Elektron  
builds a few more...

On Dec 9, 2006, at 12:03 PM, Federico Ciapi wrote:

> > The SFX-6, hands down. I prefer the sound and I'm dead fast
> > with it. There's very little loss in translation from idea
> > to sequence and sound for me.
>
> Niall, why do you say you prefer the sound of the SFX-6?
> Is it more versatile?
>
> Unfortunately I'm not able to test any of these synths :-(
> So any advice is really welcome.
>
> I noticed there are no SFX-6 available right now, hope Elektron
> builds a few more...

Well i think the sound thing is up to you, I guess by listening to  
demos. The evolver is capable of a wide variety of sounds from analog  
to digital and everywhere in between. The MnM though is unlike any  
other synth, the way it integrates the synth engine(s) with the power  
of it's sequencer, it will change the way you make music, especially  
if you are looking at it as an escape/addition from/to the computer  
world. I think most would agree it's addicting in it's simplicity. I  
think the MnM is worth it even if it did not have any internal  
synths, meaning to sequencing other gear. The Evo accomplishes this  
sound/sequence integration as well, in fact in a deeper way in some  
respects, but i think the MnM gives you more for the money. Lets not  
forget the live aspects of the MnM as well, very inspirational. The  
sound of the MnM is fairly specific though, it has a wide range but  
if you don't like the vibe you won't like it.

Two of the best synths around and a hard decision,

I have some demo's with a great deal of MnM in them, let me know if  
you want to hear.

On Dec 9, 2006, at 12:03 PM, Federico Ciapi wrote:

> > The SFX-6, hands down. I prefer the sound and I'm dead fast
> > with it. There's very little loss in translation from idea
> > to sequence and sound for me.
>
> Niall, why do you say you prefer the sound of the SFX-6?
> Is it more versatile?
>
> Unfortunately I'm not able to test any of these synths :-(
> So any advice is really welcome.
>
> I noticed there are no SFX-6 available right now, hope Elektron
> builds a few more...

Well i think the sound thing is up to you, I guess by listening to
demos. The evolver is capable of a wide variety of sounds from analog
to digital and everywhere in between. The MnM though is unlike any
other synth, the way it integrates the synth engine(s) with the power
of it's sequencer, it will change the way you make music, especially
if you are looking at it as an escape/addition from/to the computer
world. I think most would agree it's addicting in it's simplicity. I
think the MnM is worth it even if it did not have any internal
synths, meaning to sequencing other gear. The Evo accomplishes this
sound/sequence integration as well, in fact in a deeper way in some
respects, but i think the MnM gives you more for the money. Lets not
forget the live aspects of the MnM as well, very inspirational. The
sound of the MnM is fairly specific though, it has a wide range but
if you don't like the vibe you won't like it.

Two of the best synths around and a hard decision,

I have some demo's with a great deal of MnM in them, let me know if
you want to hear.

Asking this in a forum of people who more than likely already *have* an mono
or md is going to result in some biased answers, don't you think?

 

That said I *have* a PEK and MonoMachine.  It really isn't a fair
comparison, because they are very different animals.  

 

The evolver has a sequencer, but it is not a *performance and composition*
sequencer.  It is basically good for modulating its own internal voice
parameters,.   Its synth engine is very comprehensive, and there are a lot
of interesting things you can do and a lot of capabilities that are not
obvious at first.   It is also very much a love it or hate it kind of sound.
If you don't absolutely love what it does..your going to hate it.

 

The MonoMachine is much more of a performance oriented sequencing instrument
(or groove box as they currently call it).  Its synthesizers are more
simple, but you can get very complex results from them in the context of a
composition with the sequencer.  You really cannot separate the two.  Plus,
its designed to integrate well with other gear, and can act as a hardware
sequencer for your outboard kit too.

 

Personally, I think the two make a great pair. There is very little sonic
overlap between the two instruments.  Ive been sequencing my PEK and Radias
from the MnM since I got it, and it's like a match made in heaven.

 

Now, if you could only have one, it would depend on what your after.  If you
need a groovebox type device, then the evolver is not for you.  Its
sequencer is *not* going to satisfy the demands of composition - its just
not designed for that.  If your looking very broad and deep synthesis, and
really want to explore sound design and experiment with wild feedback loops
and the like..then the evolver is perfect and the MnM not so much.

 

That's my 3cents anyway..

 

Tony

 

 

  _____  

From: elektron-users@yahoogroups.com [mailto:elektron-users@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of Federico Ciapi
Sent: Friday, December 08, 2006 3:37 PM
To: elektron-users@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [elektron] Monomachine SFX-6 or DSI Evolver mono keyboard ?

 

Which would you choose, and why?

thanks,
Federico

 



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I'm going for the tabletop evo.. basically for the reason Andy mentioned
i.e. that it's sonic range is something I don't have and for about 400
Euros, it's like heaven. I want to use it in collaboration with my MD and
but sequence it all from the my GP2x, as god intended :)

I'm kind of baffled by how many mnml track have sounds that seem to directly
come from the MD, using it's 'cold' factor as a gimmick to set up a new
sonic empire... not quite sure If I'm delirious but it seems so much like
it.

I hope after I'm moved to my new appartment and set up all my gear back
together (including a C64, running prophet64 that I'm about to recieve) I'll
be able to send some tracks out. It's kind of a new step for me, going off
pure handheld and getting back in the multiple gear type setup but I'm
feeling it.

The first trip will be a remix of IDTP using that setup....we'll see.

Cheers
Marc
http://discodirt.10pm.org
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15:41


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

> I'm going for the tabletop evo.. basically for the reason Andy  
> mentioned
> i.e. that it's sonic range is something I don't have and for about 400
> Euros, it's like heaven. I want to use it in collaboration with my  
> MD and
> but sequence it all from the my GP2x, as god intended :)

I was thinking about buying the tabletop as well, but I wonder if  
programming is a pain with only 8 pots ?
Have you tried it?


> I'm kind of baffled by how many mnml track have sounds that seem to  
> directly
> come from the MD, using it's 'cold' factor as a gimmick to set up a  
> new
> sonic empire... not quite sure If I'm delirious but it seems so  
> much like
> it.
>

For sure.
A lot of Minus artists are known for using the Machinedrum.

> Asking this in a forum of people who more than likely already  
> *have* an mono
> or md is going to result in some biased answers, don't you think?
>

Sure, and that's the kind of bias that I'm looking for.
I had a Machinedrum in the past (and know it inside-out) and I also  
had a Sid for a bit.
I like Elektron products just like everyone on the list does, so I  
value your opinions even more!

>   It is also very much a love it or hate it kind of sound.
> If you don't absolutely love what it does..your going to hate it.

That's the bad part - I'm not able to judge its sound... I'll have to  
rely on the demos :(


> The MonoMachine is much more of a performance oriented sequencing  
> instrument
> (or groove box as they currently call it).  Its synthesizers are more
> simple, but you can get very complex results from them in the  
> context of a
> composition with the sequencer.  You really cannot separate the  
> two.  Plus,
> its designed to integrate well with other gear, and can act as a  
> hardware
> sequencer for your outboard kit too.

I don't really need an hardware sequencer, I prefer to use Ableton  
Live pretty much for everything.
But I would definitely use the internal sequencer - that's why I want  
a SFX-6 and not a SFX-60.


> Now, if you could only have one, it would depend on what your  
> after.  If you
> need a groovebox type device, then the evolver is not for you.  Its
> sequencer is *not* going to satisfy the demands of composition -  
> its just
> not designed for that.  If your looking very broad and deep  
> synthesis, and
> really want to explore sound design and experiment with wild  
> feedback loops
> and the like..then the evolver is perfect and the MnM not so much.

So maybe the Evolver would better fit my needs, IF I like the sound.

I'm listening to the demos right now....

thanks

>I was thinking about buying the tabletop as well, but I wonder if
>programming is a pain with only 8 pots ?
>Have you tried it?

It's different. Sure it is going to be less obvious than a key version but
the price tag is quite different too. One thing I like with the matrix
approach is that you can more easily 'mess' around with it until you get
something unexpected to pop out. I can't really get in that mode with the
KB. It's not like I always want it to happen but it's kind of interesting.
The size factor is a big point for me too.


>For sure.
>A lot of Minus artists are known for using the Machinedrum.

Thought so.. wonder if there's some kind of 'classic' setup.
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15:41

hi all
i own a MnM and an evolver.
i dont like to post (stupid useless mail)but i have to participate to 
this thread.
Mnm is a powerfull digital synthesizer with an analog touch and 
feeling,very simple and very fast to do powerfull original sound...my 
favorite machine!i always use them and i ve used it on my last 
record.the sound is punchy,digital but sweet like an electronic 
marmelad.but evolver is surely the best analog 21 century synthesizer
(i own 12 analog colector synth and i know what im talking 
about).bass are big,arp are crazy and u can add punchy sound when u 
use the 2 digital osc with th the 2 analog osc.but evelvover is only 
a monophonic synth!its the perfect MnM friend but alone,u cant do 
anything with it except ambient tracks:)
if u just need 1 machine,buy a MnM,if u have money to spend,buy the 
MnM and the evolver!
best

--- In elektron-users@yahoogroups.com, Andy Tarpinian <evildead@...> 
wrote:
>
> 
> On Dec 9, 2006, at 12:03 PM, Federico Ciapi wrote:
> 
> > > The SFX-6, hands down. I prefer the sound and I'm dead fast
> > > with it. There's very little loss in translation from idea
> > > to sequence and sound for me.
> >
> > Niall, why do you say you prefer the sound of the SFX-6?
> > Is it more versatile?
> >
> > Unfortunately I'm not able to test any of these synths :-(
> > So any advice is really welcome.
> >
> > I noticed there are no SFX-6 available right now, hope Elektron
> > builds a few more...
> 
> Well i think the sound thing is up to you, I guess by listening to
> demos. The evolver is capable of a wide variety of sounds from 
analog
> to digital and everywhere in between. The MnM though is unlike any
> other synth, the way it integrates the synth engine(s) with the 
power

> of it's sequencer, it will change the way you make music, especially
> if you are looking at it as an escape/addition from/to the computer
> world. I think most would agree it's addicting in it's simplicity. I
> think the MnM is worth it even if it did not have any internal
> synths, meaning to sequencing other gear. The Evo accomplishes this
> sound/sequence integration as well, in fact in a deeper way in some
> respects, but i think the MnM gives you more for the money. Lets not
> forget the live aspects of the MnM as well, very inspirational. The
> sound of the MnM is fairly specific though, it has a wide range but
> if you don't like the vibe you won't like it.
> 
> Two of the best synths around and a hard decision,
> 
> I have some demo's with a great deal of MnM in them, let me know if
> you want to hear.
>

> but evelvover is only
> a monophonic synth!its the perfect MnM friend but alone,u cant do
> anything with it except ambient tracks:)

But I could always multitrack it :-)
I also use soft synths a lot (Operator, Filterscape, Microtonic for  
drums) so I don't really need a "groovebox" - all included machine.
BUT I would make good use of the Monomachine sequencer !

I think I'm going for the Evolver, given that there are no SFX-6  
available yet :-(

Anyone know what is going on with the sfx-6 stock?

ooohhh yesss, what a hard joice you have choosen.
To be honest, it is a good feeling to have both, the MnM and in my
case the desktop version (one of the first evo's) and the four voice rack.
don't ask me about elektron gear, i am only a fan of this company and
will buy everything they produce (thanks, that they are not so fast
with this), but the evo is, if you like synths, a must have. The
keyboardversions also looking great, but i believe that the small
desktop is also not so compicated to work with, and it is quiet cheap
for what it is able to do. Honestly, the evo surprises me again and
again about the things you can do with just one voice.
I recommend to geth both, you don't have to hurry, both will stay up
for some more time on the market.
Together they are a very couple...
stefan

--- In elektron-users@yahoogroups.com, Andy Tarpinian <evildead@...>
wrote:

>
> 
> On Dec 9, 2006, at 12:03 PM, Federico Ciapi wrote:
> 
> > > The SFX-6, hands down. I prefer the sound and I'm dead fast
> > > with it. There's very little loss in translation from idea
> > > to sequence and sound for me.
> >
> > Niall, why do you say you prefer the sound of the SFX-6?
> > Is it more versatile?
> >
> > Unfortunately I'm not able to test any of these synths :-(
> > So any advice is really welcome.
> >
> > I noticed there are no SFX-6 available right now, hope Elektron
> > builds a few more...
> 
> Well i think the sound thing is up to you, I guess by listening to
> demos. The evolver is capable of a wide variety of sounds from analog
> to digital and everywhere in between. The MnM though is unlike any
> other synth, the way it integrates the synth engine(s) with the power
> of it's sequencer, it will change the way you make music, especially
> if you are looking at it as an escape/addition from/to the computer
> world. I think most would agree it's addicting in it's simplicity. I
> think the MnM is worth it even if it did not have any internal
> synths, meaning to sequencing other gear. The Evo accomplishes this
> sound/sequence integration as well, in fact in a deeper way in some
> respects, but i think the MnM gives you more for the money. Lets not
> forget the live aspects of the MnM as well, very inspirational. The
> sound of the MnM is fairly specific though, it has a wide range but
> if you don't like the vibe you won't like it.
> 
> Two of the best synths around and a hard decision,
> 
> I have some demo's with a great deal of MnM in them, let me know if
> you want to hear.
>