- Joined
- Feb 14, 2018
- Messages
- 209
- Reaction score
- 67
Long post - but gives the full picture.
I have had a Modal Argon8M on pre-order since Jan - but obviously due to the current situation they are still not available - and probably wont be for a while - so I have cancelled that order for now. It may be the only thing that works for me - but maybe not so im after advice on other suitable kit.
Current rig is:
1. RD2000 - Pianos, Clave, EPs primarily. Some strings and pads (basic ones) and as a control board.
2. Legend EXP module - errr, for organs.
3. FA07 - basic VA synth primarily. Its not that easy to program with menu's but I like that each osc can have its own filter and Env/LFO. There is enough int he presets that I can find most of what I need and just fine tune so the programability isnt that big a deal. The more Rompler sounds are decent enough as well. I also use the sampler (its basic but is plenty for me).
4. Novation Peak - for the more traditional analogue (almost) poly stuff. Knob per function (again almost).
5. -- stand. I mount these on a 3 tier K&M 18820. RD2000 on the bottom, FA07 in the middle, then a shelf with a 1U line mixer, and midi splitter mounted below it for the modules.
So - why am I looking for something else?
1. Primarily for a programmable arpegiator (yes the FA has one, but its not step - you have to real time play it into the sequencer, export the sequence to the Arp - it does work but its not ideal). Step programming preferable.
2. Step sequencer (again the FAs isnt step as far as I know).
3. Adding something I dont have - in the Argons case wavetables (well the peak kind of does, but its basic).
What are the restrictions.
1. Id like to add something with as little crossover as I can BUT it doesnt have to be wavetables - could be FM, or granular - or even a totally different flavor of subtractive synth compared to Peak etc.
2. SIZE.... The big one. I have 385mm width available (perfect as thats the size of the ArgonM) - but at a push I could stretch it to 430mm ish. More than that and Id have to rehouse the organ module somehow.
3. Im a LIVE player first and foremost., I dont use soft synths and what I have has to work in a set/band environment (functionally) and be mountable on the one stand (or at least in the same footprint).
4. FX. id like as many built in but particularly phaser/flanger/delay/reverb/chorus - those are high on the like list - though not strictly must haves.
What did I consider and why did I not go that way
1. Argon8 - obviously, seemed to pretty much fit - but availability........
2. Minilogue XD. - a lot of crossover with Peak, and its too long at 500mm
3. Hydrasynth - the module COULD be made to fit, BUT you cant save arp patterns, even though you can create them. As Im designing patterns for sons live thats a must really.
4. DSi Rev 2 - lots of crossover. Too wide at 530mm
5. Deep Mind 6/12- again too wide really.
6. Blofeld. Not keen on the 6 knobs and menu diving really, and its old. Not sure how the FX hold up either.
Anything considered other than synths?
1. Digitakt - not really synth but has the arp/sequencer and is a better sampler than the FA. As a live player - and primarily "band" songs not sure its really a fit with its other abilities.
2. Beatstep pro - this one just provides the arp/sequencer. Its possible but Id rather add sounds as well if I could. Might be the way to go for now though.
So, given all that information - is there anything Ive not considered that might fit the bill? If not, is there anything on the options I HAVE considered making them more suitable? and any of the "longer" options worth the faff top find a side mount for the organ module? If so - what are the options to side mount the Legend (apart from a longer top shelf - though Im not completely ruling that out). Is it just worth picking up the arp/sequencer (beatstep or alternatives) and forgetting about the sound generation? Should I just wait and get the Argon if/when China starts exporting again?
Any incite/suggestions/thoughts most welcome.
I have had a Modal Argon8M on pre-order since Jan - but obviously due to the current situation they are still not available - and probably wont be for a while - so I have cancelled that order for now. It may be the only thing that works for me - but maybe not so im after advice on other suitable kit.
Current rig is:
1. RD2000 - Pianos, Clave, EPs primarily. Some strings and pads (basic ones) and as a control board.
2. Legend EXP module - errr, for organs.
3. FA07 - basic VA synth primarily. Its not that easy to program with menu's but I like that each osc can have its own filter and Env/LFO. There is enough int he presets that I can find most of what I need and just fine tune so the programability isnt that big a deal. The more Rompler sounds are decent enough as well. I also use the sampler (its basic but is plenty for me).
4. Novation Peak - for the more traditional analogue (almost) poly stuff. Knob per function (again almost).
5. -- stand. I mount these on a 3 tier K&M 18820. RD2000 on the bottom, FA07 in the middle, then a shelf with a 1U line mixer, and midi splitter mounted below it for the modules.
So - why am I looking for something else?
1. Primarily for a programmable arpegiator (yes the FA has one, but its not step - you have to real time play it into the sequencer, export the sequence to the Arp - it does work but its not ideal). Step programming preferable.
2. Step sequencer (again the FAs isnt step as far as I know).
3. Adding something I dont have - in the Argons case wavetables (well the peak kind of does, but its basic).
What are the restrictions.
1. Id like to add something with as little crossover as I can BUT it doesnt have to be wavetables - could be FM, or granular - or even a totally different flavor of subtractive synth compared to Peak etc.
2. SIZE.... The big one. I have 385mm width available (perfect as thats the size of the ArgonM) - but at a push I could stretch it to 430mm ish. More than that and Id have to rehouse the organ module somehow.
3. Im a LIVE player first and foremost., I dont use soft synths and what I have has to work in a set/band environment (functionally) and be mountable on the one stand (or at least in the same footprint).
4. FX. id like as many built in but particularly phaser/flanger/delay/reverb/chorus - those are high on the like list - though not strictly must haves.
What did I consider and why did I not go that way
1. Argon8 - obviously, seemed to pretty much fit - but availability........
2. Minilogue XD. - a lot of crossover with Peak, and its too long at 500mm
3. Hydrasynth - the module COULD be made to fit, BUT you cant save arp patterns, even though you can create them. As Im designing patterns for sons live thats a must really.
4. DSi Rev 2 - lots of crossover. Too wide at 530mm
5. Deep Mind 6/12- again too wide really.
6. Blofeld. Not keen on the 6 knobs and menu diving really, and its old. Not sure how the FX hold up either.
Anything considered other than synths?
1. Digitakt - not really synth but has the arp/sequencer and is a better sampler than the FA. As a live player - and primarily "band" songs not sure its really a fit with its other abilities.
2. Beatstep pro - this one just provides the arp/sequencer. Its possible but Id rather add sounds as well if I could. Might be the way to go for now though.
So, given all that information - is there anything Ive not considered that might fit the bill? If not, is there anything on the options I HAVE considered making them more suitable? and any of the "longer" options worth the faff top find a side mount for the organ module? If so - what are the options to side mount the Legend (apart from a longer top shelf - though Im not completely ruling that out). Is it just worth picking up the arp/sequencer (beatstep or alternatives) and forgetting about the sound generation? Should I just wait and get the Argon if/when China starts exporting again?
Any incite/suggestions/thoughts most welcome.