For anybody just watching this who isn't familiar with Stimming's reviews: Watch past his comments about the ;midi out' at the beginning. This was the first Stimming review I ever watched, so I got to that point and thought, "this is ridiculous," and stopped watching . I hate adapters. and would much rather have 5 pin midi instead a pile of 1/8" to midi ,or whatever, adapters. Stimming is now one of my favorite reviews. I bought the HydraSynth module because of his review (and SweetWaters UA-cam Demo). But he rips into what he doesn't like, IN THE ORDER HE FINDS THEM. Just keep watching. His personal reactions tell you all you need to know about the Synth. He lights up when he's into it. Like the SonicState dude.
For me, Stimming reviews are a bit better than Nick Batt's. Mainly because of what you mention: he gets straight to the point, and he points all good and bad things, basically.
The Skulpt might be confusing for you, but I can make patches very quickly and intuitively. Shift functions are not difficult. The thing I dislike the most is the power switch turns on in my backpack. I put a piece of clear tape on the power switch to keep it in off position while in transport.
I have to say the skulpt is incredible for live jams/permormances. Used it yesterday live at a festival along other gear and it stood its ground nicely. It was playable, sounds absolutely great and fun to use the knobs to morph the sounds. Something like a microfreak would not fit in my bag. Yes sometimes you turn a knob and forgot that you had shift pressed but it also leads to happy accidents. What bothers me a bit is that the volumes can be all over the place. Switching from mono to poly drops in volume alot for instance.
Glad you did a study and learned that most people prefer 5-pin. What would we do without good scientific studies like this? Can't say how valuable your smooth brained comment is.
es ist mir immer ein Fest den Stimming beim Testen zu sehen, genauso würde ich es auch machen. Unterhaltsam, erhellend, kritisch, humorvoll, aus musikalischer Sicht. Weiter so!
Stimming and his comments are just grounding. To the point and practical and no-nonsense. You listen to him talk about the poor quality, the cheap plastic, then he's jamming to a chord progression from a preset. You can tell he loves what he does and he loves music for the pure sound of it ... if that makes sense. Bang two tin cups together, if it sounds good, Stimming would tell you 'it feels a bit metallic and hollow and cheap, but damn listen to that ring modulation!'. I'll be picking up a Craft 2.0 in the next few days.
ot sounds better than most of plugins and you can use editor even on phone, you don't need computer... som it's really nice synth.. btw i have no issue to edit sounds on CraftSynth, for me interface is totally straightforward
His point is if everyone manufactured with mini jacks, it would be much easier to connect everything. Mini jack cables are ubiquitous. You can buy them at a 7-11. Midi cables not so much. He's not a dinosaur and sees how things can progress. The rest can stay in the dark.
One thing that i like in your videos that you tell the real issues of the machines!!normaly others reviews only say the good things but your personal view is very important for a future buyer!! thanks for your works!Greetings from Paris!! :-)
Just got the Craft 2.0... and WOW! Directly ordered the SKULPT, yes it feels "cheap", but what a sound! One of the few synths that impressed me directly after hearing some presets.
@@annother3350 No, it's under troubleshooting. It says something like if it makes noise without you touching the 'keys' make sure not to touch the left side.
Op z would be destroyed Its cool portable Bad synth engine Nice sequencer Nice fx break style Bad build (only real nice useable with midicontroller) I prefer op z more than the digitakt Because if the easy to use function
I detest mini jacks. They make a lousy headphones socket, and they make an even worse MIDI connector. The 5 pin DIN is robust, doesn't lose connection, there's only one wiring standard to worry about, and it's small enough already. Yamaha's mini DIN MIDI connectors and non-standared adapters on the Refaces series are better, mechanically, but still an atrocity. We had a great connector, that everything had for a while, so everything could be connected together. That's how thinks should have stayed.
If you have to use a tablet (software) to edit the hardware synth then it completely defeats the purpose of having hardware IMHO. Just make it an app. Great review from Stimming as always.
You don't have too but it's way easier and logical as on the hardware. For little twists the hardware is fine but if you go a bit deeper into sound design it's easier with the app in my opinion and as a Craft 2.0. owner
jon fromtheUK he said the layout sucks then proceeds to use the software. If it sucks so bad that you’d rather use hardware then I’d just save money and space and get a vst
Tell that to everyone with anyone with a: Roland D-05/50/70, JV-1040/2040, XV-5080, JD-900, MKS-80, Alesis Micron/Akai Miniak, Korg Wavestation, DSI MoPho desktop, Yamaha TX-81z, FS-1r, TG-33, SY-22/33/35 the list goes on and on. Shit even on synths which are more intuitively laid out have editors (Waldorf Blofeld, and Mutable Instruments shruthi, audiothingies MicroMonsta)
@@Frozirra I have a few of those, and I'd far rather have a big panel full of knobs, with just one function on each knob. IMHO, if I need to use a computer to edit a patch on a synth, then the user interface of the synth doesn't work properly.
They're both very solid, little synths with a lot of powerful sound shaping capabilities in small, affordable packages. I own and use both. I actually kind of think the Craft 2.0 is the beefier sounding synth but they're both good. I get annoyed by the duel midi standards too but most people will tell you they prefer the full-size, 5 pin jacks. There's far more gear out there in that standard than the new little stuff.
@@Cepheid-IDM Exactly. Full-size has been "the" standard for decades and it's still the easiest way to get vintage and modern to talk to eachother easily. I liken the new 3.5mm breakouts to be more of a modern, production strategy to cut costs on small, budget synths which is fine but even those vary as, for instance, the Korg breakouts don't match the Novation breakouts configurations. Then you have the IK Media synth and Uno drum machine that bafflingly went with 2.5mm breakouts, which almost nothing else uses, especially for midi. That decision really boggles my mind. Like really, you had to save spave over 1 tiny millimeter? Absurd.
I agree with "not at all intuitive" for the layout (I have the Craft Synth), but it is possible to get used to it. EXCEPT that you need to be able to see those lines on the face plate, so not so good in a poorly lighted area. The app does help with both the layout and seeing the knobs in the dark. I love the small size and the battery operation. The sounds are amazing and fun.
Getting this in a few days. I like the fact it's Mono as I only have one ear. Everything else I need to use speakers, I plan to use it as my "couch" synth, find an idea, then put it on Logic Pro.
The other nice thing about these synths and the microfreak is that the midi outs can be configured as a soft midi thru. This works fantastically if I am using my keystep to trigger the notes for multiple synths. It's also great for using the keystep with a midi splitter and novation circuit or korg electribe.
About layout, design, workflow n interface - I like it a lot. Just get used to it, muscle memory will do the job. CRAFT swept away all of my mono analog synths. CRAFT is so good that I just bought SKULP... fcuk its DSP, I can's hear the difference anyway. The quality is so so but better than I expected. In the time of Pocket Operators it's not that big deal :)
I disagree about the Midi Issue. With stereo audio jacks there are 2 different polarities ánd 2 different sizes. Some use 2,5mm. That's 4 variations of which 2 are very common. All keyboards and sequencers that I know of have proper 5 pin din anyways, so if the synth also has 5 pin din there's no need for adapters. Midi filter boxes and midi splitters also use 5 pin din. Imagine having multiple devices with 3,5mm midi jacks and wanting to do some complex midi routing without a PC. You'll need midi splitters and midi filter boxes and every device would need its own adapter and you would have to keep track of al the polarities. In theory 3.5mm midi is nice, 5 pin din is an ancieny and large plug, but the companies screwed up by not agreeing to a standard and the Midi Association stepped in too late.
@Donal Finn That's also a good point. Some work fine, the Midi In/Out on my Keystap take very little effort, Volca Bass it's pretty good too, but on my Neutron Midi Input is super tight and I can feel something (PCB?) bending while inserting it. I never take the Midi cable out, not even when I put it away. Yeah Micro USB is horrible. Mini was better, USB C should be pretty good though, but there are still new products being made with Micro which is insane. If everything used 3.5mm A Spec (Korg style) TRS Midi I would recieve it with open arms, but it's so fragmented. My Yamaha Reface uses Mini Midi Din, good luck finding an adapter for that in 20 years. So yeah, I'm conflicted...
@Donal Finn Oh I can solder, I like to make small weird Midi devices like polyrhythm generators or random sequence generators. But the average consumer shouldn't be expected to DIY a cable I think. As I said I do see why people would want an alternative to Midi Din, but companies kinda ruined it by making more and more variations for no reason but to make a few bucks by selling propietary adapters. So both options are far from ideal IMO. Maybe I should start making and selling adapters in my country, you can only get Korg style adapters for 10 euro's as far as I've seen and the other types are €25 and up.
@@OttosTheName - fully agree with you. I'm used to soldering, and have had to make an adapter for a Korg Electribe (because original ES2s shipped with the wrong cables ffs!), but the lack of any official standard is frustrating. Also, if you're using the standard sleeve for ground that's the last connection made when you plug in which is hardly ideal. Since 1990 I've owned lots of synths/modules with 'proper' 5 pin din midi sockets on them and I've never once had an issue with the connector. Never! So for folk to moan about lack of 3.5mm midi sockets just amazes me. But, for anyone interested in making their own cables you do only need a really cheap soldering iron. Circuit Benders recommend the Xytronic 200GX 25W, I use one and it's been perfect for everything from cables to eurorack modules. Flux paste is really useful too.
Nice Stereolab sounds @ 23:13 Really not hard to program, like programming a DX7 is. Just got the craft 2.0, and it has more amazing sounds and fun per $€£¥ you will find out there! It *is* a small wavetable powerhouse. It seems like his frustration just needs patience! It's not as complex as learning Elektron stuff IMHO. Thanks for your review, tho Stemming. The Craft2.0 is a great unit. Going with and without the app over a day or so has opened it up a bit. So now it makes sense to me and is useable without looking down as much. Great and surprising sounds. Cheers!
@@ElectronicBeatsTV I do play live and I will be using it this weekend and studio in August. Nothing like upcoming dates to focus the mind! Thanks again for the review 🙌🏿
I have to agree with you, I think he's just frustrated and needs more patience. I don't find the layout to be terrible and the Skulpt is way easier to program and learn the workflow of as opposed to any piece of Elektron gear I've owned.
I just got this synth and I can relate entirely. I love how it sounds, and It looks super slick. But, the interface and the keyboard is really clunky and hard to get used to, and all the knobs feel fragile.
Thanks for the review. If the easiest way to interact with these instruments is via a computer screen then there is no point to them since it would be easier and cheaper to run a standalone VST.
And so from your personal experience with the Skulpt were you only able to create patches using only the software? Because you most definitely can create patches on the hardware alone, though of course the software is convenient for multiple reasons.
After using the Skulpt for a while I have to say that you get used to the knob layout and the secondary functions pretty fast. Really intuitive now and its just fun even without the app. I use that only for naming and organising patches.
Thomas Herrmann - it's a great little synth! Really easy to program from the front panel, it's not a bad layout as the reviewer says. Distortion and spread knobs are pretty unique (it's not your standard type of distortion). I've not bothered with the app myself. Very impressed with it :)
The only thing i wish was different is that cut off and filter env depth were on the same layer as i sometimes like to tweak both. I can fix that by rerouting one to mod wheel
Best review of these two synths that I have seen yet. The "keyboard" really seems to be a detriment on these. I get it, it's for triggering notes during portable use, and normally I like that, but with those issues I can't really see myself attempting to use it portably all that often. The sounds are massive though and still compel me to look into them. I'm very glad you compared both of them as I was under the impression that they were basically the same but with one voice versus four. Given the massive stacking possibilities I think the Craft 2.0 is probably worth buying based on its price alone. Paired with a good delay and/or reverb it probably sounds even more awesome.
I have same thoughts. Will skip till I find a used one at a good price maybe and then perhaps encase in some wood . I love the Sound and the Size the touch issue would drive me NUTS.
On par with the reface cs for warm, organic, and smooth. The ergonomics and build quality could be better but at least you can save patches and it has a sequencer.
Thank you for being the ONLY channel I’ve seen to point out this touch issue on the Skulpt, while Skulpt sounds great the touch thing would be a deal breaker for me. Does using it in the top cover mitigate this issue at all? Thanks
I know. You'd end up using it as a module which series the point of getting hardware. This thing does with batteries but don't use it on the train because you'll be triggering it by accident!
@@ElectronicBeatsTV I'm glad I saw this. I was about to click away and remove both of these from my Wishlist. But sure enough, he's firm but fair. And these are cool items, if flawed. And I'm excited to see more of these types of inexpensive uber-powered synths.
There seems to be a weird distribution of products ... I have Skulpt and Craft made of high quality plastic and glass and super-smooth and precise encoders with not a hint of wobble. It works very nicely on my table or lap ... I have never played a synth like a game controller ... and the Skulpt plays very useful arpeggios and (in chord mode) sequences ... but like all small boxes it's nice with a larger controller (Linnstrument) or portably a QuNexus or Keystep. I find it's layout extremely practical ... LFO 1 and 2 adjacent and between (but below) is their mixer for instance. But hey, I skimmed the manual, read the labels next to the encoders and vaguely remembered a few things... so perhaps I am at an unfair advantage? I am hugely impressed by both of these little boxes (and I have a fair old collection of those to make comparisons from). Fantastic sounds from the presets, and enormous potential for more designs. This review has been enormously helpful to me, since it's about stuff I know a bit about ... I have learned that I shan't take much interest in, or place any value his views on things I don't know about.
In addition,if you want to use the Skulpt you have to have a better kbd handy, an iPad with the app and the Skulpt itself. Just buy Cobalt from them. The cost will be similar. And you won’t have to carry 3 boxes around.
The touching of unit doesn't trigger in the SE version, at least for me. To add firmware update the USB has to be connected to a dedicated power on USB charging port of the computer.
Poor build quality often also means inconsistent quality in the product. Could just be that he got unlucky, or you lucky, or both. (Like if you buy clothes at the cheapest stores it's a good idea to test more than one pair of the same to get the cut that suits you the best as it can wary a lot.)
why havent you reviewed everything i am so disappointed when i want to find out about a piece of gear and you havent reviewed it yet i didnt realize just how funny you actually are i have such a great laugh at your genuine quirky nature i want to be just you when i grow up
I usually like this dude’s reviews, but he exaggerated a lot of the issues. And IMO 5-pin is always preferable to TRS bc there is no standard, second hand synths sometimes don’t get sold with the breakout cable, and I found out that there are multiple types. And the only company that makes a switchable adaptor (retrokits) is always sold out. The accidental triggering is annoying, but not a deal breaker, the knobs could be sturdier, the only thing that is really annoying is how hard it is to use the mod matrix without the app. (And without the app you can’t route modulations to aftertouch/velocity). I can’t speak on the skillet, but The layout on the craftsynth2.0 is pretty easy to grasp after a while. (I color coded the knobs to learn groupings) Tbh there are more expensive synths out there with more difficult shift button press combos. But for less than 150, I think the CRAFTsynth 2.0 is unbeatable in terms of value, tbh I like it more than the volcas.
You straight-up admit you had to color-code the knobs in order to figure out the groupings and you have the gall to say he's exaggerating the issues, lmao
had my handy on recently, small sized instruments you can get out great sounds for its price! have more the feel some user lost their patience to create cool music and exspect everything for paying nothing ;) nice pocket line, also the new argon synth is awsome.
Great video!!nice personal point of view of diferent quality in this two products!!Big like for the true explained aspects of each product ! they are good,they sound nice ,but there is always something that make us...( music producers/composers).. trying to change something ,to get it better ,to have great results in the future!!! you did a great work!! nice review!! :-)
Can I ask? I played a Modal Synth and it was, buggy, like when it booted up it like was like three times before it was usable. what's this unit like, Stable..?
Sorry but I much prefer regular MIDI din I/O, as a keyboard player I can connect any keyboard I have to control those... To me it's not a flaw, but a good feature.
Dealing with “A” style and “B” style TRS to MIDI dongles can be a disaster. No standard. MANY manufacturers DO NOT specify which of style dongle is used with their hardware. Many dongle manufacturers DO NOT SPECIFY WHICH A Or B style dongle THEY ARE SELLING! Going through a nightmare ($$$)with a Korg Volca FM2. The FM Original has the 5 pin MIDI and interfaces with any MIDI CONTROLLER. Korg may have saved a nickel but cost me plenty. Purchased two Modal products BECAUSE of 5 pin MIDI connection.
The mini jack format is not standardized (not all manufacturers use the A standard) and therefore still depend on din adapters and therefore is a huge mess and fuckup on the part of the manufacturers. Big fail. It creates a lot of clutter in the studio, you have to mark all adapters to know if they are A or B, etc. At the moment, until some clever manufacturer starts selling A-B converter minijack cables, it will remain a mess.
Here’s what you need 1x synth (SKULPT or CRAFT) 1x keystep 1x 5pin MIDI cable 1) Plug the midi cable into MIDI OUT port of Keystep 2) Plug the midi cable into MIDI IN port of synth That’s it
I wonder if a little duct tape around the sides of the keyboard and something taped to the bottom to block the underside would solve the triggering issue. Anyone tried it? For me, being able to walk around with it is the entire point of a small synth like this. I wouldnt care if it needed a little ugly duct tape to be able to do that.
so herrlich es ist ehrliche reviews zu sehen über diese kleinen plastik spielzeug kistchen die ihr ihm da in letzter zeit so zum testen gegeben habt .... tut er einem doch fast schon ein wenig leid xD baut denn kein hersteller mehr instrumente in voller größe?
das ding wird marktbestimmend sein, und wenn nich der, dann der nächste besser durchdachte plastikhaufen, der den jüngeren erlaubt schnell und günstig an gute sounds zu kommen.
lol when he says fuck about the midi shit . not only that but everything that uses a mini jack uses a different configuration! good luck using a novation mini jack adapter with an 0-coast or vice versa.
I have to think of the Roland TB 303. The TBs user interface is just terrible (depending on your expectations that is). The UX concept aside, I agree that sound is the most important. I would take the Skulpt if it had a *STEREO* *OUT* and the same sound range as the smaller Craft 2. The Skulpt being limited in sound is hard to understand. But it being mono is a deal-breaker for a polyphonic synth. All that being said: I dont need the knobs or the audio out. I would prefer audio over USB. I imagine that would also be cheaper as you dont need D/A-converters. I guess, I will get a Craft 2. 149€ is fair. I will put it behind my computer screen so I dont have to look at it. It doesnt look great. So, yes, a "dongle"-version with USB + on/off switch only (no knobs, no audio out, just midi and audio over USB) would be welcome.
I dunno, the Tetr4 was borderline impenetrable without the software. With the Skulpt at least there are physical knobs. The Tetr4 sounds beautiful but was a preset machine for me.
Anyone know how you power this with usb whilst also connecting to the app and a usb midi controller which also needs power. Every one else seems to know this, as this video shows, but how to do it seems to be a closely guarded secret. Anyone know? Finding this out is so difficult because it's such a long and specific search query, I can only find bits of solutions. Or even being able to power it via usb whilst being connected to the app would be a start.
Not sure if I got your question right 🙄 If connected to your computer via USB you have power and midi connection at the same time. And if a seperate USB Controller is also connected to your computer you can use it to control the Skulpt/Craft at the same time. But the editor apps are seperate so you can‘t use them in your DAW.
Ich hatte den Craft 2.0 mal für eine kurze Zeit. Klang wirklich gut, allerdings hat er sich im Batterie Mode immer wieder aufgehangen. Strom über USB hat die Kiste zum brummen gebracht. Von der Verarbeitung her hatte ich mir auch mehr versprochen. So ging das Gerät wieder zurück an den Händler.
@@ElectronicBeatsTV zumindest, dass er ordentlich funktioniert und ein bisschen mehr Volca Niveau in der Verarbeitung besitzt. Die anderen Tests, z.B. von Soniclab, haben mir einen anderen Eindruck vermittelt.
Ich habe den selbst und keinerlei Probleme damit. Das USB Brumm Problem tauchte beim UNO Drum review schon auf. Bekommt man weg mit nem Isolator oder besseren Netzteil. Batterie Mode habe ich aber nicht getestet da uninteressant für mich vom Kosten / Nutzen Faktor.
@@ElectronicBeatsTV Hab einige Netzteile und USB-Anschlüsse durchgechckt, war leider nichts zu machen. Ich wollte ihn in ein mobiles Setup integrieren, daher der Betrieb über Batterie bzw. Akkus. Auch da hab ich verschiedene Varianten getestet. Nun steht der Microfreak auf meinem Tisch.
@@mattsmith1440 while tweaking knobs it could be on my lap or I might accidentally touch the side while tweaking with the other hand -- it's no good if random notes are firing!!
@@annother3350 I agree it's not ideal, but as long as you're not using it live by itself (and it hasn't really got the keyboard for that), and you put it on a desk, I think it's all good. I guess we must have different uses in mind.
I was looking for a serious synth sound but portable... battery powered... not many out there, this sound massive and beautiful. Plastic means lighter, shift button is obvious on a small thing like this. app is great. the keyboard is small but for sketching ideas is fab, like on a train, on the beach etc. (if you're getting this as your only studio synth you have drug problems LOL) this guy is a bit too picky as Modal is actually a very small company... so give credits. Just get ideas on this one than you can perfect them in your studio
Hope you some day maka a review like this to the Akai Force. Lot of Users like me feel unsatisfied due to too many lacks, limitations and things not ended. Watch my latest (and only) review about this. Surely you can do It much much better, and be heard by the manufacturer. Thanks
the reason why I don't like to do reviews from machines with this kind of complexity is their too big - to really understand them would cost too much time.
I was hoping for stimming to just wipe the desk off with one fell swoop and place a microFreak down instead. Nice sounds, dumb setup. The little monophonic one is arguably better based on price alone.
Had to go back to the MicroFreak review for a little bit after finishing this to realize how much these machines get on Martins' nerves. Modal's synth engine is great but if it takes so much effort to get something out of it I might as well save myself the time/money and make a Launch Control mapping for Arturia Pigments (which in a way seems similar to this when it comes to sound).
@@ElectronicBeatsTV Thanks for the reply, for me it's "screentime", where I'm not actually making music but moving a mouse around to turn virtual knobs that bothers me. I'm fine patching like this with for example the Novation Circuit because it is such a great stand alone device coupled with it's sequencer and sampler. The time invested in it actually benefits the eventual workflow and the personalisation of the music. With these two specific Modal devices I don't see that happening since after programming the button's are so hard to find and the touch keyboard seems hmmmyeah.... to play. I'm sure there are people that love this but not really my cup of tea. Love the Stimming reviews though, thanks!
good idea! but the bass from the craft 2.0 beats the pigments easily (I have it). also the filter design seems more interesting in the craft, a bit more smokey if that makes any sense. of course the whole palette is much wider in the pigments.
@@MartinStimming Can't argue with that, the modal sounds absolutely massive on the bottom end, as you demonstrated. Running a synth digital through an analog signal path always beefs things up. After doing some reading I found that this also has great MIDI CC implementation this might be very workable live with an Elektron sequencer...
IK didn't appreciate our UNO Drum review here so we will not review any of their machines here on this channel anymore. Plus we only review new stuff not old gear.
@@ElectronicBeatsTV Great. I love how it sounds and it's simplicity. Of course it's cheap and plasticky, but for the money and logic behind it, I think is one of the best cheap synths available. Until we see Crave form Behringer which is on my list and it should be on your for review of course. :)
Weder Fisch noch Fleisch 😂 Das trifft definitiv nicht auf dieses Review zu. Wirklich echt informativ. Schade das die Teile ein bisschen "billig" daher kommen. Der sound dagegen kommt richtig gut.
Stimming is becoming the most honest artist gear reviewer. I love his takes on the past few products. Great job man! hold these companies to the fire.
For anybody just watching this who isn't familiar with Stimming's reviews: Watch past his comments about the ;midi out' at the beginning. This was the first Stimming review I ever watched, so I got to that point and thought, "this is ridiculous," and stopped watching . I hate adapters. and would much rather have 5 pin midi instead a pile of 1/8" to midi ,or whatever, adapters. Stimming is now one of my favorite reviews. I bought the HydraSynth module because of his review (and SweetWaters UA-cam Demo). But he rips into what he doesn't like, IN THE ORDER HE FINDS THEM. Just keep watching. His personal reactions tell you all you need to know about the Synth. He lights up when he's into it. Like the SonicState dude.
For me, Stimming reviews are a bit better than Nick Batt's. Mainly because of what you mention: he gets straight to the point, and he points all good and bad things, basically.
i know Im pretty off topic but does anyone know of a good site to watch new movies online?
@Hassan Ruben try flixportal. You can find it on google :)
Stimming! Always look forward to these reviews
The Skulpt might be confusing for you, but I can make patches very quickly and intuitively. Shift functions are not difficult. The thing I dislike the most is the power switch turns on in my backpack. I put a piece of clear tape on the power switch to keep it in off position while in transport.
I have to say the skulpt is incredible for live jams/permormances. Used it yesterday live at a festival along other gear and it stood its ground nicely. It was playable, sounds absolutely great and fun to use the knobs to morph the sounds. Something like a microfreak would not fit in my bag. Yes sometimes you turn a knob and forgot that you had shift pressed but it also leads to happy accidents. What bothers me a bit is that the volumes can be all over the place. Switching from mono to poly drops in volume alot for instance.
Most people prefer a real 5-pin MIDI port versus mini jack I’m glad they put a full jack on there
Glad you did a study and learned that most people prefer 5-pin. What would we do without good scientific studies like this? Can't say how valuable your smooth brained comment is.
@@_0O0O0O0_ you're so wrong just judging from likes
es ist mir immer ein Fest den Stimming beim Testen zu sehen, genauso würde ich es auch machen. Unterhaltsam, erhellend, kritisch, humorvoll, aus musikalischer Sicht. Weiter so!
Stimming’s honest reviews are always the reason I keep coming back !
You always makes the best reviews, because you are so honest and practical, please review the Teenage Engineering Op-z
it would refreshing to see someone honest like him review the op-z
I'm using my CRAFTsynth 2 essentially as a big, fat complex oscillator to run through my analogue filters. It's *enormous*. :-)
Excellent idea! Running a CRAFTsynth 2 through something like an Erica Fusion Box or Elektron Analog Heat really ups the ante.
Stimming and his comments are just grounding. To the point and practical and no-nonsense. You listen to him talk about the poor quality, the cheap plastic, then he's jamming to a chord progression from a preset. You can tell he loves what he does and he loves music for the pure sound of it ... if that makes sense. Bang two tin cups together, if it sounds good, Stimming would tell you 'it feels a bit metallic and hollow and cheap, but damn listen to that ring modulation!'. I'll be picking up a Craft 2.0 in the next few days.
Your reviews are very good. Honest and detailed to a healthy degree. Thanks for good work!
I prefer the classic midi output, to connect with every synth I want
My disappointment when I turn a unit around and see a 3.5 jack for the MIDI option is visceral
ot sounds better than most of plugins and you can use editor even on phone, you don't need computer... som it's really nice synth.. btw i have no issue to edit sounds on CraftSynth, for me interface is totally straightforward
His point is if everyone manufactured with mini jacks, it would be much easier to connect everything. Mini jack cables are ubiquitous. You can buy them at a 7-11. Midi cables not so much. He's not a dinosaur and sees how things can progress. The rest can stay in the dark.
love the uncut format and the frustration in the review :D
One thing that i like in your videos that you tell the real issues of the machines!!normaly others reviews only say the good things but your personal view is very important for a future buyer!! thanks for your works!Greetings from Paris!! :-)
Check his new reviews on musictalk.tech
Just got the Craft 2.0... and WOW! Directly ordered the SKULPT, yes it feels "cheap", but what a sound! One of the few synths that impressed me directly after hearing some presets.
Has it got the touch problem?
@@annother3350 I think they all do, it's even acknowledged in the manual
@@OttosTheName as a feature?!
@@annother3350 No, it's under troubleshooting. It says something like if it makes noise without you touching the 'keys' make sure not to touch the left side.
Would you put the Skulpt above the Craft and does it do all stuff the little one does?
25:45 that sounds awesome!
I would love to see Stimming do a review of the OP-Z
Op z would be destroyed
Its cool portable
Bad synth engine
Nice sequencer
Nice fx break style
Bad build (only real nice useable with midicontroller)
I prefer op z more than the digitakt
Because if the easy to use function
I detest mini jacks.
They make a lousy headphones socket, and they make an even worse MIDI connector. The 5 pin DIN is robust, doesn't lose connection, there's only one wiring standard to worry about, and it's small enough already.
Yamaha's mini DIN MIDI connectors and non-standared adapters on the Refaces series are better, mechanically, but still an atrocity. We had a great connector, that everything had for a while, so everything could be connected together. That's how thinks should have stayed.
If you have to use a tablet (software) to edit the hardware synth then it completely defeats the purpose of having hardware IMHO. Just make it an app. Great review from Stimming as always.
Curious , why do you think you have to use the software to edit the synths?
You don't have too but it's way easier and logical as on the hardware. For little twists the hardware is fine but if you go a bit deeper into sound design it's easier with the app in my opinion and as a Craft 2.0. owner
jon fromtheUK he said the layout sucks then proceeds to use the software.
If it sucks so bad that you’d rather use hardware then I’d just save money and space and get a vst
Tell that to everyone with anyone with a: Roland D-05/50/70, JV-1040/2040, XV-5080, JD-900, MKS-80, Alesis Micron/Akai Miniak, Korg Wavestation, DSI MoPho desktop, Yamaha TX-81z, FS-1r, TG-33, SY-22/33/35 the list goes on and on. Shit even on synths which are more intuitively laid out have editors (Waldorf Blofeld, and Mutable Instruments shruthi, audiothingies MicroMonsta)
@@Frozirra I have a few of those, and I'd far rather have a big panel full of knobs, with just one function on each knob.
IMHO, if I need to use a computer to edit a patch on a synth, then the user interface of the synth doesn't work properly.
They're both very solid, little synths with a lot of powerful sound shaping capabilities in small, affordable packages. I own and use both. I actually kind of think the Craft 2.0 is the beefier sounding synth but they're both good.
I get annoyed by the duel midi standards too but most people will tell you they prefer the full-size, 5 pin jacks. There's far more gear out there in that standard than the new little stuff.
I prefer full sized midi. It may seem outdated, but my setup revolves around that. My Quadra thru would be useless otherwise
@@Cepheid-IDM Exactly. Full-size has been "the" standard for decades and it's still the easiest way to get vintage and modern to talk to eachother easily. I liken the new 3.5mm breakouts to be more of a modern, production strategy to cut costs on small, budget synths which is fine but even those vary as, for instance, the Korg breakouts don't match the Novation breakouts configurations.
Then you have the IK Media synth and Uno drum machine that bafflingly went with 2.5mm breakouts, which almost nothing else uses, especially for midi. That decision really boggles my mind. Like really, you had to save spave over 1 tiny millimeter? Absurd.
I agree with "not at all intuitive" for the layout (I have the Craft Synth), but it is possible to get used to it. EXCEPT that you need to be able to see those lines on the face plate, so not so good in a poorly lighted area. The app does help with both the layout and seeing the knobs in the dark. I love the small size and the battery operation. The sounds are amazing and fun.
Your reviews are great man. I love that you really pick out all the things that are annoying/will be annoying after some time :)
lol @ this comment section...
you can dislike stimming or you can be an informed and effective musician
entirely your choice ;)
Getting this in a few days. I like the fact it's Mono as I only have one ear. Everything else I need to use speakers, I plan to use it as my "couch" synth, find an idea, then put it on Logic Pro.
The other nice thing about these synths and the microfreak is that the midi outs can be configured as a soft midi thru. This works fantastically if I am using my keystep to trigger the notes for multiple synths. It's also great for using the keystep with a midi splitter and novation circuit or korg electribe.
An honest reveiw that gets to the point. Thanks
About layout, design, workflow n interface - I like it a lot. Just get used to it, muscle memory will do the job. CRAFT swept away all of my mono analog synths. CRAFT is so good that I just bought SKULP... fcuk its DSP, I can's hear the difference anyway. The quality is so so but better than I expected. In the time of Pocket Operators it's not that big deal :)
I disagree about the Midi Issue. With stereo audio jacks there are 2 different polarities ánd 2 different sizes. Some use 2,5mm. That's 4 variations of which 2 are very common. All keyboards and sequencers that I know of have proper 5 pin din anyways, so if the synth also has 5 pin din there's no need for adapters. Midi filter boxes and midi splitters also use 5 pin din. Imagine having multiple devices with 3,5mm midi jacks and wanting to do some complex midi routing without a PC. You'll need midi splitters and midi filter boxes and every device would need its own adapter and you would have to keep track of al the polarities.
In theory 3.5mm midi is nice, 5 pin din is an ancieny and large plug, but the companies screwed up by not agreeing to a standard and the Midi Association stepped in too late.
I do like the rest of the review btw, thanks for pointing out some of the awkward workflow problems instead of just gushing over the sound!
@Donal Finn That's also a good point. Some work fine, the Midi In/Out on my Keystap take very little effort, Volca Bass it's pretty good too, but on my Neutron Midi Input is super tight and I can feel something (PCB?) bending while inserting it. I never take the Midi cable out, not even when I put it away.
Yeah Micro USB is horrible. Mini was better, USB C should be pretty good though, but there are still new products being made with Micro which is insane.
If everything used 3.5mm A Spec (Korg style) TRS Midi I would recieve it with open arms, but it's so fragmented. My Yamaha Reface uses Mini Midi Din, good luck finding an adapter for that in 20 years.
So yeah, I'm conflicted...
@Donal Finn Oh I can solder, I like to make small weird Midi devices like polyrhythm generators or random sequence generators. But the average consumer shouldn't be expected to DIY a cable I think.
As I said I do see why people would want an alternative to Midi Din, but companies kinda ruined it by making more and more variations for no reason but to make a few bucks by selling propietary adapters. So both options are far from ideal IMO.
Maybe I should start making and selling adapters in my country, you can only get Korg style adapters for 10 euro's as far as I've seen and the other types are €25 and up.
@@OttosTheName - fully agree with you. I'm used to soldering, and have had to make an adapter for a Korg Electribe (because original ES2s shipped with the wrong cables ffs!), but the lack of any official standard is frustrating. Also, if you're using the standard sleeve for ground that's the last connection made when you plug in which is hardly ideal.
Since 1990 I've owned lots of synths/modules with 'proper' 5 pin din midi sockets on them and I've never once had an issue with the connector. Never! So for folk to moan about lack of 3.5mm midi sockets just amazes me.
But, for anyone interested in making their own cables you do only need a really cheap soldering iron. Circuit Benders recommend the Xytronic 200GX 25W, I use one and it's been perfect for everything from cables to eurorack modules. Flux paste is really useful too.
Yo you also forgot TS midi on the arturia OG beatstep and a couple of other random things. So 5 types.
Stimming's reviews are hilarious!
Down to earth!
Nice Stereolab sounds @ 23:13
Really not hard to program, like programming a DX7 is.
Just got the craft 2.0, and it has more amazing sounds and fun per $€£¥ you will find out there! It *is* a small wavetable powerhouse. It seems like his frustration just needs patience! It's not as complex as learning Elektron stuff IMHO. Thanks for your review, tho Stemming. The Craft2.0 is a great unit. Going with and without the app over a day or so has opened it up a bit. So now it makes sense to me and is useable without looking down as much. Great and surprising sounds. Cheers!
@@ElectronicBeatsTV I do play live and I will be using it this weekend and studio in August. Nothing like upcoming dates to focus the mind! Thanks again for the review 🙌🏿
I have to agree with you, I think he's just frustrated and needs more patience. I don't find the layout to be terrible and the Skulpt is way easier to program and learn the workflow of as opposed to any piece of Elektron gear I've owned.
I just got this synth and I can relate entirely. I love how it sounds, and It looks super slick. But, the interface and the keyboard is really clunky and hard to get used to, and all the knobs feel fragile.
Would love to hear Stimming do a review of the Argon8, the Modal synths sound so good. definitely getting a Craft 2.0 thanks to this video. Thank you
Meine Fresse haben die Dinge Eier. Wieder ein grandioses Review. Danke TEB und Stimmung
Thanks for the review. If the easiest way to interact with these instruments is via a computer screen then there is no point to them since it would be easier and cheaper to run a standalone VST.
Just what I was thinking.
have a good monosynth but want a cheap polysynth buy one hook it up to your monos keyboard works like a cheap poly module
And so from your personal experience with the Skulpt were you only able to create patches using only the software? Because you most definitely can create patches on the hardware alone, though of course the software is convenient for multiple reasons.
personally I love to see him tear stuff apart once in a while
Great job!. Keep on doing this sincere reviews, please. Thanks
Fine plastic for price. And awesome sound.
After using the Skulpt for a while I have to say that you get used to the knob layout and the secondary functions pretty fast. Really intuitive now and its just fun even without the app. I use that only for naming and organising patches.
Thomas Herrmann - it's a great little synth! Really easy to program from the front panel, it's not a bad layout as the reviewer says. Distortion and spread knobs are pretty unique (it's not your standard type of distortion). I've not bothered with the app myself. Very impressed with it :)
The only thing i wish was different is that cut off and filter env depth were on the same layer as i sometimes like to tweak both. I can fix that by rerouting one to mod wheel
@@annother3350 Agree, thats a bit far when fiddeling.
You still need 5 pin din midi for backward compatability. Ex. Motif rack.
Stimming plays some very dope stuff here! Sounds lovely.
Thanks Stimming. I have the 2.0 but not sure on the Skulpt. Getting the UNO Drum tomorrow. Loved your Drumbrute impact video.
Sounds enormus!
Best review of these two synths that I have seen yet. The "keyboard" really seems to be a detriment on these. I get it, it's for triggering notes during portable use, and normally I like that, but with those issues I can't really see myself attempting to use it portably all that often. The sounds are massive though and still compel me to look into them. I'm very glad you compared both of them as I was under the impression that they were basically the same but with one voice versus four. Given the massive stacking possibilities I think the Craft 2.0 is probably worth buying based on its price alone. Paired with a good delay and/or reverb it probably sounds even more awesome.
I have same thoughts. Will skip till I find a used one at a good price maybe and then perhaps encase in some wood . I love the Sound and the Size the touch issue would drive me NUTS.
It has delay
On par with the reface cs for warm, organic, and smooth. The ergonomics and build quality could be better but at least you can save patches and it has a sequencer.
I don't know what it is but I can't get enough stimming dude is hilarious!!
Then check musictalk.tech for all his new reviews
Thank you for being the ONLY channel I’ve seen to point out this touch issue on the Skulpt, while Skulpt sounds great the touch thing would be a deal breaker for me.
Does using it in the top cover mitigate this issue at all? Thanks
I know. You'd end up using it as a module which series the point of getting hardware. This thing does with batteries but don't use it on the train because you'll be triggering it by accident!
Well done Martin! Thanks!
someone's in a bad mood
Why? He loves them. Maybe you just watched the first 5 minutes 😉
@@ElectronicBeatsTV Yeah haha,, it was just the first few minutes. I love it when he gets angry at some features, it's really funny!
It's called emotions 😉
@@ElectronicBeatsTV I'm glad I saw this. I was about to click away and remove both of these from my Wishlist. But sure enough, he's firm but fair. And these are cool items, if flawed. And I'm excited to see more of these types of inexpensive uber-powered synths.
There seems to be a weird distribution of products ... I have Skulpt and Craft made of high quality plastic and glass and super-smooth and precise encoders with not a hint of wobble. It works very nicely on my table or lap ... I have never played a synth like a game controller ... and the Skulpt plays very useful arpeggios and (in chord mode) sequences ... but like all small boxes it's nice with a larger controller (Linnstrument) or portably a QuNexus or Keystep. I find it's layout extremely practical ... LFO 1 and 2 adjacent and between (but below) is their mixer for instance. But hey, I skimmed the manual, read the labels next to the encoders and vaguely remembered a few things... so perhaps I am at an unfair advantage?
I am hugely impressed by both of these little boxes (and I have a fair old collection of those to make comparisons from). Fantastic sounds from the presets, and enormous potential for more designs.
This review has been enormously helpful to me, since it's about stuff I know a bit about ... I have learned that I shan't take much interest in, or place any value his views on things I don't know about.
Yeah, I really dig Stimming's reviews. You should do this more often.
This is the 2nd one in 3 weeks after the UNO Drum. Still more?
You wish 🤓 but he has to do some music too. And travelling... plus he is picky what he could like and wants to test.
In addition,if you want to use the Skulpt you have to have a better kbd handy, an iPad with the app and the Skulpt itself. Just buy Cobalt from them. The cost will be similar. And you won’t have to carry 3 boxes around.
Craft has 2 selectable wave forms?
5 banks of 5 sweepable waveforms, 2 Oscillators. Osc 2 has a sixth wave tabje with sine and noise.
Definitely prefer 5 pin midi vs these weird little mini jack things so easy to lose and mix up which synth they belong to...
craft 2.0: it's always a good sign when the reviewer suddenly stops talking and gets carried away by the sound ;-)
Your reviews are great
The touching of unit doesn't trigger in the SE version, at least for me. To add firmware update the USB has to be connected to a dedicated power on USB charging port of the computer.
Poor build quality often also means inconsistent quality in the product. Could just be that he got unlucky, or you lucky, or both. (Like if you buy clothes at the cheapest stores it's a good idea to test more than one pair of the same to get the cut that suits you the best as it can wary a lot.)
why havent you reviewed everything i am so disappointed when i want to find out about a piece of gear and you havent reviewed it yet i didnt realize just how funny you actually are i have such a great laugh at your genuine quirky nature i want to be just you when i grow up
More Stimming reviews here: www.musictalk.tech
I usually like this dude’s reviews, but he exaggerated a lot of the issues. And IMO
5-pin is always preferable to TRS bc there is no standard, second hand synths sometimes don’t get sold with the breakout cable, and I found out that there are multiple types. And the only company that makes a switchable adaptor (retrokits) is always sold out.
The accidental triggering is annoying, but not a deal breaker, the knobs could be sturdier, the only thing that is really annoying is how hard it is to use the mod matrix without the app. (And without the app you can’t route modulations to aftertouch/velocity). I can’t speak on the skillet, but The layout on the craftsynth2.0 is pretty easy to grasp after a while. (I color coded the knobs to learn groupings) Tbh there are more expensive synths out there with more difficult shift button press combos. But for less than 150, I think the CRAFTsynth 2.0 is unbeatable in terms of value, tbh I like it more than the volcas.
You straight-up admit you had to color-code the knobs in order to figure out the groupings and you have the gall to say he's exaggerating the issues, lmao
He is exaggerating.
Translation: "I usually like this dude's reviews except when he criticizes my synth."
had my handy on recently, small sized instruments you can get out great sounds for its price! have more the feel some user lost their patience to create cool music and exspect everything for paying nothing ;) nice pocket line, also the new argon synth is awsome.
yes yes. When is your new poly coming?
24:40 the sarcasm ! That was Great
Great video!!nice personal point of view of diferent quality in this two products!!Big like for the true explained aspects of each product ! they are good,they sound nice ,but there is always something that make us...( music producers/composers).. trying to change something ,to get it better ,to have great results in the future!!! you did a great work!! nice review!! :-)
Check www.musictalk.tech for new Stimming reviews.
dude, I love your reviews!
with mini jacks I still need adapters. so prefere booth or just 5 pin midi.
Good honest review
Can I ask? I played a Modal Synth and it was, buggy, like when it booted up it like was like three times before it was usable. what's this unit like, Stable..?
3:38 I thought he was just gonna smash the thing up all over his desk
Sorry but I much prefer regular MIDI din I/O, as a keyboard player I can connect any keyboard I have to control those... To me it's not a flaw, but a good feature.
Dealing with “A” style and “B” style TRS to MIDI dongles can be a disaster. No standard. MANY manufacturers DO NOT specify which of style dongle is used with their hardware. Many dongle manufacturers DO NOT SPECIFY WHICH A Or B style dongle THEY ARE SELLING!
Going through a nightmare ($$$)with a Korg Volca FM2. The FM Original has the 5 pin MIDI and interfaces with any MIDI CONTROLLER. Korg may have saved a nickel but cost me plenty.
Purchased two Modal products BECAUSE of 5 pin MIDI connection.
@@SpiderLuvpeut-on brancher facilement le skulpt à un clavier midi ou c'est compliqué ?
Any keyboard with 5pin midi port.
16:53 2019 has proven a good year for "cheap but expensive sounding synths"
Hi. Great video. Can this be used as a controller for other plug ins
Yes, it has midi over usb and is class compliant. Great controller for Vital.
Really nice video! If you get used to the Sculpt's button placement, do you need tve app?
wobbly shwobbly. Gutes Review.
The mini jack format is not standardized (not all manufacturers use the A standard) and therefore still depend on din adapters and therefore is a huge mess and fuckup on the part of the manufacturers. Big fail. It creates a lot of clutter in the studio, you have to mark all adapters to know if they are A or B, etc. At the moment, until some clever manufacturer starts selling A-B converter minijack cables, it will remain a mess.
Pain in the ass
@@ElectronicBeatsTV that requires yet another adapter. :D
Please, no. It's so annoying that they don't talk to each other and just do one standard from the beginning.
The satifaction I get from watching Stimming play with knobs and buttons never fails..no homo
🖤love it.
Is there a tutorial somewhere for connecting the Keystep to these synths?
Here’s what you need
1x synth (SKULPT or CRAFT)
1x keystep
1x 5pin MIDI cable
1) Plug the midi cable into MIDI OUT port of Keystep
2) Plug the midi cable into MIDI IN port of synth
That’s it
I wonder if a little duct tape around the sides of the keyboard and something taped to the bottom to block the underside would solve the triggering issue. Anyone tried it?
For me, being able to walk around with it is the entire point of a small synth like this. I wouldnt care if it needed a little ugly duct tape to be able to do that.
so herrlich es ist ehrliche reviews zu sehen über diese kleinen plastik spielzeug kistchen die ihr ihm da in letzter zeit so zum testen gegeben habt .... tut er einem doch fast schon ein wenig leid xD baut denn kein hersteller mehr instrumente in voller größe?
Size doesn’t matter! 😉
Im übrigen sucht er sich selbst aus was er testen will. Ist ganz unabhängig alles.
das ding wird marktbestimmend sein, und wenn nich der, dann der nächste besser durchdachte plastikhaufen, der den jüngeren erlaubt schnell und günstig an gute sounds zu kommen.
Der Trend geht auf alle Fälle mehr zu kleinen Desktop Synths als zu großen mit 61 keys und so
Using the app helps. Don't like the micro usb port.
If you need an external keyboard and an app, is there a difference from using a plug in?
lol when he says fuck about the midi shit . not only that but everything that uses a mini jack uses a different configuration! good luck using a novation mini jack adapter with an 0-coast or vice versa.
Wentzel Itis exactly - I’m not mad at 5 pin midi because at least it always works!
Thank you !!!! I knew his siding with the mini jack was a little sus
Könnt ihr was zur roland MC 707 zeigen???
Da gibt’s doch jetzt schon zig Videos online und wir wurden von Roland leider nicht berücksichtigt.
Great review. Thank you!
I have to think of the Roland TB 303. The TBs user interface is just terrible (depending on your expectations that is). The UX concept aside, I agree that sound is the most important. I would take the Skulpt if it had a *STEREO* *OUT* and the same sound range as the smaller Craft 2. The Skulpt being limited in sound is hard to understand. But it being mono is a deal-breaker for a polyphonic synth. All that being said: I dont need the knobs or the audio out. I would prefer audio over USB. I imagine that would also be cheaper as you dont need D/A-converters. I guess, I will get a Craft 2. 149€ is fair. I will put it behind my computer screen so I dont have to look at it. It doesnt look great. So, yes, a "dongle"-version with USB + on/off switch only (no knobs, no audio out, just midi and audio over USB) would be welcome.
It is like Tetr4 by DSI. No go without the software. Unfortunately, software is very glitchy. Otherwise,great synth.
I dunno, the Tetr4 was borderline impenetrable without the software. With the Skulpt at least there are physical knobs. The Tetr4 sounds beautiful but was a preset machine for me.
Anyone know how you power this with usb whilst also connecting to the app and a usb midi controller which also needs power. Every one else seems to know this, as this video shows, but how to do it seems to be a closely guarded secret. Anyone know? Finding this out is so difficult because it's such a long and specific search query, I can only find bits of solutions.
Or even being able to power it via usb whilst being connected to the app would be a start.
Not sure if I got your question right 🙄
If connected to your computer via USB you have power and midi connection at the same time. And if a seperate USB Controller is also connected to your computer you can use it to control the Skulpt/Craft at the same time.
But the editor apps are seperate so you can‘t use them in your DAW.
If i read you right you want a USB-c hub with USB-PD passthrough
I came for the review I stayed for the comic value... I love it how annoyed he gets.
More of his reviews on musictalk.tech
Ich hatte den Craft 2.0 mal für eine kurze Zeit. Klang wirklich gut, allerdings hat er sich im Batterie Mode immer wieder aufgehangen. Strom über USB hat die Kiste zum brummen gebracht. Von der Verarbeitung her hatte ich mir auch mehr versprochen. So ging das Gerät wieder zurück an den Händler.
Was hast du für den Preis erwartet von der Verarbeitung?
Sound mäßig sind die Kisten auf jeden Fall der Knaller und schön fresh.
@@ElectronicBeatsTV zumindest, dass er ordentlich funktioniert und ein bisschen mehr Volca Niveau in der Verarbeitung besitzt. Die anderen Tests, z.B. von Soniclab, haben mir einen anderen Eindruck vermittelt.
Ich habe den selbst und keinerlei Probleme damit. Das USB Brumm Problem tauchte beim UNO Drum review schon auf. Bekommt man weg mit nem Isolator oder besseren Netzteil.
Batterie Mode habe ich aber nicht getestet da uninteressant für mich vom Kosten / Nutzen Faktor.
@@ElectronicBeatsTV Hab einige Netzteile und USB-Anschlüsse durchgechckt, war leider nichts zu machen. Ich wollte ihn in ein mobiles Setup integrieren, daher der Betrieb über Batterie bzw. Akkus. Auch da hab ich verschiedene Varianten getestet. Nun steht der Microfreak auf meinem Tisch.
Nicht die schlechteste "Alternative".
I was thinking of buying this but the hardware issue of triggering by touching the side is a showstopper
I can't really see that being a practical issue at all. How are you intending to use the synth?
same here, deal breaker.
@@mattsmith1440 while tweaking knobs it could be on my lap or I might accidentally touch the side while tweaking with the other hand -- it's no good if random notes are firing!!
@@annother3350
I agree it's not ideal, but as long as you're not using it live by itself (and it hasn't really got the keyboard for that), and you put it on a desk, I think it's all good. I guess we must have different uses in mind.
Just apply some electrical tape, no?
I was looking for a serious synth sound but portable... battery powered... not many out there, this sound massive and beautiful. Plastic means lighter, shift button is obvious on a small thing like this. app is great. the keyboard is small but for sketching ideas is fab, like on a train, on the beach etc. (if you're getting this as your only studio synth you have drug problems LOL) this guy is a bit too picky as Modal is actually a very small company... so give credits. Just get ideas on this one than you can perfect them in your studio
arturia's microfreak is also an option - can be powered for a long time with a usb battery bank
Hope you some day maka a review like this to the Akai Force. Lot of Users like me feel unsatisfied due to too many lacks, limitations and things not ended. Watch my latest (and only) review about this. Surely you can do It much much better, and be heard by the manufacturer. Thanks
the reason why I don't like to do reviews from machines with this kind of complexity is their too big - to really understand them would cost too much time.
@@MStimming i understand It. Thanks for the answer! Danke.
03:39
When a German says fu.... the accent makes me laugh .. I love it man i love it
You're hilarious. Thanks for this review.
Does this work well with native instruments vst and kontact player ? Does faders words well with these native instruments vst ?
Pratik Joshi these are synthesizers, not midi controllers
I was hoping for stimming to just wipe the desk off with one fell swoop and place a microFreak down instead. Nice sounds, dumb setup. The little monophonic one is arguably better based on price alone.
Wer megaaaa cool wenn Stimming was zum neuen Modal Argon 8 machen würde ;)))))))
Negativ. Von Modal hatten wir ja gerade erst diese zwei Reviews hier. Jetzt kommt erstmal Hydrasynth Review am 29.10.
It's chicken! (neither fish nor beef) =p
Had to go back to the MicroFreak review for a little bit after finishing this to realize how much these machines get on Martins' nerves. Modal's synth engine is great but if it takes so much effort to get something out of it I might as well save myself the time/money and make a Launch Control mapping for Arturia Pigments (which in a way seems similar to this when it comes to sound).
Just use the AU app in your DAW and they are easy to control
@@ElectronicBeatsTV Thanks for the reply, for me it's "screentime", where I'm not actually making music but moving a mouse around to turn virtual knobs that bothers me. I'm fine patching like this with for example the Novation Circuit because it is such a great stand alone device coupled with it's sequencer and sampler. The time invested in it actually benefits the eventual workflow and the personalisation of the music. With these two specific Modal devices I don't see that happening since after programming the button's are so hard to find and the touch keyboard seems hmmmyeah.... to play. I'm sure there are people that love this but not really my cup of tea. Love the Stimming reviews though, thanks!
good idea! but the bass from the craft 2.0 beats the pigments easily (I have it). also the filter design seems more interesting in the craft, a bit more smokey if that makes any sense. of course the whole palette is much wider in the pigments.
and - don't underestimate the D/A converter and its analog parts. this alone does something more unique to sound than any VST can do (unfortunately)
@@MartinStimming Can't argue with that, the modal sounds absolutely massive on the bottom end, as you demonstrated. Running a synth digital through an analog signal path always beefs things up.
After doing some reading I found that this also has great MIDI CC implementation this might be very workable live with an Elektron sequencer...
And yeah. Please review UNO synth form IK Multimedia. It sounds great and it's super easy to use.
IK didn't appreciate our UNO Drum review here so we will not review any of their machines here on this channel anymore. Plus we only review new stuff not old gear.
@@ElectronicBeatsTV Ha. I saw it. I understand. Synth is great. Little delicate (knobs) but sound really good. Thanks for reply.
@@ElectronicBeatsTV maybe a review of the Sonicware ELZ-1?
Actually Stimming decides what he wants to review and this is based on what he think could be interesting for him and fit in his setup.
@@ElectronicBeatsTV Great. I love how it sounds and it's simplicity. Of course it's cheap and plasticky, but for the money and logic behind it, I think is one of the best cheap synths available. Until we see Crave form Behringer which is on my list and it should be on your for review of course. :)
Weder Fisch noch Fleisch 😂 Das trifft definitiv nicht auf dieses Review zu. Wirklich echt informativ. Schade das die Teile ein bisschen "billig" daher kommen. Der sound dagegen kommt richtig gut.
Bei dem Preis lässt sich das verschmerzen. Der Sound ist wirklich richtig fett.
danke dir!