when Nick does a review, you can immediately understand the difference between someone with minimal years of hands on, and someone who's been working with synths forever. His reviews are unprecedented if you really need to get some clear, factual information online........... So rare and excellent! very much appreciated
Affordable analog synthesizers with excellent sounds and great build quality. So many to choose from but not enough room in the house. What a time to be alive!
@@foxglove9 My favorite synth that I own is the Roland SH-01 Gaia for complex sound design in poly. For mono or poly this Korg XD seems to be a winner, but I don't own one or ever played one, makes a difference if you own a synth for a few years and really dive deep into it. If money is no object the MoogOne poly is also a great choice. When choosing a synth it depends on you, is it a studio synth or a performing synth, does the synth have to do it all on stage or just a small part of a studio full of synths. IF you are looking for your first synth this Korg Minilogue XD is the perfect first synth because it is a poly, which means you can play triad chords and a lead on the same instrument. The sound design of the XD is straight forward subtractive synthesis but can go much deeper with modulation routing and motion control. You could easily spend years exploring the sound capabilities of this XD synth all with most of the control in front of you. A synth that looks complicated with the control surface full of knobs and sliders is actually a very easy synth to use compared to those menu synths with a display. And one more very important feature on the XD is the excellent effects, you will find when recording a synth that the synth is only half the sound, the effects and processing is what makes that synth sound come alive and really shine. So this little synth has everything but a keyboard, I would want to play the XD from an external keyboard at least 61 full sized keys. So adding a keyboard would cost another $200 and would be a single cable MIDI connection to the XD Just a little answer to your question, could write a book on them.
@@zaffrolumpkins Correct, shift + depth is dry/wet mix for REV and DEL, it is missing on MOD. The selection of SUB FX for MOD as described above will give you a diverse and rich set of each and ever MOD FX.
Watched again after 2 years, and I still think this is one of the best budget friendly synths out there. Much because of the powerful effects section. The effects on the Minifreak are abysmal in comparison. Well done Soniclab❤️ well done Korg❤️
Nice to see Korg already trickling down some awesome from the Prologue into the Minilogue! Thought we'd have to wait longer, nope! I plan to snag one! A+ Korg 👍
Nick Batt - always interesting whether it’s personally relevant or not. His evident enthusiasm for this synth just adds to that. Great review, I’ll be checking the XD out when I can get access to one.
Darn it Nick! I was planning on getting in to the British spirit of things and starting my comment by calling it a cracking synthesizer but you said it first and now I feel like I am just copying you. Anyway I no longer regret selling my minilogue. I am definitely putting this on my shopping list for the summer. We are living in such an exciting time for synthesis. I am really pleased that manufacturers are going with the hybrid engine way of things. I was never one of those analog only guys. If it sounds good to me I could care less if it’s digital or analog. One of my favorite all time synths is the King Korg. In my opinion it has such a rich sound and it has digital oscillators and whatnot. Having booth analog and digital in one instrument opens up the sound designs possibilities in such an huge way. Great review as always. Got to love Korg. Also the new synths Behringer are making is a very exciting deal. I think what they are doing is amazing and fantastic. They are making it possible for the regular person that isn’t rich to have access to near identical fully analog classic synths of yesteryear. From the way they sound and from the reviews I’ve watched the Behringer Mini Moog is as close as you can possibly get to a real minimoog without spending thousands of dollars. Like I said it is such and exciting synth age we are living in right now. With these new under $1,000 heck even under $500 options available nowadays, with the money I earn I can easily pick up a new fantastic synth every two or three months no problem. Ya can’t beat that.
Sweetwater sold out of their initial pre-order shipment and is awaiting more XD's. For the entry level price, this synth may break sales records. Bedroom studio musicians on a family budget up to professionals that can use the XD for an additional synth that doesn't take up much space and can add lead synth hooks and additional sounds without switching programs in their main KB.
@@nectariosm It's actually a considerable ways from the original. The chassis-design and 2 analogue oscillators are roughly the same, but the rest is more or less lifted from Mono- and Prologue. Changes include different filter, different LFO and envelope configurations and routings, new effects, digital oscillator, sequencer from Monologue, changed/removed voice-modes. This is least related to the original Minilogue of all the previous 'logues. More things have changed than stayed the same. And it's not all upgrades! Both duophonic mode with unison-detune, and monophonic mode with sub-oscillators, are gone. LFO can no longer be modulated by the envelope, and the mod-envelope is now AD, down from ADSR, and has less destinations, both to choose from and simultaneously. And while I think most people consider the filter an upgrade, it is "only" 12dB vs. 24/12dB, thus not necessarily as flexible. Don't get me wrong, there's some serious upgrades as well, but it's far from the original Minilogue! Far enough that it should be considered its own distinct synth. And the fact that he bought an original, cannot be used to make any point regarding this completely different synth.
The real thing to try is getting chords out of the self resonating filters if possible. Love doing this on my Peak. The filters need to be true poly and have self resonating qualities. Add some LFO to that = instant BoC
The sound at 5:41 just made me melt. It reminded me of something from the ppg 2.2 ..so good. And that's just scratching the surface of the prologue based synth engine. Korg have made another sub £1k beauty. The only thing that still rankles , is the fact that Korg (as of current spec) still don't allow you to transpose your sequences melodically using the built in keyboard , in real time. Why this isn't allowed , I have no idea. There is a workaround of sorts via motion control, but you'd be wasting a lane and itd be tied into the pitch slider. If korg sorted that in an o/s update, I'd grab one. Pure and simple. Thanks for the detailed review, Nick.
You can do that on the Monologue with it's key trig/hold button. It is indeed a great feature. Not sure why they left it out on the Minilogues... perhaps things would get out of whack transposing a polyphonic sequence?
@@gnarlysoundscapes7210 shouldn't be an issue when you can do it on any number of hardware sequencers in real time. It's possible that with the arpeggiator switched on as well as the sequencer, it could throw something out of the loop , but even then, surely they can add it as a mode via a two button combination or similar so that when you transpose in real time, you can't overdub any motion control at the same time. In other words, it's a 'play only' function. This is assuming that the processor array is being taxed out to the max already in order to deliver smooth functionality on the unit. I'd need one in front of me , and then record all manner of things via midi cc and so on, to see/ hear the changes. I've yet (pardon the pun) to hear of any korg instruments sputtering during playback , in terms of changes other than midi note, so I'm assuming it's doable quite simply.
I am starting a support group for late 2018 purchasers of the OG Minilogue. Korgaholics Anonymous. Together, we will lament its tepid filter and dearth of onboard effects, helping one another come to a place of acceptance regarding our untimely acquisition of the OG. One day at a time.
I bought a Minilogue as my first synth awhile ago and now I'm regretting it. That was a pretty big deal for me, easily the most expensive thing I've bought in a single purchase.
@@ModularLanding thanks for pointing out there's a module version! That's exactly what I need. Love this synth but I'm running out of space and more keyboards are the last thing I need
@@AndecIunson The Monologue's rich bass patches used in the step sequencer coupled with the XD's stereo effected mid-range sounds, manipulated by the joystick, is a lot of fun. I also like to midi-out from the Monologue and midi-in to the XD. There are a lot of options to explore with this pairing.
You can bet this little synth is selling, the introductory price was $629, and went up to $649. It has not gone down in price at all. This synth has a market for a lot of different musicians. Good for a bedroom studio musician because of the price, and also good for players that have other KB's and want a small board to put alongside their main board or workstation. At that price, it can do a lot and fill a lot of music needs without breaking the bank.
I know, I get it…you’ll never see this post, but…I keep returning to this reviews A) because your love for the XD so shines through and B) what a gigantic Bang for the Buck!! I own one. The mere sight of it as I sit down at my 1st Chair saddle seat w:back support Drum Throne (have mercy) never fails to cause a big smile on my face! Invariably, I think: MAN…That Synth would be a ball to play with! As you likely know, Nick, Tim Shoebridge (Mr On Fire) created a slew (no pun…) of user OSCs for XD & NTS-1. I bought XD after originally watching your review. Thank you! That led to NTS-1, NYMPHES & TYPHON…and the obligatory Arturia Keystep Pro 37. Add to that, ZOOM Multi-Stomp & (A PIECE YOU NEED TO REVIEW) Chase Bliss Audio’ Dark World Dual Reverb !!! Yep, it’s true…I was one of those who believed, heart & soul, that EMPRESS REVERB was the best in the WORLD…full stop! I had my mouse-clicking index finger hovering over mouse, ready to BUY IT NOW. Turns out, Best in WORKD is Dark World ! Whether with respect to the sound quality of the reverb but also…knocking it out of the park-by leaps and bounds ahead of the pack-the versatility/programmability-potential, Dark World is THE ONE! There…I feel better now. Mark PS Dark World’s creator is VERY accessible-you’d have a ball talking to him! Seriously, you two would become Friends.
Now this is one of the first truly forward thinking synths released in years. a poly analogue synth with a programmable digital oscillator and effects... Fuck. I thought the Matrixbrute would be the only synth I'd ever need but i'm gonna probably have to get one of these to compliment it.
Its absolutely brilliant, I can't stop playing it. Fun and instant, but almost endless tweakability at the same time. Korg knocked it out of the park. Highly recommend it!
A little late to this but Nick loved it even more than I thought he would. He seems to genuinely be enthralled by this. It’s kinda rare to hear him gushing like he is at the end of this review. I can see why, though. I’ve owned the entire ‘Logue range and I think XD is gonna be the one that really stick around.
Ordered an XD module a few weeks ago. Told initially it may arrive just before Christmas. Got a text today saying my package will be delivered tomorrow, Friday 30 August. Wow. A whole weekend to get started with it. Wonderful sounds. Can't wait, but won't have to wait much longer :) Great videos. Very informative. Thanks. Cheers. But...., now I'm thinking, should I get the XD with keys, and get the polychain going. Wow, quite a thought!
I have a microkorg and enjoy it, though I always think that I should have invested on a minilogue instead... looks much more straightforward and sounds way more modern.
Man listen to the sound Nick got at the 20 minute mark! This synth''s got some guts! Nick LOVES this synth he said "Its a cracking synthesizer" He's really impressed and so am I. This is quite the capable synth. It sounds fat, considering its a 4 voice synth, that's pretty impressive. This synth is a bargain.
Thanks for this review! I really wanted to buy the M-xd but it's not available right now so I bought a Moog Grandmother instead which arrived just 15 minutes ago. I'm here on YT to watch a GM unboxing video but saw this Sonicstate M-xd video so watched it since it was posted today. Sorry I couldn't get the M-xd right now but I think the GM will be just as satisfying! Love your videos and playing too!
Bought one, sits above my Arturia Keyboard midi’d to my MacBook Pro - for all my virtual synths. This thing just becomes so inspiring, if I get stuck. Or for playing a bass line to what I’m doing with my MacBook. Sounds super beefy.
Okay I watch them all and your video demo is the best thank you for being you I just traded my old minilogue for the new XD and I love it just love it thanks again for the demo I needed it it's going to take me a lifetime to navigate through this I can't wait I'm a guitarist but adding this to my musical creations was the best thing I could have done the sounds will take you away
I think the increase in price for the XD is more than worth it just for the effects. You can spend another $400 on some great effects pedals that involve table space and connectivity. The same can be said about the digital modulation with the editor. Then there’s the bigger oscilloscope window. Damn what a bargain.
Great review Nick. Love the jam at the end of the video, short and sweet. I wish it was longer. I think the Minilogue XD and the Prologue will go hand in hand together. Sequencing parts on the XD then split mode on the Prologue and either playing with both hands or arpeggiating one part and playing the second part to really fill up the sonic palette. I'm looking forward to getting an XD
I like my XD very much having a orginal as well. Very familiar layout but completely different sound with that third OSC and FX . I was going to sell my OG but decided to keep it along with this upgradilouge. Different enough to have or keep both.
I like my OG minilogue because I just use pedals for the effects and can fine tune exactly what i want. The XD is cool because it has all the other features but it isn't enough for me to sell my OG. Now if it were 6 voice...
Don't know where to submit this feedback for the XD, but I hope Korg listening, cuz it's a lovely synth but could use some improvements for version 2. 1. Implement a Hold mode that can hold a note or a chord without running the arpeggiator. Seems simple enough to add to the firmware. 2. Allow the Edit Mode or Shift button to cycle through the sub-menus rather than requiring you to use the step buttons to cycle through each page in a specific sub-menu. This way you can navigate the sub-menus with one hand, and keep playing while you navigate and change the features. 3.Add some kind of Macro knobs that can be assigned for the control of digital oscillator parameters, since the digital oscillators are such a huge part of this synth. 4. Add another knob for control of the effects' parameters if possible. 5. LFO Delay would be nice (could be put in a sub-menu) 🙏
If you want more than 4 voices and a really good full size keyboard in a solid metal case, the Prologue 8 is often discounted quite a bit. Currently 1200€ at Thomann, seen it once in a sale for 900€. (I have a Prologue 16 myself and LOVE it. It’s missing that sequencer though, which I sure wouldn’t mind having.)
Good review!👍 I wish you guys would have done a review for the monologue? but I was also wondering if you guys were planning to do one for the volca module in the future¿?✌
As a direct result of watching your excellent review videos I've really started to properly explore the world of synths (beyond getting tons of plugins and only ever using presets). I now own three hardware synths, with a fourth on its way (the Craft Modal 2.0). You've really got me tempted with the Minilogue now! Thank you for that. My wife thanks you slightly less. I'm still very much a beginner, though, and I'm still finding my way around the technology and terminology. One term I have heard you use frequently is 'audio rates'. What does that mean?
Audio rates would be 20Hz to 20 thousand Hz. Normal LFO rates would be under 20Hz. Hz = cycles per second. Audio rates would be rates that can be herd as a note, as opposed to sounding like individual beats.
I am so glad Korg added a stereo DSP to this. I cannot tell how many nightmares I have had about running a single wire to an external DSP to get stereo. What a ground breaking concept! **Why is the music instrument business always so douchey and shady?**
The question is, do I keep waiting for a Prologue XD! I just know if I buy a prologue tomorrow they will release an XD version the following week knowing my luck with aftertouch perhaps or updated effects.
Thanks. You state that the oscillators can be stacked to create twelve presumably independent oscillators. An amazing prospect, but how this could be done was not actually explained. Any hints about how to do it? Cheers.
when Nick does a review, you can immediately understand the difference between someone with minimal years of hands on, and someone who's been working with synths forever. His reviews are unprecedented if you really need to get some clear, factual information online........... So rare and excellent! very much appreciated
Affordable analog synthesizers with excellent sounds and great build quality. So many to choose from but not enough room in the house.
What a time to be alive!
Indeed. I have been a keyboardist for 50 years, this is the best time ever for choices in synths.
It's a synth utopia. :-)
Since you have so much experience. Any recommendations or favorite modern synths?@@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene
@@foxglove9 My favorite synth that I own is the Roland SH-01 Gaia for complex sound design in poly. For mono or poly this Korg XD seems to be a winner, but I don't own one or ever played one, makes a difference if you own a synth for a few years and really dive deep into it. If money is no object the MoogOne poly is also a great choice. When choosing a synth it depends on you, is it a studio synth or a performing synth, does the synth have to do it all on stage or just a small part of a studio full of synths. IF you are looking for your first synth this Korg Minilogue XD is the perfect first synth because it is a poly, which means you can play triad chords and a lead on the same instrument. The sound design of the XD is straight forward subtractive synthesis but can go much deeper with modulation routing and motion control. You could easily spend years exploring the sound capabilities of this XD synth all with most of the control in front of you. A synth that looks complicated with the control surface full of knobs and sliders is actually a very easy synth to use compared to those menu synths with a display. And one more very important feature on the XD is the excellent effects, you will find when recording a synth that the synth is only half the sound, the effects and processing is what makes that synth sound come alive and really shine. So this little synth has everything but a keyboard, I would want to play the XD from an external keyboard at least 61 full sized keys. So adding a keyboard would cost another $200 and would be a single cable MIDI connection to the XD Just a little answer to your question, could write a book on them.
Thanks for the quick reply and info! @@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene
To get more extreme MOD FX you just press the SHIFT button and then EFFECT SELECT to change the sub type of that modulation effect.
There are some really nice phasers in there to get nice EP sounds
Don't you mean hold down the shift button while turning the depth up to get more mod?
@@zaffrolumpkins no no, hold shift and push effect select
Oh cool. I'll try that out. Maybe the shift and depth only controls dry wet for the reverb and delay
@@zaffrolumpkins Correct, shift + depth is dry/wet mix for REV and DEL, it is missing on MOD. The selection of SUB FX for MOD as described above will give you a diverse and rich set of each and ever MOD FX.
Nick was so excited to do this review he put his sweater on inside-out!
Damn, Nick, I really love your playing. You always do those two note harmonies and, man, they are gorgeous!
Watched again after 2 years, and I still think this is one of the best budget friendly synths out there. Much because of the powerful effects section. The effects on the Minifreak are abysmal in comparison. Well done Soniclab❤️ well done Korg❤️
God damn that reverb!!! so spacy, absolutely love it!
Nice to see Korg already trickling down some awesome from the Prologue into the Minilogue! Thought we'd have to wait longer, nope! I plan to snag one! A+ Korg 👍
Nick Batt - always interesting whether it’s personally relevant or not. His evident enthusiasm for this synth just adds to that. Great review, I’ll be checking the XD out when I can get access to one.
Darn it Nick! I was planning on getting in to the British spirit of things and starting my comment by calling it a cracking synthesizer but you said it first and now I feel like I am just copying you. Anyway I no longer regret selling my minilogue. I am definitely putting this on my shopping list for the summer. We are living in such an exciting time for synthesis. I am really pleased that manufacturers are going with the hybrid engine way of things. I was never one of those analog only guys. If it sounds good to me I could care less if it’s digital or analog. One of my favorite all time synths is the King Korg. In my opinion it has such a rich sound and it has digital oscillators and whatnot. Having booth analog and digital in one instrument opens up the sound designs possibilities in such an huge way. Great review as always. Got to love Korg. Also the new synths Behringer are making is a very exciting deal. I think what they are doing is amazing and fantastic. They are making it possible for the regular person that isn’t rich to have access to near identical fully analog classic synths of yesteryear. From the way they sound and from the reviews I’ve watched the Behringer Mini Moog is as close as you can possibly get to a real minimoog without spending thousands of dollars. Like I said it is such and exciting synth age we are living in right now. With these new under $1,000 heck even under $500 options available nowadays, with the money I earn I can easily pick up a new fantastic synth every two or three months no problem. Ya can’t beat that.
First patch was astounding!
So was your body.
A four voice synth that is affordable, flexible, and sounds great. 👍
What a dream machine.
Good job on the expanded motion sequencer. This might be the clossest we'll ever come to a true sucessor to the mighty MS2000.
A very good looking MS2000BR is heading my way. Cannot wait to play it.
Sweetwater sold out of their initial pre-order shipment and is awaiting more XD's. For the entry level price, this synth may break sales records. Bedroom studio musicians on a family budget up to professionals that can use the XD for an additional synth that doesn't take up much space and can add lead synth hooks and additional sounds without switching programs in their main KB.
How many times have you heard Nick saying "I bought one"? Tells you all you need to know about this synth really.
Put out some cash. Don't worry, people always congratulate you on your BRAVE purchases. ;)
He's talking about the original Minilogue, you know, not this one.
@@MarctheDarc Yes, this one is the original + extra stuff.
They should have upgraded the original with the extra stuff. But now they want you to buy a whole new synth.
@@nectariosm It's actually a considerable ways from the original. The chassis-design and 2 analogue oscillators are roughly the same, but the rest is more or less lifted from Mono- and Prologue.
Changes include different filter, different LFO and envelope configurations and routings, new effects, digital oscillator, sequencer from Monologue, changed/removed voice-modes.
This is least related to the original Minilogue of all the previous 'logues. More things have changed than stayed the same.
And it's not all upgrades! Both duophonic mode with unison-detune, and monophonic mode with sub-oscillators, are gone. LFO can no longer be modulated by the envelope, and the mod-envelope is now AD, down from ADSR, and has less destinations, both to choose from and simultaneously. And while I think most people consider the filter an upgrade, it is "only" 12dB vs. 24/12dB, thus not necessarily as flexible.
Don't get me wrong, there's some serious upgrades as well, but it's far from the original Minilogue! Far enough that it should be considered its own distinct synth. And the fact that he bought an original, cannot be used to make any point regarding this completely different synth.
14:10 is very NIN, sounds absolutely gorgeous.
Wow, Nick, this thing is almost perfect. Just needs to be dipped in LSD at the factory.
The real thing to try is getting chords out of the self resonating filters if possible. Love doing this on my Peak. The filters need to be true poly and have self resonating qualities. Add some LFO to that = instant BoC
will have to try this with my peak, cheers
The sound at 5:41 just made me melt. It reminded me of something from the ppg 2.2 ..so good. And that's just scratching the surface of the prologue based synth engine. Korg have made another sub £1k beauty.
The only thing that still rankles , is the fact that Korg (as of current spec) still don't allow you to transpose your sequences melodically using the built in keyboard , in real time. Why this isn't allowed , I have no idea. There is a workaround of sorts via motion control, but you'd be wasting a lane and itd be tied into the pitch slider.
If korg sorted that in an o/s update, I'd grab one. Pure and simple.
Thanks for the detailed review, Nick.
You can do that on the Monologue with it's key trig/hold button. It is indeed a great feature. Not sure why they left it out on the Minilogues... perhaps things would get out of whack transposing a polyphonic sequence?
@@gnarlysoundscapes7210 shouldn't be an issue when you can do it on any number of hardware sequencers in real time.
It's possible that with the arpeggiator switched on as well as the sequencer, it could throw something out of the loop , but even then, surely they can add it as a mode via a two button combination or similar so that when you transpose in real time, you can't overdub any motion control at the same time. In other words, it's a 'play only' function. This is assuming that the processor array is being taxed out to the max already in order to deliver smooth functionality on the unit. I'd need one in front of me , and then record all manner of things via midi cc and so on, to see/ hear the changes.
I've yet (pardon the pun) to hear of any korg instruments sputtering during playback , in terms of changes other than midi note, so I'm assuming it's doable quite simply.
I am starting a support group for late 2018 purchasers of the OG Minilogue. Korgaholics Anonymous. Together, we will lament its tepid filter and dearth of onboard effects, helping one another come to a place of acceptance regarding our untimely acquisition of the OG. One day at a time.
...acquisition of the XD, you mean. Yeah, I held out on that one, but this, and now a module version...
OG’s are gonna be going for cheap on the used market. Get the XD module. That’s what I’m eyeing!
I bought a Minilogue as my first synth awhile ago and now I'm regretting it. That was a pretty big deal for me, easily the most expensive thing I've bought in a single purchase.
It still has a multimode filter with full ASDR, and an audio input!
@@ModularLanding thanks for pointing out there's a module version! That's exactly what I need. Love this synth but I'm running out of space and more keyboards are the last thing I need
This and the Monologue are the best pairing ever. Get 'em both, it's a practically limitless BLAST!
I use this combination in my band! It's awesome!
@@kaspardornfeld1961 That's awesome. Thx.
What is it that makes that combo special?
@@AndecIunson The Monologue's rich bass patches used in the step sequencer coupled with the XD's stereo effected mid-range sounds, manipulated by the joystick, is a lot of fun. I also like to midi-out from the Monologue and midi-in to the XD. There are a lot of options to explore with this pairing.
You can bet this little synth is selling, the introductory price was $629, and went up to $649. It has not gone down in price at all. This synth has a market for a lot of different musicians. Good for a bedroom studio musician because of the price, and also good for players that have other KB's and want a small board to put alongside their main board or workstation. At that price, it can do a lot and fill a lot of music needs without breaking the bank.
I know, I get it…you’ll never see this post, but…I keep returning to this reviews A) because your love for the XD so shines through and B) what a gigantic Bang for the Buck!!
I own one. The mere sight of it as I sit down at my 1st Chair saddle seat w:back support Drum Throne (have mercy) never fails to cause a big smile on my face! Invariably, I think: MAN…That Synth would be a ball to play with!
As you likely know, Nick, Tim Shoebridge (Mr On Fire) created a slew (no pun…) of user OSCs for XD & NTS-1.
I bought XD after originally watching your review. Thank you!
That led to NTS-1, NYMPHES & TYPHON…and the obligatory
Arturia Keystep Pro 37.
Add to that, ZOOM Multi-Stomp &
(A PIECE YOU NEED TO REVIEW)
Chase Bliss Audio’
Dark World Dual Reverb !!!
Yep, it’s true…I was one of those who believed, heart & soul, that
EMPRESS REVERB was the best in the WORLD…full stop! I had my mouse-clicking index finger hovering over mouse, ready to BUY IT NOW.
Turns out, Best in WORKD is
Dark World ! Whether with respect to the sound quality of the reverb but also…knocking it out of the park-by leaps and bounds ahead of the pack-the versatility/programmability-potential, Dark World is THE ONE!
There…I feel better now.
Mark
PS
Dark World’s creator is VERY accessible-you’d have a ball talking to him! Seriously, you two would become Friends.
Now this is one of the first truly forward thinking synths released in years. a poly analogue synth with a programmable digital oscillator and effects... Fuck. I thought the Matrixbrute would be the only synth I'd ever need but i'm gonna probably have to get one of these to compliment it.
Its absolutely brilliant, I can't stop playing it. Fun and instant, but almost endless tweakability at the same time. Korg knocked it out of the park. Highly recommend it!
oh my!! extra OSC and FX, CV,s....WOW!!! well done to Korg for upping the game some more. Nice review Nick! ;-) Friday fun?
A little late to this but Nick loved it even more than I thought he would. He seems to genuinely be enthralled by this. It’s kinda rare to hear him gushing like he is at the end of this review. I can see why, though. I’ve owned the entire ‘Logue range and I think XD is gonna be the one that really stick around.
absolutely stoked on this review! receiving my XD this week and ill be going over this again once it arrives. bravo, Nick!
Nobody:
Korg minilogue: XD
You just beat me to this joke by a hair, and by "a hair", I mean 6 months.
Love it, you even had your jumper on inside out you were so excited about this review ;-) as always love your reviews.
5:36 this guy making me get in my feels
Ordered an XD module a few weeks ago. Told initially it may arrive just before Christmas. Got a text today saying my package will be delivered tomorrow, Friday 30 August. Wow. A whole weekend to get started with it. Wonderful sounds. Can't wait, but won't have to wait much longer :) Great videos. Very informative. Thanks. Cheers. But...., now I'm thinking, should I get the XD with keys, and get the polychain going. Wow, quite a thought!
I have a microkorg and enjoy it, though I always think that I should have invested on a minilogue instead... looks much more straightforward and sounds way more modern.
Had mine 2 months now. Its just brilliant. Especially now with the key trigger sequencing update.
9:17
Synth riff master
Imagine sean costello ( valhalla dsp ) doing his magic for the dsp effects engine.
yum yum
Second this, big time
Man listen to the sound Nick got at the 20 minute mark! This synth''s got some guts! Nick LOVES this synth he said "Its a cracking synthesizer" He's really impressed and so am I. This is quite the capable synth. It sounds fat, considering its a 4 voice synth, that's pretty impressive. This synth is a bargain.
In Feb 2023 still my favorite synth
what a demo. wow! amazing playing and sounds Nick. Hope Korg are remunerating you appropriately!
This just makes me want a prologue even more than before, lol.
Thanks for this review! I really wanted to buy the M-xd but it's not available right now so I bought a Moog Grandmother instead which arrived just 15 minutes ago. I'm here on YT to watch a GM unboxing video but saw this Sonicstate M-xd video so watched it since it was posted today. Sorry I couldn't get the M-xd right now but I think the GM will be just as satisfying! Love your videos and playing too!
thank you for the apology
Great job Korg, thanx Nick! This is a monster...
Bought one, sits above my Arturia Keyboard midi’d to my MacBook Pro - for all my virtual synths. This thing just becomes so inspiring, if I get stuck. Or for playing a bass line to what I’m doing with my MacBook. Sounds super beefy.
Okay I watch them all and your video demo is the best thank you for being you I just traded my old minilogue for the new XD and I love it just love it thanks again for the demo I needed it it's going to take me a lifetime to navigate through this I can't wait I'm a guitarist but adding this to my musical creations was the best thing I could have done the sounds will take you away
I think the increase in price for the XD is more than worth it just for the effects. You can spend another $400 on some great effects pedals that involve table space and connectivity. The same can be said about the digital modulation with the editor. Then there’s the bigger oscilloscope window. Damn what a bargain.
Your videos are fantastic. Really really detailed and useable. Thanks for that! Youre making me want to buy too many things though haha
Yep, I love Nick, and he's a super player/teacher. But...HE'S KILLING me. He has sucked the life out of my retirement account!
@@reXdownhamOG 😆😆 the hardware lust never ends !
I'm a big fan of these like machines. This might be the first Korg I have the pleasure of purchasing.
at 00:56 you can see the tag of his shirt. I think he wore it inside out lol
SOLD... thanks Nick
Great review Nick. Love the jam at the end of the video, short and sweet. I wish it was longer. I think the Minilogue XD and the Prologue will go hand in hand together. Sequencing parts on the XD then split mode on the Prologue and either playing with both hands or arpeggiating one part and playing the second part to really fill up the sonic palette. I'm looking forward to getting an XD
That first note at 3:36 sold it for me!
Love the Minilogue XD - What a great pairing with the Microvolt 3900 too, great work Nick!
Another one sold! Thank you sir.
bark and quack, I'm into it.
Am I the only one who wants to duck into a pub, drink a few pints and talk synths with Nick? Good stuff.
I like my XD very much having a orginal as well. Very familiar layout but completely different sound with that third OSC and FX . I was going to sell my OG but decided to keep it along with this upgradilouge. Different enough to have or keep both.
*I did the Same, they work together better than ONE synth alone ;)*
I love the sound
Serious GAS for this. Thanks for the review!
I like my OG minilogue because I just use pedals for the effects and can fine tune exactly what i want. The XD is cool because it has all the other features but it isn't enough for me to sell my OG. Now if it were 6 voice...
Nick, is your shirt inside out? i will get my XD thanks to this!
it may very well be...
I am praying that they will do an update that allows a 4-part multitimbral mode
O man I wish that too, or at least, bi timbral.
Don't know where to submit this feedback for the XD, but I hope Korg listening, cuz it's a lovely synth but could use some improvements for version 2.
1. Implement a Hold mode that can hold a note or a chord without running the arpeggiator. Seems simple enough to add to the firmware.
2. Allow the Edit Mode or Shift button to cycle through the sub-menus rather than requiring you to use the step buttons to cycle through each page in a specific sub-menu. This way you can navigate the sub-menus with one hand, and keep playing while you navigate and change the features.
3.Add some kind of Macro knobs that can be assigned for the control of digital oscillator parameters, since the digital oscillators are such a huge part of this synth.
4. Add another knob for control of the effects' parameters if possible.
5. LFO Delay would be nice (could be put in a sub-menu)
🙏
Ok... that noise from 5:40... hauntingly, achingly, beautiful! I need more of that in my life... And then at 6:20!
Sounds fantastic.
The notes your playing at 5:50 is excellent!
4:58 reminds me of the first six seconds of Nine by Autechre
thought exactly the same thing
Love mine. It complements my Rev 2, Omnisphere, Keyscapes and Moog library. 🙂
great review as always Nick!
I love how its called XD, like an oldschool emoji :D ;) XD
I’m sold
14:34 to 14:41 i had to sample that sir :D
Outstanding review
THANK YOU... preorder just went up to 12 weeks... 😳
Love it !!! they really put everything in there. And awesome review as usual!!!!!!!!!
If you want more than 4 voices and a really good full size keyboard in a solid metal case, the Prologue 8 is often discounted quite a bit. Currently 1200€ at Thomann, seen it once in a sale for 900€. (I have a Prologue 16 myself and LOVE it. It’s missing that sequencer though, which I sure wouldn’t mind having.)
With Sinevibes OSC & EFX this is a beast
I keep throwing cash at my computer screen but nothing is happening 💸🖥️
😂
Good review!👍 I wish you guys would have done a review for the monologue? but I was also wondering if you guys were planning to do one for the volca module in the future¿?✌
Great work Nick!
Thanks for the excellent review.
You can probably get more extreme effects by using the "mix" option in the effects - the shift button in association with the effects knobs.
Um...
uhhhhhhhhhhh...... Anyone want to buy a 2nd hand Minilogue?
Surfing On Squarewaves don’t sell you minlogue... it’s a classic!
Too bad you can't expand your voices to 8 with both synths. Ask Korg for a firmware update to combine the Mini with the XD for an 8 voice poly.
Wilderness Music that’d be sweet but I’m sure they won’t because they don’t have a midi thru and they want you to buy the poly.
Wilderness Music or is there a midi thru??? Can’t remember for sure
@@richardfarabaugh7604 Doesn't a midi patchbay fix that?
Brilliant review.. Really nice machine
"bark and quack"
As a direct result of watching your excellent review videos I've really started to properly explore the world of synths (beyond getting tons of plugins and only ever using presets). I now own three hardware synths, with a fourth on its way (the Craft Modal 2.0). You've really got me tempted with the Minilogue now! Thank you for that. My wife thanks you slightly less. I'm still very much a beginner, though, and I'm still finding my way around the technology and terminology. One term I have heard you use frequently is 'audio rates'. What does that mean?
Audio rates would be 20Hz to 20 thousand Hz.
Normal LFO rates would be under 20Hz.
Hz = cycles per second.
Audio rates would be rates that can be herd as a note, as opposed to sounding like individual beats.
I am so glad Korg added a stereo DSP to this. I cannot tell how many nightmares I have had about running a single wire to an external DSP to get stereo. What a ground breaking concept! **Why is the music instrument business always so douchey and shady?**
No one said it was ground breaking Mr Sarky! 😉
@@sonicstate Easy there... I am subbed. Just try to keep it real.
king ot the hill.. really really good
Only a man this cool can wear his shirt inside out and get away with it. Thanks for the review!
No shit haha. i didnt notice. I love Nick Batt. He really is the coolest guy
Exellent review Nick, and a fantastisk machine😁 👍👍
The question is, do I keep waiting for a Prologue XD! I just know if I buy a prologue tomorrow they will release an XD version the following week knowing my luck with aftertouch perhaps or updated effects.
Excellent review , fantastic synth :-)
Can't decide between this and poly D .. getting mad. Anyone has an answer? The sound of the XD seems a little lighter, softy.
XD personally. Way more flexible
Nice review mate
Ordered wavestate and thinking of pairing the xd or prologue with it - any advice?
Top review. I'm hoping to play with one at Superbooth... It sounds so lush.
Nick, you are a gem! ❤️🖖
Thanks. You state that the oscillators can be stacked to create twelve presumably independent oscillators. An amazing prospect, but how this could be done was not actually explained. Any hints about how to do it? Cheers.
will you be reviewing the prologue
Korg haven't sent him one so far
Didn't like the original Minilogue,but the XD sounds much better and has improved a lot.
18:00 you almost stumbled onto the Lichen chord riff al la AFX :)