I have had a MatrixBrute since launch and love it. I made many requests on the forums which haven't made it into this update, but 16 custom destinations more than makes up for that. I can't wait to fully explore the new features. I am very happy Arturia are still supporting their flagship synth.
Yes, it's great that Arturia built a system that is so flexible and adaptable that a software update can add this new functionality. This platform could have a bright future.
@@ConwayBob I only hope that when the support cycle ends they offer an open source solution to allow the community hope to adapt the tools to future tech...
It has a unique sound. Fits in well with the moog and sequential mono synths. in spite of all the distortion options on it, it sounds big and mighty and clean.
It still amazes and surprises me two years on! This update is fantastic. It features heavy in my studio work. Of my twelve synths, it’s still my favourite! Kudos Arturia! 👊🏼🎶
this update took a loooong time. I sold mine. Love the synth but some of the front panel stuff could have been done in the matrix, freeing up space for other features (audio mod section for ex.), and the brute factor is very much non-essential; I never found a good use for it. very useful update though, can't wait to hear what people are making with it!
At the 2018 NAMM show I asked the reps at Arturia booth if they could expand the number of custom mod destinations. That was my #1 wish. Wow! Didn't expect 16 custom destinations. Fantastic!
MAN i completely had no idea about this LFO update. amazing. i wish they would make the oscillator waveforms customizable too. i guess external input is always a soution tho
Thanks for the video Bo! Hilariously the matrixbrute is my first synth. Played one note at the store 2 years ago and it shattered my mind. This vid gave me the energy to download the firmware update and corresponding midi control software. LFO shaper is powerful. Truly amazing how much the sounds change. Thanks!
People are always asking about the best first synth. I'd think that this one is the best. it covers a lot of bases. And it brings a special sound. not to forget it, but the bass is full of balls.
thanks for that 2.0 firmware review, very informative ... so, as far as i got you, we have now 4x4 pages of user definable mod pages ? instead of the original 4 pages ? if so, it's a huge improvement !!!
2 years ago at NAMM, I asked the Arturia rep about the possibility of expanding the number of user mod destinations for the same reasons you described. Now I'd like to see the sequencer expanded so that more than one sequence can be programmed per patch, then chain them together to create a song greater than 64 steps.
Thanks for the demonstration! I have a hard time making use of the complexity of the MatrixBrute as it is, LOL. I'm looking forward to experimenting with drawing LFOs though. That looks simple enough ;-)
I’m badly scratching the surface 2yrs in I’ll leave mine the way is. They say backup your presets , to what?I bought this for no computer or menu diving . Finally 64 presets. Do they erase the originals? I haven’t got thru the fist 256
Totally understand what you mean but doesn't even the Moog One have firmware? I'd say this is the new era of fully analog simply because technology is so inherently in the forefront of our lives that if companies don't incorporate these features then it would maybe feel as limited as analog from the 80s. It's that or Arturia has to make a new entire version of something like the Matrix Brute and that would cost way too much and be an environmental disaster. So a firmware update to create a "new" synth in the same synth you already own is sorta like recycling maybe? I'm okay with it all. It's a 100% fully analog circuit synth at the end of the day. Even the fx are analog which is actually something you don't really see a lot of even in "fully analog" gear.
Arturia is on my very short list of best companies. One thing that they are best at is quality for price(hardware and software). Please do a tutorial/review on Pigments 2, which is insanely fantastic.
Thanks for showing the new functionality! Arturia should/could have been a bit faster with the update.... But it's finally here! And I'm sure there are people who want the next update for new stuff like next month or so ;-)
I would love to see an actual version two of the hardware. Or perhaps it would be the Arturia Matrix, as I would love to see them putting multiple freak oscs in there. Something like 4 brute oscs, 4 freak oscs, and perhaps 4 OSC/LFO combos in there. Some pre filter mixer outputs and inputs, for external processing. 2 SEM style filters, that could work together to make a 24dB SEM filter, with filter mode modulation as seen on the OB 6. 4 envelopes with pre delay. Larger grid; for more sources and destinations, custom ones at that. More CV inputs, and custom outs destinations. perhaps a total of 4 amps, and some smart pre programmed matched filter setting option, for a 4 voice mode with individual articulations, and more OSC than one per voice (at least one brute and one freak, if not the OSC/LFO are only for modulation), not real polyphony as the filters would still not match perfectly. And 2 and 4 layer operation, with possibility to delay the other layers triggering. A mode where aftertouch/CV controls the amp, instead of an envelope, and the pitch value is held until a aftertouch/CV threshold is reached, so the note on and velocity messages don't trigger the note (great for example in combination with a Touché, for a fine level of control over the amp articulation). And an emulated polyphonic plugin version of it, included with the product (overpriced if sold separately). Parameter mapping for the V collection and pigments, to use it as a controller. I would also love it if they could offer it as a key-less module, but still with tilting panel.
Proaudiostar has the matrixbrute for 1399$ today and they let you apply a 18% discount to it. Considering everywhere else is at 2200, that is below used prices.
How about putting that coffee addiction to work and sample it for tracks. Don't know if you have a digitakt, but I can see making a track, like Dave Mech done, by for example sampling stuff in Utrecht, I'm sure your coffee addiction produces usable noises. If I had more money in the bank, such a coffee addiction I would be willing to support.
@@BoBeats soothing coffee house, and refined caffeine trance (unlike energy drink unrefined caffeine trance). And how about some percolating hip hop, or trap. The grinding genres I think wouldn't be your style of music, so perhaps you should not get in to that. =)
Your walkthrough of the DRAW LFO was very informative! I had no idea of the full features of the 2.0 update until seeing your video, well done! Thank you!
How about morphing LFO's ? I think all synth manufacturers have missed a trick here. I think it would be interesting to gradually go from say a square to a sine lfo
Best synth I’ll ever own, but too massive for my need for (at least some) portability. I went Eurorack instead. If you have space, need and money it’s hard to beat.
The loss of my studio space meant I had to move it around a lot, and it's REALLY not made for that. My double Rackbrute is much more portable (and a bit less vulnerable to accidents).
I love this update, and can't wait to try it! The idea of a custom LFO was waiting to happen with that matrix available, I think, but the extra custom mod destinations is the best thing of all and will open up a lot more potential. I love my MB and really only have two complaints (lack of a ring modulator, and that awful, pointless ePaper display). I wonder how much processing power is available in this thing... could the CPU support, for example, a separate custom LFO attachable to every single parameter on the synth (set up using the matrix and the mod amount knob, maybe)? We're into virtual synth mod routing level territory there, and perhaps it would be overkill...
I love your channel! Thank you for the awesome videos! I have one question: i am coming from guitar world but recently interested in synth, one of the reasons is your channel. I am mainly interested in sound design. Can you tell which synth is more versatile: matrixbrute or hydrasynth? Which can makes sounds the other can’t? I dont care too much about quality of the sound (being analog) but versatility. Thanks a lot!
I would love my Matrixbrute if it wasn't for the fact that the sound always gives the impression of coming from inside a box. And having the subascillators turned on alway gives a huge resonance. It lacks clarity. Great update though.
Question: The custom destinations in version 2 are cool. Is it possible to reassign the CV input/outputs as well? Or is it only the internal routing that is affected?
It’s funny that when I look at the mod matrix, it seems totally overwhelming, but in practice, I guess it’s only 16x16, which isn’t really all that many sources and destinations. It’s interesting that the “stock” destinations aren’t that useful for you. I wonder if that’s generally the case for more users, or if you’re an outlier? I can only assume that Arturia picked the ones they thought would be useful...
The stock ones are very much for shaping the VCO’s. I prefer to use modulations for a bit more weird stuff. Basically modulations of LFO rates, effects, cross modding between stuff (say osc mod using an lfo, another lfo affecting the first lfo, maybe with an envelope controlling it all)
I'm with Bo here, I like to use maybe 4 or 5 of the standard destinations in a patch, with many of those on a modwheel or aftertouch for some expressive playing (which I think is a great strength of this synth), but I almost always need to use at least one of the custom destinations, and I have run out before. I've only had my brute 6 months and maybe 20 or so hours in it in that time, and the extra slots are the biggest plus of the new firmware for me.
@@BoBeats Every LFO should have an LFO/Envelope for modding it, it is a flaw in synth design that they don't =) Also, I would like to see much more type of shapes, some that repeats more than once, but not indefinitely, and perhaps has a bit of depth and speed built in to the shape, like pingpong ball bounce, and the reversed version of that, struck spring (yes, spring not string). The lfo designer of the matrixbrute unfortunately isn't advanced enough for that.
Nice intro playing, Bo! I was curious, now that you have owned the Arturia for a while, and given what has been announced at NAMM, would you stay with the MatrixBrute, or would you trade it for one of the new wavetable synths (Korg Wavestate, ASM Hydra) or something else? I am considering the MatrixBrute and I already have a Moog Sub37, Prophet 6 module, and other Mono synths. I don't have any wavetable synths at the moment, but the ASM reminds me of my old Ensoniq ESQ-1 in terms of workflow.
you have a solid selection of synths for sure, if you feel like the matrix doesn't get much use or adds something I would definitely look at exchanging it. no point in having a big piece like that if its not filling a role
Thank you Bo. Great update, indeed. But what about the numbers of issues that have not been solved for more than 2,5 years now ? Are they all solved now ?
You have both the Matrixbrute and the Polybrute, I saw. Do they compliment each other, or are they very alike (soundwise)? I have a poly in preorder and suddenly an opportunity to buy a used MB...
That's a relief 😀 I'll install the update, still a bit disappointed that nothing was apparently done about the monophonic processing in the matrix of note and velocity messages in duo and para modes :/
More specifically, I think the note priority setting should apply in these modes (currently only the first note played gets updated in paraphonic mode, and in duo only the upper part does...)
i'd have traded this stupid draw your own envelope for that. the matrix has an old moog clang on it that would be great for racheting ala Tangerine Dream I'd think/
Just bought a novation circuit OG! Now, the mono station is on sale for Black Friday... Do I return the circuit OG and get the mono instead, or learn the circuit OG first? Is it worth it to get both as someone who has never used either before?
The circuit and the monostation just look like they have common features and the monostation just adds controls for the synthparts. But it is not! Check the specs of both and you will notice a quite different functionality. Depends on what you want to do...
I would echo what Manuel said. The Mono Station is utterly brilliant but very different to the Circuit. I use it as either a bass, noise, or rhythm machine. The Circuit is on the other hand a bitimbral groovebox with a drum machine. If you forced me to give an answer I would say keep the Circuit for now and learn it properly. The Mono Station will be that price again in the future when you’ve mastered the Circuit I am sure. Enjoy! 😊
Want to buy a Matrixbrute? Use my affiliate link: redir.love/kCJzUBJc
This is my go to synth for annoying the guy who works behind the counter at Guitar Center.
😆🤣
Max Powers I wanted to mess around with one, but our guitar center doesn’t have any units on display... nor did our Sam Ash.... :(
Hahahahaha!
@@richardalldredge9129 Complain to Max Powers about it. They probably had one but removed it after Max annoyed them :)
Loving this. :P
Great Job Arturia ! the Matrixbrute synth was already vital for sound designer but has reached a new milestone with this new up-date unexpected
I have had a MatrixBrute since launch and love it. I made many requests on the forums which haven't made it into this update, but 16 custom destinations more than makes up for that. I can't wait to fully explore the new features. I am very happy Arturia are still supporting their flagship synth.
This is great, I thought the mod assignment amounts was a hardware limit... awesome that we have those pages now... can't wait to try this out
It makes a world of difference
Yes, it's great that Arturia built a system that is so flexible and adaptable that a software update can add this new functionality. This platform could have a bright future.
@@ConwayBob I only hope that when the support cycle ends they offer an open source solution to allow the community hope to adapt the tools to future tech...
I always wanted matrixbrute since it came out.
Same here. I took my stimulos check and bought one. No regrets.
It has a unique sound. Fits in well with the moog and sequential mono synths. in spite of all the distortion options on it, it sounds big and mighty and clean.
It still amazes and surprises me two years on! This update is fantastic. It features heavy in my studio work. Of my twelve synths, it’s still my favourite! Kudos Arturia! 👊🏼🎶
this update took a loooong time. I sold mine. Love the synth but some of the front panel stuff could have been done in the matrix, freeing up space for other features (audio mod section for ex.), and the brute factor is very much non-essential; I never found a good use for it. very useful update though, can't wait to hear what people are making with it!
this update looks like they just made it a new synth
Looks like a good update. If you think that took too long consider the 6 years i took Novation to do the BS2 firmware. Arturia are super quick!
Damn I really want a matrixBrute now. Great job arturia, I was on the fence but now this seals the deal
At the 2018 NAMM show I asked the reps at Arturia booth if they could expand the number of custom mod destinations. That was my #1 wish. Wow! Didn't expect 16 custom destinations. Fantastic!
MAN i completely had no idea about this LFO update.
amazing.
i wish they would make the oscillator waveforms customizable too. i guess external input is always a soution tho
Thanks for the video Bo! Hilariously the matrixbrute is my first synth. Played one note at the store 2 years ago and it shattered my mind. This vid gave me the energy to download the firmware update and corresponding midi control software. LFO shaper is powerful. Truly amazing how much the sounds change.
Thanks!
People are always asking about the best first synth. I'd think that this one is the best. it covers a lot of bases. And it brings a special sound. not to forget it, but the bass is full of balls.
thanks for that 2.0 firmware review, very informative ... so, as far as i got you, we have now 4x4 pages of user definable mod pages ? instead of the original 4 pages ? if so, it's a huge improvement !!!
Now that is a proper update.
Took a while but yes!
BoBeats common, it wasn’t that long.
2 years ago at NAMM, I asked the Arturia rep about the possibility of expanding the number of user mod destinations for the same reasons you described. Now I'd like to see the sequencer expanded so that more than one sequence can be programmed per patch, then chain them together to create a song greater than 64 steps.
Thanks for the demonstration! I have a hard time making use of the complexity of the MatrixBrute as it is, LOL. I'm looking forward to experimenting with drawing LFOs though. That looks simple enough ;-)
Its very simple :-) just point and poke
I’m badly scratching the surface 2yrs in I’ll leave mine the way is. They say backup your presets , to what?I bought this for no computer or menu diving . Finally 64 presets. Do they erase the originals? I haven’t got thru the fist 256
I remember drawing waves on my Korg DSS-1.
This MB has way more going on.
Wish i had the bucks.
Epic synth, great hair, vids got it all, thanks for helping a latecomer understand the matrix better :)
sometimes i wonder how "analog" these analog synthesizers are that have so many parts that can be added simply by a firmware
Totally understand what you mean but doesn't even the Moog One have firmware? I'd say this is the new era of fully analog simply because technology is so inherently in the forefront of our lives that if companies don't incorporate these features then it would maybe feel as limited as analog from the 80s. It's that or Arturia has to make a new entire version of something like the Matrix Brute and that would cost way too much and be an environmental disaster. So a firmware update to create a "new" synth in the same synth you already own is sorta like recycling maybe?
I'm okay with it all. It's a 100% fully analog circuit synth at the end of the day. Even the fx are analog which is actually something you don't really see a lot of even in "fully analog" gear.
I just wish it was polyphonic. So much space for minimal paraphony. That was its deathnail.
Arturia is on my very short list of best companies. One thing that they are best at is quality for price(hardware and software). Please do a tutorial/review on Pigments 2, which is insanely fantastic.
I'm having problem updating to 2.0
Thanks for showing the new functionality!
Arturia should/could have been a bit faster with the update.... But it's finally here!
And I'm sure there are people who want the next update for new stuff like next month or so ;-)
I would love to see an actual version two of the hardware. Or perhaps it would be the Arturia Matrix, as I would love to see them putting multiple freak oscs in there. Something like 4 brute oscs, 4 freak oscs, and perhaps 4 OSC/LFO combos in there. Some pre filter mixer outputs and inputs, for external processing. 2 SEM style filters, that could work together to make a 24dB SEM filter, with filter mode modulation as seen on the OB 6. 4 envelopes with pre delay.
Larger grid; for more sources and destinations, custom ones at that. More CV inputs, and custom outs destinations.
perhaps a total of 4 amps, and some smart pre programmed matched filter setting option, for a 4 voice mode with individual articulations, and more OSC than one per voice (at least one brute and one freak, if not the OSC/LFO are only for modulation), not real polyphony as the filters would still not match perfectly. And 2 and 4 layer operation, with possibility to delay the other layers triggering.
A mode where aftertouch/CV controls the amp, instead of an envelope, and the pitch value is held until a aftertouch/CV threshold is reached, so the note on and velocity messages don't trigger the note (great for example in combination with a Touché, for a fine level of control over the amp articulation).
And an emulated polyphonic plugin version of it, included with the product (overpriced if sold separately). Parameter mapping for the V collection and pigments, to use it as a controller.
I would also love it if they could offer it as a key-less module, but still with tilting panel.
I forgot a long ribbon controller that could do pitch or modulation duties.
What I wasn’t able to figure out yet is whether this FW update finally enables Spectrasonics to use the MatrixBrute as a controller for Omnisphere.
Doubtful, as they are a competitor.
Proaudiostar has the matrixbrute for 1399$ today and they let you apply a 18% discount to it. Considering everywhere else is at 2200, that is below used prices.
Davide Cerri Guitar Center did the same thing. Got mine for $1225. That includes tax.
As a MatrixBrute Owner Keep it up and thanks for your effort!
How about putting that coffee addiction to work and sample it for tracks. Don't know if you have a digitakt, but I can see making a track, like Dave Mech done, by for example sampling stuff in Utrecht, I'm sure your coffee addiction produces usable noises. If I had more money in the bank, such a coffee addiction I would be willing to support.
Maybe! Its a solid idea
@@BoBeats soothing coffee house, and refined caffeine trance (unlike energy drink unrefined caffeine trance). And how about some percolating hip hop, or trap. The grinding genres I think wouldn't be your style of music, so perhaps you should not get in to that. =)
Yeah!!
Your walkthrough of the DRAW LFO was very informative! I had no idea of the full features of the 2.0 update until seeing your video, well done! Thank you!
How about morphing LFO's ? I think all synth manufacturers have missed a trick here. I think it would be interesting to gradually go from say a square to a sine lfo
Best synth I’ll ever own, but too massive for my need for (at least some) portability. I went Eurorack instead. If you have space, need and money it’s hard to beat.
Its huge. Hard to fit on camera. Synthfluencer Problems 🤣
The loss of my studio space meant I had to move it around a lot, and it's REALLY not made for that. My double Rackbrute is much more portable (and a bit less vulnerable to accidents).
0:40 Where have you got that chart from? I have only found a lengthy PDF.
Rayy‘s Musikladen I Googled "Matrixbrute cheat sheet" and found it.
Andrew Cecka Thanks a lot. This is so valuable!
I just ordered one and I can't wait!! thanks for the info on this. any suggestions for a new owner?
is there a way to ratchet notes on the brute..?
found this video, dunno if it's any help ua-cam.com/video/qdPJKqQtRwc/v-deo.html
I love this update, and can't wait to try it! The idea of a custom LFO was waiting to happen with that matrix available, I think, but the extra custom mod destinations is the best thing of all and will open up a lot more potential. I love my MB and really only have two complaints (lack of a ring modulator, and that awful, pointless ePaper display).
I wonder how much processing power is available in this thing... could the CPU support, for example, a separate custom LFO attachable to every single parameter on the synth (set up using the matrix and the mod amount knob, maybe)? We're into virtual synth mod routing level territory there, and perhaps it would be overkill...
I love your channel! Thank you for the awesome videos! I have one question: i am coming from guitar world but recently interested in synth, one of the reasons is your channel. I am mainly interested in sound design. Can you tell which synth is more versatile: matrixbrute or hydrasynth? Which can makes sounds the other can’t? I dont care too much about quality of the sound (being analog) but versatility. Thanks a lot!
Poly? Sorry I thought this synt was Poly to much mono synths on the market
Its 3 note paraphonic, so you can play chords but articulation is limited
BoBeats wow thanks, I didn’t now, I’m existed with the new Poly D, thanks mr Bo
Yeah this one and Poly-D have similar functionality as both are paraphonic.
BoBeats cool 😎
I would love my Matrixbrute if it wasn't for the fact that the sound always gives the impression of coming from inside a box. And having the subascillators turned on alway gives a huge resonance. It lacks clarity.
Great update though.
Question: The custom destinations in version 2 are cool. Is it possible to reassign the CV input/outputs as well? Or is it only the internal routing that is affected?
Awesome synth with a great sound. Seems like mono moog one. I think the kindle screen was a bit of a mistake - OLED would be sweet. Sequencer updates?
This is an awesome update. You are right, it does make a world of difference!! Thank you for sharing!!!
Cooooooooool
Are the custom LFO steps mutable?
Nope :)
have you tried the deluge for control of the matrixbrute
how about a video please thanks so much bo
It’s funny that when I look at the mod matrix, it seems totally overwhelming, but in practice, I guess it’s only 16x16, which isn’t really all that many sources and destinations. It’s interesting that the “stock” destinations aren’t that useful for you. I wonder if that’s generally the case for more users, or if you’re an outlier? I can only assume that Arturia picked the ones they thought would be useful...
The stock ones are very much for shaping the VCO’s. I prefer to use modulations for a bit more weird stuff. Basically modulations of LFO rates, effects, cross modding between stuff (say osc mod using an lfo, another lfo affecting the first lfo, maybe with an envelope controlling it all)
I'm with Bo here, I like to use maybe 4 or 5 of the standard destinations in a patch, with many of those on a modwheel or aftertouch for some expressive playing (which I think is a great strength of this synth), but I almost always need to use at least one of the custom destinations, and I have run out before. I've only had my brute 6 months and maybe 20 or so hours in it in that time, and the extra slots are the biggest plus of the new firmware for me.
@@BoBeats Every LFO should have an LFO/Envelope for modding it, it is a flaw in synth design that they don't =)
Also, I would like to see much more type of shapes, some that repeats more than once, but not indefinitely, and perhaps has a bit of depth and speed built in to the shape, like pingpong ball bounce, and the reversed version of that, struck spring (yes, spring not string). The lfo designer of the matrixbrute unfortunately isn't advanced enough for that.
i suppose you could simply assign something to modulate the lfo, no?
@@BoBeats for modulationg the lfos sure, but then one is quickly running out of LFOs or envelopes.
Nice intro playing, Bo! I was curious, now that you have owned the Arturia for a while, and given what has been announced at NAMM, would you stay with the MatrixBrute, or would you trade it for one of the new wavetable synths (Korg Wavestate, ASM Hydra) or something else? I am considering the MatrixBrute and I already have a Moog Sub37, Prophet 6 module, and other Mono synths. I don't have any wavetable synths at the moment, but the ASM reminds me of my old Ensoniq ESQ-1 in terms of workflow.
you have a solid selection of synths for sure, if you feel like the matrix doesn't get much use or adds something I would definitely look at exchanging it. no point in having a big piece like that if its not filling a role
I just purchased one. Any updates since this?
Im not sure too be honest! i have not kept tabs on matrixbrute updates
@@BoBeats no problem. I think that this may be the latest dot 0 build from what I found. Thanks!
Still no step ratchet...ugh come on.
I'm sitting here watching the custom LFO drawing going "I can do all of this on my Deepmind 12 but I STILL WANT IT"
8:13 I would call this patch "Drunken Clanger".
Thank you Bo. Great update, indeed. But what about the numbers of issues that have not been solved for more than 2,5 years now ? Are they all solved now ?
I am not entirely sure. I think there are still things some people will want fixed or changed. I do feel the energy was well spent on big improvements
Have you ever heard of ray lynch? That sound right at the beginning really reminded me of him
I loved Ray Lynch songs.
Elaine D such good music!
To much talking not 3nough demo
You have both the Matrixbrute and the Polybrute, I saw. Do they compliment each other, or are they very alike (soundwise)? I have a poly in preorder and suddenly an opportunity to buy a used MB...
Theres absolutely similarities in the oscillator sound, but once you start sound designing it really gets quite different.
@@BoBeats Thanks, so they can be complimentary?
👍👍👍
😍😍😍😍
Sound at 4:43 ohhhh man!!!
Great interface, mediocre sound unfortunately
Can I get an invite to discord
Anyone can join using the link
Are each lfo's custom wave saved per patch or are these global ?
Per patch, otherwise it would be super limited.
That's a relief 😀 I'll install the update, still a bit disappointed that nothing was apparently done about the monophonic processing in the matrix of note and velocity messages in duo and para modes :/
More specifically, I think the note priority setting should apply in these modes (currently only the first note played gets updated in paraphonic mode, and in duo only the upper part does...)
4:44 😯
Thanks for a great early Xmas present Arturia. Can't wait for the Ratcheting update🙏
i'd have traded this stupid draw your own envelope for that. the matrix has an old moog clang on it that would be great for racheting ala Tangerine Dream I'd think/
Just bought a novation circuit OG! Now, the mono station is on sale for Black Friday... Do I return the circuit OG and get the mono instead, or learn the circuit OG first? Is it worth it to get both as someone who has never used either before?
The circuit and the monostation just look like they have common features and the monostation just adds controls for the synthparts.
But it is not!
Check the specs of both and you will notice a quite different functionality. Depends on what you want to do...
I would echo what Manuel said. The Mono Station is utterly brilliant but very different to the Circuit. I use it as either a bass, noise, or rhythm machine. The Circuit is on the other hand a bitimbral groovebox with a drum machine. If you forced me to give an answer I would say keep the Circuit for now and learn it properly. The Mono Station will be that price again in the future when you’ve mastered the Circuit I am sure. Enjoy! 😊