My 5 Favorite Small Synths (+ a glimpse into the new Werkstatt-01)
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- Опубліковано 15 чер 2024
- My 5 favorite smol bois + some bloops from the new Werkstatt-01! Yippee!!
All the background music for my top 5 is using sounds exclusively from those synths so I hope you enjoy!
Check out these synths on Reverb.com (these are my affiliate links that help support this channel at no cost to u):
Moog Werkstatt-01:
reverb.grsm.io/badsnacks-werk...
C&G Organelle:
reverb.grsm.io/badsnacks-orga...
TE OP-1:
reverb.grsm.io/badsnacks-op-1
Roland MC-101:
reverb.grsm.io/badsnacks-mc101
Roland Boutiques:
reverb.grsm.io/badsnacks-rola...
Korg Minilogue:
reverb.grsm.io/badsnacks-mini...
Empress Effects ZOIA:
reverb.grsm.io/badsnacks-ZOIA
As per usual, let's get social:
IG: / lilbadsnacks
FB: / badsnacks
TW: / lilbadsnacks
E-mail: badsnacks@naymlis.com
Time stamps!
0:00 - 1:44 Intro
1:44 - 3:53 Minilogue XD/Minilogue OG (also there's a typo in the "Now Playing", it should say Minilogue instead of Monologue my b)
3:53 - 5:29 Roland Boutique Series
5:37 - 8:06 Roland MC-101
8:06 - 10:23 Teenage Engineering OP-1
10:23 - 14:15 Critter & Guitari Organelle
14:15 - 16:07 Moog Werkstatt-01
16:07 - 17:32 Empress Effects Zoia
17:32 - 18:05 Outro/Bean being cute
Hope this is helpful!!
The moog is so usefull ! 👍
@Reylo Skywalkers We did, indeed
Thanks for the inspiration.
which headphones are your favorite to use in studio? or have you already done a video about that?
love the video! btw, if you put these timestamps in the description of the video itself, YT marks it on the video player which can be really useful.
Small synths and grooveboxes for the win!
The MC-101 has really grown on me, especially with the updates making its handling of samples so powerful and fixing some jank with the interface.
Glad to see you back, and love the doggie. Thanks for sharing your toys with us!
Soooo good to watch! Would love love love a demo of each piece of gear showcasing its sounds. Like a compilation of jams with no talking. You're amazing!
This video could not have come at a better time, love your work!
My op-1 is like my child, frustrating at times, but love it to death
@UnderBridge Rock I’ve got one of those too, love it as much as the op 1
This is such a good video! Even though I don’t plan on buying hardware synths anytime soon, I still really enjoy watching you talk about them all!
Also, you hair looks absolutely gorgeous!
My favorite small boi was your dog at the end 😍The Werkstatt seemed pretty cool too. Thanks for the great video! Would love to see jamming on each of these a bit more (like you did with the Werkstatt).
One of my all time favorites are the Korg Monotrons. I actually use them in most of my jam sessions on UA-cam. They are super cheap and can do a lot. Especially when you run them through effects. I have marked my ribbon keyboard so I can play it in tune and I use a stylus to play it. I really think they are overlooked quite often and are considered toys. Great video by the way!!!
Bad Snacks- this run-down is seriously bad-ass!!! Thank you. This vid turned me onto some very cool gear. 👍✨🎙📺
Fantastic channel, thanks for sharing your sounds and thoughts!
Love watching your channel! Always exited for a new video
As an engineer getting back into production and hardware synths, this video came at a great time. I was just looking at the OP-1 a few hours before this video went up!
What a cute presentation. Love it. Keep on doing it!
This reminds me to use my MC-101 more! Dope content as always!😁
you're the reason i started getting serious about learning & making music :) ilysm
Aw!! This makes me so happy :)
Such good bois! Awesome video, snacks. Got the Organelle (thanks to your rec on an older vid) and still love it.
And damnit I might just have to get a dang werkstatt...
Yamaha Reface CS gotta be the best synth I've ever tried. I don't know, there's just something about it. An aura or something. And man, that thing sounds like a neon universe from the late 70s. Such warm sounds.
Dictionary: mojo - see Yamaha reface.
Me: Love my CS. If all my gear got destroyed, the CS would be the first thing I'd replace because it's so inspirational. Fantastic design work in choosing its controls. Very quick to dial-in great sounds before the muse disappears. Doesn't sound too digital either. Got the YC too and getting the CP. Not sure how long I'll be able to hold off getting the FM either even though I'm adequately DXed.
Completely agree. Best reface. So easy to tweak and get great sounds!
Agree... Reface CS is such a superb synth. I love the DX too. I have a DX7 mk1 from new, Motif , Modx, yet still love the reface.
I love my Reface CS. It's so approachable and tweakable and easy ... it just begs to be played, really.
*edit*
Of some note, actually, is that you can use the reface CS as a midi controller for the 101, and it's actually really good! The resonance/cutoff sliders map directly to it without any tweaking
Yes. It's good because it's simple and direct and therefor something you always can expects results from. It's limited sure but how much difference will it really do in practice..
This showcase was quite entertaining and informative! Never heard of the Organelle or Werkstat until now...definitely considering a Werkstat in the near future considering the price point.
Didn't know you were MC-101 girl either! That's dope AFFFFF. Mad kudos, and salutations. :)
I would love to have just one of these haha. Well maybe one day. Glad to see an upload from snacks!
that werkstatt-01 bass sound at 15:26 = amazing! (and the bubbly sound after!)
Definitely a vote for the Korg NTS-1. You can run audio in through the FX!
I comcur with my vote for the Korg NTS-1 as well. It's such a great little kit for the price. The effects alone make it more than worth it. It's the only piece of digital gear that I have.
I love that I can download new oscillators, reverb and delays both free and paid.
Very good video keep up the amazing work Bad Snacks
Love the keys on the minilogue. Near perfect action and weight for playing fast
Thanks for the tour of your personal collection. Of all the hardware I've owned since the 80's, I'm glad I held onto my original Casio CZ-101. That thing still holds its own for luscious low-end. I also love buying crummy electronic musical toys in 99 cent stores and sampling/chopping them.
Finally i found someone who loves the boutiques! Keep them coming Roland!
We NEED a CR-78 boutique
Because there is no sampler in the boutique series my vote would be w-30!!
Not only am I geeking out about the synths you have but.. But it's the cello that's got me really intrigued.
Also, the plant on top of the Focusrite... on top of the Yamaha monitor 😂
Really digging this channel and your vibe.
I absolutely fell in luv with you NEAT TAPEs music
Awesome list of amazing hardware. I don't have a massive knowledge on synths, just love them. The Synthstrom Deluge is my personal favourite, I own the OP-1 too and want a Zoia and Organelle. Actually, I want all the hardware you showed even though my music sucks, because I love the magic boxes and the love that the engineers have poured in to them. :D
minilogue XD is a beast of a small synth! it does so much and sounds epic
Being an old man, who grew up in another time, I'm so glad to see intelligent/articulate women making and talking about, electronic music.
Hoping this is a trend, that will continue to grow.
Don't let someone else tell you, what you can/can't aspire to.
have you heard of wendy carlos suzanne ciani eliane radigue delia derbyshire i could go on...come on now...ladies been all up in this sh*t from day 1.
@@justiinclark Of course there have always been great women in the synth world. Sadly there are still extra hurdles, like the sexual harassment on UA-cam that women have to endure.
Exactly. Hence I imagine the op’s comment might feel a bit patronizing/eyeroll-inducing ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.
@@justiinclark I knew Wendy when she was Walter, so not a good example.
Did not hear about Suzanne Ciani until recently, and never heard about the others.
This despite being active synth music lover, all my life.
If things have gotten better in this regard, I'm happy to learn about that.
My comment was meant to be encouraging, not patronizing/eyeroll-inducing ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.
Sorry you took it in a way, I did not intend.
Best wishes for everyones success.
Wendy Carlos is a woman. Whatever though peace.
I have the roland jupiter boutique and a microkorg. More than I'll ever need but still fun to play with. You have a great collection!
Best small boi is the fuzzy one at the end.
I'm a guitarist and was very intimidated by synths for years but gained some interest during quarantine as I was learning to record at home. My first was a Korg Volca Keys and would absolutely recommend it for a beginner. Obviously for playing it's a little different with the touch keyboard but it was perfect for understanding how VC and LFO's work. I'm now obsessed with synthesizers and added a Roland GAIA and Elektron Model:Samples.
I'm kinda in the same boat but I went with a Behringer MS-1. It's a clone of the old Roland SH-101 and is a lot of fun! I also picked up their TB-303 clone (TD-3) and am trying to resist the urge to add a drum machine to the mix. Have fun!
Same story for me. However I realize that all these videos just enlarge our GAS.Do not ever forget this
hey @bad snacks, love your channel - glad your still loving the Organelle and enjoying Orac :)
Thank you!! You are a genius!!!
I feel like your demo on the Werkstatt really highlighted what the Organelle is missing, such huge sounds from that lil thing
The Moog Werkstatt-01 was my first synthesizer that I ever bought. I love it so much that I had to buy a second one before they stopped making them. No regrets.
Awesome Vid! Couldn’t agree more with the synth selection, I would maybe add the elektron digitone to the list of top small synths. Thank you so much for this, love your stuff!
Eeee great list!! My current favourite smol bois are Volca Sample 2, the Arcade Pocket Operator, and the Reface CP. Endless jams. ✌️✌️😍
The 0 Coast by Make Noise. Brilliant and fun!
Nice to see someone professing a big love for the Organelle. I think it was Knobs' demo that sold me on it too - I agree that the synth sounds are not the best thing about it but everything else it does is entirely fab. I keep finding new patches and new ways to use them. My small synth recommendation (if anyone cares, and frankly why would they) would be the Modal electronics Craft Synth. It's a thing of beauty.
Shazam! I've been searching for some new gear. Totally forgot about Reverb.com. Bam!! Before your video was over I have a new Microbrute ordered. Thank you and keep up the good tunes
I'd say my favorite smol bois are the Microbrute (had mine for like 5 years and don't plan on getting rid of it anytime soon) and the Digitakt. Oh man the Digitakt. That thing fits into the 'anything you want' category so well. 8 track midi controller, drum machine, sample based synthesis. The thing is nuts. It has been the brains of my setup for a few years now and I love it. So yeah Microbrute for ease of use, simplicity, and also being a great stepping stone into modular; Digitakt if your ready to dive deep. Great video too! 🎹😎🎹
Digitakt & Digitone are my favorite devices.
Thanks for mentioning the P0-33. Checking out used ones, but might just next day Brand New if I don't find a deal. Channel is awesome.
Yay! Glad to see you on UA-cam :D
oh man, thank you for turning me onto Lightfoot Beats, his PO-33 video is dope
The minilogue XD has a desktop version that drops the keyboard and $100. Some of the boutiques have a fun option if you use Roland Cloud; they can be midi-controllers for the VST version of the synth/drum machine version of the original. MC-101s are fun as hell; just wish I didn't need an external recorder to make a track. Never messed with an OP-1, but I've been loving my OP-Z; especially after I slapped an OPlab in for midi and cv functionality.
I've had a werkstatt for awhile and it's a great little single oscillator synth that is remarkably versatile; especially now that that Moog bundled the CV adaptor into the box.
My vote is for the Korg Volca series. They are cheap, very small, battery powered, have excellent sound quality, a very intuitive sequencer, parameter locking, and live recording. I've got 4 and at this rate, I will probably get more. I love them all!
This whole video literally was my whole Guitarguitar wish list :D
Your vids are very helpful thank you!
Thanks for including the Werkstatt!
I learnt music with guitar and not long ago I fell into the pedal rabbit hole. Recently I’ve been very very interested in learning more about synths and found the ZOIA. If you dedicate time to learning the basics of it as a modular interface without trying to understand everything it is capable to do, I find it an amazing tool to learn about synthesis but still find it a very useful tool when intended only for fx to process your instruments/tracks with! Also having empress effects quality sound, midi I/O and patchstorage is a big big plus when looked at it and not being sure if synths are for you! 🙌🏻
Love your videos snacks! 💙
Awesome review. Subscribed!
My one and only hardware synth is a Novation Bass Station 2. It’s clunky yes, it feels a little cheap yes, but it sounds FANTASTIC. Super phat, really aggressive if you want it but can also be super delicate if you need that kind of sound, it’s just great. Learning curve is a little tough (I’m still learning the ins and outs), but I can recommend it just on how it sounds alone
I got the Behringer MS-20 and TB-303 clones ordered. Fingers crossed that all goes well and I get to have fun this winter.
Love this ✌🏾 Greetings from South Africa 😊
Love this rundown of smaller synths. I don't have a lot of room, so smaller machines that do multiple things are my favourites.
I'm just getting into synths at nearly 48 years old, so I'm a late starter. I started off with Novation Circuit, Circuit Mono Station and MiniNova, which are all affordable, have great sounds and both Circuits have a great interface. I recently got an Arturia Drumbrute and a Elektron Model; Cycles, and I'm learning to understand the Model; Cycles' interface (especially the way it stores patterns and pattern chaining are proving a bit difficult).
I love how my little bleepy and boinky boxes complement eachother. Both sound wise and interface wise. I'm not a keyboardist and I use the internal sequencers a lot.
Hey there! Just wanted to give an FYI on the MC-101. You don't have to take out the SD card to load samples on. You can just boot the MC-101 in data mode to transfer files over USB. :) Thanks for the awesome video!
Interesting. That little thing is fire with its Zenology-Platform.
The queen came back!
YAHAAAS
Neon Vines? She hasn't left to begin with. =p
Nice review, thank you
Very cool recommendations! I would suggest checking out the Behringer Crave... Pretty sweet semi-modular analog synth experience.
I don't feel at all confident in my ability to learn the Zoia, but I truly wish I did. It sounds like the greatest pedal ever created, but I have so far had the hardest time following some of the videos out there. I love your channel! Keep crushing it!
Liking the new spot!
Thanks!! Me too!
You made me get an organelle last year ...and I’m happier.....effects ...everything is so lofi lush organic....🌌 I exchanged the meris bass synth, for the ZOIA, but i need to put more time into patching
Great vid! Also can we just take a moment to appreciate that Roland went to the trouble of getting an actual artist for their promotion of their groovebox instead of just hiring an actor?
Thanks for your videos they are always amazing. My favorite small synths that I own are the Dreadbox Typhon, Elektron Model Cycles and the freak PO Arcade, and Yamaha Reface CS while been not perfect by any mean, sometimes you get a sound and you are like "are you the same boy that 15 minutes ago?". I am about to get the organelle just now it seems like a very helpfull machine.
The Typhon is a blast! Time makes no sense when I'm digging into it
My first ever hardware synth was the Behringer Model D, quite a small boy indeed 😁 I think for the price, for its comparison with the Moog Model D, and some of its patching capabilities that give interesting sound design options, it’s a great deal! They go for around $300, and offer anyone that is interested in real synthesizers a solid starting point.
Looks like a “Paid” Video paid by sponsors. If you want affordable synth you need definitely to buy @Behringer
@@fabiosantoriell0 you must be new.../smh
For a cheap analog Polysynth it's either one of the behringers or one of the minilogues. I went with the minilogue xd over the deepmind for 2 reasons. 1: i, like many others, am not particularly drawn to Behringer and their methods of doing business and ripping other businesses off. 2: I am a huge nerd with an engineering background and the minilogue has userprogrammable DSP, you can develop your own digital wavetable oscillators and effects with the Logue SDK :-) This makes it a lot more versatile and unique.
I have to say, I've been interested in the organelle for a while. I've been making music for a long time now (+20 years) and things like the ones you said about end quality of the bass tones and the FX made me rethink about the machine. I love the possibilities PD brings but I imagined it'd have this kind of digital sound to it, where the high frequencies are just off. I'm probably wrong but certain words bring certain thoughts.
Great mini-reviews - all great/handy machines. :) cheers.
SH-01A surprised me with how fun it is. But also I recommend that A-01 which has kind of a chiptune oscillator, which can be really raw and fun. I put the K-25 keyboard on all my Roland Boutiques - because I'm a keyboardist - and it really opened up the TB-03 for me in ways I did not expect.
Best ROMpler additions to the Small Boi series: Roland JV-1010, Roland XV-2020, Korg NS-5R, Kurzweil ME-1 - if you need a small box with lots of sounds especially piano / strings / brass the Kurzweil ME-1 is the tops. But the Roland and Korg units have a much larger variety of synth sounds. Being tiny boxes, they're not great for modulating the sounds as you play, but if you want to travel light, add one of these boxes to a USB MIDI controller and it opens up a lot of musical doors.
Great video and your dog is so cute! 😍 I'm a huge fan of the older Roland MC boxes, especially the 505. Haven't tried the 707 yet but it seems to offer great value for the money and might be a little easier to operate than the 101.
My fav small synth is the P6 form French company Audiothingies (now replaced by the MicroMonsta). It's like a Boutique or Reface, but does not set out to emulate any specific synth, but rather has features (and quirks) of its own, it sounds great, probably one of the most analogue sounding digital gear I've come across. Super nice user interface makes it a very inviting device.
Informative and entertaining that's what we want from our YT videos. And a pleasure to spend a few minutes in your company😊
Glad you understand magnetic fields and the slow death of equipment placed near said field, which is where your plant should be too.
Excellent Video!!!! You are amazing!! - really really nice - Guitarist thinking of getting a Moog Werkstatt
Microfreak is a pretty stellar Smol Boi synth. If they added some built in effects it'd be prefect.
...or just add a Korg NTS-1 with its open architecture.
…. Or get a Roland System-1 25 key Plug Out Synth !
It has 1 button/knob per function with an easy to understand layout for a first synth and a fun scatter wheel and arppegiator.
It has 4 Oscillators, it’s own personal Synth engine, as well as a Plug Out option to switch to one of Rolands other virtual analog 4 voice polyphonic synths at a moments notice.
2 synths for 1!
thanks for sharing. my fave smaller synths are: Korg Monologue; Behringer Crave, Model D, TD-3, and K-2. I also use a pair of Ensoniq MR-61 workstations, and a PAiA 4700 modular... being an old synth collector, I am just now getting into midi. I appreciate your candid views- Thanks again.
Great video with great mini synthesizers. I prefer Roland as my go to sound. Owned many devices and most are sold due to difficult times in the past. I’m looking for a TB-303 (clone). There are many out there from Behringer to the Roland Boutique TB-03 and everything in between. What would you recommend? Also, may I ask you a question? What’s your favorite software synthesizer?
I also recommend (and own) the Roland JD-Xi, which also has many of the classic Roland synth and drum sounds PLUS a true analog monosynth AND a keyboard. It's about the same price as the MC-101.
great content! i love my minilogue!
Love the volca FM! Monotron is actually surprisingly big sounding too, and you can mod them to add midi (not that im smart enough to lol)
Awesome vid! I use the Kong wavestate and love it
i've recently been messing around with the Stylophone gen-x1. It's super fun and it costs barely anything for an actual analogue synth.
Great video!
I like the boutique series as well. I got a JP08, JX03 and TB03... and am thinking about maybe getting an SE02 (had a tinker with one, and it sounded pretty beefcake!)
My favourite small boi synth has to be the Synthstrom Deluge though! He's a small boi, but he acts like a real big boi
Fantastic channel
You are wonderful!
i love you, MC101 girl
Had no idea you had a zoia! The user interface overwhelmed me so much I just went with the organelle hahaha.
Best small synth... without doubt, Roland sh01a... so versatile
Moog Subharmonicon is my favorite small synth. It lets you improvise with minimalism. I just put together my Werkstatt and I'm looking forward to pairing it with Subharmonicon.
Digitakt and Erica Synths Bassline DB01 are also really neat. The randomize function on Bassline is really musical.
Now 100% sure I need a Werkstatt lol
Those lil tunes for each of the synths were *chef's kiss*
thanks for the video... organelle m may be in my future now... another fabulous small boi for your consideration is the Bastl Soft Pop x
I've got the microKorg S and the Roland Boutique D-05, both are awesome. My other synths all come with 61 key full size keyboards.
That bonk jump cut was super funny lol
Love this thank you. I'm a total noob. Wanting to create some ambient electronic music. Considering a Seccond hand op-1. Is that a good way to go? I also have a MacBook and a iPad pro. I like the idea of Keeping things simple doing everything with one thing on the go. Thanks.
I'm pretty new to the game, but I'm a huge fan of the first synth I purchased. The Arturia Microbrute. Honestly, I'd put it up against any other in terms of friendly UI, each knob only handles one parameter and the patch bay is a nice touch that adds some great connectivity. I know some people don't like the sound as much, but for the price you can easily add a nice reverb or multi-effects pedal and still come well under $400.
100% would recommend!
My smol boi is the Moog DFAM. Bought it while on holidays a couple of years ago. A remarkable instrument. My only (pretty small) complaint is that it lacks a sequencer reset
the MC-101 is SUCH A GOOD sound module! it rly grows on me. esp with the new chord & arp update
yes!!!
Why bad snacks tho do you not tasty snacks 😋 l
The Microfreak and the Behringer Neutron are my secret weapons . Lovely analog sounds from the Neutron , merged with the very special Microfreak Timbres . I Love it . ...O-Coast and Moog Subharmonicom are also very usefull for Experimentals .
I have the same collection, really great/fun stuff :-)
The Elektron Digitone is a smol boi to be reckoned with. The sequencer is bananas and it has SO MANY Good sounds in it. It's crazy. And it's portable AF.