Who uses MIDI controllers?

[osbornkt]

Looking for something to power the MIDI bass pedals I'm building. Thinking about getting something like a MicroKorg or Alesis Micron and just run MIDI in from the pedals, but wanted to know if you guys had any better suggestions on a good MIDI system to use. I've played both of those synths before, but never for long enough to see what they had to offer...I want something with good bass presets, or at least a good editing platform, that isn't going to break the bank.

Thoughts?



For gits and shiggles, here's a pic of the project so far. First attempt at vinyl upholstery!

[sonidero]

[osbornkt]

Yeah...I want one so bad! Minitaur or Korg MS20 mini would be the top choices if money weren't a factor

[kaeth]

Since it's for bass pedals, you don't really need polyphony, and you could get a better sounding monosynth for the price of a Micron or MicroKorg.

Here's some other cheap monosynths:
-Eowave Domino - all analog, no presets, knobby
-Waldorf Rocket - digital osc/analog filter, no presets, knobby, paraphonic
-Korg Volca Bass - all analog, no presets, knobby
-Dave Smith MoPho - DCO/DCF, sub osc, deep mod matrix, lots of presets, menu-driven, delay & distortion
-MFB Nanozwerg - all analog, no presets, knobby
-Mutable Instruments Shruthi - DIY kit, digital osc(with wavetables)/analog filter, deep mod matrix, lots of presets, page-driven
-Critter & Guitari Bolsa Bass - digital, a few presets, simple
-Meeblip SE - digital, knobby, 30 presets
-Roland SH-32 - digital, slider-ey, presets, polyphonic, on board effects

Those pedals look incredible by the way.

[osbornkt]

Thanks, kaeth!
I've been really intrigued with the Bolsa Bass over the last couple months. Guess I totally spaced on it having midi
The SH-32 also looks really nice! Seems like it has a lot to offer.
I've got a lot of research to do now. Pumped.

[space6oy]

and none of these are midi controllers. midi controllers don't make sound. they're just controllers. you're talking about synths w/ midi out.

[sonidero]

and none of these are midi controllers. midi controllers don't make sound. they're just controllers. you're talking about synths w/ midi IN.

*fixed...

I've got the SH-32 and it's good for bass and lead and pads and efx and if those pedals are poly it might be cool, plus it has drum sounds... The Minitaur will shake walls and is a Mono Bass Monster!!!

[osbornkt]

Damn.
First venture into midi and I don't know my stuff ...Well, I guess I've got my midi controller already, then!
Thanks for the correction! I'll get this eventually.

The midi setup in these pedals will be poly and have a built in arpeggiation trigger, so the SH-32 may be a fun one to try. How clean does it get? From the demos I was listening to it seemed to sound pretty video-gamey. It's also right in my comfy price range.

[sonidero]

It's not real analog it's an analog simulator which means you can make almost any kind of sound you want on it... I has built in effects so I'm not sure which demos you were watching but it can do "clean" stuff real well... There are multiple waveforms to mix and match and you can get deep or stay simple...

[osbornkt]

Nice. It seems like it has the most bang for the buck, then. Think y'all found me a winner. Thanks guys!

[jmoote]

At the risk of sounding somewhat spammy, I'm selling a Shruthi-1. It sounds great and is pretty versatile.

[Forrrest]

i play chord progressions on my nord with behringer FB1010

I find it easier to just stomp 1,2,3,4 - 6,7,8,9 with pre-programmed notes then having my feet jump around like an organ pedalboard while I play guitar. Completely impractical for jamming/improvising, but great for a live set.

[osbornkt]

Nice. I don't know much about the Behringer. That's a really nice setup, though. I can totally see that being a lot more practical in most aspects!
I've been a pianist long before I picked up guitar, and have done some odd jobs on organ (church and theatre stuff), so this kind of setup is pretty mindless for me. And I have a soft spot for the pedal mojo...

[ChetMagongalo]

Nick from Tmel uses the the FB1010 for his Roland sampler. really neat!

[behndy]

moop.