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A mate of mine just mentioned that he's thinking about getting a synth, eager to explore some "Kraftwerk circa 1977" vibes. He's a bedroom guitar banger, but not experienced with synthesis.

Anyone have any recommendations for an entry-level device to get in the ballpark? Ease of use, approachable learning curve are key as much as sonics.

Kraftwerk used a lot of Minimoog sounds from "Autobahn" (1974) until "The Man Machine" (1978). A Minimoog VST synth would immediately catapult him to the right sounds. I don't know if there's a good entry-level synth with Moog-alike sounds apart from the Behringer Model D.

(They also used synthesizers with Hard Oscillator Sync for songs like "Showroom Dummies", "Neon Lights" and "Metropolis" - that was an ARP Odyssey, if I'm correct.)

I would also point towards a korg monologue for this. On the cheap side, has keys and a sequencer. Analog monosynth will get probably get you close to an old analog monosynth.

Damn that reminds me that I also want a monolouge

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUT01p-C2xo[/youtube]

Very good idea! The KORG monologue might be exactly what he wants.

Cool! Thanks a bunch for the suggestions. I suspect he might have been looking at something more elaborate, but the Monologue looks like it might be easier to wrangle.

Yo I had moogs and elektrons and all sorts of computer shit when the monologue came out and even I wanted a monologue.

so, moralizing and lack of a keyboard aside (i already have a MIDI keyboard controller), what are the differences between a Mini-Moog clone and a Monologue? can one sound like the other? i'm more interested in the MM sound.

dubkitty wrote:so, moralizing and lack of a keyboard aside (i already have a MIDI keyboard controller), what are the differences between a Mini-Moog clone and a Monologue? can one sound like the other? i'm more interested in the MM sound.

Monologue can cop many a Moog sound, like this video of a Mono vs. an actual Model D & Voyager:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3IzAqKBOe4[/youtube]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3IzAqKBOe4

Monologue does also have a 100-slot programmable/storing 16-step sequencer & keys (at least in comparison to a Behringer Model D), as well as cute oscilloscope display, so it's genuinely easier to get your groove on quickly out of the box without much effort (the ease of control layout helps, as does the sequencer). The Behringer Model D is more of a straightforward clone of the Moog Model D, with addition of a few patch points and no keyboard, though most MIDI keys will probably have a sequencer of some sort already. It might take a bit more to get going, but probably yields greater rewards in terms of learning synthesis, if that's what you're after.

Comparatively, both machines can be had for around $220+ or so, and the Korg plays well with their Volca series devices, if you already have a few of those.

The Roland SE-02 is what I’d go for if you want a one-stop shop for minimoog sounds. It has almost identical architecture as the minimoog, but has more modulation options, a delay, and a sequencer. It sounds really nice, and it’s really fun to play. It also does parameter sequencing like the Monologue.

dubkitty wrote:so, moralizing and lack of a keyboard aside (i already have a MIDI keyboard controller), what are the differences between a Mini-Moog clone and a Monologue? can one sound like the other? i'm more interested in the MM sound.

If you have a good keyboard controller then by all means, pick up the model D. That is in itself a great price for a minimoog clone so I don’t think you can go wrong with it. Especially if you have some other CV gear.

I would think the monologue has a few more sounds to pick from but if you want that MM sound then the clone obviously would do well to get those. Behringer has released a ton of clones so check out the other stuff they have in case you’d like an extra oscillator or a delay or whatever

+1 for the Monologue being rad af and I hate monosynths

May I just dive in and suggest the Novation Bass Station II?

sure, why not? we're always taking names and suggestions around here.

Alright, cool. ^^