Mopho - am I missing something?

[gunark]

Just got a Mopho Keyboard and a Jen SX1000 this week and have got more joy and deeper, organic sounds from the Jen. In fact I've so far found the Mopho somewhat thin and lacking in warmth and bass punch. I have got some lovely glassy bells and such, and I'm going to keep on with it and not write it off yet as it's the first part in my proposed Mophetr4 setup. I'm just underwhelmed so far - am I missing something?

As an aside, the Jen, even in an er, vintage state, is so much better than I had been led to believe. I've got a stunning, shifting didgeridoo from it and it's one weird little oscillator - I recall it was slated in Keyfax 2, but it was £100 so thought it was worth a try.

[Stab Frenzy]

You're getting glassy sounds but no basses out of the Mopho? Have you tried turning the filter down?

I find my tetra is quite capable of most sounds, maybe it's cause I've got a headstart with the programming from already having the structure in my head from using an evolver for 8 years.

[gunark]

Filter eh? Hmm...No I'm reasonably adept with subtractive synthesis!

I set up a similar bass patch on both (4 pole filter, low res, short VCF envelope) and the Jen seemed punchier and rounder. The Mopho was nice but reminded me less of my Pro One and more of a SID based synth. Maybe that's it - I need to stop trying to make it sound like another synth I own (after all, that synth can do that) and let it be itself. Variety is the spice....

[Stab Frenzy]

It does have that precise sound which is common to a lot of DCO synths, also I've found that the shape of the envelope isn't perfect for punchy basses (although it's 99% there) and a bit of compression and/or overdriving into something that sounds good helps a bit. Also the envelopes are very very fast, the lowest settings are much faster than on older synths and are a little too quick sometimes, particularly the attack.

Try backing off the attack a tiny bit, see if that gets you results which are a bit more like what you want. I'd also try a little bit of feedback, it's pre-filter so can add a nice little bit of weight to the sound if you get the setting right.

The Mopho (in fact any of the DSI synths) isn't really anything like a Pro One in sound, if that's what you want you'll end up disappointed. It's a great instrument in its own way though, spend a bit more time with it and you'll get to know its ins and outs and you'll be very happy with it I think.

[tekkentool]

Work on your skills, and you'll get there.

[gunark]

Thanks - I think its just the comparative lack of bass that's thrown me a little coupled with the usual unfamiliarity of new kit. But those who own mophos / tetras love em so I'm sure the good will come with time.

Cheers!

[Rick N Boogie]

Yes, stay with it. I find the MoPho has some great basses- and tons more possibilities than you'll find in any of the presets. In fact, I use the bass patches on my MoPho more than on my Little Phatty, if that says anything.

[gunark]

Yes, stay with it. I find the MoPho has some great basses- and tons more possibilities than you'll find in any of the presets. In fact, I use the bass patches on my MoPho more than on my Little Phatty, if that says anything.

Actually that does - I had a go on one but was out of my price range but it sounded heavier on the bass end. I went for the Mopho though as it was cheaper, more flexible and could add a tetra later. However if you're saying that, then it's reassuring too! I think it might sit better in the mix without help than the Jen too - power is nothing without control after all.

[GuyaGuy]

Yes, stay with it. I find the MoPho has some great basses- and tons more possibilities than you'll find in any of the presets. In fact, I use the bass patches on my MoPho more than on my Little Phatty, if that says anything.

Actually that does - I had a go on one but was out of my price range but it sounded heavier on the bass end. I went for the Mopho though as it was cheaper, more flexible and could add a tetra later. However if you're saying that, then it's reassuring too! I think it might sit better in the mix without help than the Jen too - power is nothing without control after all.

Totally. That's one advantage that DCOs have over VCOs in making certain bass sounds: they are stable and controlled. Of course, sometimes you want a more vintagey bass. So Stab Frenzy's suggestion of treating the attack to accommodate for the super fast filter is on the money. If you're used to programming old school synths you might have to get used to a bit more versatility. In any case, I've never heard of anyone complain about a lack of bass on the MoPho. But if you still need more, turn up the sub oscillator!

[megamanx]

turn up the sub oscillator!

this!

[monotron]

I found the same thing with my Tetra. I bought it to replace my ageing Cheetah MS6 as I thought it would be a similar (if not better) sound due to them both having the Curtis chips. I kept my MS6.

I was hugely disappointed with the sound of the Tetra. Sounded too harsh and 'spikey' to my ears. Also the editor was a complete joke, but that's another issue altogether.

[Doooooooom]

Maybe a simple patch on a vintage does have qualities the Mopho can't replicate but you can't beat the complexity of a DSI product with anything for that price.

[Computer Controlled]

The Mopho has huge basses. I never even use the Subs.

[Nannerfan]

They are very different synths. Are you trying to decide between the two? If you plan on keeping both. Just don't have the Mopho do what the Jen does better

The Jen is easily in my top 3 favorite synths of all time. It's one of the first DCO synths(it stays perfectly in tune!!). For simple big bass, nothing can come close to it's square wave. Such a simple and amazing synth.

Also, I'm not a big Dave Smith fanboy.. but I'd love to have a Mopho keyboard... and add a Tetra later.

[gunark]

I do plan to keep both actually, maybe even.add CC / gate and a sub oscillator to the Jen too. Getting more from the Mopho, loving the bell tones. Can understand what people mean by it being a poly synth with only one voice (from the presets anyhow)!