New to synths

[maTTyP]

I`m currently thinking of buying a new unit. I`m TOTALLY green on this subject. I`m in a situation where I could purchase on of the three units for equal price points.

Korg MS2000

Arturia minbrute

KorgMS 20, not vintage MS20.

Could you guys give me some feed back on which one of these I should go with?
Thanks for your help!!!

[Z]

What are you wanting to use it for?

Korg MS2000
PROS: quite powerful, virtual analog POLYphonic synthesizer with motion sequencer (allows you to automate some "knob twiddling"
CONS: only 4 voice polyphonic, digital - not analog (not a total "con")

Arturia MiniBrute
PROS: Easy to use analog MONOphonic synthesizer with both MIDI and CV/Gate INs and OUTs (uses standard V/Oct scaling). Built-in arpeggiator (can be modified into step sequencer).
CONS: limited synthesis (but great for a beginner to not get overwhelmed by)

Korg MS20 Mini
PROS: Powerful analog MONOphonic synthesizer with MANY patch points for advanced synthesis
CONS: Uses less common HZ/V scaling makes it challenging to integrate with modular gear

[commodorejohn]

MS-20 Mini, for sure. (Provided you don't mind mini-keys.) The Minibrute has its merits, but the MS-20 offers a lot more with a great unique sound for only a little more money.

[meatballfulton]

Tell us the kind of music you plan to make, if you already play other instruments, is this for home use or will you be playing in a band, etc.

[maTTyP]

I`m a drummer but I wan`t to augment some extra sounds with my band. But I`ll definitely be playing it at home. I owned a juno years ago and never got bored creating with it. I recently watched I dream of wires and was curious if any of these units can be used with modulars.
Thanks for the patient feedback!

[commodorejohn]

The MS-20 Mini has patch points for all of its modulator outputs and most of its control inputs, though you'll need adapters if you want to use it with modular gear that uses 1/4" jacks as it uses 3.5mm ones.

[Stab Frenzy]

Of those three the MS2000 is the only one which can play chords and the only one which lets you save your sounds and recall them instantly, which could be something you want if you're planning on gigging with it.

The MS-20 Mini has patch points for all of its modulator outputs and most of its control inputs, though you'll need adapters if you want to use it with modular gear that uses 1/4" jacks as it uses 3.5mm ones.

Chances are that after seeing IDOW he's thinking about Eurorack, seeing as that's what was mostly featured in that movie. In which case, 3.5mm isn't an issue at all. However, the fact that the MS20 is Hz/V not V/8ve is an issue, and means you'd need something like the Harvestman English Tear to interface between them.

The Minibrute is V/8ve but it only has pitch and gate out, so fewer modulation options. The Microbrute is cheaper and is better for interfacing with a modular, so maybe check that out.

[HalloweenJack]

I think that it's important to decide if you need a poly or a mono, it really makes a huge difference in the use of the synth and the sonic possibilities...you wrote that in the past you played a Juno, in this case it was a polyphonic synth, a mono synth it's a completly different beast, if pads ant atmospherics are important in your music a poly synth is the only way to go...I never used the MS2000 so I can't comment on it, but 4 note polyphony for some musicians are not enough, anyway if you choose the poly (virtual analog) route the Yamaha AN1X is worth considering, it should be in the same price range...

[maTTyP]

Thanks so much everyone. One last question: Could you please define mono and poly? I`m assuming that mono is only one note at a time can be played? Poly would mean you could play chords? So a three note poly could play a triad a four note could play an c add 9 etc?
Thanks!

[commodorejohn]

Precisely. And unfortunately, you're going to find it hard to get a polyphonic analog that's easily editable (i.e. good for learning and experimentation) in the price range of the synths you listed.

[maTTyP]

Thanks everyone! Could anybody recommend a good book or article to help with nomenclature and definition of synth dialog?

[meatballfulton]

Could anybody recommend a good book or article to help with nomenclature and definition of synth dialog?

Synth Secrets

[atlantida]

Just dropping by. I bought the Korg MS 2000 only to check the reviews and it blew my mind, it's such a lovely synth, defintely worth trying out.

[JayEm]

like 4 notes isn't enough