Korg Monotribe VS Atomo Mochika 2.1

[smoothcriminal]

So, maybe it's too soon to make this thread seeing as Monotribes aren't in stores yet, but I'm getting rid of my AX60 for space reasons and I'd like to pick up a desktop VCO-based synth to replace it for dirty, thick mono basslines. Mochika2.1 and Monotribe are both 1-osc analog desktops with 8-step sequencer at roughly the same price (~$250)

Mochika2.1:
- Cheap ($219+S&H from Peru)
- Looks awesome
- Vactrol VCF is impressively gritty
- Midi Sync

cons: No EGs, manual tuning only

Monotribe:
- Sequencer is also 8-step but has cool features for live tweaking/loop mangling
- MS20-clone VCF for a more "classic" sound than the Mochika
- deeper synth than the Mochika (LFO can do audio-rate FM, more oscillator and LFO waveforms, EGs)
- some form of VCO auto-tuning
- touchstrip for jamming (not too enthused about that personally, but its a feature)
- drums (again, not a huge + for me personally especially if they are not editable - i'd use other gear for drums)

cons: audio-pulse sync only, more expensive (rumored to be $199EU = $280 USD by some websites)

It seems like Monotron is more geared towards being a self-contained live instrument/groovebox and the Mochika2.1 is intended to be just one small element in a multitrack studio setup. I think the improved sequencer and EGs justify the higher cost of the Korg product, but I'd like to get a second opinion.

[Stab Frenzy]

it's too soon to make this thread seeing as Monotribes aren't in stores yet

Yep.

[TheKeytarist]

The monotribe seems to have a few more features than the Mochica, but If you don't need them, I would go with the mochica, merely for the visual advantage(it's neon green!)

[smoothcriminal]

Yep.

On the other hand we know all the specs and ballpark price, so it's not exactly rocket science to make the comparison. Sure, nobody here has played one personally, but I'm pretty sure nobody who posts here has played a Mochika either.

@keytarist, that's an interesting perspective. Mochika also has variable-rate MIDI sync so it would be possible for some rhythmic variation there, but not as flexible as the Monotribe's audio pulse sync.

Does anyone have insight into the differences between a vactrol-based filter and a standard VCF?

[Stab Frenzy]

Sure, nobody here has played one personally, but I'm pretty sure nobody who posts here has played a Mochika either.

And you're asking for the opinions of anonymous internet users who you don't think have experience with either synth why exactly? Why not just flip a coin?

[smoothcriminal]

Just looking for some different perspectives on the comparison is all. There are plenty of knowledgeable gearheads here who might have some insight that an analog novice like myself lacks. For example some of our modular-loving friends may use a vactrol vcf and be able to shed some light on their uses.

[truckasaurus]

One big pro on the mochika you failed to mention are its cv/gate outs. I have always viewed mochikas as cheap analog sequencers that contained a synth as an added bonus.

[James Mandible]

The monotribe seems to have a few more features than the Mochica, but If you don't need them, I would go with the mochica, merely for the visual advantage(it's neon green!)

yeah that! The Mochika is a seriously cool looking little machine. I want one just because it DOES look so cool. I'd go with one if it was a choice between the two, but I'm also kinda about the continued use of the ribbon controller on the MonoTribe, I have small hands and I have trouble playing the one on the monotron, I can't even imagine how difficult it must be for folks with larger ones.