small poly for live

[pflosi]

hey there guys,

I am looking for a poly to take to my gigs. I'm growing tired of taking my juno to gigs, just because it's too big.

It has at least to be hybrid (i.e. analog filters), analog oscs would be nice. I don't mind data sliders and the like as long as it has patch storage, which i think all synths with data sliders have (i would love hands on control, but i dont think there is a synth that meets all the other needs - if there is one, let me know. i'd even skip the need for storage for it). Some kind of performance control like a modwheel, pitchwheel etc. are a must, though. It also has to have an input for a sustain pedal, and / or a hold button. Syncable arp (trigger or midi) would be very nice, as well as a cv input for filter. needs keys, but no more than 49 (weight is a factor too). at least 6 voices. I would mainly use it for pads / gated chords / strings.

First when the tetra came out i thought it would be perfect. But I started to realize that i need keys for what i want it, and i don't intend to take a midikeyboard to a gig. Also, from the demos i hear, i'm not sure if it would suite my needs for pads and strings, and also the 4 voice limitation kind of bothers me. I had a look at the poly 800 for some time, but i don't like the thought of paraphony... The SCI sixtrak looks nice, but those don't come up for sale very often around here (in fact I never saw one...). I am now looking at the alpha juno 1 which looks good for my needs. I'm sure I'm overlooking some Kawai or Akai stuff or sth... so what else can you guys suggest and what are your thoughts on this?

[edfunction]

analog with keys will probably end up being at least as big as the juno...
if keys aren't super important, why not look at the mks50 or 70. they sound great and are portable.
the akai vx600 looks cool too! good luck finding one

[pflosi]

yeah that's why I want to cut off one octave (of the juno 60) I'm basically searching for 4-Octave Keyboards... Or less. The vx600 does look very fun indeed, I will look out for it, thanks for the input. If I'd skip the keys, I think I'd go for a Tetra... Tetra owners, is it possible to get pad drones without using a keyboard? With the sequencer and release settings or sth, or can the amp be opened manually?

[tallowwaters]

can the amp be opened manually?

I know you can open the amp on the Evolver (and would imagine that is pretty standard on the DSI stuff in general). I am sure the manual has this in there, it would probably be one of the first controls in the amp section

[pflosi]

you're right. it can be done. nice

but any input on other synths is appreciated. I'd really prefer keys...

[futureworlder]

IF you can deal with the wheel, the Alpha Juno can't be beat as a fairly lightweight, inexpensive hybrid; 24db Curtis Filter gives it some really nice pads, basses (and of course supersaw! listen to "Dominator" by Human Resource for an example of this) and it's dwarfed in comparison to the 6 60 and 106 while still possessing the same DNA. Not as warm as it's older brothers, but still holds its own. The Alpha 1 has a slightly smaller footprint than the Alpha 2, which adds chord memory and the cart64 cartridge slot for patch storage. I think the MIDI implementation on this was also upgraded from the Alpha 1, which was already much better than the 106.

The only downside to the design for live use is the display; no backlight, but this can easily be remedied with an LED, watch battery, bit of cardstock and some gaffer tape. or just go Orbital with the headlamps.

[pflosi]

thanks for the input! for now the alpha juno 1 seems to be the best choice of a small poly for live... every suggestion is still welcome

[tallowwaters]

do do do dominator...

[edfunction]

yes i mentioned the mks50 but not the alpha junos....
that would be the easiest, and it shouldn't be too hard to find the programmer. i might know someone who's selling one too...

[Ashe37]

Why 'find a programmer" when you can get a BCR for less than half the price? the control setup for the Alpha Junos is several places online.

[skweeegor]

Be warned...the filter on the Alpha Juno is weeeeeak. Not sure how it compares to a Juno 60 but I was really dissapointed with that when I got it. I eventually learned to love the Alpha Juno and its distinct character (which makes patches sound pretty samey after a while) and it really is a great deal for the price.

[code green]

Be warned...the filter on the Alpha Juno is weeeeeak. Not sure how it compares to a Juno 60 but I was really dissapointed with that when I got it. I eventually learned to love the Alpha Juno and its distinct character (which makes patches sound pretty samey after a while) and it really is a great deal for the price.

i respectfully disagree about the aj/aj2's filter...not to say skweeegor is wrong and i'm right...just to say it's not so weeeeeak that there is unanimity on this point (and certainly not to the tune of 5 'e"'s).

i used an aj2 as my midi controller live for a couple of years, and was always pelased with its lightweight portability...so the shorter aj should do the trick nicely for you, i'd think. plus, it is, of course, easy to find cheap. i really like it, and find it is capable of a lot of timbres you wouldn't necessarily expect in an analog synth.

[skweeegor]

Haha, okay so it's weak with 3 e's. No, actually, it's not a horrible filter...but it really lacks any serious resonance. I knew it didn't self oscillate before I bought it but I figured it'd squeal at least a little bit - no dice. It does have enough res to make a nice squelch though.

[code green]

Haha, okay so it's weak with 3 e's. No, actually, it's not a horrible filter...but it really lacks any serious resonance. I knew it didn't self oscillate before I bought it but I figured it'd squeal at least a little bit - no dice. It does have enough res to make a nice squelch though.

true enough the resonance is not massive and frightening. but when i see weeeeeak filters i think esq-1 and what i wouldn't give to have my aj2's filter on my esq-1. there's something about a roland filter and i think this is one of the more interesting-sounding ones--and they def. can, as you say get nice and squealchy...also the filter envelopes have a beautiful precision to them that can really cut sizzle and noise like a knife.

my bias perhaps comes from this being my first more modern, dco synth after a couple of wheezy old vco polys with slow envelopes, but i do think it is objectively a cool little synth with character and definitely bang-for-buck.

[skweeegor]

i do think it is objectively a cool little synth with character and definitely bang-for-buck.

This is what makes it worth it for me. Despite its shortcomings it really does have a unique character. Love that chorus!