MFB Kraftzwerg worth it???

[Synthax]

I was thinking of getting one of these later this month and was wondering what you guys thought of it? I heard it has a very growly sound to it which could find a use in my setup. I also heard the build quality is just adequate. Are they prone to any issues. I'm just debating between this and a vermona drm, but whatever I get will be analog.

[novielo]

i liked it, nice little self contained modular. the only 2 points i didn't liked abut it is that it's only a 24db filter (i would have like more choice) and ultimatly because lfo couldn't reset when a note was pressed, only when it was depressed.

but, modulating the 2 lfo together was great

[otto]

It's got a lot going on for the price. I've got the MFB Synth II which is pretty much the non-modular counterpart. It's a decent little synth, especially for the money. It's actually got a nice vintage sound going for it. Since it’s modular you can always add to it. If you picked up something like a doepfer mini-case and a few choice modules you could have a really flexible little modular setup.

[meatballfulton]

I really liked my Kraftzwerg.

It has the same problem as Eurorack modules, lots of controls in a small space makes tweaking knobs and patching clumsier than in larger formats.

The build quality is fine for studio use, for live work you'll want to baby it a bit...wallwart supply, plastic case, PC-board mounted controls, etc.

Sound is very good, I have heard better but nowhere near the Kraftzwerg's price.

[Synthax]

I think I'm pretty much sold on one. Yeah, a doepfer mini case would be perfect with it as well. I'll probably add a 2nd filter and another odd module maybe the zorlon cannon and some multiples. Just have to wait a few weeks for ye old tax return to come in.

[SWAN]

I think I'm pretty much sold on one. Yeah, a doepfer mini case would be perfect with it as well. I'll probably add a 2nd filter and another odd module maybe the zorlon cannon and some multiples. Just have to wait a few weeks for ye old tax return to come in.

any ideas of a nice CV controlable filter? I had thought a MF101 was good with the drive - but again a LP 24...wouldnt it be nice if there was a SEM outboard filter...

of course the new SEM patch is a potential alternative to the Kraftzwerg - prob better sound - but more limited...

[Synthax]

I think bubblesound makes a eurorack version of the sem filter if I'm not mistaken. Not to sure how good it sounds though.

http://www.analoguehaven.com/bubblesound/sem20vsf/

[SWAN]

I think bubblesound makes a eurorack version of the sem filter if I'm not mistaken. Not to sure how good it sounds though.

http://www.analoguehaven.com/bubblesound/sem20vsf/

Eurorack is expensive to get off the ground - thats why Im looking at a Kraftzwerg....

[meatballfulton]

Doepfer also has an SEM clone filter.

[de raaf]

Eurorack is expensive to get off the ground - thats why Im looking at a Kraftzwerg....

if you really want to go modular, i think the best is going for that and not inbetween, you can always add some mfb modules, their is lot of choice out there now in euro format or also in diy and cases etc

mfb is also coming out (soon or later) with and expander for the kraftzwerg (with a multimode filter, +....)


it depends what you want
have a little system fast or more slow module per module

[meatballfulton]

Eurorack is expensive to get off the ground - thats why Im looking at a Kraftzwerg....

if you really want to go modular, i think the best is going for that and not inbetween,

Kraftzwerg IS modular...exact same patching as the MFB modules. There's no in-between unless you consider rack mounting a necessity.

[pflosi]

i think there are some hardwired connections, not? that would indeed make it semimodular.

true modular: nothing hardwired, modules can be moved around (moog modular etc.)
false modular: nothing hardwired, modules cannot be moved around (MS 50)
true semimodular: some things hardwired, modules still can be moved around (don't know an example; some modules of dotcom would qualify as this)
false semimodular: some things hardwired, modules cannot be moved around (MS 20, ARP 2600)
not modular at all: almost everything

we need to get this definition done sorry for OT, we should start a thread about this nomenclatura

[de raaf]

what i mean when going modular, you can pick your own modules and combinations you like
kraftzwerg, its module choice is not made by you

and because i myself already have a mfb synthII (wish the kraftzwerg was around than) i chose to go module for module, and i probably add later the mfb osc 2, ....

o well it all about having fun making sounds!

[SWAN]

well the whole point of the Kraftzwerg for me is the cost and simple format. I have specced out Eurorack systems before and they quickly get expensive - I mean the case on its own is around €300...before anything. With the Kraftzwerg you get a full system in handy desktop size for €450 and €400 if you get VAT back...

A true modular is a big investment in money and space and also potentially a huge income drain as you end up buying more and more boutique modules...

[pricklyrobot]

well the whole point of the Kraftzwerg for me is the cost and simple format. I have specced out Eurorack systems before and they quickly get expensive - I mean the case on its own is around €300...before anything. With the Kraftzwerg you get a full system in handy desktop size for €450 and €400 if you get VAT back...

Not to mention built-in MIDI-CV converter. The Music From Outer Space Sound Lab Ultimate is another cool-looking low-cost semi-modular (seems like it can be done for around $400 US) if you're into DIY, but there again you'd have to spend another couple hundred on a MIDI-CV converter (or a CV keyboard) if you don't already have one.

It would be cool if Doepfer offered something in between the $100 Mini-Case and the $400-500 A-100 case.