Minilogue is a jewel. I've got one ever since 2018 and not disappointed a bit. It's so incredibly flexible and powerful. I even got to synthesize a Minimoog (close enough, I reckon) and happy to tweak it when I'm making music wirh the band. I accidentally came across this vid, I'm lying on a couch far from home at 1:13 am and hoping to get back home to try it out. Thank you for the video, Sir. And my ackowlegments to Dawless Jade and BoBeats for encouraging me to buy it. 💓
Nick, you're THE trusted reviewer. You're THE reason I have a Mininova, Volca Keys, and Volca Beats. I have a feeling that when your Minilogue review comes out, you'll be the reason I get one of those, too! Keep up the good work!!
Korg have hit the JACKPOT and delivered a masterpiece for less than 500 quid. Anybody and I mean anybody who doesnt realize that hasnt got a clue. The sound of this is both sweet and powerful. I normally wouldnt give an analogue synth a second glance. Nothing ive heard since the Juno 60 has excited me at an affordable price. Until now. This synth will become a true modern classic a standout from the pack. Ive had a go on my friends one and I have to have one. Nothing compares to this for less than a grand. people have got to know when something special hits the market. And the Minilogue is something special.
Been waiting for this review since it came out! Can't afford it right now, but watching Nick make some cool sounds will make me feel okay for another couple months. As expected, you explored all the features I was curious about, and probably the first things I would have tried to screw around with. Thanks, Nick.
Thanks for the video, Nick. Can't wait for the full review. Since there's a lot of controversy about certain aspects of the synth, I'd love to hear your unbiased opinion on those issues: clicking, envelope triggering behaviour, and so on. Thanks in advance.
Thanks much! Your reviews are my go-to often before considering new equipment. The right mix of musical and tech considerations. Manufacturers should really pay attention to your improvement suggestions - they make sense from a musician's perspective. Carry on!!
Thank you for the Great Vid. After waiting for 2 months, mine was delivered on 04/14/16. It's a wonderful synth and a fine musical instrument. I'm a musician and not an EE or Techie. I love exploring it and it's infinite sounds. Love it!
Very interesting "review" of the Minilogue. This seems to be one nifty little beast. I really like how you pointed out the _volca_sync_ problematic between the BeatStep PRO and the Minilogue, because that was a bit of a decay in my state of mind. Now, we know why and most important how to work around this. Clever there :) Keep up the good work team sonicstate!
Hey Nick, I've watched most of your reviews - I really appreciate your efforts here - this is the best channel for getting reviews of gear from front to back!! I've started buying gear now honestly based on much of the videos I see here. If I ever want to learn about anything I come to see if you have a vid. It's bad for my wallet :)
Excellent "tips" video! Nick, thanks so much for the work you do. You're one of my go-to sources (the other being SOS, so pretty good company) when I'm researching a piece of gear for potential purchase. And I really like the way you do what you do, for what that's worth. Cheers!
Korg really hit the bullseye with the Minilogue. So much high quality analog synthesizer goodness for such a decent price, it is incredible. Korg is the new Roland. Cant wait to get my hands on one!
Thanks Nick, this kind of special reviews are the "key" value to your channel. my thoughts to review: - keys: playability, touch, velocity, compared to other minikeys - fader/mod wheel: feel, usability, patchable to settings - portability: size, weight, robustness, ac adapter, where it fits - fine tuning: seems that most values can go 0-1023. How this will enhance the sound design process? - filter: The filter type (2-pole,4-pole), Can be "motion recorded"? - audio in: used as feedback for itself - resonance/amplitude: resonance knob affects directly to the loudness or is compensated? - oscillators: calibration, warm up time?, fine tune scaling/interpolation - patch storage: usage, It will cut the signal on a program change? delay still runs on that change? - in/out options and connectors quality - cleanliness of the signal output: with or without delay - how well are this envelopes implemented - monitor on headphones: can be split from the main out/master volume? - midi filtering options - "CC's"/sysex data: what values are exposed to midi or usb. any other fine tunes over 440hz
+victor piscue - Keys are reasonably playable, they're not as nice as full size, but bigger than your regular minikeys. And while they are the same as on the MS-20 mini and KARP Odyssey, they feel more robust and "bottom out" nicer than they do on those. - The pitch lever can only affect 1 parameter at a time, and while it can target just about any parameter there's currently a lack of scaling settings. The feeling is fine, but it'll eat a lot of dirt, and in the long run will require both protection and cleaning to not fail. - Size is irregular, but can be seen as a thicker and deeper MicroKorg. Weight is deceivingly low, and portability is good. The bottom part of the chassis has a cheap feel, but the overall structure is plenty strong and rigid. The "lip" will protect the keys to some extent and the knob and toggles feel very solid. Personally i'm a bit disappointed they didn't repeat the genius from the Odyssey, and ship it in a custom carrycase. But expect a bag/case on the market soon. - The 1024 step MIDI resolution does away with some issues that arise from the regular 128 step resolution, but also means the MIDI implementation is a bit strange, and external control can be problematic. On that note, currently atleast, the MIDI filtering is very basic, too basic really. - Oscillators calibrate on start up, so there's a 15 sec wait when you first turn it on. Mine have no other need to warm up. They're very stable overall, with just enough drift to introduce that VCO warmth. Once i had it go slightly out of tune after several hours use, just activate the calibration, another 15 sec wait and it's back in tune. - It has pretty much all the in/out options you'd expect, no CV/Gate but the rest seems spot on, and quality seems good both in terms of sound and durability. Though the delay introduces a bit of noise, there's already been an update that reduced that. I did a video with a frequency analyser on it that should give a fair perspective of noise etc. th-cam.com/video/_shFhYWBU4k/w-d-xo.html on my rig the noisefloor is around -100dBFS if i remember correctly.
+digidope I've been wondering if the voice detune/chord inversion knob can be motion sequenced. I'm a big fan of unison voices going in and out of tune.
The scope time base that is selected is based on the note value of the key being pressed on the minilogue. No pitch detection of the actual wave is used. I've verified this using my MS-20 mini as an input.
Questions for review: 1) did you notice the 'popping' sound that others have? 2) can you compare it to the Microkorg XL? They seem to have a similiar bright sound and features. 3) in mono modes how do the EGs trigger/re-trigger? 4) in mono modes is there any note priority like on the MS-20 5) do the knobs snap or catch when changing to different presets?
+davidevoid 5) It has 3 possible settings, standard it jumps to the knob state when you start moving it. Then there's a "catch" setting where it starts changing once you move it past its actual setting. And then there's a scaling setting where it'll change faster or slower depending on the knob position vs. actual setting, giving a smooth hybrid between the 1st 2.
Great not-so-little teaser for the review video! I was just commenting on AutomaticGainsay's channel of how great it would be to use the Automation as a kind of Modulation source (also as a way to overcome the small modulation routing and waveshape on the LFO). Some questions I haven't seen (I don0t know if they already popped out in here): 1) Does the Motion Sequencer record quantized or un-quantized (in Volca Keys parlance: with ans without the Flux option)? 2) Is the USB-midi class complainant? Can you address the MIDI DIN ports from USB? 3) If possible, could you demonstrate it working in collaboration with the volcas? I think the Minilogue might be great as a main console for a volca studio: using the USB to connect to the DAW, perhaps using a MIDI split to control the Bass and the Keys on different channels (perhaps one of these volcas could feed into the External In of the ML), and the more rhythm-oriented volcas would sync using the sync-port... but I'm not sure if this would be possible (if it is, I'll buy mine in a heartbeat). 4) I see that when chancing the knobs, some values appear in the screen: oscillator tuning, it appears to be in cents, but how are the other values, specifically, is the Filter cutoff shown in Hertz? That would be great for teaching also... Cheers, and many thanks for these tips! :)
9:25 the volcas do take midi sync data though. At least they sync up nicely to daw via midi so I would think arturia beatstep midi would work too?.. and if you sync one via midi you can use that to send the sync to another volca
Very tempting; love the sequencer control of parameters. Just hanging on for an 8-voice or 12-voice Pro version with Polysix chorus circuit, and a 32+ step sequencer. Really pleased that Korg have taken build quality seriously.
I had my doubts about how much you could really do with the minilogue, but the amount of depth to the sound you managed to get out of the machine at 8:40 for the price it sells for is absurd.
Nice video/sounds! The delay is digital, it's more or less lifted straight from the Monotron Delay, but it's been made less noisy in an update. About the sync, the Minilogue has a some settings for the sync in the menu, so while i don't have any gear to test it properly, i'm fairly certain that you can get it syncing with gear other than Korgs own. Have made an unboxing/short demo video 2 weeks ago, showing some of the presets. Had planned to have done a more detailed tweaking video by now, but i'm so sick i can hardly sit up straight.
I cant remember if you mention it in the video, but theres actually a way to delete notes from the sequence and not the motion seq : just go on the step and press "rest" :)
Second this question. Seems like anyone who has tried external audio in will sooner or later see Resonance freak out. But can't figure out if it is just audio, or related to MIDI, both, or neither.
can someone explain a little more thoroughly how he is syncing the Beatstep with the minilogue and dreadbox? I have a similar setup and need a bit more instruction. like what is he using that small blue mixer for? thanks!
+Fergus Farley I'm using trigger out of one of the Drum triggers, set to shortest gate time, running on 16ths. Into the mixer, turned down until the sync stays solid, then into the Minilogue sync in. You need to attenuate the signal as its too hot coming out of the Beatstep Pro raw. You can always use the Koma attenuator leads (I've now got one of those). Hope that helps
Looking forward to your full review. My Minilogue videos were very Sonic State inspired. Strange that BSP sync won't work, clocks from my modular work fine.
+Flohr I think its more the resolution. Like the SQ1 runs at light speed at normal Euro speed. It needs dividing(i think by 4) and also its internal speed running at its lowest.
+Flohr Just looked at the manual, you can change the sync in settings "Sync In Unit [16th Note, 8th Note] The Sync In Units determine how much the Sequencer will advance with each pulse received via the SYNC IN jack. 16th Note: The Sequencer will advance one sixteenth note for each pulse. 8th Note: The Sequencer will advance one eighth note for each pulse. TIP When Step Resolution in the SEQ EDIT mode is set to 1/16, a sixteenth note will be equal to one step, and an eighth note will be equal to two steps."
+kingpishful I thought you could do that. I'm pretty sure I have it set "correctly". Its never a problem. And the Minilogue lets you switch the sync in behavior as well. I had it synced to my modular at a show I played last night and it worked perfectly.
Heya Flohr, I like your videos and channel. got a question, my minilouge seems to make a hiss or static that comes from the Delay feture. Is this normal? or am I applying to much control?
just a thought on the envelope popping. I'm sure I saw somewhere that the audio input is always on, therefore the amp voltage has to be always high. of this is using the same VCA as the envelope then it stands to reason that when a key is pressed the voltage has to snap to zero before going through its ADSR cycle and again with key off. this snapping of the voltage would cause a pop sound. if this is the case then it could be rectified with a firmware update and give us options with envelope triggering modes too. can anyone confirm if this is the case? with VCO'S switched off and audio going to input, does the audio still follow the envelope shape when a key is pressed?
@1:06 you can parameter values being displayed on the scope. For some reason, my minilogue doesn't display those. Does anyone know if there's a setting to turn that on?
I noticed a weird "issue" where in Mono mode (and maybe other non-poly modes) having the glide up doesn't seem to retrigger the Mod EG. It's weird how this is a case with the glide and not without.
so i figured out how to enter and stuff, but why is it when i turn bpm sync on. i don't see which beat divisions are playing? when i cycle on and off for tempo sync, theres a change, but i don't get to see 1/8 1/16 etc. am i doing something wrong? hope to hear back
In your full review I'd be interested to hear if you can use the audio in to create a feedback loop practically and what it sounds like. Every review I've seen by you on a synth that has an audio input you do that anyway, but thought I'd throw that out there just in case.
As always -- fantastic tips. Just got a Minibrute and love it -- but it's hard to imagine that the same cash could get this little monster. Now I have to think hard about whether I really need that Mother32 or whether I will get the Minilogue first...
Nick and others you can sync the Volcas and pocket operators using the BSP. Change the last step position to 2 then switch on gate at position 1 only. Now they're in sync and you can even choose different time divisions for Volca and POs. Lovely. You can also mess with longer last step time in multiples of 2 as well. My setup is one sequencer for Minibrute and the other two for Volca sample and Pocket Operator Arcade. interested in seeing the full review of this tasty little poly.
+sonicstate Arturia have mentioned the possibility of adding Volca/PO sync options so may yet happen in a future update. However I do prefer the option of running at different time sigs and tempo divisions and don't mind tying up the sequencers. Would be even cooler if the drum sequencer offered different time sigs and step length per part but this is far less likely to happen than the additional Volca/PO sync option.
Great video Nick! Minilogue is a great machine. First thing I go to these days just because it's so accessible and easy to start making music with. Motion sequencing really helps compensate for the lack of some modulation routings. In some respects it's even more powerful, though overall it's definitely limited. Still a really awesome way to get movement from the synth. I love that Nick's first wave from the Erebus into the Minilogue oscilloscope is Pulse with PWM.
+Brap Allgood I originally ordered during the first rush from Sweetwater. I'd ask about an ETA and it kept getting pushed back. Eventually I looked elsewhere and found places that had them in stock. 2 days later, I had a Minilogue on my doorstep - no thanks to Sweetwater.
Not sure if anyone's mentioned but I believe you can edit and clear individual notes by tapping the 1-8/9-16 button. Maybe someone else can share the exact steps.
I'm looking for a good polyphonic synth. Trying to decide between this and a System-1... Similar polyphony and price point. Would love to hear your thoughts on the differences between the 2 in your review. Sound and function differences... not digital vs analog. I have all the other AIRA gear including the MX-1.. Also have other Volcas... the Volca keys does not sound great in the poly mode in my option... Maybe I need to get a good analog chorus pedal the run it through.
+Justin Morgan In my opinion you won't go wrong with either. But personally i went with the Minilogue, and would ultimately recommend that for a couple of reasons. Sound wise it's all about taste. Indeed digital vs. analogue is a pointless argument, especially as the System-1 does a darn good job of emulating analogue. But to my ears the Minilogue has more charm, and sounds very nice all in all. On the other hand the System-1 has the advantage of the superwaves and greater variation overall, with the update giving it 12 waves to choose from + a sub oscillator. Furthermore the plug-outs give the System-1 a wider variety of sounds and options. But the while the plug-outs is a big strength for the System-1, it's also 1 of the things putting me off from buying 1. Unless you choose a single favorite plug-out, load that up and leave it at that, you're dependant on a computer to change plug-outs. And eventually there won't be any more drivers for that USB port, which means no MIDI/Audio via USB, and no using a computer to change plug-outs, unless you maintain an old out of date computer just for that. Personally i'm very much against buying hardware that's too reliant on computers for core functionality, i have been burned by that previously. So it depends a lot on how you view and intend to use the plug-out functionality. Also getting multiple plug-outs isn't exactly cheap. I think the Minilogue is more robust, and better built overall. Its interface is also better. The difference isn't enormous, and they have a fair bit in common. But i think the Minilogue feels better and will eventually last longer.
proud ownerhere !. the clicks are there and but do go away if the attack is changed. the only issues i have is with the maschine software. but i think its more the software than the korg. i use it with my kp3 and ko pro plus. makes a damn good amount of fun .
You mentioned the way to delete the sequenced note data is to put a bunch of rests. If you press Shift + Rest together, it doesn’t clear them all out at once?
Clever idea using the sequencer just for modulation. The only thing that bothered me about this synth is the single LFO, which I find extremely limiting on a lot of my analogue mono's. But if you can get some tonal movement via the sequencer that can leave the LFO free for some trad vibrato/tremolo work. Maybe I missed it, but does it, or can it, interpolate between values? (e.g. if sequencing filter cutoff is it 16x distinct stepped values or are they smoothly interpolated over the duration of the step time to the next value?).
+RJJNY Thanks. That's a pretty cool system then, better than an extra LFO in that case. Maybe they could add a ramp/reverse ramp and S&H interpolation and you'd have a mega LFO with 16-step custom wave shaping function...or something like that....imagine the PWM that Nick could indulge in then (is PW a modulatable parameter?)
Do you have to have a midi plug in for the step sequencer to work? I just bought a used one and cannot get it working, but I’m just plugged into an amp.
Damn, that delay recorded into the sequencer to produce chorus/modulation trick is amazing!!!
Minilogue is a jewel. I've got one ever since 2018 and not disappointed a bit. It's so incredibly flexible and powerful. I even got to synthesize a Minimoog (close enough, I reckon) and happy to tweak it when I'm making music wirh the band. I accidentally came across this vid, I'm lying on a couch far from home at 1:13 am and hoping to get back home to try it out. Thank you for the video, Sir. And my ackowlegments to Dawless Jade and BoBeats for encouraging me to buy it. 💓
Nick, you're THE trusted reviewer. You're THE reason I have a Mininova, Volca Keys, and Volca Beats. I have a feeling that when your Minilogue review comes out, you'll be the reason I get one of those, too! Keep up the good work!!
Korg have hit the JACKPOT and delivered a masterpiece for less than 500 quid. Anybody and I mean anybody who doesnt realize that hasnt got a clue. The sound of this is both sweet and powerful.
I normally wouldnt give an analogue synth a second glance. Nothing ive heard since the Juno 60 has excited me at an affordable price. Until now.
This synth will become a true modern classic a standout from the pack. Ive had a go on my friends one and I have to have one. Nothing compares to this for less than a grand. people have got to know when something special hits the market. And the Minilogue is something special.
Been waiting for this review since it came out!
Can't afford it right now, but watching Nick make some cool sounds will make me feel okay for another couple months.
As expected, you explored all the features I was curious about, and probably the first things I would have tried to screw around with. Thanks, Nick.
Nick, this one is better than all the reviews I've seen so far, including the korg's themselves.
These are fantastic tips, especially on other things to do with motion sequencing. Well done, and thanks!
Thanks for the video, Nick. Can't wait for the full review. Since there's a lot of controversy about certain aspects of the synth, I'd love to hear your unbiased opinion on those issues: clicking, envelope triggering behaviour, and so on.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks much! Your reviews are my go-to often before considering new equipment. The right mix of musical and tech considerations. Manufacturers should really pay attention to your improvement suggestions - they make sense from a musician's perspective. Carry on!!
Love your vids, always very informative and thorough. Great job and great sounds Nick!
Thank you for the Great Vid.
After waiting for 2 months, mine was delivered on 04/14/16.
It's a wonderful synth and a fine musical instrument. I'm a musician and not an EE or Techie.
I love exploring it and it's infinite sounds.
Love it!
Very interesting "review" of the Minilogue. This seems to be one nifty little beast. I really like how you pointed out the _volca_sync_ problematic between the BeatStep PRO and the Minilogue, because that was a bit of a decay in my state of mind. Now, we know why and most important how to work around this. Clever there :) Keep up the good work team sonicstate!
An interesting creative demonstration, thank you Nick.
Well, that is THE nicest thing I've ever heard done with a triangle wave. What a brilliant trick!
2 years later, this is still a good video. Thanks Nick.
Hey Nick, I've watched most of your reviews - I really appreciate your efforts here - this is the best channel for getting reviews of gear from front to back!! I've started buying gear now honestly based on much of the videos I see here. If I ever want to learn about anything I come to see if you have a vid. It's bad for my wallet :)
Its digital delay modeled after the tape delay?
Excellent "tips" video! Nick, thanks so much for the work you do. You're one of my go-to sources (the other being SOS, so pretty good company) when I'm researching a piece of gear for potential purchase. And I really like the way you do what you do, for what that's worth. Cheers!
Korg really hit the bullseye with the Minilogue.
So much high quality analog synthesizer goodness for such a decent price, it is incredible.
Korg is the new Roland.
Cant wait to get my hands on one!
"Jolly Hypnotic"
Thanks Nick, this kind of special reviews are the "key" value to your channel.
my thoughts to review:
- keys: playability, touch, velocity, compared to other minikeys
- fader/mod wheel: feel, usability, patchable to settings
- portability: size, weight, robustness, ac adapter, where it fits
- fine tuning: seems that most values can go 0-1023. How this will enhance the sound design process?
- filter: The filter type (2-pole,4-pole), Can be "motion recorded"?
- audio in: used as feedback for itself
- resonance/amplitude: resonance knob affects directly to the loudness or is compensated?
- oscillators: calibration, warm up time?, fine tune scaling/interpolation
- patch storage: usage, It will cut the signal on a program change? delay still runs on that change?
- in/out options and connectors quality
- cleanliness of the signal output: with or without delay
- how well are this envelopes implemented
- monitor on headphones: can be split from the main out/master volume?
- midi filtering options
- "CC's"/sysex data: what values are exposed to midi or usb. any other fine tunes over 440hz
+victor piscue I would also like to know what happens when the Minilogue plugs into itself.
+victor piscue
- Keys are reasonably playable, they're not as nice as full size, but bigger than your regular minikeys. And while they are the same as on the MS-20 mini and KARP Odyssey, they feel more robust and "bottom out" nicer than they do on those.
- The pitch lever can only affect 1 parameter at a time, and while it can target just about any parameter there's currently a lack of scaling settings. The feeling is fine, but it'll eat a lot of dirt, and in the long run will require both protection and cleaning to not fail.
- Size is irregular, but can be seen as a thicker and deeper MicroKorg. Weight is deceivingly low, and portability is good. The bottom part of the chassis has a cheap feel, but the overall structure is plenty strong and rigid. The "lip" will protect the keys to some extent and the knob and toggles feel very solid. Personally i'm a bit disappointed they didn't repeat the genius from the Odyssey, and ship it in a custom carrycase. But expect a bag/case on the market soon.
- The 1024 step MIDI resolution does away with some issues that arise from the regular 128 step resolution, but also means the MIDI implementation is a bit strange, and external control can be problematic. On that note, currently atleast, the MIDI filtering is very basic, too basic really.
- Oscillators calibrate on start up, so there's a 15 sec wait when you first turn it on. Mine have no other need to warm up. They're very stable overall, with just enough drift to introduce that VCO warmth. Once i had it go slightly out of tune after several hours use, just activate the calibration, another 15 sec wait and it's back in tune.
- It has pretty much all the in/out options you'd expect, no CV/Gate but the rest seems spot on, and quality seems good both in terms of sound and durability. Though the delay introduces a bit of noise, there's already been an update that reduced that.
I did a video with a frequency analyser on it that should give a fair perspective of noise etc. th-cam.com/video/_shFhYWBU4k/w-d-xo.html on my rig the noisefloor is around -100dBFS if i remember correctly.
+digidope I've been wondering if the voice detune/chord inversion knob can be motion sequenced. I'm a big fan of unison voices going in and out of tune.
+inthefade Also, chord inversion being motion sequenced... That could just be a really weird pseudo-arpeggio.
+inthefade Yes both: detune and chord inversions can be recorded. Only knobs i have found that it does not record are: Tempo, Volume and Octave.
The scope time base that is selected is based on the note value of the key being pressed on the minilogue. No pitch detection of the actual wave is used. I've verified this using my MS-20 mini as an input.
Questions for review:
1) did you notice the 'popping' sound that others have?
2) can you compare it to the Microkorg XL? They seem to have a similiar bright sound and features.
3) in mono modes how do the EGs trigger/re-trigger?
4) in mono modes is there any note priority like on the MS-20
5) do the knobs snap or catch when changing to different presets?
+davidevoid 5) It has 3 possible settings, standard it jumps to the knob state when you start moving it. Then there's a "catch" setting where it starts changing once you move it past its actual setting. And then there's a scaling setting where it'll change faster or slower depending on the knob position vs. actual setting, giving a smooth hybrid between the 1st 2.
+Marc the Darc Brilliant, that third option sounds great. Cheers.
the popping is easily fixed by adding a little attack
Very nice use of the sequencer, thanks for all your energy that goes in to all these demos :)
6:00 chord/patch sounds like Aphex Twin’s #3 ambient classic
Yeah it does, can hear that...
Wow, I haven't seen any of these tips covered in other videos yet and not only that you got some seriously beautiful sounds.
Thanks for this. I got one of these on day 1 here in the US. You gave me some new ideas. Much obliged.
I haven't tried to sync the minilogue via "trigger sync" from my BSP but it works perfectly fine with my Boss DR110 and DR220.
can u transpose a sequence through the keyboard ?
that delay-modulated chorus is genius.
Thanks. This review actually made me buy this. It wasn't cheap, but I'm very happy with it.
Great not-so-little teaser for the review video!
I was just commenting on AutomaticGainsay's channel of how great it would be to use the Automation as a kind of Modulation source (also as a way to overcome the small modulation routing and waveshape on the LFO).
Some questions I haven't seen (I don0t know if they already popped out in here):
1) Does the Motion Sequencer record quantized or un-quantized (in Volca Keys parlance: with ans without the Flux option)?
2) Is the USB-midi class complainant? Can you address the MIDI DIN ports from USB?
3) If possible, could you demonstrate it working in collaboration with the volcas? I think the Minilogue might be great as a main console for a volca studio: using the USB to connect to the DAW, perhaps using a MIDI split to control the Bass and the Keys on different channels (perhaps one of these volcas could feed into the External In of the ML), and the more rhythm-oriented volcas would sync using the sync-port... but I'm not sure if this would be possible (if it is, I'll buy mine in a heartbeat).
4) I see that when chancing the knobs, some values appear in the screen: oscillator tuning, it appears to be in cents, but how are the other values, specifically, is the Filter cutoff shown in Hertz? That would be great for teaching also...
Cheers, and many thanks for these tips! :)
so sync in/out is basically CV in/out? Like, I can send sync out to a modular system or a moogerfooger? Thanks
9:25 the volcas do take midi sync data though. At least they sync up nicely to daw via midi so I would think arturia beatstep midi would work too?.. and if you sync one via midi you can use that to send the sync to another volca
Great tip with the octave and delay time modulation recording. Makes for a cool pad sound!
Very tempting; love the sequencer control of parameters. Just hanging on for an 8-voice or 12-voice Pro version with Polysix chorus circuit, and a 32+ step sequencer. Really pleased that Korg have taken build quality seriously.
I had my doubts about how much you could really do with the minilogue, but the amount of depth to the sound you managed to get out of the machine at 8:40 for the price it sells for is absurd.
The freshest tutorial i saw about the minilouge ... dope guy anyway
Nice video/sounds!
The delay is digital, it's more or less lifted straight from the Monotron Delay, but it's been made less noisy in an update.
About the sync, the Minilogue has a some settings for the sync in the menu, so while i don't have any gear to test it properly, i'm fairly certain that you can get it syncing with gear other than Korgs own.
Have made an unboxing/short demo video 2 weeks ago, showing some of the presets. Had planned to have done a more detailed tweaking video by now, but i'm so sick i can hardly sit up straight.
Amazing tips, please do more on the Minilouge and the Arturia sequencer. Thanks
I cant remember if you mention it in the video, but theres actually a way to delete notes from the sequence and not the motion seq : just go on the step and press "rest" :)
Those advanced sequencer functions are superb !
Have you noticed random Filter Resonance spikes when plugging in external audio sources?
Second this question. Seems like anyone who has tried external audio in will sooner or later see Resonance freak out. But can't figure out if it is just audio, or related to MIDI, both, or neither.
+Robert Saint John I guess the silence speaks volumes on this one bruh :)
can someone explain a little more thoroughly how he is syncing the Beatstep with the minilogue and dreadbox? I have a similar setup and need a bit more instruction. like what is he using that small blue mixer for? thanks!
+Fergus Farley I'm using trigger out of one of the Drum triggers, set to shortest gate time, running on 16ths. Into the mixer, turned down until the sync stays solid, then into the Minilogue sync in. You need to attenuate the signal as its too hot coming out of the Beatstep Pro raw. You can always use the Koma attenuator leads (I've now got one of those). Hope that helps
Thanks for this vid. I think you could slow down the tempo to the slowest and record more automation at doubletime?
Looking forward to your full review. My Minilogue videos were very Sonic State inspired. Strange that BSP sync won't work, clocks from my modular work fine.
+Flohr I think its more the resolution. Like the SQ1 runs at light speed at normal Euro speed. It needs dividing(i think by 4) and also its internal speed running at its lowest.
+kingpishful hmm I guess I hadn't noticed because my QCD handles everything and I just set the SQ-1 where it needs to go.
+Flohr Just looked at the manual, you can change the sync in settings
"Sync In Unit [16th Note, 8th Note]
The Sync In Units determine how much the Sequencer will advance with each
pulse received via the SYNC IN jack.
16th Note: The Sequencer will advance one sixteenth note for each pulse.
8th Note: The Sequencer will advance one eighth note for each pulse.
TIP When Step Resolution in the SEQ EDIT mode is set to 1/16, a sixteenth
note will be equal to one step, and an eighth note will be equal to two
steps."
+kingpishful I thought you could do that. I'm pretty sure I have it set "correctly". Its never a problem. And the Minilogue lets you switch the sync in behavior as well. I had it synced to my modular at a show I played last night and it worked perfectly.
Heya Flohr, I like your videos and channel. got a question, my minilouge seems to make a hiss or static that comes from the Delay feture. Is this normal? or am I applying to much control?
the modulation recording really opens this thing up soundwise. Going to be saving some cash for one!
What if you run the Microbrute through it with its 64 step sequencer ,,What are the possibilities ?
just a thought on the envelope popping. I'm sure I saw somewhere that the audio input is always on, therefore the amp voltage has to be always high. of this is using the same VCA as the envelope then it stands to reason that when a key is pressed the voltage has to snap to zero before going through its ADSR cycle and again with key off. this snapping of the voltage would cause a pop sound. if this is the case then it could be rectified with a firmware update and give us options with envelope triggering modes too. can anyone confirm if this is the case? with VCO'S switched off and audio going to input, does the audio still follow the envelope shape when a key is pressed?
@1:06 you can parameter values being displayed on the scope. For some reason, my minilogue doesn't display those. Does anyone know if there's a setting to turn that on?
Nevermind, there's a Parameter Disp setting in the global menu
Does the arp sends midi notes which then can be recorded in, let's say Cubase Elements 9?
I noticed a weird "issue" where in Mono mode (and maybe other non-poly modes) having the glide up doesn't seem to retrigger the Mod EG. It's weird how this is a case with the glide and not without.
My eye glances at suggestions and I see "Cool Things To Do With Kylie Minogue".. now I'm disappointed.
Као Птице Лет Your chances with the Korg are better.
😂😂😂😂
🤣😂🤣😂
Cant keep her out of my head...
very helpful review. I have the minilogue and did not know these.
so i figured out how to enter and stuff, but why is it when i turn bpm sync on. i don't see which beat divisions are playing? when i cycle on and off for tempo sync, theres a change, but i don't get to see 1/8 1/16 etc. am i doing something wrong? hope to hear back
Which model is that Rolls mixer?, it looks like an small nice device?
Has anyone managed to recall the 8 favorites you can save? I did what the manual said but no luck. Save is fine, recalling them not working?
In your full review I'd be interested to hear if you can use the audio in to create a feedback loop practically and what it sounds like. Every review I've seen by you on a synth that has an audio input you do that anyway, but thought I'd throw that out there just in case.
Is there a way to Latch the Arp?
As always -- fantastic tips. Just got a Minibrute and love it -- but it's hard to imagine that the same cash could get this little monster. Now I have to think hard about whether I really need that Mother32 or whether I will get the Minilogue first...
Nick and others you can sync the Volcas and pocket operators using the BSP. Change the last step position to 2 then switch on gate at position 1 only. Now they're in sync and you can even choose different time divisions for Volca and POs. Lovely. You can also mess with longer last step time in multiples of 2 as well. My setup is one sequencer for Minibrute and the other two for Volca sample and Pocket Operator Arcade.
interested in seeing the full review of this tasty little poly.
Yes its also possible to use one of the sequencers and Gate out. But that ties up a whole sequencer
I should add that the plus side is that you don't need an attenuator
+sonicstate
Arturia have mentioned the possibility of adding Volca/PO sync options so may yet happen in a future update. However I do prefer the option of running at different time sigs and tempo divisions and don't mind tying up the sequencers. Would be even cooler if the drum sequencer offered different time sigs and step length per part but this is far less likely to happen than the additional Volca/PO sync option.
Does anyone know the settings required for that triangle pad in the middle of the video?
Will the Minilogue send sequencer notes over MIDI? I'm not sure what proper terminology is.
Absolutely blown away by this synth.....@ it's price point its ridiculously powerful.
good stuff. is the scope /display mounted slightly squint in the panel? that would drive me mad!!!
Can the noise gen be sequenced 'separate' ? Or does the manual mean the obvious, as in, by itself or with the oscillators in a typical synth mixer?
Another question why when you do the changes and keep the modulations you dont do it while you press a note so you can know exactly what you do?
Well you can. And and then you could delete the notes after, keeping the motion only
+sonicstate thank you :)
Nick these wee tunes at the end of some of your visa are really good and quite inspiring. Any chance of some sort of playlist for them all?
Great video Nick! Minilogue is a great machine. First thing I go to these days just because it's so accessible and easy to start making music with. Motion sequencing really helps compensate for the lack of some modulation routings. In some respects it's even more powerful, though overall it's definitely limited. Still a really awesome way to get movement from the synth. I love that Nick's first wave from the Erebus into the Minilogue oscilloscope is Pulse with PWM.
Please let Korg know you just sold this to me. $500 at Sweetwater? I wasn't even shopping for a keyboard.
+Brap Allgood Haha
+Brap Allgood I'd appreciate it if you did - any reminders to them is all good advocacy for us!
+sonicstate Do you have an Amazon affiliate link thingy?
I would buy all my music gear through it, if you did!
+sonicstate I sent a link to this video to my sweetwater rep. This is a great learning video :)
+Brap Allgood I originally ordered during the first rush from Sweetwater. I'd ask about an ETA and it kept getting pushed back. Eventually I looked elsewhere and found places that had them in stock. 2 days later, I had a Minilogue on my doorstep - no thanks to Sweetwater.
Besides the Volca series, can the Minilogue sync to a Monotribe and the new Electribes?
Can you overdrive the filter with external audio?
Isn't the scope of the display linked to the note you play?
Not sure, that would make sense
+Martebar Yes
+Martebar yup +1
I wish Nick was my best friend.
Not sure if anyone's mentioned but I believe you can edit and clear individual notes by tapping the 1-8/9-16 button. Maybe someone else can share the exact steps.
I'm looking for a good polyphonic synth. Trying to decide between this and a System-1... Similar polyphony and price point.
Would love to hear your thoughts on the differences between the 2 in your review. Sound and function differences... not digital vs analog.
I have all the other AIRA gear including the MX-1.. Also have other Volcas... the Volca keys does not sound great in the poly mode in my option... Maybe I need to get a good analog chorus pedal the run it through.
+Justin Morgan When I say "good" I don't mean $2000 Moog or Dave Smith... Can't afford that.. A very good sounding.. MUSICAL and affordable synth.
+Justin Morgan In my opinion you won't go wrong with either. But personally i went with the Minilogue, and would ultimately recommend that for a couple of reasons.
Sound wise it's all about taste.
Indeed digital vs. analogue is a pointless argument, especially as the System-1 does a darn good job of emulating analogue. But to my ears the Minilogue has more charm, and sounds very nice all in all. On the other hand the System-1 has the advantage of the superwaves and greater variation overall, with the update giving it 12 waves to choose from + a sub oscillator. Furthermore the plug-outs give the System-1 a wider variety of sounds and options.
But the while the plug-outs is a big strength for the System-1, it's also 1 of the things putting me off from buying 1. Unless you choose a single favorite plug-out, load that up and leave it at that, you're dependant on a computer to change plug-outs. And eventually there won't be any more drivers for that USB port, which means no MIDI/Audio via USB, and no using a computer to change plug-outs, unless you maintain an old out of date computer just for that.
Personally i'm very much against buying hardware that's too reliant on computers for core functionality, i have been burned by that previously. So it depends a lot on how you view and intend to use the plug-out functionality. Also getting multiple plug-outs isn't exactly cheap.
I think the Minilogue is more robust, and better built overall. Its interface is also better. The difference isn't enormous, and they have a fair bit in common. But i think the Minilogue feels better and will eventually last longer.
proud ownerhere !. the clicks are there and but do go away if the attack is changed. the only issues i have is with the maschine software. but i think its more the software than the korg. i use it with my kp3 and ko pro plus. makes a damn good amount of fun .
You mentioned the way to delete the sequenced note data is to put a bunch of rests. If you press Shift + Rest together, it doesn’t clear them all out at once?
Beautiful work Nick.
Engine sequencer supports volca sync w/ cv board, I'm waiting for mine. Best demo of Minilogue by far, please do more with it!
Question1: is it possible to trigger the motion sequencer on/off by note? Question 2: does it sound more "analogue" compared to microKorg / MS2000?
Analoguely! Added to dictionary.
Thanks for this informative tutorial! I will now go and use these on my minilogue! What was the model number of the rolls device? Thanks!
Nice one Nick... love all your reviews and the sonic talk shows..
is its actual polyphony, as in a filter and vca per voice?
+Mint yes, it's 4 voice polyphony, not paraphony.
Linas Mak alriye, i dont trust korg after the poly800
+Mint that was 32 years ago.
volga keys also had that system... still i'm not a huge fan of the minilogue, concept is super cool but its just to clean for me....
different account lol
would be amazing if it had a hdmi output for the oscilloscope.
It's $500
Why didn't you use a Volca Sequencer? And can you pair the Minilogue with a Minibrute(make a video).
not a question but an other tip: (maybe obvious) if you hook send midi out of the Minilogue to the Erebus it will sequence
Can the mixer be motion sequenced?
Yes I think everything can apart from tempo and master volume
Ace, maybe able to make Kick/hat sequences.
My question is why does Korg have the most boring boxes for there products?
Clever idea using the sequencer just for modulation. The only thing that bothered me about this synth is the single LFO, which I find extremely limiting on a lot of my analogue mono's. But if you can get some tonal movement via the sequencer that can leave the LFO free for some trad vibrato/tremolo work. Maybe I missed it, but does it, or can it, interpolate between values? (e.g. if sequencing filter cutoff is it 16x distinct stepped values or are they smoothly interpolated over the duration of the step time to the next value?).
+RJJNY
Thanks. That's a pretty cool system then, better than an extra LFO in that case. Maybe they could add a ramp/reverse ramp and S&H interpolation and you'd have a mega LFO with 16-step custom wave shaping function...or something like that....imagine the PWM that Nick could indulge in then (is PW a modulatable parameter?)
So has this got a pure sine wave?
Do you have to have a midi plug in for the step sequencer to work? I just bought a used one and cannot get it working, but I’m just plugged into an amp.
That last tidbit about the keystep speaking volca is handy. as always, this channel delivers on demos. korg + arturia = :)
how do i get into the menu!!!!! i press edit mode but what button is enter, how do i enter the program edit mode sequence edit and global?
Really awesome tips - love them!
That was clever with the motion sequenced delay! thanks, ill be using that one tonight
hello!
does the minilogue's arpeggiator sync properly with trigger/pulses?
+Kristófer Páll Viðarsson Seems to yes
Great instrument, great podcast show.
Hey . Thanks for this. can i use this synth along with a Pioneer DDJ SR? Plugged in together on SERATO??