Got my refurbished for $129! Had some issues. Refunded me and sent me new one. So dope. But they are Hella cheap now that they dropped the uno x. Cheers! A Friend in Chicago MoonDog
I really appreciate the explicit transparency you have over the things you review and your revenue streams. All of TH-cam could learn from you, loopop.
Fantastic overview. Agree with your con about seeing more info about the envelopes visually. Something that could be fixed in firmware and I’d love to see that.
That moment when you realize that you follow 3 of the 5 first commenters on a synth video and you're probably spending too much time watching synth videos on youtube....
It's good to hear the synth guts are the same between them, I am simply in love with that little form factor but all too often, a smaller body means reduced internal functionality
Loopop literally changed my life over the last year or two. Always love synths, never knew much about them. Thanks to Loopop, people think I'm a freaking synth savant. I've been asked to play several shows and had such a good time turning knobs and sliding sliders thanks to him. I would have been much more bored and depressed over the pandemic if not for this new hobby. Thank you once again for the great videos.
Excellent, comprehensive review, and great suggestions for future tweaks. I got mine (keyboard version) yesterday and love it, absolute keeper. I guess I’m one of those that really appreciates the UI/UX and what it allowed them to squeeze into this footprint. Some of the comments here are outrageous, though. To compare this (not you) to a certain 6 voice bargain polysynth betrays a sad lack of understanding of what these synths can and cannot do. I’ll have to look back and if you ever reviewed the Pro 3 or Sub 37, and see what gems were left in those comments, lol. We all gotta start somewhere though.
It sounds great. I think having the FX on-board makes it appealing. You're getting usable sounds straight out of the box with no outboard FX. That's appealing for jammers and live.
My first synth was the UNO and as a bass player, I can say it has nice low-end, sounds fat. Great starter analog synth. This UNO PRO is a huge step up! Very nice improvement. Although I'm into eurorack now, so...
Had one for a little over a week ...pretty much agree with your pros and cons . For people looking at what makes this a choice . The OTA filter has a nice sound different to most of the offerings on other monos and the 2nd filter is a new SSI chip and can do that brassy prophet type sound pretty well . The FX while the delay and reverb are not mind blowing are decent ...the Mods however are basically Juno 1 and 2 and strings which is an ensemble all sound very good . Overall I got it as I wanted an analog with as much versatility as possible in a package not much larger than a Volca as the desktop is about the size of the control portion of the micro freak . I won’t be letting go of my BSII but they both sound different enough to justify that to me .
@ImperialStout Yes , but honestly it’s not bad ....Most is for more math brained orientated stuff rather than heat of the moment tweaks anyway . The menu system is not quite as good as say the Hydrasynth , but it’s kind of in that logic if that makes any sense .
I'm also thinking of pairing one of these with my BSII. I really like the sound of this; from the demos I've heard I think it should compliment the BSII quite well.
Had one little over 6 hours and so far it's pretty great. Am finding my way around without too much trouble. Have had a few other synths previously (Microbrute, Microfreak, Typhon, Craft Synth 2.0, Minilogue XD, OP1, OPZ) and this seems like the easier option for creating sounds. It has some pretty serious heft to it for the size/money. I did get a pretty decent discount on an already lower price (in the UK) and I'm pleased I took the jump. I sold all my gear apart from my MPC over the last year and the desire for an analogue synth grew a little and the Uno Pro defiitely seems like I'll be keeping it.
@@rorz999 I'm really bonding with the Uno Pro now. I'm finding I can make really nice patches quickly and they just fit in with my compositions/tracks nicely. Made a really weird glitchy voice sound today that I wasn't expecting from analogue. It feels simple.to use but deep enough to make some excellent sounds. The Micro freak was fun and it's weird but there was something about the LFO that didn't seem right. It didn't go near audio rates from what I can remember. Also it was just so big on my desk. It's small compared to a lot of synths but I didn't use the keyboard and that's pretty much 2/3 of the whole thing. It would be great as a deskto module but then the keyboard is the USP for the MF really. I sort of don't miss it at all really. The Uno Pro however is definitely staying as is my Reface CS. Think you'd enjoy the Uno Pro Desktop, it's small but sounds biiig
I have the original Uno, its a great portable synth, very fun, great tones can be made. I do have a warning though, the software used to link to it, upgrade it and load/save presets can only be downloaded from the original owners account. Its not transferable, so if you sell it or trade it, the new user wont have access. They could of fixed that, I haven't tried in a wile... I believe that's one of the reasons the used price is so low. If they do the same thing with these, then the price will be very low in about a year on the used market....Again I love the sound and the battery power option, its my go to for trips....
I think Uno Pro is much more appealing then Minilogue XD when it comes to richness and fatness of sound and tone. I sold my Minilogue Xd just to get a Uno Pro and I have never looked back since.
Great review, tutorial & really appreciated the patch/sequencer demoing of all the presets at the end (including the ubiquitous'Bladerunner' & 'DSOTM' sequences :-) The last hour spent doing the dishes whilst listening and watching your presentation made the task a pleasure. I'm about to start the vacuuming so may just listen to it again!
As you already played with a whole party of electricity fun. Have you considered a "top 10" video like top 10 synthesizer UI's, top 10 best sounding synthesizers (kind of subjective) top 10 mono and poly synths (and why), top 10 fx for synths,... I would really look forward to a series regarding this! It does not need to be a 1-10 list, a favourite list would be nice too. I like new ideas / concepts! Just an idea! Cheers!
you only get better at what you do. thank you for this channel, I'm glad to see you're getting support (review units) from companies it means that they believe in your channel too. Great review as always thanks for brightening my morning
I should say that wobbling encoders and pots always bothered me but I must say that the only pot that ever failed across all my gear in last years was a moog subphatty one. The conclusion is that sturdy pots may fail as much as the wobbling ones regardless of the brand
This little instrument sounds big and powerful! To my ears, sounds as if it's ready to do your bread and butter analog synthesizer sounds. Plus FX? For less than $300 delivered? I got a try it.
Thanks for the review, the presets sound pretty good and have a good selection of current sounds. I think IK is great company, I have a few of their products.
Just want to warn anyone reading this: I bought the original Uno and it’s a nice cheap analogue synth. But the firmware is stuck on 1.1.4 (just 3 early bug fixes) and the IK team have completely ignored user requests on their forum ‘Wishlist’ thread. In an era of constant soft synth improvement, I have been frustrated by the lack of engagement from IK, and you might be too.
I really really want to buy one.....but I had a really poor experience with an early original UNO that has lots of bugs as well, was stuck on firmware and had a non-functional MIDI USB connection. I really loved the sound, but I feel like IK need to do better QC and up their customer service. But this does look like a powerful mono/para synth
What features or issues did you need added/fixed? We have fixed issues and made updates to UNO Synth and if there are global issues of course we would fix them. Please provide your ticket number if you've reported issues or made requests that you don't feel were handled to your satisfaction.
@@ikmultimedia cgi.ikmultimedia.com/ikforum/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=19869 Take your pick of every unanswered request in your own forum. Looking forward to 1.1.5.
Thanks so much for the detailed review. I have owned this a short time and despite some frustrations (and you mentioned most ) I absolutely love it. I am glad I watched because the one thing I didn’t know about (since I didn’t really “read” the manual was the shortcuts for the flos etc. That’s cool I enjoy all of your vids. Thank you
@@loopop ha that’s funny. Well I know mine has lost connection with the micro usb and just shut off but I think you did mention the micro port But still I just love the sound and im learning the knobs and buttons so it’s easier. Just wish it wasn’t micro. That’s just not a good move. But I have the full size one coming so I should be all set should this one ever Fritz out! I also have made patches which I’m really happy with so I can just move them to the full size when it comes. They cut the price so much I decided it was time. :)
Always had good experience with ik multimedia .also the uno pro has so many great future and well priced,unlikely a Swedish company that sells an old calculator that double in price to reflect second hand market
I own a Mini XD module and even though its very "hands on" I think the Uno sound, looping envs, lfos, mod matrix and programable cvs make up for that...especially since you could use a midi controller for parameter control.
Ok, but all the Deepmind models have already seen a number of price reductions, and the Deepmind6 is the least popular model as it turns out those extra 6 voices are a huge deal.
It seems like the Uno Synth Pro isn't produced any more, Thomann sold the rest of their stock for 222€, i luckily got one and it really sounds amazing, thank you Thomann 😍! This video was absolutely perfect for not having to read the manual 😂, good work sir!
haha habs auch über Thomann bekommen, aber irgendwie bekomme ich nur einen Ton raus, wenn ein Preset gewählt ist. Sonst leider nicht, hast du da eine Idee oder war das bei dir auch? Vielen Dank schon einmal
Grüß dich erstmal und sorry dass ich jetzt erst antworte, jetzt dann aber Feierabend! Schön dass du auch einen bekommen hast, verrückt dieser Preis 😅, jetzt zu deiner Frage. Es gibt ja 256 Presets von denen 128 schon belegt sind. 129 bis 256 sind leer. Wenn ich nun einen dieser leeren wähle, dann ertönt auch ein Ton sobald ich eine Taste drücke. Es ist immer nur der erste Oszillator an, den kann ich aber hören. Die Sequenzen sind natürlich alle leer. Ich weiß halt nicht was genau was du meinst. Falls nicht zu hören ist Versuch doch mal oben links den Mix Knopf zu drücken und dann die Level der drei Oszillatoren mit den Drehreglern hochzudrehen. Falls ich es falsch verstanden haben sollte bitte nochmal fragen, hoffentlich kriegst du es hin! Gruß Henne
Thank you so much for this video overview. I have had my eye on this synth for a while, and I have been waiting for a deep dive on the desktop model as that is the one I would buy. Keep up the great work!
From this video it looks like there is a strong need for a desktop or even iPad config software which allows to see simultaneously and change more controls. The audio abilities are very impressive, so the problem of the limited number of the control knobs could be helped with an external software. I saw videos of similar software for Cobalt8, which allows even automating everything from a DAW in very handy manner
I was expecting this to sound like a vst with knobs, but it seems interesting enough for sound design. Obviously the matrix system needs a fix but it's not as bad as the JD-Xi ! Thanks for another great review I will try this synth, if it doesn't work I will blame you 😁
Interesting they have good software design chops. Not digging their hardware design language. Fatar keybed is a great step forward. Great value. Great review !
I have some issues with the sound. There is allways a bright signal in the background and then it plays notes from high to low. Do you know sth about this?
Similar design philosophy to the first Uno. Cram in as many synthesis capabilities and features as possible in the smallest footprint and at the lowest price possible, then start thinking about the actual hardware design. The result is an amazing synth "engine" for the price, held back by physical hardware that doesn't inspire or instill confidence. I could feel the frustration of the mod matrix through the video. In some ways the UI is even a step back from the original Uno, as there's more complexity now, but almost the same number of controls (8 vs 7 knobs). I love my Uno synth, for the price I paid of €150 new, it's just ridiculous how much synthesis power you got. However at these much higher price points, there are so many other options that might not offer quite the same array of synthesis features, but which are much more inspiring and inviting to tweak and play.
Another fantastic review!! Uno seems to have a large pallet of sound possibilities. Interface is everything to a sound designer, and this is the best matrix control I have seen yet (exception may be the HydraSynth), really like the big buttons to choose parameters, nothing worse than buttons the size of rice...BUT....and a BIG but.....where are the LED indicators around the 4 matrix knobs??? Just like the Modal Cobalt and Argon, the sound designer can't sit back and SEE what they designed, you have to turn a knob and look at the display, this makes for slow and frustrating sound design. It must be extremely expensive to include four 12 segment LEDs around just the four knobs??? OR, a big oversight. At this point in time, I will be investing in a MinilogeXD desktop instead for just $150 more. ( I have been programing digital synths from menus for 30 years, but I have gotten too old for these slow interfaces, now that I have few years to live :) Knob per function still the best.
This thing sounds incredible on good studio monitors. I bought the desktop version for dawless stuff, and a couple weeks later the keyboard version. It’s an amazing analog synth with no need for effects “dongles” due to the very good built-in effects. I also happen to really like how it looks. The soft buttons feel great. The keyboard on the desktop version though is difficult to do anything on other than programming sitting on the couch. I figured as much before I bought it.
Hey, is the keyboard version heavy? I’m looking at the desktop version as I have an Arturia Keylab midi keyboard. I also bought the Synthstrom Deluge to pair up with this
@@hughkremer4026 I bought the desktop version and hooked it up to my midi keyboard. Works well. Great sounding synth. Have only explored the presets so far though, and tweaked around a little.
I’m like you. I have the desktop and despite some frustrations I just love it. I love how I can play it on the couch with headphones etc but i love it so much that I decided to get the keyboard version since the price has dropped so much esepcially that it has a least a dedicated power out. I just don’t trust that the micro usb ports are going to keep functioning down the road.
LOL. tough crowd in the comments on this one. I have had a total blast with my UNO synth so i am a bit biased FOR this synth haha. Those mini-micro crap jacks are scary, but I havent had a problem in 1.5 years, and i think this bigger "pro" version sounds good enough, and has enough cool tricks to justify $400US for the module. FWIW, Dr Mix just uploaded a video where he did the original star trek theme on uno pro. about 30 tracks on the DAW and sounds nice. he programmed some really nice patches.
Thanks! I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle. Occasionaly I’ll use scopes by VCV
For MOD-matrix there is some hope that 3rd party tool could control it directly from a phone/GUI app. The OG UNO Synth could accept SysEx to control individual parameters, either sent to active patch or to preset-xx. You could use this to push parameters further than official app would allow - for example a slower LFO.
Great review and demo as always. The putting "Pro" on the end of product names for no other reason than the price is higher is getting really old. Companies really need to stop. Cheers. Stay safe.
Is it powered by micro-usb too? In that case there is an argument for always having a power supply at hand, one that can also be used by battery power in the form of a pwer bank. I never seem to have enough/the right power supplies for whatever synths I want to connect. Power plugs that are so big or oddly shaped that they need their own power outlet. It is infuriating and bring back memories of when every phone had their own damn charger. If you forgot it somewhere you were f*cked. Oh, and just for info, Hotels have bins and bins full of forgotten chargers in the back. We had to throw them away every three months, or they would completely take over the basement.
Sounds very very good. The diving ain't bad, it's a compromise to size and cost worth to take for me. Sounds better than BS2, Elektron and minilouge for shure. And analog drive and seq! For that price. 🙂
All of my Uno (I) parameters I can edit via PC patch editor, or by using dedicated CC's. Pitty that the guys at IK don't keep that tradition with Uno Pro. Still very desirable synth.
Not all of the OG UNO Synth parameters are exposed, and some are able to go further than the GUI app allows... You can throw custom Sussex at it! I still think it's a great little synth.
Just started the video but already, it's pretty amazing what iKmultimedia can do with such compact devices. 3 analogue oscillators... sheesh... Thanks for another excellent video, Loopop.
I just checked the price and availability of it in China, wow... It's almost $800USD for the desktop version. Granted, it's a 3 oscillator analogue synth, but that's a lot for an iKmultimedia device. I wonder if it'll be a hard sell for ikmultimedia. I do like the sound of the resonance on here, usually I find resonance to be quite shrill but it's really smooth on here.
@@CaidicusProductions - AND 3 notes max for chords. I love the sounds and modern look and compact mini, but 3 notes max. For the same money, I'm so happy with my JD-Xi. Plenty of notes and sounds!
*Loopop,* can you explain in a step-by-step, Uno Synth Pro Desktop for Idiots’ way, how to name and store a 16 note sequence, please? This whole, no in-depth manual is needed anymore trend is very frustrating. Some of us are brand new to synths. Thank you for any help.
In the paraphonic mode, is the amp envelope extended at all? I know on the Pro 3 in paraphonic mode, each voice has it's own amp so that way the pads/string sounds can ring out. Is that the case here?
Idk if I missed it but does the uno synth pro have a fixed chord mode. I know you can input your own but I was wondering if it had a fixed mode like it does on the scale mode
I’ve watched many of your videos on numerous synths and find them all extremely useful. I’m curious, I notice in many of them including this one there is a split screen of the waveforms behind the synths. Often there is one for the left and right outputs. It seems to be some sort of software oscilloscope. Can you please tell me what you are using. I am very interested in getting some sort of waveform monitor/oscilloscope for my modular setup. Thank you. Floyd
Hi, I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle. Occasionally I’ll use scopes by VCV
Thanks for the review, I have a miniKORG700s(original one) but I don't want to go live with it, and was thinking about getting this one as I feel it really sounds good (the raw sound is neat), do u think it would be good in live performance?
I've seen quite a few reviews for this synth as IK has sent it to many TH-cam reviewers. It looks like a decent synth but when I look at the price point and see you can get a deepmind 6 for the same price it's hard pass for me
the main difference is that this one is analog, but if you don't care for the analog part the microfreak is better I should say and cheaper, go for it. But now if analog is a big thing this one is the way to go, 3 Oscs, 2 filters and distortion?! so much analog things at this price
if you want your first hardware to play around, Microfreak is your answer, if you are looking for an analog one, then you can think on this as an option.
Hi. Do you know whether it's possible to feed the synthesizer's internal sequencer with a midi keyboard (for arps etc)? (asking for the uno synth pro desktop)
Hi if you have to choose between the uno synth pro (not desktop) and the minilouge xd, which one would you pick for the first hardware synthesizer and why?
The best option is getting both, they are totally different units.. The Microfreak won't disappoint you BTW. I am thinking in this Desktop version too, but I get the feeling the Mini XD is still the way to go on analog.
is there a SW editor provided by IK for this synth... like they had with the original Uno synth? If not, do they plan to add one in the future? It seems like it would be very helpful, especially with regard to the mod matrix.
@@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene Mostly agreed, and I don’t particularly see the need for an editor here. If all someone really wants is a way to backup patches beyond the user space, there can be other solutions. I will say, though, that the editors that Moog has done for Minitaur, Sirin and Sub 37 are really great. They don’t need them, they weren’t designed wrong, but they are really slick and nice to have
@@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene editors are very useful to me for 3 reasons: 1) DAW integration ... including ease of controlling and recording synth parameters and, if editor supports multiple instances, an easy way store/ recall the patches used on different tracks. 2) A much easier and efficient interface than menu diving for features like modulation matrices 3) The ability to see all the settings used on a patch. This makes modifications to patches soooo much easier.
After all that demonstration I feel like the patches were pretty lacklustre. Very few could I really tell there is any sort of mod matrix. They seem to be programmed as very basic analog synth patches. I'm curious to try this out myself some day.
Thanks! I didn't hear any hiss but the oscillator bleed/chorusing can be heard when they're all the way down. I'm told this will be fixed in a firmware update so when it is I'll pin a comment after I've checked it.
I had an original Uno synth. It was a peice of junk. The build quality was sub sub standard. It had a great sound when I could get it to work. If these have the same build quality I suggest that you save your money for something else. However, if the build quality has improved then go for it.
The price of the Uno Synth pro desktop is now under 295€. This is an absolutely insane device for this money.
Got my refurbished for $129! Had some issues. Refunded me and sent me new one. So dope. But they are Hella cheap now that they dropped the uno x.
Cheers!
A Friend in Chicago
MoonDog
I really appreciate the explicit transparency you have over the things you review and your revenue streams. All of TH-cam could learn from you, loopop.
Fantastic overview. Agree with your con about seeing more info about the envelopes visually. Something that could be fixed in firmware and I’d love to see that.
Thanks and looking forward to seeing your take!
Having the 4 active parameters lit up on the body is something I wish the microkorg could do, such a programming speed boost.
That moment when you realize that you follow 3 of the 5 first commenters on a synth video and you're probably spending too much time watching synth videos on youtube....
@@FakeGlassesþýþþ8yuyyÿuķjj
It's good to hear the synth guts are the same between them, I am simply in love with that little form factor but all too often, a smaller body means reduced internal functionality
Wonder if there is a competition between brands about who can include the smallest display
They are being paid by eye doctors to make smaller displays :)
it's always the same oled display, it's cheap and it's powered by USB.
Agreed for anyone over 40, I wonder if the text will be legible.
I totally agree ! That size OLED costs $4, a larger one is only $6 !
Really STUPID place to save $2 !!
@@zurlocker1Just don't be over 40 then.
Loopop literally changed my life over the last year or two. Always love synths, never knew much about them. Thanks to Loopop, people think I'm a freaking synth savant. I've been asked to play several shows and had such a good time turning knobs and sliding sliders thanks to him. I would have been much more bored and depressed over the pandemic if not for this new hobby. Thank you once again for the great videos.
My pleasure - thanks for taking the time to write!
Excellent, comprehensive review, and great suggestions for future tweaks. I got mine (keyboard version) yesterday and love it, absolute keeper. I guess I’m one of those that really appreciates the UI/UX and what it allowed them to squeeze into this footprint. Some of the comments here are outrageous, though. To compare this (not you) to a certain 6 voice bargain polysynth betrays a sad lack of understanding of what these synths can and cannot do. I’ll have to look back and if you ever reviewed the Pro 3 or Sub 37, and see what gems were left in those comments, lol. We all gotta start somewhere though.
It sounds great. I think having the FX on-board makes it appealing. You're getting usable sounds straight out of the box with no outboard FX. That's appealing for jammers and live.
My first synth was the UNO and as a bass player, I can say it has nice low-end, sounds fat. Great starter analog synth. This UNO PRO is a huge step up! Very nice improvement.
Although I'm into eurorack now, so...
Pretty much above my expectations. This little box is a beast. I think i have to sell some of my other gears to buy this.
the way they designed the oscillator controls is incredibly clever
I love how as soon as you hit the “on the run” patch instinct kicked in to play with the filter - had to be done :)
YDJIXJJDNXJD
Synth review at breakfast, fantastic !!! I'm
buying one !!
It is like a breath of fresh air to see new cheap fat analog synths coming out.
Had one for a little over a week ...pretty much agree with your pros and cons . For people looking at what makes this a choice . The OTA filter has a nice sound different to most of the offerings on other monos and the 2nd filter is a new SSI chip and can do that brassy prophet type sound pretty well . The FX while the delay and reverb are not mind blowing are decent ...the Mods however are basically Juno 1 and 2 and strings which is an ensemble all sound very good . Overall I got it as I wanted an analog with as much versatility as possible in a package not much larger than a Volca as the desktop is about the size of the control portion of the micro freak . I won’t be letting go of my BSII but they both sound different enough to justify that to me .
@ImperialStout Yes , but honestly it’s not bad ....Most is for more math brained orientated stuff rather than heat of the moment tweaks anyway . The menu system is not quite as good as say the Hydrasynth , but it’s kind of in that logic if that makes any sense .
I'm also thinking of pairing one of these with my BSII. I really like the sound of this; from the demos I've heard I think it should compliment the BSII quite well.
Had one little over 6 hours and so far it's pretty great. Am finding my way around without too much trouble. Have had a few other synths previously (Microbrute, Microfreak, Typhon, Craft Synth 2.0, Minilogue XD, OP1, OPZ) and this seems like the easier option for creating sounds. It has some pretty serious heft to it for the size/money. I did get a pretty decent discount on an already lower price (in the UK) and I'm pleased I took the jump. I sold all my gear apart from my MPC over the last year and the desire for an analogue synth grew a little and the Uno Pro defiitely seems like I'll be keeping it.
@@rorz999 I'm really bonding with the Uno Pro now. I'm finding I can make really nice patches quickly and they just fit in with my compositions/tracks nicely. Made a really weird glitchy voice sound today that I wasn't expecting from analogue. It feels simple.to use but deep enough to make some excellent sounds. The Micro freak was fun and it's weird but there was something about the LFO that didn't seem right. It didn't go near audio rates from what I can remember. Also it was just so big on my desk. It's small compared to a lot of synths but I didn't use the keyboard and that's pretty much 2/3 of the whole thing. It would be great as a deskto module but then the keyboard is the USP for the MF really. I sort of don't miss it at all really. The Uno Pro however is definitely staying as is my Reface CS. Think you'd enjoy the Uno Pro Desktop, it's small but sounds biiig
@@DanChippendaleMusic I just got both the CS and Uno Pro Desktop do you use the CS midi CC controls to run the Uno? Of so how's that working for you?
I have the original Uno, its a great portable synth, very fun, great tones can be made. I do have a warning though, the software used to link to it, upgrade it and load/save presets can only be downloaded from the original owners account. Its not transferable, so if you sell it or trade it, the new user wont have access. They could of fixed that, I haven't tried in a wile... I believe that's one of the reasons the used price is so low. If they do the same thing with these, then the price will be very low in about a year on the used market....Again I love the sound and the battery power option, its my go to for trips....
I think Uno Pro is much more appealing then Minilogue XD when it comes to richness and fatness of sound and tone. I sold my Minilogue Xd just to get a Uno Pro and I have never looked back since.
Great review, tutorial & really appreciated the patch/sequencer demoing of all the presets at the end (including the ubiquitous'Bladerunner' & 'DSOTM' sequences :-)
The last hour spent doing the dishes whilst listening and watching your presentation made the task a pleasure. I'm about to start the vacuuming so may just listen to it again!
A future episode of Bad Gear incoming.
This thing is ticking all the boxes.
Hah that´what I thought.
At the first glance... I thought the same
@@aceofdub Watch any of the Bad Gear videos and you'll realize the irony of what @Stormchild is saying...
Is there a Deepmind episode? 😂
As you already played with a whole party of electricity fun. Have you considered a "top 10" video like top 10 synthesizer UI's,
top 10 best sounding synthesizers (kind of subjective) top 10 mono and poly synths (and why),
top 10 fx for synths,... I would really look forward to a series regarding this!
It does not need to be a 1-10 list, a favourite list would be nice too. I like new ideas / concepts!
Just an idea!
Cheers!
you only get better at what you do. thank you for this channel, I'm glad to see you're getting support (review units) from companies it means that they believe in your channel too. Great review as always thanks for brightening my morning
I should say that wobbling encoders and pots always bothered me but I must say that the only pot that ever failed across all my gear in last years was a moog subphatty one. The conclusion is that sturdy pots may fail as much as the wobbling ones regardless of the brand
I had a Subphatty octave switch fail on me as well! First and only synth pot to ever give me an issue.
Nice synth👍 Hope they will keep upgrading it like the microfreak or the circuit. Something they didn't on the original uno synth
Just bought one today!! Great timing!!
The sound quality is fantastic, but IK should make a polisynth version.
I like the sound of the uno, and the Arp is great
Just bought it on the strength of your video...thanks
This little instrument sounds big and powerful! To my ears, sounds as if it's ready to do your bread and butter analog synthesizer sounds. Plus FX? For less than $300 delivered? I got a try it.
Thanks for the review, the presets sound pretty good and have a good selection of current sounds. I think IK is great company, I have a few of their products.
Mark Doty says of the Pro version: “I can’t get over how great this thing sounds. And plays.”
Thanks loopop. I've ordered one based on this review.
Hope you enjoy it!
19:06 what a sound! That will cut through any mix
Just want to warn anyone reading this: I bought the original Uno and it’s a nice cheap analogue synth. But the firmware is stuck on 1.1.4 (just 3 early bug fixes) and the IK team have completely ignored user requests on their forum ‘Wishlist’ thread. In an era of constant soft synth improvement, I have been frustrated by the lack of engagement from IK, and you might be too.
I really really want to buy one.....but I had a really poor experience with an early original UNO that has lots of bugs as well, was stuck on firmware and had a non-functional MIDI USB connection. I really loved the sound, but I feel like IK need to do better QC and up their customer service. But this does look like a powerful mono/para synth
What features or issues did you need added/fixed? We have fixed issues and made updates to UNO Synth and if there are global issues of course we would fix them. Please provide your ticket number if you've reported issues or made requests that you don't feel were handled to your satisfaction.
@@ikmultimedia cgi.ikmultimedia.com/ikforum/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=19869 Take your pick of every unanswered request in your own forum. Looking forward to 1.1.5.
@@ikmultimedia and #8660701 is my unanswered ticket.
I thought I didn't like IK and had bad support but I just checked going 12 years back and turns out support has been good all along 🤪😜
I have been waiting for this video!
Thanks so much for the detailed review. I have owned this a short time and despite some frustrations (and you mentioned most ) I absolutely love it.
I am glad I watched because the one thing I didn’t know about (since I didn’t really “read” the manual was the shortcuts for the flos etc. That’s cool
I enjoy all of your vids. Thank you
My pleasure! Which frustration didn't I mention?
@@loopop ha that’s funny. Well I know mine has lost connection with the micro usb and just shut off but I think you did mention the micro port
But still I just love the sound and im learning the knobs and buttons so it’s easier. Just wish it wasn’t micro. That’s just not a good move. But I have the full size one coming so I should be all set should this one ever Fritz out! I also have made patches which I’m really happy with so I can just move them to the full size when it comes. They cut the price so much I decided it was time. :)
Always had good experience with ik multimedia .also the uno pro has so many great future and well priced,unlikely a Swedish company that sells an old calculator that double in price to reflect second hand market
What a great review. I just bought it and a great little musical synth. Love it! By far the most comprehensive. Thank you :)
I own a Mini XD module and even though its very "hands on" I think the Uno sound, looping envs, lfos, mod matrix and programable cvs make up for that...especially since you could use a midi controller for parameter control.
Uno Pro Desktop 459€, Deepmind6 469€ here in Germany. I think the UNO Pro Desktop will have a hard time at this price point 🤔
Ok, but all the Deepmind models have already seen a number of price reductions, and the Deepmind6 is the least popular model as it turns out those extra 6 voices are a huge deal.
It’s competing with the Minilogue too.
@@marike1100 only 6, but still 2x the IK.
The DM12D isn't that much more either.
F behringer.
Btw, Mathias, your prices are way off. Uno Pro Desktop is 399 euros (check their website) and Deepmind6 is $599 at least.
It seems like the Uno Synth Pro isn't produced any more, Thomann sold the rest of their stock for 222€, i luckily got one and it really sounds amazing, thank you Thomann 😍!
This video was absolutely perfect for not having to read the manual 😂, good work sir!
haha habs auch über Thomann bekommen, aber irgendwie bekomme ich nur einen Ton raus, wenn ein Preset gewählt ist. Sonst leider nicht, hast du da eine Idee oder war das bei dir auch? Vielen Dank schon einmal
Grüß dich erstmal und sorry dass ich jetzt erst antworte, jetzt dann aber Feierabend!
Schön dass du auch einen bekommen hast, verrückt dieser Preis 😅, jetzt zu deiner Frage. Es gibt ja 256 Presets von denen 128 schon belegt sind. 129 bis 256 sind leer. Wenn ich nun einen dieser leeren wähle, dann ertönt auch ein Ton sobald ich eine Taste drücke. Es ist immer nur der erste Oszillator an, den kann ich aber hören. Die Sequenzen sind natürlich alle leer. Ich weiß halt nicht was genau was du meinst. Falls nicht zu hören ist Versuch doch mal oben links den Mix Knopf zu drücken und dann die Level der drei Oszillatoren mit den Drehreglern hochzudrehen.
Falls ich es falsch verstanden haben sollte bitte nochmal fragen, hoffentlich kriegst du es hin! Gruß Henne
Thank you so much for this video overview. I have had my eye on this synth for a while, and I have been waiting for a deep dive on the desktop model as that is the one I would buy. Keep up the great work!
From this video it looks like there is a strong need for a desktop or even iPad config software which allows to see simultaneously and change more controls. The audio abilities are very impressive, so the problem of the limited number of the control knobs could be helped with an external software. I saw videos of similar software for Cobalt8, which allows even automating everything from a DAW in very handy manner
There is free software that comes with it.
I was expecting this to sound like a vst with knobs, but it seems interesting enough for sound design. Obviously
the matrix system needs a fix but it's not as bad as the JD-Xi !
Thanks for another great review I will try this synth, if it doesn't work I will blame you 😁
Sounds pretty good as long as my eyes are closed! ;)
43:34 Blinding lights - The Weeknd :)
50:23 Blade Runner (end titles)
D0n7 f0r637 0n d4 run
Great 2021 synth.
Interesting they have good software design chops. Not digging their hardware design language. Fatar keybed is a great step forward. Great value. Great review !
Thanks for this demo. I was thinking of investing in the keyboard version and this is most useful!
Actually after the AFX update to the Bass Station II, it has 3 oscillators since the sub-osc can be tuned.
Well, without saw/triangle and any modulation
I have some issues with the sound. There is allways a bright signal in the background and then it plays notes from high to low. Do you know sth about this?
It sounds good. If they fix those bugs and do some updates I'll probably add this to my home setup
Similar design philosophy to the first Uno. Cram in as many synthesis capabilities and features as possible in the smallest footprint and at the lowest price possible, then start thinking about the actual hardware design. The result is an amazing synth "engine" for the price, held back by physical hardware that doesn't inspire or instill confidence. I could feel the frustration of the mod matrix through the video. In some ways the UI is even a step back from the original Uno, as there's more complexity now, but almost the same number of controls (8 vs 7 knobs).
I love my Uno synth, for the price I paid of €150 new, it's just ridiculous how much synthesis power you got. However at these much higher price points, there are so many other options that might not offer quite the same array of synthesis features, but which are much more inspiring and inviting to tweak and play.
“Full size semi-weighted Fatar Keynes”, ears 👂 perk up. I have their iLoud monitors, they are the best small studio monitors I’ve ever owned. 10/10.
Those iloud monitors are the truth...
Excellent video. Thanks Loopop.
cool.
looking forward for Oxi One video.
Why not use endless encoders? I don't understand these interface designers...
Heard many synths, but this is the first one which kind of "caught" me.
Another fantastic review!! Uno seems to have a large pallet of sound possibilities. Interface is everything to a sound designer, and this is the best matrix control I have seen yet (exception may be the HydraSynth), really like the big buttons to choose parameters, nothing worse than buttons the size of rice...BUT....and a BIG but.....where are the LED indicators around the 4 matrix knobs??? Just like the Modal Cobalt and Argon, the sound designer can't sit back and SEE what they designed, you have to turn a knob and look at the display, this makes for slow and frustrating sound design. It must be extremely expensive to include four 12 segment LEDs around just the four knobs??? OR, a big oversight. At this point in time, I will be investing in a MinilogeXD desktop instead for just $150 more. ( I have been programing digital synths from menus for 30 years, but I have gotten too old for these slow interfaces, now that I have few years to live :) Knob per function still the best.
This thing sounds incredible on good studio monitors. I bought the desktop version for dawless stuff, and a couple weeks later the keyboard version. It’s an amazing analog synth with no need for effects “dongles” due to the very good built-in effects. I also happen to really like how it looks. The soft buttons feel great. The keyboard on the desktop version though is difficult to do anything on other than programming sitting on the couch. I figured as much before I bought it.
Hey, is the keyboard version heavy? I’m looking at the desktop version as I have an Arturia Keylab midi keyboard. I also bought the Synthstrom Deluge to pair up with this
@@aquaticborealis4877 Not bad, around 12 pounds
@@hughkremer4026 I bought the desktop version and hooked it up to my midi keyboard. Works well. Great sounding synth. Have only explored the presets so far though, and tweaked around a little.
I’m like you. I have the desktop and despite some frustrations I just love it. I love how I can play it on the couch with headphones etc but i love it so much that I decided to get the keyboard version since the price has dropped so much esepcially that it has a least a dedicated power out. I just don’t trust that the micro usb ports are going to keep functioning down the road.
LOL. tough crowd in the comments on this one. I have had a total blast with my UNO synth so i am a bit biased FOR this synth haha. Those mini-micro crap jacks are scary, but I havent had a problem in 1.5 years, and i think this bigger "pro" version sounds good enough, and has enough cool tricks to justify $400US for the module.
FWIW, Dr Mix just uploaded a video where he did the original star trek theme on uno pro. about 30 tracks on the DAW and sounds nice. he programmed some really nice patches.
Great video! Question from a newer viewer: what are using to monitor you waveform and frequency response? It looks super handy!
Thanks! I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle. Occasionaly I’ll use scopes by VCV
Have to test it out! 👍 Just ordered a op-z.
For MOD-matrix there is some hope that 3rd party tool could control it directly from a phone/GUI app. The OG UNO Synth could accept SysEx to control individual parameters, either sent to active patch or to preset-xx.
You could use this to push parameters further than official app would allow - for example a slower LFO.
I don't know about pushing parameters but there's hope since the original uno synth has one
Tooooo Expensive for the UNO Synthpro,.. But great rewiew as always....Loopop is the goto for the best rewiews
We would happily pay an extra $100 for velocity sensitivity and battery power on the Desktop Uno.
Great review and demo as always. The putting "Pro" on the end of product names for no other reason than the price is higher is getting really old. Companies really need to stop. Cheers. Stay safe.
WoW ! This final Patch is mindblowing ! Is there a chance you give its settings ?
Super video, as always…
Thanks! Sorry... I didn't save it and don't remember... not too much going on there though in terms of modulation; distortion, reverb, etc
Micro USB...just...why...:/
Built to a cost that's why
Thats the one think im thinking is gonna suck about it.
@@RollrightKnights I'm pretty sure USB-C won't spiral the cost into the stratosphere.
Is it powered by micro-usb too?
In that case there is an argument for always having a power supply at hand, one that can also be used by battery power in the form of a pwer bank.
I never seem to have enough/the right power supplies for whatever synths I want to connect.
Power plugs that are so big or oddly shaped that they need their own power outlet. It is infuriating and bring back memories of when every phone had their own damn charger.
If you forgot it somewhere you were f*cked.
Oh, and just for info, Hotels have bins and bins full of forgotten chargers in the back.
We had to throw them away every three months, or they would completely take over the basement.
Sounds very very good. The diving ain't bad, it's a compromise to size and cost worth to take for me.
Sounds better than BS2, Elektron and minilouge for shure.
And analog drive and seq!
For that price. 🙂
All of my Uno (I) parameters I can edit via PC patch editor, or by using dedicated CC's. Pitty that the guys at IK don't keep that tradition with Uno Pro.
Still very desirable synth.
Not all of the OG UNO Synth parameters are exposed, and some are able to go further than the GUI app allows... You can throw custom Sussex at it!
I still think it's a great little synth.
116 sounds like In The Air Tonight..
Just started the video but already, it's pretty amazing what iKmultimedia can do with such compact devices. 3 analogue oscillators... sheesh...
Thanks for another excellent video, Loopop.
I just checked the price and availability of it in China, wow... It's almost $800USD for the desktop version. Granted, it's a 3 oscillator analogue synth, but that's a lot for an iKmultimedia device. I wonder if it'll be a hard sell for ikmultimedia.
I do like the sound of the resonance on here, usually I find resonance to be quite shrill but it's really smooth on here.
One question, are the filters analogue or digital? Not sure if I missed that mention in your review.
@@CaidicusProductions - AND 3 notes max for chords. I love the sounds and modern look and compact mini, but 3 notes max. For the same money, I'm so happy with my JD-Xi. Plenty of notes and sounds!
@@SteveMeiers Its not quite the same
*Loopop,* can you explain in a step-by-step, Uno Synth Pro Desktop for Idiots’ way, how to name and store a 16 note sequence, please?
This whole, no in-depth manual is needed anymore trend is very frustrating. Some of us are brand new to synths.
Thank you for any help.
same 4 knobs but this is the right way to redo the microkorg!
In the paraphonic mode, is the amp envelope extended at all? I know on the Pro 3 in paraphonic mode, each voice has it's own amp so that way the pads/string sounds can ring out. Is that the case here?
Hi, thanks for the great video, would you prefer the Deepmind6 to the UNO?
to settle for the desktop version or make a little room for the keyboard version with that sweet Fatar keybed and an aluminum chassis, dang it
Idk if I missed it but does the uno synth pro have a fixed chord mode. I know you can input your own but I was wondering if it had a fixed mode like it does on the scale mode
I’ve watched many of your videos on numerous synths and find them all extremely useful. I’m curious, I notice in many of them including this one there is a split screen of the waveforms behind the synths. Often there is one for the left and right outputs. It seems to be some sort of software oscilloscope. Can you please tell me what you are using. I am very interested in getting some sort of waveform monitor/oscilloscope for my modular setup. Thank you. Floyd
Hi, I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle. Occasionally I’ll use scopes by VCV
@@loopop thank you for you fast reply. I will look into them today
Thanks for the review, I have a miniKORG700s(original one) but I don't want to go live with it, and was thinking about getting this one as I feel it really sounds good (the raw sound is neat), do u think it would be good in live performance?
I've seen quite a few reviews for this synth as IK has sent it to many TH-cam reviewers. It looks like a decent synth but when I look at the price point and see you can get a deepmind 6 for the same price it's hard pass for me
Yeah I'm the same, deep mind or MPC one is about the same price, way more useful and better made
Have any of the issues you mentioned (mod matrix) been fixed in firmware updates yet?
How would you compare this to the Arturia Microfreak, which sits $50 cheaper than the desktop version?
They are completely different
you can only compare the weight and the color ;-) too different.
the main difference is that this one is analog, but if you don't care for the analog part the microfreak is better I should say and cheaper, go for it. But now if analog is a big thing this one is the way to go, 3 Oscs, 2 filters and distortion?! so much analog things at this price
if you want your first hardware to play around, Microfreak is your answer, if you are looking for an analog one, then you can think on this as an option.
Is IK Multimedia good with firmware udpates? I've never owned one of their products but this looks nice.
Hi. Do you know whether it's possible to feed the synthesizer's internal sequencer with a midi keyboard (for arps etc)? (asking for the uno synth pro desktop)
Hi if you have to choose between the uno synth pro (not desktop) and the minilouge xd, which one would you pick for the first hardware synthesizer and why?
Is there any control for the glissando/glide on this synth? The one thing i can't find! Thanks :)
It sounds really nice. I’ve bought a Synthstrom Deluge to pair with this. What do you think? Good match?
For sure - these kind of sounds is where deluge isn’t that strong
Uno synth pro Desktop vs arturia microfreak? Which one you think is better? Yes, I know uno synth Is analog
The best option is getting both, they are totally different units.. The Microfreak won't disappoint you BTW. I am thinking in this Desktop version too, but I get the feeling the Mini XD is still the way to go on analog.
is there a SW editor provided by IK for this synth... like they had with the original Uno synth? If not, do they plan to add one in the future? It seems like it would be very helpful, especially with regard to the mod matrix.
None provided, nothing announced, but I’d be surprised if they didn’t make one available soon considering the other UNO synths
Any synth that needs a software editor was designed wrong.
@@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene Mostly agreed, and I don’t particularly see the need for an editor here. If all someone really wants is a way to backup patches beyond the user space, there can be other solutions. I will say, though, that the editors that Moog has done for Minitaur, Sirin and Sub 37 are really great. They don’t need them, they weren’t designed wrong, but they are really slick and nice to have
@@RobertSaintJohn Don't mind me, I'm just a software hater ;) Absolutely hate software synths, they make me physically ill to sound design....just me.
@@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene editors are very useful to me for 3 reasons:
1) DAW integration ... including ease of controlling and recording synth parameters and, if editor supports multiple instances, an easy way store/ recall the patches used on different tracks.
2) A much easier and efficient interface than menu diving for features like modulation matrices
3) The ability to see all the settings used on a patch. This makes modifications to patches soooo much easier.
Missed opportunity IMO. Huge middle screen a knobs per function would be better choice..
Bonjour a t-on encore les 3 oscillateurs en mode paraphonique?
After all that demonstration I feel like the patches were pretty lacklustre. Very few could I really tell there is any sort of mod matrix. They seem to be programmed as very basic analog synth patches. I'm curious to try this out myself some day.
Too bad there's much annoying hiss (digital or analog?) out of the oscillators.
Nice review as always, Ziv.
Thanks! I didn't hear any hiss but the oscillator bleed/chorusing can be heard when they're all the way down. I'm told this will be fixed in a firmware update so when it is I'll pin a comment after I've checked it.
@@loopop Fixed yet?
this is really strange. when volume is at 2 the noise disappears.. any update?
How does it compare with the original Uno? The not "pro" one?
It sounds great, pity about how it looks.
UNO SYNTH PRO or korg minilogue XD? o_O what is the best choice? Possibility of creation?
want one
I had an original Uno synth. It was a peice of junk. The build quality was sub sub standard. It had a great sound when I could get it to work. If these have the same build quality I suggest that you save your money for something else. However, if the build quality has improved then go for it.