I don’t know why this channel doesn’t have millions of followers. Most interesting, likable, and talented synth TH-cam personality on the entire platform.
Because he appeals to people who want information explained in an orderly, understandable manner without all the theatrics. Too many people seem to prefer someone who jumps around like a monkey in a zoo making a fool out of themselves. I LOVE this guy’s videos. One of the few people who’s videos I watch all the way through.
I have both, definitely two totally different instruments and masterpieces in their own right. Matriarch is Moog at its best with semi modular build, but even without extra patching it is just amazing. Pro 3 is a mono monster, with 3 filters, wavetable oscillator, classic Sequential monster modulation matrix. I would never get one over the other.
Pro 3 every time. I do studio sessions in Los Angeles and I get specific requests to bring the Pro 3, more than any other synth. And the flavors I've gotten from it are always next level. Thanks for posting!
I do. There’s no comparison. The Pro 3 wins in my opinion. I also prefer the Subsequent 37 to the Matriarch. The Matriarch is a good synth, but the sequencer is very basic. The key presses to access hidden features is annoying also. The delay is wonderful, but it is a BBD delay. Other BBD delays exist.
Great video. I’ve had my Matriarch for a couple of years now and still love it for the reasons you gave (the delay!) For arpeggios it is amazing, especially if you set different octaves (or add a fifth) for different oscillators and set the voice mode to “Round Robin” in the global settings. If you play a three, five, six, etc. note chord then the pitches from the oscillators will cycle through the pitches in the chord for interesting effects.
Yea the Pro 3 is my Fav mono paraphonic synth for primarily its sonic transparency and ability to create a big cinematic sound. Nice vid comparison. I too prefer the black face of your Matriarch. Nice purchase. I wish the Moog One sounded like the Matriarch. I am told by those who know that the Matriarch is Moog's best sounding synth and from what I can tell listening to YT videos I would agree.
The information is presented in an intelligent, well ordered fashion. When I look for information this is what I prefer. Also, is great to know that the person imparting the information actually has classical training, giving him the necessary gravitas to be taken seriously. I can trust the information as trustful and accurate. Kudos Jameson and thanks for the videos.
I dig your sounds a ton. It’s not just wind chimes and bleeps. The sounds you make feel like they have intention and mood. Now I want both of these synths. I have a system 8 and a poly d that I may sacrifice for this pair.
Thank you. Love your sense of humor! As usual good to get a musicians point of view.Always interesting and fun.Don't forget to listen to his music guys.
Have you played with the Subsequent 37 much? I've been looking more at the Pro 3 vs. Sub 37, and I gotta be honest the biggest thing making me lean towards the Pro 3 is the big cutoff knob and the idea that I can probably play with the resonance more without killing the low-end. Also, I'm soooooooo with you about the multicolor Matriarch. I just couldn't take is seriously until they came out with the all black one. Not that it's all about aesthetics, but you have to actually be excited about looking at something and playing with it or you'll never even use it!
What did you go for, if any? I was in the same position and went for the Subsequent 37 and love it buttttt, I've never used a Pro 3 so I'm always left wondering... what if. Ideally I'd have liked to trial them both but didnt get the opportunity.
Came here as I have the Matriarch but thinking of selling and buying the Pro3.... now I want to keep the Matriarch AND get a Pro3 haha. Anyway, great to find this channel. a breath of fresh air. new sub here! Thanks
I sincerely enjoy listening to you explaining stuff! Combined with the subtle and honest cringe in the video editing it really doesn't get better than that. Stay funky, bro
Cheers for this - these are the two synths I am deciding between! The moog is incredibly alluring sonically, but the pro 3 seems like such a great workhorse. I can’t say that this video helped me decide one way or the other, but it’s clear that they are both incredible instruments. I can’t help but feel the inevitable conclusion will be “both”, but I’ll need to figure out which one will hold me over long enough until I could possibly afford the other!
Haha Sorry it wasn’t much help in making a decision. They both definitely have their strengths and applications in which they excel. I’m sure you’ll love whichever you chose to start with. :)
If it will be your first hardware synth, I would say Pro-3. It's probably the one that is most "immediately useful" right off the bat. The Matriarch packs a lot, especially for an analog synth without patch memory, but with the exception of having one less oscillator the Pro-3 is more feature-rich than the Matriarch in just about every way imaginable. If you have a few hardware synths already, I would say Matriarch. The thing that makes the Matriarch special is that you can go in and out of the sound's signal path as you please, and if you already have several synths there's a lot of territory you can explore with this patching. Also, if you already have multiple synths the matter of "what sounds better to me" matters a lot more. Loads of people feel that Moogs have a certain aspect to their sound that is just more sonically pleasing than other synths. I own a Minitaur. It can probably do about 4 useful bass sounds really, but it does them incredibly well, so I can see where people are coming from on that. The Pro-3 is capable of a unique level of aggression in its sound though, and if you hear the thing scream and say "I want that", it will deliver nonstop.
Both are amazing synths although it pains me to say but I think I’d prefer the moog and like most people the delay swings it. Having said that when I played a pro 3 in a shop it was the best synth I’ve ever played completely cold in a shop. Basically I need both.
This was thoughtfully done, thanks. I think your videos went a long way to helping me offload some no-preset reissues so I could pull the trigger on a Pro3, and I’ve been very grateful I did. Now to go play it and not wonder about Matriarch used prices.
Both are great and as everyone else has said, pretty different. But the ability to expand on the matriarch is what really takes it to the next level, though it’s a costly adventure. But spending some time with it and learning what you wish you could change or add and then planning accordingly with eurorack can really expand. In my case I like the Matriarch Mixer but I was wanting something where I could pan the oscillators so I got a mega tang. And wanting more and loopable envelopes so I got everyone’s favorite maths. And then a sampler to expand on the oscillator tones. And finally a different filter if I didn’t want high resonance to suck out the low end. I don’t always use everything in every patch I made but now I have the tools to tackle basically any problem I was personally having and that’s where Semi-Modular’s can shine. Gets you that base layer of modular and then it can help you stay focused on what you want to build in a rack to expand on the semi modular.
As an Unleash the Archers fan, I keep hearing Brittney going "The Matriarch!" lol. But I'm a Prophet girl at heart and never really been overly fond of Moog tbh. I love your channel and the way you put things (recent-ish discovery). I've shared your videos on Originality Doesn't Exist and Music Theory Doesn't Make You A Composer numerous times. Thanks for sharing!
Already have the GrandMother (Color version is the cool one!) and with the USB receives the clock from Cubase, and through Clock Out is connected to my Euro... This video just re-reconfirmed to myself the need for the Sequential Pro 3. That last arpeggio is very much the arp styles I use. With the Pro3, I believe you can get even deeper into more intrincate Arp and sequences, correct?
really good comparison, thank you! Would it be possible to make a video about the modular connections between Matriarch and Pro 3? I would be very curious to explore those possibilities since I have a Pro 3 and I'm considering to buy a Matriarch within the end of the year. Thank you!
I don't quite get the "modular integration" comparison between the two: it's true that the Matriarch seems built with modular integration in mind, but the Pro-3 has 4 CV ins and 4 CV outs and does seamlessly integrate with a modular setup, actually with tons of options à la carte, given the "self-contained" power it has. I wonder why a "Pro-3 with modular" section isn't shown in this - otherwise fully spectacular - video. Anyway, great comparison and terrific sounds from both machines, great job!
That’s true, but I guess I didn’t dwell on it because it does require a little menu diving since everything is set up via the mod matrix in the Pro3. Doesn’t get more simple than the Matriarch in terms of plug and play, but I take your point for sure. Actually have a video planned in the future about using the Pro3 with a eurorack system :)
13:48 That was maybe accurate 2 years ago, but it's not accurate any longer. In fact, 2 years ago, you would have to buy a moog matriarch in order to get your hands on a stereo bucket brigade delay. But Walrus Audio released a stereo bucket brigade pedal in late 2023, the Meraki. And it indeed has a pretty hefty price tag, but not as expensive as a matriarch. I believe the Meraki pedals go for around $600 while a Moog Matriarch retails at around $1900. I still think it's a fair deal for the Matriarch. It's not an easy task to create a stereo bucket brigade delay, because the components need to be carefully matched to make it work. This is also why supply is often not able to keep up with demand.
Thanks for sharing your interesting detail with both Synths. My first choice of purchase would be the Matriarch Dark to play as a stand alone synth with semi-modular internal patching, then later on down the track, buy into the Pro 3 to integrate with DAW.
I dig your style, the mix between intelligence and integrity resulting in calling your own bullshit had me laughing to myself. Too many people take themselves too seriously - I always question why, because no one else does. Agree about loopop, man is brilliant.
I have a question. What OTHER, more affordable synths on the market can capture the same sorts of warm.saturated, almost breaking up textural sounds as these 2? I have tried both my Ultranova < it does not even close, but the results are still interesting> and the VST Surge XT, which gets MUCH closer with the various filter models. but the oscillators are far too thin for the right girth required go make the sound have the presence i want. I am asking because i adore the sort of dark warbling murky nearly breaking up dripping with modulated delay pad sounds especially the Matriarch makes but there is NO WAY IN HELL i could ever dream of affording one at half the price, so i am wondering what else out there might come close ,that wouldnt cost me a fortune.
Hey Jameson. Would you recommend one of these as a first synth? Or a Prophet 6? Just curious on which would be the most versatile to start out before I add more synths later. Thanks!
If you're into sound design and sequencing, I'd say Pro3 offers more immediate gratification in that regard. If you're more of a player and prefer polyphonic, the Prophet 6 is an amazing bread and butter analog poly, but is the most limited of the three you mentioned. All three are amazing and I think you'd be happy with any of them. :)
@@JamesonNathanJones I’m mainly focused on using it for film scoring (and sometimes music in various styles for library tracks). I’ve got tons of amazing soft synths already. Just thinking maybe there’s something new hardware will bring? I love the sound of the matriarch but is the lack of presets going to be an issue as you mentioned? Can the Pro 3 get as sweet and buttery sounding? Then there’s the prophet 6. I love the Prophet sound, but is it versatile enough to justify the $2-3K price tag? These are the questions that currently haunt me haha
I tried both the pro 3 and prophet 6 and ended up going back to soft synths. Just faster for my workflow. I also have Soundforce controllers that pair with each soft synth but don’t get to use them a ton! Hopefully will get to use them more in the future
I love them on the Pro 2 & 3. The thing about these is, if you don’t want that wavetable sound, just use the usual sine, triangle, saw, square. Add some pitch “slop” and seriously practically identical to a regular DCO/VCO. In fact in a mix you’d never hear any difference. If you could come over to my house i could show ya. 😂 It’s all good, though. Like what you like.
I love my Matriarch and would love to expand it with some modules, but I dont have any prior experience with eurorack. Any recommended modules to get started? Thanks!
Some extra lfos would be a great place to start. I like the Malekko quad lfos which have recordable automation built in, but something like a Pam’s New Workout would be great for clocked modulation too. Adding just one or two extra modulators really opens the Matriarch up 🙌
I have and love the Take-5. It is by far the best synth I’ve ever owned. Now I’m eyeing the pro 3 as well but I feel it might be redundant although it has different components. So I’m wondering if a matriarch would be better along with the take-5. If I could only choose one, it would be the pro 3 but since I have the others sequential poly I think the matriarch might add a different timbral quality
@@E_Da_SoundGod get it because it doesnt have a screen? you dont use the take-5, and i assume pro3 screen for anything but patch recall and mod matrix im sure it sounds good, but ive had eurorack and i prefer standalone gear, so "no screen" and no way to save my patches isnt a selling point to me in 2022. but i am strongly considering the sub37
Your videos are very very informative, classy and also fun! You cover aspects nobody else covers, and this is fantastic for me when trying to get a feel for various instruments and decide if they are for me or not. I wonder about something particular with the Moog Matriarch: Is it possible to send 4 separate CVs to external modules? If yes, this would be really great! Can you tell me?
I got tired of debating between these, I've had a Pro 3 for a few years and just snagged a dark edition of the Matriarch. Then I thought I'd sell the Pro 3. But nah, I think they're my one-two punch. Very intrigued by the idea of using Pro 3's CV outs to modulate/sequence the Matriarch, any experience doing this?
Haha yeah I’ve been there. Haven’t sequenced the Matriarch with the Pro 3 but that’s a great idea, and you could get some interesting things going that way. I’ve got several videos using the Matriarch with my eurorack system and one where I sequence my rack with the Pro 3. Always unlocks something interesting 👍
Jameson I have the Matriarch, but I want a Sequential synth for my collection. If you had to choose between the Rev 2 and Pro 3, which one would you choose?
Both of these synths have discrete VCOs, and the Pro uses discrete typology in the filter. I am uncertain if this is the case with the Matriarch. Both sound lovely. I think the Pro has a better build quality, a vastly better sequencer, and more flexibility with LFOs and envelopes. The filter selection, wavetables, 32 modulation slots, tuned feedback, modulation lanes, and CV connectivity, shames the Moog. The Pro 3 is similar to the Subsequent 37-if you dial up the mixer past 12 o’clock, it’s going to get aggressive quickly. Both the Pro 3 and 37 can sound warm and mellow with the proper gain staging. There are also too many features buried in arcane key presses on the Matriarch. It’s not really knob per function. The fact that I can see my envelope shapes on the screen is a plus on the Pro 3. I wish it had a oscilloscope. I own the Pro 3, Matriarch, and Subsequent 37. I’m looking to sell the Matriarch. The Matriarch’s sound is locked into a particular time, which is great if you want that. Having both of these synths, I don’t get all the love towards the Matriarch, but to each his own. Great video!
What Eurorack modules are those? I don't just mean what you used here. What all do you have on your rack? I'm wondering what kind of thing is done with that. I have been getting Moog stuff and was interested in what kind of set ups there are out there.
Thanks! around 11.30 you mention the arp feature of the matriarch, how did you achieve those sounds you show immediately after that remark? sounds awesome!
Most of them are indie films and shorts you’ve never heard of. Lol I did a feature suspense film last year called Concrete Savanna that I think is on Tubi now for free. The story is a bit hard to follow, but the music is pretty good 😂
14:00 I do this same thing all the time, always making these justifications in my head then purposefully not looking into it too much in fear it will ruin my justification haha
Do you the PRO has less "Low End" than a Pro 3 ? The Pro3 seems brighter but maybe not as much "Fata" in Low End, also compared to a Subsequent 37 , maybe ? ... Great Video.
I’ve never owned a Sub 37 but have played one. It sounds really incredible but is more limited than the Pro3 in terms of modulation. If I remember correctly, the Sub37 has two multi-waveform oscillators and a sub, where the Pro3 has three full range osc with osc3 being a wavetable oscillator.
One of the things that stops me from buying any of the new analog synths, is the inclusion of effects. I want to use everything on a machine I pay $1,500+ for... but the effects always feel as if they throw em in at the least minute because the market research said that option tested the best in their studies... if this delay is an analog delay though... me buying
@Theo Chi is it literally the 500 Series Analog Delay/104m. it says "based on" in the manual, but its just replicated and made to fit in that circuit. its the same design, same components. and it certainly is bucket brigade, theres no question about that
The grievance (minor) that I have with the Pro3 is that they push the overdrive thing. There is a distortion effect, a distortion knob, a filter drive circuit, dedicated "grunge" and tuned feedback. While I'm not against driving a synth sound, in my experience using the Pro3 I found these to be more just ripped speaker sounding stuff - and no offense to any owners, it didn't suit my ear and I haven't heard anyone put them to good sonic use. BUT I liked the clean tones of the Pro3. Thumbs up given.
I agree on the tuned feedback, and just haven’t found many ways to use it musically in my own work. I do enjoy having so many flavors of drive onboard simply because of the possibilities it opens up with the sequencer and mod matrix. Certainly easy to overdo it, but I’ve found some really good uses for it personally.
In the market for my first hardware synth. Thought it would be Moog Sub or Subsequent, but I just got hip to the Pro 3. Leaning towards the Pro 3, decisions decisions 😅
The Model D is a classic architecture for a reason and does what it does incredibly well. It’s incredibly immediate and I don’t think you can beat the sound and feel of it, but the Pro 3 can do a lot more in terms of modulation and is much more flexible for sound design. Just depends on which you prefer, but the price discrepancy is pretty vast.
Great video, thanks for you dive into these machines. I never knew the delay was that good on the matriarch. I’ve been drooling on a Pro 3 for a year now, but my ideal purchase would be a synth that also has excellent effects as well. I’d love a mono synth, but tbh my most wanted feature would be as close to a modular in a box type synth, that pairs with super great effects. Do any synth come to mind if you free up the requirements and only think in terms of the excellent effects it has?
Great question. Honestly the one that comes to mind is the Deepmind 12. Not a monosynth obviously, but some of the best onboard effects on a synth, and well integrated into the mod matrix. I believe the Polybrute’s effects are also quite good. The Pro3’s effects are certainly more than usable. I may have undersold them here due to how captivated I was with the Matriarch’s analog delay.
Have you considered the Waldorf Kb37? They don't seem to sell very well and are often marked down for a pretty competitive price, have good I/O and keybed etc You'd have to figure out what modules you want (and can fit) but this would seem to have the flexibility for you to build your modular in a box type synth, that pairs with super great effects.
I have a GRANDMA. Is a Matriarch overkill? Is a Sub 37 a smarter choice to add instead of adding a Matriarch? Or is a Pro3 a better option to pair w Grandma?
I would probably lean toward the Matriarch in that situation just because of the semi-modular capabilities of both synths. Patching them together would be a really immediate way to expand both of them. That said, it’s always hard for me not to recommend the Pro3 (which also has some cv connectivity) as that’s an amazing synth on its own.
@@JamesonNathanJones hmmm. I also have the DFAM / Sub/Mother rack set up. I appreciate your feedback. I sort of was leaning that way. Appreciate all you do here. ❤️
Your statement about the delay in the Matriarch costing about as much as the Matriarch itself, might have been tongue and cheek, but its not that far from the truth The delay in the Matriarch is based off the delay in the Moogerfooger delay pedal. These are rare and hard to come by, and go for between 1500 and 2000 dollars on the used market There are 2 delays in the Matriarch, and it goes for around 2000$, so if you think about it like that, then its a frigging bargain.....
You just had to mention flipping samples and now I'm wondering how a person would go about inverting a sampled melody 🤔. Like, it has to be possible but I've never heard of it being done. For example converting a sampled melody to its negative harmony equivalent automatically. It must be a matter of inverting frequencies along an axis; but how, and along what axis? This would make possible a form of sampled songwriting that incorporates the fugue, yet available to a layperson (well, a relative layperson who knows how to sample but not how to write a fugue.)
Medical procedures notwithstanding I totally love my modular instruments. However, pieces that take time to develop over different sessions or those pieces I want to perform infrequently, patch memory is critically important! And lack of patch memory is why I hate my modular instruments.
Had the pro3 twice sold em twice in 1 month .they click and blip and have a weird top end breaking sound. Weird maybe they were problematic units. And then i tried a matrixbrute.. oh boy. Class pure class
I’ve tried to like the Arturias, but I just can’t. I’d try using a Polybrute, if I had to do a space sci-fi soundtrack … is what its sound lends itself to, to my ear. I really don’t like their SP filter, though.
![Moog Matriarch // 5 Ambient Patches [no talking]](/img/n.gif)
I don’t know why this channel doesn’t have millions of followers. Most interesting, likable, and talented synth TH-cam personality on the entire platform.
Really appreciate that!
I agree 100%
Because he appeals to people who want information explained in an orderly, understandable manner without all the theatrics. Too many people seem to prefer someone who jumps around like a monkey in a zoo making a fool out of themselves. I LOVE this guy’s videos. One of the few people who’s videos I watch all the way through.
@@JamesonNathanJones wow what a recursive circle.
Thankyou. Still relevant in 2024 - picked up a new SE model PRO3 yesterday and haven't slept since!
The delay of the Matriarch is effectively a stereo Moogerfooger pedal and yes, it is totally worth it.
Yes matriarch is king, I would never buy a pro 3. Get a sub 37 for a paraphonic. That’s way better than a pro 3
@@daguy7575 You mean queen?
@@foreigntitles lollllll! Yeah sure! 🙈
If I ever get a matriarch it would 100% have to be the colorful version lol. Thanks for the video, as always!
I have both, definitely two totally different instruments and masterpieces in their own right. Matriarch is Moog at its best with semi modular build, but even without extra patching it is just amazing. Pro 3 is a mono monster, with 3 filters, wavetable oscillator, classic Sequential monster modulation matrix. I would never get one over the other.
Informative. I like your subtle comedy in the reviews, as well. Your Iridium videos, by far, are the ones I re-visit the most.
Pro 3 every time. I do studio sessions in Los Angeles and I get specific requests to bring the Pro 3, more than any other synth. And the flavors I've gotten from it are always next level.
Thanks for posting!
Do you have a Matriarch too?
I do. There’s no comparison. The Pro 3 wins in my opinion.
I also prefer the Subsequent 37 to the Matriarch.
The Matriarch is a good synth, but the sequencer is very basic. The key presses to access hidden features is annoying also.
The delay is wonderful, but it is a BBD delay. Other BBD delays exist.
Great video. I’ve had my Matriarch for a couple of years now and still love it for the reasons you gave (the delay!)
For arpeggios it is amazing, especially if you set different octaves (or add a fifth) for different oscillators and set the voice mode to “Round Robin” in the global settings. If you play a three, five, six, etc. note chord then the pitches from the oscillators will cycle through the pitches in the chord for interesting effects.
For me the Matriarch is the one. I really don't mind the colour version or B&W and I agree it will be a classic. Nicely done.
Thanks man! Yeah it’s a beauty for sure. Even the original color has grown on me the more I’ve seen them. Still like that dark version though 😎
Yea the Pro 3 is my Fav mono paraphonic synth for primarily its sonic transparency and ability to create a big cinematic sound. Nice vid comparison. I too prefer the black face of your Matriarch. Nice purchase. I wish the Moog One sounded like the Matriarch. I am told by those who know that the Matriarch is Moog's best sounding synth and from what I can tell listening to YT videos I would agree.
I'm really digging both you content, in general, & your overall style & approach with these vids. please do keep up the good works, sir....
The information is presented in an intelligent, well ordered fashion. When I look for information this is what I prefer. Also, is great to know that the person imparting the information actually has classical training, giving him the necessary gravitas to be taken seriously. I can trust the information as trustful and accurate. Kudos Jameson and thanks for the videos.
I dig your sounds a ton. It’s not just wind chimes and bleeps. The sounds you make feel like they have intention and mood. Now I want both of these synths. I have a system 8 and a poly d that I may sacrifice for this pair.
cant wait to get my pro3 se, think its gona be the best gear to add into my workflow for the type of music and production I create. nice video thanks!
The Pro 3 SE is possible the best mono synth ever created. It’s a real tour de force. I love mine.
I'm a straight up newb trying to figure out the world of synths... and this was a great help.
Thank you. Love your sense of humor! As usual good to get a musicians point of view.Always interesting and fun.Don't forget to listen to his music guys.
really enjoy your channel. i have made some informed but expensive decisions based on your videos
I bought the matriarch but I mean… all you guys are going to buy both too right?
Have you played with the Subsequent 37 much? I've been looking more at the Pro 3 vs. Sub 37, and I gotta be honest the biggest thing making me lean towards the Pro 3 is the big cutoff knob and the idea that I can probably play with the resonance more without killing the low-end.
Also, I'm soooooooo with you about the multicolor Matriarch. I just couldn't take is seriously until they came out with the all black one. Not that it's all about aesthetics, but you have to actually be excited about looking at something and playing with it or you'll never even use it!
What did you go for, if any? I was in the same position and went for the Subsequent 37 and love it buttttt, I've never used a Pro 3 so I'm always left wondering... what if. Ideally I'd have liked to trial them both but didnt get the opportunity.
Came here as I have the Matriarch but thinking of selling and buying the Pro3.... now I want to keep the Matriarch AND get a Pro3 haha. Anyway, great to find this channel. a breath of fresh air. new sub here! Thanks
Thanks Bruce!
I sincerely enjoy listening to you explaining stuff! Combined with the subtle and honest cringe in the video editing it really doesn't get better than that. Stay funky, bro
Haha thanks for that 🙏
Great description and comparison, thank you for the work you've done!
Great review and honest ‘chat’ about two machines…. 👍
Did absolutely no research in order to justify my purchase. So relatable haha
Cheers for this - these are the two synths I am deciding between! The moog is incredibly alluring sonically, but the pro 3 seems like such a great workhorse. I can’t say that this video helped me decide one way or the other, but it’s clear that they are both incredible instruments. I can’t help but feel the inevitable conclusion will be “both”, but I’ll need to figure out which one will hold me over long enough until I could possibly afford the other!
Haha Sorry it wasn’t much help in making a decision. They both definitely have their strengths and applications in which they excel. I’m sure you’ll love whichever you chose to start with. :)
If it will be your first hardware synth, I would say Pro-3. It's probably the one that is most "immediately useful" right off the bat. The Matriarch packs a lot, especially for an analog synth without patch memory, but with the exception of having one less oscillator the Pro-3 is more feature-rich than the Matriarch in just about every way imaginable.
If you have a few hardware synths already, I would say Matriarch. The thing that makes the Matriarch special is that you can go in and out of the sound's signal path as you please, and if you already have several synths there's a lot of territory you can explore with this patching.
Also, if you already have multiple synths the matter of "what sounds better to me" matters a lot more. Loads of people feel that Moogs have a certain aspect to their sound that is just more sonically pleasing than other synths. I own a Minitaur. It can probably do about 4 useful bass sounds really, but it does them incredibly well, so I can see where people are coming from on that. The Pro-3 is capable of a unique level of aggression in its sound though, and if you hear the thing scream and say "I want that", it will deliver nonstop.
Pro 3 for me with that lovely tuned feedback!
Do you mind share the settings for the paraphonic matriarch arp in 11:20 ? I am really curious to know how did you achieve that
The analog delay on the matriarch is worth it on its own.
More demonstrating please sounds tremendously unique!!!
Both are amazing synths although it pains me to say but I think I’d prefer the moog and like most people the delay swings it. Having said that when I played a pro 3 in a shop it was the best synth I’ve ever played completely cold in a shop. Basically I need both.
This was thoughtfully done, thanks. I think your videos went a long way to helping me offload some no-preset reissues so I could pull the trigger on a Pro3, and I’ve been very grateful I did.
Now to go play it and not wonder about Matriarch used prices.
Haha Much appreciated!
What no prest reissues did you have?
Both are great and as everyone else has said, pretty different. But the ability to expand on the matriarch is what really takes it to the next level, though it’s a costly adventure. But spending some time with it and learning what you wish you could change or add and then planning accordingly with eurorack can really expand. In my case I like the Matriarch Mixer but I was wanting something where I could pan the oscillators so I got a mega tang. And wanting more and loopable envelopes so I got everyone’s favorite maths. And then a sampler to expand on the oscillator tones. And finally a different filter if I didn’t want high resonance to suck out the low end. I don’t always use everything in every patch I made but now I have the tools to tackle basically any problem I was personally having and that’s where Semi-Modular’s can shine. Gets you that base layer of modular and then it can help you stay focused on what you want to build in a rack to expand on the semi modular.
I love the Dark version of the Matriarch
Ended up with both 😅 I sometimes feel guilty for owning multiple monos, but I can’t find it in me to sell either of them
Man you cracked me up... Great review! Subscribed!
9:54 🤌 is this a full released track? I need to know what happens!
As an Unleash the Archers fan, I keep hearing Brittney going "The Matriarch!" lol.
But I'm a Prophet girl at heart and never really been overly fond of Moog tbh.
I love your channel and the way you put things (recent-ish discovery). I've shared your videos on Originality Doesn't Exist and Music Theory Doesn't Make You A Composer numerous times. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Emily!
Already have the GrandMother (Color version is the cool one!) and with the USB receives the clock from Cubase, and through Clock Out is connected to my Euro... This video just re-reconfirmed to myself the need for the Sequential Pro 3.
That last arpeggio is very much the arp styles I use. With the Pro3, I believe you can get even deeper into more intrincate Arp and sequences, correct?
Yeah since it’s paraphonic there are some really interesting things you can do with paraphonic sequencing. 👍
Wow your Pro 3 patches sound really great! Did you think about releasing a commercial bank for it?
Thanks! I’ve thought about it, but haven’t gotten around to organizing/releasing them yet. 😅
I have both as well. Great video!
great video, thanks!
really good comparison, thank you! Would it be possible to make a video about the modular connections between Matriarch and Pro 3? I would be very curious to explore those possibilities since I have a Pro 3 and I'm considering to buy a Matriarch within the end of the year. Thank you!
That’s not a bad idea!
That would be really really appreciated 🙂
BOTH
I don't quite get the "modular integration" comparison between the two: it's true that the Matriarch seems built with modular integration in mind, but the Pro-3 has 4 CV ins and 4 CV outs and does seamlessly integrate with a modular setup, actually with tons of options à la carte, given the "self-contained" power it has. I wonder why a "Pro-3 with modular" section isn't shown in this - otherwise fully spectacular - video. Anyway, great comparison and terrific sounds from both machines, great job!
That’s true, but I guess I didn’t dwell on it because it does require a little menu diving since everything is set up via the mod matrix in the Pro3. Doesn’t get more simple than the Matriarch in terms of plug and play, but I take your point for sure. Actually have a video planned in the future about using the Pro3 with a eurorack system :)
13:48 That was maybe accurate 2 years ago, but it's not accurate any longer. In fact, 2 years ago, you would have to buy a moog matriarch in order to get your hands on a stereo bucket brigade delay. But Walrus Audio released a stereo bucket brigade pedal in late 2023, the Meraki. And it indeed has a pretty hefty price tag, but not as expensive as a matriarch. I believe the Meraki pedals go for around $600 while a Moog Matriarch retails at around $1900. I still think it's a fair deal for the Matriarch. It's not an easy task to create a stereo bucket brigade delay, because the components need to be carefully matched to make it work. This is also why supply is often not able to keep up with demand.
Thanks for sharing your interesting detail with both Synths. My first choice of purchase would be the Matriarch Dark to play as a stand alone synth with semi-modular internal patching, then later on down the track, buy into the Pro 3 to integrate with DAW.
Another great piece, and a great comparison video all around.
Thanks Carl 🙏
What do you use for creating drums? You have a dedicated hardware drum machine that cuts nicely through the mix?
Wow those machines look and sound fantastic, thanks for talking about them.
Thanks for watching, Rich 🙏
I dig your style, the mix between intelligence and integrity resulting in calling your own bullshit had me laughing to myself. Too many people take themselves too seriously - I always question why, because no one else does. Agree about loopop, man is brilliant.
LOL @14:10 Yes you do, you lucky you. Cheers!🥃
Also, now imma watch loopop's Pro-3
Love your videos and music. Do you also use software synths in your work?
Absolutely. Nothings is off limits if it sounds good. Thanks for the kind words 🙏
Really enjoyed this video, thanks!!!
I have a question.
What OTHER, more affordable synths on the market can capture the same sorts of warm.saturated, almost breaking up textural sounds as these 2?
I have tried both my Ultranova < it does not even close, but the results are still interesting> and the VST Surge XT, which gets MUCH closer with the various filter models. but the oscillators are far too thin for the right girth required go make the sound have the presence i want.
I am asking because i adore the sort of dark warbling murky nearly breaking up dripping with modulated delay pad sounds especially the Matriarch makes but there is NO WAY IN HELL i could ever dream of affording one at half the price, so i am wondering what else out there might come close ,that wouldnt cost me a fortune.
I'm gassing for Take 5 and Pro 3. Synths with sequencers I like 👍. Arturia Minibrute 2s as well
Hey Jameson. Would you recommend one of these as a first synth? Or a Prophet 6? Just curious on which would be the most versatile to start out before I add more synths later. Thanks!
If you're into sound design and sequencing, I'd say Pro3 offers more immediate gratification in that regard. If you're more of a player and prefer polyphonic, the Prophet 6 is an amazing bread and butter analog poly, but is the most limited of the three you mentioned. All three are amazing and I think you'd be happy with any of them. :)
@@JamesonNathanJones I’m mainly focused on using it for film scoring (and sometimes music in various styles for library tracks). I’ve got tons of amazing soft synths already. Just thinking maybe there’s something new hardware will bring?
I love the sound of the matriarch but is the lack of presets going to be an issue as you mentioned? Can the Pro 3 get as sweet and buttery sounding?
Then there’s the prophet 6. I love the Prophet sound, but is it versatile enough to justify the $2-3K price tag? These are the questions that currently haunt me haha
What did you do? How did it go?
I tried both the pro 3 and prophet 6 and ended up going back to soft synths. Just faster for my workflow. I also have Soundforce controllers that pair with each soft synth but don’t get to use them a ton! Hopefully will get to use them more in the future
Moog 37 or matriarch ? )
heh I feel the same way about wavetables, I pretty consistently find myself wanting to like them more than I actually do
Same for me.
I like the idea of wavetables but then mostly find the sound of wavetables is a bit like fingernails on chalkboard to my ears!
Hahahaa
I love them on the Pro 2 & 3. The thing about these is, if you don’t want that wavetable sound, just use the usual sine, triangle, saw, square. Add some pitch “slop” and seriously practically identical to a regular DCO/VCO. In fact in a mix you’d never hear any difference. If you could come over to my house i could show ya. 😂 It’s all good, though. Like what you like.
I used to feel that way until I got a asm hydrasynth. It immediately changed my perspective on wavetables.
I love my Matriarch and would love to expand it with some modules, but I dont have any prior experience with eurorack. Any recommended modules to get started? Thanks!
Some extra lfos would be a great place to start. I like the Malekko quad lfos which have recordable automation built in, but something like a Pam’s New Workout would be great for clocked modulation too. Adding just one or two extra modulators really opens the Matriarch up 🙌
14:13 everything worked out with the look of a man whose wife just put him on couch duty for a year because of this.
I have and love the Take-5. It is by far the best synth I’ve ever owned. Now I’m eyeing the pro 3 as well but I feel it might be redundant although it has different components. So I’m wondering if a matriarch would be better along with the take-5. If I could only choose one, it would be the pro 3 but since I have the others sequential poly I think the matriarch might add a different timbral quality
Get the Matriarch...Creating patches without a screen is a very intellectually gratifying experience
@@E_Da_SoundGod get it because it doesnt have a screen? you dont use the take-5, and i assume pro3 screen for anything but patch recall and mod matrix
im sure it sounds good, but ive had eurorack and i prefer standalone gear, so "no screen" and no way to save my patches isnt a selling point to me in 2022. but i am strongly considering the sub37
Your videos are very very informative, classy and also fun! You cover aspects nobody else covers, and this is fantastic for me when trying to get a feel for various instruments and decide if they are for me or not. I wonder about something particular with the Moog Matriarch: Is it possible to send 4 separate CVs to external modules? If yes, this would be really great! Can you tell me?
I got tired of debating between these, I've had a Pro 3 for a few years and just snagged a dark edition of the Matriarch. Then I thought I'd sell the Pro 3. But nah, I think they're my one-two punch.
Very intrigued by the idea of using Pro 3's CV outs to modulate/sequence the Matriarch, any experience doing this?
Haha yeah I’ve been there.
Haven’t sequenced the Matriarch with the Pro 3 but that’s a great idea, and you could get some interesting things going that way. I’ve got several videos using the Matriarch with my eurorack system and one where I sequence my rack with the Pro 3. Always unlocks something interesting 👍
Jameson I have the Matriarch, but I want a Sequential synth for my collection. If you had to choose between the Rev 2 and Pro 3, which one would you choose?
Both of these synths have discrete VCOs, and the Pro uses discrete typology in the filter. I am uncertain if this is the case with the Matriarch. Both sound lovely.
I think the Pro has a better build quality, a vastly better sequencer, and more flexibility with LFOs and envelopes. The filter selection, wavetables, 32 modulation slots, tuned feedback, modulation lanes, and CV connectivity, shames the Moog.
The Pro 3 is similar to the Subsequent 37-if you dial up the mixer past 12 o’clock, it’s going to get aggressive quickly. Both the Pro 3 and 37 can sound warm and mellow with the proper gain staging.
There are also too many features buried in arcane key presses on the Matriarch. It’s not really knob per function. The fact that I can see my envelope shapes on the screen is a plus on the Pro 3. I wish it had a oscilloscope.
I own the Pro 3, Matriarch, and Subsequent 37.
I’m looking to sell the Matriarch. The Matriarch’s sound is locked into a particular time, which is great if you want that.
Having both of these synths, I don’t get all the love towards the Matriarch, but to each his own.
Great video!
And the filter knob on the Matriarch is pitiful when compared to the Subsequent 37 and Pro 3 filter knobs.
What Eurorack modules are those? I don't just mean what you used here. What all do you have on your rack? I'm wondering what kind of thing is done with that. I have been getting Moog stuff and was interested in what kind of set ups there are out there.
Thanks! around 11.30 you mention the arp feature of the matriarch, how did you achieve those sounds you show immediately after that remark? sounds awesome!
The four oscillators are playing in round robin arp mode, so variations in octave, waveform, and tuning produce interesting results. :)
@@JamesonNathanJones very cool thanks, round robin is a setting you have to set on the moog right (not default)?
Yes, you have to go into the settings mode and change it. A bit of a pain because there’s no menu, but not too bad.
What films have you done? I’d like to check em out. 👍
Most of them are indie films and shorts you’ve never heard of. Lol I did a feature suspense film last year called Concrete Savanna that I think is on Tubi now for free. The story is a bit hard to follow, but the music is pretty good 😂
Hey we must buy from the same guy!
Both, trust me 👌✨
Can the Pro 3 do effect trails, or note trails when changing patches? - doesn't mention it anywhere.
14:00 I do this same thing all the time, always making these justifications in my head then purposefully not looking into it too much in fear it will ruin my justification haha
Do you the PRO has less "Low End" than a Pro 3 ? The Pro3 seems brighter but maybe not as much "Fata" in Low End, also compared to a Subsequent 37 , maybe ? ... Great Video.
Have you ever got the chance to play a Sub 37? If so, how would you compare the Pro 3 with the Sub37?
I’ve never owned a Sub 37 but have played one. It sounds really incredible but is more limited than the Pro3 in terms of modulation. If I remember correctly, the Sub37 has two multi-waveform oscillators and a sub, where the Pro3 has three full range osc with osc3 being a wavetable oscillator.
Sub 37 is the most sterile moog synth. The vco are not organic at all..
One of the things that stops me from buying any of the new analog synths, is the inclusion of effects. I want to use everything on a machine I pay $1,500+ for... but the effects always feel as if they throw em in at the least minute because the market research said that option tested the best in their studies... if this delay is an analog delay though... me buying
Some new synths are getting really good effects though. The Summit (I know, not totally analog) and the Polybrute, for example.
Analog af
The Matriarchs delay can be patched in to control the rest of the synths parameters as well. It's not just an afterthought.
@Theo Chi it is, actually. bucket brigade is analog and it is stereo, so you can have two separate ANALOG bbd ping pong delays in series
@Theo Chi is it literally the 500 Series Analog Delay/104m. it says "based on" in the manual, but its just replicated and made to fit in that circuit. its the same design, same components. and it certainly is bucket brigade, theres no question about that
How much would you charge for a quick crash course on making my own patch similar to the one you're showing off around 3:42?
Oh I think around $0 ought to cover it.... haha Send me an IG message sometime and I'll try to dig up the patch and do a quick deconstruction for you.
The grievance (minor) that I have with the Pro3 is that they push the overdrive thing. There is a distortion effect, a distortion knob, a filter drive circuit, dedicated "grunge" and tuned feedback. While I'm not against driving a synth sound, in my experience using the Pro3 I found these to be more just ripped speaker sounding stuff - and no offense to any owners, it didn't suit my ear and I haven't heard anyone put them to good sonic use. BUT I liked the clean tones of the Pro3. Thumbs up given.
I agree on the tuned feedback, and just haven’t found many ways to use it musically in my own work. I do enjoy having so many flavors of drive onboard simply because of the possibilities it opens up with the sequencer and mod matrix. Certainly easy to overdo it, but I’ve found some really good uses for it personally.
I also like its two midi outputs 👍🏻
In the market for my first hardware synth. Thought it would be Moog Sub or Subsequent, but I just got hip to the Pro 3. Leaning towards the Pro 3, decisions decisions 😅
I really cannot comment on the Matriarch……. But I’d never part with my Pro 3 …… PERIOD!!!! .. It genuinely makes me smile every time i play it …
I bought both. Sold my Pro 3 and selling my Matriarch soon. Discovered i really need a filter per voice otherwise i go crazy :p
don’t take this wrong, but i like your vibe, Jameson.
Thanks!!
Pro 3 vs minimoog 2022? How close does the pro 3 get?
The Model D is a classic architecture for a reason and does what it does incredibly well. It’s incredibly immediate and I don’t think you can beat the sound and feel of it, but the Pro 3 can do a lot more in terms of modulation and is much more flexible for sound design. Just depends on which you prefer, but the price discrepancy is pretty vast.
Great video, thanks for you dive into these machines. I never knew the delay was that good on the matriarch. I’ve been drooling on a Pro 3 for a year now, but my ideal purchase would be a synth that also has excellent effects as well. I’d love a mono synth, but tbh my most wanted feature would be as close to a modular in a box type synth, that pairs with super great effects.
Do any synth come to mind if you free up the requirements and only think in terms of the excellent effects it has?
Great question. Honestly the one that comes to mind is the Deepmind 12. Not a monosynth obviously, but some of the best onboard effects on a synth, and well integrated into the mod matrix. I believe the Polybrute’s effects are also quite good.
The Pro3’s effects are certainly more than usable. I may have undersold them here due to how captivated I was with the Matriarch’s analog delay.
Have you considered the Waldorf Kb37? They don't seem to sell very well and are often marked down for a pretty competitive price, have good I/O and keybed etc
You'd have to figure out what modules you want (and can fit) but this would seem to have the flexibility for you to build your modular in a box type synth, that pairs with super great effects.
What do you use as a sampler to capture the matriarch? Computer or sample keyboard?
I recorded everything into a daw (Cubase)
“…because Loopop exists and no one else should even try.” Haha, perfect reason to no get into specs too deep.
Interesting! Rev 2 here daydreaming to add Matriarch
I have a GRANDMA. Is a Matriarch overkill? Is a Sub 37 a smarter choice to add instead of adding a Matriarch? Or is a Pro3 a better option to pair w Grandma?
I would probably lean toward the Matriarch in that situation just because of the semi-modular capabilities of both synths. Patching them together would be a really immediate way to expand both of them. That said, it’s always hard for me not to recommend the Pro3 (which also has some cv connectivity) as that’s an amazing synth on its own.
@@JamesonNathanJones hmmm. I also have the DFAM / Sub/Mother rack set up. I appreciate your feedback. I sort of was leaning that way. Appreciate all you do here. ❤️
If you have the budget for, I would suggest to get a poly synth since you already have a mono one.
Your statement about the delay in the Matriarch costing about as much as the Matriarch itself, might have been tongue and cheek, but its not that far from the truth
The delay in the Matriarch is based off the delay in the Moogerfooger delay pedal. These are rare and hard to come by, and go for between 1500 and 2000 dollars on the used market
There are 2 delays in the Matriarch, and it goes for around 2000$, so if you think about it like that, then its a frigging bargain.....
It wasn’t tongue-in-cheek.
I'll take the colored moog just to have one!!!
Perfect Circuit ROX‼️
Have the pro 3 . Matriarch is a wet dream but no more wet than a virus darkstar... it looks beautiful tho.
You just had to mention flipping samples and now I'm wondering how a person would go about inverting a sampled melody 🤔. Like, it has to be possible but I've never heard of it being done. For example converting a sampled melody to its negative harmony equivalent automatically. It must be a matter of inverting frequencies along an axis; but how, and along what axis? This would make possible a form of sampled songwriting that incorporates the fugue, yet available to a layperson (well, a relative layperson who knows how to sample but not how to write a fugue.)
Or maybe it was just so I could do a funny edit. We'll just have to settle for our standard retrograded samples I suppose. Haha
Modern vintage sounds OK with me!!!
Great video. I own a color matriarch, lol'd at the part about the delay price. It certainly puts the overall value in perspective.
Here because I'm looking at selling my Grandmother for the Matriarch.
Have a Pro3. Want a matriarch bad. Real bad hahaha this video did not help me move on from that desire 🤣 edit to say great video btw
Haha thanks! And you’ve described a feeling I know all too well 😅
14:10 hahahaha!
Medical procedures notwithstanding I totally love my modular instruments. However, pieces that take time to develop over different sessions or those pieces I want to perform infrequently, patch memory is critically important! And lack of patch memory is why I hate my modular instruments.
Different tools for different jobs 👍
Had the pro3 twice sold em twice in 1 month
.they click and blip and have a weird top end breaking sound. Weird maybe they were problematic units. And then i tried a matrixbrute.. oh boy. Class pure class
I’ve tried to like the Arturias, but I just can’t. I’d try using a Polybrute, if I had to do a space sci-fi soundtrack … is what its sound lends itself to, to my ear. I really don’t like their SP filter, though.