Timbre Wolf is a weird, quirky synth. It can't do many things other synths do with ease, but also I does a couple things that other synths would struggle to do. If you play to its strengths and work around its weaknesses it can produce cool results. I use one as my main bass, and I am really, really happy with it.
Hello! Late to the party I know! Can you use the internal sequencer in poly mode? Creating a poly sequence that doesn’t require any other additional gear? Thanks!
I own the Timbre wolf. Bought it used for $100. Tune knobs do nothing besides microtonaly put you out of tune. Not enough to tune down to a third or anything so don't touch them. I use it with an external lfo and just stock it's a wicked bass with the howl knob. I love it lol.
IThe Timber Wolf definanly has its place with all the rest. It is my go to syth when I am doing the Dorrs Tunes . Like Ray Manzariks bass piano I love my Timber Wolf even though they make fun of me in most groups. There isn't even a Timber Wolf Face Book Group. Dang.
I am going to make my first album completely on this synthesizer and a few effects pedals. It will be released a few years from now. It will be hailed as an emotional masterpiece of modern minimalist avant pop music and Timbre Wolfs will go for thousands of dollars in the used market. Original NIB Timbre Wolf, Buy It Now: $2958.00. Mark my words!!!!
great song man! You are living proof that the Timbre wolf is awesome. I just got one a week ago from a pawn shop for $140 and I haven't been able to pry my fingers off of it since
This no nonsense review made me seek out the Timbre Wolf and I dig it. I already had the RW and TC so the synth was a no brainer. It’s such a lovable goofball. Your main melody on the jam was really groovy!
It bares mentioning that there's no ADSR/VCA/LFO... That having been said, I made a whole Album with this thing. Even the Drums on 2 of the 5 tracks ( the third being sans Percussion & the other two being interludes with Reason's ReDrum). I've had it nearly a year now & it really has challenged me to be creative in my Tuning. I don't regret buying it. Effects are a must! But hell, for $199, brand spankin' new. You can't go wrong. A Korg Sq1 is $99! It has two independent patterns ( which are only 8 steps ). So, you would need two of them to even approach the Sequencer in the Wolf, bringing the price to $198. But, of course... the SQ1 is also not a Synthesizer. Certainly not a Polyphonic Synthesizer! My biggest complaint is that the "Last Step" feature is global & not Voice specific. Imagine if you could Sequence 4 independently Polyrhythmic patterns!? I'm keeping my fingers crossed for this to be updated in Firmware/via a Mod! Nice video production√
@@roberttodd2414 Sorry I never got this notification. It's called " Omega Circuits ( Sketches w/the Akai Timbre Wolf )" ...it's free on my BandCamp page. I'm also Caalam DOT us Actually, you can find it here on my TH-cam page, with accompanying Music Videos too. Thanks for your interest :]
Okay, so I have a question. I currently bought one of these without doing enough research and I can't for the life of me get my midi clock to get the timbre wolf to follow the speed. i have it plugged into the only cv input, so is there some button I'm supposed to be pressing first?
Anybody know if anyone still sells NEW Tom Cats? They seem to have vanished... I kept waiting for a price drop since I only paid $150 for my Rhythm Wolf new.
It really depends on what you're wanting with your sound. One is a monophonic synth and the other can be poly. Personally, I would want both because to me they sound SO good together. But the Monologue is a smarter built machine. I wish I could have done a review of it but since I've moved across country, I sold it. I might pick it up again sometime soon. The TW, though I love the sound of it, it's already outstayed it's welcome in my lineup because it's such a unique sound. I wouldn't say getting a TW is a bad option, but it gets old if you use it as much as you could the Monologue. My opinion would to pass, but if you get the cash, I'd pick up a TW at some point if you're interested. The sound is dope.
Considering how cheap the Timber Wolf goes for, I would offer to BUY the Timber Wolf off him, personally, I would rather have the wolf than a monologue, the wolf is unique, the monologue is just another in a line "New analog" monos that don't really have much that makes them stand out. However, a used Timber Wolf is not worth the same amount of money as a monologue (Not yet anyway, in years to come I expect the price to go way up for the Wolf, not so much for the monologue) so yeah...I'd get the wolf but get your friend to kick down some cash as well, he probably will as I'm sure he CAN'T STAND the Timber Wolf, either you like it or you HATE IT
Great video! I have the same feelings about the rhythm wolf, (even though I no longer own one, but made sure to get lots of recorded jams). Purists and Synth Elitists mock these viciously, but really you can get the tom cat or rhythm wolf for the price of a volca beats. I love the build on this series too, and the connectivity and sequencing potentials also make it worth it. I hope to find a Timbre Wolf out in the wild on the cheap, someday, mostly when I have a little more room in my place. I look forward to seeing more jams from you (I've sub'd, feel free to check out my jams as well)! Good balance of talking vs jamming! Are you on the synthesizers & drum machines facebook group? You can share all the Akai jams there you want, and no one will trash talk you. Great positive vibes.
That's for the kind words! I'm a member of a synth group for the city I live in, but not the one you're referring to. One of my next videos will be about the Akai Tomcat, and maybe one day I'll get my hand on a RW and review that too.
oh nice! I'm sure you'll be able to scoop one up used for like $125 check it out "synthesizers and drum machines" a great place to share your jams and meet like-minded synth wizards, and it helps in building a strong youtube presence since it's 20,000 people in there who are interested in these kinds of jams. I think I get a new subscriber or two everytime I post a jam. A lot of knowledgeable people who share ideas and tutorials and smart discussions. Gear bashing results in exile from the group. (I'm not a moderator there or anything, just a fan) Anywho, see you next time.
The trick to get something halfway decent out of it is to leave it in unison mode forever & tie some of the notes, use velocity on some notes & use legato. The Additional outboard effects are an absolute necessity.
I had a chuckle at the part where you state that "the tuning feature is practically useless.. [..] it tunes it differently - whats the point in that?" - nice comedic timing, too:-) I get what you mean by tuning it to form single press chords, detuning OSCs for 4ths or 5ths. But older synths (my Behringer CAT clone for example) use the tuning knobs to compensate for the drift in pitch that is common to mostly older analog synths. The Korg Monologue you have in the back (awesome little monster synth, I deeply love mine) has an autotune feature that does this for you, while on other machines you have to do it manually. I myself quite enjoy the sometimes necessary pitch tuning of those machines. It is my little Zen moment, listening to 2 different pitches phasing closer to each other, until they align perfectly and there is just one big sound in the center of your head.
yeah I was a little dumb and didn't realize that the tuning feature isn't exactly something you use in mono or poly mode. When it's in unison you can get that nice phasing sound. Thanks for the comment!
Do you still reach for the timbre wolf now? It’s hard to find used. Wish I grabbed one when they were $199. One on Reverb for $300. Just seems too high for a synth that needs additional gear to come ‘alive’. Thx!
So it plays constant distortion at clipping levels and then you use a knob to add an almost musical sounding noise to it to make it louder? Pretty innovative if you ask me. Moog watch your ass!
I'm new to the synthesizers I bought one of these as a demo from Guitar Center and there was sounds and rhythms programmed into it could anybody direct me how to get this thing back to the factory setting or erase the programs by chance? Thanks
I've been watching videos on this. With the midi in, out and thru and the 4 individual outs, I feel like this was made to pair up with other gear. I would use the 4 outs for guitar pedals to really create something unique. I haven't seen anyone do that. I guess people hate on this without seeing it's full potential.
I'm seeing some decent prices for a used Timbre Wolf nowadays, probably because a lot of people hate it. I definitely wouldn't pay $500 but if you can get it for around $200 and run it through some effects I think it would be a great studio addition.
Bit late to the party but enjoyed your review and jam, thank you sir! Honestly, I came here because I just scored one on eBay, cheap enough, for a dabble and maybe a video or two. Liked and subscribed 👍
I don't think I'll get one just yet. It's a 1 osc per voice, 4 part polyphonic synth with round-robin note allocation and some kind of note stealing, probably random or it figures out which one has the most decayed VCA and steals that. The oscillator tune knob is useful in unison mode, but that's all. I was hoping this would be a 4 osc/voice poly synth, but it's not so I think I'll pass. This is very different from something like a Roland Juno or Jupiter (JU-x in the new 'boutique' boxes), which can play 6 notes at a time, with 2 oscillators per note.
True, it does to poly but only plays 4 notes at a time (I think I remember that correctly). I have a real Juno 106 and I've played the Juno boutique... I can't tell the difference! They did a very, very nice job at modeling their equipment in a small package.
Roland did a good job with the boutique stuff. They're way better than any of PCM based MC-x0x groove boxes they released in '96. I used to have Jupiters and Junos taking up so much space and unfortunately traded them in for stuff like the Korg wavetable/workstation synths. Woops! Bad idea. I really miss the MC-202s now with their sub-osc and compact size.
Its probably already too late, these aren't being made anymore, any stores with back stock blew them out at unheard of low prices ......and you know what happens to quirky unique synthesizers once they are no longer readily availlable.....
Dude.....the difference beween a real juno or jupiter and those boutique toys is HUGE, they aren't the same thing (Except for the Jupiter 6 which was a piece of shit)
Looks good but like the Trigger Finger Pro by M-Audio (coincidentally of the same parent company) is let down by bad internals. The beauty is only skin deep.
yeah, funny you mention that. I've used this as a controller before and it's awesome. The sound itself is a personal choice, I like it. The sequencer to use for other instruments that have midi but don't have a built in sequencer.
lol. The tuning keys are for making detuned mono synth sounds. Similar to what you hear in trance etc. this is a live player’s synth. It’s not for sampling insane sounds. It’s for making actual songs. Oh yeah….
Cool. Thanks for the overview! And a second look at it. I played a display model of the Timbre Wolf, it was marked down a bit but not enough. Your review has me doubting my dismissal of the unit; I'm thinking it's worth it if it gets close to 200. It sounds pretty good even if inflexible. Maybe there's a niche for it after all. I get the feeling a Minilogue would be better to save up for though.
If it's a question between getting TW or a Minilogue, I would deeeefinitley go for the Minilogue. That machine is incredible and much more expansive. However, you're right, it'll never sound like the TW. For better or for worse depends on the song. The TW was developed as a "hard-hitting" synth, however they were way off. It is better suited for mellower tunes.
True, but the build of them is one thing, it's the sound that matters to me. I think that's what drove to price of the msrp of the tw up, the build was so solid. However the minilogue can do stuff that wouldn't be found in anything other than a waldorf blofeld.
Yeah, I was super excited about the log until I got my hands on one. Being a DAWless musician, the actual physical feel of a synth is half the ballgame to me. Like maybe V-beats sound betta than the Wolf too but I find myself more inclined to BANG out beats on the Wolf vs trying to keep finger prints off my Volcas. Maybe I'm just crazy.
Great review & tune! I love the TW - yep it has it's limitations and those chintzy side panels but it has a unique sound and a nice step sequencer. The detune can be used to thicken up the unison sound, so not entirely useless, but yeah a bit more range would be nice :)
Unique sound??? Nope. The kind of sound you can get pretty easily with any free VST synth (which can generally do much much more than the Timbre chicken... sorry wolf).
That was my gripe with the wolf. Beautiful look. Edgy low fi sound. The snare was absolutely tough to bring out though without being able to eq it individually.
@@bobbywizdum5248 agreed.. I ended up scoring a mint Tom Cat for a song, and I am working around it as best I can but it was worth it for what I paid.. it sounds great.
@@teddym2808 absolutely. Its a great accessory piece. Would i build an album around it? Probably not unless every track was meant to he dirty and edgy. Id love to hear it at 3 db in mono on 1/4 inch tape. I sold my rythm wolf around 2016 but i miss it at times. The kick and hats are unique as they come. Have you played with the timber? Im on the fence about addding one
I have the Wolf rhytm, and it would be fun to own this one as well, just to have the pair of it.. They have many drawbacks, but hey, they can be great fun if you dont take them to serious, they are nicely build quality, and sturdy as tanks, will have my eyes open for this, thanks for demo, greetings, Levi in sweden
Ah man, the Volca FM is one of my favorite instruments. It's got a bunch of neat tricks and it really take the FM synth module outside of the realm of the 80's and into a more modern approach. I would do a video on it, but I'd recommend checking out Knob's little video on it, it convinced me to buy one right away.
right?! That's my thought too. I feel like there's hate on it now but in the future people are going to be trying to buy them for much more money than they're being sold now because they're so unique.
If you're in or near L.A, there's one available on Craigslist right now for under $200. I'm checking out these reviews and I'm not really sold on it myself. (great review here, btw) Good luck, bro.
Akai named their synthesizers AX(number) from the start because their genius might just hurt-- much alike the truth. One must turn to the legendary Sir Akai Dan of Japan for their third eye to open and experience the otherworldly powers put into an Akai Professional(TM)(R)(C) hardware synthesizer. Papa Akai Dan bless me hearties.
Getting my Timbre Wolf in a couple of days. It cost me £200, which is insanely cheap. I think they sound amazing. I honestly think it will be a future classic.
I often times had them work together, they sound amazing together. The Monologue, however, is a much more diverse and powerful machine. I just sold mine to upgrade to something better, but I kinda regret it. Its ability to save 20 sounds, it's oscillators, microtuning, yada yada yada... there really is no fair comparison. I highly recommend it. The only thing that it doesn't have that the TW does is the ability to do more than a 16 step sequence. However you can record motion in your sequence, and that alone trumps having the ability to do 32 steps.
I would say it's worth a try, it's one of the strangest synths I've ever played. I still love it and have written many lovely songs with it. The 32 step sequencer is worth it too.
Actually I do not have any of the problems you present in your video... I just recommend not to use the distortion. With some good external effects you really can make the timbre wolf sound great. Please watch the videos on my channel where I used it very often :-)
I used a lot of external effects with this guy too during actual recording sessions (just not for this video), and I love doing so. I never said I don't like the unit. I actually really like the sound of the distortion that Akai uses for their analog units, even if it is kinda noisy in the mix. I'll be sure to check out your videos.
But 25 keys and 1 octave up or down is a total of 6 octaves. A piano has 8 1/2 and the outer 1 1/2-2 octaves on each side is barely usable. I think its enough.
"There's not a lot of live stuff to do other than pushing buttons at the right time." or...You Could Play the Keys! jk, sort of, lmao Good review :) suggest Boss MO-2, changes the colour of the fur...
Very sympathetic review, but I still have no time for this instrument. Can't believe that here in 2021 people are trying to sell these for $700. A Microbrute goes for $300 and has some genuine character. Korg and Behringer also have a bunch of interesting instruments for less than $500. The Timbre Wolf just isn't worth it.
You're payin for only knobs on this toy ! Akai could have put in an extra $20 in production cost and put in an MS2000 processor. Heck, the Kaossilator has more processing power !!!
Congrats you succeeded in convincing a bunch of millennial that this synth is a cool niche synth worthy of buying. As of this writing I'm seeing prices of over 500 bucks for this shit synth. which I find hillarious.
Still not sold on the Timbre Wolf however I believe this is the fairest review it has ever gotten. Good job!
Thanks man! If I were give it a grade, I'd give it a B-.
Timbre Wolf is a weird, quirky synth. It can't do many things other synths do with ease, but also I does a couple things that other synths would struggle to do. If you play to its strengths and work around its weaknesses it can produce cool results. I use one as my main bass, and I am really, really happy with it.
Lol. We reviewed the same synth a week apart hahaha! Great minds think alike. Keep it up man!
You too man, love your videos!
Hello! Late to the party I know! Can you use the internal sequencer in poly mode? Creating a poly sequence that doesn’t require any other additional gear? Thanks!
the sequencer can be used in all modes including poly. It's not intuitive, but it works.
Built like a tank and sounds like one. That's also genuine synthetic wood grain.
I like the way you Look when you reviewed the wolfy🤣🤣🤣
I own the Timbre wolf. Bought it used for $100. Tune knobs do nothing besides microtonaly put you out of tune. Not enough to tune down to a third or anything so don't touch them. I use it with an external lfo and just stock it's a wicked bass with the howl knob. I love it lol.
IThe Timber Wolf definanly has its place with all the rest. It is my go to syth when I am doing the Dorrs Tunes . Like Ray Manzariks bass piano I love my Timber Wolf even though they make fun of me in most groups. There isn't even a Timber Wolf Face Book Group. Dang.
I am going to make my first album completely on this synthesizer and a few effects pedals. It will be released a few years from now. It will be hailed as an emotional masterpiece of modern minimalist avant pop music and Timbre Wolfs will go for thousands of dollars in the used market. Original NIB Timbre Wolf, Buy It Now: $2958.00. Mark my words!!!!
XD
making me want a Tamber Wolf. Those drawbacks just sound like kinda limitations that ad to the synth's uniqueness.
I believe limitations lead to creativity. I do think that these drawbacks are minor and the sound of the Tumbar Wulf is awesome/dirty/unique.
Stockholm Syndrome
Sure they are
Came for the review. Stayed for the music.
👍🤖✋
"Grasshoppers" is the video that convinced me to buy a Timber Wolf. For real.
Basement Arcade wow. Am flattered. Thank you! Your stuff is great , too. Keep it coming! 🔊🔊🔈🔉🔊
great song man! You are living proof that the Timbre wolf is awesome. I just got one a week ago from a pawn shop for $140 and I haven't been able to pry my fingers off of it since
Thanks man! That's a good price too!
This no nonsense review made me seek out the Timbre Wolf and I dig it. I already had the RW and TC so the synth was a no brainer. It’s such a lovable goofball. Your main melody on the jam was really groovy!
It bares mentioning that there's no ADSR/VCA/LFO...
That having been said, I made a whole Album with this thing. Even the Drums on 2 of the 5 tracks ( the third being sans Percussion & the other two being interludes with Reason's ReDrum).
I've had it nearly a year now & it really has challenged me to be creative in my Tuning. I don't regret buying it.
Effects are a must! But hell, for $199, brand spankin' new. You can't go wrong.
A Korg Sq1 is $99! It has two independent patterns ( which are only 8 steps ). So, you would need two of them to even approach the Sequencer in the Wolf, bringing the price to $198. But, of course... the SQ1 is also not a Synthesizer. Certainly not a Polyphonic Synthesizer!
My biggest complaint is that the "Last Step" feature is global & not Voice specific. Imagine if you could Sequence 4 independently Polyrhythmic patterns!?
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for this to be updated in Firmware/via a Mod!
Nice video production√
@@roberttodd2414 Sorry I never got this notification. It's called
"
Omega Circuits ( Sketches w/the Akai Timbre Wolf )"
...it's free on my BandCamp page. I'm also Caalam DOT us
Actually, you can find it here on my TH-cam page, with accompanying Music Videos too.
Thanks for your interest :]
I just remember that unique demonstration at one of those world wide events...Absolutely unforgettable, so bad it was good.
Okay, so I have a question. I currently bought one of these without doing enough research and I can't for the life of me get my midi clock to get the timbre wolf to follow the speed. i have it plugged into the only cv input, so is there some button I'm supposed to be pressing first?
READ THE MANUAL....its a really simple piece of gear, why haven't you read the manual?
I use mine as a 4x Oscillator inside of a Modular System. In this config I can build up to 4 mono synths with total different sound.
Anybody know if anyone still sells NEW Tom Cats? They seem to have vanished... I kept waiting for a price drop since I only paid $150 for my Rhythm Wolf new.
Whats better monologue or wolf? I have monologue now but friend of mine wants to swap his wolf with my korg...Which one would you leave?
It really depends on what you're wanting with your sound. One is a monophonic synth and the other can be poly. Personally, I would want both because to me they sound SO good together. But the Monologue is a smarter built machine. I wish I could have done a review of it but since I've moved across country, I sold it. I might pick it up again sometime soon. The TW, though I love the sound of it, it's already outstayed it's welcome in my lineup because it's such a unique sound. I wouldn't say getting a TW is a bad option, but it gets old if you use it as much as you could the Monologue. My opinion would to pass, but if you get the cash, I'd pick up a TW at some point if you're interested. The sound is dope.
Considering how cheap the Timber Wolf goes for, I would offer to BUY the Timber Wolf off him, personally, I would rather have the wolf than a monologue, the wolf is unique, the monologue is just another in a line "New analog" monos that don't really have much that makes them stand out. However, a used Timber Wolf is not worth the same amount of money as a monologue (Not yet anyway, in years to come I expect the price to go way up for the Wolf, not so much for the monologue) so yeah...I'd get the wolf but get your friend to kick down some cash as well, he probably will as I'm sure he CAN'T STAND the Timber Wolf, either you like it or you HATE IT
Easy...do what I do...BUY BOTH!
Great video!
I have the same feelings about the rhythm wolf, (even though I no longer own one, but made sure to get lots of recorded jams).
Purists and Synth Elitists mock these viciously, but really you can get the tom cat or rhythm wolf for the price of a volca beats. I love the build on this series too, and the connectivity and sequencing potentials also make it worth it.
I hope to find a Timbre Wolf out in the wild on the cheap, someday, mostly when I have a little more room in my place.
I look forward to seeing more jams from you (I've sub'd, feel free to check out my jams as well)! Good balance of talking vs jamming! Are you on the synthesizers & drum machines facebook group? You can share all the Akai jams there you want, and no one will trash talk you. Great positive vibes.
That's for the kind words! I'm a member of a synth group for the city I live in, but not the one you're referring to. One of my next videos will be about the Akai Tomcat, and maybe one day I'll get my hand on a RW and review that too.
oh nice! I'm sure you'll be able to scoop one up used for like $125
check it out "synthesizers and drum machines" a great place to share your jams and meet like-minded synth wizards, and it helps in building a strong youtube presence since it's 20,000 people in there who are interested in these kinds of jams. I think I get a new subscriber or two everytime I post a jam. A lot of knowledgeable people who share ideas and tutorials and smart discussions. Gear bashing results in exile from the group. (I'm not a moderator there or anything, just a fan)
Anywho, see you next time.
The trick to get something halfway decent out of it is to leave it in unison mode forever & tie some of the notes, use velocity on some notes & use legato. The Additional outboard effects are an absolute necessity.
I had a chuckle at the part where you state that "the tuning feature is practically useless.. [..] it tunes it differently - whats the point in that?" - nice comedic timing, too:-)
I get what you mean by tuning it to form single press chords, detuning OSCs for 4ths or 5ths. But older synths (my Behringer CAT clone for example) use the tuning knobs to compensate for the drift in pitch that is common to mostly older analog synths. The Korg Monologue you have in the back (awesome little monster synth, I deeply love mine) has an autotune feature that does this for you, while on other machines you have to do it manually.
I myself quite enjoy the sometimes necessary pitch tuning of those machines. It is my little Zen moment, listening to 2 different pitches phasing closer to each other, until they align perfectly and there is just one big sound in the center of your head.
yeah I was a little dumb and didn't realize that the tuning feature isn't exactly something you use in mono or poly mode. When it's in unison you can get that nice phasing sound. Thanks for the comment!
Do you still reach for the timbre wolf now? It’s hard to find used. Wish I grabbed one when they were $199. One on Reverb for $300. Just seems too high for a synth that needs additional gear to come ‘alive’. Thx!
On Reverb, they seem to go up and down, just wait 6 months, they'll be back down to $200 or so.
So it plays constant distortion at clipping levels and then you use a knob to add an almost musical sounding noise to it to make it louder? Pretty innovative if you ask me. Moog watch your ass!
I wish someone would go over how useful a sequencer it is, for driving other vsts for example.
I hear ya. I would say that the sequencer is very ticky tacky. You have the play the note right on time in order to make it work.
Looks like you also have the Tom Cat. What Yamaha module do you have next to your Korg setup?
I'm new to the synthesizers I bought one of these as a demo from Guitar Center and there was sounds and rhythms programmed into it could anybody direct me how to get this thing back to the factory setting or erase the programs by chance? Thanks
There is no factory reset for the Timbre Wolf.
READ THE MANUAL....this is one of the simplest synthesizers out there, if you an't understand its manual then you should sell it.
Just bought one on Reverb! Can't wait!
I've been watching videos on this. With the midi in, out and thru and the 4 individual outs, I feel like this was made to pair up with other gear. I would use the 4 outs for guitar pedals to really create something unique. I haven't seen anyone do that. I guess people hate on this without seeing it's full potential.
Word. I plugged all the individual outputs and panned them while playing a simple line and it sounded gorgeous.
"Let m talk about the pros... IT IS STURDY!"
LOL
Is that an Yamaha RX-21 drum machine back there? Sweet.
It is indeed. I did my first video on it here too!
"it has a unique sound"...yeh so do i when i visit the toilet
I love mine, it’s so cute but very well built, not the best sounding analog synth but I love the sequencer.
The sequencer is far better than people give it credit for. That's for sure.
I'm seeing some decent prices for a used Timbre Wolf nowadays, probably because a lot of people hate it. I definitely wouldn't pay $500 but if you can get it for around $200 and run it through some effects I think it would be a great studio addition.
Bit late to the party but enjoyed your review and jam, thank you sir! Honestly, I came here because I just scored one on eBay, cheap enough, for a dabble and maybe a video or two. Liked and subscribed 👍
Welcome :)
I don't think I'll get one just yet. It's a 1 osc per voice, 4 part polyphonic synth with round-robin note allocation and some kind of note stealing, probably random or it figures out which one has the most decayed VCA and steals that. The oscillator tune knob is useful in unison mode, but that's all. I was hoping this would be a 4 osc/voice poly synth, but it's not so I think I'll pass.
This is very different from something like a Roland Juno or Jupiter (JU-x in the new 'boutique' boxes), which can play 6 notes at a time, with 2 oscillators per note.
True, it does to poly but only plays 4 notes at a time (I think I remember that correctly). I have a real Juno 106 and I've played the Juno boutique... I can't tell the difference! They did a very, very nice job at modeling their equipment in a small package.
Roland did a good job with the boutique stuff. They're way better than any of PCM based MC-x0x groove boxes they released in '96. I used to have Jupiters and Junos taking up so much space and unfortunately traded them in for stuff like the Korg wavetable/workstation synths. Woops! Bad idea. I really miss the MC-202s now with their sub-osc and compact size.
Its probably already too late, these aren't being made anymore, any stores with back stock blew them out at unheard of low prices ......and you know what happens to quirky unique synthesizers once they are no longer readily availlable.....
Dude.....the difference beween a real juno or jupiter and those boutique toys is HUGE, they aren't the same thing (Except for the Jupiter 6 which was a piece of shit)
@@donallfinn How is it that the Jupiter 6 divides opinion so much?! People either rave about them or are completely scathing.
Looks good but like the Trigger Finger Pro by M-Audio (coincidentally of the same parent company) is let down by bad internals. The beauty is only skin deep.
yeah, funny you mention that. I've used this as a controller before and it's awesome. The sound itself is a personal choice, I like it. The sequencer to use for other instruments that have midi but don't have a built in sequencer.
almost traded my OP-Z for one of those and a huge graphic equalizer but i got a deepmind 12 instead
lol. The tuning keys are for making detuned mono synth sounds. Similar to what you hear in trance etc. this is a live player’s synth. It’s not for sampling insane sounds. It’s for making actual songs. Oh yeah….
I have found this synth very useful.
Thanks for sharing this...I like your balanced perspective on this synth.
Cool. Thanks for the overview! And a second look at it. I played a display model of the Timbre Wolf, it was marked down a bit but not enough. Your review has me doubting my dismissal of the unit; I'm thinking it's worth it if it gets close to 200. It sounds pretty good even if inflexible. Maybe there's a niche for it after all. I get the feeling a Minilogue would be better to save up for though.
If it's a question between getting TW or a Minilogue, I would deeeefinitley go for the Minilogue. That machine is incredible and much more expansive. However, you're right, it'll never sound like the TW. For better or for worse depends on the song. The TW was developed as a "hard-hitting" synth, however they were way off. It is better suited for mellower tunes.
I got one for 200 brand new from GC a year ago. I think they can be found for like $239 now...
The Minilogue on the other hand feels like a fragile toy whereas the Wolf is built like a beast.
True, but the build of them is one thing, it's the sound that matters to me. I think that's what drove to price of the msrp of the tw up, the build was so solid. However the minilogue can do stuff that wouldn't be found in anything other than a waldorf blofeld.
Yeah, I was super excited about the log until I got my hands on one. Being a DAWless musician, the actual physical feel of a synth is half the ballgame to me. Like maybe V-beats sound betta than the Wolf too but I find myself more inclined to BANG out beats on the Wolf vs trying to keep finger prints off my Volcas. Maybe I'm just crazy.
Great review & tune! I love the TW - yep it has it's limitations and those chintzy side panels but it has a unique sound and a nice step sequencer. The detune can be used to thicken up the unison sound, so not entirely useless, but yeah a bit more range would be nice :)
Ah, I hadn't thought of it's usage in the Unison mode, in that sense they should have given it a tone more range. Thanks!
Unique sound??? Nope. The kind of sound you can get pretty easily with any free VST synth (which can generally do much much more than the Timbre chicken... sorry wolf).
LOL akai give individual outs here yet with both the tom cat and rhythm wold, the drum sounds are all summed together. Work that out.
That was my gripe with the wolf. Beautiful look. Edgy low fi sound. The snare was absolutely tough to bring out though without being able to eq it individually.
@@bobbywizdum5248 agreed.. I ended up scoring a mint Tom Cat for a song, and I am working around it as best I can but it was worth it for what I paid.. it sounds great.
@@teddym2808 absolutely. Its a great accessory piece. Would i build an album around it? Probably not unless every track was meant to he dirty and edgy. Id love to hear it at 3 db in mono on 1/4 inch tape. I sold my rythm wolf around 2016 but i miss it at times. The kick and hats are unique as they come. Have you played with the timber? Im on the fence about addding one
I have the Wolf rhytm, and it would be fun to own this one as well, just to have the pair of it.. They have many drawbacks, but hey, they can be great fun if you dont take them to serious, they are nicely build quality, and sturdy as tanks, will have my eyes open for this, thanks for demo, greetings, Levi in sweden
nice vid! own a volca sample and TW myself and getting around to it.. might look to add a Volca FM soon. How do you like yours??
Ah man, the Volca FM is one of my favorite instruments. It's got a bunch of neat tricks and it really take the FM synth module outside of the realm of the 80's and into a more modern approach. I would do a video on it, but I'd recommend checking out Knob's little video on it, it convinced me to buy one right away.
thanks! I will do so. have a good one!
It is hard to kill, you can mod the hell out of it.
nice jam. I like this "crappy" synth. I hope I can get one before they're gone for good, like the monotribe.
right?! That's my thought too. I feel like there's hate on it now but in the future people are going to be trying to buy them for much more money than they're being sold now because they're so unique.
Thanks for the comment on the jam too :)
If you're in or near L.A, there's one available on Craigslist right now for under $200. I'm checking out these reviews and I'm not really sold on it myself. (great review here, btw) Good luck, bro.
Guitar Center has them on clearance for $220 right now.
i like that sequence you did quite a bitwell done
I found one for 150 bucks on the guitar center website
Akai named their synthesizers AX(number) from the start because their genius might just hurt-- much alike the truth. One must turn to the legendary Sir Akai Dan of Japan for their third eye to open and experience the otherworldly powers put into an Akai Professional(TM)(R)(C) hardware synthesizer. Papa Akai Dan bless me hearties.
Thank you for a succinct and entertaining review. This was very helpful.
the tone reminds me of the meeblip
Getting my Timbre Wolf in a couple of days. It cost me £200, which is insanely cheap. I think they sound amazing. I honestly think it will be a future classic.
That's amazing. I still record plenty with mine and in fact might buy another just to modify.
@@BasementArcade ha. I just bought a second one.
How would u compare it to the Monologue? Been thinking of getting either one of these
I often times had them work together, they sound amazing together. The Monologue, however, is a much more diverse and powerful machine. I just sold mine to upgrade to something better, but I kinda regret it. Its ability to save 20 sounds, it's oscillators, microtuning, yada yada yada... there really is no fair comparison. I highly recommend it. The only thing that it doesn't have that the TW does is the ability to do more than a 16 step sequence. However you can record motion in your sequence, and that alone trumps having the ability to do 32 steps.
such a weird under the radar synth.
Also was i not aware that you could get an analog poly synth at this price range.
I would say it's worth a try, it's one of the strangest synths I've ever played. I still love it and have written many lovely songs with it. The 32 step sequencer is worth it too.
Actually I do not have any of the problems you present in your video...
I just recommend not to use the distortion. With some good external effects you really can make the timbre wolf sound great.
Please watch the videos on my channel where I used it very often :-)
I used a lot of external effects with this guy too during actual recording sessions (just not for this video), and I love doing so. I never said I don't like the unit. I actually really like the sound of the distortion that Akai uses for their analog units, even if it is kinda noisy in the mix. I'll be sure to check out your videos.
Basement Arcade Thank you for your answer :-)
Good to see you also like akais gear :-)
So ironically… when this guy demos this synth, vs many other videos by other TH-cam channels of any kind of synth: THIS GUY HAS AN ACTUAL SONG! 😂😂😂😂
Hey Buddy! Nice review :)
Thanks bud!
Getting a very The Knife vibe from your song :)
But 25 keys and 1 octave up or down is a total of 6 octaves. A piano has 8 1/2 and the outer 1 1/2-2 octaves on each side is barely usable. I think its enough.
Hahaha! I Have the old blue electribe too!
I think it sounds fine, it is just really limited and its features seem sort of dumb.
"There's not a lot of live stuff to do other than pushing buttons at the right time." or...You Could Play the Keys! jk, sort of, lmao
Good review :) suggest Boss MO-2, changes the colour of the fur...
Still sounds a thousand times better than vst plugins
good review and good song
Very sympathetic review, but I still have no time for this instrument. Can't believe that here in 2021 people are trying to sell these for $700. A Microbrute goes for $300 and has some genuine character. Korg and Behringer also have a bunch of interesting instruments for less than $500. The Timbre Wolf just isn't worth it.
Try and make *wolfcore* with a Minibrute!
@@Wagoo What the heck is Wolfcore?
Nice song
This was cool... I love limitations on gear it just makes you work your imagination harder
i also love limitations ...on gear .....nontalent
sounds like a tank too
It's built like a tank, unfortunately it sounds like one too.
I can't believe that u have the Tom Cat too! Dude, u spend money on some weird stuff. Don't tell me u have the rhythm Wolf as well?
This just convinced me to grip one!
idiot
Got mine New from the store in Walldorf Germany for 220 Bucks 🤣🤣🤣nö brainer? I like simple Equipment.
You're payin for only knobs on this toy ! Akai could have put in an extra $20 in production cost and put in an MS2000 processor. Heck, the Kaossilator has more processing power !!!
Good music!
Thank you! It's what I do :)
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
Umm... No.. thank you tho...
Congrats you succeeded in convincing a bunch of millennial that this synth is a cool niche synth worthy of buying. As of this writing I'm seeing prices of over 500 bucks for this shit synth. which I find hillarious.
If you think that is funny look at the OP-1 synths for iver 2 grand....talk about stupid
Good review but you try way to hard to be funny.
I'm even more annoying in person! Thanks!
terrible boring