Wonderful review! Brings up a lot of the things that kept me from going for a Mavis. Namely I think it comes down to, if you have 44 spare hp in your rack and NEED a Moog-voice, this is your best (only?) option. And if you drop the money on it, it will serve that purpose beautifully, and you will not regret having that sound or being a part of the Moog family. If you are just getting started in modular/semi-modular, or even have been exploring for a little while, there are so many other options with more functionality and versatility. I fall into the latter category and opted for an East Beast based on your review (and Jorb's!) and have been delighted every time I have sat down to explore with it. Thanks for all your thoughtful work on this channel!
Don't skip out on West Pest. It's great in its own right and pairs nicely with East Beast. The fact you can have both for less than a Mother 32 is incredible. Somewhere down the line I plan on getting a DFAM and Subharmonicon and pairing East and West with them for wacky analog rhythmic inanity.
It's an amazing companion to the DFAM, and sounds lovely, and very moog-y, in its own right. I also like purpose built devices, and prefer using external sequencers anyway. So the Mavis is just right for me.
I have M32/DFAM/SH and recently the Mavis and it adds a different sound and feel to the set up -certainly adds something extra to the mix that the others don’t offer Plus sequencing it via any of the others resolves the lack of sequencer problem Additional patching and wave folding for the others is a bonus Yep I’m really pleased I got it I just couldn’t warm to the sound of the west pest on the various videos so chose the Mavis and not in any way disappointed
While I think you are making a good point with most of your comments, I just love to have the Mavis as an addition to my Moog family (M-32, DFAM, Subharmonicon) and I hope Moog in the future will come up with more family members to ad. I just look at it as the little sibling who has it´s own character, which combines just fine with the rest of the family.
I don't think you're the target audience for this device. You're already in and spending the big bucks. This is to get people more inclined to buy the more down market devices. I think in their attempt to play in that field, they've made too many compromises.
Venturing into semi-modular for the first time, I very narrowly passed on this in favour of a 2nd hand Mother 32, for not too much more cost. So glad that I did in the end. No looking back with the M-32, as I now look to getting the DFAM and SH.
I highly recommend the subH I have the grandmother and it plays very well with that. I am looking to get the DFAM and the M32, but I might get the Mavis just for the good price and wave folding. But the DFAM is definitely something I will need because all my beats are on my DAW and it's hard to clock.
@@rodnee2340 I have had the DFAM on the desk for a week now. It is an extraordinary thing indeed. I think it should compliment the Grandmother quite well.
worth every penny in my opinion. i really love it. i still liked your video and agree with you about the knobs though. what ones are you using? because i'm in the market for some for mine and i'm not sure where to look.
Appreciate the review and comparison. I believe it’s still a kit by definition. Soldering is not a requirement. It’s still arguably a DIY kit as well. Not in its entirety of course. All in all, I enjoyed the pace and breakdown. 😊
I think you hit the nail on the head at the end. It isn't a cheap synth and is too quirky for the price. I'd love Moog to make a 2/3 oscillator, 2/3 lfo modular synth, based on their classic sound structure, but in the Mother 32 format. Just a voice with tons of well thought out patchbay possibilities, no sequencer, no keyboard. Price it under a grand, and now you're talking. People will rightly or wrongly pay a higher price for Moog gear, and i think the Mother format looks and feels ace, just give us a real good core synth to play with.
I would like all of these semi modulars to come in a keyless/sequencer less format. It's great having all of that utility. But they have their own characteristics while simplifying the whole Eurorack thing substantially. Once you have a sequencer/keys, getting that sound in a rack without taking up all of that additional space would be quite nice. Sort of a step up from total newb to intermediate synth geek.
I’m looking for my first ever hardware synth. I’m a total noob because I’m I guitar player but love these sounds and want to add them to my music and band. Which is a good analog synth to start and learn on? Possible compact and I already have the midi keyboard. Budget under 500. Looking at stuff like this one or the east beast or the Erebus reissue. There isn’t anything poly for my budget and compact in this format (also a little bigger). Thanks for the help
Hey - it's a big and common question and hard to answer because who knows how you're thinking about these things and what it is exactly that you're looking for. However, if I had under 500 quid to spend I would look at: Korg Minilogue - analog, polyphonic Arturia Minifreak - digital, polyphonic Behringer MonoPoly - Analog, poly Novation Bass Station II - Analog, mono PWM Malevolent - Analog, mono Moog Mavis - analog, mono, but that Moog sound The Cre8audio and Dreadbox stuff are genuinely good fun and sound great. The Nymphes is just about under 500 these days Hope that helps!
@@MoltenMusicTechyes it helps a lot! I’m looking for something without a keyboard just because is more easy to store away because I don’t have a permanent desk. I already have a midi controller with standard midi and CV. I’m looking for the classic rock music sound of the 70/80s to add synth sound to my band. More industrial and electronic music at home just for fun.
If it’s for a band then save/recalling presets and patches is probably very useful. The Minilogue has a desktop version, I’d definitely check that out if you want a poly. Or the Nymphes for a very vintage synth sound.
Greetings from Florida,,,,,,,,,i really enjoyed this Video...1st time watching. Love the way you honestly compared this to other Desktop Synths...i just got the Mavis myself and then discovered your Video....lol....i think out of all my favorites,,,the West Pest seems to really shine....Thanks again....
I generally agree with your conclusion but if I'm looking at things from Moogs perspective, they do need some kind of entry point at a lower price. look no further than Apple, They don't NEED to make a phone below 14 and 14 Pro, but they still sell an SE model for about $430. It's a bigger segment of the market than people realize. If you get Werkstat or Mavis, you will likely graduate to M32 SH and DFAM. I also think in a lot of ways M32 has been the gateway to eurorack, and Moog loses people at this point, there isn't as clear of a line saying people will graduate to grandmother or Matriarch. I bet Mother 32 indirectly sells more RackBrutes and TipTop Mantis cases than Grand Mothers. It's smart for moog to engage with future customers at a lower price point. I don't think Mavis was intended for someone deep into their synth journey. great video as always!
Great Vid. Well balanced and informative. I bought one to compliment my Crave and now I have this Prophet/Moog monster. Sounds so nice. PS - where did you get those knobs for the Mavis; they look like the perfect diameter? Serious question.😃
I have the DFAM, subH and M32 and would have added one of these as an extra voice for the M32 section, but as you mentioned: THE PATCHBAY IS ON THE WRONG SIDE MOOG?! it does limit it for the 60hp tier format of the rest of the setup IMO
Nice vid! Have a Mavis myself and really like it. Currently use it as the heart of my modular setup. Question though; where do you get those awesome knobs you screw on at the end?? I love them! Thx!
I just ordered a digitakt on sale and I want a analog bit to sequence out of it, this is exactly the video i was looking for. Super cool!! Thanks. --- But i the mavis has no midi? So i guess im looking at the other ones? Or i need a mother or a crave... Idk...
Just bought one as part of a modular re-think. I’ve reached an impasse with modular. Want to simplify things and kind of tired of patching the basics. Just want a nice solid, simple devise as a jumping off point. Tried a Pittsburgh Taiga. Couldn’t get on with at all. Out of the box it was wholly disappointing. I’m sure it’s fantastic, from all the demos I checked out. But I couldn’t get it, so it kind of defeats the object of what I’m trying to do. So, it’s going. Also shifting a stack of other modules as part of my re-think. Kind of starting over but with the befit of hindsight from a couple of years of modular madness and trying, often failing, to find my way around this crazy world 🤪 Feeling a little like it’s not for me, but giving it another whirl. BTW, where did you get those knobs? X could do with some of those for my Mavis 👍
Great video, Robin. I think you are spot on in your analysis. I have the Moog semi-modular trio and would not have a Mavis if I had not received it as a gift. It sounds great, and there are things that are unique and cool about it (being able to blend between VCO wave shapes, for example). But I agree-it sounds like a Moog, but doesn’t have the fit and finish of one. Every time I take it down to play with it there is a twinge of disappointment about how light and flimsy it is. Even the Werkstatt has more of a Moog ‘feel’. So, great question, Robin-why are they in this space? Maybe they see the Mavis as a gateway drug into the more expensive stuff? I’m hoping they have something interesting coming up soon that has a fit and finish more aligned with what we think of as a Moog.
Great review Robin. I guess Moog are trying to create a gateway drug for their higher priced range here. I kinda get it, but think they would be better off just making individual Moog modules to keep the price accessible. Imagine if you could buy a classic Moog filter which you could modulate with CV/ midi inputs which would self oscillate & could be used with any other synth/ module. That would be fun. Pop it in your rack & Bobs your Uncle.
Very interesting assessment. Also you make it sound very nice which totally sold it to me. Mavis is now selling for £280 so perhaps time to reconsider. Much more comparable to even the Cre8audio East & West. Half price of M32. As regards lack of midi, what were they thinking. indeed. Lack of sequencer. Well I have the West, East and the Dysmetria. The Cre8 sequencer is ok, brilliant for quickly building up a string of notes, but no ties and no patch point for reset. Dysmetria sequencer is ...well I love the Dysmetria for it's sounds, Keyboard: what were they thinking!! ...but possibly useful in a Eurorack context. Wavefolder. Can CV it by adding an offset. (but fixed connection to filter input, bizarre) But what about the plus points, LFO is 1v/oct in the audio range. Filter is 1v/oct . So suddenly it's a 3 oscillator synth. It has an attenuator...rare in the little synths but essential once patching begins. The + - 5V offsets look very useful when interfacing with Moog stuff. S+H. Well that's handy especially as we found those extra oscillators. Downside, ahem, things totally missing from the patchbay. We'll see, but could be the most hacked Moog yet. (or the most returned ;-)
Do the Mavis and the Werkstatt have the same oscillator and filter circuits? I already own the Werkstatt and would only want the Mavis if these parts sound better.
I agree with your criticisms about the Mavis: I couldn't help but be pretty underwhelmed by it when it was released and it hasn't grown on me since. Release the Spectravox!!
I was a little disappointed by the feature set of the Mavis but I gotta say it sounds great. I think it sounded better in these demos but I’ve always been a sucker for the Moog sound. I’ll end up with the Mother-32 I think.
So here's where the Mavis shines: If you're beginning your synth journey, it's a very good choice. Chirping birds, barking dogs, bongos, space aliens and explosions are all on offer. Yes, $600-800 will buy you a lot more synth, but Mavis' point is manageability. This little unit allows you to focus on the building blocks of synthesis and patching without overwhelming yourself (or your pocketbook.) And the accompanying written materials are excellent, both online and in the box. I put the Moog factory knobs on mine. Couldn't be happier. Nice vid, and nice outro music--Cheers!
Love my Mavis but it's a lot of money compared to others for that 'love'. Please can you tell me where you get those 'knobs'? so much better than those sticks ha thx
Comments are spot on,without saying what it really is,a lot of money ,maybe ,Moog can and has done better,come on Moog lift your game ,times can not be that bad.
I have a really weird problem with mine. I can get the internal keyboard in tune but it's like it doesn't actually send out a full volt per octave so when i control it with my sq-1 or keystep it sounds god awfully out of tune
You make such great points! I wish Moog would hire you as a consultant. I'd love to see mods centered around the Mother 32 (or DFAM) instead. IMO I think you are absolutely right.
Doepfer has/had a semimodular synth called the Dark Energy don't know if the make it anymore. But the Dark Energy is quite common on the second hand market, atleast where I live. They also have eurorack modules that are built on the same designs as the Dark Energy I think, called Doepfer A-111-5 and a smaller version called Doepfer A-111-6 these are also complete synth voices. The Dark Energy and these modules have no sequencer. Doepfer does a sequencer colled Dark Times but it is quite expensive for what it is IMO. Dark Energy has MIDI support but the modules don't.
In this video and in most that demo a synthesizer coma if I turn it up loud enough to understand the voice then my wife says what is that racket when the synthesizer was playing even if I am using my earbuds
I feel sorry for the little Mavis; I may need a tissue... You gotta admit, the HEFT Award seems to go to EAST BEAST. Mainly, GREAT JOB, the review and using your Out Loud voice to talk about the Gorilla in the room. Plus, Mother-32, used, I would buy.
I will watch this video in its entirety, but I just don’t get the big media blitz over the Mavis. There’s really nothing new here (wave folding?). There are so many other options available. Moog is better off sticking to the rest of their current line and bringing back some of their effects pedals.
Edit: Now I’ve watched the entire video and I think Moog completely missed the mark on this one. So many other options out there for a lower price. The Cre8 Pittsburgh collaboration seems like an ideal choice.
@@MoltenMusicTech got ya! what I thought they were 👍 also, appreciate the pros/cons approach in this video. Definitely helps keep expectations in check when I am riding the hype train towards this product.
Nice review from the "other" side. Which means I don't necessarily agree with you. Not because I'm a Moog fanboy (I am), but because you just scratched the surface of what the Mavis can do, and then put it down to price. 1. "Small" feature set. 2. Pretty "high" price. 3. Moog is a boutique shop and should not play in this field. 4. "Others" should fill the cut-price field. Well... I do think you're completely wrong on at least two of these points. 1. The feature set is not small. Listen to Hainbach and what he can do with the Mavis. Just as one example. And most other synths in that price region have only one LFO and probably only a few have a complete ADSR envelope gen. And if you want a poly synth... well, you sure don't want a Mavis... or any other of the synthesisers you presented. So... I think this argument falls completely flat. 3. And why shouldn't they have a cheap entry synth? Just because they let you build this thing and it has crappy knobs? Nothing to defend here, you either go with it or not. And I want to know what knobs you bought there to put on the Mavis... from Thonk probably? :D And yes, why SHOULDN'T they play? To some people it's worth it. And to some... it's not. To each their own. I wish you (all) peace and a merry Christmas.
Thanks for your thoughts. Moog can do what they like; my point is that they don't have to. The Mavis is awesome and, as with any synth, you can do a thousand wonderful things with it - in the video I referred people to Mylars amazing video as an example. My intention was to compare it with similar synths at this price point and point out that in comparison, there may be more fun to be had putting your money on something else. Or not - that's up to you and fun can be had regardless. And yes, I got the knobs from Thonk for half the price of the ones Moog just released.
@@MoltenMusicTech Thanks, Robin! I appreciate you took the time to reply to my not very intelligent rant. ;) And thanks for letting me know where you got the knobs from. And, yes. Other synths can provide just as much fun or more, depending on what your intention is. At least compared to Make Noise's offerings the Mavis is quite a bit cheaper. ;) I'd love to own a Mavis... AND a 0-Coast... AND maybe a Strega... AND maybe an Erebus! You see, I'm agnostic when it comes to synths. Even though I do love my two little Moogs...
Cant see anyone buying one of these when you could pickup a secondhand mother 32 for a similar price ... or Crave for a third the price LOL. Seems like Moog learnt nothing from the Werkstatt debacle, one to leave for the Fanboys. Can't wait to see this on Bad Gear in a week or so.
I find the LFO disappointing - I like SLOW, and its LFO is kinda crap: doesn't go very slow, doesn't go audio rate, so honestly a bit useless. There's just a lot of mediocre going on here.
Wonderful review! Brings up a lot of the things that kept me from going for a Mavis. Namely I think it comes down to, if you have 44 spare hp in your rack and NEED a Moog-voice, this is your best (only?) option. And if you drop the money on it, it will serve that purpose beautifully, and you will not regret having that sound or being a part of the Moog family. If you are just getting started in modular/semi-modular, or even have been exploring for a little while, there are so many other options with more functionality and versatility. I fall into the latter category and opted for an East Beast based on your review (and Jorb's!) and have been delighted every time I have sat down to explore with it. Thanks for all your thoughtful work on this channel!
Don't skip out on West Pest. It's great in its own right and pairs nicely with East Beast.
The fact you can have both for less than a Mother 32 is incredible.
Somewhere down the line I plan on getting a DFAM and Subharmonicon and pairing East and West with them for wacky analog rhythmic inanity.
Great and fair assessment all the way around. I SO appreciate some balance and honesty.
It's an amazing companion to the DFAM, and sounds lovely, and very moog-y, in its own right. I also like purpose built devices, and prefer using external sequencers anyway. So the Mavis is just right for me.
I have M32/DFAM/SH and recently the Mavis and it adds a different sound and feel to the set up -certainly adds something extra to the mix that the others don’t offer
Plus sequencing it via any of the others resolves the lack of sequencer problem
Additional patching and wave folding for the others is a bonus
Yep I’m really pleased I got it
I just couldn’t warm to the sound of the west pest on the various videos so chose the Mavis and not in any way disappointed
Good comments, thank you
Also weird that the folder isn't CVable, that's the best part about them tbh
While I think you are making a good point with most of your comments, I just love to have the Mavis as an addition to my Moog family (M-32, DFAM, Subharmonicon) and I hope Moog in the future will come up with more family members to ad. I just look at it as the little sibling who has it´s own character, which combines just fine with the rest of the family.
I don't think you're the target audience for this device. You're already in and spending the big bucks. This is to get people more inclined to buy the more down market devices. I think in their attempt to play in that field, they've made too many compromises.
Venturing into semi-modular for the first time, I very narrowly passed on this in favour of a 2nd hand Mother 32, for not too much more cost. So glad that I did in the end. No looking back with the M-32, as I now look to getting the DFAM and SH.
I highly recommend the subH I have the grandmother and it plays very well with that. I am looking to get the DFAM and the M32, but I might get the Mavis just for the good price and wave folding. But the DFAM is definitely something I will need because all my beats are on my DAW and it's hard to clock.
@@rodnee2340 I have had the DFAM on the desk for a week now. It is an extraordinary thing indeed. I think it should compliment the Grandmother quite well.
@@nathancantwell602 thanks it will be on my Christmas list I'm sure.
Love your honesty - never apologize for a good, balanced opinion.
worth every penny in my opinion. i really love it. i still liked your video and agree with you about the knobs though. what ones are you using? because i'm in the market for some for mine and i'm not sure where to look.
Yes these seem to be bigger than the Moog replacement knobs I was able to find via Google
@@cow6oy moog has released a knob kit now!
what's the no 5 synth I think that sounds old I like that ;)
Appreciate the review and comparison. I believe it’s still a kit by definition. Soldering is not a requirement. It’s still arguably a DIY kit as well. Not in its entirety of course. All in all, I enjoyed the pace and breakdown. 😊
I think you hit the nail on the head at the end. It isn't a cheap synth and is too quirky for the price. I'd love Moog to make a 2/3 oscillator, 2/3 lfo modular synth, based on their classic sound structure, but in the Mother 32 format. Just a voice with tons of well thought out patchbay possibilities, no sequencer, no keyboard. Price it under a grand, and now you're talking. People will rightly or wrongly pay a higher price for Moog gear, and i think the Mother format looks and feels ace, just give us a real good core synth to play with.
I would like all of these semi modulars to come in a keyless/sequencer less format.
It's great having all of that utility. But they have their own characteristics while simplifying the whole Eurorack thing substantially. Once you have a sequencer/keys, getting that sound in a rack without taking up all of that additional space would be quite nice. Sort of a step up from total newb to intermediate synth geek.
Sounds a lot better with the bigger knobs!
Mmmm your reviews are LOVELY ! Please keep on exactly this way !
I’m looking for my first ever hardware synth. I’m a total noob because I’m I guitar player but love these sounds and want to add them to my music and band. Which is a good analog synth to start and learn on? Possible compact and I already have the midi keyboard.
Budget under 500. Looking at stuff like this one or the east beast or the Erebus reissue. There isn’t anything poly for my budget and compact in this format (also a little bigger).
Thanks for the help
Hey - it's a big and common question and hard to answer because who knows how you're thinking about these things and what it is exactly that you're looking for. However, if I had under 500 quid to spend I would look at:
Korg Minilogue - analog, polyphonic
Arturia Minifreak - digital, polyphonic
Behringer MonoPoly - Analog, poly
Novation Bass Station II - Analog, mono
PWM Malevolent - Analog, mono
Moog Mavis - analog, mono, but that Moog sound
The Cre8audio and Dreadbox stuff are genuinely good fun and sound great. The Nymphes is just about under 500 these days
Hope that helps!
@@MoltenMusicTechyes it helps a lot! I’m looking for something without a keyboard just because is more easy to store away because I don’t have a permanent desk. I already have a midi controller with standard midi and CV.
I’m looking for the classic rock music sound of the 70/80s to add synth sound to my band. More industrial and electronic music at home just for fun.
If it’s for a band then save/recalling presets and patches is probably very useful. The Minilogue has a desktop version, I’d definitely check that out if you want a poly. Or the Nymphes for a very vintage synth sound.
@@MoltenMusicTech thanks
Greetings from Florida,,,,,,,,,i really enjoyed this Video...1st time watching. Love the way you honestly compared this to other Desktop Synths...i just got the Mavis myself and then discovered your Video....lol....i think out of all my favorites,,,the West Pest seems to really shine....Thanks again....
You’re welcome
Super review, Robin and super, super, super conclusion 👍
I generally agree with your conclusion but if I'm looking at things from Moogs perspective, they do need some kind of entry point at a lower price. look no further than Apple, They don't NEED to make a phone below 14 and 14 Pro, but they still sell an SE model for about $430. It's a bigger segment of the market than people realize. If you get Werkstat or Mavis, you will likely graduate to M32 SH and DFAM. I also think in a lot of ways M32 has been the gateway to eurorack, and Moog loses people at this point, there isn't as clear of a line saying people will graduate to grandmother or Matriarch. I bet Mother 32 indirectly sells more RackBrutes and TipTop Mantis cases than Grand Mothers. It's smart for moog to engage with future customers at a lower price point. I don't think Mavis was intended for someone deep into their synth journey. great video as always!
Great Vid. Well balanced and informative. I bought one to compliment my Crave and now I have this Prophet/Moog monster. Sounds so nice. PS - where did you get those knobs for the Mavis; they look like the perfect diameter? Serious question.😃
Thonk - they were a pack of knobs meant for the DFAM
I have the DFAM, subH and M32 and would have added one of these as an extra voice for the M32 section, but as you mentioned: THE PATCHBAY IS ON THE WRONG SIDE MOOG?! it does limit it for the 60hp tier format of the rest of the setup IMO
I've been hoping for a comparison of the Mavis with the Beast and Pest. Thanks!
I think you made a good case for why a great synth is more than it's feature set.
Nice vid! Have a Mavis myself and really like it. Currently use it as the heart of my modular setup.
Question though; where do you get those awesome knobs you screw on at the end?? I love them! Thx!
Cool, yes, from Thonk.Co.uk small sized and you need the little brass rings - they’ll know if you ask them
@@MoltenMusicTech Thanks so much (just seeing your reply now...).
Moog makes them now. $40 for 25..
I just ordered a digitakt on sale and I want a analog bit to sequence out of it, this is exactly the video i was looking for. Super cool!! Thanks. --- But i the mavis has no midi? So i guess im looking at the other ones? Or i need a mother or a crave... Idk...
Just bought one as part of a modular re-think. I’ve reached an impasse with modular. Want to simplify things and kind of tired of patching the basics. Just want a nice solid, simple devise as a jumping off point. Tried a Pittsburgh Taiga. Couldn’t get on with at all. Out of the box it was wholly disappointing. I’m sure it’s fantastic, from all the demos I checked out. But I couldn’t get it, so it kind of defeats the object of what I’m trying to do. So, it’s going. Also shifting a stack of other modules as part of my re-think. Kind of starting over but with the befit of hindsight from a couple of years of modular madness and trying, often failing, to find my way around this crazy world 🤪 Feeling a little like it’s not for me, but giving it another whirl. BTW, where did you get those knobs? X could do with some of those for my Mavis 👍
I got them from Thonk.co.uk it was a pack of knobs for the DFAM
If they sold it for $200 I would buy it. Now if you see it as a full voice eurorack module, it is quite cheap. Compare the price to malekko’s manther.
Thank you for the difficult comparison great stuff as always, now I want to know more about the werkstat so far I only got the typhon but I love it
Great video, Robin. I think you are spot on in your analysis. I have the Moog semi-modular trio and would not have a Mavis if I had not received it as a gift. It sounds great, and there are things that are unique and cool about it (being able to blend between VCO wave shapes, for example). But I agree-it sounds like a Moog, but doesn’t have the fit and finish of one. Every time I take it down to play with it there is a twinge of disappointment about how light and flimsy it is. Even the Werkstatt has more of a Moog ‘feel’. So, great question, Robin-why are they in this space? Maybe they see the Mavis as a gateway drug into the more expensive stuff? I’m hoping they have something interesting coming up soon that has a fit and finish more aligned with what we think of as a Moog.
Great review Robin. I guess Moog are trying to create a gateway drug for their higher priced range here. I kinda get it, but think they would be better off just making individual Moog modules to keep the price accessible. Imagine if you could buy a classic Moog filter which you could modulate with CV/ midi inputs which would self oscillate & could be used with any other synth/ module. That would be fun. Pop it in your rack & Bobs your Uncle.
You just described the old Moogerfooger pedals.
@@michaelmcdaniel3472 . He was describing without the flyaway price I think 🙂
that doesnt work for people like me who dont have a eurorack
Very interesting assessment. Also you make it sound very nice which totally sold it to me.
Mavis is now selling for £280 so perhaps time to reconsider.
Much more comparable to even the Cre8audio East & West.
Half price of M32.
As regards lack of midi, what were they thinking. indeed.
Lack of sequencer. Well I have the West, East and the Dysmetria. The Cre8 sequencer is ok, brilliant for quickly building up a string of notes, but no ties and no patch point for reset.
Dysmetria sequencer is ...well I love the Dysmetria for it's sounds,
Keyboard: what were they thinking!! ...but possibly useful in a Eurorack context.
Wavefolder. Can CV it by adding an offset. (but fixed connection to filter input, bizarre)
But what about the plus points,
LFO is 1v/oct in the audio range.
Filter is 1v/oct .
So suddenly it's a 3 oscillator synth.
It has an attenuator...rare in the little synths but essential once patching begins.
The + - 5V offsets look very useful when interfacing with Moog stuff.
S+H. Well that's handy especially as we found those extra oscillators.
Downside, ahem, things totally missing from the patchbay.
We'll see, but could be the most hacked Moog yet.
(or the most returned ;-)
Do the Mavis and the Werkstatt have the same oscillator and filter circuits? I already own the Werkstatt and would only want the Mavis if these parts sound better.
have you got a link for those knobs - i would like to add some to mine (also, do they fit the werkstatt)?
I think so. Thonk do a whole range, but you'll also need the brass inners for these - www.thonk.co.uk/shop/synth-pointer-knobs/
@@MoltenMusicTech many thanks - great video by the way and i totally agree with your conclusions (as a M32, mavis and werkstatt owner myself)
I agree with your criticisms about the Mavis: I couldn't help but be pretty underwhelmed by it when it was released and it hasn't grown on me since. Release the Spectravox!!
I like my Werkstadt ($200 new) and think of the Mavis as Werkstadt V2 but over priced ($350)
I was a little disappointed by the feature set of the Mavis but I gotta say it sounds great. I think it sounded better in these demos but I’ve always been a sucker for the Moog sound. I’ll end up with the Mother-32 I think.
So here's where the Mavis shines: If you're beginning your synth journey, it's a very good choice. Chirping birds, barking dogs, bongos, space aliens and explosions are all on offer. Yes, $600-800 will buy you a lot more synth, but Mavis' point is manageability. This little unit allows you to focus on the building blocks of synthesis and patching without overwhelming yourself (or your pocketbook.) And the accompanying written materials are excellent, both online and in the box.
I put the Moog factory knobs on mine. Couldn't be happier.
Nice vid, and nice outro music--Cheers!
Can you drive the Mavis from a beat step? Not the beat step pro. Beat step is the only piece I have that has CV on it
Love my Mavis but it's a lot of money compared to others for that 'love'. Please can you tell me where you get those 'knobs'? so much better than those sticks ha thx
What Make & Model is the Silver Synth, the one with the English & Russian labelling? Is it Polyvoks?
Sound Object #5
@@MoltenMusicTech I don’t believe I have seen that before?
Thanks
Just to say I appreciated this different take on things.
Comments are spot on,without saying what it really is,a lot of money ,maybe ,Moog can and has done better,come on Moog lift your game ,times can not be that bad.
I have a really weird problem with mine. I can get the internal keyboard in tune but it's like it doesn't actually send out a full volt per octave so when i control it with my sq-1 or keystep it sounds god awfully out of tune
You make such great points! I wish Moog would hire you as a consultant. I'd love to see mods centered around the Mother 32 (or DFAM) instead. IMO I think you are absolutely right.
no please no
This and an SQ-1 are a deadly combination.
Really interesting watching the screen as much as listening
Thank you for the outro.
Where can I get the “visual “ software? I’m new to this. Mike
Do you mean the Scope on the screen? Melda Productions plugins.
What’s the name of the silver synth at 38:05
I appreciate your honesty, there are way too many Moog fanboys on youtube who will never say anything bad about the company.
For every Moog fanboy, there’s somebody like yourself. When did it become a problem for people to have preferences without needing to justify them?
Wish Doepfer would make a semi modular for Euro, would be nice to have a fully CV able voice from the OGs that fits the format
Doepfer has/had a semimodular synth called the Dark Energy don't know if the make it anymore. But the Dark Energy is quite common on the second hand market, atleast where I live. They also have eurorack modules that are built on the same designs as the Dark Energy I think, called Doepfer A-111-5 and a smaller version called Doepfer A-111-6 these are also complete synth voices. The Dark Energy and these modules have no sequencer. Doepfer does a sequencer colled Dark Times but it is quite expensive for what it is IMO. Dark Energy has MIDI support but the modules don't.
@@zakyuaa oh I haven't seen the a-115-5 before! Not completely standalone but closer to what I was after from them!
In this video and in most that demo a synthesizer coma if I turn it up loud enough to understand the voice then my wife says what is that racket when the synthesizer was playing even if I am using my earbuds
What's the name of the grey Synth?
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I feel sorry for the little Mavis; I may need a tissue... You gotta admit, the HEFT Award seems to go to EAST BEAST. Mainly, GREAT JOB, the review and using your Out Loud voice to talk about the Gorilla in the room. Plus, Mother-32, used, I would buy.
I will watch this video in its entirety, but I just don’t get the big media blitz over the Mavis. There’s really nothing new here (wave folding?). There are so many other options available. Moog is better off sticking to the rest of their current line and bringing back some of their effects pedals.
Edit: Now I’ve watched the entire video and I think Moog completely missed the mark on this one. So many other options out there for a lower price. The Cre8 Pittsburgh collaboration seems like an ideal choice.
On top form with this one Robin 👍
Crazy that the eastbeast oscillators sound better than the moog.
What knobs did you put on it?
A bunch of knobs for a DFAM
@@MoltenMusicTech got ya! what I thought they were 👍 also, appreciate the pros/cons approach in this video. Definitely helps keep expectations in check when I am riding the hype train towards this product.
let's be honest.. the reason we loved AIRFIX kits was for the glue. oh happy childhood days. (sniff...)
You really sniffed the glue ? OH boy
@@cnfuzz noooio
What is the thing at 36:09??
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@@MoltenMusicTech A name as misterious as the object itself. Thank you!
Nice review from the "other" side. Which means I don't necessarily agree with you. Not because I'm a Moog fanboy (I am), but because you just scratched the surface of what the Mavis can do, and then put it down to price.
1. "Small" feature set.
2. Pretty "high" price.
3. Moog is a boutique shop and should not play in this field.
4. "Others" should fill the cut-price field.
Well... I do think you're completely wrong on at least two of these points.
1. The feature set is not small. Listen to Hainbach and what he can do with the Mavis. Just as one example. And most other synths in that price region have only one LFO and probably only a few have a complete ADSR envelope gen. And if you want a poly synth... well, you sure don't want a Mavis... or any other of the synthesisers you presented.
So... I think this argument falls completely flat.
3. And why shouldn't they have a cheap entry synth? Just because they let you build this thing and it has crappy knobs? Nothing to defend here, you either go with it or not. And I want to know what knobs you bought there to put on the Mavis... from Thonk probably? :D
And yes, why SHOULDN'T they play? To some people it's worth it. And to some... it's not. To each their own.
I wish you (all) peace and a merry Christmas.
Thanks for your thoughts. Moog can do what they like; my point is that they don't have to. The Mavis is awesome and, as with any synth, you can do a thousand wonderful things with it - in the video I referred people to Mylars amazing video as an example. My intention was to compare it with similar synths at this price point and point out that in comparison, there may be more fun to be had putting your money on something else. Or not - that's up to you and fun can be had regardless. And yes, I got the knobs from Thonk for half the price of the ones Moog just released.
@@MoltenMusicTech Thanks, Robin! I appreciate you took the time to reply to my not very intelligent rant. ;) And thanks for letting me know where you got the knobs from.
And, yes. Other synths can provide just as much fun or more, depending on what your intention is. At least compared to Make Noise's offerings the Mavis is quite a bit cheaper. ;)
I'd love to own a Mavis... AND a 0-Coast... AND maybe a Strega... AND maybe an Erebus!
You see, I'm agnostic when it comes to synths. Even though I do love my two little Moogs...
wait, that thx1138 poster is flash!
Cant see anyone buying one of these when you could pickup a secondhand mother 32 for a similar price ... or Crave for a third the price LOL. Seems like Moog learnt nothing from the Werkstatt debacle, one to leave for the Fanboys. Can't wait to see this on Bad Gear in a week or so.
No pico lll?
I don't have one, no
I thought it was about 200, thomann has it for four, way overpriced for way too little.
I find the LFO disappointing - I like SLOW, and its LFO is kinda crap: doesn't go very slow, doesn't go audio rate, so honestly a bit useless. There's just a lot of mediocre going on here.
It's good for tremolo/vibrato
@@MoltenMusicTech if you're into that sort of thing 😜
Moog is not the end all of synths. Over priced and you can find way way better for a lot less. And with there recent price hike. Heck no.
The new Behringer Dfam type synths are wayyyyy better .
I don't believe it!
Beast and the Pest are garbage. Mavis is meh…lots of weird choices
Mavis doesn’t let you bypass the filter when patching the Wavefolder in….which is contrary to west coast thinking
what's your deeper thoughts on beast and pest
@@NikoNoxious I don't think dogboywonder has any thoughts, he's likely just a troll.
And you're who?
West Pest is the Best!