Multi-Timbral synths in production and which one is most versatile?

I’m curious, how’s that? Any info on the editor or patching? Can’t seem to find that actual info after a quick search.

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The Synclavier Regen rates high for versatility. ( thread )

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MicroMonsta 2 is bitimbral.

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Robust microtuning too, although if I understand the manual correctly, there are no independent save slots for tunings; rather, “the settings will be saved within a session. When a session is recalled, you can elect whether or not to recall the tuning information.”

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Beef Wellington.

When you say, “per part,” do you mean per-pattern?

On the Digitone you can choose whether to have the send fx apply globally, to all patterns, or to apply only to the current pattern (the default).

Since it wasn’t already addressed: the Minifreak isn’t bi-timbral. It has another edge up its sleeve which is VST support for studio use, but since you’re looking for a live synth, that’s probably not interesting to you.

How many tracks of multitimbrality do you need? If two is enough, have you considered two cheaper/smaller synths instead? The Roland S-1 seems to be getting really good reviews (the channel that’s supposed to review “bad gear” described it as Roland’s most thought-out synth since 1990). While the knobs are tiny, it seems very tweakable for live use and is nothing to worry about losing or damaging while on stage. A couple of those in a little tray and you’ve got yourself a very modular bi-timbral synth with endless tweakability and built-in batteries that last at least 4-5 hours (i.e. easily surviving a full live show) for less than $400. :blush:

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The Twisted Electrons BlastBeats has synth 4 parts, 6 drum parts, and 4 outputs. But probably it doesn’t compare - both price and feature-wise - to many top range synths mentioned here. Also, it has a very specific character - that you might like or not - and you cannot easily depart from it. Still, it’s quite flexible in its own sound domain.

I think @Hurolura is one of the designers (if not the designer) of the Phi and Omega. Maybe you can ask him.

Fred’s Buzzzy is also multi-timbral but probably not what the OP had in mind :slight_smile:

PreenFM3 (preenfm | DIY FM sound generator) is a great open-source multitimbral fm synth. It has 6 independent polyphonic timbres assignable to 3 different stereo outs, supports microtonality and each fm timbre has its own fx/filter slots and an extended modmatrix.
Regarding sound design versatility it‘s „only“ a fm synth with fx / filters… IMHO it‘s a beast in sound design with up to six operators and fx slots per timbre.
Although primarily thought as open-source DIY, I bought mine preassembled at https://vandaal-electronics.com/.
I assume it‘s great for live usage / gigging because of its form factor. Rather small with assignable performance encoders.

Korg Nautilus, Yamaha MODX and Clavia Nord Stage 4 are all versatile, highly polyphonic and multi-timbral.

Essence Fm mk I or II is a multitimbral polyphonic beast in its own league. It’s “only” a fm synth though.

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There is also Modwave (2 part multitimbral), Wavestate (4-part) and Opsix can be “sort of” multitimbral using keysplits. Minifreak is monotimbral. There are also various grooveboxes like MC-707, Syntakt etc.

But in general, Virus TI is the only one that can compare (and even superseed) your Nord in terms of versatility. 16-part multitimbral, VA, wavetable, supersaw, FM, grain, formant oscillators, great effects (per part, and can be ualso sed as fx processor for external audio), dual filters, multiple outputs…

Sound-wise, there are some great sounding units on your list (I also love how Waldorf M sounds), but in terms of versatility and range I don’t think there’s currently anything like a Virus TI on the market.

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You could try to find a second one instead of a whole new synth. Here in NL there is one for sale now (not mine): https://www.marktplaats.nl/v/muziek-en-instrumenten/synthesizers/m1972651014-nord-lead-modular-g2-engine

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I’ve had the nord lead 2 and 3 and especially thr 3 could do some cool stuff. I imagine the 4/a1 are even cooler and especially in rack.

In the OP I didn’t mention size or price limits (which I have) so the thread could also serve to put together a list of multi timbral synths in production. Here’s what we’ve got so far:

Groovebox Synths
A4 - 4 part - mono only
Syntakt (interesting nobody mentioned it, but if A4 qualifies, so does ST - monoparts only, but “pseudo” polyphony with chord machine)
Synthstrom Deluge (does it do polyphony?)
Roland MC707 (8p)

Synths

Digitone (4 part)
Waldorf M (4 part)
Waldorf Iridium (2p)
Waldorf Blofeld (?)
Tooro (4p)
Fred’s Buzzzy (4p)
Roland SH 4d (4p)
Roland Jupiter X (4p)
Nord A1 (4p)
Nord Wave 2 (4p)
Virus TI (up to 16)
Sequential Rev 2 (2p)
Sequential Prophet X (2p)
Udo Super Gemini (4p)
Novation Summit (2p)
Melbourne Instruments Nina (4p)
Anyma Omega (4p)
Micromonsta 2 (2p)
Moog One (x3 mono in multi-t)
The Korg Prologue 8/16 (4p)
Korg Modwave (2p)
Korg Wavestate (4p)
Korg Wavestate SE (4p)
Korg OP 6 (2 part)
Groove Synthesis 3rd Wave (4p)
Hydrasynth Deluxe (2p)
Yamaha MODX (?)
PreenFM3
Twisted Electrons BlastBeats (4 )
Synclavier Regen (up to 12p)
Kodamo Essence FM (up to 18p)
Mayer EMI MD900 - (4p)

Workstations (as in they’re marketed as being able to do everything)
Yamaha Montage
Roland Phantom
Korg Nautilus

Stage Piano with a synth engine
Nord Stage 4 (6p)

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I don’t think you’re being quite fair to A4 in this summary. It is 4-voice multitimbral polyphonic.

I guess the parts are called patterns on the DT. So no independent fx per part.

With its new features it can definitely be taken out of retro 80s territory. I have the GO on an iPad and programming it is not fun.

If the Hydrasynth desktop was bi-timbral I’d be v interested.

What I’m now considering:
Waldorf M
Fred’s Tooro - kind of, but no user wavetables
Anyma Omega - I’d wait for feedback from early early adopters

I’ve definitely been thinking about this. It’d give me piece of mind. The only failures I’ve heard about with engines was USB connection failure, which appears to have been with only a small production batch, and power supply. I guess I should look into future proofing as in buying a replacement PSU.

Not hardware but Apple M2 with Reaktor

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Why not?