Dear Nick Batt, would you consider this to be better sounding than MicroKorgXl? From watching your reactions in Venom and XL reviews, I am guessing the Venom is the winner. Hopefully Ill get to test both this weekend and buy one, but if possible please let us know. Thanks for great work sir!
@theofficialchrishate Venom has the kind of sounds that might be hard to put in a mix, if you think of the strong sound with priority you'll be just fine tho it could bring interesting atmospheres. Ultranova has a darker sound and a superb interface for live playing and sound manipulation on the fly.
Haven't use the miniak, I thought the miniak was from AKAI but i might be wrong.
THIS IS MORE ELECTRONIC FOCUSED BUT IT CAN SOUND MUCH LIKE OUR CLASSIC ANALOGS. FOR THE MAJORITY THAT HAVE MIXED THIS DOES A GREAT JOB MIXING. I AGREE THOUGH THE ONLY FALL BACK FOR ME THOUGH IS NON SENSITIVE KEY TOUCH BUT THE INSANE KNOB CONTROL THAT RIVALS DJ BOARDS MAKES IT STAND OUT. IF YOU ARE GOOD ON A BASIC MIDI OR KEYBOARD AND HAVE SOME OF OUR GREAT VSTS WELL YOU MAY WANT TO STICK WITH ANOTHER BOARD ME i COLLECT THEM AND THIS ONE I MUST HAVE.
I appreciate Nick's work to bring this review to us. But, frankly, this is a low-end product which looks, sounds and feels as though it was built to a price. IF M-Audio had bothered to include aftertouch, I'd have forgiven them a lot, but they haven't. That, for me, is instant and total fail.
I don't know. Do i buy the M-Audio Venom or the Novation UltraNova. I don't really care about multi-timbral because I record everything through my DAW and I don't perform live. The Novation is better as Midi Controller (I'm going to sell my Axiom 49 because with the Venom or UltraNova I don't need it anymore.) because of the Automap function but it doesn't has 49 keys. The Venom is here €100 cheaper. But isn't totally tweakable without using the software.
@rivalo5 Ultranova, a much more comprehensive synth with a stronger DSP engine IMO. I have played both extensively and ended buying the UN, its just deeper.
At the minute I use a Korg x50 and a Korg kaossilator pro. Just wondering would this be a good addition to the set up, I was also looking at the Roland gaia sh01.
@earbully Get venom!!!! The options and tweak are phenom. Individual modulation on a specific key!!!!!!!!!! On the fly!!!!! 100000000's of possibilities with Venom. Avid is trying to dominate with a package like this.
It's not 2^10 it's 2^14 ............ The stepping is actually 14-bit or 16,834..........now that's a smooth analog sound!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's the user's choice in how smooth or rough the sound is by selecting your increment choice.
always follow your reviews they are straight to the point and honest
anyway im looking to add a synth to my set up and was looking at the ultranova
until i cam across the venom!! im not much of a programmer and just starting to learn how to make my own sounds just wondering out of the 2 would be best for me to add to my set up thanks in advance ps dont need a vocoder
im just getting started out with synths, for a beginner would you recommend the m-audio Venom or the Novation Ultranova. im into daft punk and justice if that helps at all.
@jcmdips they are computer based artists all of their sounds come from VSTs and are made in software like Reason and Logic, Pro tools. Not synth based. Crystal Castles use the Microkorg but they create their own patches and modify all the synths.
These manufacturers still don't get it, first Roland, plenty of knob but a weak weak synth engine with the SH-201 and even the GAIA. In the Venom's case, a powerful engine but no knobs and can't access all parameters through the synth? come on....
Synth seems fine but (and this is probably just me) I have never bought any Maudio gear that hasn't either failed to come up to standard (eg EX33 monitors) or broken ie midi controller kbds. Neither have I ever been impressed with their jump through hoops customer service when things go wrong.
But like I say the synth sounds fine and for the money. But its not for me as I have plenty of VSTs which can sound like this
I've watched a few videos on this and none of them explain how easy it is to access stored patches, especially for live work where you need to possible access two or three patches within a song. The Roland GAIA has buttons across the front to access stored patches, but I cannot see anything that simple for this. It does look like you have to scroll that button to get to a patch. Is that how it is?
Nick, I love this Synth! its truly a BLAST. now i want to do a review on YOU! if i see a new synth or an old Synth i Go STRAIGHT to the web and find your review. you are obviously English because you have a powerful grasp of language. and your sexy. and your Definately Spot-On with every review. Please STAY ON THIS!! your reviews make all the difference. did i mention your one sexy Englishman? and i agree, WHATEVER SONIC STATE IS PAYING YOU IS NOT ENOUGH.
Nick, you are a pro man! I love all reviews by you and you are DEAD ON with this: the sound is pretty amazing, however, the build quality could be better (I have M-audio midi controller oxygen 49 v2: check on my videos: looks good, functions well but the quality of components lack)
@TMAT09 hmmm .... just checked its price, I stand corrected this is very cheap and thus not crap as I initially stated. I expected it to sell for 700 euros and it sells for only 500 euros , not bad at all. I would pay the extra 200 so the synth was completely operational , but for someone seriously short on cash this is a godsend. I stand corrected for its price, this is very good. I have to agree with you.
@goldenthechoosen I use Kontakt and wouldn't compare its routings to synth routings. We could compare synths all day. Also, obviously Venom has automation capabilities when connected to a DAW but comparing hardware to software is just silly anyway. I think for the price and someone who might want these particular features it's a pretty decent sounding synth. Also, the MicrokorgXL has a synth engine derived from the Radias, the Micron literally has the same synth engine as the Ion.
@goldenthechoosen Well a micron actually sounds pretty damn good. The micron uses the same synth engine as the Ion, and the Ion has to be one most well thought out VAs ever created. If you are going to judge synths by presets, looks, and YouTube audio quality then you are going to miss out on a lot of good synths. I own a Nord Lead 2 and most of its preset are horrid but It's a great synth. Anyway, 4 part multi and 16 modulation routings in a $500 synth is pretty damn impressive.
@goldenthechoosen Okay we can agree to differ - I think this is a good sounding synth for the money - most in this price range are lacking in some departments as this is, but its not the sound - it IS full of character which is not something you usually get in this price range. And I thnk you can program some nice stuff with it.
@goldenthechoosen Dude, thats some serious talk. Payment - I wish. we are one of the few remaining independent reviewers. Sound - I disagree - I think it sounds pretty good and for the price well - I did say I think its not particularly well built, corners have been cut - I dont think I shied away from that. Sure some VST synths would cost less, but they are not stand-alone and I do think this synth engine deserves credit. Virus has a sound so does this.
@sonicstate Too true. Some people talk about VSTs as if computers grew on trees. Factor in the price of a computer decent enough to create sound on the level of a hardware synth, and you have the price of a hardware synth. So, really, what have you gained but something less portable?
@sonicstate Totally agree with your review. You simply have to play this synth to know. My first synth was an Arp Oddyssey back in the 1980s and this has that same fat, grungy sound. If anything, it's more evil.
Im stuck as to which synth to get out of the M-Audio Venom, Novation Ultranova and the Roland Gaia :/ which one do you prefer and would choose out of these 3? thanks
@BoomBeepBoomBeep Venom wins the awesome sounds battle but loses to Ultranova and Gaia for tweakability. For me its the venom but you may need more hands on
I beg to differ. Venom is one of the best sounding VAs (in terms of aggressiveness) I have heard to date. I have tried them all. I dislike the Waldorf Blofeld - sounds very digital to me. Virus TI is good but quite expensive.
Totally agree with jriceblue, thanks for totally telling the truth, and also speak about the flaws of the equipment, not just what we already know from reading the descriptions.
You make some of the best reviews I've seen and I can tell you know what you're doing.
Do you know of any decent analog synths that are around this price? I was looking at this one mostly. I mostly just want one for leads and great synthy patches, not for sequences or arpeggiators.
@louiethepious I'm saving for the Ultranova. From what I've seen of both synths, the Novation seems to have a better selection of features. It would be nice to have the bigger keyboard but in the end I'm more impressed with the Novation.
@rigoletto85musica Well I think the Venom edges it for me, although the interface is not immediate like the GAIA, it sounds good - better in my opinion.
Why do they even make "virtual analog" synthesizers? There is just nothing like 100% analog... I know that sometimes these synths can sound phenomenal, but most of the time they are just not as fun as an analog synth like a moog or something....
Totally agree with the top rated comment, you truly are a great reviewer. It's hard to find more in-deep reviews anywhere on the internet. You are always my first stop when I need to but new equipment!
Interesting product. Seems to be a poor man's Nord modular. Though in my opinion nothing has come close to the power and flexibility of Nord's modular line. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a Nord Modular G3 that will let us play around with wav files.
hey guys, let's create a hardware synth, and only give access to its editing via a computer!! Brilliiant!!! Not everyone can make a Nord modular synth and get away with it. Can you at least assign anything you want to the 4 (!) knobs on the front panel?? I have no idea who would buy a synth from a controller manufacturer, anyways. Makes no sense to me. You get a Tetr4 for the same price.
idk why people take issue with this thing. there's nothing else out there that gives you as much for $400. Plus - if you take issue with its sounds, then I say you don't know how to program a synthesizer.
It's not perfect, and i'm no m-audio employee nor is this my first synth, but geez, why can't we all just enjoy it for what it is?
my only recommendation: if you're a sweepy, ambient, analog electro guy - this is NOT for you. imho put the same $ into an evolver.
Not enough knobs, cheep looking and feeling, hard to program without a computer. I have no idea what M-Audio was thinking when they designed this synth. Not a instrument for me.
I'm not sure i get this. What is the point of a synth that is forced to be paired with a computer? It seems to me that this is more competing with various high end plugins than actual hardware synths. It strikes out for programming at home and going live as well since it cant take the load, so no point there either. So you dont get a real synth, and you dont get a live tool. Instead you get a plugin that takes up the room of a synth. And i tried 1, the leads sound weak against the drums and bass
@onnolab I thought this was going to be a great synth. I love M-Audio but was disappointed with the Venom. It didn't sound really great in my opinion. The Gaia sounded really great compared to this. I have the SH-201 and R3 and those have never let me down.
@mutantmoments. VAs dont suck, they just dont know how to build them so theyre good anymore. If you ask for one thing, theyll leave another thing out and itll just keep repeating never delivering a truly useful VA synth. I like digital hardware synths because i like the extra features they can have that analogs cant, but never have anyone delivered a actually well rounded VA :/
Yeah that Screen. Ew. Im not even considering it just cause of that. It looks hard to read, the backlight doesnt even look balanced. Novation ultranova FTW i guess, lol.
I'm wanting to start making music and buy my first ever synth and unsure on what my cash will be best spent on. What is the best synth in the £500 price range? I have been looking at the Venom , Novation and Gaia. Is there anything out there i should also consider?
@McPhale The ION looks good but i would like something new and future proof for a while with USB and HID control for software. I find using software editors easy than delving into a LCD screen.
I got given a Roland MC-505 recently , Im going to be using that for drums and sequencing. want to connect a modern keyboard into that and run the lot into ableton . I will check the mopho out
I have a problem with the fact that the labeling on the parameter matrix is unreadable. Also, why not a dot-matrix display? How much more expensive could that've been? Heck, then you could've moved the parameter knobs and button under it and modification would be easier.
my go-to guy for new gear reviews. i can only hope elektron will send him an octatrack so i can begin to make sense of mine. as always, intensely informative and superlative in your explanation. bravo!
Nick, I just had to comment (quickly) that no other synth reviewer approaches your level of detail, professionalism, and level of value for the consumer looking for information. Regardless of the review itself: good, bad, or otherwise, I always find them the single most informative and *useful* reviews available for the instruments.
Thanks so much for what you do, and please (please!) keep the reviews coming. :)
I tried messing with it a bit and discovered that on some patches the Pitch Shift changes volume as well, which scared the hell out of me and everyone else in the room xD
question: can you plugin your Venom in your computer with a usb output from your venom?
luipaardgekko1929 21 hours ago
Dear Nick Batt, would you consider this to be better sounding than MicroKorgXl? From watching your reactions in Venom and XL reviews, I am guessing the Venom is the winner. Hopefully Ill get to test both this weekend and buy one, but if possible please let us know. Thanks for great work sir!
dnbmuzik 1 week ago
Excellent video well presented tells it as it is superb.
MrPawillie 1 month ago
How is this synth for pads?
aikighost 1 month ago in playlist More videos from sonicstate
M-Audio Venom
Novation Ultranova
Korg Miniak
which is better?
theofficialchrishate 1 month ago
@theofficialchrishate Venom has the kind of sounds that might be hard to put in a mix, if you think of the strong sound with priority you'll be just fine tho it could bring interesting atmospheres. Ultranova has a darker sound and a superb interface for live playing and sound manipulation on the fly.
Haven't use the miniak, I thought the miniak was from AKAI but i might be wrong.
H1Huno1 4 days ago
Dumb question, but can you use this without a laptop?
Also, which would you recommend for more psychedelic music, this or the Microkorg?
jokoboarder 1 month ago
Thanks for the in-depth review. I found this really informative. I have one being shipped to me at the moment. I look forward to testing it out :)
OhItsCandy 1 month ago
can you run the software with vista ? thanks :)
francaisemusique 2 months ago
wow.. ive seen these videos so many times, and always knew the intro song was familiar.
and i just realised. its "backdrifts" by radiohead..
i love radiohead.
cookumms 2 months ago
@cookumms Actually its from a sample CD Twisted City (by Zero G). Great minds think alike....
sonicstate 2 months ago
THIS IS MORE ELECTRONIC FOCUSED BUT IT CAN SOUND MUCH LIKE OUR CLASSIC ANALOGS. FOR THE MAJORITY THAT HAVE MIXED THIS DOES A GREAT JOB MIXING. I AGREE THOUGH THE ONLY FALL BACK FOR ME THOUGH IS NON SENSITIVE KEY TOUCH BUT THE INSANE KNOB CONTROL THAT RIVALS DJ BOARDS MAKES IT STAND OUT. IF YOU ARE GOOD ON A BASIC MIDI OR KEYBOARD AND HAVE SOME OF OUR GREAT VSTS WELL YOU MAY WANT TO STICK WITH ANOTHER BOARD ME i COLLECT THEM AND THIS ONE I MUST HAVE.
HeavenlyRealms0910 2 months ago
I appreciate Nick's work to bring this review to us. But, frankly, this is a low-end product which looks, sounds and feels as though it was built to a price. IF M-Audio had bothered to include aftertouch, I'd have forgiven them a lot, but they haven't. That, for me, is instant and total fail.
casiblake 2 months ago
will there be a rack?
osomy 2 months ago
1. Is the Software standalone, or can it be integrated in DAW?
2. i want to know if it has some drumkits (not Loops) and can the Patterns be arranged or are they fix? thanks
MysterioEffect 2 months ago
hi, does it also work with Logic, i mean can i use venom's sounds in logic?
MysterioEffect 2 months ago
I don't know. Do i buy the M-Audio Venom or the Novation UltraNova. I don't really care about multi-timbral because I record everything through my DAW and I don't perform live. The Novation is better as Midi Controller (I'm going to sell my Axiom 49 because with the Venom or UltraNova I don't need it anymore.) because of the Automap function but it doesn't has 49 keys. The Venom is here €100 cheaper. But isn't totally tweakable without using the software.
Which one is better sounding?
rivalo5 2 months ago
@rivalo5 Ultranova, a much more comprehensive synth with a stronger DSP engine IMO. I have played both extensively and ended buying the UN, its just deeper.
c2mojo 2 months ago
@c2mojo, they are totally different
Ildooss 1 month ago
Hey I play keys in a pop - punk band.
At the minute I use a Korg x50 and a Korg kaossilator pro. Just wondering would this be a good addition to the set up, I was also looking at the Roland gaia sh01.
Can anyone help ??
twoodyatwood 3 months ago
@twoodyatwood id say this or the sh01, the sh01 would probably be better cause its cheaper
francaisemusique 2 months ago
Excellent review!
MrRickyRomano 3 months ago
Sounds like some Portal 2 music.
MRrobotchicken666 4 months ago
@earbully Get venom!!!! The options and tweak are phenom. Individual modulation on a specific key!!!!!!!!!! On the fly!!!!! 100000000's of possibilities with Venom. Avid is trying to dominate with a package like this.
smartwerker 4 months ago
It's not 2^10 it's 2^14 ............ The stepping is actually 14-bit or 16,834..........now that's a smooth analog sound!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's the user's choice in how smooth or rough the sound is by selecting your increment choice.
smartwerker 4 months ago
For those who live in Europe its 400 euros which is pretty cheap for a synth
mark01318 4 months ago
always follow your reviews they are straight to the point and honest
anyway im looking to add a synth to my set up and was looking at the ultranova
until i cam across the venom!! im not much of a programmer and just starting to learn how to make my own sounds just wondering out of the 2 would be best for me to add to my set up thanks in advance ps dont need a vocoder
earbully 4 months ago
Those drum sounds were awesome.
V19torrent 4 months ago
You sound like Phil Collins
900GTi 4 months ago
love the intro with bacdrifts :D
UncleWiggler 4 months ago
This guy has the greatest job EVER!
Marsden12001 5 months ago
This synth might bring in the big comeback of industrial. Especially noise, and ambient.
NoiseArtz 5 months ago 4
im just getting started out with synths, for a beginner would you recommend the m-audio Venom or the Novation Ultranova. im into daft punk and justice if that helps at all.
jcmdips 5 months ago
@jcmdips they are computer based artists all of their sounds come from VSTs and are made in software like Reason and Logic, Pro tools. Not synth based. Crystal Castles use the Microkorg but they create their own patches and modify all the synths.
TheFifthMurakami 5 months ago
These manufacturers still don't get it, first Roland, plenty of knob but a weak weak synth engine with the SH-201 and even the GAIA. In the Venom's case, a powerful engine but no knobs and can't access all parameters through the synth? come on....
MrKnnknn 5 months ago
+ so far good review on the sound. - Freaking ugly
Camido2003 5 months ago
Does it have a built in sequencer?
MesoAsian 5 months ago
@sonicstate so you NEED to use the software to access all the sounds? i never use a laptop on stage...
DEADLYSHADOWS123 5 months ago
Synth seems fine but (and this is probably just me) I have never bought any Maudio gear that hasn't either failed to come up to standard (eg EX33 monitors) or broken ie midi controller kbds. Neither have I ever been impressed with their jump through hoops customer service when things go wrong.
But like I say the synth sounds fine and for the money. But its not for me as I have plenty of VSTs which can sound like this
harrymerchant456 5 months ago
I've watched a few videos on this and none of them explain how easy it is to access stored patches, especially for live work where you need to possible access two or three patches within a song. The Roland GAIA has buttons across the front to access stored patches, but I cannot see anything that simple for this. It does look like you have to scroll that button to get to a patch. Is that how it is?
MrDevoUk 5 months ago
Comment removed
Tri3Dr 5 months ago
can i use the venom with ableton, can i run the editor as an vst plugin in ableton?
lilhenry37 6 months ago
@lilhenry37 do you know if this can be used w ableton?
naphishift 5 months ago
Does this synthesizer have some acoustic presets? Like classical piano? Or it's only for electronic music?
TheDELGOR 6 months ago
@TheDELGOR no its pretty electronic music focussed
sonicstate 6 months ago
@TheDELGOR If u whant classic piano it would go for Yamaha or Casio keyboard with maby a synth software program
mark01318 4 months ago
...i got the same exact BURNS SPLIT SONIC ya got there in the back and its the best guitar i ve ever owned.... :)
iosonoorko 6 months ago
@iosonoorko cool - dont see many of them these days.
sonicstate 6 months ago
@sonicstate I know, but in my studio all the "fancy" guitar player with their "fancy" vintage stratos or teles, finish to record with that beauty!!!
Cheers!
iosonoorko 6 months ago
@sonicstate can you use this just as a midi keyboard?
harrisonk3 2 months ago
@sonicstate WRONG: The editor is not free! It is included in the price of the unit!
littlevenemousdragon 1 week ago
Do you think this would be a good buy to do song covers by Rush and The Doors?
xzen2 6 months ago
Nick, I love this Synth! its truly a BLAST. now i want to do a review on YOU! if i see a new synth or an old Synth i Go STRAIGHT to the web and find your review. you are obviously English because you have a powerful grasp of language. and your sexy. and your Definately Spot-On with every review. Please STAY ON THIS!! your reviews make all the difference. did i mention your one sexy Englishman? and i agree, WHATEVER SONIC STATE IS PAYING YOU IS NOT ENOUGH.
LesFarrington 7 months ago
Nick, you are a pro man! I love all reviews by you and you are DEAD ON with this: the sound is pretty amazing, however, the build quality could be better (I have M-audio midi controller oxygen 49 v2: check on my videos: looks good, functions well but the quality of components lack)
ncheriyan 7 months ago
That resonance at about 7:00, I used to be able to get that kind of sound out of my old man's short wave radio.
gridsleep 7 months ago
@TMAT09 hmmm .... just checked its price, I stand corrected this is very cheap and thus not crap as I initially stated. I expected it to sell for 700 euros and it sells for only 500 euros , not bad at all. I would pay the extra 200 so the synth was completely operational , but for someone seriously short on cash this is a godsend. I stand corrected for its price, this is very good. I have to agree with you.
thekilon 7 months ago
does this work good with logic?
graffitiking1166 7 months ago
@goldenthechoosen I use Kontakt and wouldn't compare its routings to synth routings. We could compare synths all day. Also, obviously Venom has automation capabilities when connected to a DAW but comparing hardware to software is just silly anyway. I think for the price and someone who might want these particular features it's a pretty decent sounding synth. Also, the MicrokorgXL has a synth engine derived from the Radias, the Micron literally has the same synth engine as the Ion.
HiroColeslaw 7 months ago
@goldenthechoosen Well a micron actually sounds pretty damn good. The micron uses the same synth engine as the Ion, and the Ion has to be one most well thought out VAs ever created. If you are going to judge synths by presets, looks, and YouTube audio quality then you are going to miss out on a lot of good synths. I own a Nord Lead 2 and most of its preset are horrid but It's a great synth. Anyway, 4 part multi and 16 modulation routings in a $500 synth is pretty damn impressive.
HiroColeslaw 7 months ago
@goldenthechoosen 900 bucks, thats a little pricey - I think in the UK its under £500 which is good value US price is about $600?
sonicstate 7 months ago
@sonicstate Got mine today for £394, next business day shipping included:)
Popsickle242 6 months ago
@goldenthechoosen Okay we can agree to differ - I think this is a good sounding synth for the money - most in this price range are lacking in some departments as this is, but its not the sound - it IS full of character which is not something you usually get in this price range. And I thnk you can program some nice stuff with it.
sonicstate 7 months ago
@goldenthechoosen Dude, thats some serious talk. Payment - I wish. we are one of the few remaining independent reviewers. Sound - I disagree - I think it sounds pretty good and for the price well - I did say I think its not particularly well built, corners have been cut - I dont think I shied away from that. Sure some VST synths would cost less, but they are not stand-alone and I do think this synth engine deserves credit. Virus has a sound so does this.
sonicstate 7 months ago 4
@sonicstate Too true. Some people talk about VSTs as if computers grew on trees. Factor in the price of a computer decent enough to create sound on the level of a hardware synth, and you have the price of a hardware synth. So, really, what have you gained but something less portable?
gridsleep 7 months ago
@sonicstate Totally agree with your review. You simply have to play this synth to know. My first synth was an Arp Oddyssey back in the 1980s and this has that same fat, grungy sound. If anything, it's more evil.
Davezilla2 6 months ago
Im stuck as to which synth to get out of the M-Audio Venom, Novation Ultranova and the Roland Gaia :/ which one do you prefer and would choose out of these 3? thanks
BoomBeepBoomBeep 8 months ago
@BoomBeepBoomBeep Venom wins the awesome sounds battle but loses to Ultranova and Gaia for tweakability. For me its the venom but you may need more hands on
sonicstate 8 months ago
@BoomBeepBoomBeep
All of these are complete crap.
go get a Virus TI Snow or Waldorf Blofeld
Noizedrive 8 months ago
@Noizedrive
I beg to differ. Venom is one of the best sounding VAs (in terms of aggressiveness) I have heard to date. I have tried them all. I dislike the Waldorf Blofeld - sounds very digital to me. Virus TI is good but quite expensive.
ncheriyan 7 months ago
all the tech talk is cheeky, but i read all that on the page before i came here.
play the damn board already.
terrormech 8 months ago
@terrormech @terrormech I do that in a separate sounds video - see related vids
sonicstate 8 months ago
want. venom. NOW!
badmind36 9 months ago
Looks nice but i go for the Waldorf blofeld
noijze 9 months ago
Totally agree with jriceblue, thanks for totally telling the truth, and also speak about the flaws of the equipment, not just what we already know from reading the descriptions.
versaphonica 9 months ago
You make some of the best reviews I've seen and I can tell you know what you're doing.
Do you know of any decent analog synths that are around this price? I was looking at this one mostly. I mostly just want one for leads and great synthy patches, not for sequences or arpeggiators.
RaidonSama 9 months ago
thank you for the helpful demo. I wish more analog demosounds from you, showing how to edit at venom
megamorphilis 9 months ago
Excellent review!
Seekthetruth3000 9 months ago
I Want One...
unamacarana 9 months ago
I am about to buy ultranova from novation>>> that is much better than this one isn't it?
orientalflux 10 months ago
Would you recommend this over the Microkorg XL?
krakatoa47 10 months ago
I thought this had Aftertouch?
M0CH4B34R 10 months ago
@M0CH4B34R I'm pretty sure it can respond to it, but the keyboard does not transmit it
sonicstate 10 months ago
is there a regular piano sound on this?
Accidit4 10 months ago
Where's the innovation M-Audio? Jesus Christ.
djcondra 10 months ago
I just love the way nick sneaks in the analog synths in his visuals. Its as if he's suggesting the digital kids to wake up! thank god i did.
cprostudio 10 months ago
which do you prefer the m audio venom or the novation ultranova
louiethepious 10 months ago
@louiethepious I'm saving for the Ultranova. From what I've seen of both synths, the Novation seems to have a better selection of features. It would be nice to have the bigger keyboard but in the end I'm more impressed with the Novation.
FluffyPinkFlamingo 10 months ago
wich one do you prefer, roland gaia or m audio venom???? please help!!!
rigoletto85musica 10 months ago
@rigoletto85musica Well I think the Venom edges it for me, although the interface is not immediate like the GAIA, it sounds good - better in my opinion.
sonicstate 10 months ago
Why do they even make "virtual analog" synthesizers? There is just nothing like 100% analog... I know that sometimes these synths can sound phenomenal, but most of the time they are just not as fun as an analog synth like a moog or something....
Totally agree with the top rated comment, you truly are a great reviewer. It's hard to find more in-deep reviews anywhere on the internet. You are always my first stop when I need to but new equipment!
aw5omeFRAZA 10 months ago
Excellent review.
Kitsua 11 months ago
Interesting product. Seems to be a poor man's Nord modular. Though in my opinion nothing has come close to the power and flexibility of Nord's modular line. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a Nord Modular G3 that will let us play around with wav files.
illDiology 11 months ago
hey guys, let's create a hardware synth, and only give access to its editing via a computer!! Brilliiant!!! Not everyone can make a Nord modular synth and get away with it. Can you at least assign anything you want to the 4 (!) knobs on the front panel?? I have no idea who would buy a synth from a controller manufacturer, anyways. Makes no sense to me. You get a Tetr4 for the same price.
bablouche 11 months ago
idk why people take issue with this thing. there's nothing else out there that gives you as much for $400. Plus - if you take issue with its sounds, then I say you don't know how to program a synthesizer.
It's not perfect, and i'm no m-audio employee nor is this my first synth, but geez, why can't we all just enjoy it for what it is?
my only recommendation: if you're a sweepy, ambient, analog electro guy - this is NOT for you. imho put the same $ into an evolver.
samuraipizzacat29 11 months ago
46 people will be returning this synth to guitar center.
tionik06 11 months ago
I like that theres a Jupter 6 in the background to remind us what a real synthesizer looks like.
griesergram 11 months ago
Not enough knobs, cheep looking and feeling, hard to program without a computer. I have no idea what M-Audio was thinking when they designed this synth. Not a instrument for me.
mattsynth 11 months ago
Without a doubt, the best geek-machine reviews online
(This coming from a machine geek!)
letronchosier 11 months ago
As as always, the review is amazing, too bad the synth is crap. You get a hardware synth to use its software, whats the point ?
thekilon 1 year ago
does it handle midi from the usb cable?
srtounez 1 year ago
I'm really thinking about this and had been settled on the Axiom Pro 61. How well does this work for controlling VSTs via USB?
koniferus420 1 year ago
I'm not sure i get this. What is the point of a synth that is forced to be paired with a computer? It seems to me that this is more competing with various high end plugins than actual hardware synths. It strikes out for programming at home and going live as well since it cant take the load, so no point there either. So you dont get a real synth, and you dont get a live tool. Instead you get a plugin that takes up the room of a synth. And i tried 1, the leads sound weak against the drums and bass
MarctheDarc 1 year ago
Hmm.... This or the ultranova?
Brainbox97 1 year ago
@Brainbox97 Ultranova is only monotimbral so it depends on what you need. Anyway my answer isTone2 ElectraX with a separate controller keyboard :)
aikighost 11 months ago
@Brainbox97 my exact sentiments, or dsi mopho? or roland gaia? or should i wait for a venom mk2 with more knobs
onnolab 11 months ago
@onnolab I thought this was going to be a great synth. I love M-Audio but was disappointed with the Venom. It didn't sound really great in my opinion. The Gaia sounded really great compared to this. I have the SH-201 and R3 and those have never let me down.
Batman83 11 months ago
@Batman83 well, in the end, i decided to get the moog slim phatty instead, monophonic but it does it very well
onnolab 11 months ago
@onnolab Cannot wait for some videos of it.
Batman83 11 months ago
Would this be good for hip hop?
beatsbyfrank 1 year ago
@beatsbyfrank Personally I'd say look elsewhere... look at the m6 korg or a workstation
scratchnsurf 1 year ago
good rewiev but the synth itself...zzzzzz
michal23pl 1 year ago
i wonder if they also sampled Plan B's "legendary" build quality issues?
hawklord2112 1 year ago
piece of junk.
zonkedhombre 1 year ago
sorry if this a stupid question, but does this have a vocoder? out of curiosity.
androidophanium 1 year ago
@androidophanium no
scratchnsurf 1 year ago
@mutantmoments. VAs dont suck, they just dont know how to build them so theyre good anymore. If you ask for one thing, theyll leave another thing out and itll just keep repeating never delivering a truly useful VA synth. I like digital hardware synths because i like the extra features they can have that analogs cant, but never have anyone delivered a actually well rounded VA :/
SuperNaviator 1 year ago
once again comfirming how much VA's suck...
mutantmoments 1 year ago
thanks for the review!
TherapyHiccup 1 year ago
Yeah that Screen. Ew. Im not even considering it just cause of that. It looks hard to read, the backlight doesnt even look balanced. Novation ultranova FTW i guess, lol.
SuperNaviator 1 year ago
I'm wanting to start making music and buy my first ever synth and unsure on what my cash will be best spent on. What is the best synth in the £500 price range? I have been looking at the Venom , Novation and Gaia. Is there anything out there i should also consider?
thefishdog 1 year ago
@thefishdog used alesis ion, maybe?
McPhale 1 year ago
@McPhale The ION looks good but i would like something new and future proof for a while with USB and HID control for software. I find using software editors easy than delving into a LCD screen.
thefishdog 1 year ago
@thefishdog Idk, maybe try looking at a novation xiosynth or k-station
McPhale 1 year ago
@thefishdog Whoops I meant x-station. Not sure how good the software editors are on those, but they have all the usb stuff I think
McPhale 1 year ago
@thefishdog the mopho keyboard
TherapyHiccup 1 year ago
@TherapyHiccup
I got given a Roland MC-505 recently , Im going to be using that for drums and sequencing. want to connect a modern keyboard into that and run the lot into ableton . I will check the mopho out
thefishdog 1 year ago
vsti shouldve been better than keyboard and software editor. screw the keyboard just give us the vsti.
deeroks1 1 year ago
Ever considered trimming the strings on your guitar?
Desmaad 1 year ago
For 1024 steps you need 10 bits.
Desmaad 1 year ago
I have a problem with the fact that the labeling on the parameter matrix is unreadable. Also, why not a dot-matrix display? How much more expensive could that've been? Heck, then you could've moved the parameter knobs and button under it and modification would be easier.
Desmaad 1 year ago
thanks for the review!
I been waiting for some view about this and it help me alot on deciding what to buy :)
looking at the Controls it looked more like V-Station to me haha
AuraQualic 1 year ago
where's € ??
arand4 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
my go-to guy for new gear reviews. i can only hope elektron will send him an octatrack so i can begin to make sense of mine. as always, intensely informative and superlative in your explanation. bravo!
tngregory 1 year ago
Comment removed
tngregory 1 year ago
Nick, I just had to comment (quickly) that no other synth reviewer approaches your level of detail, professionalism, and level of value for the consumer looking for information. Regardless of the review itself: good, bad, or otherwise, I always find them the single most informative and *useful* reviews available for the instruments.
Thanks so much for what you do, and please (please!) keep the reviews coming. :)
jriceblue 1 year ago 98
...And also: whatever Sonic State is paying you, it's not enough. ;)
jriceblue 1 year ago 32
@jriceblue ha! I can certainly agree with that...
sonicstate 1 year ago
@jriceblue he IS sonic state!
aphasia8 1 year ago
@jriceblue couldnt agree more..well said.
bmd77 1 year ago
@jriceblue Absolutely spot on mate - Nick and Sonic State - they are the best. Thank you.
TheInnocentSynth 11 months ago
I found one of these at Guitar Centre :D
I tried messing with it a bit and discovered that on some patches the Pitch Shift changes volume as well, which scared the hell out of me and everyone else in the room xD
Cr1msonKing 1 year ago 4