keybdwizrd - DSI Mopho Demo #3

[AdiV8]

Thank you very much for your answers . Now i know it`s 100% possible to have Mopho, Tetra, Prophet and you can input into Virus TI and use all the effects from Virus! I think i`m decided now. I`ll buy a Tetra!

[keybdwizrd]

@AdiV8 Perhaps you can find a Virus TI2 manual at the Access website. No doubt the manual would contain info about the audio inputs and what you can do with them. The Virus can do completely independent multi-effects for each of its 16 parts, but I don't know how this works with the audio input. Also, I wonder if the Tetra ends up mixed into the audio output along with any other TI sounds you're using?

[AdiV8]

Hmm, I`ll think about it. I already have an Virus TI desktop and I intend to buy a Prophet 08 module. I read and read a lot of pages of " Prophet 08 vs Tetra"..but i`m in stuck in the middle. Tetra has USB and sub-oscillators has a combo mode to create multi-patches. From what i know, Prophet 08 doesn`t have combo mode. From what i read, i think i can use Virus TI as a effect processor (reverb, delay etc) for Prophet or Tetra. Is it correct?

[keybdwizrd]

@AdiV8 The Virus TI has a stereo audio input connection, but I have never used it.

[AdiV8]

I really don`t know what to choose: a Prophet 08 module or a Tetra? What`s your advice?

[keybdwizrd]

@AdiV8 I have never played a Tetra, but I would go with the Prophey.

[a303romance]

@keybdwizrd thinking of picking one of these up, quick question though: how does it sound when compared to the little phatty? i noticed you have one (as do i) I'm having trouble explaining to myself how they are different

[keybdwizrd]

@a303romance Well, the Mopho does not sound like the LP, so you get another mono analog synth with a tone all its own. If you're a "Moog person" and are extremely keen on the LP sound, then the Mopho may not be for you. But they are inexpensive (especially when used) so trying one is not a big financial gamble. The Mopho is lots of fun just by itself.

[a303romance]

@keybdwizrd i am probably what you would define as a 'moog person' but i also love other synths. loved my 106, sold it. wish i hadn't. anyway, if i do get it i'll probably just end up MIDI linking and syncing them together and putting the pho through the LP's filter. 2 DCOS! 2 VCOS! 5 LFOS! 2 SUBOSCILLATORS! 2 LP24S! i give you.......THE MOOG CURTIS ANALOG TAG TEAM SAMMICH! lol

[MooseHeadMoosic]

Jesus, I want one.

Nice playing dude, that intro ditty was awesome!

[keybdwizrd]

@MooseHeadMoosic Thanks...

[ginociancio1]

hi there thanks for the demo you are the only one that play the sounds on an instrument the rest can;t understand what playing is all abaut cheers and thanks for all your demos

[keybdwizrd]

@ginociancio1 Hey, thanks! I appreciate the kind words.

[AlexisNembrode]

can you use the sequencer via the control panel, or you have to plug it on to the computer to access that?

[Goth108]

@AlexisNembrode you can use the sequencer using the for assignable parameters, but it needs way more time and needs a good knowledge of the system structure. some basic settings might not be accessable without the software too..

[SernoMusic]

i have a question: How is the sequencer? VSE says 16 steps per program

and a program means a completely different sound? hiw many programs are there anyway? i want to know cuase then i could use it as an analog drum machine...

(tempest is way to pricey)

[keybdwizrd]

@SernoMusic I no longer have the Mopho, and am not an expert on it. Yes, a program means a sound - keep in mind that the Mopho can only play one sound at a time, and one note at a time.

[Goth108]

@SernoMusic better late then never: 4 times 128 programs and the sequencer has 16 steps and has four rows, each of it assignable to another aim and independend last steps, so you can run sequencer 1 with 16 steps, 2 with 15 steps, 3 with 12 steps and 4 with 5 steps, it's really useful for not letting a melody loosing the listeners interest.

[operadesigns]

@melo477 - You can't play chords with this synth. It's called the "MoPho" for "MOnoPHOnic" synth, only one note at a time. Dave Smith makes a more expensive synth module called the Tetra which allows polyphony.

[MasterOfHardbass]

Whats a point geting hardware when you can vst ? Just my opinion by the way

[inversion66]

@MasterOfHardbass

Many people don't trust a computer onstage, or don't want to go to the trouble of optimising one for VST use, or simply don't like using computers to make music with.. Others prefer the sound of hardware instruments.

[Taud]

@inversion66 yeah, i actually was talking to one of daft punks road monkeys and they said they use a single moog voyager rack and everything else is pre made computer tracks, they just arpeggiate or play leads on top of the main song and adjust modulation...etc

They said hauling all the real racks and synths and whatnot would take way to long to setup because theyre notorious for not working with every other hardware piece, the crowd obviously cant tell the difference so it works for them

[Goth108]

@MasterOfHardbass sound and handling

[0xFFender]

LOL. Turn on Captions -> Transcribe Audio for some beautiful bullshit/instant lyrics. Also, awesome demo!

[audiotrax2000]

Great analog sound. Thanks for letting us hear this. I like your style of playing. Thank you for not showing any techno presets.

[keybdwizrd]

@audiotrax2000 You're welcome.

[melo477]

can you actually play chords on the keyboard?

[aciduss]

I wasn't complaining in an offensive way.... sorry. I just thought i'd express my concern about how inappropriate it is this kind of video for the synth's promotion, at least from my perspective. I think electronic producers are a huge part of the DS market. No disrespect for keybdwhiz or his work whatsoever.

[aciduss]

No offense but for a synth which is filled with electro like presets, those riffs and sequences you play seem totally inappropriate for promoting the synth. Just my opinion. Cheers.

[keybdwizrd]

@aciduss I play what I play. These videos are demos of *me* playing my synthesizers; you are welcome to make your own. Just my opinion. :)

[aciduss]

@keybdwizrd Sorry i just watched this from the official Mopho site so I was a little disappointed by the demonstration since i would use it much more for music that really exploits modulation, analog sound, filters and such.

[Arrrrrp]

@aciduss Sorry, but these demonstrations are probably intended for people who would use it for music that exploits actual music like melodies, harmonies, counter-point and such. Not for those so-called electronic "musicians" that are unable to compose anything more complex than a primitive pattern repeating over and over again.

[Arrrrrp]

@aciduss Sorry, but these demonstrations are probably intended for people who would use it for music that exploits actual music like melodies, harmonies, counter-point and such. Not for those so-called electronic "musicians" that are unable to compose anything more complex than a primitive pattern repeating over and over again.

[aciduss]

@Arrrrrp Evidence of how little you know about electronic music.

[skipdimple]

does the unit have on board delay?

[keybdwizrd]

@skipdimple No onboard effects.

[kurryg1]

this still has a too digital edge to it's sound , its mainly the enveloppes that make it sound too 'pinched' , too hard sounding too , it has more arp signature in its sound than classic prophet , for that price you might better be of with (an also half digital ) roland jx10 or mks70 , those sound much smoother and warmer

[Soadtt]

hi keywiz.. tried out the new origin yet?

[keybdwizrd]

@Soadtt No, but I would like to try one, and believe I'd want one if I did. But $3k is pretty steep, especially considering I already have a few of their soft synths.

[Soadtt]

@keybdwizrd yeah, i understand. i was very lucky wih my price.. a store had the few first for 50 % off... and besides it was a good price before the sale. so i got mine for 800 $. was lucky, it was the last one ;)

[elekibuumu]

sounds good...but this ugly design is a shame

[Cutrexxx]

analog is the best

[Joshplaysinstruments]

This or the little phatty? Or no comparison?

[keybdwizrd]

Very different. This will give you a true analog synth sound at a bargain price. The LP gives you that true Moog sound at an expensive price.

[mysticradio]

hey keywiz.. did you try out the new TETRA?

[keybdwizrd]

Haven't seen one yet, no...

[simon12332]

@keybdwizrd look for it, i would love you to do a demo of it!

[MegaArmor]

Could even the cheapest of Midi Controllers or Keyboards work with the Mopho?

[keybdwizrd]

Yep.

[MegaArmor]

Thanks. The Alesis Micron is around the same price range as the Mopho. Which would you prefer?

[keybdwizrd]

I have never played a Micron.

[MegaArmor]

Based on what I keep hearing, the Mopho is better because it is a real analog synth. Still, the Micron seems pretty cool.

[Cable3999]

How's the built quality of this little synth? I heard the knobs were a bit of a problem is this true? How's the paint job?

[keybdwizrd]

Build quality is fine, as is paint job and knobs, which are plastic. Seems like people question build quality on any synth less than $2,000. In the budget price range, manufacturers are trying to balance build cost vs affordability. I haven't seen any reports of people breaking these things.

[Cable3999]

Thanks! This synth really does look like it is well-built which is a good thing because construction quality is important. The better it is built, the longer it will last.

[JoelisRich]

The knobs are almost a deal breaker for me. DSI seems to use bad rotary encoders even on the higher end stuff (prophet 08). It is frustrating trying to turn down the cutoff quickly only to have it go up instead or just barely respond. However if you want a small, inexpensive, midi controllable 100% analog synth, its worth it.

[nudist0885]

I like the examples of RubberRez, VeloSyncer, CatWeazle,

I could easily make something catchy with Bone-imba.

[ledheavy26]

Why do people keep saying it's part digital? Isn't it advertised as being 100% all analog? vca's vco's?

[Meteotrance]

sound fat but dirt ^^ and the cut off, atack and decay are digital, and for me it's not analog, even if the generator or hardware is realy analogue, we miss the sweepness sound of a real analog filter.

i prefer the prophet 08 from dsi not the same price but all filter are true analog stuff.

[2manythrills]

Can the mopho read prophet 8 presets???

[thesemenincident]

"SPORTS!

SPORTS!

SPORTS!"

Was the first thing I thought of when you played the first patch, haha

Thanks for demo'ing!

[redwill21]

iv got no idea what your on about with all that monophonic stuff, but that thing is seriously amazing. :-D

[ozzlanda]

monophonic means that only one key can sound at a time, basically, you can't play cords, unless you layer of course.. Great instrument.

[redwill21]

oh, cool :-)

[R31Bi]

I definitely want one for that full, fat, analog bass sound you can't always get out of a VA. Thank you Michael for all of your videos, they always sound very clear and show the real sound character of synthesizers.

[thefirstonetodie]

Hey keyb.

Love your vids man! how's this little mopho compared to the little phatty as far as pure analog sound(fatter).

Thanks.

[keybdwizrd]

Well, the LP has that distinctive Moog sound that some people seem to covet, so if that's what you're looking for, the Moog it is. That beings said the Mopho can sound really fat, especially with the sub oscillators. It's a great sounding analog at a fraction of the price of a Little Phatty.

[sunshinek48]

do you hook the Mopho up to a keyboard to play, to get effects?

[keybdwizrd]

Well you generally need a MIDI keyboard to play the Mopho, and a separate effects unit is probably a good idea.

[youboob1981]

Does the Mopho have PWM?

Great videos as usual...;-)

[alienorbiter]

That mopho has more balls than all my VST together.

[GroovyGuitar02]

i need one mopho ...

it sounds a lot better than the so-called "sytrus" thing on fruity loops i've tried someday . and even better than my usual reason ...

[TR0jAX]

is this exactly a sound of the prophet 8 ? Or does it sound kinda little cheaper than its bigger brother ?

[keybdwizrd]

Well, it sounds just like a monophonic Prophet 08 to me, and I think some other reviewers have said the same thing.

[musicman2047]

for anyone who is scared off by the Monophonic nature of this synth, heres a tip, just play in your poly melodys using any generic VST, then take away the vst replacing with the Morpho, but recording in the first line of notes first (to audio in your DAW), then record the second run through of notes (and so on depending on how many notes you have layered together)then just over dub all your bounces to one file! now you have a poly morpho. Hope that makes sense, works for me.

[musicman2047]

Hehe sorry i feel compelled to clarify my tip, so lets say you have a 3 note chord, you mute the first 2 notes (whatever way you want), record the first note to audio in your DAW (obviously being that the morpho is monophonic), then mute first note and unmute second note, record that in, then...and layer all your recorded parts together.

[d3p3ch3mod3]

that's what they did with the original moogs when they made stuff like switched on bach... and this is basicly an vintage moog for $300

[MegaArmor]

You're an Alesis Micron owner, right? The Alesis Micron is around the same price range as the Mopho. Which would you prefer?

[d3p3ch3mod3]

price range is all they have in common. alesis micron has a built in sequencer, a set up mode where you can play & transpose multiple sequences, FM synthesis, built in effects i could go on and on..

pretty sure Mopho you can only play one note at a time, it might have an arp but it's basicly just would you rather have something that sounds awesome but only plays one note or something that suonds pretty good but you can have drums, bass, lead, strings, sequencing etc all on one keyboard

[KittyGotSued]

you forgot the most important part.. the Mopho is analog and the micron isn't... the sound is worlds apart. I used to own a micron, now I have a Prophet08.. Prophet wins in sound quality hands down..

[MegaArmor]

Are you saying the Mopho is better than the Micron?

[funkaluca]

@d3p3ch3mod3 ,,,, can you play more notes at a time on the alesis micron?

[d3p3ch3mod3]

its 8 voice so you can either hold down 8 keys, or turn on unison and have up to 8 voices per note (that you can detune as much as you want) or in setup mode have multiple patterns or arps going, and drums as long as there aren't more than 8 going at once unless one has some unison on then if you had a two voice sound the rest of the voices could only add up to 6

[d3p3ch3mod3]

the micron that is... mopho is just one note at a time all the time.. but its analog so

[simon12332]

@d3p3ch3mod3 the mopho is not 8 voice...the prophet 08 is 8 voice, however.

[PHAEDRIDER]

at 1;45 its doing arpish sample hold.. i swear it... my arp got horny and started humping the monitors.. oh yess. christmas bonus oohh yes. better than pro one sounds for what a pro one ought to sell for !!! yay! it's "uncle drumtracks' is looking foreword to adopting little mopho.. oh yes

[PHAEDRIDER]

update.. bonus came and i got it sunday! i havent gotten the editor to work, but anyone who's dug into a good old analog mono synth oughta start to get the front panel fairly quickly.but there's like tons more and the built in sequencers rule..thanks for your videos, they inspired me to do myself right this christmas! ..

[JonDaniels]

I'm definitely buying this next.

[owlwink]

me 2

[ofdarknessandlight]

oh gosh it sounds amazing. I always feel good playing analog synths, and I know to me they're better in sound but is it a bit much thinking this just sounds so much better than any analog modeling synths? it seems like you can't get those sounds... I wanted a korg R3 or microkorg..they sound awful to me in store.. is this a lot better? It's cheaper than the R3 though so I'm a bit confused. but it sounds amaaazing and warm, I'm in love

[dragonsagoth666]

It's cheaper because it's monophonic only. And of course it sounds warmer because it's no emulation, it's 100% analog and that's teh sexyness of it :D

[GamerConor]

wait, so u cant like plug in a midi keyboard and play chords? soz bout newbness!

[dragonsagoth666]

You CAN plug a midi keyboard, but you can play only one note at a time. Only in Arpeggiator mode you can play chords (I guess), but then again the Mopho will play that chord one note at a time.

[meltingpenguin]

You don't play chords on a mono-synth. Monosynths are for programming BIG sounds, Bass lines or playing leads.

Even with the Prophet 08 the sounds are too big and don't lend well to chord playing, they're more for playing over each other, and creating sonic space.

[MaxSynths]

I've bought a Micro Modular some days ago and this little synth seems to have a similar sound, am I wrong?

[KittyGotSued]

yes, totally.. this thing sounds MUCH better (analog wise). BUT.. micromodular has far more options, just a matter of choice, the micro doesn't sound bad at all. But this one is the real deal, micro is only Virtual.

[HoweGavin]

Im glad theres a demo of this thing

it sounds amazing, but how easy is it to program? (meaning is it like a 303 where u just press in notes, or do you have to do alot of button pressing and knob turning?)

[keybdwizrd]

If you want to program patches or the sequencer, you have to press buttons and turn knobs. The other alternative is to use the software editor.

[SynthaholicNH]

Cool new toy there!

In the "Mode 1" patch, what is modulating the filter? The sequencer?

How is the sound compared to the Prophet '08? If you make the same patch on both, do they sound the same, or different?

[jeevespreston]

To quote Mr. Lebowski, you are "The Dude"!! Fantastic as always Mr. W.

Signed,

A Student

[nettingapplause]

i know this is just a youtube video, but the fatso sounds fairly sweet. how does it compare to the little phatty?

[genxtargetmarket]

Different oscillator and filter design. Both are monophonic. The Mopho has many interesting features like the arpeggiator and sequencer.

You can see where the price difference comes in though.

[OrganSymphony9]

just to let you know mr wizard sir, i just ordered this little box of joy :D

your videos were a major part of my decision to buy it, so i thank you.

cant wait until it arrives!

[npoctoncux]

You doing a great job, sharing this demos.

There are currently not many real user-info about little beauty over the all internet.

That last patch - is that sending external audio thru the mopho filter circuit ?

Hoping to see more mopho demos from you!

[sweetcircuit]

c'mon they hear the screaming resonance on "retro mopho", your keyboard playing is good, but we'd all like to see the functions of the synth

[keybdwizrd]

I am not sure I understand your comment, but I make videos like this just for fun. You are welcome to make your own videos if you'd like to see something different.

[freezegelman]

yeah man, what kind of comment is that? i'm with keybdwizrd on this one. he's taking time out of his life to film, edit, and post these vids... out of the kindness of his heart, and all you can do is complain. i'm just flat out disappointed in you

[johnisfaster]

for some odd reason I don't like it. for one thing you can easily get an analog for around the same price that wouldn't force you to scroll through pages of settings. although you probably wouldn't get presets... don't mean to be a nay sayer, just sharing my thoughts.

[loicthefrenchman]

maybe this instrument is still easy to program. I think it is worth testing it for real.

The sound is AWESOME! and everyone seems to agree with that here.

[PhotoAnimationGuy]

where is that delay coming from?

[peter47a]

You should watch the video till the end.

"Mopho Demo #3 / Lexicon MX200 used for effects"

[rgiskard]

From a Lexicon MX200 (at 4:40).

[keybdwizrd]

A Lexicon effects unit.

[PhotoAnimationGuy]

my bad... I was hoping there was built in delay like on the evolver.

[Str3tchnut5]

That last patch was awesome!

[MclarenF1CMS]

woah! I just found out about this thing! for $400 is's a steal. this makes me want one so bad now!!! ANALOG!!!