Friends,
In my ongoing quest to find the perfect friend to my Analog Rytm, I’ve used the Octatrack for awhile as a companion. But lately, I’ve realized more sample options is not what I need. With eight tracks of sample playback awesome in the Rytm, that’s all I need to make sweet sweet candy. And the sound of the Rytm is so different from the Octatrack, it’s starting to get to me. I just prefer the Rytm’s sound much more.
My workflow is a bit tedious. I sample stuff, move those samples to the Rytm and use them there. Loops, sequences, one shots, whatnot. Since I work a lot with harmonics - chords, leads, bass, strings, melodies - I frequently hit bumps on the road, like “Oh, I’d like to have that in C Minor as well” or “Ah, I should’ve made another sequence like that with a pitch lower” and so on.
At which point I must go back to that instrument, create more sounds and sequences, sample them and move them to the Rytm, like one shots or loops or variations of this.
All of this is fine. I don’t mind. It sounds so bloody good once in the Rytm, it’s worth it. And I enjoy tinkering like this, makes you think more about what you’re doing.
But I usually go back and forth between these moments when I need something related to harmonics. More or different notes, so to speak. The Octatrack is just a bridge here, not much help in itself.
So it occurred to me, the companion to my Rytm should perhaps not be more sampling power, but just a synth instead.
Here’s what I’ve tried and dismissed for that purpose:
Tempest - got one. Love it. But it’s a lot of work to just tune in even the simplest sounds sometimes, it’s raw without effects and the sequencer is a bit limited.
Analog Keys - tried it. Liked it, but it was big and clumsy. I work at a ridiculously tight space. It physically almost didn’t fit. I had issues with the sound, but realised afterwards that was just me being silly.
Sub37 - had it. Sold it. It’s awesome. But it’s monophonic, dry and not as evident in a mix as you’d think. And the sequencer, while powerful for a synth of that kind, is still a bit tedious.
Electribe2 - lots to like here. But the depth of sound creation is too shallow. Even the best of the best at this instrument, still create tracks that sound familiar. They’re great compositions, but all ring very same.
Prophet12 - no sequencer. Otherwise, it would’ve been perfect. Love the DSI sound in general!
DSI Evolver desktop version - a bit too old fashioned in interface and structure, but had a lot going for it. Close, close.
So my criteria would be:
Multiple voices and multitimbral - no monophonic options
Oscillators, not samples - it must be top notch in harmonics and composition - which is why samplers only are right out as options
Compact - as in Elektron size compact or close to it
Great sequencer
Flexible sound engine
Needs to look cool on the desk
Are there any options out there besides the Analog4, that fits this bill?