Make Noise 0-Coast Synthesizer Review – An Affordable Introduction To West Coast Synthesis

The Make Noise 0-Coast synthesizer is an all-in-one synth that can be used as synth module, but also as a ‘gateway drug’ to so-called ‘West Coast’ synthesis.

In this video review, Nick Batt of Sonic State takes a look at the 0-Coast, digging into sonic capabilities of each of the major sections.

The 0-COAST is a single voice patchable synthesizer. It’s name reflects the fact that it utilizes techniques from both the Moog and Buchla paradigms (aka “East Coast,” and “West Coast,” due to their locations), but is loyal to neither and thus implements “no coast synthesis.”

While the 0-COAST utilizes classic modular synthesis techniques, Make Noise designed it to operate with or without the use of patch cables.

Make Noise has also put together a big playlist of videos that demonstrate the 0-Coast in action:

Pricing and Availability

The Make Noise 0-Coast is available now for US $499.

If you’ve used the 0-Coast, leave a comment and share your thoughts on it!

17 thoughts on “Make Noise 0-Coast Synthesizer Review – An Affordable Introduction To West Coast Synthesis

  1. Given the super high cost of many west coast synths, I think this thing is a bargain if you want to explore that vein.

      1. Sure I take synths in my backpack all the time. Really? You’re using that as a criteria? And what controller do you put in your backpack?

      1. No, I’m not missing the point. Both are patchable. Both can also be used without patches. But the MS-20 Mini has two oscillators, two EGs, and high pass and low pass filters. That makes a big difference in the sounds one can get.

        1. Bill, you are trying to compare a traditional Subtractive synth like the MS-20 mini (which I have and love) to a mostly Additive synth like the 0-Coast… it really is apple and oranges. Yes, the MS-20 has two oscillators, two EGs, etc., but what it doesn’t have that the 0-Coast DOES have is an additive Overtone and a wavefolding Multiply section (you can’t get that additive, wavefolding sound from your MS-20!) and a lowpass gate, and a built-in arpeggiator…

          … and technically, the 0-Coast does have two EGs – Slope and Contour – which can both act as Envelopes, but you can switch the Slope into Cycle mode so it can act as an LFO… and then, that’s right, it can get into audio rate range so it can also act as a second Oscillator (Sonicstate demos this in the video above to show how you can get two different, paraphonic notes from the 0-Coast. I also demo this in one of my videos.)

          The point being, they are two different, but great synths that each offer their own unique sound.

    1. know this is old but, the 0 coast is additive synthesis, with FM modulation, parameters the MS-20 can’t do, you have 2 raw waveforms that are mixable, so technically that’s 2 VCO’s, plus you can use the slope gen. as a 2nd VCO or 3rd. This is a more original style of modern and old school west coast, while an MS-20 is your tried and true, but also still an amazing synth in its own. Just the 0 coast is really it’s own thing, compared to a croweded set of subtractive synths.

  2. why on earth does the title of this article focus on West Coast when Make Noise is clearly trying to create something that in “No Coast”.

    1. because it has a lot of west coast qualities, and it will likely be someone’s first experience with west coast at that price point. not many people are going to go out and buy a shared system out of the blue, unfortunately.

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