The latest video from Bloom Music explores Korg ‘logue Macro Oscillators, Mutable Instrument‘s open source macro oscillator designs and more.
In the video, host Donald Jordan discusses the macro oscillator and how it’s “an underrated gem of modern synthesis.”
Topics covered:
Intro: 00:00
A Brief History: 02:56
The Birth of the Macro Oscillator: 04:15
Sound Examples: 06:52
Wrap Up: 17:48
Do the Korg ‘logue synths offer the best of both worlds? Check out the video and share your thoughts in the comments!
I had the Minilogue XD for a while and I really liked it. I wish they’d do maybe a six voice version with full sized keys and aftertouch. It could be the best of both worlds between the Xd and the larger Prologue series while also helping to correct the lack of aftertouch on the larger models.
I loved the ability to add different digital osc types and then run them through the characterful analog filter. They are definitely cool little instruments and I appreciate that they left the pitch and mod controls on the desktop version – you can control it from a Nord Electro if you like and still have access to pitch and modulation which is nice.
I agree with Peter above.
I had the Minilogue XD module and I only play / make quite simple music as a hobby.
However, the 4 voice limitation quickly become a hindrance.
Obviously, there are some workarounds.
It’s a shame as it’s a great sounding synth.
The fact you can add / change up the effects and digital oscillators is brilliant and I wish more manufacturers did something similar.
I get the analogue oscillators being 4 voice.
I just think the digital oscillators could and should be at least 8.
Prologue has 8 voices.
Not available new tho.
But Korg has teased a big synth at superbooth.
the coolest part of original logue (and it’s final stable firmware) is a kind developer open sourced access to the front panel controls, envelopes, note velocity, and LFO, so you can write digital oscillators that use most of the VCO controls for their own purpose, plus create phased, mltirate, and new waveform LFO’s based on LFO phase data. just turn down the VCO’s in the mixer and you have a great DIY digital synth with lots of knobs plus a bunch of cool HW modulators. the developer produced his own very cool product, Viper, melding the VCO controls with a VA mirroring the VCO controls. Plaits is also great for this application, as modulation outside Plaits built-ins show you the true glory of Emilie’s work!
i had deleted this post. why are you rummaging it up?
Day XXXX of asking for a Prologue 2 so prices on the original go down again
But really, some crazy capable Epilogue would be the best.
using Tsoniq’s eopn sourced Logue front panel code allows you to reassign all the VCO controls for MultiEngine use instead. it also provides access to EG and Amp Note Velocity for more nuanced digital expression, plus both hardware envelopes. Further, access to LFO phase data allows you to construct Quad Phase LFO’s, multirate LFO’s, etc… for non-key synced modulations. additionally, reassigning VCO controls also privde expression controllers to control digital oscillators values as well. you can implement all the modulations, and synth hooks left off the final firmware 2.10.
the Logue platform is awesome for hacking full digital synths into, and you can still mix in the VCO’s by adding a layer on a Prologue.
thanks Emilie, Mark and Peter!