I have two synthesizer projects that need to be resolved. First, I need to replace the Poly Evolver Keyboard and Prophet '08 Keyboard that I sold over the last couple of years. This vacuum will presumably be filled by a 16-voice Rev2 keyboard-module pair. Second, I need to create the mono synth I've been envisioning for several years now. This latter is far more difficult to resolve than the former. And I'd like to maintain my set up at three instruments.
I came so close last week to ordering a Korg ARP Odyssey Keyboard and Module pair. I had actually filled out the online order form, except for my credit card information. But I didn't feel entirely certain of the decision, so I did a little more eleventh-hour research. I hate 3-octave keyboards...hate 'em. But I've tried to adjust to the idea anyways, just in this one case, because I have always been crazy for the Odyssey. As it turns out, the Korg Odyssey keybed is also unusually cheap in feel and construction. So that was the end of my near purchase.
I'm trying to do something that is very simple, and it's turning out to be nearly impossible. I'm trying to start with a high quality 4-5 octave keybed. That's building block
numero uno, my top priority. I could possibly manage with 3 1/2 octaves, but not another note less. Next, I need two identical units - either a keyboard and module pair, or else, two modules to be controlled by my Prophet '08 Keyboard. MIDI is obviously essential to this equation, rather than CV. And next, I'd like the ability to continue to build up this monophonic instrument into the future.
A P'08 or Rev2 would be an excellent controller for this system, since I expect to have two such keyboards - one for polyphonic uses, and the other partly for monophonic uses. I've also considered the Prophet-6 as the base keyboard, and I think this would work well. But then I would be inclined to buy the Module version as the other half. This would amount to much more money than I've intended to spend, it wouldn't result in the sort of super mono synth I've envisioned, and it would be a waste of a 6-voice instrument. I could begin the purchasing right now, but I'd have to give up on my Rev2 intentions and continue with my aging Prophet '08 system. Also, I expect the P6 will be the next instrument Sequential retires, and that retirement may come before I can afford the second unit. Regardless, at this point it's the closest I have to a resolution.
I've considered the Pro 3, but...that darned 3-octave keyboard issue again. I've also considered the Matrixbrute, but I'm not especially impressed with its sound or design. I would have no use for the matrix, which takes up about 1/3 of the control panel. Nor do I like its appearance.
As for modules, I do like the Vermona Mono Lancet and the Perfourmer MK II. The Boomstar 4072 MK II module is also of interest, as is the Korg Minilogue XD and Doepfer Dark Energy III. I could even imagine getting into true modular on a small scale
. The Moog Matriarch would be a good choice,
if it was available in a module form.
All of this is fascinating to ponder, but my main difficulty is in finding the right keyboard to begin the whole project. There are so many synthesizers now available, but none serves my mono synth needs.