Could the Trigon replace both the P6 and OB 6?

[hoodoo_ray]

I own the P6 and the OB 6 and while they each of course have a distinct charm, I still often question if I really need both of them, especially since I'm mostly a hobbyist - and space is at a premium in my little bedroom studio. But when I try to decide which I'd part with, I just can't decide.
In comes the Trigon! As soon as I found out the filter is switchable between 2 and 4 pole modes, a light bulb went off: could this single synth essentially replace both of the others? I know it's a different filter from either, and again, it too has it's own sound, but c'mon. They're all kinda varied flavors of the same basic form factor and architecture.
Could the 4 pole mode basically cover P6 territory while the 2 pole mode covers OB 6 territory, recognizing there are some differences?
I know not many have had their hands on one yet since it's so new, but if anyone has experience with all three, or if you want to just join in the totally unsubstantiated conjecture like I'm doing, I'd love to hear from you.

One thing to consider is sometimes there is a huge amount of airtime given to the differences between synths - the areas they can go to which other synths can't - rather than shared ground. Even with the P6 and OB6, of course there are differences and if you dive full into 'Oberheim' territory on the OB6 you will find things the P6 can't do, and vice versa. However, the shared ground between them is quote huge - even if their filters are so different. So I would take that into consideration - and try to explore how much shared ground there is between the Trigon and those two. I should imagine that the Trigon actually has even more shared ground with both the P6 and the OB6 (due to the filter options) whilst also sharing much of the same architecture. Further it has that third oscillator which gives you even more options too. So in summary - are there aspects really specific to the P6 and OB6 which you would really miss which you perhps couldn't cover with the Trigon?

Also, if you are struggling for space going down to one synth could be the answer. I know some folk who really believe that you don't need more than one polysynth, and that you can get 99% of what you want through good programming, effects etc. So if you can believe you can do that then why not?

Another thing to think about too - would you miss having two synths playing in parallel? Is this something you utilise a lot, or do you tend to record etc with one synth at a time? If the former you may want to think about that.

Lastly, I will say what I always say to anyone considering buying a new synth - if you do get the chance to try one, does it inspire you? Does it 'feel' right? This is not something that is important to everyone mind - but for me personally I tend to be much more creative with instruments (not just synths) which feel right somehow. That's really woolly I know, and probably not well described - but I hope it makes sense in some way!

[Quatschmacher]

Probably.

But why do manufacturers persist with keyboards? How many keyboards can we accommodate! Desktops are surely the way forward - at the end of this particular 'golden era' of synths?

I have to strongly disagree. I think it's great to be offered both. For me personally, I much prefer having a standalone instrument I can take with me to a practice, a gig or just a friend's house for a jam!

I’d go a step further, I really wish they’d offer their keyboards in a third variant with at least a 61-key keyboard. The main reason I never bought any of the 6 series is due to the short keyboard. And no, I don’t really want to hook up a desktop to a master keyboard if at all possible, I’d like a self-contained instrument.

Yeah. I get that those white and black things are convenient for data entry to the synth but the £700 premium each time plus the space required is my issue. The synth itself is complete. Fwiw, I think the Trigon project could have been a bit more radical.

I do piano-style playing as opposed to any kind of sequenced stuff so for me the extra keys are essential. That’s why I was suggesting they make 3 versions: a module, a 4-octave keyboard and a 5- or 6-octave keyboard. That way users have a choice. There are companies who do this or almost this such as Korg (Prologue), Modal (Cobalt and Argon), ASM (Hydrasynth). Bit of market research to determine likely numbers of sales on each version and it’d be win-win for everyone.

[LPF83]

I do piano-style playing as opposed to any kind of sequenced stuff so for me the extra keys are essential. That’s why I was suggesting they make 3 versions: a module, a 4-octave keyboard and a 5- or 6-octave keyboard. That way users have a choice. There are companies who do this or almost this such as Korg (Prologue), Modal (Cobalt and Argon), ASM (Hydrasynth). Bit of market research to determine likely numbers of sales on each version and it’d be win-win for everyone.

I would expect to see the Trigon6 eventually follow the P6 and OB6 with a desktop module in the $2299 price range.

[J_P_P]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0I0RkK6ttA

[LPF83]

[...video...]

I was just getting ready to post this, a very timely post considering the recent discussion about snappiness of bass on ladder filters and whether the Trigon 6 would be able to match the P6 or OB-6 in this regard.  Check out the bass comparison at the 11 minute mark.

Overall I think the Trigon 6 is a great sounding synth, but the OB-X8 remains more on my immediate radar.  I feel there is less overlap between the Prophet 6 and OB-6, they are synths that feel similar but sound very different.  The OB-6 is so full of character, and the filter always makes itself known, but played next to the Prophet 6 or Prophet 10 it always feels a bit less versatile in tone.  The Trigon 6 seems to have a bit more Prophet-like versatility, from what I've heard in sound demos.