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Best Bass Synths Right Now?

chechunka

chechunka

Supporting Member
Apr 18, 2009
1,205
1,225
#1
Hi Justin!

I have an old faithful Moog Lil Phatty stage 2 that I have used for quite some time for bass synth duties, and am considering "upgrading" to the sub37. I've heard some people complain that although the sub37 is much more versatile it doesn't sound as warm/analog and is subjectively more harsh sounding as compared to the Little Phatty. What is your opinion on the Sub37.

Is there something else I should be considering for bass synth duties, or should I fart and lose the GAS and keep rocking what I got?

Thanks!
 
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#2
I think you're probably good. I personally prefer the sub 37...it is more interesting and versatile, and pretty massive sounding, though it's arguable if it's more warm/analog or not. I might recommend you consider saving up for a new Mini Model D and just cut to the chase and get the best.
 
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#3
jmjbassplayer said:
I think you're probably good. I personally prefer the sub 37...it is more interesting and versatile, and pretty massive sounding, though it's arguable if it's more warm/analog or not. I might recommend you consider saving up for a new Mini Model D and just cut to the chase and get the best.
Click to expand...

Thanks coach! I really appreciate the help. Have a killer day!
 
#4
I'll second Sub37. I love mine a lot. Much cooler than the Littles or the MiniTaur. It works great for bass sounds and has a lot of options for other things as well. The duo osc stuff is really interesting, and the sequencer on board is deep and easy to use, and I got some patches made by other people that get way above my pay grade with internal patching to do freaky great modular sounding sounds. Maybe there is a valid argument for analog warmth if you have a few other choices to A/B in the studio, but I don't find it particularly lacking when I've put it through my own paces. One of these days I will save and get a Model D simply for nostalgia and sound, but I do not for one minute regret the purchase of the Sub37.
 
#5
hey JMJ I have the Sub Phatty and have been considering an upgrade to the Sub47 or saving on the Model D reissue. my main usage would be for live, I'm correct in saying the Model D doesn't have the ability to store pre-sets correct? do you find it pretty easy to navigate in a live situation?
 
#6
laklandfan07 said:
hey JMJ I have the Sub Phatty and have been considering an upgrade to the Sub47 or saving on the Model D reissue. my main usage would be for live, I'm correct in saying the Model D doesn't have the ability to store pre-sets correct? do you find it pretty easy to navigate in a live situation?
Click to expand...

The Minimoog (Model D) does NOT have presets. It does transmit some MIDI, such as key velocity and afterpressure. You can patch a couple cables at the back/top to get the Minimoog Filters to be controlled by the "new" key velocity and afterpressure keyboard (the original versions could NOT do this). It now has an additional 4th oscillator, unlike the original. While the Minimoog is a MONO instrument, you can play an external sound module (or soft synth) polyphonically via the MIDI out. BUT, that's NOT the reason to play a Minimoog. And get GOOD with the Pitch Wheel! Listen to Bernie Worrell.

Another MASSIVE option is the Moog Taurus 3. You can store presets, with this instrument. It's designed to be played with the pedals, but I often play it from an external keyboard (the Minimoog can the external keyboard). AND, I control ALL the Taurus parameters with a Behringer BCR2000 B-Control Rotary.

You'll need some high-end speakers to appreciate the full sound spectrum from either OR both Moogs.
 
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