Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer

Comments about Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer:

This unit has a FAT analog synth sound... The controls are great for such a small device... I get more out of this than I do from some gear that is three times the size... I did add my own rubber feet to the bottom which made a big difference when trying to play it live (wish it came with these)... and I also wish it had RCA or 1/4" out instead of the mini... Other than that, love it.

Comments about Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer:

I just use this thing to play with; I can imagine using it to process something when making a demo (but I have a "real" large modular synthesizer for that), but for the price I paid it's really great to have just sitting on a shelf as something to pull out when friends are over.
It has a built-in speaker, auxiliary input, and headphone output. Sound from the speaker is loud enough but not too loud. Controls are very simple and limited. The only thing I would change if they could do it at this price point is make the LFO a variable waveform. That would necessitate an extra pot or switch, though, which would raise the price. As-is, the LFO is rather odd, being a ramp, so you can't do simple sine wave modulation.
But again, who cares, it's a wonderful little toy! And I mean little--you really could put this in your pocket. I was surprised at how small it really is.
If you're looking for an inexpensive analog synthesizer for performace, this isn't it, unless you're thinking more of a toy, like a stylophone.

Comments about Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer:

The Monotron is a good introductory synth that lets you play around with oscillators and filter to make sounds and sound effects. It's small, lightweight, and with battery operation, you can take it with you. The headphone jack allows you to plug it in to speakers or line-in to your computer's sound card. The ribbon controller is very small and takes some time to get used to. You can use a stylus to get more precise with the notes if you wish to play tunes. It's not necessary, but it helps. I have not used the auxiliary input to the filter so I cannot comment on that function. It would be nice if it had another waveform. It will have a place in my electronic music set up.

Comments about Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer:

I purchased this for the filter, to use in conjunction with a sampler. The synth is fantastic though, great analog sound! It's a blast to play with; fiddling with the knobs to hear the range of sounds available despite it's limited parameters. You might even say it's educational.

For the money, there isn't anything to complain about. A line out jack/rca out (it has a headphone out) would've been nice, but really, it's perfect for the price.

Another awesome thing is the Monotron's hackability. Search and you'll find some interesting videos of Monotrons doing amazing things.

Comments about Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer:

The Korg Monotron is a blast to play with. Running a kick or snare through the filter is fun too. I was able to create a lot of cool sounds within minutes. The filter will let you put some DIRT on your sounds if you crank the peak control. The only complaint I have is that my unit is pretty hissy.

Comments about Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer:

The Korg Monotron is exactly what it says it is. Simple & FUN! My only complaint is that it doesn't have an output jack. Within seconds of turning it on, I was making some seriously wild noises! I can't wait to use this on our next record!

Comments about Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer:

I'm working on a soundtrack for an experimental film and needed one more sound source. I wish you could link it to a larger keyboard but still, amazed how much variety can be coaxed out of it.

Comments about Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer:

This was my first synthesizer, and it was easy to get a feel for what each dial does. One of the reasons i was intimidated by larger synths is the sheer volume of dials and buttons available, as well as the price. I do have to point out that i had a relatively painful time learning how to use the ribbon part.... It would sometimes skip or not detect my finger. You have to press relatively hard to get it to recognize a command. It feels awkward without having a sticky surface like a mat or carpet to have it sit on and pressing so hard.

The built in speaker doesnt do low sounds so well, which is fine because it plays high pitches wonderfully and that is all you need to annoy nearby people!

I havent used the filter part too much, but i did play around a bit and seems to work very reliably. I can pull off some neat effects already and I am a total noob :)

Comments about Korg Monotron Analog Ribbon Synthesizer:

I love this little noise maker. It fits in my pocket. It feels pretty solid for a plastic toy-sized device. Sounds great, especially when connected to good speakers. I love that I can use it to process a portable audio player via the 1/8" input. It's perfect for me and meets or exceed my expectations considering the price and size.