Even though digital synthesizers are now very popular because of the affordable prices and rich features, many people still stick with analog synthesizers due to the unmatchable sound quality. In the following article, we will discuss about the comparisons between Korg Minilogue vs Moog Sub Phatty. Both of these two analog models are available in a relatively affordable price range, but they offer solid features and performance that make them very valuable for the money. So, which model is the best for you?
Polyphony or Monophonic
If this is your first time buying a synthesizer, both Korg Minilogue and Moog Sub Phatty are indeed good choices. However, before we proceed further, there is one important difference that you have to consider. Do you prefer a polyphony or monophonic synthesizer? In general, polyphony synths are more recommended for starters. A monophonic synth is the last synth that you need in your equipment, not the first. For a digital synth, see Korg Minilogue vs Roland Gaia.
Korg Minilogue is a polyphony synth. It is able to play up to four notes at once. You see, polyphony is the ability to play multiple notes simultaneously by pressing multiple keys. Although the four-note polyphony seems to be weak if you compare it to keyboards and digital synths, it is actually very powerful. The sound quality is excellent, and you can already play a wide variety of key combinations with it.
On the other hand, Moog Sub Phatty is a monophonic synth. It can only play a single note at a time. If you press the other keys while playing a note, the inputs won’t register. A monophonic synth is not really recommended for a starter because it is not very versatile. That being said, you still want to have Moog Sub Phatty in your equipment later because of the unique sound quality. If you already have a polyphonic synth, then this synth would make an excellent complement.
Korg Minilogue: Design and Features
After considering the primary difference between Korg Minilogue vs Moog Sub Phatty, now let’s see more about these synths. Korg Minilogue definitely looks impressive. Right out of the box, you will be presented with a nice sand-blasted and anodized aluminum panel. It is nicely textured, and the 2-mm thickness feels very tough and sturdy. The rest of the chassis is actually plastic, but the back panel made from Pyinkado wood successfully adds a beautiful future/retro vibe.
Like ‘70s music centers and ‘80s recorders, Korg Minilogue is equipped with 14 metal paddles and 29 black plastic dials. They have internal metal shafts that make them sturdy and durable. You can actually replace the dial caps to create a personal customized look. On the right, there is a small OLED display for patch names, parameter values, sequencing, and the oscilloscope. There are eight backlit buttons for changing the mode, sequencing the step, and editing. But you don’t really need to see the screen just for general sound making and sequencing.
Korg Minilogue: Sound and Effects
At the heart of Korg Minilogue are eight VCOs that deliver high-quality lively-sounding sounds. Two VCOs are assigned for each of the four voices of the polyphony. Every analog oscillator has saw, triangle, and square waves. Every wave has a continuously variable shape. As a result, Korg Minilogue becomes a surprisingly powerful and versatile synth. You can make it sound thin or fat or evolving or anywhere in-between. The wide range of timbres available via the Voice Modes is also impressive. In the Mono Mode, there is a square wave sub-oscillator that sits about one or two octaves under Osc 1.
The sound is rich and full. You can clearly hear the superior quality of VCOs. The sound effects are also great. There are so many different types of effects available in this synth, and you can stack them all to create various sounds. It is rather scary, how this synth is able to make so many different types of sound with very little effort. There are 200 memory locations where you can store your patches and sequences. There are also 8 favorite locations that you can use to quickly recall your most-used patches.
Moog Sub Phatty: Design and Features
How do Korg Minilogue vs Moog Sub Phatty compare to each other? Moog Sub Phatty makes a viable choice for a starter mainly because of the affordable price. It has a fantastic interface. The numerous knobs make it a great joy to program and experiment. The patch points and connectors are located on the left panel, near the rear of the device. There is a switch that you can easily access for quick plus/minus two octaves for a wider note range to play with.
Moog Sub Phatty does not have a tilting front panel, but the default angle is already very comfortable to work with. This synth is equipped with 25 semi-weighted keys. But, at the first time seeing Moog Sub Phatty, your eyes will probably go straight to the oversized Cutoff knob that is right above the Filter section. It is the control that you will reach frequently, and the enlarged size drives the notion of the panel as a gateway for performance and sound-shaping works.
Moog Sub Phatty: Sound and Effects
Moog Sub Phatty is anchored by two free-running VCOs that have pitch ranges of 2’, 4’, 8’, and 16’. Both oscillators have variable waveshapes for added character. It is worth a mention that the VCOs can come up to playing temperature very quickly and accurately. The tuning is rock-solid and consistent, even if you are playing in a cluttered home studio or in fluctuating air conditioning. There is a sub-oscillator, too, which uses a square wave and sits one full octave under Osc 1.
Just like the old-school analog synths, Moog Sub Phatty does not have any digital display. It can only accommodate 16 onboard presets. However, you can connect it to your computer and use the editor/librarian software for creating, storing, and retrieving patches. There are various effects, and this synth carries the famous Moog sound quality which is full, fat, and warm.
Korg Minilogue Vs Moog Sub Phatty
| Korg Minilogue | Moog Sub Phatty | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Korg | Moog |
| Key features | - Flexible, powerful four-voice analog synthesizer - Fully programmable, with 200 program memories (100 sounds included) - Voice Mode lets you flexibly configure the four voices | - An authentic Moog at a ridiculously affordable price! - 25 semi-weighted keys; 100% analog signal path - 31 knobs and 13 switches give you direct, immediate control |
| Price | ||
| Customer Ratings* | 4.4 out of 5 stars | 5.0 out of 5 stars |
| Best Deal* | Save Money Please click here | Save Money Please click here |
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Conclusion
Korg Minilogue vs Moog Sub Phatty have different advantages, and there are reasons to get them both. They can complement each other very well. However, for a starter synth, Korg Minilogue is more recommended due to being a polyphony synth. It can play up to four notes at once, making it very flexible and powerful. The sound quality is excellent and customizable. However, if you already have a polyphony synth, you can consider getting Moog Sub Phatty for the uniquely full, fat, and warm sound.