Do you want to get a synthesizer with polyphony, but you don’t like digital synths? There are two polyphonic analog synths that can be your choices: Korg Minilogue and Behringer Deepmind 12. Being analog synths, these models offer superior sound quality with unbeatable richness and fullness. Korg Minilogue is quite compact and portable, featuring a modern/retro look with 22 keys, whereas Behringer Deepmind 12 is quite larger with lots of sliders and 29 keys. Continue reading below for the more detailed comparisons between Korg Minilogue vs Deepmind 12!
Design
First of all, let’s start by comparing the designs of Korg Minilogue vs Deepmind 12. In general, if you are looking for a compact synth, Korg Minilogue would be a more reasonable choice. It is taller, but it isn’t very wide. The device measures 24.4 inches x 16.6 inches x 6 inches. The keyboard only covers three octaves, so it does not need to be very wide. The more compact design makes it suitable for a limited space, and it is also quite portable.
Frankly, Korg Minilogue is impressive right out of the box. We have discussed about Korg Minilogue in our previous post, Korg Minilogue vs Moog Sub Phatty. You will find yourself face-to-face with the sand-blasted and anodized aluminum panel after opening the packaging. It looks professional and stylish, and the textured surface is very nice to touch. The aluminum panel is 2mm-thick, so it is very sturdy and durable. On the rear side, you can find the back panel that is made from the Pyinkado wood, which is a South Asian wood known for the excellent durability. The combination creates a beautiful modern/retro vibe. Unfortunately, the rest of the chassis is made of plastic, but it is still tough and lightweight.
On the other hand, Behringer Deepmind 12 is quite larger and heavier. While it isn’t very tall, it is quite a wide synth. It measures 32.4 inches x 10.1 inches x 4.1 inches. The keyboard covers four octaves, and there are a handful of buttons and knobs right on the left side of the keyboard. It isn’t really portable, and it will require more space. Nevertheless, this synth is well-built. The construction is highly rugged and durable, featuring a metal case and wooden side panels. It looks professional, elegant, and sophisticated.
Display and Control
Do you feel more comfortable working with a display screen or without? That’s one question to consider when choosing between Korg Minilogue vs Deepmind 12. Korg Minilogue does not have a real display screen; there is just this small indicator display for the patch name, parameter value, sequencing, and oscilloscope. You will not look at the display often because general sound making and sequencing do not need the display at all.
There are 14 metal switches and 29 black plastic dials on the control panel for immediate access. They all send or receive MIDI signals. They all have internal metal shafts that ensure their durability. Thanks to the same internal metal shafts, you can actually replace the plastic dials if you so desire.
On the other hand, Behringer Deepmind 12 is equipped with a real display screen right on the top-center of the front panel for various screen-based tweaks. Although the display screen is considered antediluvian by some people, it is handy and effective. It gives some helpful visual guides and indicators when adjusting a waveform.
There are numerous sliders and buttons on the front panel that they may feel a little bit overwhelming at first. However, once you understand the layout and workings, the sliders are very handy for making precise adjustments. The sliders seem to be quite durable. However, not all of the controls can be immediately accessed – some settings can only be reached through the display screen.
Korg Minilogue Performance
So, how do Korg Minilogue vs Deepmind 12 compare to each other in terms of performance? Both are known for their excellent sound quality, but there are still some things to consider.
Korg Minilogue is a four-voice polyphonic synth. In other words, it can play up to four notes simultaneously. Let’s not forget that this synth is one of the most affordable analog synths available on the market right now. In its price range, it is pretty much the only model with polyphony. It is a very good value for the money.
Korg Minilogue is armed with eight analog oscillators, so there are two VCOs assigned per voice. Each oscillator has saw, square, and triangle waves. There is a sub-oscillator with a square wave in the Mono Mode sitting about one or two octaves under Osc 1. The sound quality is excellent; the oscillators sound full and rich. You will be surprised by how powerful they are. They can create various sounds with just very little effort from your side.
Deepmind 12 Performance
On the other hand, Behringer Deepmind 12 is quite more expensive, but the performance is worth the price if you can benefit from the 12-voice polyphony. This synth features the Oscillator Sync Mode which enables the machine to have two oscillators per voice for all of the twelve voices. There are also two LFOs per voice with seven waveform shapes that you can customize. There are independent software-generated envelopes for VCA and VCF sections, and there is an additional all-purpose envelope which is for other control duties. This synth is very powerful and versatile. Unfortunately, the two onboard fans may sometimes generate noticeable noise in a studio environment.
Other Features
Korg Minilogue has 200 memory locations for storing your patches and sequences. There are also 8 favorite locations for assigning your most frequently used patches/sequences. This synth runs off a wall-wart. There is a mono audio input that runs through the effects. There are USB-MIDI and DIN MIDI I/O ports. Additionally, you can use the Sync I/O minijacks to integrate the synth with other Korg Sync-equipped devices.
BehringerDeepmind 12 boasts much larger storage with 8 banks, each has 128 program locations. So, there are 1024 locations in total. In addition to the USB and MIDI DIN ports, this synth also boasts built-in Wi-Fi connectivity which supports rtp MIDI. It can act as a client or access point as needed. Since all the three MIDI paths can work simultaneously, you can use this synth as a MIDI hub for passing data across the Wi-Fi, USB, and MIDI DIN paths.
Korg Minilogue Vs Deepmind 12
| Korg Minilogue | Deepmind 12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Korg | Behringer |
| 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 | - 12 voices with 2 OSCs per voice with oscillator sync mode - 2 LFOs per voice with 7 waveform shapes, key sync, MIDI sync and envelope auto-triggering |
| Price | ||
| Customer Ratings* | 4.4 out of 5 stars | n/a |
| Best Deal* | Save Money Please click here | Save Money Please click here |
NOTE : Product prices, availability, ratings and save money information are accurate as of the date/time indicated on post time (as seen right bellow the tittle) and are subject to change. Any price, ratings, availability and save money information displayed on Amazon Site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Conclusion
Both are great synths. Korg Minilogue is already an awesome value for the money. It is affordable, yet it offers great sound quality and powerful features. You can choose Korg Minilogue if you prefer immediate access to the settings instead of going through menu screens. On the other hand, Behringer Deepmind 12 can be the way to go if you need the extended polyphony and customization. The ability to act as a MIDI hub for Wi-Fi, USB, and MIDI DIN paths is also awesome.