€835
If you don’t already know Dave Smith, get to know. The man invented MIDI, designed countless iconic synths for his company Sequential Circuits in the 70s and 80s, and co-developed the Tempest drum machine with Roger Linn – what more do you want? As if that wasn’t enough, he continues to produce a killer synths to this day.
The original Mopho was a desktop module released in 2009. Many saw it as a successor to the legendary Sequential Circuits Pro One thanks to its ballsy sound and versatility. (The Mopho’s circuit board actually features the legend ‘Pro One II’, hinting at DSI’s intentions during the design process.)
We’d still recommend the Mopho – it remains great value for money – but it has its weaknesses, and they all stem from the fact that programming and editing a two-oscillator synth with flexible modulation options, four LFOs and a built-in step sequencer turns out to be frustratingly fiddly with only eleven rotary knobs on the front panel.
The solution is obvious, and in 2010 DSI did what everyone wanted and followed the original module up with a bigger version, adding a full complement of front-panel controls and a 32-note keyboard. The result is a keyboard which realises the potential the Mopho module had all along. A truly expressive performance tool with velocity and aftertouch control. Poly Chain options to hook up to other DSI synths. Excellent build quality. And, most importantly of all, killer sound.
A modern classic. If you can stretch to the SE version, you’ll get the benefit of a 44-note keyboard.
02.24 AM
No love for the Vermona mono lancet? Wicked dual osc mono synth with one of the best square waves around imo
11.09 AM
My two cents…. I’ve heard some pretty terrible things about Cyclone Analogic TT-303… and I would personally take a x0xb0x over it any day.
Also… Korg Monotron? Top ten best analog monosynth? I guess SH-101 and MC-202 were too close to the 303 or what? I agree that the Mono Lancet should be in there, perhaps instead of Monotron. Well, actually there are a bunch of better candidates.
11.15 AM
Borg – new synths only in this one, so 101 and 202 don’t qualify.
As always with our Ten Of The Best features these are our favourite options at a range of price points, listed from cheapest to most expensive.
We like the Mono Lancet too but as far as modules go the Dark Energy and Pulse 2 get the nod here.
11.40 AM
got the bass bot since a while and must say the sound is quite good, creamy and very 303 authentic, the filter is good as well. probably better to test it for yourself than judging on it by “hearing terrible things”. the rest of the list seems to fit as well.
09.18 PM
Monotron is my favorite synth of all time. I have plenty of synthesizers (also some which are mentioned in this post).
05.25 AM
Future Retro’s XS should be on there too IMO
06.14 PM
Analogue Solutions Leipzig S is a killer monosynth !
06.28 PM
Can definitely recommend ANYTHING from Studio Electronics.
SE-1 is a great and cheaper alternative to the minimoog + has an SEM filter in there!
10.22 PM
Mono lancet should be there imo
01.40 AM
Really surprised the Moog Minitaur didn’t make the list…
02.01 AM
For something e little different, check out an Eowave Domino. It has an interesting character
08.01 PM
vermona mono lancet, eowave domino, mfb micro/nanozwerg (price is ridiculous) just to name some very strong contenders for this list.
11.14 PM
Analogue Solutions Telemark ? Happy the Dark Energy got in their tho
06.47 PM
I am surprised not to see the EMS’s Synthi A, or VCS3 on the list. When it comes down to sonic flexibility, those two remain peerless.
04.06 PM
No DSI Pro 2???
08.09 AM
BASS STATION II …All the way! it’s amazing.
06.18 PM
The MicroBrute is made of very solid metal not plastic. And the MiniBrute also has only one oscillator.
09.43 PM
lol cool article
09.47 PM
05.44 PM
x0xbox its better than cyclone!
10.05 AM
Waldorf Pulse 2 is the best sounding synth from all of those however it would be beneficial having more knobs. Pulse 2 is proper analog modular synth with the patch memory.
10.56 PM
If you think the analogue revival started with the MonoTron you must have just jumped on the bandwagon recently.
06.53 PM
Hypersynth Xenophone should be on the list, I would say in place of the Mopho which is bland and undistinguished. Or if you want a DSI, put the Evolver up there, the best monosynth for under a grand. I would put both; remove the Minimoog which is always admirable but overpriced and does not have a place on this list of affordable monosynths.