Monotron

[moonmin82]

its not the markings that bother me.

im finding that when i calibrate to match the makings via the range adjuster and pitch knob that the notes arent quite evenly spread between the markings.

i.e. to the left hand side the notes are well distributed and pressing the stylus to the middle of the key area produces the correct note in pitch.

however towards the right hand side of the layout the notes become a little more skewed and dont quite match the markings.

anyone have any tips?

[Pin]

Monstrotron - band/project with Korg Monotron as main musical instrument.
http://www.myspace.com/monstrotron
Also features some pixel graphics, crude Monotron patch sheet and notes on use.

Project is still forming (maybe it will be live band, maybe not, Route is not fully established etc.), so any comments and critique are appreciated.

[lloydsmith]

Ref keyboard.

The main tip I would offer is to play by ear rather than real estate!

key markings are just approximate reference points for what's coming out of the filter at any given time. Fortunate I'm not a pianist - so I have nothing to unlearn. Now I'm used to it I love the ribbon - rocking a finger can bend notes!

Practice makes playing it relatively instinctive ( I would have to practice obsessively to be brave enough to play it live though)

To use a conventional keyboard for control - you could map notes to a sampler. Various glissandi could be sampled separately. Sampling is also a good option for building polyphonic pads out of it to play in real time.

Some other things I have found out in use.

Often I find I need three hands or more. Other than asking a friend to tweak your knob for you, a latch button would be a useful mod.

Inputted sound changes once any notes are played on the keyboard - thus interesting evolving drones can be produced. The alternating switchover/blend between input source & Monotron can be smoothed by controlling the input volume. Add lashings of reverb etc to taste for ambience.

I ran a Stylophone 350S through the Monotron & a chain of effects pedals. The 350s can have its photo sensor assigned to volume - I was using my elbow over this at one point, having run out of hands as usual. It sounded amazing though!

The bass on this thing is ridiculously powerful (& the 350S is not to be underestimated either)

The Monotron has given me a whole new sonic palette. I had a kind of wailing sax sound at one point - reminded me of 'Sense of Doubt' from Bowie's Berlin period. Nice! When I'm done I will upload some soundclips.

Was thinking that a combined forum section for the MS10, 20 & the Monotron might be a cool idea.

The Monotron deserves promoting as it's an important development in making analogue accessible. Although tiny it shouldn't be misunderstood as a toy & get buried by the recession. Supplies seem to be limited so maybe it's selling well - even more reason to promote discussion.

[dayuri]

Ref keyboard.


Was thinking that a combined forum section for the MS10, 20 & the Monotron might be a cool idea.

I agree. Or possibly even just a Korg Analog section?

[Aciphecs]

Just ordered my Monotron of ebay after fooling with a friends while jamming the other day. This tiny synth pushed some sick analog through my pa! Can't wait to get mine.

[Aciphecs]

Got my monotron yesterday!

This is my first analog synth (gotta start somewhere, even if it feels like I'm texting while jammin on this lil beast).

Can't wait to start loading my ESX with true analog samples!

[DrTekagi]

How do i safely connect my Monotron to a guitar amp. The manual says not to use a mono cable.

1) Can I connect it directly, using a 3.5mm Stereo Male to 6.3mm Mono Female Adapter, and then use ordinary mono jack cables?

2) Or connect it directly using a Stereo 3.5mm Male to Neutrik Mono 6.3mm Jack Audio Lead cable?

3) Or do i have to use a mixer?

4) Or something entirely different?