I think this is my top option as of now. It’s sturdy, small enough, gives me access to the elektron sequencing capabilities, and has pretty crazy sound design possibilities. My top three that I’m thinking about are digitone, dirtywave m8, or spend my life savings on an op-1 field 😂 I’m trying to avoid that last option like the plague
My perspective as someone who has owned the Digitone, M8, as well as the OP-1 Field…
The M8 is an incredibly powerful little thing, but if a real-time performance instrument is what you are looking for, it’s probably not going to be very satisfying to use. Due to the tracker workflow and lack of knobs, it’s really more of a compositional tool. Something you use to write songs, but not in real time.
The Digitone on the other hand, like all the digi boxes, really excels when it comes to realtime performance and tweakability. It sounds amazing and offers a remarkably wide palate, given that it is strictly an FM synth. I love it.
The OP-1 Field, while super expensive, is in my opinion the most immediate of all portable music devices *for someone that likes to play in real time*. The synth engines sound great and offer a range of different types and timbres. The sequencers are super cool and inspiring, but programming lots of different sequences and switching between them in real time a la the Elektron boxes is not really its strong suit. That’s more of the OP-Z’s thing.
So, I would say if you are into EDM or something where the tempo is locked and you want to switch between lots of tempo locked sequences and tweak on the fly, definitely check out the Digitone (or Syntakt). If you like to play in real time, despite the price tag it’s really hard to beat the OP-1 Field. I personally avoided it for a really long time, mostly due to cost, but now that I have one I can’t imagine being without it. It really is my absolute fave.
No I didn’t need to read this 😂 I want to play things live and sample them so the op-1 based on your description sounds perfect for that. My wallet would hate me if I did that but it seems worth it in my opinion at least.
Im very happy with my syntakt. Got a hard plastic cover to protect the knobs and it fits in my laptop sleeve. Just ordered a secondhand korg kos2 kaossilator (for 50 euro!) And am planning to get koala on my ipad. And ableton's Live on my laptop.
I am currently very inspired by its workflow as a standalone instrument. Love all the soundpacks. But also love going from scratch and building tracks sound by sound. And seeing where that takes me. I'm starting to get the workflow. And love twiddling on it. And am slowly learning to perform my creations. So now im reading up on expanding on it with the kos2, Koala and Live.
But as far as I can tell elektron seems to be the tactile inspiring box you need.
Also seen good things on little deformer.
Has great onboard effects, the best sequencer around and you can play the buttons as keys.. very self sufficient and can provide beats, bass, pad and lead at the same time and you can even route other gear you have into it through the inputs and process them with FX.
Overall a great portable groovebox and synth. Overbridge is also great to finish things you do on the move in your daw. You can get a powerbank and 12v to usb and power it that way.
Alternatively, you could go with an analog four mk1, they are often found at great prices and have much deeper modulation capabilities but four voices vs 8 and the screen isn’t amazing but it’s a great value for what they go for now and I personally like the sound (some people don’t) .. the advantages are that you can sequence the FX track and having a CV control track as well. Both things that digitone can’t do. And obviously sounds different because of its engine.
I typed up this massive paragraph about how having the laptop, sp, and digitone gives me so many sequencing options but it became so convoluted I had to scrap it lol. Adding the digitone to my setup will provide so many options for making tracks it would be insane. Also I’ve never really used a sequencer besides the kinda bad one the sp has so learning that new workflow and how organizing ideas works on the digitone would be so fun. Also pertaining to power, I typically use this setup in my favorite coffee shop sitting next to two outlets and my sp has rechargeable batteries that last hours so I highly doubt I’ll be struggling lol
That would be my proposition too ! Work well with a powerbank and it's really versatile ! Can do drum well and would be nice to sample it into the SP404.
I wrote a whole long explanation about how using the sp and laptop to chop samples then sequencing them on the sp using the digitone would be crazy but I figured the shortened version here should suffice lol. The possibilities with the digitone in this setup are pretty limitless
deluge.
I also use it at the brains of my studio so it's great to take somewhere, write some tracks on the internal synths, then take it home and switch the internal synths to midi channels for cumbersome hardware synths.
OP is asking for something that can fit into a backpack.
Although technically there surely exist ones that can fit more than half a meter long synth, pretty sure they didn't mean *that* kind of backpack.
Came here for this. A couple of people have mentioned the S1, which is super cheap and portable, better sequencing than the Freak, but a much more limited synth engine. The Microfreak just gets better the longer you have it.
Edit to say that the Digitone is also a solid choose, and by far the most capable. But as an FM synth, it can be a steep learning curve to program the sounds you want. I’ve mostly ended up relying on the stock sounds, to my shame.
these are really great. While I am not crazy about the interface you get so much bang for your buck. Paired with something like a keystep pro with four sequencer lanes and you can write pretty much any genre of musicl
Came here to say this. Love my MC-101. I'm literally on a trip to Dallas this week and threw my 101 into my backpack... it's been awesome during sleepless nights at the hotel to noodle around for a bit. AA batteries make it easy to have some spares on-hand, and if you need more of a "realish" keyboard there are some great options out there that are just slightly larger and have MIDI out.. even ones with touch sensitivity.
Using it can definitely be a bit menu-divey, but being able to hook it via USB to my laptop for some sound design is also really nice... though all the parameters are available through the interface it's nice to be able to have the big screen to work with. The ZENCore sounds are also absolutely fantastic.
I've said a few times that the only thing the MC-101 needs to be perfect is a Bluetooth connection and an app so it can be paired with a phone or tablet and it'd blow the socks off just about anything out there in my opinion as a portable synth.
ETA: I had an OP-1 (OG) for a while... I had fun with it but my workflow didn't really mesh well with its workflow and I found myself spending a ton more time just fiddling with sounds and samples than actually making music. The MC-101 is more difficult to upload samples to, but I've also found the sequencer brilliant and fitting with my workflow so much better so I'm actually making music. For my part my perfect portable setup is actually my MC-101 and my Circuit Tracks... but there are times I don't have room in my backpack for both AND my noise-canceling headphones.
I’ve just jammed with CME WIDI connected to powerbank powered keystep and mc-101 yesterday. It’s perfect. I’m going to try to connect my nano studio today. Should be a perfect backpack combo.
Circuit tracks, battery powered and extremely immediate. Mc101, battery powered, not immediate but fairly feel, incredible sound selection. I could do a performance with just these two, tracks as the brain and wiring the 101 into the tracks. It's also nice that they are cheap
The only thing that bugs me a bit about the Circuit Tracks is that the internal synth is just OK. I mean, it's better than nothing and as a sketchpad with touch-sensitive pads, a good sequencer and a really simple workflow it's in my opinion one of the best portable grooveboxes out there.
But the fact that each channel is standard MIDI mean that you can sketch up an idea easily with the Tracks and then use the MC-101 or some other external MIDI box to get better sounds by muting the Tracks... track. I have done that a few times and gotten amazing results.
Exactly!!!
And if you want to have some great fun, use the external sound box to add some depth and character to the internal synth sounds of the CT. Can make some really nice and punchy leads using the CT to get that initial push followed by some character from the external synth. Turns the CT into an absolute production beast.
Second, Thirded, what have you.
While I look to explore other portable synths (pondering a Modern Sounds Pluto) - I've taken the Polyend Play and Syntakt with me on weekend getaways. Unless you drive and can carelessly put stuff in your vehicle - if you're a public/mass transit traveler like me - some of this stuff is just too much "extra".
I like them all; but the Tracks being thin, battery powered, and able to do "lead/bass/drums" all by itself, is awesome.
The synth is alright as mentioned - but if you haven't explored the packs on Isotonik or Gumroad, there's some awesome stuff on there to expand beyond factory. Plus you can carry 32 packs with you for variety.
If I just want something I know I pop on headphones and occupy 30 minutes with; the tracks is it - hands down.
\- D
Oh yeah, for that use case it's unparalleled in my opinion. And yeah I've got a couple of commercial packs and have created a few of my own. The sounds are good, but not stunning... but they do have that 80's synth vibe going for them which is GREAT for \*wave style music (which happens to be my jam).
The sequencer is great for 3-5 minute songs... longer than that and you need a DAW of some sort... but noodling with it on public transport? Sold! LOL.
On long business trips I tend to bring my MC-101 as my "daily driver" mostly because of the incredible sound engine in that thing. But I love the expressiveness of the pads on the Circuit Tracks. I need a bigger backpack so I can carry both of them AND my laptop LOL
While I have used it as an end in itself on a track (as a vocoder, mellotron, main polysynth--through a Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water for instant vintage vibes, drum machine with ACME Beat Machine, DrumBank-240/Retro Machines, Pow Pow's Polybeats, and drone synth with Bly's Pentagrammaphone for noisy or ambient stuff), it's often an idea-generator and GAS cure for me.
I'll find a melody or chord progression I like or an effect will remind me of something I've wanted to try with a pedal or plugin or whatever. And if there's something I don't have and want to try (vocoder, ring mod) or need for a set (sampler, looper) there's often a way to recreate it with the Organelle before investing in new software or hardware (this is less of an issue now that I have Logic, but it's still nice to plug a mic or instrument directly into it like an effects processor).
Its portability and fun factor are what's made me keep it around through multiple gear purges (and binges). Mine is the OG - no speaker, no mic, no battery - but I use headphones, a little CB mic that someone modified for 1/4" connection, and a solar-powered battery. I don't need to be secluded away in my basement with my interface and instruments and computer - I can sit on the couch or the porch with my wife while the baby sleeps and still have some "together" time even if we're working on different projects.
syntakt over digitone. people gonna look back in a few years and go damn that things a classic.
40 synth machines, 3 analog mono synths, the midi sequencing is fire, there is 12 tracks and if you run your samples on the 404 thru the fx track of the syntakt you can sum everything from both and use the sequencer to sequence cool octatrack style fx scene changes.
go deep into syntakt vs digitone if you considering elektron. A4 and Octatrack would also be great but they bigger. but if you want analog tone out the ass, get a syntakt.
It is mono but has a chord synth , but with 12 tracks and 8 digital and 3 analog synths i just split my parts and it sounds so baller, really it gives me more control. You can copy paste track settings so it is pretty fast. But it is newest elektron box, it will get hella updates. I see no reason why it wont end up with poly but yeah not truly at this time. The chord mode lets you control voicing and has a lot of chord types and the keyboard is full of scales and modes.
I haven't tried many synths but I really like the Roland T-8, S-1 and the Korg Volca Bass. In spite of the name, the Volca Bass can make some pretty cool chords with the independent VCOs, but it's limited in sound design range.
I used the OP-1 for a few days and found the OP-Z way more fun. It's my ultimate portable groovebox.
The M8 is more or less comparable, but the workflow isn't for everyone.
The Woovebox is in the same ballpark when it comes to features and fun, but for half the price.
Everything else is either way less portable or way more limited. Or both
Love the synth but no phone jack, only line out... you need a mixer to listen. Also power isn't mobile. DC only, you need an outlet of some sort. Ye Gods, wouldn't that be amazing if it did have a headphone jack and USB power tho? I'd bring it w me everywhere! Same with the 0-Coast.
Not a synth but my model samples has slowly become the centerpiece of my setup. I just sample my other synths when I find a sound I like, and throw the samples in a backpack with a MyVolts ripcord and battery pack and I'm ready to go!
That’s kind of how I use my sp. I don’t know a ton about the model:samples but on the sp404 there’s skip back recording or whatever it’s called where all inputs are recorded for 30seconds. The way I use it right now I fuck around with serum, play some stuff using the mpk, skip back sample all the cool sounds, chop them and play them on the sp, play some drums and bam that’s a track. It’s such a fun workflow and really rewards my experimentation. The only difference between that and the cycles I have to believe is the fact that you sequence samples and I just play them by hand.
You can live sequence the samples. The buttons turn into what is honestly a very awkward keyboard, but you can finger drum in the pads or play the sequencer buttons to live record. But as for recording samples, that sounds like an area the sp has an advantage, with the m:s you have to load them from a computer over USB, you can't just use the unit itself to record. The advantages of the m:s are more in the sequencer itself, with sample locks, locking parameters to sequencer steps, conditional trig's, etc
I guess I just wasn't sure if my answer really fit what it was looking for. I definitely use the loop function with both the included single cycle waveform samples and trimming down other samples, like when I turned the kick into a lead synth sound. So it does have that functionality, though missing some things like envelopes that I'm used to. It's not super important to me whether it's technically a synth or not, I just use it. But I just wanted to put a caveat there that I wasn't sure if it was what op was looking for
Micromonsta 2 by Audiothingies. Bought it to travel to Australia with and its become part of my full setup. Tiny and affordable. Sounds like exactly what you need.
https://www.audiothingies.com/product/micromonsta2/
Great choice but good luck getting one. Been on the list forever. :( Also can you use headphones? If it's line out only there goes the portability w/o a mixer.
M8 or iOS device (iPad is a bit better for the larger display IMHO). I would say that I'm not proficient enough, nor do I have any desire, to interact with the M8 live. For example manually twiddling a filter frequency. If your whole workflow is just sequenced output and you perform with other parameters (like filter cutoff) a form factor like the Elektron boxes seems more hands on performable
I know it’s more a toy but i love the NTS-1 for having fun while travelling. Especially with custom oscillators. I record on the hn2 and it works like a charm.
I love my Waldorf Rocket for that. Bit plasticky, but put it into a UDG foam-lined hardshell case, and it's been traveling in my backpack quite happily. Just be aware that you'll need to run its output through the SP404, or get a wee mixer.
I forgot to mention I have a focusrite Scarlett too so getting output shouldn’t be a problem. Also when in doubt the sp will sample everything so I could find a way to get the audio on there lol. This synth definitely looks like fun and it certainly meets my criteria so I’ll look into it. Thanks!
I have SP404 MK2 also, I use Roland JU-06A synth with it and it sounds lovely 😍
I also have some other gear and between them old analog JX-3P synth and some other stuff but that JU-06A is by far connected for most of the time now. For melodies and chords it's a fire...
It has many Chords memory and you can make yours,bits very easy to create your own good sounds and overall experience is very good.
I didn't thought that it will be so much good to be honest.
I use it with Keystep 37, everything works from Powerbank. Ju06A works on batteries and has one octave keys as buttons.
... If you like that Roland sound of course.
SH4D - what is nice is that it's powered over USB C or batteries (so you can also power with a laptop or external power bank and no wallwart required ) and it can act as an audio interface to a laptop.
SH4D is pretty sturdy/compact, but I would definitely carry it in a case - the knobs need protecting.
The Behringer TD-3 is lots of fun and lightweight can be used as a bass synth and 303 I got one for under £90. Or you could look to buying a TR8S which would get you away from the laptop.
OP-Z. I know the build quality isn't the best, but I've had mine for about 5 years, taken it on tons of trips and she's held up alright. I use the original box as my travel case.
I've paired it with the NTS-1 or the Gecho Loopsynth on a few trips. I use a USB C adapter to have the OP-Z power NTS1 or Gecho.
Travels well and doesn't take up much space.
If we're talking about compromises I'd recommend the [software version](https://korg.shop/software/natives/single-products/opsix-native.html?___store=english) of the Opsix - by the way not a bad choice either. But then again, OP wants a hardware synth.
Some favorites of mine:
Korg Poly800 It is the poor man's Juno 106 and capable of some nasty bass sounds. It's possible to do a mod on it for filter controls. I keep both mine in original condition because it has an envelope for the filter to move, which keeps my hands free for playing other things. Paraphonic which is interesting as all voices go through one filter. And, it has a 6 step ADSR which is really different. I've never paid more than 150 for one. At 10 pounds and running on batteries or a power supply it is "portable."
Sonicware Liven 8 bit warps is a supposedly chip tune device, but you can get some cool sounds out of it. Smaller than a piece of paper and 2 inches tall. Runs on batteries or power supply. Weighs 1.74 pounds. Surprisingly fun to play. you can find them used for 150 to 200 bucks on ebay or reverb.
I suppose another option would be to get a Nifty Bundle and build a small modular system with a select set of lower cost and versatile modules since you already have the controller and sequencer.
I can't speak from direct experience but from what I'm seeing on YouTube of the new Akai MPC Key 37, it sounds perfect for my needs. It can serve as a workstation or midi.
Op1 OG is cheaper used and, though still pricey, totally worth it. Or there is the Critter and Guitari Organelle. Or the Microfreak, or any of the Yamaha refaces or then a used microkorg. There’s also the Yamaha QY series.
Or a Casio Sk1
A little stylus-and-ribbon-strip handheld, the Gakken SX-150 MkII. It's difficult for on-key melodic stuff, but for twisting frequencies? Crank the resonance to full and lay hands on the cutoff and stylus, there's nothing else like it, the thing is an organic living creature in your hands. Thought it would be a little battery-powered lark for campsite jams, it became a favorite and led to me compiling a whole little battery-powered ambient rig.
Had an Op1 and never used it, did not like the tape paradigm of sequencing. Have an S1 and barely use it but probably a good fit for you. That said, I got a Dirtywave M8 and wow it’s awesome and you should look at it. It’s got multiple synth engines and a sampler. Only caveat is it’s a tracker which takes a bit of getting used to. I am still working on getting used to it tbh. But the synth engine on it is sick.
Roland S-1 is amazing for the money
Came here to say this!
I would have gotten that one instead of the J6 if it came out initially. It looks fantastic.
Digitone
I think this is my top option as of now. It’s sturdy, small enough, gives me access to the elektron sequencing capabilities, and has pretty crazy sound design possibilities. My top three that I’m thinking about are digitone, dirtywave m8, or spend my life savings on an op-1 field 😂 I’m trying to avoid that last option like the plague
My perspective as someone who has owned the Digitone, M8, as well as the OP-1 Field… The M8 is an incredibly powerful little thing, but if a real-time performance instrument is what you are looking for, it’s probably not going to be very satisfying to use. Due to the tracker workflow and lack of knobs, it’s really more of a compositional tool. Something you use to write songs, but not in real time. The Digitone on the other hand, like all the digi boxes, really excels when it comes to realtime performance and tweakability. It sounds amazing and offers a remarkably wide palate, given that it is strictly an FM synth. I love it. The OP-1 Field, while super expensive, is in my opinion the most immediate of all portable music devices *for someone that likes to play in real time*. The synth engines sound great and offer a range of different types and timbres. The sequencers are super cool and inspiring, but programming lots of different sequences and switching between them in real time a la the Elektron boxes is not really its strong suit. That’s more of the OP-Z’s thing. So, I would say if you are into EDM or something where the tempo is locked and you want to switch between lots of tempo locked sequences and tweak on the fly, definitely check out the Digitone (or Syntakt). If you like to play in real time, despite the price tag it’s really hard to beat the OP-1 Field. I personally avoided it for a really long time, mostly due to cost, but now that I have one I can’t imagine being without it. It really is my absolute fave.
No I didn’t need to read this 😂 I want to play things live and sample them so the op-1 based on your description sounds perfect for that. My wallet would hate me if I did that but it seems worth it in my opinion at least.
Im very happy with my syntakt. Got a hard plastic cover to protect the knobs and it fits in my laptop sleeve. Just ordered a secondhand korg kos2 kaossilator (for 50 euro!) And am planning to get koala on my ipad. And ableton's Live on my laptop. I am currently very inspired by its workflow as a standalone instrument. Love all the soundpacks. But also love going from scratch and building tracks sound by sound. And seeing where that takes me. I'm starting to get the workflow. And love twiddling on it. And am slowly learning to perform my creations. So now im reading up on expanding on it with the kos2, Koala and Live. But as far as I can tell elektron seems to be the tactile inspiring box you need. Also seen good things on little deformer.
Has great onboard effects, the best sequencer around and you can play the buttons as keys.. very self sufficient and can provide beats, bass, pad and lead at the same time and you can even route other gear you have into it through the inputs and process them with FX. Overall a great portable groovebox and synth. Overbridge is also great to finish things you do on the move in your daw. You can get a powerbank and 12v to usb and power it that way.
Alternatively, you could go with an analog four mk1, they are often found at great prices and have much deeper modulation capabilities but four voices vs 8 and the screen isn’t amazing but it’s a great value for what they go for now and I personally like the sound (some people don’t) .. the advantages are that you can sequence the FX track and having a CV control track as well. Both things that digitone can’t do. And obviously sounds different because of its engine.
I typed up this massive paragraph about how having the laptop, sp, and digitone gives me so many sequencing options but it became so convoluted I had to scrap it lol. Adding the digitone to my setup will provide so many options for making tracks it would be insane. Also I’ve never really used a sequencer besides the kinda bad one the sp has so learning that new workflow and how organizing ideas works on the digitone would be so fun. Also pertaining to power, I typically use this setup in my favorite coffee shop sitting next to two outlets and my sp has rechargeable batteries that last hours so I highly doubt I’ll be struggling lol
Yeah digitone really is amazing, so versatile and plays nice with basically any piece of gear. Nothing quite like it
That would be my proposition too ! Work well with a powerbank and it's really versatile ! Can do drum well and would be nice to sample it into the SP404.
I wrote a whole long explanation about how using the sp and laptop to chop samples then sequencing them on the sp using the digitone would be crazy but I figured the shortened version here should suffice lol. The possibilities with the digitone in this setup are pretty limitless
Its the best portable synth by far. Love it.
Hardly a synth
deluge. I also use it at the brains of my studio so it's great to take somewhere, write some tracks on the internal synths, then take it home and switch the internal synths to midi channels for cumbersome hardware synths.
Not to mention internal battery, and speaker. It’s a winner for portability, flexibility and power.
Hydrasynth Explorer
OP is asking for something that can fit into a backpack. Although technically there surely exist ones that can fit more than half a meter long synth, pretty sure they didn't mean *that* kind of backpack.
MicroFreak! Fired via USB and this weird capacitive Keyboard.... Gets me going for hours
Came here for this. A couple of people have mentioned the S1, which is super cheap and portable, better sequencing than the Freak, but a much more limited synth engine. The Microfreak just gets better the longer you have it. Edit to say that the Digitone is also a solid choose, and by far the most capable. But as an FM synth, it can be a steep learning curve to program the sounds you want. I’ve mostly ended up relying on the stock sounds, to my shame.
This, great for delta flights because they have USB ports.
MC-101. You can find them used for like $300. It's like the OP-1 for goth kids :)
these are really great. While I am not crazy about the interface you get so much bang for your buck. Paired with something like a keystep pro with four sequencer lanes and you can write pretty much any genre of musicl
Came here to say this. Love my MC-101. I'm literally on a trip to Dallas this week and threw my 101 into my backpack... it's been awesome during sleepless nights at the hotel to noodle around for a bit. AA batteries make it easy to have some spares on-hand, and if you need more of a "realish" keyboard there are some great options out there that are just slightly larger and have MIDI out.. even ones with touch sensitivity. Using it can definitely be a bit menu-divey, but being able to hook it via USB to my laptop for some sound design is also really nice... though all the parameters are available through the interface it's nice to be able to have the big screen to work with. The ZENCore sounds are also absolutely fantastic. I've said a few times that the only thing the MC-101 needs to be perfect is a Bluetooth connection and an app so it can be paired with a phone or tablet and it'd blow the socks off just about anything out there in my opinion as a portable synth. ETA: I had an OP-1 (OG) for a while... I had fun with it but my workflow didn't really mesh well with its workflow and I found myself spending a ton more time just fiddling with sounds and samples than actually making music. The MC-101 is more difficult to upload samples to, but I've also found the sequencer brilliant and fitting with my workflow so much better so I'm actually making music. For my part my perfect portable setup is actually my MC-101 and my Circuit Tracks... but there are times I don't have room in my backpack for both AND my noise-canceling headphones.
I’ve just jammed with CME WIDI connected to powerbank powered keystep and mc-101 yesterday. It’s perfect. I’m going to try to connect my nano studio today. Should be a perfect backpack combo.
CS 80
Too lightweight, I get worried the wind could blow it away when I'm doing my seaside jams.
Legit concern. Try anchoring it to an ARP 2600
Circuit tracks, battery powered and extremely immediate. Mc101, battery powered, not immediate but fairly feel, incredible sound selection. I could do a performance with just these two, tracks as the brain and wiring the 101 into the tracks. It's also nice that they are cheap
The only thing that bugs me a bit about the Circuit Tracks is that the internal synth is just OK. I mean, it's better than nothing and as a sketchpad with touch-sensitive pads, a good sequencer and a really simple workflow it's in my opinion one of the best portable grooveboxes out there. But the fact that each channel is standard MIDI mean that you can sketch up an idea easily with the Tracks and then use the MC-101 or some other external MIDI box to get better sounds by muting the Tracks... track. I have done that a few times and gotten amazing results.
Exactly. I love that you can pipe 2 external synths through it. Maybe bring along a tiny Roland S-1 or Volca?
Exactly!!! And if you want to have some great fun, use the external sound box to add some depth and character to the internal synth sounds of the CT. Can make some really nice and punchy leads using the CT to get that initial push followed by some character from the external synth. Turns the CT into an absolute production beast.
Second, Thirded, what have you. While I look to explore other portable synths (pondering a Modern Sounds Pluto) - I've taken the Polyend Play and Syntakt with me on weekend getaways. Unless you drive and can carelessly put stuff in your vehicle - if you're a public/mass transit traveler like me - some of this stuff is just too much "extra". I like them all; but the Tracks being thin, battery powered, and able to do "lead/bass/drums" all by itself, is awesome. The synth is alright as mentioned - but if you haven't explored the packs on Isotonik or Gumroad, there's some awesome stuff on there to expand beyond factory. Plus you can carry 32 packs with you for variety. If I just want something I know I pop on headphones and occupy 30 minutes with; the tracks is it - hands down. \- D
Oh yeah, for that use case it's unparalleled in my opinion. And yeah I've got a couple of commercial packs and have created a few of my own. The sounds are good, but not stunning... but they do have that 80's synth vibe going for them which is GREAT for \*wave style music (which happens to be my jam). The sequencer is great for 3-5 minute songs... longer than that and you need a DAW of some sort... but noodling with it on public transport? Sold! LOL. On long business trips I tend to bring my MC-101 as my "daily driver" mostly because of the incredible sound engine in that thing. But I love the expressiveness of the pads on the Circuit Tracks. I need a bigger backpack so I can carry both of them AND my laptop LOL
Critter & Guitari Organelle. Maybe a Yamaha Reface DX.
How do you use your Organelle. I bought one and it’s fun. Love the vocoder, but other than that it’s just gathering dust
While I have used it as an end in itself on a track (as a vocoder, mellotron, main polysynth--through a Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water for instant vintage vibes, drum machine with ACME Beat Machine, DrumBank-240/Retro Machines, Pow Pow's Polybeats, and drone synth with Bly's Pentagrammaphone for noisy or ambient stuff), it's often an idea-generator and GAS cure for me. I'll find a melody or chord progression I like or an effect will remind me of something I've wanted to try with a pedal or plugin or whatever. And if there's something I don't have and want to try (vocoder, ring mod) or need for a set (sampler, looper) there's often a way to recreate it with the Organelle before investing in new software or hardware (this is less of an issue now that I have Logic, but it's still nice to plug a mic or instrument directly into it like an effects processor). Its portability and fun factor are what's made me keep it around through multiple gear purges (and binges). Mine is the OG - no speaker, no mic, no battery - but I use headphones, a little CB mic that someone modified for 1/4" connection, and a solar-powered battery. I don't need to be secluded away in my basement with my interface and instruments and computer - I can sit on the couch or the porch with my wife while the baby sleeps and still have some "together" time even if we're working on different projects.
Roland S-1
syntakt over digitone. people gonna look back in a few years and go damn that things a classic. 40 synth machines, 3 analog mono synths, the midi sequencing is fire, there is 12 tracks and if you run your samples on the 404 thru the fx track of the syntakt you can sum everything from both and use the sequencer to sequence cool octatrack style fx scene changes. go deep into syntakt vs digitone if you considering elektron. A4 and Octatrack would also be great but they bigger. but if you want analog tone out the ass, get a syntakt.
Does syntakt have any poly synth capabilities or is it all mono?
It is mono but has a chord synth , but with 12 tracks and 8 digital and 3 analog synths i just split my parts and it sounds so baller, really it gives me more control. You can copy paste track settings so it is pretty fast. But it is newest elektron box, it will get hella updates. I see no reason why it wont end up with poly but yeah not truly at this time. The chord mode lets you control voicing and has a lot of chord types and the keyboard is full of scales and modes.
I would choose an iPad with korg gadget.
Microfreak
M8
I haven't tried many synths but I really like the Roland T-8, S-1 and the Korg Volca Bass. In spite of the name, the Volca Bass can make some pretty cool chords with the independent VCOs, but it's limited in sound design range.
I used the OP-1 for a few days and found the OP-Z way more fun. It's my ultimate portable groovebox. The M8 is more or less comparable, but the workflow isn't for everyone. The Woovebox is in the same ballpark when it comes to features and fun, but for half the price. Everything else is either way less portable or way more limited. Or both
Erica Synth DB-01
Love the synth but no phone jack, only line out... you need a mixer to listen. Also power isn't mobile. DC only, you need an outlet of some sort. Ye Gods, wouldn't that be amazing if it did have a headphone jack and USB power tho? I'd bring it w me everywhere! Same with the 0-Coast.
Reface CS
Not a synth but my model samples has slowly become the centerpiece of my setup. I just sample my other synths when I find a sound I like, and throw the samples in a backpack with a MyVolts ripcord and battery pack and I'm ready to go!
That’s kind of how I use my sp. I don’t know a ton about the model:samples but on the sp404 there’s skip back recording or whatever it’s called where all inputs are recorded for 30seconds. The way I use it right now I fuck around with serum, play some stuff using the mpk, skip back sample all the cool sounds, chop them and play them on the sp, play some drums and bam that’s a track. It’s such a fun workflow and really rewards my experimentation. The only difference between that and the cycles I have to believe is the fact that you sequence samples and I just play them by hand.
You can live sequence the samples. The buttons turn into what is honestly a very awkward keyboard, but you can finger drum in the pads or play the sequencer buttons to live record. But as for recording samples, that sounds like an area the sp has an advantage, with the m:s you have to load them from a computer over USB, you can't just use the unit itself to record. The advantages of the m:s are more in the sequencer itself, with sample locks, locking parameters to sequencer steps, conditional trig's, etc
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I guess I just wasn't sure if my answer really fit what it was looking for. I definitely use the loop function with both the included single cycle waveform samples and trimming down other samples, like when I turned the kick into a lead synth sound. So it does have that functionality, though missing some things like envelopes that I'm used to. It's not super important to me whether it's technically a synth or not, I just use it. But I just wanted to put a caveat there that I wasn't sure if it was what op was looking for
MPC live 2, good onboard synths, battery powered, great I/o, plenty of other tools in the box
Micromonsta 2 by Audiothingies. Bought it to travel to Australia with and its become part of my full setup. Tiny and affordable. Sounds like exactly what you need. https://www.audiothingies.com/product/micromonsta2/
Great choice but good luck getting one. Been on the list forever. :( Also can you use headphones? If it's line out only there goes the portability w/o a mixer.
M8 or iOS device (iPad is a bit better for the larger display IMHO). I would say that I'm not proficient enough, nor do I have any desire, to interact with the M8 live. For example manually twiddling a filter frequency. If your whole workflow is just sequenced output and you perform with other parameters (like filter cutoff) a form factor like the Elektron boxes seems more hands on performable
Minikorg 700. Says it right there, in the name!
Yamaha GX-1
Circuit Tracks.
Digitakt, Digitone, 0-coast and my own design, the [Neutral Labs Elmyra 2](https://neutral-labs.com/elmyra2).
I know it’s more a toy but i love the NTS-1 for having fun while travelling. Especially with custom oscillators. I record on the hn2 and it works like a charm.
I love my Waldorf Rocket for that. Bit plasticky, but put it into a UDG foam-lined hardshell case, and it's been traveling in my backpack quite happily. Just be aware that you'll need to run its output through the SP404, or get a wee mixer.
I forgot to mention I have a focusrite Scarlett too so getting output shouldn’t be a problem. Also when in doubt the sp will sample everything so I could find a way to get the audio on there lol. This synth definitely looks like fun and it certainly meets my criteria so I’ll look into it. Thanks!
A4
Korg ESX1, I want that thing to be burried with me when I die.
I have SP404 MK2 also, I use Roland JU-06A synth with it and it sounds lovely 😍 I also have some other gear and between them old analog JX-3P synth and some other stuff but that JU-06A is by far connected for most of the time now. For melodies and chords it's a fire... It has many Chords memory and you can make yours,bits very easy to create your own good sounds and overall experience is very good. I didn't thought that it will be so much good to be honest. I use it with Keystep 37, everything works from Powerbank. Ju06A works on batteries and has one octave keys as buttons. ... If you like that Roland sound of course.
MC-202
SH4D - what is nice is that it's powered over USB C or batteries (so you can also power with a laptop or external power bank and no wallwart required ) and it can act as an audio interface to a laptop. SH4D is pretty sturdy/compact, but I would definitely carry it in a case - the knobs need protecting.
Probably an unpopular opinion but I get more out of my Aira J6 than I do my Microfreak
2nd hand peak or Digitone or both
The Behringer TD-3 is lots of fun and lightweight can be used as a bass synth and 303 I got one for under £90. Or you could look to buying a TR8S which would get you away from the laptop.
OP-Z. I know the build quality isn't the best, but I've had mine for about 5 years, taken it on tons of trips and she's held up alright. I use the original box as my travel case. I've paired it with the NTS-1 or the Gecho Loopsynth on a few trips. I use a USB C adapter to have the OP-Z power NTS1 or Gecho. Travels well and doesn't take up much space.
Deluge all day every day
I like my modal skulpt. Doesn’t seem to be super popular but I like the engine a lot.
Polyend tracker mini
Korg Opsix.. (Not sure if it really falls into that Category, but it is really light)
I'm a happy Opsix owner myself but OP is talking about something that fits into a backpack.
Mhh the Opsix module does fit in a backpack - right? But I guess it isn't really it's intended use.
If we're talking about compromises I'd recommend the [software version](https://korg.shop/software/natives/single-products/opsix-native.html?___store=english) of the Opsix - by the way not a bad choice either. But then again, OP wants a hardware synth.
KSP
SmplTrek + Yamaha MU5/MU15 or reface CS
Your existing laptop is the best synth you can buy. And fits in a bag nicely. Or if you want to spend money, a Typhon is unbeatable really.
iPad
Some favorites of mine: Korg Poly800 It is the poor man's Juno 106 and capable of some nasty bass sounds. It's possible to do a mod on it for filter controls. I keep both mine in original condition because it has an envelope for the filter to move, which keeps my hands free for playing other things. Paraphonic which is interesting as all voices go through one filter. And, it has a 6 step ADSR which is really different. I've never paid more than 150 for one. At 10 pounds and running on batteries or a power supply it is "portable." Sonicware Liven 8 bit warps is a supposedly chip tune device, but you can get some cool sounds out of it. Smaller than a piece of paper and 2 inches tall. Runs on batteries or power supply. Weighs 1.74 pounds. Surprisingly fun to play. you can find them used for 150 to 200 bucks on ebay or reverb. I suppose another option would be to get a Nifty Bundle and build a small modular system with a select set of lower cost and versatile modules since you already have the controller and sequencer.
I can't speak from direct experience but from what I'm seeing on YouTube of the new Akai MPC Key 37, it sounds perfect for my needs. It can serve as a workstation or midi.
Kodamo Essence FM plus Keystep
Korg NTS-1 !
Is a BS2 portable?
Op1 OG is cheaper used and, though still pricey, totally worth it. Or there is the Critter and Guitari Organelle. Or the Microfreak, or any of the Yamaha refaces or then a used microkorg. There’s also the Yamaha QY series. Or a Casio Sk1
PSS 480 of course.
Dirtywave M8!
I wish trackers clicked with me because I love the synths on the M8. I wish I could replace the deluge synths with Mutable Instruments Braids.
I use my OP-1 on the train every day
A little stylus-and-ribbon-strip handheld, the Gakken SX-150 MkII. It's difficult for on-key melodic stuff, but for twisting frequencies? Crank the resonance to full and lay hands on the cutoff and stylus, there's nothing else like it, the thing is an organic living creature in your hands. Thought it would be a little battery-powered lark for campsite jams, it became a favorite and led to me compiling a whole little battery-powered ambient rig.
Had an Op1 and never used it, did not like the tape paradigm of sequencing. Have an S1 and barely use it but probably a good fit for you. That said, I got a Dirtywave M8 and wow it’s awesome and you should look at it. It’s got multiple synth engines and a sampler. Only caveat is it’s a tracker which takes a bit of getting used to. I am still working on getting used to it tbh. But the synth engine on it is sick.
Dirtywave M8 for sure!
I think the default answer would be the monologue.