The latest XNB video is a complete guide to the Korg Minilogue XD synthesizer, a synth that lets you create classic analog sounds, but also features a digital oscillator and effects, plus the ability for users to load third party effects.
Video Summary:
“This is not a review is a complete in depth, deep dive guide about the synth.
I tried to cover almost everything about the synth on one single video, so I don’t block your learning by releasing part in different days. That’s why is a bit long, but everything is thought and recorded in sections, so you can watch it as a course. You can navigate the timeline or click the chapters to see what you want.
Topics Covered:
0:00 – Intro
02:59 – Initial patch, load panel
06:33 – VCO 1 & 2
19:13 – Filter
25:55 – Amp EG
31:04 – EG
37:50 – EG Settings
43:35 – LFO
51:49 – LFO Settings
01:00:09 – Voice Modes
01:05:40 – Arp Modes
01:14:32 – Arp Settings
01:16:50 – Multi Engine
01:30:09 – Phase modulation
01:43:46 – Multi engine settings
01:53:15 – FX
02:03:04 – Joystick
02:06:28 – Globals
02:16:08 – Saving patches
02:19:59 – Favourites
02:21:09 – End
Part 2, embedded below, looks at the Minilogue XD Sequencer, User OSC’s & MIDI Controller:
Topics covered:
0:00 – Intro
0:41 – Step Recording
07:13 – Edit steps & Tie
15:33 – Live rec & Key trig
24:45 – Motion Sequence
46:12 – Install User OSC & FX
57:11 – MIDI VST Controller
love my prologue 16’s digital engine! most unique sounding product out there bar none. sold my XD to get one. never looked back. nice work XNB!
One interesting part that always is ignored by these reviews / tutorials is the importance of the MIDI implementation. Usually that synth has to be integrated into some kind of setup and even if it is a very small one, the MIDI implementation can kill a lot of opportunities if it is bad.
This is unfortunately one week part in this KORG synth. It was really hard to believe how a leading company like KORG could release a synth with such a very amateurish MIDI implementation, almost like a first student work, but not a mature product! They fixed some things with firmware updates but e.g. until today there exist problems with syncing the internal sequencer to a MIDI clock, so it is not possible to transpose a sequence played by the internal sequencer to external gear – yes, of course you want to transpose the sequences! I mean we are not in the 80s and MIDI is really not new – how can there be any kind of MIDI implementation flaws? This is not a small DIY project, it is KORG, so this really shows some lack of talent in that company in these times.
Also the controllers are placed on totally crazy MIDI controller numbers, I do not have details at hand and want to sleep now, but I remember some very heavy WTF-ing while trying to program from some external controllers.
Still very nice sound and good overall design (limited, but ok), but please when making videos like these also look at the MIDI implementation details, ask around or look into forums – lots of interesting content there!
Another important thing: the editor software. As some companies do not provide any editor software at all I guess we can be happy that KORG at least gives us something, but it still leaves a lot of potential – this was some quick hack and leaves a bad taste… I mean ok, it works for making a backup of your sounds, but the potential of connecting a good analog synth to your computer and have some really awesome editing experience still has not been realized by KORG, unfortunately. They see it as some kind of utility, like a screw driver, and do not seem to get that there are missing large creative potential with just a little love for some really good editor software!
Good video for beginners, anyway!
Wow, this was an incredible tutorial! Thank you for spending so much time to create this! I learned a whole lot of new things, and I thought I knew the synthesizer pretty well already.