A versatile little machine that’s become a modern classic

I started getting into hardware synths before my last record, so I grabbed a Volca Keys. That turned out to be a huge mistake, because I realized how awesome adding synths to my music was! I sold the Volca and upgraded to the Minilogue, and I’m still blown away by how fun and inspiring this machine is. I got mine used virtually new in box for $385, and it’s an easy 5/5 stars for that price.

pros - The Minilogue sounds great, and has a lot of sweet spots - The layout is brilliant, and makes it easy for someone starting out to understand subtractive synthesis - along with that, the hardware design is gorgeous and inspiring - the versatility of the voice modes make this useful in many contexts - I love the sequencer - Audio in even further expands the possibilities of utility - the oscilloscope is incredibly useful - this last one is huge: the online community around this is giant. This means inspiration, tips, ideas and patches are readily available and makes it easy to not get stuck in a rut.

cons The caveat of all of these is this: if this were a more expensive synth, these might deduct a star or two. Given the price of the Minilogue, they don’t really shake my overall rating. - Mono output. Stereo would have been nice. - It’s true, if you turn up the resonance the bass suffers in a major way. - Only 4 voices means I hit voice stealing often if I’m not careful. But: I have a Deepmind 12 if I really need that type of voicing so it’s not a huge deal to me. - Maybe not a huge con, but the “clicking” on low attack time is a thing

Summary I love the Minilogue. It’s become so iconic that I have even thought about selling it or trading it for something else just because “everyone has one”... but when I play it again or think more about getting rid of it, I realize how awesome it is. On top of that, if I run it thru my Eventide H9 or some good reverb, it sounds so, so good. It might not do every synth sound in the world or have the bottom end of a Moog, but it does so many things well and I view it as a Swiss Army knife tool that hits way above its fighting weight. Yes, if you’re reading this, I think you should get one!

A learning tool for beginners

This was my first synthesizer, and it made it so approachable to learn the basics of subtractive synthesis. A lot of people hate on the slim keys, but I have slim fingers, so it works perfectly for me. I'm also able to glissando effortlessly which works well for my live performances. I have been able to design sounds on this that I haven't heard from anyone else using this machine. I made a harmonium patch that I am particularly proud of. I have also made bass patches on this that are quite usable. It's an underrated synthesizer, for its time. Of course, nowadays for a few hundred dollars more one could get more bang for buck, but credit where its due, this synthesizer democratised analogue synthesis for a lot of folks. I got mine second hand for 350 CHF while on an artist residency in Basel. Still love it.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

A well made and affordable 4 voice polysynth

The Korg Minilogue is a well built synthesizer, It feels solid and has a really cool retrofuturistic design. The analog synthesizer archetecture is the classic 2 oscilators per voice configuration seen in many vintage analog synthesizers which gives you a lot of options when designing your own patches. One of my favorite features of the synthesizer is the 16 step motion sequencer which you can use to modulate up to 4 different parameters. Another nice feature to have is a switchable low pass filter which allows you to choose between two different cutoff slopes, which is perfect for designing all kinds of sounds. However one downside to the filter is that increasing the resonance too much will kill bass which isn't ideal but it can be corrected with some EQ.

Overall I would recomend the Korg Minilogue to beginners who would like to try out subtractive synthesis away from a computer or people who have a lot of experience and want to make some awesome sounds.

Awesome sound

really great sound quality from this synth and the most user friendly interface out there. Using the synth is great fun in general and the 4 voices rather than 1 seem like a bonus. It's a bit pricey for what it is but the build quality is great across most of the synth and the sound quality is very boutique to me unlike most analog synth gear in the sub 600$ price range which sound rather...."gamey" as in not quite as precise and musically dialed in as the minilogue and better ananlog synth gear sounds

great analog little monster

I absolutely love this instrument. Don't expect a massive analog sound like from Moogs, but it is very handy and has its own beauty. The step sequencer and the different instrument modes are really useful. Some people noticed clicks at attack of the envelopes and think it is wrong compared to other analog gear, but I think this can be a useful feature in sound design. Also the delay a little bit noisy at higher feedback, but can be bypassed. The oscilloscope display very good even to teach or learn subtractive synthesis.

Best starter Synth for < $500

This synth seems to do it all. Rich textured multiband, fat monosynths, delicate sounds with nuanced fx - plus it's got a sequencer built in. Loads of fun, and always more to do/learn with this thing. Oh, and it's beautiful.

Fun, easy to use, and a great investment for beginners.

I got this for Christmas a year ago and it has served me very well during that time period. If you are into Lo-Fi music, synthwave, or any new-age type of music this synth is for you. Don't be like me and never use it lol. I really should use it more. The MIDI capabilities are a little tweaked, but it is good enough.

Unique and beautiful

Some people criticize the Minilogue for not having enough dirt and grime and bottom end. EVERY synth on the market has that. What it does have is a gorgeous sound, cool modulation, unique features and ease of use. If I want to quickly dial in a sound I can do it in 5 minutes or less.

Great cheap analog poly sytnh

We use it a lot! Sounds very nice and this beast is very versatile, bass, leads, arpeggios, pad and everything in between. Lovely machine. The sequencer is useful too.

Lots of fun

I have had this one for over a year and while it is great to play and has many interesting features the sound never really knocked me out but it is an inexpensive way to get a polyphonic analog into your set-up. I really should use it more.