Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $921
Standard/Professional
$500
$1501+
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Budget
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Description
Semi modular analog synthesizer
The MFB Dominion 1 is a programmable analogue synthesizer with a three octave keyboard . Similar to the Dominion X in scope, it combines the beauty of analogue synthesis with advanced programmability and complex modular patching. The Dominion 1 features three VCOs with sliding variations in waveforms , for example turning a triangle wave into a sine wave. A noise channel or additional external audio input may be combined with the signal path via the mixer, maximising the output potential of this powerful synth.
There are 12 operation modes for the filters found on the Dominion 1, including four LPF with variable db/octave slopes, two HPF, band pass and notch filters, again with variable cut off slopes. The two LFOs offer six waveforms including sample and hold and can be applied to the VCO, VCF and VCA.
The Dominion 1 also features two ribbon controls , a 128 stage step sequencer with 128 programmable patches and sequences, velocity and aftertouch, analogue and digital ring modulation, dual-sync and dynamic FM, velocity routing-matrix and three envelopes with 70mm faders.
The MFB Dominion 1 outputs via balanced TRS and has MIDI I/O on 5-pin DIN connectors.
Product specs
| Brand | MFB |
| Model | Dominion 1 |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through |
| Number of Keys | 32 Keys |
| Polyphony | 1 Voice |
FAQs
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Is the MFB Dominion 1 synthesizer monophonic or polyphonic?
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The MFB Dominion 1 is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can play one note at a time, which is ideal for basslines and lead sounds.
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What type of synthesis does the MFB Dominion 1 use?
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The MFB Dominion 1 is an analog synthesizer, offering rich, warm sounds characteristic of analog circuitry.
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How many keys does the MFB Dominion 1 have and what is the key action like?
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The MFB Dominion 1 features 32 full-size keys with synth action, providing a responsive feel suitable for expressive play.
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Does the MFB Dominion 1 have MIDI connectivity?
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Yes, the MFB Dominion 1 includes MIDI Input, Output, and Through, allowing for easy integration with other MIDI-compatible devices.
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What are some notable features of the MFB Dominion 1's sound engine?
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The MFB Dominion 1 boasts a versatile sound engine with multiple oscillators, a multimode filter, and extensive modulation options, enabling a wide range of sound design possibilities.
Videos
sonicstate
MFB Dominion 1 Synthesizer Review
Reviews
PROS
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Unique sound quality, rivals vintage 80's Moog, Korg, Roland
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Modular friendly with 30+ Eurorack patch points
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128 patch storage/presets for sound versatility
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Features 3 VCO, VCF, VCA with analog ring modulation and waveshaping
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SED analog filter with 12 types for extensive sound shaping
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Fatar 3 octave keyboard with velocity, aftertouch, and 12 modulation settings
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Includes arpeggiator and step sequencer for complex compositions
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Dual sync, FM, noise generator add depth to sound creation
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Two ADSR and one AD envelope with variable speeds for precise sound tailoring
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LFO 1 and 2 with 6 waveforms, LFO 3 assignable to ribbon controllers
CONS
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Discontinued, making it difficult to find
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Limited sound range compared to competitors like Matrixbrute
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Single filter design seen as a drawback
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Some users find the sound too similar across patches
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Buttons and sliders considered unimpressive and could be improved
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Envelopes could be snappier for better sound control
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MFB Dominion 1.
Comparisons
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Dominion 1's patchbay allows for external VCO, VCF, VCA, and envelope control, offering more versatility than traditional semi-modular synths like the Grandmother.
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The Moog Grandmother has fewer oscillators and envelopes than the Dominion 1, making it less feature-rich and suited for those specifically seeking the 'Moog sound.'
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While the Moog Grandmother is praised for its classic sound, the Dominion 1 is noted for deeper sound capabilities, allowing users to save their favorite sounds.
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Value and pricing
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Due to currency fluctuations, it's more affordable at $1,350 USD compared to the previous $1,800, making it a timely purchase.
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In Germany, the Dominion 1 is commonly available used for around €900-1000, offering strong value for its feature set compared to new prices.
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The Dominion 1's rarity suggests it will retain its value well, making it a potentially sound investment despite company uncertainties.
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Use cases and applications
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Owners describe the sound as "big, fat, juicy, spacey," ideal for those seeking a unique tonal character without replicating classic synth sounds.
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The Dominion 1 excels in producing bright sounds and is highly capable with basses and leads, complementing other synths like the Moog Matriarch for experimental uses.
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User experience
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It requires about 10 minutes to warm up for stable tuning, with tuning consistency noted between oscillators.
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Owners highlight the Dominion 1’s ability to explore "crazy territories" with its rich feature set, offering a unique sound distinct from Moog's offerings.
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Tuning sensitivity is influenced by room temperature more than other gear, suggesting a need for stable environmental conditions for optimal performance.
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Features and functionality
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The Dominion 1’s analog ring modulator and resonance modulation are standout features, enhancing its versatility compared to other monosynths.
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Dominion 1 has a shallow but unusual menu structure, and the LFOs cannot sync to MIDI clock; however, LFO2 can act as a fourth VCO.
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The Dominion 1 offers assignable aftertouch and velocity for parameters like pulse width and LFO speed, enhancing expressiveness beyond what Moog Grandmother provides.
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The Dominion 1's sound is less obviously analog, which may appeal to users seeking a different tonal character compared to more traditional analog synths.
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Build quality
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 9 Ratings
2259
Just Fantastic
There is little to complain about with this synth. It's true the buttons are a bit unimpressive and small and the sliders could be a bit stiffer and the envelopes a bit snappier but my niggles end there. For huge sounds, punchiness, and overall wonderful vintage quality tone at a great price look no further. This is best sounding modern analog mono in my opinion.
Artist usage
Add artist
"I used to have a tiny white MIDI keyboard that a friend gave me, along with two small, grey computer speakers. Now I have five synths, the Dave Smith Prophet 12 and Poly Evolver, a Nord Lead 4, MFB Dominion 1 and the Access Virus TI."
Behold, the behemoth that is the Dominion! Feeling very lucky we acquired this monster! ???? #gearporn #MFB #dominion
At 0:10, multiple pieces of Nick's live setup can clearly be seen, including the MFB Dominion, a Beatstep Pro, and a Moog Sub 37 (which is more recognizable by it's back at 0:04).
In this video we can see that Schwefelgelb are using a dominion : "Sometimes a good bass takes some spastic hand movement tweaking Dominion's filter env amount."
You can see the keys and the lower row of knobs and faders of the MFB Dominion 1 in the 11th picture of this interview.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use MFB Dominion 1, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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