Korg Minilogue XD Synthesizer

The Korg Minilogue XD Module is my first foray into hardware, and this little beauty doesn’t disappoint! I’ve primarily relied on software synths up until now, and have recently caught the hardware bug (pray for my wallet). The XD was a no-brainer. It sounds SO GOOD! Plus with the additional user oscillators and effects, I’m going to be exploring what this synth can do for many years to come.Great experience with AMS as well! Arrived a little early even, and in perfect condition.I definitely recommend the XD! I might even get another to poly chain someday, but honestly have not felt at all limited by the four voices yet. Get it!!

Amazing Synth!

I have been playing piano/keyboards for 50 years, but this is my first analog synth. I am very pleased with it! I had been looking at other models (Subsequent 37, Deepmind 12, and Minilogue). The Moog is awesome, but a little pricey for me. The Deepmind has a better price, but the signal path on it seems a little limiting and many of the controls are only accessible through menus (not on the front panel). Then I ran into the the Minilogue. This synth seemed to check all of the boxes for me. The price was right, it is pure analog with all of the classical filtering options, polysynth: really right down my alley. But wait, there's more! In doing my research, I stumbled onto the Minilogue XD. In addition to all of the features of the Minilogue, it throws in the ability ... MoreI have been playing piano/keyboards for 50 years, but this is my first analog synth. I am very pleased with it! I had been looking at other models (Subsequent 37, Deepmind 12, and Minilogue). The Moog is awesome, but a little pricey for me. The Deepmind has a better price, but the signal path on it seems a little limiting and many of the controls are only accessible through menus (not on the front panel). Then I ran into the the Minilogue. This synth seemed to check all of the boxes for me. The price was right, it is pure analog with all of the classical filtering options, polysynth: really right down my alley. But wait, there's more! In doing my research, I stumbled onto the Minilogue XD. In addition to all of the features of the Minilogue, it throws in the ability to load in additional programs and effects. Essentially, this thing is infinitely expandable.So, after playing this synth for a couple of weeks, here are my initial impressions:LikesIntuitive layout with all of the essential controls at your fingertips.Well designed for live performance.Tons of onboard space for programs and the Librarian software give you the ability to backup and manage them.Good onboard sequencer capable of recording not only keystrokes but also parameter changes in real time or step mode.Solidly made and seems sturdy enough.Good connectivity options.Stereo output.DislikesKeys are smaller than standard. Not a deal breaker but they take a little getting used to.Sequencer only has 16 steps. More would be better.No MIDI through. I have 2 other synths plus a drum machine to run.

Beautiful Synth

I've had my Korg Minilogue for two weeks now and I've already made so much progress with learning how to create the sounds I want. This synth is so easy to learn on, perfect for a beginner but it's capabilities are endless. This synth can be enjoyed by anyone at any level. You cannot get an analog synth of this quality for under $1,000 from anywhere else. A truly remarkable machine.

Compact power

The term 'compact' can imply that something might be so small that it's features are too cramped to be useful or accessible - or that it is a pruned-down version of something bigger and better. None of those apply to the XD. It is immensely powerful and yet has both the physical design and the capabilities to provide you with access to a whole world of muical possibilities. The keyboard is small, but not in the way that the word 'mini' would be applicable. The controls are well-laid out and the sounds that you can create are - well, they are limited only by your own imagination and willingness to experiment than by an weakness of design or flexibility. The term 'music machine' is often used derogatively. In the case of the XD it means that it provides you with a way ... MoreThe term 'compact' can imply that something might be so small that it's features are too cramped to be useful or accessible - or that it is a pruned-down version of something bigger and better. None of those apply to the XD. It is immensely powerful and yet has both the physical design and the capabilities to provide you with access to a whole world of muical possibilities. The keyboard is small, but not in the way that the word 'mini' would be applicable. The controls are well-laid out and the sounds that you can create are - well, they are limited only by your own imagination and willingness to experiment than by an weakness of design or flexibility. The term 'music machine' is often used derogatively. In the case of the XD it means that it provides you with a way to develop and expand your own creativity. In a word . . . superb.

First outboard synth and I love the access to the perameters.

I have loads of soft synths and a Komplete Kontrol S49. I have always struggled to get into programming soft synths. This hardwares makes that whole process easier and more logical. I feel like I am starting to get it after all these years. I find myself just wanting to make sounds on it. Separate from making songs, but ready for new songs. Once recorded into the Daw it sounds really good. In all I am really pleased i actually bought this and I am guessing I have just started the process of wanting others. But for now this is so much fun to play with.

Gorgeous Hypercreativity Engine

I got mine yesterday and have not stopped using it since I opened the box. I am especially impressed with the large preset library available for free on Korg's website, and how easy it is to shape sounds on this thing. I also own a Nord A1, which does more and sounds better, but also costs over 3x as much. For the price, this synth nails the most important things to me: sound creation, ease of use, and style. As other reviewers will tell you, the synth has some real edge to it, but since I am mostly using it for leads, FX, and drones, is exactly what I want. Who is using a mono (as opposed to stereo) synth for pads? It's nice to look at (the color pushed me over the edge on the purchase of this over the XD, plus I already have 2 larger keyboards). And most ... MoreI got mine yesterday and have not stopped using it since I opened the box. I am especially impressed with the large preset library available for free on Korg's website, and how easy it is to shape sounds on this thing. I also own a Nord A1, which does more and sounds better, but also costs over 3x as much. For the price, this synth nails the most important things to me: sound creation, ease of use, and style. As other reviewers will tell you, the synth has some real edge to it, but since I am mostly using it for leads, FX, and drones, is exactly what I want. Who is using a mono (as opposed to stereo) synth for pads? It's nice to look at (the color pushed me over the edge on the purchase of this over the XD, plus I already have 2 larger keyboards). And most importantly, the parameters all have their own knob or switch or button. Almost no menu navigation is required unless you are making heavy use of the very intelligent and well-designed onboard sequencer (truthfully I have yet to dig into it, as I own a BeatStep Pro that already accomplishes all my sequencing needs). Overall, it you're new to synthesis, or just want a good synth for leads, I would definitely recommend the minilogue.

Great 1st Synth!

Great, powerful instrument at a great package price on B&H. I'm a guitar player and I was just looking for something to give me some new sounds and inspiration - the XD definitely did. The presets are great right out of the box, but the journey into designing my own analog synth sounds has been even better due to the intuitive layout of the XD. The built in effects are great, and then I downloaded a few 3rd party effects and oscillators to make this versatile synth even more versatile. It's a great starter if you're looking to go down the synth rabbit hole. I can also see it taking a good bit of time to outgrow the XD too. It really has it all in there.

Great fun

Service was excellent from pmt. Rapid shipping and excellent customer support.Korg minilogue xd module was easy to setup, and though iam a complete beginner it seems easy enough to use. Some great sounds, paired with arturia keylab mk2. My only minor grumble with the Minilogue xd module is that the bottom is clearly not flat. So it rocks between its feet when in use, kinda like a wonky table. It could be annoying for some. That said, overall it seems to have good build quality.

One of if not the best polysynth ever devised.

The Minilogue XD has absolutely blown me away, the sounds this instrument can create are essentially limitless, and they all sound fantastic. I'd go as far to say that the filter on this synth gives the classic Moog ladder a run for it's money, speaking of which, it's pretty incredible that a synthesizer of this caliber is so affordable. Aside from a few under the hood parameters, this is essentially a knob per function synth, making it incredibly easy for experienced synthesists to dive right in, and also opens up the world of true analog synthesis to the beginner synthesist without tedious and painful menu diving that is common with digital synths in the same price range. The keys themselves though being slim keys are responsive and a true joy to play on, not to ... MoreThe Minilogue XD has absolutely blown me away, the sounds this instrument can create are essentially limitless, and they all sound fantastic. I'd go as far to say that the filter on this synth gives the classic Moog ladder a run for it's money, speaking of which, it's pretty incredible that a synthesizer of this caliber is so affordable. Aside from a few under the hood parameters, this is essentially a knob per function synth, making it incredibly easy for experienced synthesists to dive right in, and also opens up the world of true analog synthesis to the beginner synthesist without tedious and painful menu diving that is common with digital synths in the same price range. The keys themselves though being slim keys are responsive and a true joy to play on, not to mention the entire instrument itself is incredibly well built, it just feels solid and tanky without being excessively heavy. I'll also add that though this synthesizer is marketed as a polysynth and it's well capable of that even with a minimal 4 voices, the unison mode will blow any other standard monosynth out of the water. Korg really hit the mark in every way on this synth and I cannot recommend it enough.

Review of Korg Minilogue XD Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer with Multi-engine, Digital Effects and Step Sequencer

For a versatile analogue poly synth you won't do much better at this price. Can do a variety of sounds, classic and contemporary, and seems to excel at dark and moody textures. All the controls feel responsive to the touch and build quality is sleek and solid. The digital multi engine allows for some complex textural overtones and the onboard effects are more than useable. Modulation options are fairly straightforward but the filter is very nice and can go from smooth to pretty aggressive, especially with the overdrive. CV inputs let you break it open a bit and get into semi-modular territory with an external.sequencer or modulation source - SQ-1 goes well with it for example. I've gigged it once so far and for me personally, the slim keys were no issue.