Topic: MS-404 alternative
Hey there,
I have a Doepfer MS-404 and I really like the sound. But it has some problems also. First of all, when I switch between waveforms while it is receiving MIDI input, it usually happens that it stops playing until I switch it off and on again. My friend says this could possibly be fixed (he thinks it is a mechanical issue of those switches). But of course this means work, and it might not work, and there are more issues:
For example, when I turn up the resonance, the sound gets VERY thin, I know it's normal for some synths, but I'd like to have more of a 303 behavior here, so that I can also do some acid-like stuff (but it does not need to be the perfect 303 clone).
And last but not least, I simply do not like the 19" factor. I prefer desktop machines.
If anyone could recommend a good replacement, I might sell it and buy that instead. It should have similar sound capabilities (the MS-404 is not just a 303 clone, it has a full ADSR and 2 LFOs) and if possible not a 19" machine. I tried the Moog Minitaur, something like that would be great. But this is new and it's twice the price, I would like to find something that is maybe 10-15 years old that might be a little bit cheaper than brand new stuff like Moog Minitaur or Doepfer Dark Energy.
I have recently found out about a "Technosaurus Microcon", is that any good? Any other alternatives that might come to mind?