* semi-modular, fully-analog* 3 VCOs, 24-dB-lowpass-filter
* 37 patch connectors
* integrated MIDI/CV-interface
* MSRP: 580,- Euro
"MFB-SYNTH3 is the semi-modular version of MFB’s Synth-II. It trades memory locations and MIDI-control off for 37 patch connectors that allow breaking and modifying the internal routing. Put single MFB-SYNTH3 components under analog sequencer control or let the whole unit interact with your existing modular-synthesizer-system.
MFB-SYNTH3 works as a stand-alone synthesizer without the need to patch any cable. The classic formation of VCO-VCF-VCA is pre-wired internally, complete with essential modulations. Therefore, you can play the SYNTH3 just like any other synthesizer using its MIDI-input. In addition, it may integrate into a full analog environment using control voltages – and benefit, unlike MIDI, from infinite continuous parameter resolution.
MFB-SYNTH3 offers a complete set for powerful and versatile synthesis: three VCOs with hard-sync, 24-dB-lowpass-filter with resonance, noise generator, ring-modulator, two envelope-generators, two LFOs and VCA. Technically and soundwise SYNTH3 is identical to MFB’s euro-rack-modules. However, the MFB-SYNTH3 comes in a compact format that is easy to take with you and faster in use. Your ideal analog partner on stage!
MFB products are sold at your musical instruments dealer. If you can´t find any reseller closeby we will also sell the MFB-SYNTH3 directly within Germany. The price is 580 Euro (incl. VAT plus 10 Euro shipping, cash on delivery)." LINK
good luck with the build quality, you'll need it.
ReplyDeletefrank - do you have any evidence that mfb products are poorly built? in my experience, though they are built to a budget, they are quite robust.
ReplyDeleteThey are plastic...but it's not like they will break from every day use. They just won't survive abuse.
ReplyDeleteanyone have the mfb video oscilloscope module??? there's no reviews or video of it anywhere and i have been curious to see it in action......
ReplyDeleteI'm certainly curious how good and robust this synth is, given the price. It's PAiA money, so I wouldn't expect it to be a MOTM or a Cwejman. The idea of a laptop toy modular is intriguing.
ReplyDeletebk, I haven't tried the MFB scope module, but for the price and sampling rate, you are probably better off just buying a cheap oscilloscope and making a little interface panel. You can get a cheap analog, portable LCD-screen digital, or USB-interface PC scope for just a bit more than the MFB module itself. Doepfer even used to make a little panel to insert a cheap LCD scope into a modular.
semtek - yes, i have a synth lite 2. one of the oscillators disappears for weeks on end for no apparent reason, only to reappear at random. the knobs sometimes send midi when not being turned, and when they are turned, the midi info turns up about one second later. the unit is not without its merits, (in fact the sound is likable and the filter is really good) but build quality is not one of them. not abused.
ReplyDeleteSeems to me that the FutureRetro XS would be a wiser choice for a modern semi-modular.....and not much more $$$
ReplyDeleteWhat about the Chimera BC-16 as a tabletop modular on the cheap in comparison to the MFB-III?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.chimera-synthesis.com/bc16.html
My previous experience with MFB synths are the weird Power Supply problems with North American voltages and current. If it's anything like earlier MFB synths they will have next to zero documentation about equivalent NA power requirements.
The PS cable on my MFB-502 never stayed in the jack. Some of the outputs were hard panned and fixed that way and the thing felt very flimsy overall. Also, is that a heat sink on the back of the Synth3?
ReplyDeletefrank, "I have one and it isn't reliable" is not evidence - it's an anecdote from your personal experience. The plural of anecdote is not evidence - the singular even less so.
ReplyDelete(Unless, of course, you consider every company without a "five nines" reliability rating to warrant your initial comment. If so - well, that's all of them, so I think we could reasonably suggest that your standards might be a little high.)