Lining up classic synth hardware against desktop and iOS emulations seemed like the greatest – not to mention easiest – feature idea ever for Computer Music. I mean, what could possibly go wrong? Firstly, tracking down the original hardware turned out be harder than anticipated – we had to borrow a Minimoog in the end (which our synth expert Dave Gale is still desperately trying to cling on to). And then there’s the small matter of trying to recreate an identical sound in software to that on hardware. I had the task of doing that with an ARP Odyssey (the latest Korg version) and let me tell you, it’s impossible. The slightest nudge on the original’s fader sent the sound completely out of control and into a different stratosphere as that created in software – which I guess is the beauty of using analogue. Anyway, so we completed the features – me with a trio of ARPs (see below) and Dave with his original SH-101 and that ‘borrowed’ Moog. Broadly our conclusions are surprising: iOS punches well above its weight, hardware is inspiring and software can be just as unpredictable. And also not surprising: presets are great, so is instant recall, using a mouse is shit – but more importantly we had a lot of fun doing it, and I think you’ll love trying to hear the difference (all the audio files are on FileSilo this month). We’ll be doing more in the future, so do let us know if you have any favourites you’d like to see, and hear, go head-to-head. The Prophet 5 is on the way…
“Presets are great, using a mouse is sh*t”