Mono from Norand may look like yet another 303-style mono synth, but actually, it has one of the most innovative modulation capabilities and user interfaces I’ve ever seen in a hardware synth.
It has an analog signal path with two oscillators and a multimode filter, it’s digitally controlled which means it can store presets, it has a sequencer with Elektron-style parameter and sound locks, 20 modulators and over 16 envelopes, and yet it manages to pull all those things off without a screen. In this video I take an in depth look at it, including detailed pros and cons:
TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:45 Overview
3:40 Mod per knob
6:10 Mod notes
8:50 Connectivity
9:50 Oscillators
11:50 Analog mods
14:10 Filter
16:30 Digital mods
19:35 X-env to depth
20:10 Sequencing
22:25 Randomize
22:50 Scales
23:10 Accent, slide
24:45 Custom accent
25:40 Automation
26:55 Mod note seq
28:00 Ratchet, prob
29:15 Unlink x-env
30:10 Advanced RND
31:40 Glitch sonata
32:40 Project & patterns
36:20 Pros & cons
42:30 Factory patterns
46:45 Outro jam