It is a six voice polyphonic synth with MIDI in and out, a sequencer/arpeggiator, and an ADSR envelope, with the sound engine, at least in part, being based on the exact opposite of a bleep bloop machine (Juno-60).
Cool form factor and style but not worth the price to me. You can buy a Hydrasynth Explorer, which is cheaper and about 100× more feature packed. Not trying to be a hater at all but ive owned a lot of synths. Not worth it for $900. They could have at least added stereo chorus. It looks cool though, ill give you that.
I have the same sentiment. At $899, doesn't seem like a great choice for a synth - Minifreak or the Hydrasynth Explorer like you mentioned have a lot more going on for much cheaper. But also, it definitely looks cool and I do like how simple the UI is, they nailed that I think.
@@Beatboxing So many better choices including the ones you mention. Lots of older, full featured synths on Reverb as well. UI is style over content. also worth noting it isn't that simple- it needs a web app for full functionality.
You can get a novation peak for that money and have 200$ left for other stuff. Just a comparison: Peak: 3 Oscillators, about 30 waveforms, 4 lfos, 3 loopable envelopes, build in fx, complex modulation matrix This synth: 1 Osc, pretty interface
If your reasoning is "I've got to get the most features crammed in it for as little as possible"; just use a free vst. This synth has definitely character.
You can get the same type of arpeggiator on midi controllers like arturia keystep or novation launchkey mini mk3. These are about 100 bucks. Synth sounds great, but I couldn't pay that much money for it. If you can, good for you.
@@chinmeyswaythey are DSP masters and it just seemed like a matter of time. They also have 3 effects modules (Generalissimo, Magneto, Starlab) available in eurorack synth format already
The thing I think is cool is, the remix of that track of yours you did on the keyboard. Instant recognition over here, love that. Also, I never knew of key silencing like that. By taking the keys out and replacing them, it's a neat idea. I might have to look into that myself, I've been experimenting with live animations and I use a midi keyboard for playing specific animations and changing facial expressions on the character and stuff, but you can hear the keys pretty clearly in the stream. But I have caveman fingers when I'm livestreaming, so that's to be expected. Awesome video either way, Em gang!
Some very beautiful tones coming out of this machine! Thanks for the video! TOO much gear to get right now!! I still think Chompi is the first thing I'll buy but this looks like maybe a next buy for me!
Dammit Emily! I started off today drooling over this thing and then talked myself out of it and now I want it again! If I do get one I'll use your link!
I have the Microfreak, and it's definitely not conducive to quick sequencing like the VR seems to be. Would be nice if this had more legible labeling. The design should be minimal for the sake of undistracted easy use, and not too much for cool aesthetics.
Wow that's very cool! I'd love to put some Outemu silent switches in one of these. I can't read the white letter labels on that almost white plastic and I'd definitely prefer black letters so I can see them lol.
I just bought one, can't wait finally something that's super minimal with no ridiculous menus and thousands of options that kill creativity. The comments on cost are quite hilarious, I've seen hundreds of you set up modulars that are single voice systems that cost as much or more, when you buy > modular case, osc, filter, env, vca, gate, CV sequencer, output module, clock, etc etc etc.. all of a sudden you are way past the price of the Vongon.
@@emilyharpist2 so is there any way to extend or shorten the interval between each step of the arpegiator or would I need to use an external sequencer for that?
After thinking more about the Vongon Replay, I have come to the conclusion that no serious musician would want this for the keyboard instead of real keys alone, The lack of presets or ability to save any presets, make this a bad choice for live performances, At the $900.00 price point and if you wanted the very best real analogue synth with similar (but far more features) and much better sound is the Moog Grandmother which is around $1000 and can be had on occasional sale for $900, the same price as the Vongon is currently, if you want to go Virtual Analogue, you have so many and far better options at half the price, but for me the keyboard is a no sale/no way/any day decision.
WHO IS THIS SYNTHESIZER FOR?! $900?!? I mean, it looks like a cool little instrument, but you're paying a $600 premium to have an instrument that does less in a less durable enclosure than literally every other possible option at this price point. *I want to apologize for this comment. In retrospect, I still think this instrument feels too expensive, but it's a fine little synth. I don't know how durable the enclosure actually is, and it's probably much nicer than I had a first impression. It's made by a small company making tools and toys for people who love making music. I shouldn't be a negative ned here on this page that I love and enjoy. Sorry, Internet.
@@synthgal1090Modal Electronics Synths were a great mid range option (Still great Synths, though) but not knowing what is going on with the company now, really takes it out of the picture for now, The Mini Freak is a good choice on a budget.
@@synthgal1090 I gotta gently disagree...I have had the dumb-looking Yamaha that everyone thinks was inspired by the OP-1, for two weeks at for hundred bucks and I love everything about it...right up to the silly, typing-keys-feeling keys. For four hundred bucks i have a Reface DX plus a sequencer that wouldn't destroy Elektron's reputation if they'd done this on the Model: boxes 😊
Honestly, this costs a lot less than I'd expect for a handmade synth from a small company. I think a lot of people don't realize how expensive it is to design and manufacture products when you're not a huge company with bulk buying power.
29 keys is weird but also nice, wonder why there aren't more options for what part of the keyboard you get with a controller. like every every small controller should also come as F to F and A to A version..
my only guess why this thing exists: vongon guys aren't really motivated to sell tons of them. maybe they have a bunch specially for those who buy every cool looking thing in spite of the price. maybe for those who just came into market and has no idea what a good synth is. after a while you'll see it's available only via pre-order, so it will make the illusion of highly sought after, exclusive thing. and I understand this approach, nice! I just wish the other manufacturers won't see such releases as a flag to rise their prices and make quality standards lower.
they're a boutique company. People buy this because they know what they're getting. nobody has heard of them outside of a few circles and that's all right; it won't change anything to the pricing policy of Roland or Arturia; boutique (and I mean actual boutique not "Roland boutique") has always been around; look at the price of most of pedals featured on this channel.
Like the look, love the sound, but there are so SO many better and more useful things to spend this kind of money on. A couple of Nanoboxes from 1010 at least!
It kind of looks like a prototype, half-baked for sure. At $900 I would hope for something truly unique but this doesn't really seem to do anything that you can't do with pretty much any subtractive synth out there for cheaper (and readable). Good presentation though, thanks for reviewing it!
Of course, there are also plenty of useless and very expensive gadgets on the market (and this Vongon as a synth looks like just an expensive gadgets), but they are almost always made of special materials and with very high quality components, while it seems to me that this Vongon Replay, apart from the nice design (screwed a little from Love Hultén's synths design - google this name), is not even made of special materials or with very high quality components and cost $900. Not to mention that with about $300 more you can buy a big new Moog that besides being a real synth that comes from a brand that is a guarantee, not even among the cheapest. 😉
Makes the new microKORG 2 seem like a bargain for what you get. Looks cool, text should have been a different and much darker color...heck, they should have burnt on the text, that would have neen dope.
@@jonobot_ Irl it’s legible even from a distance, it’s just not black and white contrast. But I think it fits the look. It clearly tries its best to be an unintimidating synth
It sounds a lot warmer than my dread box nymphes. And the strange thing is this one is digitals . It sounds a lot better The nymph is harsh and thin This has character to it.
A very nice in-depth review. However, I checked the website and this is a $900 synth. That's ridiculous. This is a $200 instrument at best. The case sounds thin and plasticky and the keyboard is horrendous for this price point. It's a nicely sounding DSP based modelling synth very much like the Modal Skulpt.
@@franklopez4028 I can't with these comments. use a VST. some of them are free. and if you want a cheap hardware digital synths; good news; there are tons on the market. you have no right to a "cheap" synth that you've never heard of five minutes before this video. It's ok if something is not for you.
Your friend basically summed it up - “I could do this with a normal keyboard, but I could use this and people would be like who what is that thing??”. You could do anything this can do for much less than close to 1000 dollars. You could spend the same 1000 dollars and get WAY more synth. Also lol at micro usb in TYOOL 2024 - let’s see how long that will last. Good video as always though. Love your content - just not this virtual analog synth.
Except nobody would say “what is going on there”. Maybe like, 20 years ago, in the early days of monome and other boutique gear. I would be deeply embarrassed to gig with this.
That’s a right nice piece of kit it is! Get it before it’s VonGONE! Bingo bango! Oh! Seriously great video! Inspiring and informative and the overhead view, mixed with the white text and shapes, and the sounds…it’s exciting and comforting. Feel the Music has the Right to Children vibes
Finally a synth made specifically for Intsagram!
Yep! Something shiny that is trendy and cool to talk about at the moment and will be forgotten by next week - instagram in a nutshell.
Sounds good I want a limited edition readable text version.
lol!
That’s gonna cost you an additional $299
At first glance it's ticking all the boxes...
you made me LOL
Where's that "straight to bad gear" or "as seen on audiopilz" label?
@@adeniranbalthazar5700 i put a big, cheesy moustache sticker on mine. Does that count?
Didn’t expect this channel to venture into key-switch ASMR comparisons!
I can see why this is more approachable. The controls seem simple enough that’s attractive imo. Thanks Emily
This is truly a beep boop machine
It is a six voice polyphonic synth with MIDI in and out, a sequencer/arpeggiator, and an ADSR envelope, with the sound engine, at least in part, being based on the exact opposite of a bleep bloop machine (Juno-60).
...and there are no belts to replace nor tape heads to clean!
@@scottsweatshirt9753that's why i said beep boop and not bleep bloop
@@ponaboyYES
There I go again mistaking my beep boops for bleep bloops. Any more of this and I’ll have to revoke my own G.A.S. card.
Cool form factor and style but not worth the price to me.
You can buy a Hydrasynth Explorer, which is cheaper and about 100× more feature packed.
Not trying to be a hater at all but ive owned a lot of synths. Not worth it for $900.
They could have at least added stereo chorus.
It looks cool though, ill give you that.
I have the same sentiment. At $899, doesn't seem like a great choice for a synth - Minifreak or the Hydrasynth Explorer like you mentioned have a lot more going on for much cheaper. But also, it definitely looks cool and I do like how simple the UI is, they nailed that I think.
Or a Modwave Mk II Module
@@Beatboxing So many better choices including the ones you mention. Lots of older, full featured synths on Reverb as well.
UI is style over content. also worth noting it isn't that simple- it needs a web app for full functionality.
I love my Hydrasynth Desktop!
When I first saw this thing I guessed it was going to cost three hundred bucks. Oops.
This looks amazing. I love the aesthetic. Love the voices too. So unique. PolySix is such a great synth to model after too. Jelly!
BTW this video is next level.
Love that more ppl are making instruments that merge two of my hobbies (music & custom kyboards).
You can get a novation peak for that money and have 200$ left for other stuff. Just a comparison:
Peak: 3 Oscillators, about 30 waveforms, 4 lfos, 3 loopable envelopes, build in fx, complex modulation matrix
This synth: 1 Osc, pretty interface
If your reasoning is "I've got to get the most features crammed in it for as little as possible"; just use a free vst. This synth has definitely character.
You can get the same type of arpeggiator on midi controllers like arturia keystep or novation launchkey mini mk3.
These are about 100 bucks.
Synth sounds great, but I couldn't pay that much money for it. If you can, good for you.
Yes
I came here directly after Alex Ball's video on the Roland MC-8, quite the difference. :D
Can't believe Vongon beat Strymon to making a synth 😆
Run it through some Strymons and….😶🌫️🙃🤓😎🥸🤤🥴🫠🫥🫥🫥
i mean there’s a ton of effects pedals companies who don’t make synths. why strymom lol
@@chinmeyswaythey are DSP masters and it just seemed like a matter of time. They also have 3 effects modules (Generalissimo, Magneto, Starlab) available in eurorack synth format already
The thing I think is cool is, the remix of that track of yours you did on the keyboard. Instant recognition over here, love that. Also, I never knew of key silencing like that. By taking the keys out and replacing them, it's a neat idea. I might have to look into that myself, I've been experimenting with live animations and I use a midi keyboard for playing specific animations and changing facial expressions on the character and stuff, but you can hear the keys pretty clearly in the stream. But I have caveman fingers when I'm livestreaming, so that's to be expected. Awesome video either way, Em gang!
I like the way you kind of haze the keys and mod/upgrade them-in a demo!❤
I never thought i would be getting synth and custom keyboard youtube crossover video, but here we are...
A synth that thocks!
Really dig your take on the instrument! Great explaining great video!! Thank U!! 🙏🏾
so cool! love your chanel and sense of humor! also, thanks for turning me on to vines. enjoying her unique world.
Some very beautiful tones coming out of this machine! Thanks for the video! TOO much gear to get right now!! I still think Chompi is the first thing I'll buy but this looks like maybe a next buy for me!
Dammit Emily! I started off today drooling over this thing and then talked myself out of it and now I want it again! If I do get one I'll use your link!
I have the Microfreak, and it's definitely not conducive to quick sequencing like the VR seems to be. Would be nice if this had more legible labeling. The design should be minimal for the sake of undistracted easy use, and not too much for cool aesthetics.
white on white lol
this is what happens when no one will tell the boss no. or there's no qa.
microfreak is like my favorite sequencer it makes my keystep next to useless unless I'm doing chord strum
Or you can think of it as a blank canvas so you can mark your Custom Settings in an artful way. 😁🤙🏾
@@mstunameowbreak out those color markers! 🔴🟠🟡🟢🔵🟣⚫️🟤😁😁😁🤘🏾🤘🏾🤘🏾
WOW. Sounds nice, looks cool, not overloaded with features. I'm down with that.
I didn’t even come here for the synth, just wanted to enjoy the silliness 😄 love the epic background scenes to set the mood! Haha.
Great review! Thanks.
Wow that's very cool! I'd love to put some Outemu silent switches in one of these. I can't read the white letter labels on that almost white plastic and I'd definitely prefer black letters so I can see them lol.
this is a cool video and a nice instrument
You're rad and this is so helpful
“Vonagon Infinity opens the door”
Rattlesnake
@@father_jordanWOOOOOOOOO
Great demo! This is an amazing piece of gear.
sweet intro to some new kit!!
all the buttons and switches, clearly defined and demonstrated
perfect for an idjit, such as myself.
great overview - some nice tunes in there! I'm not a fan of the clicky keys though ..... I assume it is touch sensitive over MIDI? (aftertouch?)
I also subscribed cause of the fish shirts
It sounds nice, and makes me miss my old Korg PolySix😢 (though that thing had zero sequencing capability and no MIDI or CV)
I just bought one, can't wait finally something that's super minimal with no ridiculous menus and thousands of options that kill creativity. The comments on cost are quite hilarious, I've seen hundreds of you set up modulars that are single voice systems that cost as much or more, when you buy > modular case, osc, filter, env, vca, gate, CV sequencer, output module, clock, etc etc etc.. all of a sudden you are way past the price of the Vongon.
haha for real!! thank you so much for such a nice comment -- you really made my day today, and I hope you enjoy the Replay as much as I do!! :)
This is inspiring. Easter is a big time for home improvements. I might ask around for leftover magnolia emulsion and dip a $100 Craigslist Microkorg.
Cool looking synth
That's a neat piece of tech. _And_ it looks like it's from a cheesy 80s sci-fi flick, which give it bonus points for me.
Ummm..$1000 bucks out the door? Are the folks at Vongon ingesting handfuls of mushrooms?
красота невероятная)
Waitwaitwait… what lube did you use on those switches?
I subscribed because of the name change❤❤❤
link for the MX3A-11NA switches?
This first example (from 0:05 to 0:08) was insanely nice. May I ask how did you create it?
I’m going to show that on my main channel next week!
Bloody brilliant as always, Emily. We’re lucky to have you.
Wow I want one!
I like its look, because it looks like nothing. You make nothing sound amazing Em!!!
very nice extrachannel!
time for some binging ;-)
* Checks date to make sure it’s not 1 April yet … *
This takes TE hipster synth douchery to a new level. Kudos, I guess …
great gear
"From far away there's no labels" when you think about it the replay is really like society man...
I'm scared to look how much this cost if do have a 90s keyboard that makes the same sounds if i can figure out how to play my guitar though it
Emu- Emula- Lemon- Emmalater- Emilyulating an analog sound. (there we go)
That tune at 4:50 was a throw back 👏
This is too good😮
On the part where start explaining the filter(8:30), was it just the replay or were there any other outside sources involved?
It was just the replay!
@@emilyharpist2 so is there any way to extend or shorten the interval between each step of the arpegiator or would I need to use an external sequencer for that?
@1:24 dayumm that was gangster
After thinking more about the Vongon Replay, I have come to the conclusion that no serious musician would want this for the keyboard instead of real keys alone, The lack of presets or ability to save any presets, make this a bad choice for live performances, At the $900.00 price point and if you wanted the very best real analogue synth with similar (but far more features) and much better sound is the Moog Grandmother which is around $1000 and can be had on occasional sale for $900, the same price as the Vongon is currently, if you want to go Virtual Analogue, you have so many and far better options at half the price, but for me the keyboard is a no sale/no way/any day decision.
How do you afford all the synths and fx pedals?
Vongon sent me this synth to make a demo of and also sponsored this video!
@@emilyharpist2how much money did they give you?
Save yourself hundreds of $$$$ and buy an Arturia MiniFreak for 1000x the features and usability.
WHO IS THIS SYNTHESIZER FOR?! $900?!? I mean, it looks like a cool little instrument, but you're paying a $600 premium to have an instrument that does less in a less durable enclosure than literally every other possible option at this price point. *I want to apologize for this comment. In retrospect, I still think this instrument feels too expensive, but it's a fine little synth. I don't know how durable the enclosure actually is, and it's probably much nicer than I had a first impression. It's made by a small company making tools and toys for people who love making music. I shouldn't be a negative ned here on this page that I love and enjoy. Sorry, Internet.
teenage engineering forever poisoned the well for affordable synthesizers that are more capable than a volca.
@@synthgal1090Modal Electronics Synths were a great mid range option (Still great Synths, though) but not knowing what is going on with the company now, really takes it out of the picture for now, The Mini Freak is a good choice on a budget.
@@synthgal1090 I gotta gently disagree...I have had the dumb-looking Yamaha that everyone thinks was inspired by the OP-1, for two weeks at for hundred bucks and I love everything about it...right up to the silly, typing-keys-feeling keys. For four hundred bucks i have a Reface DX plus a sequencer that wouldn't destroy Elektron's reputation if they'd done this on the Model: boxes 😊
@@synthgal1090roland killed it with the s1
Honestly, this costs a lot less than I'd expect for a handmade synth from a small company. I think a lot of people don't realize how expensive it is to design and manufacture products when you're not a huge company with bulk buying power.
29 keys is weird but also nice, wonder why there aren't more options for what part of the keyboard you get with a controller.
like every every small controller should also come as F to F and A to A version..
Now this is synthesis
will easily stick with microfreak
my only guess why this thing exists: vongon guys aren't really motivated to sell tons of them. maybe they have a bunch specially for those who buy every cool looking thing in spite of the price. maybe for those who just came into market and has no idea what a good synth is. after a while you'll see it's available only via pre-order, so it will make the illusion of highly sought after, exclusive thing. and I understand this approach, nice! I just wish the other manufacturers won't see such releases as a flag to rise their prices and make quality standards lower.
they're a boutique company. People buy this because they know what they're getting. nobody has heard of them outside of a few circles and that's all right; it won't change anything to the pricing policy of Roland or Arturia; boutique (and I mean actual boutique not "Roland boutique") has always been around; look at the price of most of pedals featured on this channel.
Like the look, love the sound, but there are so SO many better and more useful things to spend this kind of money on. A couple of Nanoboxes from 1010 at least!
It kind of looks like a prototype, half-baked for sure. At $900 I would hope for something truly unique but this doesn't really seem to do anything that you can't do with pretty much any subtractive synth out there for cheaper (and readable). Good presentation though, thanks for reviewing it!
Of course, there are also plenty of useless and very expensive gadgets on the market (and this Vongon as a synth looks like just an expensive gadgets), but they are almost always made of special materials and with very high quality components, while it seems to me that this Vongon Replay, apart from the nice design (screwed a little from Love Hultén's synths design - google this name), is not even made of special materials or with very high quality components and cost $900.
Not to mention that with about $300 more you can buy a big new Moog that besides being a real synth that comes from a brand that is a guarantee, not even among the cheapest. 😉
This would be sick in a Secret Sawce
Next week!! 😊
@@emilyharpist2 😮🤯
At 7:10 what effect is on the voice?
Hey I go over that in my latest main channel video!
Just make sure you never let a Vongon read poetry to you.
That's an obscure reference not many young people will understand LOL
@@erbro I was just about to say the movie came out a little while ago but it’s almost been 20 years.
42
key sounds are good sounds ; )
Sounds very beige
I would need to colour the ’black’ keys Black….or Blue😂😁 Cool machine tho. I’d get it😁🤘🏾(Gotta stop buying avo toast on gluten free bread!😂)
I want it in black, then maybe i can read the white text.... 🤣🤣🤣🙈
Makes the new microKORG 2 seem like a bargain for what you get. Looks cool, text should have been a different and much darker color...heck, they should have burnt on the text, that would have neen dope.
🚀Backyard Spaceship! 💕
YESSS!!! Only real ones recognize 😂
Job well done! You should reward yourself with a nice cup of decaf tea 😄
Love this review ☄️... Not a fit for me, but pleeeez review more instruments
The designer spared no effort to make the user interface using all of the famous knobs
I’d definitely steal this from someone.
why on earth did they design it to be illegible?
Probably to simplify the look. You don’t need to read every switch once you’ve learned what it does
@@machieltipo yeah, legible text isn’t cool.
@@jonobot_ Irl it’s legible even from a distance, it’s just not black and white contrast. But I think it fits the look. It clearly tries its best to be an unintimidating synth
@@machieltipo maybe this is something that has to be seen in person. 🤷♂️
I think they are trying to go for a "cool" aesthetic like Teenage Engineering to try to justify the ridiculous cost.
You should get Switch and Click to mod your Vongon!! She'll hook you up!!
i read that title as "vongon roleplay" 💀
instead of Vongon Replay I searched Vogon Replay and my kidneys and liver teamed up to take my ears to "a safe place"-...
Good lord, these people really sent that thing to everyone at the same time. Like 15 gear tubers put up videos about this thing on the same day.
And it will be forgotten in a month.
It sounds a lot warmer than my dread box nymphes. And the strange thing is this one is digitals . It sounds a lot better
The nymph is harsh and thin
This has character to it.
My favourite sound is at 0:16
"It can sound like this..." DnB vocal mix when?
I love the clacking, very ASMR
28 seconds in .. I’m like.. “I want it!”*Clicks on link*
899$ translates to "ey? nein nein" in german.
A very nice in-depth review. However, I checked the website and this is a $900 synth. That's ridiculous. This is a $200 instrument at best. The case sounds thin and plasticky and the keyboard is horrendous for this price point. It's a nicely sounding DSP based modelling synth very much like the Modal Skulpt.
Even $400 would be understandable.
Would love to see you design and build something
@@cougarman8 sure but the consumer has a right to want a digital synth at reasonable price.
@@franklopez4028 I can't with these comments. use a VST. some of them are free. and if you want a cheap hardware digital synths; good news; there are tons on the market. you have no right to a "cheap" synth that you've never heard of five minutes before this video. It's ok if something is not for you.
$899 🤣🤣🤣
An Organelle is literally half the price and does way more.
@@mastercng think about what you can do with an MPC key 37 that also has a real keyboard with aftertouch and costs the same ...
Wow!
That looks so friggen good
sheesh. so damn pretty
I'm afraid I find the monotone blandness of the enclosure and interface very offputting.
😊
Your friend basically summed it up - “I could do this with a normal keyboard, but I could use this and people would be like who what is that thing??”. You could do anything this can do for much less than close to 1000 dollars. You could spend the same 1000 dollars and get WAY more synth. Also lol at micro usb in TYOOL 2024 - let’s see how long that will last.
Good video as always though. Love your content - just not this virtual analog synth.
Except nobody would say “what is going on there”. Maybe like, 20 years ago, in the early days of monome and other boutique gear. I would be deeply embarrassed to gig with this.
This is made for people who bought the Teenage Engineering Field Table
That’s a right nice piece of kit it is! Get it before it’s VonGONE! Bingo bango! Oh!
Seriously great video! Inspiring and informative and the overhead view, mixed with the white text and shapes, and the sounds…it’s exciting and comforting. Feel the Music has the Right to Children vibes