Moog DFAM vs Mother-32: Review and comparison (Drummer From Another Mother)
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- čas přidán 1. 04. 2018
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DFAM (Drummer From Another Mother) is the second semi-modular Moog are releasing in a compact, either standalone or 60hp eurorack form factor, following the Mother-32, and while they may look very similar, they’re actually very different animals. I already did an in-depth review of the Mother-32 (here's a link to it: • Moog Mother-32 review ... ) - so in this clip I focus more on a review of DFAM, but along the way comparing it to Mother-32, so that by the time it’s over, you’ll have a pretty good idea of how both synths work, and why even though they look the same, the end result gives each its unique character..
Both synths are very similar in that they contain oscillators, filters, envelopes and a patch bay, but there are a few core differences:
1. The sequencers have very different characteristics: DFAM's sequencer is very analog - it has two tracks - both with continuous CV ranges. It also has a fixed number of 8 steps - though I show ways around that in the clip. In contrast, Mother-32's sequencer is more flexible in terms of length and supports precisely pitched melodies, as well as a few other sequencing features shown in the clip.
2. Envelopes in DFAM are short, either 1 or 2 step envelopes, geared towards percussive sounds, where the envelope in Mother-32 has either two or three stages.
3. DFAM has two oscillators and no LFO (though each of the oscillators can go as low as single digit hz), whereas Mother-32 as only one LFO, that can go to audio rates.
4. Each has their own flavor of special oscillator goodies (FM in both, Hard sync in DFAM)
5. ... and other differences as shown in the clip.
NOTE: Occasionally I’ll try out affiliate marketing and include affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via affiliate links. The content of this clip is entirely my opinion, and was not paid for or dictated in any what by the company creating the gear. Without addressing the particulars of products shown here as they might be under NDA, gear shown on this channel may be either sent by the manufacturer, on loan for review or bought at a discount.
For more ways to expand DFAM, check out this follow up video: czcams.com/video/znkYpL-u_pY/video.html as well as this one czcams.com/video/L10PjCdSJqA/video.html
I've lost count of the number of times I've watched this video but it is really great - an excellent introduction to the DFAM especially in the context of using it with the Mother 32. The music demonstrated at the start of the video is just great and was the first piece I tried to emulate on my own DFAM when I bought one based on this video. Thank you.
Thanks man! I now understand what the DFAM actually is...and why it is! You made it sound just fantastic. I have watched other videos on this topic but didn't get it but now I have...oh bum...yet another synth to add to the "must have" list....
excellent tutorial. very inspiring. had my DFAM and M32 for a couple of months and refer back to this video for ideas. thank you 😃👏🏼🧘🏼♀️
I can't believe this video is 3 years old already. It still gets me excited, and my DFAM is 4' to my right :). Little did I know it'd go from a DFAM to a DFAM/2xMother32's/Subharmonicon - Look at the influence Ziv has on our wallets.
2022 update, bought a 2nd DFAM this holiday season to match the synth that started all of this. Happy Holidays everyone. Also hoping The Godfather makes an appearance on Ziv's channel in the future :).
"if you are from the future check the channel" it just makes sense with these kind of sounds. Great videos!
Great content mate😍
Thank you, Loopop!
Fantastic demo!
Extremely helpful video! Thanks so much!❤️🙏🖖
I need DFAM sounds so amazing
Love Moog gear. Been looking at this as a starting point into modular world since it is compact and fairly affordable for what you get. Add in a Keystep and you can rock hard.
I did just that a while back. I dont regret it so far, so much fun.
I got DFAM and SubHarminicon and i sync it up with Voltage Modular(for FX and LFOs) and a Keystep. its a good time.
Just bought my first semi-modular yesterday and it was a DFAM, so amazing and it’s been less than 24 hours 0:)
Hey mate, it's been 2 years, how have you found it? really tempted by DFAM.
@@NickQuinn1986 working like a dream dude. I also bought a moog grandmother this year to add to the modular fam
@@rsb__ Great to read this. I'm considering exactly the same thing. GM + DFAM.
would be great to show the assign sync process to sync mother32 to dfam and a DAW ( ableton perhaps)... great channel you have here 🙏🏽👌🏽
I LOVE how you match your talking with the music in the intro
Thanks :)
Just ordered a DFAM. Need it ;-)
Great video! I will be adding a M32 to my dfam.
One of the best tutorials I've ever watched.
This sounds so sick
Can you tell me how you mounted the eurorack modules in the Moog rack? Cheers
Thnx for the review! But was just wondering, is there an infinite use of the patchbay ? And can I use it in combination with the minitaur ?
Great video! Can you quantize the pitch of DFAM with the mother 32 sequencer?,
Thanks! You can play DFAM with M32’s sequencer but not quantize the steps on DFAM
@@loopop Sweeet ok . thanks Loopop - you are the best on YT and i'm borrowing so many tips from you!
Totally my pleasure
Many thanks i love you,re videos they are realy amazing
What reverb you are using in the beginning of the video?
Great review! Thanks!
That pulsing+drone intro sounds AMAZZING! Challenge myself to recreate it on my electribe2. I think I'm close but sounds mediocre.
there is a youtube video about making drones on the elektribe - it's doable
I love how you’ve got your hand gesturing in the camera’s view. Hilarious. Reminds me of the old Mr Bill skits from the 70s SNL days.
To me, I see the DFAM as either the foundation of a great cyberpunk track or a great Deathgrips one
That was my first thought, NIN kind of noisy industrial backup percussion. Which it's great at, but a little expensive for just that IMO
having conversations with your car alarm ? =)
I have both, and this is the best overview of the DFAM. My only problem with my DFAM is trying to synch the clock to my Moog Grandmother, which after attempt after attempt, i have never gotten it to sync.
Sounds like unreleased NIN tracks in a box. Love it. Great demo.
yeah I was going to say… "very Trent Reznor"
thank *YOU*. after watching 1million of videos, i think you're the best reviewer IMO. =)
Hi I have a little question, I already own a tr 8s and some digital synths. If I would buy a mother 32 and dfam how would I be able to sync everything up? Could I just go from midi out from the tr 8s to midi in on the mother 32, and then from the assign to the adv/clock on the DFAM?
2:50 can you tell us more about how to get that with external modules? I’m trying to figure out whether the DF a.m. is a good module on its own for both synthesizer sounds in bass lines, while also providing percussion loops. The other side to that would be that I would need to purchase the mother 32 as well for the other stuff
but is the best Video for dfam und mother 32 i saw..thx for that!
When linked together which sequencer is master vs slave?
That sounds amazing. Great video.
Subscribed.
Peace ✌️ out people
Hello 👋🏻 what is a quantizer? Is there one I can search for on CZcams to get aquatinted?
'Or if you're from the future, check the channel.' Love it.
I’m from 2020. There’s a pandemic and the entire planet is on lock down. Oh, except Sweden, because Sweden is the shit! Thanks for the advice.
Hey man love the channel, where did you get the wooden case to put the non-moog modules in the top rack?
Thanks! Moog makes them
hello, how can you dial specific tempos on dfam? 132 bpm, for instance.Thanx!
I ended up getting DFAM much later than other modular gear but no regrets. It pairs well with other modular gear and with my Leipzig. I still prefer the Jomox base drum kick however DFAM is good.
I thought the saw wave in the beginning was brighter on the Minitaur but the square sounded "squarer" on the Sirin. I assume both filters where wide open.
What euroracks compliment the dfam+m32 combo?
Very clear and impressive explanation. How do you display the waveforms?
Hi, I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle
The music right at the beginning was amazing. Any chance you have that for download?
killroy123 working on it - thanks!
What’s the name of that oscilloscope? 4:50
Really great video, inspiring. Wish you would have shown how you power things in the back - euro modules and the moog units...are you powering the moog units via ribbon cable? How did you mount the power supply for the other modular components in the top tier? Thanks!
The moog units are powered with the adapter they came with. The modular unit is powered by a uZeus module (plenty of other power options as well)
Thank you for this awesome video! I’m thinking about getting Mother-32, DFAM and eventually few eurorack modules. Do you recommend this Moog 3-tier rack stand for this purpose or should I look into another rack setup? Space constraint is a consideration. Thanks again!
Another option I’m considering is Arturia RackBrute 6U. What would be your preference in this case: MOOG rack or Arturia? Or perhaps something else? Thanks in advance!
When you don't have patch memories the best thing to do is have your DAW always ready and just record everything. That way you if you can't recreate a patch you at least have a recording of it.
yes, luckilly i'm not a Mac user, so i can recommend it to all who have lots of free space on disc(s) :)
Yup, I also use a Boss RC 505 to capture sweet spots I would never quite get back to live, without an hour of tweaking.
Man you’re so good at explaining. What modular setup do you have on top?
Thank you! I don’t remember ;) need to watch the video... but I keep changing it around though
excuse me, are you going to make a video on how to path dfam and mother 32? thankxx
Love your videos, it’s bridged a lot of gaps I had with modular. I’m still new to this, is that your eurorack at the top there?
Thanks! Yes, part of it :)
Love your videos. I wouldn't buy anything without checking one of your reviews first! I wanted to recreate the opening DFAM patch, but I see you are also connected to other gear. Is that also adding to the patch sound? Can that patch be created without the extra gear? Thanks!
Thanks! It's going through Z-DSP with a valhalla shimmer card, but you can certainly use other reverbs or even the valhalla shimmer on a computer
thanks for the video! How did you mount those other eurorack modules in there? I saw there's some stuff on moogs website but I'm not sure just how to achieve this..
Moog sells a case without a power supply. I use uzeus from tip-top audio
@@loopop I found it, thanks a lot!
I just got the DFAM paired with the Grandmother - both are blowing my mind.
Just got GM and I’ve never been so immediately in love w/a synth. I keep hearing folks say that GM & DFAM is an excellent pairing. Can you comment specifically what you like about it? I’m thinking of picking up a DFAM. Can the combo get pretty wild & experimental? I’d like that capability. ✌️
@@DMC-mp9sx the clock feature allows you to control the arpeggiator etc etc on Granny... it’s absolutely nuts and so fun to navigate. Endless!
6:09 hehehehehehe! Great Review. Thank You!
I'm trying to make trip hop/downbeat music, think massive attack or portishead. Which one would you recommend?
Thanks. Great demo. No matter what I do, I can’t get the filter to self oscillate.
Hey Loopop. Wicked video. You mentioned quantising for the Dfam to get the right pitch for osc. Have you released that video or wouldn’t mind elaborating. Thanks so much
Thanks - yes check out my "why eurorack is awesome" video and maths as subharmonicon video - two ways to quantize DFAM
@@loopop amazing. Thanks so much. Keep up the great work!!!
Have you made a video on your overall set-up here? I.e. M-32, DFAM and the Eurorack stuff above? Very interesting.... :)
Thanks - nothing beyond this sorry - I kind of create a unique setup per video on a case by case basis
@@loopop Understood. Could you list the ones above? 🙏😍
Great tutorial /comparison. Quick question: what program do you use to display the waveform?
Hi, I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle. Occasionally I’ll use scopes by VCV
@@loopop Cool. Thanks for the reply.
Which one of this do you recommend me for introducing me into modular system? Please, help :(
Mother-32
Is there anything you don’t have?? ;)
Noir Et Blanc Vie time to use everything I have? ;)
You 2’d make a nice battle guys ;D
@@loopop I Quit doing drugs and started making a lot of money 20 years ago. I completely relate to this response
Money in his bank account lol
What is that cool looking Oscilloscope that you are using? Is that software and you just edit it into the video or a piece of hardware?
VictorSteiner it’s software called MOscilloscope
Thanks a lot, there are some threads about Ableton Live Oscilloscopes but they are mostly ugly or not up to date. Will try to find out how to ingetrate this :)
I fell love in mother 32. I think for me as a novice m32 is suitable. I will take it.
Thanks for review.
Is it possible to connect m32 to IPad and use its sound? For example in Cubasis 3
Hi Loopop, do you know, if I can use the Pamela´s new workout as a switch to expand the steps of the DFAM from 8 to 16 Steps? Thanks
Pam's is many things but it's not a switch - not with a way that immediately comes to mind unless I missed a firmware update
I would appreciate your advice greatly on some synth purchases! I own the Moog Matriarch, and want to expand into modular rhythmic synthesizers. Moog offers the DFAM, the Mother-32, and the Subharmonicon. I am wondering with the use of the Moog Matriarch, do I even need the mother 32, and should I double up on the DFAM? In other words, can the Moog Matriarch when driven by the clock from DFAM basically do what the Mother-32 does?
I was thinking: Matriarch+DFAM+DFAM+Subharmonicon
Instead of:
Matriarch+DFAM+Mother32+Subharmonicon
I’d even be open to other combination suggestions, but I thought this would be a good Eurorack starting point based off of my Matriarch :)
Thanks!
Thanks and yes, I think for more variety, I would get the subharmonicon and DFAM to pair with Matriarch and not Mother 32. You can always add that later ;)
How do you make the 'scope shots?
Great review, but what's really new about these machines other than the marketing strategy? Oscillators, filters, envelope generators, white noise and a sequencer?
What plugin are you using on the top left with the waveform?
Scopes by Melda and VCV
it's not possible to run the sequencer with less than 8 steps?
Alexander Vomonoki not directly, no. In the video I show a workaround to mess with tempo, and you can do that externally too, but directly, unfortunately it’s not possible
okay :/ thanks for the answer!
Is this frequency analyzer stock to some daw that you use or is it stand alone vst?
wrzeszczi stock Ableton Spectrum
Nice one, thx.
I’m a rookie with Arturia BSP as my controller for my synths. Can I add DFAM/ M32 into the equation and sync thru CV/ Gate , or..???
Can I sync them to my MS-20mini?
Where you do get that freq / waveform oscilloscope
I have an old school one but it won’t do both
Thanks
Hi, I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle. Occasionally I’ll use scopes by VCV
Does the ES-8 fit this case? I always thought the module was too deep for the Moog case...
Vince Deak it’s amazing what one can do when one does not know what one can’t do ;)
you are the best!
10:40 can me write the tune
Please
the patch at 10:40 is sick
yep :)
what is the audio meter you have on top of the screen. is that a piece of hardware? what's it called?
That looks like Spectrum, from Ableton Live. I imagine he overlaid it onto the video during editing.
I've been eyeing the Mother-32, the 0-Coast and the SV-1 ... would you recommend the M-32, as a good starting point for someone looking to get into modular?
I've heard people find them somewhat limited, fairly quickly - yet lots of people seem to retain them in their more advanced/expansive rigs ...
The SOUND is the most important thing to me, and from what I can tell on videos, the M-32 has that over the others I mentioned/have seen (if one is into old-school analog sound) ... ? Is that fair to say?
Like the sound of the DFAM, too ... Geez, I better cut up my credit card ... ... :P
I would absolutely recommend it. I've never tried the SV-1 and only messed briefly with 0-coast. Sound is subjective... re 0-coast, in good hands it can sound wonderful but it's not as easy as with M-32 and very different overall. I'd love to own one but between the two, M-32 wins for me, certainly as a starting point for eurorack. Regarding people finding the M-32 limited quickly - it may be something else that's limited ;) in terms of bang for buck getting started with Eurorack, it's great.
Great, thanks. :)
Agree- it is a great combo for portable entry to modular. Question: how would it compare to the new Erica Synths Pico II self contained table top modular system? Do you have any hands on with Eric Synths gear?
Not me no... not yet ;) seems a bit crowded - knobs need space - but on the other hand I love compact portable synths... anyway, haven't tried it so can't say.
I need to order one with return policy and try it out! I love the small formfactor and sounds but the drum module sampler looks like a pain to program since based on Andrew Huang review you have to remove the module and manage the SD card and upload drum samples from a laptop to it and then put the tiny drum module back into the synth. The Moog setup looks more user friendly for a newbie to modular gear. This is only review I found and it was also listed on the Erica Synths website
czcams.com/video/_hvQBqB318I/video.html
A comment on your explanation of DECAY functions for the VCO and VCF envelopes. You say that they are probably called DECAY due to modulation decay, which is correct. The ATTACK of those envelopes is indeed very short, but the AMPLITUDE of the envelopes is determined by the VELOCITY of the sequencer knobs. So, you can modulate the pitch of an oscillator and get it jumping even higher by using the VELOCITY knobs and change the time with the VCO DECAY. It's very confusing and takes a while to get used to. Especially because the overall frequency of the oscillator is a total sum of voltages from VCO CV + VCO FREQUENCY + VCO EG AMOUNT + PITCH 1-8 KNOBS)!
Oh, and there is another hidden gem in the DFAM. By default, the CUTOFF of the filter is modulated with NOISE! It's something very special and creates almost bit-crushing sounds. You can, of course, modulate the filter with any other signal using the VCF MOD input. But you cannot modulate the resonance in any way.
5:25 Love the video and now have a Mother 32 and DFAM. Could you please tell me the brand/model of the oscilloscopes pictured?
Hi, I use MOscilloscope and MAnalyzer by a company called Melda - they’re free with some limitations in the MFreeFXBundle. Occasionally I’ll use scopes by VCV
@@loopop thanks for the fast reply. In the video it looked like they were hardware units attached to the top of the Moog.
@@316Drums yes sorry about that I try to make the videos look more interesting since we’re looking at the same Synth throughout
Hey man, I’m dying to know what that white synth is on the top of the rack. Could you tell me?
Adam 35 don’t die! It’s a combination of modular synths in a Moog rack. Plaits, Z-DSP mainly
Thanks man
the intro sounds great
I’m not a musician, I haven’t had any musical schooling, I can’t play a keyboard and I only have a basic grasp of music theory so I mostly make music by chaining together ‘happy accidents’. I do have a good undestanding of synthesis and I don’t really enjoy ‘assembling’ songs in a DAW. The DFAM/M32 combo looks like something I could get quite some cool grooves out of, just by by feel and having fun along the way. Correct me if I’m wrong.
Between Dfam and mother 32 which one can get to yo to a nin like sound or should I just go with logic
@loopop Great Review!!! Thanks. There were little doubts about buying Moog DFAM and may be M32. But your reviews cleared it up! Must have gear...)) Please advise what modules you have on top of M32 and DFAM (your must have modules to increase/improve two Moog machines performance)
Thanks! There are soooo many options it’s really about your preference and taste but the main performance enhancer imho is reverb and delay. Not necessarily in module form - check out the eventide H9 or similar
@@loopop I am still not fully ready to spend money on H9 or similar as I feel my Vahalla + Soundtoys +Waves + Ableton Echo, etc.. can do a lot, especially being mapped to midi controller for live jam;). However, there might come a day when I´ll buy some pedal.
I actually wished to know what do you have on top of your Moog synths in this video.
Understand after watching some reviews that there are a lot of modules and of course quantiser, Maths, o-noise and SV-1 would be good additions. Somebody says Neutron is also good, however I did not hear any good pleasing my ears sounds from that machine...
Anyway, first of all I need to get my DFAM and get lost with it...) connect to my LXR Drum Machine) + Arturia Modular V3 and make some Techno!!!)
Have a good time and thanks again for your time and such a thoughtful and entertaining way to review musical gear.
@@masterg5931 I see ES-8, Plaits and Z-DSP but if you're comfortable with using a computer nearby (which is great), I would prioritize ES-8 - that way you can connect VCV and any module you like. Did you see my Hybrid Modular video?
@@loopop Thanks! I´ve just watched your Hybrid Modular video... Did not know about that possibility. Thanks for an eyes opener))). So, once I am fully confident with DFAM, will get ES-8 - must have to begin diving into world of Modular (wished MOTU Interface, but already bought Babyface Pro). I do also enjoyed your video on Hardware Vs Software modular. Thanks for good job that is such a pleasure to watch. And please continue!!! May be any Video on DFAM + Eventide H9 will be unique to highlight both qualities ;)
Thanks! It’s very hard to remain productive when combining those two... hours lost... ;)
hi!! quick question, what case are you using for the third tier of that rack? want something like that to expand my dfam
It’s by moog
loopop thx!!
Just curious, what's the oscilloscope and freq analyzer that you are using?
MOscilloscope VCV scope and Ableton Spectrum
loopop thank you!
So, these 2 instruments can't do anything that I couldn't pull off with my moog modular, And arguably much less. But i would still absolutely have these in the studio. It fundamentally changes how I would approach creating a patch. Their layout and abilities would bring a fresh perspective on creating fundamental noise. With a modular you need to start from scratch, where as this one you build on what is already there. Nurture it, and combine it with other limbs and blood vessels to create a life on its own. And I could say these are a good place to start if you are wanting to build a rack.
great take
@@romynruggieri8726 Thankyou. I have had the opportunity to play with both of these kits. And I can say that I really liked them both quite a lot, but I wasn't tempted to buy them either. But perhaps in my case I have other tools in my studio that overlap quite a lot with what these do. And the person whom owns the two i tried got them specifically because he thought they filled a niche in his gear that was lacking. And it seems like for him they really do.
His only contention is he doesn't figure they mesh together quite as well as they are portrayed to by moog. They are just different enough that using them together is a very rare and cumbersome thing in his case. He finds he also uses the Mother32 much more, where as I gravitated to the DFAM in my little time playing with them. But that seems to reason as I have mostly modular gear and not so much use for digital sequencers.
So is dfam kinda like a Moog 960 sequencer?
At first :|
From 06:50 =0
What a nice concept for the DFAM.
You can trigger the trigger but not the advance? Or is it adv/clock...seems so...then NICE....
Bit of a late question, but what fx are you using in this video? (a reverb I assume). Cheers
Valhalla if I remember correctly
that intro track is.... PREEEETY GOOOD MAN
Leon Tomalik thanks :) available on my album
Daaamn I think I‘ll have to get a dfam. It is sad that you need 3 wall plugs with that cool 3 tier Moog rack. Is there a third parts solution that does it with less cable mess?
Good question! Sign me up
The best thing I found was this: www.amazon.de/gp/product/B01MQFFSCV/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
At least you can switch of your 2 or 3 MOOGs in 3 seconds that way instead of unplugging them all and then fiddling all the plugs back in if it stands against the wall.
As always, such a great informative and creative video review. Hard to resist to a GAS crisis when hearing these sounds
what do you use to visualzie waveform on the left ?
Scopes by Melda
@@loopop can;'t fid it ... this www.meldaproduction.com/MOscilloscope ?
have to ask -- what oscilloscope are you using?
MOscilloscope
2 mins 19 in and I just need to stop and say, great opening jam!
Crazy fucking good thank you
Is this custom case in top rack section?
I believe that case is a "Moog 60HP Eurorack Case - Unpowered Eurorack Case". I copied the quoted text directly from Sweetwater. And, no, I do not work for them :) ... I just got a DFAM. As soon as I saw that case you asked about I had to go find out what it was. Too bad it is unpowered, since a proper power module costs more than the case itself.