Minimonsta

Of all the classic synths that were ever invented, none was more well-known and influential than the Minimoog. Since the first synthesizers were large, expensive and modular machines, not many musicians had access to them. However, this all changed when the Minimoog was released right and the beginning in 1970 and became the first synth that could be purchased from retail stores.

The instrument was much easier to carry around, while its modules were hardwired to each other, so it was much easier and quicker to just play a few notes. Since it was used by so many musicians from so many genres, its sounds helped shape the music of the following decades. There’s little wonder that, even in today’s digital age, producers seek to add those sounds into their compositions.

Now, since not many people can afford vintage Minimoogs or even newer versions of the instrument, many virtual emulations have been created. Today we’re going to take a look at one called Minimonsta, developed by GForce Software.

From the get-go, the Minimonsta keeps both sound and interface as close as possible to the original. And while there are no complaints about the sound, the accuracy of the interface can be a bit of an obstacle to those who are used with more contemporary virtual analog synths. Luckily, the manual and a few official tutorial videos should be enough to make perfect sense of everything.

Like the original instrument, the Minimonsta allows you to turn the third oscillator into an LFO. However, you have extra modulation options thanks to the added LFO and XASDR panels from the top of the interface. You can also use the instrument as an effect unit for incoming audio signals. There are even presets specifically designed for this purpose, among the many other well-crafted presets dedicated to classic Moog sounds.

It’s hard not to recommend the Minimonsta for its awesome sound and many useful functions. However, if you’re synth novice, keep in mind that it may take you a little while to figure it out.