Behringer Poly D vs Akai Miniak

[Sam Spoons]

I don't use keys much, can't really play, but I am contemplating selling my Akai Miniak and Berry Model D to buy a Berry Poly D, mainly 'cos it has the keyboard built in like the Akai. I like the relative simplicity of the Model D and am unlikely to delve into the complexities of programming the Akai so thinking the Poly D would cover both those bases.

[BJG145]

As a disinterested observer, gets my vote.

[Eddy Deegan]

I think you answered your own question there; if the built-in keyboard is useful then that would make sense. Plus, of course, polyphony is good

The only thing I'd ponder briefly on is that the Poly D has a higher price tag than the module and getting support from Behringer, should you need to, can be challenging.

That said, if there is a build issue then you can simply invoke the guarantee of course.

[BillB]

Also be aware that it is not a true polysynth but is paraphonic - 4 oscillators going into one filter and one amp. More details here:
https://sonicstate.com/news/2019/11/25/ ... e-analog-/

Might be exactly what you want though!

[Sam Spoons]

I wondered about that, not sure it's a major issue as I have a Juno-D and an old Roland A90 EX and I like the Model D which is monophonic. Do you still get 4 oscillators per note in poly mode?

edit :- No you don't (which I suspected). Maybe I'll stick with what I've got then...

Eddy, I already have a Berry Model D which I would sell to buy the Poly D, but even if I get a decent price for the Model D and the Miniak I'll still be in for approaching £200. My aim is actually to reduce the amount of kit I have by replacing less used stuff. Not sure if I would find the Poly D more useful than the current devices.

[resistorman]

The Korg MinilougeXD and Arturia Microfreak are interesting true 4 voice synths.

[The Elf]

If you're buying the Poly D as a 'poly' then I'd suggest you look elsewhere. It's not a true poly, and that is not where its strength lies.

One oscillator per voice in poly mode - and it is paraphonic, not polyphonic.

As a monosynth it is superb - as close to a four oscillator MiniMoog as you're likely to get. Mine will never be found in poly mode.

The keyboard is not bad. It's quite shallow, which I don't mind. Aftertouch response is very lumpy between notes - some of the black keys on mine need gorilla force to activate them. It is not possible to activate vibrato over aftertouch, which I find ludicrous.

Pitchbend has a bug in that it gets confused if trying to both receive and transmit - it ceases to function. Behringer seem unable, or unwilling, to fix this.

The chorus is quite nice, but pretty much useless for the internal synth, IMHO.

[Sam Spoons]

Thanks everybody. I guess I'm still lusting after an original Model D (or the reissue) but at the price they are out of the question. That was why I bought the Berry Model D and, later, the Miniak. I think, for now a least, I'll stick with what I have and consider the options.

[robitron]

I have a Miniak and recently purchased a Behringer Model D. I love the sound of the Model D. However, the MINIAK has some very lush sounding pads and string sounds that it can do and is polyphonic. MINIAK has a great keyboard and makes a great companion to the Model D. I was thinking that a Behringer Pro-800 might make a nice addition, but I don't really need it. I would just like having one I suppose.

[Arpangel]

Keep the Berry and the Miniak, both do things the Poly D can’t touch. Beware of trying to rationalise it rarely works.