Studio Electronics SE-1 | Borrowing a friend's SE-1 while I contemplate getting a Model D

MIDERA
MIDERA
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Published 2023-09-29
I probably was wrong thinking the SE-1 was anything like a Minimoog (Model D). Come to think of it, I haven't really figured out why it's called the Minimoog and Model D. Or maybe it's Minimoog Model D? Well. I don't know why I want one in the first place. I guess it just looks cool. I've been wondering why I want it, given that I already have the Matriarch and have enjoyed how it sounds. Anyway, after talking with a friend, they offered to let me test out their SE-1. The first thing that stuck out to me is how wildly steppy the cutoff knob is. In some ways, it can actually be interesting what sounds you get out of it, but it's pretty prominent. Another thing that baffles me is that there doesn't appear to be a true 'menu'. You seem to access menu items by pressing a button or twisting a knob. I end up lost at times thinking "There should just be a simple global button to access all the parameters" but there isn't.

Beyond that - it does sound quite lovely. I can tell it's very punchy and 'thick'. It's interesting in that you can activate saw, triangle, and square waves at the same time. Something I don't think the Minimoog can do. It sounds like the pulse width can affect even saw waves, which was surprising. Maybe I was just hearing things, but it sounds like it does. It has something of a mod matrix, but kind of not really how I'd describe it, just that you can take LFOs and ENVs and assign them to various things. The filter itself does sound great - and you're able to use a 24db LP filter or a 12db LP or BP filter. I found myself enjoying the 24db filter more.

After I finished this demo, I sat down with my Matriarch and thought "Wow, this is such a great synth." I'm not sure I'd feel the same way about the Minimoog, as it lacks a lot of things I like including an arpeggiator/sequencer (which the Matriarch has). I found both the SE-1 and Matriarch kind of have similar flavors apart from their obvious differences.

The Minimoog would probably get me 1-5% more 'minimoog' sound that would without a doubt get lost in all the FX I have. But still, it's hard not to want one. I bet it will end the same way the Prophet 10 ended - I was deeply unsatisfied with it for years, and then started to really open it up for some interesting sounds. The Minimoog seems a bit more... simple.

The plan has been to sell a bunch of stuff towards a Minimoog though:
System 8
EMU XL7
Chroma Polaris
Something else I don't quite have on the chopping block yet.

That's the plan. Not sure how it will end.

On that note - here's me playing the SE1 using the DSI Prophet 08 as a controller. It went into the Strymon Volante to my mixer, with Eventide Blackhole VST for reverb. Not my best work, but it was fun to noodle on it.

#Studioelectronics #Minimoog #moog
All Comments (19)
  • @hurricane6014
    Wow! Nice! It is like liquid heaven. Never underestimate analog.
  • @Zaccyonline
    You will absolutely slay the Minimoog Model D. I have all of the recent Moogs since the Voyager XL, and they are lovely and unique in their own right, but I cannot recommend the Minimoog Model D enough, especially to somebody as talented as you - so I do hope you fulfill your destiny! ✨
  • @mauriziofaggion
    Very very complex sounds, I really like this session, great!
  • @modulosonoro
    Not so obvious from this session, but the SE-1 really excels at big, vibey, characterful leads and basses. It has a weighty presence in the mix. The architecture can dish up a few different timbres as well, with ring mod, sync, PWMx3, and 4 invertable envelopes. The only thing I don't like is the sloooow envelopes. Both my SE-1 and 1X have been modified (resistor change) to make them faster, but still not perfect for 16th note lines. Also using an SE-02 a lot and really liking that. SE ATC-1 is also a fantastic beefy VCO machine, but again, the slow envelopes.
  • @Riggleboy
    Sounds wonderful. I’ve been contemplating purchasing a used SE-1 or the newer SE-3X. I played the Mini Moog and it felt meh for me. I thought the same thing about what I was getting once it’s in the mix and effects applied. The Mini Moog and the OBX seem to take up a lot of space in the mix and always feel like they should be the focal point on a track. Ultimately went with a Prophet-5 to round out the analog warmth I was looking for. I’ve paired that with the Quantum and I’m able to get all the sounds I need. After listening to this I’m still on the fence. It does sound great though!
  • @stateazure
    I think the Matriarch has you covered. The Matriarch imo very much covers that 'classic/vintage' Moog sound already, perfectly. If you use software you're already covered, since Minimoog has to be ones of the most emulated synths out there I reckon, with GForce Minimonsta II being my favourite by far. Have you looked at other SE synths? I personally think the Omega/Code 8 is one of the best analog synths around/depending on the mods. It reminds me a lot of the Voyetra 8, which is a very rare and unique beast.
  • @labismusic
    Hello. No words.....I just want to be one of your listeners. You sound so close to me!!!!
  • @ethanallen8372
    The sound of this is sick, I was considering the se1 as well. What are you looking for in a synth? The model d is great for its immediacy, but have you considered any udo synths?
  • @jdaasbo
    Are your thoughts about getting a model D influenced by the recent changes at Moog moving manufacturing to Taiwan ? I will admit it did accelerate my plan to acquire my model D.
  • @djohnson2449
    If what you are considering is Moog's re-issue Minimoog 44 key Model D, it's not a completely unreasonable case of GAS. Iconic synth with glorious form factor. If your ethics allow, why not pick up a Behringer rack mount for a couple of months and low-cost test? Maybe that would wreck the dream, I don't know. If you've simply got 4-5K burning a hole in your pocket, I would love to hear what you can come up with on a 3rd-Wave. So much possibility. You'd master that thing, I know it.
  • @novalogue
    How bad is the stepping and is there really no feedback/drive?
  • @intheblink
    I was really lusting after a Model D reissue last month. I think if it was ~$3k, I’d do it, but $4-5k is just too much for what it does.
  • @willswitchcraft
    I have a good friend, and collector who has a Model D, who you might want to connect with, if you can't give up this obsession,...........this sounds great............so unstable and alive...................................so much of the appeal lies in the stereo.fx............which (the Mod D does not offer.......but) is so amazing......................
  • @larsuk9578
    Always nice to hear the SE1, well done. I love mine. However I'd say this one needs tuning (unless it was detuned on purpose) and also immersing it in shimmer reverb doesn't do it justice in my humble view (though I like shimmer reverb!). The SE1X has the filter stepping much improved so I'd say go for one of those if you are after an SE1. Can't compare with a Model D but the SE1(X) also offers a SEM filter and the ability to mix shapes (like on the Prophet) and has 4 envelopes so its really more than a Moog.
  • @blush_response
    don't sell that stuff, it's way cooler than the minimoog