Thinking of getting MM

[InfernalGrape]

After enjoying what I see in both Nord Virtual Modular (G2 Demo Software) and Wren (I still mostly explore Blue Hell's patches, sometimes listen to them instead of other music), a thought has came that I might consider expanding into hardware options a bit. Obviously, something like an expanded G2 is in my list of "stuff you're dreaming to get one day" but in these times it's kinda out of my spendings range. Meanwhile seeing prices for which Micro Modular goes today, and of course it catches my attention. And I do like miniature instruments. But some questions arise...

I've did some readings and learnt that you need to use midi in and midi out to connect with editor. I don't currently have them on PC, so I think of getting something like Steinberg UR22C or Behringer UMC204HD (which are more like external soundcards though). I've read some discussions about how certain midi interfaces are not recognized by Nord though. The ones that people were recommending there are mostly old out of production stuff (obviously), so no idea how it would be with more recent ones.

Now, about controllers. To use the one without midi (like korg nano series), you'd have to use something as usb-midi host connection in-between, right? I've seen Rastko Lazic showcasing such. Hm.

If i'd be getting MM second hand, what should I check before purchase? Anything specific to keep in mind? Like, I know that with G2 we should check if usb is allright, and what to double check here? Also perhaps I can find unsold "new" MM, would it be better or worse than used one?

On differences between G1 and G2 I more or less have understanding, as in different module list and sound character. About "dsp power" of MM compared to G1 though, I've read it's 4 times "weaker". That's understandable considering size, and I think it will be still enough to do cool stuff with it. Though still i wonder if there are some examples of "mm pushed to max" I could take a look (for curiosity sake).

Power supply... I've seen on photos that power supply has rectangular socket plugs, meanwhile I'm used to round ones. I don't know a thing about those, anyone could explain please? Or is it a regional difference? I'm in 220-230v area.

Thanks in advance.

[rrooyyccee]

Hello, I think you should go for it. I started with the G1 keyboard. I really needed to expand it, because I wanted more than 4 voice polysynths. But had to give up on an economical path to expansion. Instead, I did the math and saw it made far more sense to find an expanded G2. I'm glad I did. The G1 can do a few things better than the G2, but the G2 is more powerful and does quite a few things better than the G1.

About the micro: I'm interested in polysynths because I already use Modcan and eurorack. I prefer analogue for monosynths. If you are okay with monosynth sounds, then the micromodular will be useful. Because of the quantal nature of DSP useage, a micromodular is about as powerful as a G1 monosynth (maybe I'm somewhat incorrect on this point, but not too far off).

But if you plan on exploring polyphonic sounds, go for the G1. I'd advice getting the G2 if you are thinking of getting an expanded G1 or classic. The rack G1 is very nice and perhaps the way to go, as the G1 keyboard is pretty short. I've seen the G1s going for reasonable prices off the beaten path of Reverb and Ebay.

The other important thing is editors. The G1 can be used with mac (I just bought a cheapish USB midi cable). The G2 really has to programmed with a PC. So, if you are a mac user, you'll probably want to have a spare PC laptop around for this stuff. It just works out better.

[cementimental]

[InfernalGrape]

I was a bit sidetracked (first was busy with applying to new job, then some health stuff got in a way). However, now I come back to idea of getting Micro (around early 2025, I guess, as now my budget is overwhelmed by various Xmas events).

I think I will be getting it from a guitar shop (yikes! though not surprising considering how many loved using it as effect processor despite lack of reverb or delay) instead of trying to find a good "used" deal or ordering it from another country or even continent.

Which means... at receiving it there, there might not be option to test how it works with keyboard (maybe there won't be any over there, and I won't be bringing my own midi nor laptop with me). Could anyone tell me what would be a good way to test the workability of Micro in that case? Like, what should I press and where, for example to run some self-playing patches or find audio-in presets. Also what else should I pay attention to?

I feel a bit nervous as I gonna spend a decent money amount on a product from 1999 which (most likely) was waiting to awake for the last 25 years.

[cementimental]

If all else fails you can hold down Shift and the top-right button to play a test note. Is this thing second hand or new-old-stock? I don't know what the factory presets are but you could look them up and find which if any are self-playing. If it's used then it could have anything on there.

Wouldn't worry too much if you are buying it from an IRL shop since you will have a guarantee if it's actually not working i presume

[InfernalGrape]

I think it will be "new old stock" (or, more to say, "we had it for years but nobody bought"). There is an offer from another shop, where it's cheaper because "no box or manual, also was used as demo instrument in showroom for years" but I feel I'd better be getting "fres" one instead.