Gforce Software gives its high-quality Minimoog emulation Minimonsta a version 2 with a new UI, more features, more authenticity, and more
If you make music in the box or hybrid, you accumulate a lot of Synthesizer plugins. So it often happens that you still have plugins in the folder that came onto the market at a time before high-resolution displays, better CPUs, etc. Some are corpses; others still work but often with GUIs that hurt to look at.
One of these “vintage” plugins is the Minimonsta Synthesizer by Gforce Software—a community highly acclaimed Minimoog emulation by Dave Spiers. And one of the first Minimoog emulations. Version 1 has over ten years under its belt and was available as a free download recently on the Novation/Focusrite Plugin Collective.
Today the plugin got a long-deserved upgrade. Say hello to Minimonsta 2.
Gforce Software Minimonsta 2
Minimonsta 2 remains in version 2 an authentic emulation of the legendary Moog Minimoog by Bob Moog. It gives you all the original features, including 3 rich oscillators and the famous 4-pole, 24dB/octave filter. However, MM2 is more than just an emulation. It offers a lot that the hardware and the Minimonsta 1 cannot.
The oscillators of the MM2 have been fine-tuned (engine overhaul) and offer besides the original feature set, newly added PWM control only on oscillator 1. There is also a new alternative bass-preserving ladder filter. A classic Minimoog loses bass and volume with high resonance. With the new alternative filter, you no longer have this characteristic.
One of the highlights of the MM2 was the revamped modulation engine called X-Modifier. It is also available in the Minimonsta 2 and with an upgrade. Gforce Software has added a selectable 4-stage envelope to the modulation engine. This allows you to dive even deeper into the Moog sound.
There is also an effect section. A new reverb with advanced controls and built-in presets joins the effect party. You can also explore a new vintage control for adding subtle analog imperfections. Thus, you can make the synth and patches sound more authentic and organic. Plus, you get four programmable macros perfect for parameter tweaks during performances.
Minimonsta 2 also has programmable aftertouch and the velocity control got a significant upgrade for extra playability.
New GUI, New Browser, New Patches
Minimonsta 1 works on current computers. However, the plugin has one major problem. This is the UI that hurts to look at—greetings from Anno Windows XP. This has been completely renewed in this upgrade, and Minimonsta 2 shines in new clothes.
The plugin comes with a new, fully resizable UI that is available in three different styles: black, dark wood, and light wood. A massive upgrade. Further, you get an all-new preset browser with tags and other categories.
Minimonsta 2 has all factory sounds of version 1 + 300 complete newly crafted sounds. And your favorite patches from MM1 are also compatible.
An impressive update with many logical extensions. I’m glad the Minimonsta Synthesizer is back with a new shine. A simple UI upgrade would have sufficed for most users, but this way, we can explore many new things. I had the opportunity to play with it a few days in advance.
It’s the “mini monster” we’ve always known, but in beautiful, compatible with current computers, and with nice extras. Nice job. I wish you happy knobbing.
Gforce Software Minimonsta 2 is available now for an introductory price of $64.99 / £49.99+VAT until the end of March 2023 (regular price $129.99 / £99.99 +VAT). Existing Minimonsta 1 users can upgrade for £25 + VAT. It runs as a VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugin on macOS (Intel + Apple Silicon) and Windows.
Buying at ADSR, you are support the Synth Anatomy website and get a free plugin on top.
More information here: Gforce Software
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