Doepfer MS-404

I found this marvel a bit confusing at first, but once learned this baby is amazing! The MIDI learn thing is a bit confusing, so I have it on a static MIDI (default) channel.

This baby doesn't need any polyphony, it has what it has and it is perfect! Due to the filter structure, you will get VERU weird sounds on this synth!

Call me a freak... but this 1 output MONO synth has definetly a stereo image, if you listen closely you may find there's no need to wish for a stereo output. A bit sloppy on MIDI response, especially when controlling with modulation wheel. Your sonic palette will be immense, just grab some patience on how to master its features.

THANKFULLY I've never had a problem, perhaps Doepfer should give more support.

As this is a discontinued apparatus, the manufacturer no longer supports this item.

If it were stolen I'd find the bitch who stole it! Never heard a synth like this, (personally). I am unsure about the tb-303 comparison as I've never had one, but I'm sure this synth has it's own personality.

Really good for learning analog synthesis.
But the learning-mode for MIDI-channels is a bit weird.
The manual is not bad, but a bit short and for beginners a bit confusing (especially the part about synthesis-theroy)

It's an analog synthesizer - so the features are very poor.
No Polyphony, no effects...
But there are a lot of articles how to modify the 404! It seems to be built for hobbyists! This is really extraordinary! Even Doepfer released tutorials of how to modify the 404-hardware!
So I give a 8!

It sounds nice. The bass is powerful!
It's not really a 303-Clone, it's a synth for it's own!

I just bought it - so I can't say anything about it. But the seller seemed to be content.

Never had any problems...

I like it and it's definitly worth paying 200 Euros for it!

- Analog: no presets, no sound saving

Almost every parameter has it's own knob, so it's really easy to use.

I gave only 8 because the MIDI functionality is not that easy to handle (you change the MIDI Channels with a "Learn" Switch and a MIDI program change command) and there is no way to save a sound.

I made a blanc sheet in PDF format which was available at the doepfer homepage, but I didn't found it there anymore.
But I think it should be no problem to ask the doepfer people for this PDF (was in german DIN A 4 format with space for 5 sounds on one page).

- no polyphony, just monophone
- no built in effects

The biggest feature of this synth is that it has 2 LFO's and these have a big range up to 5 KHz for very strange sounds.

A big feature is the audio in, so that you can filter other sounds with it.

It has buil in CV / Gate support (a jumper changes them from input to output, I never used these two jacks so I don't know what's the default).

With the service manual that you can get on the doepfer homepage (www.doepfer.de) you can easily modify the MS-404, e.g. to get a second ADSR.

This is a very basic synth with not many features that's why I give it only 3 points here.

The filter is not one of the best, it sounds a bit thin and although it uses the same circuit as a moog it sounds different.

But it is very good for strange sounds with it's 5 kHz LFO's and can make fat basic basses using pwm modulation with a slow running LFO.

You can play the filter standalone with full resonance and the key follow functionality (that's cool).

I give only 7 because of the thin filter.

Hmm, this was a cheap unit.

OK, the housing is very stable but the knobs and switches are somewhat shaky.

Good points: It has internal power.

Very fast and nice, although I asked a stupid question.

I have this unit since 1998 and needed no repair.

I love this unit because of the strange sounds I get out of it.

software? this is a real one space analog synth. we doan need no steenkin software!

there aren't alot of features...just straight ahead analog synthesis from the ground up. you gotta work for your sounds..

as far as expressiveness, don't be fooled into thinking this is a poor man's 303 bass synth. unbelieveably expressive! it has the longest sweeps of any synth i've ever owned (alot). highly recommended to add some real analog to your rig in only one space

well, it's a little fritzy, but turning it off usually does the trick. it hasn't up and croaked on me yet.

dieter doepfer responded within the hour(!)...tech guys also as quick, and i had a tricky request to boot. if there was an answer above ten, they would get it!

easily the coolest thing i've seen lately...and i've seen alot of stuff. would replace it in a heartbeat, but where? for true fans of messed up sounds: old gong tim blake comes to mind, 70's tang dream, etc gear list: m1,prophecy, kurz k2000, jx8p, jx3p, sh101, juno1, mt32, jp8000, moog prodigy, source, arp odyssey, waldorf microq, doepfer maq16/3, emu vintage keys, audity, oberheim matrix1000, crumar trilogy,