Donner Essential L1 Synthesizer

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Features

1、ESSENTIAL L1 - Compact Monophonic Synthesizer：

Classic Analog Sound: 3340 VCO, 3109 LPF, and 662 VCA deliver rich analog tones.
Modular Flexibility: CV/Gate, EXT IN, USB-C, MIDI I/O for expansive routing.
S2C Magnetic Docking: Snap2Connect support for cable-free keyboard integration.
Deep Modulation Engine: Dual envelopes, syncable LFO, DRONE mode, envelope merging.
Built for Creators: 64-step sequencer, 5-mode arpeggiator, Trigger Edit function.
Hands-On Control: OLED screen and direct access knobs—no menu-diving.
Ultra-Portable: Weighs under 900g and only 30mm thick. Built for travel.

2、KB-32M - Smart Synth-Action Keyboard：

32-Key Synth-Action Feel: Fast rebound, spring-loaded keys for responsive play.
Adjustable Velocity Response: Four velocity curves, three sensitivity levels.
OLED One-Touch Controls: SHIFT+Key combo enables quick, intuitive settings.
S2C Docking: Magnetic Snap2Connect integration with ESSENTIAL series.
Versatile MIDI Controller: Works with computers and mobile devices via USB.
Software Bundle Included: Comes with Cubase and Melodics for creative support.

Description

DONNER ESSENTIAL L1

Monophonic Analog Synthesizer

Inspired by the legendary mono analog synth from the golden era. Faithful recreation in sound wise and packed with modern features to make it fit in nowadays music production and performance scenes.

DONNER KB-32M

1. Classic Heritage, Legendary Sound Quality

Built on the iconic 3340 VCO and 3109 VCF chips, faithfully recreating the warm tonal richness of vintage analog synthesizers.Produces deep, resonant bass and bright, expressive leads, catering to genres from pop to experimental music.Features a self-oscillating filter, allowing seamless transitions between soft, subtle tones and sharp, aggressive sounds for expanded creative possibilities. 2. Modular Design for Infinite Creativity

Modular components can operate independently or integrate seamlessly for limitless sound exploration.
Supports multiple waveforms (sawtooth, pulse, triangle, noise) and sub-octave outputs (-1/-2 frequencies) for dynamic tonal variations.
Includes dual envelope generators (ENV1/ENV2), a 64-step sequencer, and five-mode arpeggiator, enabling intricate sequences, real-time improvisation, and complex arrangements with up to 128 patterns and 32 full songs.

3. Comprehensive Connectivity for Modern Production

Features CV/GATE outputs, USB MIDI, and traditional MIDI IN/OUT ports for seamless integration with modular synthesizers, computers, and MIDI devices.
Equipped with an S2C (Snap2Connect) magnetic keyboard system for quick assembly and compatibility with other Donner ESSENTIAL series synthesizers.
External audio input allows unique sound processing through the filter module, while Donner Control software enables in-depth parameter editing for studio and live use.

4. Minimalist Design, Portable and Intuitive

Compact design (450mm width, under 1kg), perfect for home studios, live performances, or travel.
Intuitive control panel with organized knobs, sliders, and buttons ensures seamless and efficient creative workflows.

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Specs

Reviews

ainsworththemusician

Thanks for@ainsworththemusician

Jalen G.

Love this keyboard and how it attaches to the Essential L1! Many unique features that you can use connecting to your DAW of choice also . Donner does it again and highly recommend purchasing!

reeves B.

Great little synth, very true to the original. Wish it had an indicator when it receives midi note on so you know its working though.

Philip B.

I have three Donner instruments and two 4 channel mini-mixers. It's just insane. You can really do an entire album with just this gear. (Please keep in mind that the sound of the LM-1 is being processed through a QI Etherealizer which costs around $500 [Twice the LM-1]. Truly f/x can make anything sound like a movie soundtrack.) However this DOES NOT mean that these new Donner products are in any way handicapped. I've gotten similar f/x out of a Alesis Nanoverb which must run around $50 these days.

Charles R.

It’s a great analog synth that does something different and tries to push a classic design further- they deserve to be recognized for this. However- I was shipped a unit that had a “test” firmware installed for QC, and was entirely unusable. Since their support is email only and on the other side of the planet, I had to wait until the next day to get a reply. It was a common problem, but the PDF instructions they sent didn’t work. Instead of waiting another day for further instructions, I just figured out how to update it myself through discovering a secret key command on the synth. Overall, it’s a great value. It’s a shame about the support, but hopefully they get better customer service down the road.

monokromomusic

Thanks for@monokromomusic

Matthew P.

Best 101 clone I’ve had, the keyboard add-on is surprisingly nice.

Lee L.

Sounds terrific, and fun to use!

Scott K.

It is a great sounding clone of an sh101! Wonderfully portable, and feels quality. The only thing it lacks is audio recording via usbc. I believe Donner’s bass synth does this? If so, it would seem like a no brainer to do with this as well. Being able to record in my laptop without having to plug in a sound card, would make this way more easy for production when traveling. This is my first donner machine, and even with the limitation, this is thing is worth it! Great price point as well.