StarskyCarr’s Synth Showdown: Delia vs. Nina

Starsky Carr kicks off his video by delving into the long-anticipated comparison between the Melbourne Instruments Delia and Nina. These two synths are not just fancy toys for the mildly curious; they’re serious contenders on any synthesist’s stage. With analog VCOs in the Nina and a fully digital setup in the Delia, the differences are bound to spark debates among synth enthusiasts. Starsky mentions the skepticism he initially felt, fearing they might be just average synths with a gimmicky addition of motorised faders. However, both instruments surprised him with their solid build and the enticing capabilities of their motorised faders, proving to be more than just parlor tricks. They offer an audio-visual delight with faders moving with precision while changing presets.

Starsky delves into the technical nitty-gritty, setting the stage for a fascinating duel. The Nina sports 12 analog voices, each equipped with discrete VCOs, while the Delia brings a digital dimension with its virtual analog oscillators. Despite being a weighty beast, the Nina is praised for its analog circuitry, offering that raw, edgy sound British synth lovers crave. In contrast, the Delia is lighter and brims with features like FM synthesis, extra LFOs, and complex envelopes. Starsky points out how these elements allow for a wide palette of sounds, from lush, evolving pads to cutting leads. He seems particularly impressed with the Delia’s ability to morph between sounds at the twist of a knob. Starsky presents the core differences clearly, helping determine where each synthesizer shines.

The tonal range battle begins. Starsky illustrates the subtle differences in sound by showcasing musical patches. He highlights how the Nina, being the analog beast, carries a certain warmth and depth, in contrast to the Delia’s crisp digital articulation. Despite its virtual nature, the Delia manages to pull off convincing analog-like sounds, which Starsky demonstrates through various patch tests. Both synths have their unique voicings, and Starsky meticulously shifts through these with an ear well-tuned to detect nuances that casual listeners might miss. Ultimately, he doesn’t just compare them on a superficial level; he digs deep, showing respect for each synth’s distinct characteristics.

Now, here’s where the fight gets fierce: the filters. Filters, the lifeblood of any synth’s sound, take center stage. Starsky examines the low-pass delights of both synths, noting that the Nina features a pure analog signal path, while the Delia offers a hybrid approach. He details the subtle nuances in resonance and cutoff between the two synthesizers. The Nina’s analog path delivers that unmistakable gritty character, while the Delia, despite its digital build, manages to surprise with a high degree of resonance shaping the sound in unique ways. Overdrive capabilities on both machines push their voices into aggressive territories, especially with the Delia’s digital circuitry adding a different flavour. Starsky relishes every sonic twist, underscoring how each of these synths can turn into a sonic monster at will.