MFB Synth Lite 2

Back in the early 2000s, this compact powerhouse from Berlin squeezed a full analog subtractive synth experience into a handheld blue chassis the size of a couple fists, making it a go-to for bedroom producers chasing gritty leads without breaking the bank.

At its heart, two digital oscillators deliver sawtooth and square waves, joined by a suboscillator for extra low-end punch, ring modulation, and hard sync between OSC1 and OSC2—perfect for complex, SID-like harshness or fat basses. A 24dB/octave analog lowpass filter with self-resonance handles the mixing of osc levels, noise, and external audio input, shaped by dedicated ADSR envelopes for VCF and VCA, plus a versatile LFO offering triangle, saw, square, or random waves in cyclic or one-shot modes. Hands-on control comes via 15 knobs, 9 buttons, and a segment display for tweaking cutoff, resonance, intervals, detune, glide, and more, all stored in 83 RAM patches; MIDI in handles notes, velocity for filter or amp, and mod wheel, while CV/Gate inputs let it integrate with modular rigs. Monophonic by design, it packs that classic MFB analog vibe in a portable module with mono audio out.

Owners dig its intuitive layout and versatile dirty-to-warm tones that punch above its weight, though some note sequencer glitches and a bit of inherent noise in the amp section—vintage charm that keeps it sought after today.