10. September 2025

RILEY

Devin Belanger’s Streetwise Synth – The Donner L1

Buckle up, synth lovers! Devin Belanger, a.k.a. Miles Away, hits us with a deep dive into the Donner Essential L1. This budget-friendly synth might just be the cheapest ticket to analog bliss – sounding good while keeping your wallet from crying. Designed for both the veteran beatmaker and the synth-curious, Devin takes us on a wild ride through its features and quirky charms. From unexpected delights to straight-up quirks, this synth shootout is all about having fun and finding out if the Donner L1 slaps harder than a late-night Chicago mixtape.

Kickin' It Off with Devin

Devin Belanger, better known as Miles Away, kicks off his video with an introduction to the Donner Essential L1, a synth that’s trying to break into the scene quietly yet powerfully. Devin, who usually isn’t drawn towards Roland’s traditional tone, embraces the challenge of exploring this little beast without a Roland bias. The video is a nod to all who appreciate a classic, crunchy analog vibe while trying to see if this thing slaps as hard as his grandma’s wooden spoon. He gives props to Donner for sponsoring the video and jumps right into showing how this little machine can fit into his music-making world.


Donner L1: Your Next Budget Buddy?

Devin dives into what makes the Donner Essential L1 special. This synth is not just a Roland SH-101 clone but is loaded with some slick features like a magnetic controlled keyboard. Imagine that! No messy cables, just click, and boom – you’re making music. The L1 plays nice by adding a precision sound to the analog mix. Devin’s revelation? It shines the brightest when you pair it with effects. It’s a show-stealer, even without them. “I’m pleasantly surprised,” says Devin, realizing perhaps why Boards of Canada are so fond of the SH-101 vibes. It’s an analog dream with a side of practicality – a true test of how well cheap beer can go with a fancy meal.

"I'm very pleasantly surprised with how good the Essential L1 sounds."

Front Panel Fiesta

"It is surprisingly really knob per function."

Onto the front panel, Devin takes us on a whistle-stop tour of the Donner L1’s laid-back but efficient control layout. This synth screams ‘knob per function,’ which is a welcome breeze for those yearning for simplicity at a sweet price. Sporting a solo VCO oscillator, Devin shows how mixing waveforms generates raw, fat sounds that echo Roland’s vintage allure. Whether it’s pulse width modulation or stacking on some noise, the L1 can bring the thunder. The filter is the heartbeat, reminiscent of a Moog ladder but with its refined edge. Devin loves it most for plucks and leads, uniting precision and musical magic in the mix. Add keyboard tracking, and this baby glows even brighter, ready to cut through any sonic fog.

Exploring the Sonic Playground

Devin wraps his hands around the synth to craft a patch that shows off its raw sound. The Donner Essential L1 isn’t just a Moog wannabe. It stands on its own with a unique modulation library for varied effects – the LFO to audio rate switch is a hidden gem. The attendee of the school of thought that believes a dessert isn’t complete without a cherry on top, Devin cranks up the glide and watches as the synth slides through smooth lines of sound. Sure, it’s dry without its own effects, but pair it with external reverb, and you’ve got a city full of rich, lo-fi vibes. It’s about getting your money’s worth and then some, uncovering a serious gem in the budget gear minefield.

"That is a fat sounding kick drum, that's really cool."

Pros, Cons, and the Final Spins

Devin circles back to hit us with the verdict on the Donner Essential L1. It’s like finding a street food cart that solidly rivals the gourmet restaurant next door. On the pro side, you can’t beat the price-to-sound ratio – like swiping a vintage vinyl at a thrift shop. If SH-101 is your desert island synth, this clone does justice. But hey, every silver lining has a cloud! There’s a touch of bugginess, like slight BPM discrepancies and a skittish sequencer, quirks that he hopes Donner will iron out. For those down with rolling the dice a little, the L1 promises some fat, rolling bass and analog love without emptying your pockets.


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