Hello,
I have both so I can comment.
The workflow is very similar to both as you guessed.
The alpha base though I find very difficult to program, is super sensitive and unstable, and very hard to keep a sound if you know what I mean, it always destroys the moment I want to keep. However, I like the sound, is very liquid and unexpected.
Quad operator can definitely do the same sounds yeah, but is very stable and has much more detail when programming the sounds. But since is modular, you need to add the envelopes, and FX to achieve similar results. Plus it has VCAs on board.
YES it can become alive! 