starting a solo project/ introduction to synth
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Posted on Jun 24, 2007 11:26 pm
Voicebox
Member Since: Jun 24, 2007
ive recently started my own solo project its an eletronic indie pop thing,and im looking into what synth,keyboard,drum machine etc, the difficulty im having is figuring out exactly what i need, im not doing any live performances but i am doing personal recording, ive been looking at a lot of roland and korg keyboards/synths but im still at a loss, im really new to synths,and i need something that will help me make good electronic sounds, and also write on,something that'll let me do everything i need to get the right sound,im used to more conventional keyboards, so any help getting me introduced to synths and drum machines will be greatly appreciated
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Jun 25, 2007 07:51 am Welcome to HRC.
If I was youy I wouldn't worry about getting the synth to make cool sounds and whatnot...I'd get a good keyboard/controller that will interface with your computer and use the computer to generate the sounds via softsynths that can be controlled by your keyboard/MIDI controller. As far as drum machines go, I prefer Native Instruments Battery application for making beats and drum lines and such...I do it all on the PC and just have a Line 6 KB37 MIDI controller www.zzounds.com...item--LINTPKB37 to play the parts, using the computer for everything else.
Jun 25, 2007 04:23 pm so i can just get a good MIDI controller keyboard, route it through my computer, using the softsynth software, and skip using an actual synthisizer at all?
p.s im sort of confused where the difference is between an actual synthisizer and just using your computer
Jun 25, 2007 04:27 pm Yeah, That's exactly what I mean. With synths the hardware itself is making the sound...with a controller hooked up to your computer your controller just sends the MIDI data to the computer. In your computer you select the sound sample you want to use, and synthesize it as you see fit. What a like is that it makes it easy to make your own sounds, save presets, if you have any sort of digital audio you want to have your synth use you just drop it into your PC and the synth can use it...you can make your own complete sample collections or buy great packs from manufacturers...using your PC gives you a world of options that, with hardware synths, you may have to buy new hardware for...
Though, in all fairness I am sure modern synths are pretty darn versatile as well, I haven't messed with a hardware synth in years.
Jun 25, 2007 04:38 pm most modern synths are digital, meaning all they are is a computer inside keyboard anyway (analog synths are a different story)...and the kind that let you "record" have a built in 'sequencer'...home pc's can do this MUCH better than the keyboards can.
check out cakewalk's Project 5, or Propellerhead's Reason, or even Fruity Loops.
Jun 25, 2007 09:57 pm Yes, they are digital, have memory card slots, sequencers and whatevernot, but rather than a small LED readout, I just like a 19" monitor :-)
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jun 27, 2007 09:46 pm www.project5.com
Check it out. Wait for the flash intro to load. You will be amazed at what you can do with Project 5 and a PC. I have been using it since its birth. I do a lot of electronic type music and have gotten rid of most of my hardware synths and use mostly software synths now. A couple of good ones from Cakewalk are the z3ta+ and the Rapture synth. Rapture is directed mostly at dance and electronica. There are many freeware synths our the too that are absolutely killer. If you have question's regarding P5 let me know.
Sep 17, 2007 09:11 pm so ive picked out a synth that i think will suit my purposes ( roland sh-201) im going to use this on its own, and ill have a lap top wired to another midi controller. im going to run all my beats and backing on the computer and ill just have my roland to do my own thing.
