which synth?

> > > which synth?

Posted on

Member Since: Aug 24, 2003

Im looking for a hardware synth .I dont want something with a sequencer cause I have one already. Im really into funky house type music so something with those kind of sounds. Im not sure if I should get a module like rolands 1080 etc. Are they easy to use with such a small interface. Can you tweak sounds on the fly with modules like that? I would prefer something with lots of knobs and buttons rather than having to go through a zillion windows to tweak a sound. any suggestions? thanx

[ Back to Top ]


Contributor
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Sep 24, 2003 02:00 pm

just a few brands to give a look. korg, access, novation, clavia [nord].

all of them are making digital analog synths with in depth real time control with knobs.

i agree though, lcd editing sucks. i hate doing it and i hate that most synths from the 90s went that way. luckily, they are coming back to hands on.

Cone Poker
Member
Since: Apr 07, 2002

Sep 24, 2003 03:15 pm

A nice old analog synth would be nice

Contributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002

Sep 24, 2003 07:07 pm

Hmm, 2 main choices.

Virtual Analouge Synth:
Makes those great "sci-fi" synth sounds, useed extensivly in Dance, Techno and Electronic music. The sound designing properties on these is pretty much limitless, you can spent hours tweaking sounds to make them sound truley amazing.

Reccomended Virtual Analouge Synths:

Roland JP8000 -- discontinued, so look on ebay
Novation K-Station -- www.musiciansfriend.com/s...TATION&d=tp
Korg microKORG -- www.musiciansfriend.com/s...l/base_id/85645

Reccomended "Sample synthesis" Synths

Emu Proteus PK6 -- www.musiciansfriend.com/s...l/base_id/60388
Yammaha CS1X -- discontinued, so look on ebay
Roland JV1080 / JV2080

I also get the feeling you will find this webpage most helpful and informative as well when it comes to choosing between a Virtual Analouge Synth or a Sample Based Synth -- machines.hyperreal.org/ma...000.vs.an1x.txt

Regards
jues.

Member
Since: Aug 24, 2003

Sep 27, 2003 10:57 pm

Im thinking of getting supernova II. Does anyone out their use this synth,and what do you think of it? Ive read some reviews and most look positive but a couple said its difficult to use unless your a professional engineer! Im a a complete novice and never used a synth before although I do use an akai mpc 2000xl which took some time to get my head around. any feedback would be appreciated. Thanx

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Sep 27, 2003 11:11 pm

The SuperNova II is a pretty big step for a novice when it comes to that type of synth, but they do have a pretty complete manual with it. Novation makes some very awsome equipment to say the least. I would look to one of jues suggestions the Novation K-Station. It is a little easier to get into and still a very worthy synth. The other unit he suggested is the E-Mu Proteus PK-6. I am a big supporter of E-Mu and own several of their synth, and have owned several of their models over the years. They are very user friendly and also have a pretty easy learning curve.

Member
Since: Aug 24, 2003

Sep 27, 2003 11:21 pm

sorry for posting the same message twice but I couldnt delete it as a message came up saying Im not authorised. Anyhow thanx for the quick reply noize2u. I have checked out k station but i really want something multitimbral.Ill have a look at emu. Is there a place on this site for learning terminology? I dont even know what a 'Patch' is. Its very frustrating.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Sep 27, 2003 11:28 pm

No problem Benne, I got your second post outa here. And for the terms loo to our Glossary, the link is just up on the left in the link bars. And just for quick referance, a patch is really just a term for calling out a preset on the synth. There are other descriptions of Patch, but not relating to a synth. And yes the Proteus is multi-timbrel, and might suit your needs very well. I still use several of their older models as the sound are not easily replaced with todays gear or even soft-synths.

Contributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002

Sep 28, 2003 06:08 am

I used to own a Novation SuperNova II, they are great synths, but very expensive.

Make sure you have a look at the new KS-4 and KS-5 from novation, this is the next evolution from the SuperNova II.

Regards
jues.

Member
Since: Aug 24, 2003

Sep 28, 2003 06:27 am

Thanx jues for the input. How did you find the supernova II? Was it easy to use? Would a novice have much difficulty?

Contributor
Since: Dec 30, 2002

Sep 28, 2003 06:53 pm

To be brutally honest, yes.

If it's gonna be your first programmable analouge synth then I would seriously reccomend you learn on a K-Station, KS4 or (as I did) a Roland JP-8000 as they are just "simpler" to use but can create just as stunning sounds.

jues.

Banned


Sep 28, 2003 09:21 pm

i would say stay away from the novation stuff. i used to own the k station and it was very flimsy. the sounds were just to thin. the emu synths are nice..but i mean.. your rocking a mpc 2000... so you may have a nice budget. im saving up for a access indigo synth. the virus rocks. in my opinion the only synth companies making progress today are access and waldorf. the new miro Q rackmounts go for like 750 man.. they sound amazing. i would stay away from the new alesis and novation stuff tho. way over priced, youd be better off buying a MOOG!!!
~MKF

Member
Since: Dec 16, 2002

Sep 29, 2003 07:32 am

Moog 'Prodigy,' circa 1978.

Still does the business for me. Lot's of knobs to twist producing space sounds...

Contributor
Since: Apr 03, 2002

Sep 29, 2003 10:37 am

i totally have to disagree on the novation stuff not sounding thick. hell, thats what i use the most and i dare say my stuff is far from thin. i think it all depends on what youre looking for and how you use them.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002

Sep 29, 2003 06:29 pm

And I will second the Novation gear being durabel and sure as heck not thin sounding. I have used their gear as well as owned some in the past and never found it to be thin, flimsy or anything but great. In fact I was just in GC and messed with the K4 and found its sound very full and thick. I would rate the Novation gear right near the top. Bob Moog builds some great synths, but for what you are paying the novation gear will have a much greater value for the music you are into.

> > > which synth?

Related Forum Topics:


If you would like to participate in the forum discussions, feel free to register for your free membership.