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-- Alan's List of Favorite Trance Hardware Synths
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Well, I've had another one of my characteristic changes of heart. I'm going to downsize my stock of hardware and replace some synths and other audio gear. This plan is part of my new resolution to do more with less and to go the entire year without any substantial changes to my studio (yeah, we'll see about that). As far as hardware synths go, I've decided that I want the following:

- 1 subtractive VA
- 1 FM synth
- 1 analog(ue) mono synth

For the subtractive VA, I'm sticking with the Virus TI, but I'm probably going to replace the Polar with a 61-key version. However, I may consider a desktop version if any must-have MIDI controllers are announced at NAMM next week (there are rumors lurking about). I've looked long and hard at every other controller currently on the market and none of them interest me enough to consider them over a TI keyboard, so we'll see. So, that means my Nord Rack 3 and DSI P08 will be hitting eBay soon.

For FM synth, no changes needed there - my Yamaha FS1R is my most-used HW synth and may very well be the best sounding piece of hardware I've ever owned. Still a bitch to program, though...

That leaves me with the analog mono. I've given this more thought than anything else over the past few months and considered virtually every new and vintage mono synth on the planet, but I've finally decided on (and am in the process of buying)...........another Moog Voyager RME (waits for it.....)

quote:

Originally posted by cryophonik Well, I've had another one of my characteristic changes of heart. I'm going to downsize my stock of hardware and replace some synths and other audio gear. This plan is part of my new resolution to do more with less and to go the entire year without any substantial changes to my studio (yeah, we'll see about that). As far as hardware synths go, I've decided that I want the following: - 1 subtractive VA - 1 FM synth - 1 analog(ue) mono synth For the subtractive VA, I'm sticking with the Virus TI, but I'm probably going to replace the Polar with a 61-key version. However, I may consider a desktop version if any must-have MIDI controllers are announced at NAMM next week (there are rumors lurking about). I've looked long and hard at every other controller currently on the market and none of them interest me enough to consider them over a TI keyboard, so we'll see. So, that means my Nord Rack 3 and DSI P08 will be hitting eBay soon. For FM synth, no changes needed there - my Yamaha FS1R is my most-used HW synth and may very well be the best sounding piece of hardware I've ever owned. Still a bitch to program, though... That leaves me with the analog mono. I've given this more thought than anything else over the past few months and considered virtually every new and vintage mono synth on the planet, but I've finally decided on (and am in the process of buying)...........another Moog Voyager RME (waits for it.....)

Bah. I made a resolution to get more! J/K but DSI is set to announce "something new" at NAMM next week so that may be exciting. I'm hoping for a "knobby" tetra.

Sucks that you're going to sell the Nord Lead 3. It may not fit well into your style, though. I pretty much only use it for pads and really modern techy leads and basses.

Why go for a Mono analog? I freakin' hate mono synths, they bug the piss out of me. Haha at the Moog. It is a nice instrument, but for the price, I would have to use it as *THE* sound in every track to make it worth the price, but it never worked out that way for whatever reason.

quote:

Originally posted by alanzo J/K but DSI is set to announce "something new" at NAMM next week so that may be exciting. I'm hoping for a "knobby" tetra.

The rumor I've heard is that it's a keyboard version of the Tetra - not sure if it will be knobby (e.g., like the MEK) or not.

quote:

Originally posted by alanzo Sucks that you're going to sell the Nord Lead 3. It may not fit well into your style, though. I pretty much only use it for pads and really modern techy leads and basses.

Same here - I was very reluctant to sell the N3, but the FS1R does both pads and basses better than the Nord IMO. Besides, there's too much overlap b/t the capabilities of the Nord and the Virus (tonal characteristics aside) and the Virus gets used in most of my tracks, whereas the Nord gets used mostly for fiddling around, if that makes sense. And, since I'm trying to simplify, the Nord has to go.

quote:

Originally posted by alanzo Why go for a Mono analog?

I pretty much use the Prophet mostly as a mono synth (mostly basses) and I've just come to realize that the sound I'm always trying to get out of it is the Moog sound, so why not just go back to it. Besides, after I sold my last Voyager, I regretted it. I considered a lot of others as well, particularly the Studio Electronics CODE, SE-1X, and ATC-Xi, but couldn't find one to demo, didn't like some of the features, CODE is expensive as hell, etc. Then, I found a great deal on a like-new Voyager RME, so....

What's the Nord Wave like? Isn't that meant to be a modern version of the Leads and Electros put together?

quote:

Originally posted by Fledz What's the Nord Wave like? Isn't that meant to be a modern version of the Leads and Electros put together?

The Wave may sound awesome but it lacks way too many features that are practically required after producing the Nord Lead 3. They practically took a step backwards with the Wave.

quote:

Originally posted by cryophonik I pretty much use the Prophet mostly as a mono synth (mostly basses) and I've just come to realize that the sound I'm always trying to get out of it is the Moog sound, so why not just go back to it. Besides, after I sold my last Voyager, I regretted it. I considered a lot of others as well, particularly the Studio Electronics CODE, SE-1X, and ATC-Xi, but couldn't find one to demo, didn't like some of the features, CODE is expensive as hell, etc. Then, I found a great deal on a like-new Voyager RME, so....

I did really like the filters and envelopes on the Moog. They were, basically, perfect. The OSCs, though, were very... 70s sounding. Like what a Moog should sound like and I guess I just didn't like that sound. It was too much work to get them to sound different and the synth was limiting as it is already so it became frustrating.

I think the reason I don't like Mono synths is mostly because there is no Unison. Not that I always like making huge supersaw leads, but even being able to stack two voices on top of each other can make for some really cool basses.

quote:

Originally posted by alanzo I think the reason I don't like Mono synths is mostly because there is no Unison. Not that I always like making huge supersaw leads, but even being able to stack two voices on top of each other can make for some really cool basses.

Yeah, I hear ya - fortunately, I've got unison covered in spades with my other synths.

BTW, I'm still waiting for the day that you discover the FS1R.

quote:

Originally posted by cryophonik BTW, I'm still waiting for the day that you discover the FS1R.

I already have a TX802.. I like it. Especially for fat 80s sounds. I don't really feel a need to upgrade since the TX802 has a more vintage sound with its old converters and the Waldorf XT is VERY digital.

quote:

Originally posted by alanzo I already have a TX802...

I know - I'm still waiting for the day that you discover the FS1R.

quote:

Originally posted by cryophonik ...but I've finally decided on (and am in the process of buying)...........another Moog Voyager RME (waits for it.....)

And, here she is:

Is that your 2nd or third?

quote:

Originally posted by alanzo Is that your 2nd or third?

#2.

do you also suffer from OCD ? I have this obsession with symmetry .

quote:

Originally posted by RichieV do you also suffer from OCD ? I have this obsession with symmetry .

Probably! That, and ADHD? (is it possible to have both?)

Don't feel bad, I've owned three Nord Lead 3s.

That Voyager isa nice instrument, though. I didn't like the "Moog sound" from the OSCs but it can be easily avoided. It's especially nice for basses... I just wish they would do SOMETHING to make it cheaper. A racked Little Phatty, in the least. All that $$ for one voice? It's hard to swollow.

How much did you pay this time?

quote:

Originally posted by alanzo How much did you pay this time?

$1600 - a little less than I sold the last one for. This one is practically new - the guy bought it, used it for a few hours, decided it wasn't for him, and sold it at a pretty big loss.

I'm not a fan of the LP - the Voyager gives you a LOT more for the money. You can obviously see that from looking at the interface, but there's a lot of functionality in the menus that isn't readily apparent, especially with the new OS3.4.

quote:

Originally posted by cryophonik $1600 - a little less than I sold the last one for. This one is practically new - the guy bought it, used it for a few hours, decided it wasn't for him, and sold it at a pretty big loss. I'm not a fan of the LP - the Voyager gives you a LOT more for the money. You can obviously see that from looking at the interface, but there's a lot of functionality in the menus that isn't readily apparent, especially with the new OS3.4.

Nice price. Are you referring to the modulation? I remember a lot of modulation was done in the software.

quote:

Originally posted by alanzo Are you referring to the modulation? I remember a lot of modulation was done in the software.

Most of the performance-oriented controls (i.e., that you would typically tweak in real-time) are accessible from the knobs and switches on the front panel, but other parameters that go into "defining" the patch from a broader perspective (e.g., filter cutoff slope) and the MIDI assignments, etc. are available from the Panel, Edit, and Master menus, each of which are pretty deep.

demo (better) = iiiuture Retoro

ANYONE TRIED THE LESSER KNOW 'BOUTIQUE' SYNTHS?

I want something for phatt bass and am finding softsynths have wierd transient ring modulator type quality to the sounds if you listen closely especially when a compressor is strapped to to it.

I'm not sure getting an analogue modern synth will give a warmer sound, but Im trying to find out.

Examples of some of these lesser known synths;

Future Retro
demo (scary) = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLgSFdwWwdA&feature=related

better demo = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31nbMg7x9Cc&feature=related



Leipzig rack �599

telemark - clone of Oberheim

Kraztwerg -
demo = http://switchedonsynthesizer.blogspot.com/2009/01/mfb-kraftzwerg-demo.html

Never see these types of product discussed.

I am selling a Moog Rouge in order to buy one of the above or similar. Could get the Rogue midi'd up but I think a newer product will be more reliable and offer more than just a moog sound.

I've never owned or used any of those, but I see the MFB and Analogue Solutions synths come up for discussion over on the gearslutz and Vintage Synth Explorer forums occasionally. You may want to search some of those threads for info/opinions.

I've always liked the look of that Leipzig keyboard - very tasty.

Also, have you checked out any of the Studio Electronics synths, Richard? I almost went with an SE-1X over the Moog - it was a tough decision. A few others here have owned the SE-1X and ATC (I know Alanzo had/has one) and they both have very good reputations. Being an American company, they might be hard to find and a little more costly on your side of the pond though (?).

Cryo - I don;t know about the studio electronic synths. I thought I saw thier synth cost �3000, which is way out of the wifes reality sphere!

If anyones interested I found this demo of the future retro XS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2sL...feature=related

quote:

Originally posted by Richard Butler Cryo - I don;t know about the studio electronic synths. I thought I saw thier synth cost �3000, which is way out of the wifes reality sphere!

Studio Electronics manufactures more than one synthesizer. The SE-1X is $1,679.00, the ATC-X can be had for a little as $1,149.00. You're probably thinking of the Omega line, which ranges from $2,399.00 all the way up to $4,699.00 depending on how many voices.

Personally, I'd be considering the SE-1X as my primary analog mono synth if I didn't already own the Little Phatty. It's not much more expensive than the LP new and you get the extra OSC plus a few more features.

You should really check out their website. They have a well-deserved reputation for quality.

http://www.studioelectronics.com/

quote:

Originally posted by Eric J Studio Electronics manufactures more than one synthesizer. The SE-1X is $1,679.00, the ATC-X can be had for a little as $1,149.00.

In the last few months, I saw several SE-1X's sell for under $1000 on eBay, Craigslist, VSE classifieds, etc. The earlier ATC models appear on eBay occasionally and can usually be had for several hundred $ less than an SE-1X, but I rarely see the newer ATC-X.

quote:

Originally posted by cryophonik In the last few months, I saw several SE-1X's sell for under $1000 on eBay, Craigslist, VSE classifieds, etc. The earlier ATC models appear on eBay occasionally and can usually be had for several hundred $ less than an SE-1X, but I rarely see the newer ATC-X.

Nice. I'd probably jump on one if I didn't already have the LP.

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