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Synth or Workstation recommendation?

So I am looking to purchase a synth/workstation

I have done some resarch but am hit with tons of information..

Dont really understand the difference. And also what is recommended?

I was looking at some KORG ones and man are they expensive.

If it helps..I would like to use this to be able to play on it so i would like it to have enough keys, but also be able to do some production work, sequancer, and have midi control.

Sorry if I come off as clueless, but need some help
Thanks

Oh looking to spend less than $1000.

What do you mean by pa?

Workstation keyboards tend to have an assortment of samples of various instruments and a sequencer, effectively allowing you to lay down a whole song on one.

quote:

Originally posted by hasbone Workstation keyboards tend to have an assortment of samples of various instruments and a sequencer, effectively allowing you to lay down a whole song on one.

yeah i did more research...so I would like to get a workstation over a synth..

Any workstation recommendations? under $1000?

Something like a Korg m50 or Korg pa50 or m-audio axiom pro 61

are these any good? pros/cons of them? any other recomendations like this? Something with at least 61 keys?

quote:

Originally posted by Cro_Addict yeah i did more research...so I would like to get a workstation over a synth.. Any workstation recommendations? under $1000?

Hate to say this but if you don't know the difference, you shouldn't be considering buying either right now, and especially not dropping a grand. It's like saying "I've got $10k to drop on a mode of transport but not sure if I should buy a car or a motorbike as I don't know the difference".

Yes, I hate car analogies too but it does apply. They both can do the same thing, but in different ways and using them is not the same thing. Also, different makes and models have their own set of uses, so it really becomes about what you need for what you;re trying to do, not what is "best" or what some else uses becuase that might not apply to you.

Give us some more info: what music, what type of sounds, what equipment you already have etc.

quote:

Originally posted by DJ RANN Hate to say this but if you don't know the difference, you shouldn't be considering buying either right now, and especially not dropping a grand. It's like saying "I've got $10k to drop on a mode of transport but not sure if I should buy a car or a motorbike as I don't know the difference". Yes, I hate car analogies too but it does apply. They both can do the same thing, but in different ways and using them is not the same thing. Also, different makes and models have their own set of uses, so it really becomes about what you need for what you;re trying to do, not what is "best" or what some else uses becuase that might not apply to you. Give us some more info: what music, what type of sounds, what equipment you already have etc.

Well currently i do not do any production at all. I do DJ, have xone92, cdj800.

I have played a piano for years, and am looking to buy a new synth. Lately I have been interested in getting into production, so I thought instead of just buying a synth, maybe I can get something better that I can use for production as well as to just play.

Music I am interested in is proggressive house, tech-house, stuff like that.

quote:

Originally posted by Cro_Addict Well currently i do not do any production at all. I do DJ, have xone92, cdj800. I have played a piano for years, and am looking to buy a new synth. Lately I have been interested in getting into production, so I thought instead of just buying a synth, maybe I can get something better that I can use for production as well as to just play. Music I am interested in is proggressive house, tech-house, stuff like that.

Then I wouldn't suggest buying a synth as your first investment if you want to get in to production. They are hardware. This means they are completely fixed in terms of what they do, once you've bought it, you better like it. and if you do a buy a synth how are you going to sequence and mix your track?

This is was I was getting at in my earlier post; you don't know what these things do but want to go out and buy them.

Workstations are often (not alyways) synths with sequencers built in, meaning you can arrange different synth parts to form a track

In my experience workstations are not he best way to go AT ALL, especially of you're just starting out. They often are not up to making a full track, have serious limitations (tracks, sounds, options etc.) and will date rather quickly.

You really want to look in to software sequencing, this will allow you try try things out at a fraction of the cost and it's all modular, so you can keep adding fx, synths, even hardware to your setup. You'll also get more for your money (softsynths range from free to a few hundred dollars) and sequencing software such as cubase or logic already come with some great synths.

For your money, get a midi controller, a sequencer (cubase, Logic, fl, ableton, sonar, whatever you like), some cheap decent monitor speakers and an audio interface. That way you will have a setup that you can expand as you grow and will grow with you.

quote:

Originally posted by DJ RANN Then I wouldn't suggest buying a synth as your first investment if you want to get in to production. They are hardware. This means they are completely fixed in terms of what they do, once you've bought it, you better like it. and if you do a buy a synth how are you going to sequence and mix your track? This is was I was getting at in my earlier post; you don't know what these things do but want to go out and buy them. Workstations are often (not alyways) synths with sequencers built in, meaning you can arrange different synth parts to form a track In my experience workstations are not he best way to go AT ALL, especially of you're just starting out. They often are not up to making a full track, have serious limitations (tracks, sounds, options etc.) and will date rather quickly. You really want to look in to software sequencing, this will allow you try try things out at a fraction of the cost and it's all modular, so you can keep adding fx, synths, even hardware to your setup. You'll also get more for your money (softsynths range from free to a few hundred dollars) and sequencing software such as cubase or logic already come with some great synths. For your money, get a midi controller, a sequencer (cubase, Logic, fl, ableton, sonar, whatever you like), some cheap decent monitor speakers and an audio interface. That way you will have a setup that you can expand as you grow and will grow with you.

Alright great info. To be honest this is the route I was originally going to take. Already have monitors. Just need some software and midicontroller. Any recommendations on the midi controler?

As far as workstation/synth; I guess for right now I will just buy a synth or a digital piano or something to play...and not think about production part at all.

Get a synth with a keyboard attached... it can act as a MIDI controller, as well.

My recommendations :

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/VirusTI2Key/
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/NordWave/
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Nord2X/
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Andromeda/
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PolyEvolverKB/
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/PhattyStage2/
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/VoyagerPerf/
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SH201/

Buy a Nord lead and with the rest of the money you can get a Roland XV-5050 or one of the older JV series.

If you buy this stuff at Guitar Center you can always return stuff within 30 days/try the stuff out at the store/look at it/play with it.

Don't hold me liable for the the return policy. Double check.

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