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First Synthesizer

Hey guys, I am trying to get my first Synthesizer, but don't know where to start. Can you give me advice on what synth to buy? Its my first one so I don't want to buy an expensive one. I am looking for Trance Synths most, with sounds that fits that genre.

Software or hardware ?

quote:

Originally posted by Subtle Software or hardware ?

Hardware. That brings up a question. What if I get software? IS there difference in sound or quality? Why do you need hardware? Whats the difference.

quote:

Originally posted by ivofivo Hardware. That brings up a question. What if I get software? IS there difference in sound or quality? Why do you need hardware? Whats the difference.

No,no you dont want to ask that here.

Hardware synthesizers are usually of better quality than software synthesizers, with a more distinctive sound, plus they are fun to play with.

Lets leave it at that

Now as for recommendation, the Access Virus series are by far the most versatile and popular of hardware synthesizers, especially for Electronic Dance Music.. I would recommend that as a first buy.

quote:

Originally posted by ivofivo Hardware. That brings up a question. What if I get software? IS there difference in sound or quality? Why do you need hardware? Whats the difference.

You should try a search of the forums for something like "hardware vs. software". It's a topic of hot debate and I'm sure you don't want this thread to turn into another flame war! That said, there are more similarities in sound than there are differences between hardware and software. Most hardware synthesizers on the market nowadays are what are called "virtual analogs" and are essentially just software (i.e., digital) representations of traditional analog synthesizers in a box. The major advantages are that they have dedicated hands-on control and they don't consume your computer's CPU/memory resources. Software synths can be pretty demanding (especially when using a lot of them at once), but are very convenient and generally much less expensive.

Before we get into more specifics, what is your budget?

Yes good question. The budget might rule out hardware hehe.

quote:

Originally posted by cryophonik You should try a search of the forums for something like "hardware vs. software". It's a topic of hot debate and I'm sure you don't want this thread to turn into another flame war! That said, there are more similarities in sound than there are differences between hardware and software. Most hardware synthesizers on the market nowadays are what are called "virtual analogs" and are essentially just software (i.e., digital) representations of traditional analog synthesizers in a box. The major advantages are that they have dedicated hands-on control and they don't consume your computer's CPU/memory resources. Software synths can be pretty demanding (especially when using a lot of them at once), but are very convenient and generally much less expensive. Before we get into more specifics, what is your budget?

Around $2000.

quote:

Originally posted by ivofivo Around $2000.

http://www.access-music.de/events/2.../virus_ti2.html

quote:

Originally posted by ivofivo Around $2000.

Then, I second Subtle's recommendation - take a look at the Virus, particularly the TI series. It's widely considered the Cadillac of EDM synths and if you've spent any time at all listening to commercial trance, house, etc., you've heard it countless times.

Some other popular hardware alternatives include:

- Nord Lead 2X or 3
- Novation Supernova
- Waldorf Q (out of production, 2nd-hand only) or Blofeld

For real analog, you could consider something like a Dave Smith Prophet 08, but you'll find that the virtual analogs above have more features, can play multiple sounds simultaneously (i.e., multi-timbral), have more polyphony (i.e., can play more notes at once), etc., so they're probably a better choice for a first synth.

One other consideration is which version of these to buy. If you already have a keyboard MIDI controller, then you can save money and space by buying the rackmount/desktop version of these, which is essentially the synthesizer module without a built-in keyboard. If not, you'll need to buy the full keyboard version or a good MIDI controller. If you plan on adding more synths later, you'll save money in the long run by buying a separate MIDI controller and buying rack/desktop synth modules.

yes i would say also Access virus range...

then learn how to sound design from the basic and get to know the synth inside out. Read the manual know what everything does and how to do it. You will become a better all round producer as you will know how to get a good source sound.

quote:

Originally posted by Subtle http://www.access-music.de/events/2.../virus_ti2.html

yes thats it, there you go subtle

quote:

Originally posted by cryophonik Then, I second Subtle's recommendation - take a look at the Virus, particularly the TI series. It's widely considered the Cadillac of EDM synths and if you've spent any time at all listening to commercial trance, house, etc., you've heard it countless times. Some other popular hardware alternatives include: - Nord Lead 2X or 3 - Novation Supernova - Waldorf Q (out of production, 2nd-hand only) or Blofeld For real analog, you could consider something like a Dave Smith Prophet 08, but you'll find that the virtual analogs above have more features, can play multiple sounds simultaneously (i.e., multi-timbral), have more polyphony (i.e., can play more notes at once), etc., so they're probably a better choice for a first synth. One other consideration is which version of these to buy. If you already have a keyboard MIDI controller, then you can save money and space by buying the rackmount/desktop version of these, which is essentially the synthesizer module without a built-in keyboard. If not, you'll need to buy the full keyboard version or a good MIDI controller. If you plan on adding more synths later, you'll save money in the long run by buying a separate MIDI controller and buying rack/desktop synth modules.

Thanks! You have answered a lot of my questions. I have a Midi Keyboard, so I think I might look into the desktop modules for synths.
I like making music with hands on experience, therefore am looking in hardware the most. Thanks a lot!

quote:

Originally posted by Subtle http://www.access-music.de/events/2.../virus_ti2.html

Thanks a lot! I will look through their synth.

One last consideration I'll throw out there is how you are going to get sound from the synthesizer into your computer and have your sequencer control it. If you end up buying a Virus TI (TI=Total Integration), you are pretty much set because the TI capability sends all of the MIDI and audio data through one USB cable. It works great with Sonar and Cubase in my experience and I've heard that it also works fine with Ableton Live and Logic. But, I've heard that it doesn't work very well with FLS. Which DAW are you using?

For any other synthesizer, you'll need a MIDI interface and an audio interface (w/stereo inputs), if you don't already have one. You'll connect the MIDI in/out of the synth to the MIDI interface in order for the synth and computer sequencer (DAW) to communicate with each other and you'll connect the audio outputs of the synth to the inputs of the audio interface to allow your DAW to record the audio signal of the synth. Many/most audio interfaces nowadays also have MIDI ins/out.

Personally, with that money i would get a variety of synths via the second hand market. Something like a Virus b, nord 2, DSI Mopho and Moog LP would give you a much wider range of timbres than just the virus. Each synth has its "own sound" so to speak.

His first synth and people suggest to him to get hardware?

Why not get something software that is cheap or even free, to see if you even want to make music in the first place?

or torrented? but with hardware u have more latency hence better sound, or was it less? i dont remember anymore

No latency has 0 effect on quality, that is why everyone uses 32 samples, you didn't know? Ask RichieV. According to him everyone has to use 32 sample and 1ms latency because it doesn't effect sound quality. 32 samples to 2048, according to RichieV? Not a fucking difference in the world.

i thought 1 ms was atleast 44,1 samples? or am i mixing up stuff?

to the poster though:

id get Reaper.fm sequencer and Synth1 VST-synth to start with, its both free, and u can easily find out whether u have a chance or not making music using that some months. u need a PC too.

im using 1024 samples btw and it sounds fantastic. just as fantastic as when using 512 samples. its beacuse i put rockwool in my wall.

quote:

Originally posted by cronodevir His first synth and people suggest to him to get hardware?

My first synth was hardware - true, it was nearly 30 years ago, long before soft synths, but somehow I managed to survive.

quote:

Originally posted by cryophonik One last consideration I'll throw out there is how you are going to get sound from the synthesizer into your computer and have your sequencer control it. If you end up buying a Virus TI (TI=Total Integration), you are pretty much set because the TI capability sends all of the MIDI and audio data through one USB cable. It works great with Sonar and Cubase in my experience and I've heard that it also works fine with Ableton Live and Logic. But, I've heard that it doesn't work very well with FLS. Which DAW are you using? For any other synthesizer, you'll need a MIDI interface and an audio interface (w/stereo inputs), if you don't already have one. You'll connect the MIDI in/out of the synth to the MIDI interface in order for the synth and computer sequencer (DAW) to communicate with each other and you'll connect the audio outputs of the synth to the inputs of the audio interface to allow your DAW to record the audio signal of the synth. Many/most audio interfaces nowadays also have MIDI ins/out.

I use Logic Pro 8 and Reason 4 (along with Fl 8 rewiring). I have always used Plugins in my DAW. I never had any hardware synths. So i think I should be good.

u already experienced on daws? ok then try some second hands synths like virus b, nord rack 2 etc. i tried those (Virus Rack XL and Clavia Nord Rack 3 and some other crap) and while i like them for what they where i found i dont like hardware at all and sold them for the same amount 1,5 year later. I miss the sound but i dont miss dealing with midi and recording

quote:

Originally posted by ivofivo Hardware. That brings up a question. What if I get software? IS there difference in sound or quality? Why do you need hardware? Whats the difference.

omg ! dangerous question

quote:

Originally posted by 4everX omg ! dangerous question

It should be on a list of forbidden questions like "Can U help me to get acapella from orignal?" and "It's okay if I only use 16bit 44kHz, right?"

Edit: Oh and, "Mac vs. PC?"

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