the forum is noob friendly we (at least I) just don't like answering the same questions 10 times a day.
A hardware synth is a dedicated device for making sounds. You have real-time control and buttons & sliders to tweak. The sound processing is in the synth and comes out of the outputs mostly on the back panel. A software synth is a synthesizer running on software (d'uh) and you tweak the functions on your screen. All sound processing is in your soundcard so the sound comes out of the soundcard. Plugins you use with the sequencer (like cubase, logic). These are mostly softsynth or effect plugins

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do you use both? Plugins produce effects that a rack module would otherwise produce for hardware synths?

Thanks Dez

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Yes, you use both. Plugins would be something like a reverb unit or a compressor. In software sequencer, you create fx racks like you would with hardware, but in software, you get to create your own rack makeup (assuming you have the programs).

Main things to use in trance production.

Sequencer (fruity, reason, Cubase, Logic, Sonar, etc)
Sampler/Drum Machine (halion, mach 5, battery, LM4, Redrum, etc)
Synths (Pro-53, Virus, Supernova, Atmosphere) heaps to mention
Lots of plugins and fx.

(wish I had a tb-303)

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My guess would be : Syths (obviously, but brand would be cool to know), 303, sequencer program, effects processor. What else do you guys use?

A 303 actually is a synth developped for basslines. You can get some crazy stuff out of it and with distortion on it you can make some mean acid.

So there are synths, efx, sequencers,
don't forget a mixer also, otherwise you can't connect all your hardware synths.
To make the computer send midi data you might also need a midi patchbay, otherwise things will become very cluttered if you have a lot of stuff around + your timing gets messed up.
hope this isnt getting too complicated

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I'm following you so far.

Synth for production of actual patches/sounds
Sampler/Drum machine for rythm parts (do some drum machines have samplers?)
Sequencer (probably software is the best way to go)- laying down different channels or tracks to combine the whole.
Effects processor - is this done through the sequencer? I hear a lot about plugins. I imagine that plugins are the effects themselves (reverb, flange, etc.)

I don't want to get into a "whats better" thread, but where should I go from here:
I have a KORG Trinity (it'll do for now), Audio-M 7.1 soundcard, nice PC, and a basic basic MIDI interface /sequencer prog.

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You can try Cubase SX. It's not the easiest to understand but its easier than the older versions. Using this will allow you to keep using your trinity along with software synths and fx, whereas programs like fruity loops and reason will not let you use it.

And yes, effects are done through the sequencer. VST hosts will allow you to run a plugin inside the program so that you can stream audio through it.

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okay Cubase is good then because it will let me use everything whereas FL wont take plugins?

What is a VST ?

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Fruity Loops will take plugins.
Cubase will take plugins
Reason will not take plugins.

Cubase will take hardware
Fruity loops and reason will not take hardware.

Cubase is not the only option though. There is also Sonar which is quite popular and older versions of logic (up to version 5.x)

If you are running a mac, then you can run logic version anything or digital performer.


VST is virtual studio technology. It is a type of plugin. The three main types of plugins are VST, DX and TDM. Most sequencers will accept VST and DX while only some of the more pro ones will accept TDM (like pro-tools).

When people refer to VST, they are usually refering to a plugin. When people refer to a VSTi, they are refering to a VST instrument (software synthesizer or sampler). The same goes with DX and DXi. I would not worry about TDM at the moment as they tend to be CPU munchers and require DSP cards. (is that enough 3 letter thingies for you?) Have I confused you more? Good, then my job here is done.

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hahaha Cheggy u rock...actually you're a good teacher! Thanks for that! Obviously though you lead me to ask these:

How many VST plugins are there? Why dont sequencer progs like Cubase, etc come with them? Are VST's free online or is a marketing ploy to make you buy certain makes? (ie. do Cubase VST's only work in Cubase, etc)

What is different about VST and DX ? I mean, lets say I have Cubase and I have sequenced 8 tracks and would like to add some flange to one track and maybe some reverse cymbal effects and such. Does VST and DX do the same thing? Are they applied through 3rd party modules?

Oh my...you HAVE made it worse! lol nah... I've just never used Cubase or Cakewalk etc...

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Originally posted by Digital Aura hahaha Cheggy u rock...actually you're a good teacher! Thanks for that! Obviously though you lead me to ask these: How many VST plugins are there?

A LOT

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Why dont sequencer progs like Cubase, etc come with them?

Because then you would have to pay more for the program.. Some plug-ins are rather expensive.. Cubase is a sequencing program and not a softsynth.

quote:

Are VST's free online or is a marketing ploy to make you buy certain makes? (ie. do Cubase VST's only work in Cubase, etc)

Certain are for free but of course for the best and most powerfull ones you'll have to pay
And vst's will not only work in cubase but also in logic etc..

quote:

What is different about VST and DX ? I mean, lets say I have Cubase and I have sequenced 8 tracks and would like to add some flange to one track and maybe some reverse cymbal effects and such.

This makes no sence, what do you mean?

quote:

Does VST and DX do the same thing? Are they applied through 3rd party modules?

?? They do the same thing but every plug-in will have its own pros and cons, like the hardware synths
?? 3th party modules ??

Oh my...you HAVE made it worse! lol nah... I've just never used Cubase or Cakewalk etc... [/QUOTE]

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This makes no sence, what do you mean?

What I meant was, is a VST the same as a DX.
Third party modules I meant like Project5 etc. (which I guess is a softsynth complete with VSTs) but can be used with Sequencers like Cakewalk, etc.

If I make no sense, its because there's a lot Im trying to digest here. I want to buy a good sequencer and I'm not sure whats compatible with what nor do I totally understand what VSTs or DXs actually accomplish. Also, as you mention, the better (more expensive) sequencers come bundled with certain softsynths and VSTs - right?
Thx for your patience guyz.

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