Hi there.
I'm mostly a Roland guy myself (using a pair of romplers, the MC-909 and an XP-60 for my controller). I can't speak for the Korg or Yammy units, as I don't have much experience with those (and I don't consider 30 minutes at Guitar Center with a synth as experience enough to share with you.)

The MC-909 is essentially a Fantom-S in a groovebox format, with a different waveform load. Both the MC-909 and Fantom-S and X models have supersaws--the 909 has 9 different waveforms of them. I'll post a URL to a quick pad I made when I get home tonight.

If you are considering getting a Fantom-S or X, you should seriously consider an MC-909 with an external MIDI controller. The MC-909 has a TR-909 like sequencing mode that the Fantom units don't have, and it is very easy to sequence drum and bass tracks with.

I anticipate that you will find that this forum is very heavily VA oriented (both software and hardware). If you are buying your first piece of kit, you'll probably want something that can provide a wide range of capabilities (sampling, good drums, good sequencing, lots of waves) unless you have those capabilities in software.

Phil

quote:

Originally posted by Dance123 Hi, I would like to be able to compose songs away from my computer, therefore I was wondering which workstation is best for epic/euphoric trance productions, etc.. How good are the Korg Triton, Karma, Roland Fantom, etc.. for trance composing. Anybody has experience with those. Which expansion boards are usefull. Also, does something like the Triton or one of it's expansion boards (Dance Extreme, Vintage Archives, Trance attack, etc..) have that essential supersaw pad sound. I listened to the demo mp3 files on the Korg site but never heard any trance songs like Rank 1, etc.. Anybody who has the Triton or another workstation could perhaps upload a small mp3 demonstrating a supersaw pad or isn't that possible with those things. I would expect at least the expansion boards would have it as preset or even the standard presets, not?! It would be cool if the supersaw pad could be done with the standard sound engine, cause those expension boards are rather expensive I believe. Any other mp3 demos you could make to show how these workstations can make epic/Ibiza trance? Oh, should I go for the Triton or for the Karma in case that would be your recommendation? Thanks in advance for all good feedback and for uploading mp3 demos!

I'm bumping this thread because I find it quite interesting... more good content please!

es

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Hello again. I put together a small snippet with the MC-909 that demonstrates the built-in supersaw waves. I apologize in advance if it sounds like crap, I threw it together pretty quick. It's moderately reverbed with some drums in the background. You can find it at http://www.philjensen.com/smpl0001.mp4. You'll need QuickTime or another AAC-capable player to play that.

A couple of things I didn't mention before that I thought would be helpful for you to know include:

The MC-909 (and Fantoms) support resampling. You can sample a live session or a built-in pattern or sequence, and save the sample as a WAV in built-in flash memory, or external SmartMedia. The brand new Fantom-X has a full PCMCIA slot for storage--so you can use an IBM MicroDrive or large CF card for memory if you'd like to.

I took this demo by resampling a live session, and then cabling up to my PowerBook via USB. I opened the .WAV up in QuickTime and exported it to MPEG-4. Took less than 20 seconds, too.

Resampling has some other really terrific uses. You never really run out of effects channels, because if you like the way something sounds, you can resample it and then apply another effect or effects to it.

The MC-909 has two multi-FX channels and a global compressor (and a global mastering effect). The Fantom units have three multi-FX channels.

An advantage of the MC-909 over the Fantom units include the ability to adjust any envelope parameters by using hardware sliders (like you would on a VA). You get full, front-panel access to the TVA (amp envelope), TVF (filter envelope), WG (pitch envelope), detuning and EFX configuration. Another advantage is the ability to have front-panel control over the volume, panning, and other levels from the front of the unit.

Phil

Hi,

Do both the MC909 and Fantom (all models?) have those supersaw waves build in, or do you need that Supreme Dance expansion board for that?! I would probably go for the Fantom, since I want a 61-note keyboard to play with.

Apart from the Fantom, what about the Triton or other workstations for trance composing? Anybody has experience with any of those?

Fantom is not bad - personally, I would say that Triton Studio is your ultimate trance workstation. You don't believe me - look at the expansion cards and listen to the built-in demo "Midnight Sun". I had Triton Studio and I regret selling it - I'll be buying it again sometime in the future, when money permits. The arpegios, combos, etc are just pure trance bliss. I had an XP60 and XV5080 - it didn't do anything for me. The only thing I like better in rolands than in Triton are the pianos. Everything else, Triton ownz. With things like an internal 5GB hard drive, optical out, CD burner/reader (for samples) and RPS second to none, Triton is the most obvious choice. Some people rave about Motif but for me it was waaaaaay below what Korg can do. Especially the touch pad on korg - woooow... Just take any of the wicked pad sounds and drag your finger or tap on the touchpad - you'll get amazing stuff out of it.

That's my view -- check it out for yoruself in a local music store.

Be sure to check out Triton Studio's "Midnight Sun" demo... WOOOW.... listen to it whole, start to finish. Also, once demo stops you can see RPS in action by pressing and holding random keys - you'll get various parts of the song played back.

later.

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Proud member of the "Filthy Zionist" coalition

i dont get what you need a workstation for though?

stick to software

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