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 ?

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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.

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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.

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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?

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

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quote:

If less is more think about how much more more would be. -Frasier

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.

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Originally posted by ivofivo Around $2000.

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

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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.

___________________
cryophonik.com | facebook | soundcloud

Sonar Platinum | Ableton Live 9 | Logic Pro X | Access Virus TI2 Keyboard | Kurzweil PC3X | Nord Lead 4R | NI Maschine

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

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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!