Hey guys, I've been using softsynths for a while now and I think its about time I buy a hardware synth for my leads. I was wondering if you could make any recommendations. I do not need a full workstation, also it must have around 49 keys, I currently have a 61 Key Axiom Midi controller and I have found that I don't always use its full range. I am particularly looking for something with a modulation matrix(or something to similar effect) and perhaps one that you can change the curvature of the envelops. I have heard particularly good things about the Access Virus and Nord Lead. Anyways I figured you guys would know more about this topic than myself so any advice/suggestions would be appreciated.

Since you already have a 61-key controller, you don't need to buy a synth with a keyboard - you also have the option of buying the rack or desktop version (i.e., w/o a keyboard) instead and save some money and desk space.

The Virus and Nord are both excellent and popular synths, but they come in older versions and newer versions and the prices can range from a few hundred bucks to several thousand, so it's difficult to make a recommendation without knowing what your budget is.

BTW, pretty much every virtual analog or analog subtractive synth that you can buy nowadays will have a modulation matrix and one or more ADSR envelopes.

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what about that roland sh-1 (i think that's the name of it)

or... maybe... uhhh... get an old waldorf q series?

i also heard casio makes some pimp shit

heh...

ppl from santa cruz who don't have dread locks are retarded


david

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love and puppies!

Yeah well I was thinking something around the range of a few hundred bucks. I was on the bay-area craigslist and I saw some Access Virus Bs and some Nord Lead 1s for like 500, and some Yamaha Motif ES 6 which looked particularly interesting.

Cryo, I was looking into a desktop version, the rack versions of synths seem to be lacking the dials and buttons I would want on a piece of hardware.

David, the Roland SH-101 is a monophonic synth, which would not be well suited to make leads, but thanks for the suggestion. Maybe once I get one I could drop by your studio and we could work on something.

Novation K-station.

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Hit up resale shops and pawn shops and see what you can steal.

About a month ago I found a Korg MS2000 rack unit at a resale shop for $300.

Almost walked out with it..

Thanks for the recommendations. What are the differences between the Waldorf Q and the Micro version?

quote:

Originally posted by WhatTF What are the differences between the Waldorf Q and the Micro version?

Primarily the number of voices, polyphony, and the number of knobs. The Q has a ton of dedicated knobs for quicker hands-on control, whereas the MicroQ has only a handful of knobs/buttons and requires more menu diving. Check out www.vintagesynth.com for more info.

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Access Virus B/Virus C - Good filters, especially the C model. Great effects section. Has good unison capabilities.
Roland JP-8080 - Nice warm (perhaps a bit metallic) sound. Has the supersaw. But it can do much more, for example the feedback oscillator. It has a great filter that works really well with the supersaw.
Clavia Nord Rack 2 - Powerful aggressive sound. Known for its distinct sound. Lacks built in effects though.
Novation Supernova - Great for pads. Like the Virus it has a great effects section.

All of them are classic trance synths. Some are maybe a bit over your budget.

Last edited by Eldritch on Jun-09-2008 at 10:12

Nord Wave

Code, anyone rockin one of these. Very impressed from what i hear so far.

Can't decide which would be better...
Can only afford one ATM

Kinda wanted the snow, but undecided. Guess this is more of an IDM synth, seems like it would work in trance.
Why are they pushing it so hard??
Specially with the free waves or controller ect.
If it was selling good, why would they be offering so many deals for somthn that just came out??

quote:

Originally posted by WhatTF Yeah well I was thinking something around the range of a few hundred bucks. I was on the bay-area craigslist and I saw some Access Virus Bs and some Nord Lead 1s for like 500, and some Yamaha Motif ES 6 which looked particularly interesting.

My advice - avoid the Yamaha unless you also plan on doing pop/rock/RnB/etc. stuff. It's a good all-around synth, but probably not what you're looking for in a trance/EDM synth. Between the Virus B and the Nord Lead, I'd say go for the Virus if you're primarily producing trance stuff, but go for the Nord if you're doing more housey or industrial stuff. As Eldritch mentioned, the Nords have a pretty aggressive and distinct sound. But, in the end, either synth is a good choice and will work for whatever form of electronica floats your boat.

quote:

Originally posted by Eldritch Novation Supernova - Great for pads. Like the Virus it has a great effects section.

I agree, but he might have a hard time finding one in his price range and they're becoming pretty scarce nowadays. I put my SNI on eBay a few months ago with a BIN price of $600 and it sold immediately (doh!). A less expensive option is the Novation Nova, which is a killer desktop module.

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