Hey, im new to the production group. I'd just like to know whats the best controller/synth for beginners. 500$max, i was looking at the novation x-station but i need peoples input on whats best to get. Thanks.

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heheh...if there are speakers ONBOARD the synth best stay away!!

Really, if you're looking for a controller/midi input device then you need to consider what's important to you. Do you need more than two octaves? How about weighted keys? Do you plan on lots of automation? If so you'll want more than two sliders/knobs...that kinda thing.

Truth be told, I'm using my old Korg Trinity keyboard still. Would love to have additional sliders, but this ol' girl still has my love!
It really doesnt HAVE to be fancy if you're starting out. Just as long as it has MIDI IN/OUT and a few sliders....you're fine.
Try secondhand if you're unsure and work up! DONT SPLURGE if you're just starting out!! Trust me. You dont need to have fancy stuff to begin. It'll just force you to work a certain way instead of allowing you to grow into the hobby.
Hey, check Ebay! Thats where I got my Tannoy Active Reveals and my Behringer Mixer and my Audiophile 24/96 soundcard... they were new too! Good deals to be had if you're careful and patient.

Good Luck and welcome to the grind!

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quote:

Originally posted by Digital Aura heheh...if there are speakers ONBOARD the synth best stay away!!

Not always... Roland Juno 106 + speakers =


Anyways... figure out what sorts of features you need like Digital Aura mentioned, then buy whatever fits the bill.

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For $500 get a nord lead 2x on ebay or just a nord lead 2.

I would go for the nord 2 because they are easy to find for $500. Don't buy a new keyboard for $500, it will be a piece of shit.

Get a nord lead 2, great synth for making trance music really powerful lead sounds can be made, easiest thing to program in the entire world as well. You can make sounds on any keyboard, but the nord's have everything right on knobs, so simple to program. Of course you will need to read how to program sounds for the princibles of sound programing, but you barely even need to read a manual for the nord, it is so damn easy to use.

So sorry for my noobey questions, but would i have to buy a seperate keyboard in order to function wiht the lead 2? Theres one on ebay goin for 450 so far. So would i just have to buy a MIDI controller along with that lead? Good not to expensive one? Any suggestions?

With a MIDI IN/OUT?

They are selling loads of Clavia stuff, the the lead 2 keyboard is going for 750, but ends in around 8 days so it will probably go up a lot.







aswell as a virus b.

If you dont know what MIDI in/out is...I suggest you start with a book first. Not a keyboard.
Im not trying to be a jerk...this is actually what I did.

In order to interface as a midi controller the keyboard must be able to send midi signals and be able to recieve them back from your computer.

Depending on what you get, buying a keyboard for the sounds will be pointless because it needs to be able to connect with your sequencing software. If you software doesnt recognize SYSEX signals or offer a VST version then basically your only buying the keyboard for its ability to play a note into your computer....the sequencer wont play the keyboard sound...it plays the synth thats loaded in your sequencer software.

If this sounds complicated...refer to my first sentence!

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Whats that other synth behind the virus b, cant quite make it out.

quote:

Originally posted by jupiterone They are selling loads of Clavia stuff, the the lead 2 keyboard is going for 750, but ends in around 8 days so it will probably go up a lot. aswell as a virus b.

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Yoji Rocks fullstop.

ebay or craigslist.org for local connections, best place to score musical instrument... hehe