I have a novation supernova, and I think it's great for trance. Alot of diversity of sounds, and alot of power (I have the pro expansion which features 44 voices). I do have the rackmount though.. I think it would probably be cheaper for you to get a rackmount, and a midi controller keyboard, and just hook them up together. But the keyboard version is nice too, if you're willing to spend the extra money.

I don't know exactly how the nova II compares to the supernova, but if they sound similar, you should like it.

Thanks for the feedback and tip with the rack and MIDI controller.

As far as I know the SuperNova II and Nova II are very similar (same synth engines), although the SuperNova has more power (polyphony). You can always add the extra voice upgrade card to boost the Nova II though.

I'm looking at getting a SuperNova II myself soon, in my opinion only the Virus matches it at the moment.

Sticking to a rack unit with a separate MIDI controller keyboard is good advice too!

quote:

Originally posted by matt_bassline I'm looking at getting a SuperNova II myself soon, in my opinion only the Virus matches it at the moment.

You should also consider getting a Supernova (as opposed to supernova II). there are very few differences.. one of the main ones is that II has a vocoder, but it that doesnt interest you, you can save some money.

I am planning on selling my supernova. Its a great synth, but right now I feel that I am leaning more towards complete software production.. and I could certainly use the money!

Yeah I had noticed that there doesn't seem to be much difference between the original SuperNova and the SuperNova II. Although I have my eye on a second hand SuperNova II on the web at the moment!

Just thought I would follow up on this thread, as I now own a SuperNova II!!

Picked it up for £500 on eBay which I thought was quite a good price, and its in mint condition. An absolute stunner of a synth and very nice to use. Highly recommended!

supernova II is a beast! I bought mine from Val (he's the producer behind QED - "Hardly a Day" track) He told me that that track was created with Supernova II (which I now happen to own)... SNII has 3 OSC's, 32 Voice poly vs 16, etc.

But may I suggest the alltime favorite Access Virus KC or C with MIDI controller? Some people like Nord Lead but it did not turn me on at all... seems like it's geared more for "classic" (moog/prophet) sound. Not my bag... it's just what sounds good. Hell, I have JP8080 which has only 10voice poly but it sound so phat! if you got the money honey, go for Access Virus C, you can't go wrong... KC has 61keys or invest in a decent MIDI controller. I picked up Korg 88key piano, I love the keyboard action, sounds are shit but it was $500 - well worth it if you like the "piano" feel.

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I am a totall software producer. I have never used or even seen a hardware synth in real life! but i do have a bit of money :P

i would like to experiment with hardawre and possibly own my own in the future but thatz the way the cookie crumbles, anyone have a site on hardware synths?

cheers,

tezz

harmony-central.com
sonicstate.com
futureproducers.com
sospubs.co.uk
vintagesynth.com

that would get you started. but you probably need to know what to look for.

Depending on your style and budget, here's my list of "popular" trance-dance oriented synths, not in a particular order:

1. Access Virus A, B, or C (or KB KC - kbd versions)
2. Waldorf Micro Q
3. Alesis Andromeda
4. Alesis Ion
5. Novation Supernova II
6. Korg Triton, Karma, Triton Studio (with sampling)
7. Roland JD800, JP8080, JP8000 (kbd version of JP8080)
8. Roland Jupiter 8 (old and expensive and risky...), Juno
9. Nord Lead 2 or 3 (kinda sucky, IMHO but Tiesto & Solar Stone use it in and out)
10. Novation Bass station
11. Roland 909 (classic! also risky, expensive and nicely substituted by ReBirth), 808 (iffy), 303
12. Roland XP 60, XP 80, or Fantom; Roland V-Synth (very iffy, limited application and $$$ - expensive FX box pretty much)


Best bet is to check out your favorite producer's studio. Armin has a list on his site. To produce decent tracks all you really need is 1 or 2 synths and plenty of patience and practice.

g'luck

cheers!

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Proud member of the "Filthy Zionist" coalition