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Little Phatty Questions (pg. 3)
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View this Thread in Original format
| alanzo |
| Plus side to the Omega is it's a rack. I wish the Andy was a rack rather than a behemoth keyboard. Several aspects of the Andy weren't well thought out. |
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| cryophonik |
| quote: | Originally posted by Eric J
Moog Voyager (RME)
Pros: Sounds fantastic, real Moog.
Cons: 3K is a lot to spend for a monosynth. Being a monosynth limits is versatility somewhat. Basses, FX and mono leads.
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The typical street price on the RME is only $2295.
| quote: | Originally posted by Eric J
DSI Poly Evolver
Pros: Poly, analog. Sounds good.
Cons: None ??? Does anyone own one of these? I dont see it talked about much.
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I have a Poly Evolver Rack (and a Mono Evolver Keyboard) and I actually like it a lot, BUT, a lot of people buy these thinking that, because it's analog (& digital) that it is going to be a great synth for basses and leads. That's not really what their strengths are. They really excel at more crazy sounds and, despite being an analog/digital hybrid, some of their best and most unique sounds come out of the digital side IMO. The evolver series have an interesting architecture in that they give you 4 oscillators - 2 digital and 2 analog - and you have a lot of routing capabilities, including the ability to assign each oscillator to a different track on its 4-track step sequencer, giving you some crazy multi-part sequences or 4-way evolving (hence the name) sounds/textures at the press of one key, depending on what you're using the step sequencer to modulate (all modulation destinations are available to the SS). One of its biggest weaknesses IMO is that it only has 4 voices, which limits it for pads/strings. But, like I said, it's not exactly designed for conventional synth sounds and that's the reason for a lot of people's disappointment with it.
| quote: | Originally posted by Eric J
DSI Prophet 08
Pros: Cheap, poly, analog, 8 voice.
COns: Questionable build quality? Heard people call it "lifeless" and cold (two things you dont want in an analog synth). Is the PEK a better option from DSI?
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Lifeless and cold? No way. Maybe in the hands of someone who doesn't know how to program a synth, or just flips through some of the presets. As far as build quality goes, some people don't like the feel of the rotaries on it and some people have experienced problems with weirdness in their response when turning them rapdily, but that's primarily an issue for live users (i.e., you typically will dial in/refine the automation you want in your sequencer anyway). Also, DSI just released the "Pot Edition", which replaces the continuous rotary knobs with pots - the reviews seem to be very favorable, but I haven't seen or used one. So, if you're thinking DSI and want an all-around synth, the P08 is a much better choice than a PEK IMO.
The Tetra is essentially a stripped down P08 (but, with sub-oscillators, no external input, etc.) or a 4-voice Mopho - in other words, it's definitely NOT the best synth in the DSI lineup. The P08 has twice as many voices and two layers - even without the subosc's, the P08 is a much more versatile synth, as is the PEK/PER. |
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| Eric J |
| quote: | Originally posted by cryophonik
The typical street price on the RME is only $2295.
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That's right. I keep forgetting about the RME version. :crazy:
| quote: | Originally posted by cryophonik
I have a Poly Evolver Rack (and a Mono Evolver Keyboard) and I actually like it a lot, BUT, a lot of people buy these thinking that, because it's analog (& digital) that it is going to be a great synth for basses and leads. That's not really what their strengths are. They really excel at more crazy sounds and, despite being an analog/digital hybrid, some of their best and most unique sounds come out of the digital side IMO. The evolver series have an interesting architecture in that they give you 4 oscillators - 2 digital and 2 analog - and you have a lot of routing capabilities, including the ability to assign each oscillator to a different track on its 4-track step sequencer, giving you some crazy multi-part sequences or 4-way evolving (hence the name) sounds/textures at the press of one key, depending on what you're using the step sequencer to modulate (all modulation destinations are available to the SS). One of its biggest weaknesses IMO is that it only has 4 voices, which limits it for pads/strings. But, like I said, it's not exactly designed for conventional synth sounds and that's the reason for a lot of people's disappointment with it.
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OK, that makes sense. For a first analog poly, this might not be the right choice for me, but I can see where this would be advantageous if I already had a few outboard pieces and was looking to add something different.
| quote: | Originally posted by cryophonik
Lifeless and cold? No way. Maybe in the hands of someone who doesn't know how to program a synth, or just flips through some of the presets. As far as build quality goes, some people don't like the feel of the rotaries on it and some people have experienced problems with weirdness in their response when turning them rapdily, but that's primarily an issue for live users (i.e., you typically will dial in/refine the automation you want in your sequencer anyway). Also, DSI just released the "Pot Edition", which replaces the continuous rotary knobs with pots - the reviews seem to be very favorable, but I haven't seen or used one. So, if you're thinking DSI and want an all-around synth, the P08 is a much better choice than a PEK IMO.
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I have seen the same reviews, and even people looking to retrofit their P08's with the new pots. I had this synth on my radar for a while, but I started dropping money on other more essential items (monitors, DA, etc.), then forgot about it. I originally was planning on picking up the keyboard version. I was going to replace my Novation SL61, which I am not thrilled with. It's good to hear someone with experience with it give a favorable review.
It is interesting your and Alan's differing views on this one. I find a lot of strong opinions on this unit on GS, but I always take those with a grain of salt. Some of those GS guys act like every synth sucks except a $10K modular. I'm going to go back and listen to the demos again.
The main problem is that I can't really try any of these out for myself. My local GC is...well, it's GC, so they specialize in selling everything except high-end. I have played with a Voyager, a TI (briefly) and the LP, at GC but thats about it. They don't carry things like the Andromeda, P08 or Evolver lines on the floor. That pretty much reduces me to reliance on Internet demos and other peoples' opinions.
You'd think there would be a high end gear dealer locally in the Dallas/Ft Worth area, but I have yet to find one. If one ever pops up, I'd be sure to make fast friends! :) |
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| alanzo |
| quote: | Originally posted by cryophonik
The Tetra is essentially a stripped down P08 (but, with sub-oscillators, no external input, etc.) or a 4-voice Mopho - in other words, it's definitely NOT the best synth in the DSI lineup. The P08 has twice as many voices and two layers - even without the subosc's, the P08 is a much more versatile synth, as is the PEK/PER. |
But it's up to 4 part multi timbrel! I'd MUCH rather have two Tetras than a P08. But I'd rather have 4 Pulses or a Q than anything from DSI. :p
The problem with the knobs is an annoying one. It's easy to fix, though. They provide a tube of gunk called Deoxit which you then apply to the encoders. |
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| orTofønChiLd |
| quote: | Originally posted by alanzo
Plus side to the Omega is it's a rack. I wish the Andy was a rack rather than a behemoth keyboard. Several aspects of the Andy weren't well thought out. |
i like this demo of the omega 8
http://www.studioelectronics.com/as.../omegamanM2.mp3 |
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| alanzo |
I think me and Cryo's, Dave's, opinions differ on the Prophet '08 simply because we look for different things with our synths. I didn't like the Prophet because it was really not very good for the phat gritty basselines I like to make. The demos previously posted in this thread are my standard, go-to basslines and the Prophet sounded like with these. Very muddy low-end and a cheap high-end.
But, it was really really good with soft plucks and leads. Even supersaw leads. If you listen to my tracks on MySpace, the main leads in the Vapor and Melbourne remix were the same patch. A Prophet '08 supersaw lead. But I am still glad I sold my Prophet '08 because the Andy is at least as good, most of the time better, at everything the Prophet '08 can do.
I should probably be more specific in my hardware thread. I think I'll put in a few extra comments right now .... |
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| Eric J |
| quote: | Originally posted by alanzo
I think me and Cryo's, Dave's, opinions differ on the Prophet '08 simply because we look for different things with our synths. I didn't like the Prophet because it was really not very good for the phat gritty basselines I like to make. The demos previously posted in this thread are my standard, go-to basslines and the Prophet sounded like with these. Very muddy low-end and a cheap high-end.
But, it was really really good with soft plucks and leads. Even supersaw leads. If you listen to my tracks on MySpace, the main leads in the Vapor and Melbourne remix were the same patch. A Prophet '08 supersaw lead. But I am still glad I sold my Prophet '08 because the Andy is at least as good, most of the time better, at everything the Prophet '08 can do.
I should probably be more specific in my hardware thread. I think I'll put in a few extra comments right now .... |
OK, that does clarify things quite a bit. I was thinking of a poly for pads, poly leads, and sequence elements. I can understand why the P08 might not be good for bass, especially if it is missing a sub-osc. The combo of a good poly like the Andy or P08 with a good monosynth (LP, Voy, Pulse), might just give a well rounded sonic palette.
Right now I think I'm leaning toward the Andy, simply based on the demos and reviews from other people, but that is very subjective at the moment. There is a demo on YouTube with the Andy playing U2, WTSHNN intro and it sounds phenomenal. I did find that Alesis sells refurb units for like $2,500, so I may go that route to save a few bucks, should I decide to pick one up. I have a bit of time to think about it. |
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| alanzo |
Are you considering only analog synths? Why not look into the NL3. I know both me and Cryo love that synth.
I can throw the NL3 into the comparison lot if you'd like .... I'd have to do some specific ones with the NL3 in, though, since the NL3 has only two oscs. The only thing I don't like about it. |
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| Eric J |
| quote: | Originally posted by alanzo
Are you considering only analog synths? Why not look into the NL3. I know both me and Cryo love that synth.
I can throw the NL3 into the comparison lot if you'd like .... I'd have to do some specific ones with the NL3 in, though, since the NL3 has only two oscs. The only thing I don't like about it. |
I had an NL3 about 2 years ago and sold it. Its not like I didn't like it, it just never really fit into my sound. It is entirely possible that I just didn't spend enough time with it. That being said, I know a LOT more now than I did then. I have considered getting it back again, but I am thinking analog simply because my analog emulations are where I am sourcing most of the sounds I'm looking for. SO I figure if I am going to add outboard, go analog because it is capable of producing the sounds I want. |
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| alanzo |
Kind of a crappy demo, but the Andy can definitely do sounds that are very similar. |
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| orTofønChiLd |
| quote: | Originally posted by alanzo
Kind of a crappy demo, but the Andy can definitely do sounds that are very similar. |
if my tune gets signed, i'll buy an andy :thepirate |
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| cryophonik |
I almost didn't post this because I was considering picking it up myself, but I've got too many synths as it is:
http://www.vintagesynth.com/forum/v...php?f=9&t=50378
He's in Texas, Eric - I know it's a huge state, but maybe he's within driving distance, even if you just want to check one out. |
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