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Hardware or software synth
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| drogtech |
Hello
I've been thinking lately how to add some more live in the producing process, right now I use Ableton with Vsts and midi keyboard and mouse. But I miss some more human input such as turning some faders and knobs ;) I would like to make some changes to get that excitement when you start learning new things and I do miss better work flow as I have do everything with mouse except playing melodies on midi keyboard (it has no knobs or faders ect)
I've done some research and would like to ask you for some help.
First I watch and read about Maschine, It has bank sounds and you can use it as standalone DAW is that right? I can add Vsts there and plug-in my midi keyboard? Is this good idea for producing?
Other idea I have is to buy some hardware synth like Waldorf Blofeld, Nord Lead 2x, ACCESS VIRUS TI Snow I mostly like to produce chillout, piano /pads down tempo but also breaks or some deep stuff, would those synths be good for that?
I also consider to buy instead of hardware synth just Komplete 8
To the conclusion
Is there some hardware which could give me more option to navigate while producing give that random human input with turning more knobs ect ;)
And which route to choose buying some hardware synth or just Komplete 8? |
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| scorpradio |
| Ask yourself this...are you performing Live? If not, vst ftw! You can truly do alot and maybe even more with software vs. Hardware |
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| orTof�nChiLd |
| Hardware > Software |
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| Julz |
VST's are good and all, but I do find that the Virus TI2 does have a much different sound and is fun to play with rather than turning knobs with a mouse (dont bother with automap its terrible).
All comes down to if you got a spare $2000 you dont need. |
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| tehlord |
Nord Lead ftw
The Virus is just a DSP powered plugin with a few great onboard FX |
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| cryophonik |
| quote: | Originally posted by tehlord
Nord Lead ftw
The Virus is just a DSP powered plugin with a few great onboard FX |
And, the Nord is just a DSP synth that has neither a plugin capability nor any onboard FX. So, how does that make the Nord better?
You might prefer the sound or UI of the Nord (many people do), but that's obviously very subjective and, regardless which one you prefer, both of them are just virtual analogue synths. Although the fact remains that the Virus still out-specs the Nord in most categories - it has more sources (i.e., oscillators and wavetables), more filters and more filter types, a much better programmable 32-step arpeggiator that can also be used as a mod source, more voices/polyphony, more envelopes, more LFOs, far more modulation sources and destinations, etc. |
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| tehlord |
| quote: | Originally posted by cryophonik
And, the Nord is just a DSP synth that has neither a plugin capability nor any onboard FX. So, how does that make the Nord better?
You might prefer the sound or UI of the Nord (many people do), but that's obviously very subjective and, regardless which one you prefer, both of them are just virtual analogue synths. Although the fact remains that the Virus still out-specs the Nord in most categories - it has more sources (i.e., oscillators and wavetables), more filters and more filter types, a much better programmable 32-step arpeggiator that can also be used as a mod source, more voices/polyphony, more envelopes, more LFOs, far more modulation sources and destinations, etc. |
Bloody Virus fanboy :p
The reason I think the Nord is better is mainly due to the OP's request for knobability and tweakage. The fact that it's considerably cheaper as well is a bonus. |
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| cryophonik |
| quote: | Originally posted by tehlord
Bloody Virus fanboy :p
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I've owned the Nord Lead 1, 2, 2X, and 3, among literally dozens of other excellent hardware synths over a 30-yr span. I think you will find that I speak quite highly of the Nords and I would certainly never go out of my way in every thread mentioning the Nord to say that they suck, as you do with the Virus. I mean, really, doesn't it get old always crying about the Virus? It's just a synth, and it's obviously made its mark on many forms of music, particularly EDM. Why the constant need to bash it and call everybody who doesn't bash it a "fanboy"? It's quite juvenile and I'd expect better, more informative, and more objective discussions regarding a synthesizer from someone of your age and experience. |
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| tehlord |
| quote: | Originally posted by cryophonik
I've owned the Nord Lead 1, 2, 2X, and 3, among literally dozens of other excellent hardware synths over a 30-yr span. I think you will find that I speak quite highly of the Nords and I would certainly never go out of my way in every thread mentioning the Nord to say that they suck, as you do with the Virus. I mean, really, doesn't it get old always crying about the Virus? It's just a synth, and it's obviously made its mark on many forms of music, particularly EDM. Why the constant need to bash it and call everybody who doesn't bash it a "fanboy"? It's quite juvenile and I'd expect better, more informative, and more objective discussions regarding a synthesizer from someone of your age and experience. |
me Dave, want a cuddle?
I've also owned many, many hardware synths over only a slightly shorter timespan so I think i'm entitled to a) an opinion and b) some jovial lighthearted banter.
I still think the Virus is one of the most overrated and overpriced synths i've owned, and will continue to say so if prompted. |
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| cryophonik |
| quote: | Originally posted by drogtech
First I watch and read about Maschine, It has bank sounds and you can use it as standalone DAW is that right? I can add Vsts there and plug-in my midi keyboard? Is this good idea for producing? |
Yes, you can essentially use Maschine as a DAW, but to be honest, that's not its strength and I don't think most people are leaving their old DAWs behind in lieu of Maschine. But, having the ability to sequence entire songs right from the hardware, drop in 3rd party instruments and effects is a really nice feature IMO.
| quote: | Originally posted by drogtech
Other idea I have is to buy some hardware synth like Waldorf Blofeld, Nord Lead 2x, ACCESS VIRUS TI Snow I mostly like to produce chillout, piano /pads down tempo but also breaks or some deep stuff, would those synths be good for that? |
Yes, definitely.
| quote: | Originally posted by drogtech
I also consider to buy instead of hardware synth just Komplete 8 |
You might want to consider going with Maschine and Komplete 8, since the two apparently integrate very well (I'm still on Komplete 6, so I don't have the advantage of the direct integration, but it seems like a great feature).
| quote: | Originally posted by drogtech
To the conclusion
Is there some hardware which could give me more option to navigate while producing give that random human input with turning more knobs ect ;)
And which route to choose buying some hardware synth or just Komplete 8? |
You could go with a MIDI controller and map it to each synth, but to be honest, I think that either having a dedicated hardware/software system like Maschine or a standalone synth is the best way to go in the hardware realm. You might even want to look into Kore2 - it was recently discontinued and the expansion soundpacks are no longer available, but you can buy it dirt cheap and it still works very well as a controller for soft synths, particularly NI synths. |
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| orTof�nChiLd |
| Let this thread get out of control please |
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