help out a noob: how many synths do you have and why?

[arcadesonfire]

Here's the main question: how many synths do you have? What do you have each one for? Is it like my guitar collection where, in a pinch, you could use a stratocaster to play heavy metal even though you don't really want to, or do synths (even of the same type) differ so much that you have to know exactly what you're looking for before you buy one?

 

I'm really curious about where the variation occurs from one synth to another. If two synths are set to the same wave form and the same filter and ADSR settings, will they most likely sound the same? or could they sound way way different?

 

 

 

That's the main question, now here's all the background info and more questions if you care to read, thanks!

 

For years, i've played around with a few soft synths (i have the most experience with the Korg wavestation/polysix and that free Synth1 program someone made years back), but now (after my thread yesterday which convinced me a laptop won't be reliable enough) i've decided i need to get a hardware synth for my band. (for now, we'll probably rely on a Yamaha PSR keyboard for a sampled piano sound, so, we just need a synth, no sampler)

 

It won't be the central focus of things in the band, but since we all took piano lessons at various points and have some levels of proficiency, we'd like to have keys to expand our textural options and to give the cellist something to play that's more fun than, well, cello...

 

So, how many different formats (like LAS, FM, analog, etc) are there that i should learn about? which ones should i learn about?

 

Next up, can different digital synths generally get in the same ballpark? like, if i'm deciding between a used EMU Orbit and a used Alesis QSR, do i need to worry that their sounds are worlds apart? Or can i rest assured that sin and triangle waves and filters are gonna give me the same basic sounds no matter which unit they come from.

 

Can most digital synths do the same kind of subtractive synthesis that analog synths did? or would i need to get something that specifically models analog synthesis to get warmer, fatter sounds?

 

I know these questions are pretty vague, so any advice you have for how to educate myself on the proper questions to ask would be well appreciated!

 

As for what we're looking for, right now, i am loving MGMT's synth sounds. Radiohead is probably a good benchmark for the kinds of synth sounds we'll want too. I do listen to my share of vangelis and jan hammer, but for this group, we'll be focusing on ambient pads and nasty distorted leads that fit into the contemporary hipster rock world.

[Publius]

...seems like a good place begin my career at HC:)

 

I have three synthesizers; a Kurzweil K2000, a Korg Trinity Plus and a Roland XP-80.

 

They sounds very different from each other; especially the K2000. Its standard wave ROM sounds are quite outdated, which is a shame because its V.A.S.T. synth engine is very flexible and a pleasure to program. It is best suitable for subtractive synth sounds based on simple waveforms like saws and squares. But I'm not using the K2000 much anymore, and I'm thinking about selling it and buying something with weighted keys instead.

 

The XP-80 is a nice synth with fairly good piano sounds, great pads, organs and strings. However - I can't live without the Trinity which is my favorite of the three. It sounds incredibly clear and powerfull - the only thing that really sucks on this wonder-synth is the pianos.

 

 

Most digital sample-based synths can do the same "standard" sounds like pianos, organs, strings, brasses, bells, analog sounds etc., but there is big differences in how they sounds. In many cases its a matter of taste which ones you like most. The QSR and the Orbit you are mentioning are very different; the Orbit is made for techno/dance sounds, while the Alesis contains sounds for many different genres - like the Trinity and the XP-80.

 

 

Analog-like sounds can be pretty different from synth to synth - depending on the way the filters, effects, envelopes etc. are designed. But most digital synths will give you squares, saws, triangles and a at least a couple of different filters to play with. But you will problably need a virtual analog synths if you want the really fat and warm analog sounds.

[idiotboy]

I have 6 hardware synths:

 

Alesis Andromeda:

---because it's analog, polyphonic and deep. If I need big pads and chords, I use this. Good for weird {censored} too.

 

Waldorf MicrowaveXT:

---because the digital wavetable design has a unique and pleasing sound. Great for metallic sounds and weird evolving textures.

 

Future Retro XS:

---mainly because it's semi-modular, very flexible routing. Great aggressive tone.

 

Studio Electronics ATC-X:

---unbelievable analog bass sounds; thick, greasy and deep.

 

Blacet modular:

---I wanted to build a modular, and have a no-holds barred routing synth. Great for arpeggiated bleeps and bloops, etc.

 

Kurzweil PC2x:

---mainly my MIDI controller for the other racks synths I own, but also has great vintage keyboard sounds (Rhodes, Wurli, Clav, Mellotron, etc)

 

All together, this gives me a lot of tonal flexibility.

[idiotboy]

PS: welcome, Publius.

[synthetica]

 

Here's the main question: how many synths do you have? What do you have each one for? Is it like my guitar collection where, in a pinch, you could use a stratocaster to play heavy metal even though you don't really want to, or do synths (even of the same type) differ so much that you have to know exactly what you're looking for before you buy one? I'm really curious about where the variation occurs from one synth to another. If two synths are set to the same wave form and the same filter and ADSR settings, will they most likely sound the same? or could they sound way way different? That's the main question, now here's all the background info and more questions if you care to read, thanks! For years, i've played around with a few soft synths (i have the most experience with the Korg wavestation/polysix and that free Synth1 program someone made years back), but now (after my thread yesterday which convinced me a laptop won't be reliable enough) i've decided i need to get a hardware synth for my band. (for now, we'll probably rely on a Yamaha PSR keyboard for a sampled piano sound, so, we just need a synth, no sampler) It won't be the central focus of things in the band, but since we all took piano lessons at various points and have some levels of proficiency, we'd like to have keys to expand our textural options and to give the cellist something to play that's more fun than, well, cello... So, how many different formats (like LAS, FM, analog, etc) are there that i should learn about? which ones should i learn about? Next up, can different digital synths generally get in the same ballpark? like, if i'm deciding between a used EMU Orbit and a used Alesis QSR, do i need to worry that their sounds are worlds apart? Or can i rest assured that sin and triangle waves and filters are gonna give me the same basic sounds no matter which unit they come from. Can most digital synths do the same kind of subtractive synthesis that analog synths did? or would i need to get something that specifically models analog synthesis to get warmer, fatter sounds? I know these questions are pretty vague, so any advice you have for how to educate myself on the proper questions to ask would be well appreciated! As for what we're looking for, right now, i am loving MGMT's synth sounds. Radiohead is probably a good benchmark for the kinds of synth sounds we'll want too. I do listen to my share of vangelis and jan hammer, but for this group, we'll be focusing on ambient pads and nasty distorted leads that fit into the contemporary hipster rock world.

 

 

 

I'll Try but hat is more like 9 questions not one.

 

1. 7

 

2. They each have different sounds and sonic character, similar to how a Les Paul and a Strat do not sound the same.

 

3. Yes

 

4. Way different usually, but depends on the synths used.

 

5. Several, some of which you have already named such as FM, Subtractive Analog, Subtractive Virtual Analog (VA), Physical Modeling, Wavetable, Additive, Granular, Sampling, Sample based (Rompler) , and many other combinations of above.

 

6. Sample based (Rompler), Subtractive Analog, and Virtual Analog are probably the most prevelant right now as far as current models go.

 

7. Yes usually close to the same ballpark with some time spent

 

8. The EMU and QSR synths are Sample based so its mainly going to be pick a pre-made patch and tweak to your liking or pick a sample or two and create a new sound by tweaking params, the filters in most synths usually sound alot different from one manufacturer to another. For example if i remember correctly the QSR doesn't have resonant filters.

 

9. Most synths have some form of synthesis params even the sample based but to get closer to analog without actually using analog you want to look at the virtual analogs, For example a few you may find in the used market: Roland JP-8000, Access Virus, Korg MS-2000, Waldorf Q. Of course the best way to get analog is to buy analog.

If you need more emulations of real instruments like Piano, Organ, Brass, Flute, Strings etc. then you want to look at the (Sample Based) Rompler synths.

[Tusks]

 

Next up, can different digital synths generally get in the same ballpark? like, if i'm deciding between a used EMU Orbit and a used Alesis QSR, do i need to worry that their sounds are worlds apart? Or can i rest assured that sin and triangle waves and filters are gonna give me the same basic sounds no matter which unit they come from.

 

 

You can do "analog strings" "brass stabs" "brass pads" etc on both of those units. The results will likely be different. That difference is why many of us have many different synths lying around.

 

Welcome to the forum,

 

Jerry

 

PS: I have 4 synths ...

 

1 Yamaha S90ES - a bread and butter synth. I have a VL card in it for physical modelling. Bright, precise sounding rom sounds.

2 Roland XP50 - I still keep this although it's outdated in many respects. Nice warm pads and strings.

3 Yanaha AN1X - An analog modelling synth. Good in the digital warmth department.

4 Nord Modular G1 - This is the reason I don't have more synths. It can cover a lot of sonic ground, since it is open architecture. It does fm and va readily ... but can also do additive, granular, physical modelling, and pseudo wavetable in a pinch. It does weird very well.

[Dejavoodoo]

Six.

 

The Rhodes and the Wurly are vintage boards. I like their different sounds, and for different reasons. 'Nuff said.

 

The Korg CX3 is the organ. I gig with it all the time, but rarely record with it.

 

My Triton Pro-X is my go-to board for most sounds, esp. piano, strings, and pads.

 

Korg N264 is useful for some older, hard-edged synth sounds, more pads, and tinkly sounds.

Roland Fantom X6 for gigging (piano, EPs). Recording - some pads, harder synth sounds, brass, voices, and drums.

 

 

Mind you, some of us in this forum don't believe that modelled analog (i.e. virtual analog) is an adequate substitute for analog across the board. I am one of them.

 

Agreed.

[The Pro]

It's not just the type of synth that matters but how it fits into your environment. Here's my list:

 

1. Novation X-Station 49 - Good basic VA synth with warm classic analogish sounds. It's also a great softsynth/Reason controller... I use it with my laptop as a production studio. And I use the XS49 with my Roland VX8m organ module for a jam rig at times. One synth, many uses.

 

2. Access Virus Polar TI - great for complex, deep modern "wall of synth" sounds plus some incredibly fat lead sounds. It can also be used as a Reason controller, and it happens to fit well on my Yamaha CP-300 (I even route it's audio through the internal speakers on my CP-300 for fun).

 

3. Yamaha 9000 Pro - I have two of these. It's a rare rompler based on the Motif, and it's also a powerful arranger and a unique live performance sampler/workstation. Nothing else like it. Great for composing, SMF playback, stage gorilla. I keep one in my studio and one in my van. I have a collection of PLG cards for them including DX (DX-7), AN (analog), DR (drums), PF (acoustic piano) for added sounds.

 

4. Yamaha CP-300 - the digital piano of choice and the most powerful MIDI controller I have found to date. Great centerpiece studio instrument. Besides having great sounds and lots of control features, it is cool that I can just go into my studio and switch it on and play it through it's internal speakers without turning on a dozen devices.

[ElectricPuppy]

I have several synths. For me, the reason is simply that each has their own sonic gammut. Like you suggest, I think it's like guitars; each has their strengths and weaknesses.

 

Since you're just starting out, I don't think I could point at any particular synth or synthesis method and say, "you should start here." Instead of focusing on a particular synthesis, I recommend that you just head over to your local music shop and test drive what's available. You'll get a rough sense of the character of each piece of kit that way. Find one that calls to you and go for it. Don't agonize that you might have picked "the wrong one." There is no wrong one. (Except the MicroKorg, of course. I kid!)

[arcadesonfire]

Thanks so far everybody!

 

Yes, i did ask a lot more than one question... even my "main question" was many questions... that was silly of me.

 

Anywho, thanks for all the responses and for laying out a bit more about different types of synthesis. I'll get busy doing more research.

[llamastorm]

I have two. Given, I'm not that much of an non-noob myself. I have a Moog Little Phatty which I bought originally, and a Virus TI Keyboard that I bought because I wanted something polyphonic and a bit more versatile. In retrospect, I probably could have just got the Virus, but the Moog has some fun points.

 

The other tempting thing is something like a EMX or a MachineDrum/Mono, eventually, so I can sequence other things also. I'm using Logic for sampled stuff at this point, as well as it's included electric piano and organ sims.

[wwwjd]

I usually like 3 keyboards, each being splittable for sequences. I like at least two to play with both hands - one bass, one lead or chords etc. and I can have the 3rd sequenced playing more parts. for some reason, I don't like playing splits on the same keyboard

 

Korg X50 - bought as my modern workhorse, large variety of sounds

Yamaha MM6 - bought for other company's variety of sounds and keyboard is better than x50

Alesis Micron - to fill my old school Analog need. bought before I got...

Alesis Andromeda - purchased to REALLY fill my lust for real analog

 

Older, no longer in use:

Mirage - sampler for it's wide range of sonic abilities at the time

Yamaha DX-21 - for cheap, splittable FM sounds

Roland D50 - for more variety of sounds added to arsenal for sequences

[Dejavoodoo]

There is no wrong one. (Except the MicroKorg, of course. I kid!)

 

Well, the MicroKorg might be just right for the Oompha-Loompas out there.

[ChristianRock]

Nothing will get more responses quickly, than a thread asking synth maniacs to describe what synths they got.

 

Me, I just got a Fantom XR triggered by a Roland A-80 midi controller. But I'm just a noob - a noob that decided to start with one piece of equipment that is actually pretty good. I've already been wanting to buy VAs and to expand the XR with more expansion cards. Once I do that and I learn, who knows where I'll end up! Maybe with a room so full of synths I'll barely be able to walk in, like a lot of people here...

[arcadesonfire]

There is no wrong one. (Except the MicroKorg, of course. I kid!)

 

I kinda have the impression that since i see that microKorg in like every "indie" rock band's setup that it's kind of a cliche (a pricey cliche)... but i've been looking at the more affordable Alesis Micron for a little bit... looks like that might make a good match with a sampler... hmm... hmm... lots and lots to think about.

[soundwave106]

Is it like my guitar collection where, in a pinch, you could use a stratocaster to play heavy metal even though you don't really want to, or do synths (even of the same type) differ so much that you have to know exactly what you're looking for before you buy one?

 

Both cases, really. Synthesizers tend to specialize in a certain type of tone. There are "jack of all trades" synths that allow you to get kind of sort of the tone you want, but specialist synthesizers can be better at the task. Within each type of synthesizer category, there are subtle tone differences that are more like the difference between a Strat and a Les Paul.

 

I have six hardware synths:

(*) Alesis Andromeda -- analog synthesis; my main keyboard for anything synthetic sounding. I use this both live and at home.

(*) Roland JV1010 -- ROMpler, for standard piano patches and whatnot. Used live only, I have better plugins in general at home.

(*) Roland VK-8 -- This is a B-3 clone. I use this live only, I really don't record a lot of B3 type stuff at home, but B3s and guitars match up well.

(*) Roland D-50 -- While I don't use this a whole lot, I've had this synth for a while and just don't feel like getting rid of it. Lush pads.

(*) Waldorf Pulse -- I don't use this a whole lot given that the Andromeda is there, but the tone (bright and direct) is a little different than the Andromeda. It can be useful sometimes.

(*) DSI Polyevolver Rack -- Since I just got this, I'm still trying to figure out how useful it is.

 

I also have some controller keyboards and drum pads, and a variety of software synthesizers.

 

As for what we're looking for, right now, i am loving MGMT's synth sounds. Radiohead is probably a good benchmark for the kinds of synth sounds we'll want too. I do listen to my share of vangelis and jan hammer, but for this group, we'll be focusing on ambient pads and nasty distorted leads that fit into the contemporary hipster rock world.

 

Trainspotting can be dangerous, but let's look at this photo of MGMT. Hmm... a Yamaha DX7 (alright!). A Clavia Nord Lead of some sort. And a Moog Little Phatty Stage Edition.

 

I guess it depends on how much poly you need. Moog's been the darling of the indie world for a while (even before Moog Music started making synths again), but it's one voice at a time. (One very good voice.) Nord Leads are a good "virtual analog" to start out with. There are, of course, plenty of other ones out there. If you can afford a Phatty + Nord Lead, that's a damn fine combo. The DX7 is less recommended, it's a pain in the ass to edit.

 

There are, of course, many, many, other machines.

[ElectricPuppy]

I'm pretty happy with my current mix 'o stuff:

 

Conventional analog: Juno-106, Chroma Polaris

 

Virtual analog: Virus TI

 

Analog / digital hybrid: Evolver

 

These all follow the classic analog synth architecture: A wave rich in harmonics is filtered and modulated to arrive at the desired tone. All are capable of producing the classic sawtooth and pules waveforms, but the Virus and Evolver have even more raw waveforms (and therefore different harmonic spectrums) than the age-old analogs. On the other hand, the analo filters in the all but Virus TI lend a character to the sound that's somehow different than the purely digital filters in the TI. On the other other hand, the TI has lots more modulation capabilities, arp, built-in effects, etc.

 

Rompler: Motif Rack

Also a basic waveform -> filter -> amp configuration, however in romplers, the raw wave is an actual sample of (usually) real instruments, longer than the single-cycle waveforms in the Evolver and TI. For much more realistic pianos, percussion, etc, the rompler is my go-to synth.

 

Wavetable: MicroWave XTk

This is an odd bird, and that's why I always wanted one. It, too, has the classic wave -> filter -> amp configuration, however t's possible for the raw waveform itself to morph over time, altering the harmonics independent of what the filter is doing. It can do classic analog-like sounds, but it can also do weird-assery glitchy oddness, or heavenly pads. Again, it just has a sonic character that can't be reached by the others.

 

Sampler: S-760

Bread-and-butter sampler. Like a rompler, except that you can use your own samples instead of what's canned in the synth. For (mostly) realistic orchestral parts, sound effects, etc.

 

My current GAS synth is for an additive synth, where you add harmonics instead of subtracting them.

[Yoozer]

Here's the main question: how many synths do you have?

12. 16 if you count the Electribe, RM1x, Solina String ensemble and Eminent 310 (the Jarre sound) as synths, too.

 

What do you have each one for?

(all Roland) Alpha Juno / Juno-60 / JX3P / JX8P - pure nostalgia. I have these because I know them like the back of my hand.

 

Nord Micromodular: the swiss army knife/chainsaw for audio.

 

Yamaha AN1x: controller keyboard, simple machine with great sounds. Ditto for the Novation A-Station; simple, useful and easy to tweak sounds without a huge modulation matrix.

 

Access Virus C: if I had to sell every virtual analog I'd keep this. The sound character just gels with me.

 

Korg Micro-X and TR-rack; slick radio-ready sounds.

 

Roland XP-30: workhorse machine.

 

DX7II: the best FM synth for mere mortals except for the FS1r.

 

Software: I've got NI Komplete and it's a lifesaver in terms of time spent on stuff. Not that great for jamming, but ideal if I want a better and more realistic piano; I use the XP30 as a sketch pad, and Akoustik Piano as final version.

 

Is it like my guitar collection where, in a pinch, you could use a stratocaster to play heavy metal even though you don't really want to, or do synths (even of the same type) differ so much that you have to know exactly what you're looking for before you buy one?

Synths aren't genre-related .

 

I pick synths because I know what they can do and I can snag 'm for a reasonably decent price.

 

I'm really curious about where the variation occurs from one synth to another.

Synthesis technology/type, hardware/software, character.

 

If two synths are set to the same wave form and the same filter and ADSR settings, will they most likely sound the same? or could they sound way way different?

Yes and no. You can make things sound alike if you're a good programmer, and several synths have a certain kind of overlap; however, even in the overlap the character can be different.

 

So, how many different formats (like LAS, FM, analog, etc) are there that i should learn about? which ones should i learn about?

Subtractive is the most important - read http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/allsynthsecrets.htm if you have some spare time.

 

Sample-based synths work on the same principle. You won't find FM unless you specifically look for it. Furthermore, names like AWM or LA or AI2 are marketing terms for what's usually the same thing - sample-based stuff.

 

Next up, can different digital synths generally get in the same ballpark? like, if i'm deciding between a used EMU Orbit and a used Alesis QSR, do i need to worry that their sounds are worlds apart?

Listen to them both here: http://www.synthmania.com/ and decide for yourself.

 

The Orbit is a genre-specific module (not bound to it, it just comes with useful stuff out of the box. The QS is more "generic".

 

Or can i rest assured that sin and triangle waves and filters are gonna give me the same basic sounds no matter which unit they come from.

Yes, but a small note here: not every digital synth has a resonant filter.

 

Can most digital synths do the same kind of subtractive synthesis that analog synths did?

Yeah, but they usually lack things like oscillator sync, oscillator FM and ringmodulation.

 

or would i need to get something that specifically models analog synthesis to get warmer, fatter sounds?

If you stack up 3 sawtooth waves on a sample-based synth, it doesn't actually sound that great, and in that case, having a modeling box is more useful.

[Guest Anonymous]

I don't subscribe to the opinion of overlap so, I have a s**t load of kb's. It takes time to find out what you like but, like guitars and guitar amps once you know what sounds you like it's easier to choose from the sea of synths.

 

[Yoozer]

I also feel that this is more "make a noob depressed" instead of "help out a noob" .

[Khazul]

OMG...

 

Virus TI - what can I say - I just love its sound - bought it when it first came out before all the new OS2 features, so all the new stuff is a huge bonus, and is als why I never got around to getting. Its my main synth for most sounds, usually a soft character but can be prodded into being quite nasty.

 

KS-Rack - had it for ages, keep it around for base sounds mainly, again it has its own unique character - love the filter on it.

 

Radias - bought this because I wanted something for more airy sounds. It turns out its alot more useful than expected, not alot of character to it, so its more of a backing synth for me.

 

V-Synth - Nearly bought a roland JP80xx when I came across this thing - had enough of what I wanted and alot a whole new sonic teritory to abuse with its sample mangling. Gets used alot for ambient sounds/pads and for deep punchy bass.

 

SE ATC-X analog mono synth - gets used mainly for nasty analog bass sounds.

 

Alesis fusion - bought as a sampler + FM board and sequencer/recorder. The sequencer recorder sucked. In the end ended up gewtting an MPC 2500 for sampling. And still use its FM. Actually has quite a decent basic VA in it as well.

 

Yamaha motif es rack - bought for stock sounds and piano. Never really happy with the paino.. so...

 

Roland Fantom XR - got it cheap, more stock sounds more pianos. Compliments the ES quite well in that where the sounds in ES are crap this seem to havve beter ones, and where this fails, the ES is alot better.

 

Triton Rack - not mine, but on permenant loan here - mostly crap sounds, but also also a bunch gems in it as well. If this one was retreivved by its owner I might actually be teoted to replace it if I could find one cheap enough.

 

The search for a good digital piano continues however... Rompler pianos are utter {censored}e, unless Kurzweil can do better....

 

Other synthy type things:

 

MPC2500 - samper/sequencing, mainly for rhythms, but often dump a bunch of other sampes into it chop them up etc.

 

MachineDrum - ultimate in grainy digital drum machines. There seems no end to what you can persuade this thing to do if you have the time spend hours programming it.

 

Dont use any softsynths apart from one - something called Chameleon - its an additive synth that can also do approximate resynthesis from samples. It mainly gets used for reproducing and mangling timbres of samples for spot fx.

 

I may get around to selling quite a few of the above at some time - tempted by a Waldorf Q+ to replace the VAs except the virus and Kurzweil PC3X to replace the fusion and rompler sound modules

[nathanscribe]

I've got a couple of beers' worth of incoherence in me, so hold on.

 

I have about 20 synths, over half of them analogue of varying vintages, a couple of VAs (digital emulations of analogue) and some purely digital ones (a couple of ROMplers for 'real world' sounds and a couple of other synthesis methods - wavetable, FM) and a couple of samplers too - 8 bit and 16. The reasons for this collection are various, but apart from the hoarding instinct (must be related to a squirrel somewhere down the line) they all have different character. And that's basically it. The Emu pianos and choirs don't sound like the Roland pianos and choirs, the 8-bit sampler sounds different to the 16bit, the analogues sound different enough to each other to be worth having.

 

Apart from the different textures the different types of synthesis allow, or specialise in, or do particularly nicely according to taste and programming skill, I like synths with easy interfaces - which for me means more knobs. Reach out, twist something, hear the effect, move on. I'm not a fan of menus and hidden features.

 

Despite the outward similarity of many synths (one VCO might seem much like another) they do vary. The more you use them, the more you notice. It's much like any ohter instrument - play them enough, and you know.

 

I've never heard of MGMT (?) but if you want Radiohead sounds, I wouldn't recommend the more obviously digital stuff. Maybe a VA, or some good old analogue. I don't know their whole rig, but they do use an Analogue Systems modular (not for the faint hearted). Textures and odd noises can be concocted from samples too, but if you want playable pads and things, a cheapish old analogue like a CS15 would be one option (monosynth that though) or for poly, the old Junos (6/60/106) would be OK. I think one of each would cover poly and mono duties effectively, but you could also go down the VA route with something like a Nord lead. Personally, I don't rate the Microkorg, and mine now collects dust after a brief outing as a vocoder.

 

Hope my rambling helps somewhat.

[boose44]

Right now, my hardware synths are divided between two Analog subtractive synths and three Romplers:

 

Moog Voyager RME A couple of years ago I had an Anniversary Edition Voyager keyboard that I ended up selling to purchase more drum equipment. Always regretted that, and the RME is my attempt at going home again. I have to admit that this time I'm digging the RME a lot more.

 

Moog Little Phatty Stage I I was a fatty hater when the LP first came out. I thought it was a rather sad attempt at keeping the Moog name out there. It wasn't until I finally sat down and played with one that the lights came on. It also makes an excellent keyboard controller for the Voyager RME. Almost like they planned it that way.

 

Yamaha CS6x First keyboard that I ever purchased, and rather stupidly at that, since I knew nothing about keys at the time. Still it gave me hours upon hours of fun and excitement. Just bought another one to replace the one I sold 4 years ago (for more drum equipment -- yes, you are seeing a pattern here). With the PLG-150AN add-on VA board it's got just loads of sounds, and it can get HUGE. It just has a soft spot in my heart.

 

Yamaha RS7000 Just bought for the sequencer and sampling. Looking to use it as a scratch pad. Awfully deep, and so far I'm impressed.

 

Kurzweil PC2x My bread and butter synth, which I use for piano lessons and other torture. I really like the PC2x, it's solid and sounds great. Weighs a ton, though.

 

-bruce

[idiotboy]

 

boose44 said: I have to admit that this time I'm digging the RME a lot more .

 

 

Why? Because you are digging into the synth more, or is there something you find more appealing about the rack version?

[r33k]

since i see that microKorg in like every "indie" rock band's setup that it's kind of a cliche (a pricey cliche)... but i've been looking at the more affordable Alesis Micron for a little bit...

 

Son, you're going to fit in just fine around here.