Good PAD, what HW synth ?

AnalogMeter · 2nd August 2008

HI
I'm looking for a hw synth for very good pad, brass...possibly under 400,00 Euro...(digital or analog)
some idea as JV 1080 or 2080, JD50-990...?

Tibbon · 2nd August 2008

Juno 60?

shadowfac · 2nd August 2008

Ensoniq ESQ-1/SQ-80

Korg Wavestation

Roland JD-800

AnalogMeter · 2nd August 2008

thanks....Juno 60, is a superb synth, but it doesn't have midi and also it's out of my budget...

Ensoniq ESQ 1 can be a valid alternative, but idon't know if it's easy to program or not..can you tell me something about this?

between jd 800 and 990 I prefer the 990 for more flexibility and expansion possibility, and also it's a rack , and for me this is good

cosmos · 2nd August 2008

how about Juno 106 ?

shadowfac · 2nd August 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnalogMeter

Ensoniq ESQ 1 can be a valid alternative, but idon't know if it's easy to program or not..can you tell me something about this?

Very easy to program, even though it has no knobs. The system is menu-driven but is very well thought out and every parameter is no more than two button-presses away. It's a great pad synth and has a certain lo-fi analogish character.

AnalogMeter · 2nd August 2008

a OK thanks, but I can see that is very difficult to find one !!...

the 106 is great, no as a 60, but very "roland" sound...but I know that often it has problems with his chip...

well, Now the possible choices are:DJ 990, ESQ (very good recommendation,I didn't know it but I have the ASR 10), ,...

there're others suggestions?...opinions about JV 1080, ion...?

spunkadellic · 2nd August 2008

the esq 1 sounds better and is WAY more versitile than the juno 106. it is really easy to program

very good choice

Farshad · 3rd August 2008

Another vote for JD800/JD 990.

DevonB · 3rd August 2008

I've owned a JD-990 and a JV-2080. I never used the 2080 much for pads. I'd much rather use a Korg NS5R or Trinity, or certainly the JD-990. They're all within your price range you're looking for. The JD-990 is certainly a gem for that synthetic goodness though.

Devon

AnalogMeter · 3rd August 2008

Thanks guys!!
You have given me good informations!!now everything depends on what I succeed in finding between ESQ and JD800, or 990 (i prefer it for dimensions and possibility of expansions)
Trinity is very over my budget!

DevonB · 3rd August 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnalogMeter

Trinity is very over my budget!

Trinity Rack, around $250-$350. It's called Korg TR Rack, not to be confused with the TR keyboard. 1024 presets to play with even. Check them out on Synth Mania website. They just added a bunch of new sound examples for it.

Devon

leftright · 3rd August 2008

Roland JP-8000 and Alesis ion

philosi · 3rd August 2008

I paid $124.99 for my Juno-60. That would be your best choice. If you can scrape together a lot more cash, I find the Prophet 5 is the top dog in the pad category.

Although, there are at least a dozen great analog synths that we use for specialty pad type parts... Korg ES-50 is a great example. probably not too expensive.

If you are going to use a JD or JV whatever... may as well use a plugin. Saves you going through the horrible a/d converters in the synth. And they have terrible eq curves programed in, they sound ok on their own, but in a track, the part just disappears.

good luck

Tibbon · 3rd August 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnalogMeter

thanks....Juno 60, is a superb synth, but it doesn't have midi and also it's out of my budget...

Ensoniq ESQ 1 can be a valid alternative, but idon't know if it's easy to program or not..can you tell me something about this?

between jd 800 and 990 I prefer the 990 for more flexibility and expansion possibility, and also it's a rack , and for me this is good

How is a Juno 60 out of your budget? They are like $300-400USD, and 400Euros is like 621USD.

I agree the 990 is a nice synth.

Also check on the FSR-1. Best FM synth ever.

shadowfac · 3rd August 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tibbon

How is a Juno 60 out of your budget? They are like $300-400USD, and 400Euros is like 621USD.

It all depends on where you live. Here in Mexico, Junos go for around $500-$600. On the other hand, I bought my FS1R for $300.

But like other poster said, I wouldn't trade my ESQ-1 for a Juno, and ESQ's go for around $200.

living sounds · 3rd August 2008

The Matrix12 or Xpander are right up there with the Prophet05. I've got a Matrix-6r here, which is not as fat and lush as those flagships, but it can deliver some fine pads, especially with layering. The JD-990 ist also great, especially with the analog voice card.

Space Station · 3rd August 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnalogMeter

HI
I'm looking for a hw synth for very good pad, brass...possibly under 400,00 Euro...(digital or analog)
some idea as JV 1080 or 2080, JD50-990...?

Hi, I'd recommend the JX-8P for brassy analogue pads, much better than a Juno for that kind of thing (in my opinion of course)...it also has MIDI and a keyboard that has velocity and aftertouch. They are usually dirt cheap too.

philosi · 4th August 2008

Who needs MIDI for pads? Really, If you cant play whole notes in 2 or 3 voice chords into a hard disk....

Just kidding (kind of)

DevonB · 4th August 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by philosi

If you are going to use a JD or JV whatever... may as well use a plugin. Saves you going through the horrible a/d converters in the synth. And they have terrible eq curves programed in, they sound ok on their own, but in a track, the part just disappears.

good luck

You know, I've been hearing that claim for years and years about plug-ins. I've yet to find this 'magic' plug-in that sounded better than my JV-2080 that covered the same TERRITORY that the JV-2080 did. I've found certain plug-ins in focused areas that sound better, such as Fab Filter's or GMedia's resonant filters sound awesome. Colossus raw natural instruments are far and away better, but lacked in the synthesis. The JV's, especially near the end of their life cycle, were excellent worksorse synths that cover an awesome amount of territory and did it well. The JD990 is much better suited to pads than nautrual instruments, but nothing sounds like a JD-990 either, so... If you're referring to replacing a JV with multiple plug-ins, then I'm with you, but which ones would you suggest?

Devon

philosi · 4th August 2008

I really can't suggest any synth plugins, because I don't use them. But If you claim that plugins don't even sound as good as a JD990, great! I'll go with that.

I like to think of analog synthesizers as instruments. When you play a Minimoog, a Putney, a System 100m or whatever, it's a performance of sorts, like playing the guitar. I've never got that from a JV2080.

Find yourself an analog synth in your price range, and have some fun with it. It can be very inspiring. And don't worry about getting the latest and greatest... they got it right the first time. I'll take an MS-20 over a room full of Little Fattys!

The_Crooked_Man · 4th August 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by philosi

I'll take an MS-20 over a room full of Little Fattys!

Damn Straight!

muziksculp · 5th August 2008

If my memory serve's me correctly, the ROLAND D-70 Keyboard was able to produce some fantastic pad sound/textures. I never owned a D-70, but did own a JD-990 (Sadly I sold it, I wish I did not, IMHO it's now a classic Roland Module !

Roland JD-990, D-50, Korg Trinity Rack are all great HW synths for producing PAD sounds.

I currently use a Virus Ti keyboard, it can produce some great sounding pads, and atmospheric textures, I also layer some Ti pads with my Yamaha Motif XS7 for added variety, and character. I'm very happy with the results.

dietrich10 · 5th August 2008

990 are great deals for the current street price. friend who is also GS member is selling one. get nice Euro to USD rate right now even with the shipping!

JOliver · 5th August 2008

without a doubt the early oberheims were the kings of pads OB-X, OB-Xa, and obviously two, four and 8 voice systems. I like jupiter 8 as well... under 400 euro I dont really think you can get "great" pads maybe ok. juno 60 is a good bet

shadowfac · 5th August 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by JOliver

under 400 euro I dont really think you can get "great" pads maybe ok. juno 60 is a good bet

Well, it depends on what kind of pads the OP wants, but let me reiterate that the ESQ-1 can make great pads, and they go for around $200 USD.

Think about it: 3 oscillators + 3 LFO's + 4 envelopes per voice, with 8-voice polyphony. Plenty of synthetic, additive-style waveforms (e.g., fifths and octaves) which make a good basis for organ and pad sounds. The sound tends to be a bit dark and bassy because of the 24 db LPF filter (no oberheim-ish pads here), and lo-fi because of the 8-bit samples, but it can give you some nice, evolving, Boards of Canada type of pads. Couple it with a digital rompler or a 6-op FM synth (e.g., D50/550, Korg X5DR/NS5R, Yamaha DX7/TX7), and you can have both dark and glassy pads for less than 400 euro.

AnalogMeter · 5th August 2008

Hi guys and very thanks for yours very interesting suggestions and informations!!
I premise that I love really analog sound, but some digital machine can make the difference

.
For example I have and love my ms10, sh2, monopoly , tb and 909 but i love also my e-mu PX7 with his 4 expansion..and the great ms2000., thay plays more better than so many vst..they are inimitable in SW tuttimho

well, in this 4 years I have spent a lot for my analog machines, and now my budget is this and I want to exploit it at the "maximum"that I can do...

Tibbon! in italy/europe the juno 60 is valued around 600 euro (900/1000 $)....

(ps I have a sister that lives in Waltham

)

In conclusion, I am negotiating over for a 990 (around 350,00 euro).
I have not found in europe an ESQ!! this machine has intrigued me (The TR korg can be an alternative..)
In the past I have heard a jx10, I do like it but there is something I'm not sure about it; I'm not impressed...I think that the jx 8 is similiar...no??
matrix 12 and obx-a family are a dream out the budget...
matrix 6 and the 1000 are good machine, have used the 1000, but sincerely it has never upset me , with his mono out

)sound is good but more for lead...
Thanks again to All!!

t_d · 5th August 2008

i've got a JD990 for sale in the for sale forum...

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/gears...-etc-sale.html

alexp · 6th August 2008

For complex fully programmable pads on the cheap, you cant beat the Oberheim Matrix 6. A ridiculous amount of modulation options, as well as a tracking generator that functions like a crazy EG. All that plus the Oberheim sound for around 350 bucks. If you want that classic Roland sound with midi on the cheap, get the alpha juno 1 or 2. They do fantastic pads, for about 150 bucks. Really cant go wrong. Of course I'm an ESQ1 nerd as well. I wont go into it though as everyone else has told you exactly what you need to know about it! Its the secret weapon of both Boards of
Canada, and Skinny Puppy. Nuff said!

Either way, good luck! And let us know what you decide on.

alexP

revstate · 6th August 2008

my favorite synth for pads is the polysix

if you can find one used for a good price, make sure the battery has not leaked

get it, sounds like early neworder (same chips as the voyetra 8) and it has the greatest sounding analog ensemble effect ever

it doesn't come with midi, but you can get a kit for a good price, and you might want to replace the fake wood case if it is really ugly (custom synths is perfect for this)

other than that, i love all of the polysynths that have the cem 3374 (xpander/m12/chroma polaris/vx600)

best curtis chip ever

also, almost all of the vintage string machines sound amazing, so if you like software get the vsm plug from gmedia

2nd August 2008	#1
AnalogMeter Gear nut Join Date: May 2008 Location: Italy Posts: 138 Thread Starter	Good PAD, what HW synth ? HI I'm looking for a hw synth for very good pad, brass...possibly under 400,00 Euro...(digital or analog) some idea as JV 1080 or 2080, JD50-990...?

5th August 2008	#28
t_d Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: pound ridge, NY Posts: 1,545	i've got a JD990 for sale in the for sale forum... http://www.gearslutz.com/board/gears...-etc-sale.html __________________ taylor deupree \| 12k 12k (label) • 12k mastering • photography looking for: simplicity

6th August 2008	#29
alexp Lives for gear Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Niagara Posts: 3,589	For complex fully programmable pads on the cheap, you cant beat the Oberheim Matrix 6. A ridiculous amount of modulation options, as well as a tracking generator that functions like a crazy EG. All that plus the Oberheim sound for around 350 bucks. If you want that classic Roland sound with midi on the cheap, get the alpha juno 1 or 2. They do fantastic pads, for about 150 bucks. Really cant go wrong. Of course I'm an ESQ1 nerd as well. I wont go into it though as everyone else has told you exactly what you need to know about it! Its the secret weapon of both Boards of Canada, and Skinny Puppy. Nuff said! Either way, good luck! And let us know what you decide on. alexP __________________ www.myspace,com/twitchcraft

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2nd August 2008	#2
Tibbon Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Boston/MA Posts: 4,774 2 Reviews written	Juno 60?

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2nd August 2008	#5
cosmos Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: The Red Sea, IL. Posts: 1,953	how about Juno 106 ?

2nd August 2008	#8
spunkadellic Gear addict Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 368	the esq 1 sounds better and is WAY more versitile than the juno 106. it is really easy to program very good choice

3rd August 2008	#9
Farshad Lives for gear Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,329	Another vote for JD800/JD 990.

3rd August 2008	#10
DevonB Gear addict Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: USA Posts: 447	I've owned a JD-990 and a JV-2080. I never used the 2080 much for pads. I'd much rather use a Korg NS5R or Trinity, or certainly the JD-990. They're all within your price range you're looking for. The JD-990 is certainly a gem for that synthetic goodness though. Devon

3rd August 2008	#13
leftright Gear Head Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Belgium Posts: 66	Roland JP-8000 and Alesis ion

3rd August 2008	#14
philosi Gear maniac Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 296	I paid $124.99 for my Juno-60. That would be your best choice. If you can scrape together a lot more cash, I find the Prophet 5 is the top dog in the pad category. Although, there are at least a dozen great analog synths that we use for specialty pad type parts... Korg ES-50 is a great example. probably not too expensive. If you are going to use a JD or JV whatever... may as well use a plugin. Saves you going through the horrible a/d converters in the synth. And they have terrible eq curves programed in, they sound ok on their own, but in a track, the part just disappears. good luck

3rd August 2008	#17
living sounds Lives for gear Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Germany Posts: 2,780	The Matrix12 or Xpander are right up there with the Prophet05. I've got a Matrix-6r here, which is not as fat and lush as those flagships, but it can deliver some fine pads, especially with layering. The JD-990 ist also great, especially with the analog voice card.

4th August 2008	#19
philosi Gear maniac Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 296	Who needs MIDI for pads? Really, If you cant play whole notes in 2 or 3 voice chords into a hard disk.... Just kidding (kind of)

5th August 2008	#23
muziksculp Lives for gear Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,057	If my memory serve's me correctly, the ROLAND D-70 Keyboard was able to produce some fantastic pad sound/textures. I never owned a D-70, but did own a JD-990 (Sadly I sold it, I wish I did not, IMHO it's now a classic Roland Module ! Roland JD-990, D-50, Korg Trinity Rack are all great HW synths for producing PAD sounds. I currently use a Virus Ti keyboard, it can produce some great sounding pads, and atmospheric textures, I also layer some Ti pads with my Yamaha Motif XS7 for added variety, and character. I'm very happy with the results.

5th August 2008	#24
dietrich10 Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 875	990 are great deals for the current street price. friend who is also GS member is selling one. get nice Euro to USD rate right now even with the shipping!

5th August 2008	#25
JOliver Gear maniac Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 208	without a doubt the early oberheims were the kings of pads OB-X, OB-Xa, and obviously two, four and 8 voice systems. I like jupiter 8 as well... under 400 euro I dont really think you can get "great" pads maybe ok. juno 60 is a good bet

6th August 2008	#30
revstate 3 + infractions, forum membership suspended. Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 619	my favorite synth for pads is the polysix if you can find one used for a good price, make sure the battery has not leaked get it, sounds like early neworder (same chips as the voyetra 8) and it has the greatest sounding analog ensemble effect ever it doesn't come with midi, but you can get a kit for a good price, and you might want to replace the fake wood case if it is really ugly (custom synths is perfect for this) other than that, i love all of the polysynths that have the cem 3374 (xpander/m12/chroma polaris/vx600) best curtis chip ever also, almost all of the vintage string machines sound amazing, so if you like software get the vsm plug from gmedia