EDIT: Currently using: Korg MS-20LC, Ensoniq VFX, Sylenth1, z3ta+
I'm looking for a hardware synth that is either 61 keys or a desktop module. I want to use it primarily as a bassline and lead machine. I want it to have an aggressive sound with a bite in the upper mid and high's. "Ballsy" might be another word I'm looking for. I want the interface to be very immediate, as I want this to be my go-to synth for simpler sounds. Must have atleast 2 osc's, velocity sensitivity, and MIDI.
So far I've been recommended a...
Virus A/B
Alpha Juno/Juno 106
JX-8P
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Ambient House Meets Western Guitar, May 2013
Quote:
Originally Posted by atma
so wait, this thread won't show me how to be skrillex?
Yeah, I see lots of Virus B's pop up around my craigslist and on ebay. It and one of the Juno's were my only preexisting ideas. Would you say that a Virus B would be distinct from sylenth or z3ta?
I use to freaking love my Nords (well I still do I suppose) but do some digging and you'll find that some of the original team behind the NL1 did some software work soon after that using the exact same "algorithms" (catch phrase!) and I'll be damned if it isn't almost exactly the same minus being way cheaper.
You get to do the digging. And it's not Discovery Pro.
I use to freaking love my Nords (well I still do I suppose) but do some digging and you'll find that some of the original team behind the NL1 did some software work soon after that using the exact same "algorithms" (catch phrase!) and I'll be damned if it isn't almost exactly the same minus being way cheaper.
You get to do the digging. And it's not Discovery Pro.
Uh, that's not nice. Fess up. After a half hour on Google I dig up nothing.
How into programming patches are you? I love the ESQ1 for quite a bit of the stuff that you're talking about, but you have to get into it to make it sound REALLY good. It's also a hella cheap synth and a good first hardware piece to have.
Virus models are alright, but they have a very specific purpose, and I find that their sound just isn't that INTERESTING. It's good for bassy stabs and fat detuned saws though :] I wouldn't go with the 106 for what you want to do - The virus would be better. I am also not a huge fan of nords (except the Nord Modular - Love that little guy!)
If you are a very experienced programmer, I would recommend some others. Viruses sound good for your purposes right out of the box.
Your ms-20 doesn't cut it? Maybe Minitaur, or a mopho module? My ballsy go to synth has always been my micron (and I own a little phatty) to me it has so much warmth and character. You can add a controller for the extra keys. Look into it, it's a fun little synth that's great for bass & leads!
How into programming patches are you? I love the ESQ1 for quite a bit of the stuff that you're talking about, but you have to get into it to make it sound REALLY good. It's also a hella cheap synth and a good first hardware piece to have.
Virus models are alright, but they have a very specific purpose, and I find that their sound just isn't that INTERESTING. It's good for bassy stabs and fat detuned saws though :] I wouldn't go with the 106 for what you want to do - The virus would be better. I am also not a huge fan of nords (except the Nord Modular - Love that little guy!)
If you are a very experienced programmer, I would recommend some others. Viruses sound good for your purposes right out of the box.
AH!!!!! I've been on the lookout for a ESQ-1 since LAST SUMMER! I can't tell you how many times I've found one, had the money in my hand, and the deal fell through. Last summer they were going for $150, now I see they've hit about $300+ on average. That's fine, it's just I really like to buy synths local, and I'm not a fan of ebay when it comes to fragile things, but maybe I should just bite the bullet.
I'm not extremely experienced, I can read basic signal flow (I.E. like on the MS-20) and have a basic understanding of electronics (I'm at Uni for engineering). However, for the most part, not much can throw me off when it comes to subtractive synthesis. Other types, I'm not as confident in.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nizzyo
Your ms-20 doesn't cut it? Maybe Minitaur, or a mopho module? My ballsy go to synth has always been my micron (and I own a little phatty) to me it has so much warmth and character. You can add a controller for the extra keys. Look into it, it's a fun little synth that's great for bass & leads!
I love the MS-20, but for me, it takes alot of EQing and Post-FX to get it to fit with modern production standards. If I was going the Com Truise or Eurythmics route, it'd be fine, but I'm aiming for fairly polished production, and I get burned out quickly when i have to layer 3 different ms-20 sounds ontop of each other for a lead, EQ them to fit with each other, then eq them to fit into the mix, and then repeat for each other lead that might come around. Something more modern sounding right out of the box would be easier to deal with.
Your ms-20 doesn't cut it? Maybe Minitaur, or a mopho module? My ballsy go to synth has always been my micron (and I own a little phatty) to me it has so much warmth and character. You can add a controller for the extra keys. Look into it, it's a fun little synth that's great for bass & leads!
He's using an MS20 LC (Legacy Collection = MIDI Controller + Software)
Have you looked at the Microkorg? It's tiny and doesn't fit your size specs, but that thing is punchy!
AH!!!!! I've been on the lookout for a ESQ-1 since LAST SUMMER! I can't tell you how many times I've found one, had the money in my hand, and the deal fell through. Last summer they were going for $150, now I see they've hit about $300+ on average. That's fine, it's just I really like to buy synths local, and I'm not a fan of ebay when it comes to fragile things, but maybe I should just bite the bullet.
I'm not extremely experienced, I can read basic signal flow (I.E. like on the MS-20) and have a basic understanding of electronics (I'm at Uni for engineering). However, for the most part, not much can throw me off when it comes to subtractive synthesis. Other types, I'm not as confident in.
Go for the ESQ1 :] And try to get the metal-body version! I have many more expensive and prestigious synths, but my ESQ1 will never leave my collection, and I always love playing it and recalling the patches that I've made over the years and would only sound good on that thing.
He's using an MS20 LC (Legacy Collection = MIDI Controller + Software)
Have you looked at the Microkorg? It's tiny and doesn't fit your size specs, but that thing is punchy!
BAH! I forgot about it TBH. I always wanted one of those, the guy I bought the LC from had a Micro sitting ontop of his NL2 and he said it was the best thing ever, made it on all his tracks. How easy is it to edit?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Septik
Go for the ESQ1 :] And try to get the metal-body version! I have many more expensive and prestigious synths, but my ESQ1 will never leave my collection, and I always love playing it and recalling the patches that I've made over the years and would only sound good on that thing.
I think I'll get BOTH! Thanks. Hopefully I can come by both of them before July. Are the ESQ-1's with the metal bodies named differently?
BAH! I forgot about it TBH. I always wanted one of those, the guy I bought the LC from had a Micro sitting ontop of his NL2 and he said it was the best thing ever, made it on all his tracks. How easy is it to edit?
I think I'll get BOTH! Thanks. Hopefully I can come by both of them before July. Are the ESQ-1's with the metal bodies named differently?
Nope. The metal body one (if I'm not mistaken) is the only one with the analog filter though. They started making them with plastic bodies a little later.
Also, look into the Arturia MiniBrute that is going to be released soon. It's getting a lot of hype and (if the real thing sounds anything like the prototype demo) is a little beast for bass stuff, and all kinds of other classic analog sounds. And it's gonna cost $499 NEW!
I use to freaking love my Nords (well I still do I suppose) but do some digging and you'll find that some of the original team behind the NL1 did some software work soon after that using the exact same "algorithms" (catch phrase!) and I'll be damned if it isn't almost exactly the same minus being way cheaper.
You get to do the digging. And it's not Discovery Pro.
You be trolling son, I don't see anything like that on the interwebs.
I'm looking for a hardware synth that is either 61 keys or a desktop module. I want to use it primarily as a bassline and lead machine. I want it to have an aggressive sound with a bite in the upper mid and high's. "Ballsy" might be another word I'm looking for. I want the interface to be very immediate, as I want this to be my go-to synth for simpler sounds. Must have atleast 2 osc's, velocity sensitivity, and MIDI.
I don't know if it has been recommended already but highlighting the keywords above in your post and my choice has always been the Moog Slim Phatty. The overdrive is sweet, the ability to run audio thru it is an added bonus. Yes it is analog and requires some of the usual warming up, but when it comes to bass, aggressive sounds and leads, it is my first choice.
I'll check out the slim phatty, I've admittedly been shy of Moog products in the past, mostly because of the prices. I played with a little phatty once, but that was awhile back, i was at guitar center to check out a Jupiter 80. Didn't really give it much thought. Although the slim phatty has the form factor and interface I'd prefer. I might see if i can swoop it up for a decent price. Could be nice just to have.
Definitely getting the microkorg and ESQ-1 though.
I'll check out the slim phatty, I've admittedly been shy of Moog products in the past, mostly because of the prices. I played with a little phatty once, but that was awhile back, i was at guitar center to check out a Jupiter 80. Didn't really give it much thought. Although the slim phatty has the form factor and interface I'd prefer. I might see if i can swoop it up for a decent price. Could be nice just to have.
Definitely getting the microkorg and ESQ-1 though.
I'd recommend saving and going for the Arturia MiniBrute and the ESQ1. That thing looks like it will be a beast, and at only $499 new, there's really no reason not to get it. It's just an unarguable good idea.
... some of the original team behind the NL1 did some software work soon after that using the exact same "algorithms" (catch phrase!) and I'll be damned if it isn't almost exactly the same minus being way cheaper.
You get to do the digging. And it's not Discovery Pro.
this is the second time you've mentioned this (also in the Nord Drum thread), why don't you just say what it is?
__________________ your gear list does not impress me.
All the recommendations for MiniBrute, etc. ignore the OP's original statement about wanting 61 keys.
I have a 106 and a Virus TI2 and I can tell you that you would be crazy to spend the money that 106's are going for these days for what you get. I love mine but got it with a steel flight case for about $300 bucks. Those days are gone.
The Virus keybed is spectacular so if you can find a used TI that should definitely fit your needs. The Ti's have great onboard effects also which makes a very big difference.
On a separate note, I don't understand why you can't get what you need out of your existing soft synths. I have Z3Ta 2 and you should be able to get decent bass out of it and definitely decent lead sounds. I think if you are willing to look at other soft synths why not get Trilian from Spectrasonics? I have that and can tell you that you will get all the bass you need with that beast. Believe me, I understand the attraction of dedicated hardware but for the price of what you are looking at you could probably get Omnisphere, Trilian, and the Moog Expansion library and really shine.
All the recommendations for MiniBrute, etc. ignore the OP's original statement about wanting 61 keys.
I have a 106 and a Virus TI2 and I can tell you that you would be crazy to spend the money that 106's are going for these days for what you get. I love mine but got it with a steel flight case for about $300 bucks. Those days are gone.
The Virus keybed is spectacular so if you can find a used TI that should definitely fit your needs. The Ti's have great onboard effects also which makes a very big difference.
On a separate note, I don't understand why you can't get what you need out of your existing soft synths. I have Z3Ta 2 and you should be able to get decent bass out of it and definitely decent lead sounds. I think if you are willing to look at other soft synths why not get Trilian from Spectrasonics? I have that and can tell you that you will get all the bass you need with that beast. Believe me, I understand the attraction of dedicated hardware but for the price of what you are looking at you could probably get Omnisphere, Trilian, and the Moog Expansion library and really shine.
Just my two cents.
I agree. If you've got some decent software, it seems a bit silly to duplicate it in hardware. I hear what you say about the Phatty, but there always seems to be 15% off sales at Guitar Center if you're near one. It's got a very hard and agressive sound (though that can be dialed in or out to taste)
Even the modestly priced MoPho blows away every hardware and software VA I've ever owned for bass. I've heard them go for pretty cheap on eBay. Microkorg? I think you'd be wasting your money. It's not really better sounding than z3ta.
I know you said desktop or 61 Keys, so in that case you might want to look at the Prophet '08 or PolyEvolver. The Evolver never clicked for me, but I love my Prophet '08. People say it's not great for bass because it lacks a sub osc, but that's b.s. You can stack voices and create giant bass sounds.
I've heard really good things about it, plus its small so I could take it places, I hear it has the same engine as the MS2000 (Or was it the radias?) anyway, I've always wanted on, just forgot they existed temporarily. I might have to wait depending on how much the ESQ-1 costs though.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Septik
I'd recommend saving and going for the Arturia MiniBrute and the ESQ1. That thing looks like it will be a beast, and at only $499 new, there's really no reason not to get it. It's just an unarguable good idea.
I definitely plan on checking the brute out, however I'm going to wait 'till the smoke clears. Hopefully GS'll love it and give me the courage to go out and buy it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kpsiegel
All the recommendations for MiniBrute, etc. ignore the OP's original statement about wanting 61 keys.
I have a 106 and a Virus TI2 and I can tell you that you would be crazy to spend the money that 106's are going for these days for what you get. I love mine but got it with a steel flight case for about $300 bucks. Those days are gone.
The Virus keybed is spectacular so if you can find a used TI that should definitely fit your needs. The Ti's have great onboard effects also which makes a very big difference.
On a separate note, I don't understand why you can't get what you need out of your existing soft synths. I have Z3Ta 2 and you should be able to get decent bass out of it and definitely decent lead sounds. I think if you are willing to look at other soft synths why not get Trilian from Spectrasonics? I have that and can tell you that you will get all the bass you need with that beast. Believe me, I understand the attraction of dedicated hardware but for the price of what you are looking at you could probably get Omnisphere, Trilian, and the Moog Expansion library and really shine.
Just my two cents.
I love z3ta+ and Sylenth1, they both do exactly what I want when it comes to softsynths. Infact, I really see no reason to own anything else (except that ElectroX(sp?) from the guys who make Gladiator, that things legit) Anyway, this is simply about WANT more than need I guess. Sometimes I like to just sit down on a saturday and program patches for fun, and its much easier to do that with hardware.
Plus, I've come to the point where I have the necessary ingredients to make pancakes,now I just want to try out different brands of batter and syrup.
Quote:
Originally Posted by zerocrossing
I agree. If you've got some decent software, it seems a bit silly to duplicate it in hardware. I hear what you say about the Phatty, but there always seems to be 15% off sales at Guitar Center if you're near one. It's got a very hard and agressive sound (though that can be dialed in or out to taste)
Even the modestly priced MoPho blows away every hardware and software VA I've ever owned for bass. I've heard them go for pretty cheap on eBay. Microkorg? I think you'd be wasting your money. It's not really better sounding than z3ta.
I know you said desktop or 61 Keys, so in that case you might want to look at the Prophet '08 or PolyEvolver. The Evolver never clicked for me, but I love my Prophet '08. People say it's not great for bass because it lacks a sub osc, but that's b.s. You can stack voices and create giant bass sounds.
Can you edit sounds from the desktop module mopho? I know there are editor librarians but can you edit every parameter with the front panel knobs?
Location: Putting the ass back into asset to the abbey
Posts: 127
For how you're saying you want to use it, I would not get anything that's not fully knobbed and slidered out, like the Minibrute. But just in case you fall in love with the sound:
To everyone curios about my Nord comment I'll make this a game and give some hints!
Here are three clues, each clue leads to a word, the combination of those words is the quickest path via Google.
Easter just passed, outside of bunnies and eggs many people celebrate the ------ of Jesus. (and we are going to want to go more Thesaurus than direct word here)
Someday, if one of you invents something super awesome it might end up in a -------.
What are we wondering about here? A ------ of course! Duh!
And remember, the best Googlers think of esoteric routes to get to the same conclusion that others may have failed to find.
Don't just search for key words (unless you figure out the "riddle") think bigger. Geography, relations, communities, like minded hobbies..... History!
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