Best synth/workstation for sound design

[Hyphen8Sound]

Hey all,

Up until now I have been mostly using sample libraries and my own field recordings for my sound design elements (heavily tweaked of course). I love this approach, but have been thinking it is about time to start incorporating some synth sounds as well.

I'm wondering if anyone has any favorite modules or workstations to look at. Obviously I will demo everything I can to find the one that best fits my style, but I wanted to see what is best for creating sound effects. Ideally something that interfaces with Pro Tools nicely.

I am also looking for a nice controller, probably a 61-key keyboard with nice weighted keys.

Thanks a ton,
Jesse

[PoxyMusic]

I really like using Absynth, Massive and Kontakt.

[breaktheory]

I like absynth for spooky ethereal sounds and I use trilian a lot on the synth bass banks for low end movement. kontakt will be great for playing with those field recordings and they all work well with PT8...

[charles maynes]

My DX7IID and Indigo are what I use the most. And my Air Fx.

[mikevarela]

as for controllers, Novation always made great ones with loads of features, they come in all flavors. If you're a traditional piano guy then consider a fully weighted 88 key with midi (yamaha).

Native Instruments makes some of the best synths out there, they have a full package deal including the great absynth, plus a great sampler called kontakt and drum sampler battery. and if you're into sound design (computer style - then reaktor is very cool.

also the spektrsonics pakage as well

[Drorsh4]

I just love "NI Komplete" - I use them all, anything from Kontakt,Reactor Absynth, FM8, Massive and so on. I even use "Guitar rig" as an extreme tweaker.

But, my main tool, the ultimate of all tools is the "Omnisphere" - heavy, complex and uncompromising - once you know how to use it properly, you can do anything.

[Hyphen8Sound]

Thanks all for the great responses!

[postprosound]

What I really wish was someone would make a synclav replacement, which could be used as a plugin, and somhow use (or replicate) the clav's controller!!!