OK You Guys...Hardware Synth's or Software Synth's?

[rallycapmusic]

And Why?

Sound quality, I would have to go with hardware synth's. Sounds more warmer, richer and thicker. Software synth's sound thin and phony. You have to "dress em up" a lil to get them even close to hardware synth's.

Software synth's IMO are just more accessible and cheaper to come by. A little more portable than carrying around a keyboard but..hey! thats just MY opinion.

Would love to hear you guys opinions also.

[Lipps]

Virtual instruments are like virtual sex! I prefer the REAL DEAL

[WestBerliner]

hardware for me. I definitely like the feel of a hardware synth with knobs to turn and so on, and i've always found VSTs to sound a little 'sterile". they sound almost too clean..i dont know if that makes any sense, but most VSTs tend to lack character for me. i work faster with hardware as well, i know the layout of my synths and i know where to find things in them, so i dont have to dig around the vst and figure it out. i guess im just too impatient for VSTs hahah

[The kosmos]

Wats gud 4 bass mane ?

[rallycapmusic]

Originally Posted by WestBerliner

I definitely like the feel of a hardware synth with knobs to turn and so on, and i've always found VSTs to sound a little 'sterile". they sound almost too clean..VSTs tend to lack character. i work faster with hardware as well, i know the layout of my synths and i know where to find things in them, so i dont have to dig around the vst and figure it out. i guess im just too impatient for VSTs hahah

VERY, VERY Good points. My feelings exactly. Software synth's tend to be a bit "slow" as far as the mouse fiddling or whatnot. At least with the keyboard or module i can GO str8 to the sound im looking for. Software synth's give me TOO MANY options. I spend more time dancing with options than making a beat.

Software synth are cool but i would on em before i give up my keyboards for em,lol!

[tommygee]

Well, if its a software based hardware synth i dont really see the difference......If its a real analog synth, like Prophet 5, Oberheim or Moog, then there's a difference.

I personally prefer BOTH. Softsynths also offers something that real analog synths dont offers.

So to me a combination is perfect. Lets say a Protools HD3 system with various softsynths/samplers and a small selection of analog synths; Se1 X, Prophet 5 and a oberheim from the 70s for instance.

[Farout]

FWIW - my 2¢ is that HardWare is the way.

Now wether or not you can be one of the lucky ones who can afford the hardware that you desire for your productions is another story.

In my bedroom lab, I used to have a Fantom, Motif, MC-909, MS-2000, VS-1880, Digi 002, and some other things. I sold all but the VS-1880 so we could let one of our children have their own room - I actually offered to do that, but my wife told me it wasn't necessary (go figure!).

Now I am at a place where I wish I still had all of my hardware. Although I am writing a lot of tunes these days (inside of Logic), I miss the feel of everything. Not to mention, when I had the hardware, I could do everything so expeditiously - granted - I am doing things fairly quick in Logic, but it is different.

There is the issue of recall-ability with Soft-Synths. There's something very cool, and relaxing about being able to open a session, and have all of your settings laid out for you. You can still have that luxury with some hardware units, but not all of them.

With that said - IMHO - hardware is the way to geaux (in most cases).

From a creative standpoint, it just works for me.

[larrygates]

I've got a Kurzweil K2600 XS (for sale) Emu E4 Platinum (kind of for sale) Ensoniq TS-10 (wish I had ASR-10) Korg Trinity, Minimoog D, Wurlitzer, JV-2080

Lots of Soft Synths too, but they ARE SO SLOW, unless you spend a day setting them up the way you like, and have a great program like Automap 2 & a Novation controller, or you write CC settings in your own Controller. God forbid, you re-install, or your board goes bad, then you have to do all that re-mapping for VSTi control.

Oh, btw, I'm getting rid of the K2600 for the Motif XS 6. That thing is perfect, so I guess you see where I'm coming from. I would get some Virtual Analog synths, like Andromeda, or some other VA's out there. But that's too much money right now.

Also, some HW synths act as VSTi's now. Which is a great plus, haven't seen it myself, but that is really where it's at.

[irthwirm]

Used to be a software whhore... got hooked on the hard shit. Go Hard or go Home.

[larrygates]

Originally Posted by WestBerliner

hardware for me. I definitely like the feel of a hardware synth with knobs to turn and so on, and i've always found VSTs to sound a little 'sterile". they sound almost too clean..i dont know if that makes any sense, but most VSTs tend to lack character for me. i work faster with hardware as well, i know the layout of my synths and i know where to find things in them, so i dont have to dig around the vst and figure it out. i guess im just too impatient for VSTs hahah

One of the bigger reasons for character drop off between HW & SW is the fact that pretty much ALL modern keyboards (workstations) have built in Effects that run all the time. Making things sound much better than they actually are. Not just verb, but usually modeling, EQ, comping, multi-band comping.

[Jay-]

Iv always found controllers to be Really cheap and plastic. I had a K2600 and sold it for fat cash and got a K2000. I never could get the knobs on the cheap controllers to map to VSTi. I always had "mystery" issues with VSTi simpley not working, (cause I was baked) software is at times very hardware demanding also so its not like its free you need solid computer parts.

Cons:
1. VSTi can drain CPU power
2. They need new modern fast hard drives.
3. Don't sound like a real Moog,
4. Worthless after 2 years.. (or $40)

Pluses:

1. Easy to backup a project (and all samples) and man that is a HUGE deal.
2. Sound pretty good!

But Im still using my K2000!!

[jikky]

I think the problem lies within software overload. Get select software to do select things. With hardware it's one interface and it takes a while to learn in and out. Treat software the same way. Learn it before you move on. Even ppl with lots of hardware make sh1t music because they don't take the time to learn it. Take slow steps to learning the VSTi and their capabilities the same way it should be done with hardware. After you thoroughly understand it, expand by filling in missing pieces slowly. Nobody goes and buys a Motif, Fantom, Korg, MPC4000, MV8800, Alesis Fusion, SE1X, Virus, Nord, etc at one time. They would make the same garbage that anyone on a computer makes who doesnt take the time to learn one piece at a time.

Also I have my Novations mapped to my software and the maps are saved to a backup disc. So I'm sitting on load and go. I think if the approach was different with respect to software, there wouldn't be a gap in quality. Some ppl make great music with software. Others feel the need to have every VSTi they own on each and every song. Don't overload it because you have it. Utilize it properly. Great debate!

[lpuma]

soft synth are cool, I like the "preset boxes" but for patch creation/real time control hardware wins hands down.

[ryst]

I am ALL software. I have no hardware synths samples or beat machines, just midi controllers. But I usually create my own synth patches. I use Ableton Live's Simpler and Kontakt as my sound manipulation tools. So basically I sample any and everything that makes a noise to my M-Audio Microtrack, load the samples into the computer, and make my own virtual instruments. Or I will sample my own guitars and create new virtual instruments from them. It gives my music it's own unique sound.

But.....I do have the Minimoog V, CS-80v, and Xpandi when I want something more "stock" sounding. And when I want REAL sounding instruments I have a few really good piano (Ivory and Bosendorfer Imperial Grand) and string libraries (EWQLSO Gold).

[sevendaysoff]

Originally Posted by The kosmos

Wats gud 4 bass mane ?

software: trilogy

hardware: moog

[Synthy08]

Originally Posted by sevendaysoff

software: trilogy

hardware: moog

for some reason i just dont like trilogy bass, am i the only one?.... i prefer live bass and bass from reason 4.0......oh yea and the moog vst bass

[Igotsoul4u]

Originally Posted by Synthy08

for some reason i just dont like trilogy bass, am i the only one?...s

you are definitely in the minority. trilogy sounds great to me.

[Synthy08]

Originally Posted by Igotsoul4u

you are definitely in the minority. trilogy sounds great to me.

lol....i knew i was the only one

[larrygates]

Originally Posted by Jay-

Iv always found controllers to be Really cheap and plastic. I had a K2600 and sold it for fat cash and got a K2000. I never could get the knobs on the cheap controllers to map to VSTi.

Um, WHERE DID YOU SELL YOUR K2600, because I'm def ready to get mine in someone else's hands. Also, I agree about cheap knobs. As none of the Kurz knobs are cheap. You can drop a dumbell on them and they'll still move smooth.

[Touchmaster]

Originally Posted by larrygates

I've got a Kurzweil K2600 XS (for sale) Emu E4 Platinum (kind of for sale) Ensoniq TS-10 (wish I had ASR-10) Korg Trinity, Minimoog D, Wurlitzer, JV-2080

Lots of Soft Synths too, but they ARE SO SLOW, unless you spend a day setting them up the way you like, and have a great program like Automap 2 & a Novation controller, or you write CC settings in your own Controller. God forbid, you re-install, or your board goes bad, then you have to do all that re-mapping for VSTi control.

Oh, btw, I'm getting rid of the K2600 for the Motif XS 6. That thing is perfect, so I guess you see where I'm coming from. I would get some Virtual Analog synths, like Andromeda, or some other VA's out there. But that's too much money right now.

Also, some HW synths act as VSTi's now. Which is a great plus, haven't seen it myself, but that is really where it's at.

The Andromeda sure as hell isnt virtual analogue. its the real deal mate. 16 voices of real analogue. Ive got one, they are great. You gotta programme your own sounds really, so, if you are a preset type, I wouldnt bother. Good call on the XS6 though, my Andromeda and XS6 combo is a lot of fun.

I used to use all softsynths but gradually got hardware, and one thing is for certain: its a lot more fun.

[Electronique]

Great thread guys..
Ive never seen this discussion on any forums before..

[Jay-]

Originally Posted by larrygates

Um, WHERE DID YOU SELL YOUR K2600, because I'm def ready to get mine in someone else's hands. Also, I agree about cheap knobs. As none of the Kurz knobs are cheap. You can drop a dumbell on them and they'll still move smooth.

I sold mine in florida. A guy liked how mine was setup and pre progroamed for Nuendo so he up and offered me $1800 and it was getting ~Old~ sure its great and sounds amazing but I was thinking "do I really want $2K tied up in this keyboard? SO I got a K2000 a cheap controller and saved the rest for an A6 but have not pulled the trigger on the A6. Im doing less and less post audio (soon to be just an independent artest or make my own digital films and thought, man.. to much cash sitting on a K2600 that is starting to act up, had to replace some velocity pads. When a guy offeres you ton of cash I guess you just take it...

[terrytee]

I will make use of both.

I have heard some shit hardware synths & shit soft ones too.

Analogue synths like the mini moog sound great for bass & some leads, The digital/soft-synth often covers my needs for pads, strings & so on.

BTW outside of analogue synths i go straight to the soft ones as the digital workstations stuff, like the triton & motif, never really blew me away.

[PettyCash]

Both!

In regards to what I do, no one can really tell the difference except for me.

[rallycapmusic]

Originally Posted by Electronique

Great thread guys..
Ive never seen this discussion on any forums before..

Very Welcome!

[CharlesD]

Originally Posted by Hot Lipps

Virtual instruments are like virtual sex! I prefer the REAL DEAL

XA! i totaly agree!

[e-smile-z]

i mix both ...

so im still waiting for an andromed rack unit kind se 1x type...

i wish they would make one like that..

[Autotune Prophet]

Let me first say that I never have used hardware synths... so I can only speak on software synths:

VSTis are all I have ever used and they have NEVER prevented me from creating tracks that are on par with those you hear on commericial hip-hop albums.

That being said: maybe hardware synths are EVEN better than their "soft" (I remember an interview where Cool from Cool & Dre said: "ain't nothin soft about them [software synths]") counterparts and would take my skills to the next level... That I cannot say at the moment.

In the end: no need to rush for hardware: work with what you have and push it to the limits.

[Electronique]

Ive used very few VA hardware synths and just one real (or some would say not) Analog synth - DSI PolyEvolver Rack..
and.. Lots on softies.

Even though I havent had the pleasure of warming up old analog beasts, tweaking the plethora of knobs on board, and running them through other bits of hardware.... I still prefer soft synths.

Why?
Ease of use - Nothing better than pressing a button to bounce it to audio..
oh and the sound.. Well I think some soft synths rock!! Fair enough they dont have that analog warmth or feel?? But hey just whack a few UAD plugs on there and your laughing.

[Touchmaster]

Originally Posted by terrytee

I will make use of both.

I have heard some shit hardware synths & shit soft ones too.

Analogue synths like the mini moog sound great for bass & some leads, The digital/soft-synth often covers my needs for pads, strings & so on.

BTW outside of analogue synths i go straight to the soft ones as the digital workstations stuff, like the triton & motif, never really blew me away.

i agreed wholeheartedly and was totally anti rompler but then I checked out the XS, and it sounds so nice for acoustic instruments I picked one up and I now find it a very valuable part of the workflow...

regarding the age old question of soft vs hard, there is no doubt that soft can sound perfectly good, I just think hardware is more enjoyable and intuitive to use and thats why I went down that route.... I still use battery for drums and kontakt for samples though, when you are talking about soft stuff its all in the processing. Generally hardware sounds better straight away, which just makes life easier. at the end of the day, a good producer could make something good with either.