What synth to start with...

[sn0wday]

I've decided I really don't want to use other people patches at least for bass/synths/sounds, and then later on worry about drums, FX, etc.

Ideally, I'd like to choose a synth and stick with it for a while and really master it, something like Massive, FM8, Reaktor, etc.

I've watched a bunch of tutorials in massive on youtube (although it's frustrating to learn when the majority are 'how to be skrillex'), and am sort of getting the hang of it. But either way, practice practice practice.

But now i'm hearing more and more, you'll get cleaner, more original synths from FM8, massive is easily heard in most dubstep these days, etc.

Whether or not all this is true it sure makes me uneasy about devoting myself to delve into massive entirely. And FM8 seems like it operates ENTIRELY different, so switching over after being decent at Massive would probably be frustrating.

Not trying to sound like, 'what is the best synth' or anything, because I know a lot of it is preference, but before I invest a huge chunk of time into something I'd like to know what I'm getting into.

Thoughts? Advice?

[Hircine]

There are tons of good soft synths out there, but I'm a NI guy.

For a starter I'd stay away from Absynth and Reaktor. I dislike FM8 and fm synthesis, but that's a personal opinion. Massive is great for starters, it's really straight foward and simple to use. Once you get the grip of it, I'd suggest moving to Absynth. You can start designing your own waveforms, it has some really distinctive FXs and filters. Plus the audio in and the granulizer are awesome.

But there are tons of other good soft synths out there like z3ta+ or predator just to name a few, try every demo you can.

[Versuz]

you should learn massive inside and out either way cause its a versatile synth. you can get some sick sounds out of FM8 but massive is easier imo.

[billybuxton]

I recommend Ni Razor.
Very cool synth and not completely different from Massive.


Id love to get too grips with FM8 but it confuses the shit outa me

[Hircine]

I recommend Ni Razor.
Very cool synth and not completely different from Massive.


Id love to get too grips with FM8 but it confuses the shit outa me

It's an additive synth, quite different from massive's wavetable.

[Eat Bass]

check out faw circle. i heard a lot of people are into it. ill-esha recommends it too. i might nab it for only 69 bucks...

[billybuxton]

It's an additive synth, quite different from massive's wavetable.

I mean the overall layout.

I don't understand the whole science of synthesis, but i don't think its much different to Massive

[Hircine]

In additive you stacking sine waves trying to get harmonics from the different interactions between then. I'd say that Razor is more unique sounding than Massive and I use it a lot, but Massive is far more simple and versatile when reproducing a sound.

[deadly_habit]

learn whatever is included with your DAW first, once you actually learn synthesis and feel limited by what you have then explore other options that cost more money

[nowaysj]

If you start with fm8, you will only use presets, forget about it. Start (and finish) with Massive, it is extremely easy to use. The easiest of feature rich synths.

[jbcrazy]

Massive is the best for versatility and ease. The brostep in a box plug in. Programming is a breeze.

I say mess with all synths. Eventually you will master one but to say which one fits you best is a toughie. Absynth fm8 razer great. I personally love electrax zebra and albino. They all teach you different aspects of synthesis.

[mitchAUS]

Massive is the best for versatility and ease. The brostep in a box plug in. Programming is a breeze.

I say mess with all synths. Eventually you will master one but to say which one fits you best is a toughie. Absynth fm8 razer great. I personally love electrax zebra and albino. They all teach you different aspects of synthesis.

You must be loaded, thats got to be close to a grands worth of VST's.

[Rymphony]

massive is probably the best for a beginner. its so simple but good

[wub]

learn whatever is included with your DAW first, once you actually learn synthesis and feel limited by what you have then explore other options that cost more money

+1 on this suggestion.

[wormcode]

Yeah, some synths that are included in DAWs are better than a lot of the ones you can buy separately.
Don't go spending big money on VSTs either. Many of the free ones are way better than some of the ones that cost a lot. Check here for just a couple of amazing free ones: www.u-he.com

Otherwise, I'll be the odd one out and recommend against Massive/NI.
If I were starting out right now, I would pick Sylenth or Albino. Both are top of the line virtual synths, easy to learn and will provide you with knowledge that can carry over to other synths.

[Electric_Head]

Tal Noisemaker to start with.
Get a copy of Computer music magazine and use the free Z3ta
try Tyrell N6, Oatmeal.

[VirtualMark]

Firstly NI Razor is nothing like Massive. Razor is an additive synth and sounds very different.

Secondly, fuck learning the synths in your DAW. That's bad advice imo as they're usually pretty crap. Choose a decent synth that's popular among pro's rather than a lame one nobody uses. There is a reason these synths are popular, no need to fly in the face of common sense.

Some have suggested Massive, i can't disagree. It has a wide range of modulation options and a very easy inteface, and is capable of a wide range of sounds. FM8 is also a very capable synth, but is probably a bit harder to learn as it's not as intuitive as Massive.

Anyhow, you have the right idea, choose one and learn it really well. Personally i love to use Massive, FM8, U-He Diva and Ace, NI Razor, Camel Alchemy. Best thing to do is try a few out and see which you'd like to put some time into learning.

[leeany]

I'd say Z3ta, lots of possibilities but not too complex to understand

[Perej]

u-he zebra is much better than any other suggested thus far.

[Electric_Head]

u-he zebra is much better than any other suggested thus far.

It`s not good for a starting synth.
It is very complex and requires a basic understanding of synthesis to really get the best out of it.

If the op is just planning on preset jumping then fine it sounds awesome but for synthesis it can be tough.