Using Analog Synth Filters

[almostskate100]

Hey all,

I'm sure this might seem like a basic/trivial question to those of you who have more experience with hardware, but I was curious: do people often use the filters on an analog synth as a form of outboard processing? Something I've wanted to try doing to my mixes is routing them through some form of analog circuitry before mastering to get a bit of extra noise/warmth. Would this be a possible way to achieve this?

I don't actually own a hardware synth myself (yet), otherwise I would've just tried this out. Thanks

~almost

[Brothulhu]

That would work I believe. This thread may be of interest to you if you want a some cheap analog warmth - http://www.dubstepforum.com/viewtopic.p ... p#p3321703

[almostskate100]

hmm really interesting. Thanks man. I'll have to check this out - I really want to get more into hardware, but the upfront cost is crazy >.<

[Brothulhu]

Try places like gumtree or craigslist, plenty of samplers for around 100-200 pounds that would get you started.

I'm waiting for a E-MU sampler with a zplane filter to come up on Edinburgh Gumtree...

[fragments]

I use my DSI Mopho desktop as just a filter module on almost all my tracks these days (in fact it gets more use as a low pass filter than a synth on some tracks!).

FWIW, I got my Mopho desktop for about 265USD used on eBay. The filter is pretty aggressive, but I assume that isn't an issue for someone posting on DSF ;p

[wolf89]

I got a Korg MS-20. It's sick as you can route external audio through the filters due to it's semi-modular nature and the filters have a real dirty sound to them especially when cranking the resonance on them up a bit,

[fragments]

I got a Korg MS-20. It's sick as you can route external audio through the filters due to it's semi-modular nature and the filters have a real dirty sound to them especially when cranking the resonance on them up a bit,

In what other ways can you use external audio w the ms 20? Im in the market for another analog mono synth and am quite interested in the ms 20 becuase of the routing and using external audio/cv.

[test_recordings]

Analogue warmth is 2nd and other even order harmonics. You could get a valve compressor or some, I know a guy that run his entire mix to tape as wellv

[almostskate100]

I use my DSI Mopho desktop as just a filter module on almost all my tracks these days (in fact it gets more use as a low pass filter than a synth on some tracks!).

FWIW, I got my Mopho desktop for about 265USD used on eBay. The filter is pretty aggressive, but I assume that isn't an issue for someone posting on DSF ;p

Haha, i dont really make dubstep actually. Mostly mellow, textural stuff - so aggressive might not be the best option for me, but ill definitely give it a look!

I got a Korg MS-20. It's sick as you can route external audio through the filters due to it's semi-modular nature and the filters have a real dirty sound to them especially when cranking the resonance on them up a bit,

In what other ways can you use external audio w the ms 20? Im in the market for another analog mono synth and am quite interested in the ms 20 becuase of the routing and using external audio/cv.

I'm curious about this as well and in general, how you're liking the MS-20 so far. That synth is currently at the top of my list, but ive only played around with it for about an hour or so in the local shop.

Analogue warmth is 2nd and other even order harmonics. You could get a valve compressor or some, I know a guy that run his entire mix to tape as wellv

I've heard a lot about running mixes through tape, and I know there's a recent thread floating around specifically about that. I'll have to check it out.

[test_recordings]

It's pretty simple: just send everything to a line level out then play it pretty loud on to the tape to naturally compress it. Doesn't add harmonics but can make everything melt together nicely. If you find one with a valve preamp, all the better - that'll add harmonics AND make it melt if you use the valve to boost the level on to the tape.

You don't have to do it yourself either, just find someone who masters tracks using analogue equipment, especially a valve compressor, and request that they add the necessary touches if possible. My mate makes disco/housey stuff and has some records released as "p e a c e FIRE" that he had done that way (or at least analogue mastered) by someone in London. Check out his stuff if you're interested http://peacefire.bandcamp.com/ he does use a fair bit of analogue equipment himself though, like drum machines and synths

[fragments]

I use my DSI Mopho desktop as just a filter module on almost all my tracks these days (in fact it gets more use as a low pass filter than a synth on some tracks!).

FWIW, I got my Mopho desktop for about 265USD used on eBay. The filter is pretty aggressive, but I assume that isn't an issue for someone posting on DSF ;p

Haha, i dont really make dubstep actually. Mostly mellow, textural stuff - so aggressive might not be the best option for me, but ill definitely give it a look!

I might recommend something by Moog or that emulates the Moog LPF. Another option is the Vermona Mono Desktop Lancet or Arturia Minibrute. If you are really just looking for an analog filter the Electrix Filter Factory is fantastic and you can find good deals on them pretty often. They are discontinued, but I use mine constantly and so far so good : ) Akai also makes a rackmount analog filter (also discontinued).

The thing to understand about analog equipment is this: yes, it does have a sound and it might be desirable. But it's not a magic wand. I've invested in a fair bit of analog equipment. I enjoy using it, it's more interesting to me when things are hands-on. And I'm able to impart a certain...texture?...to my mixes using it. But, when I make something that sucks...it sounds like something that sucks in analog ;p

[wolf89]

I got a Korg MS-20. It's sick as you can route external audio through the filters due to it's semi-modular nature and the filters have a real dirty sound to them especially when cranking the resonance on them up a bit,

In what other ways can you use external audio w the ms 20? Im in the market for another analog mono synth and am quite interested in the ms 20 becuase of the routing and using external audio/cv.

Well I've used a 909 rim shot sound playing a rhythm I programmed on my tempest plugged into the gate input on my MS-20 so that it triggers notes in that pattern and in time with the tempest.

Also I've plugged my guitar into it and used it as a controller before. This does however require some time tweaking the settings on the external signal processing bit on the front though.

It's possible to feedback the synth into itself too.

Essentially it has a pitch CV in, individual osc freq CV ins, Gate CV in, signal in before the filters, it has filter modulation in sockets too plus a load more. There's some cool routing you can do with it really and if you wanted to it could be to an extent combined with a modular set up if you really wanted.

in terms of it's sound I'm a big fan too. I'm using an original one so I can't compare to the new ones now (though they are supposed to sound the same as factory new originals apparently) and it really has the thick dirty sound that analogue synths are known for. The filters are great in particular.

[fragments]

^Thanks man. Nice little review and some interesting things you've done with it!

(also, very fucking jealous of your Tempest)

[almostskate100]

I use my DSI Mopho desktop as just a filter module on almost all my tracks these days (in fact it gets more use as a low pass filter than a synth on some tracks!).

FWIW, I got my Mopho desktop for about 265USD used on eBay. The filter is pretty aggressive, but I assume that isn't an issue for someone posting on DSF ;p

Haha, i dont really make dubstep actually. Mostly mellow, textural stuff - so aggressive might not be the best option for me, but ill definitely give it a look!

I might recommend something by Moog or that emulates the Moog LPF. Another option is the Vermona Mono Desktop Lancet or Arturia Minibrute. If you are really just looking for an analog filter the Electrix Filter Factory is fantastic and you can find good deals on them pretty often. They are discontinued, but I use mine constantly and so far so good : ) Akai also makes a rackmount analog filter (also discontinued).

The thing to understand about analog equipment is this: yes, it does have a sound and it might be desirable. But it's not a magic wand. I've invested in a fair bit of analog equipment. I enjoy using it, it's more interesting to me when things are hands-on. And I'm able to impart a certain...texture?...to my mixes using it. But, when I make something that sucks...it sounds like something that sucks in analog ;p

Thanks for all the recommendations man, ill have to do some more research for sure. The minibrute was another one I was checking out.

I totally get what you mean about analog gear not being a magical wand that makes all of your mixes perfect. Honestly, I think I'm more interested in the workflow aspect of it (as you mentioned). It would be cool to move away from the laptop every once in a while haha. Have you noticed any changes in your productivity or creativity after investing in analog hardware?

And yes - thanks Wolf89 for the info, the routing options sound really intriguing.