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What are people thinking of hardware synths these days?

I've got a Roland D-50 but it takes the piss to build patches.

I want something that isn't screen based (ie Novation Ultranova), or has a software program to modify its sounds, don't need any more soft synths.

Suggestions?

khamiz wrote:

Suggestions?

http://www.dubstepforum.com/viewforum.php?f=8

not trying to be a cock, but, the production board may be of more help if you haven't already tried there.

I used to have a Korg MS-2000, and its pretty much my goal in life to get back into hardware after having to sell it. Shit was nice, but patches were still a little goofy to work with, but it looks easier than that D-50. It was pretty pricey though.

Can't ever go wrong with a microkorg if you don't mind having a digital synth, imo.

kidshuffle wrote:

khamiz wrote:

Suggestions?

http://www.dubstepforum.com/viewforum.php?f=8

not trying to be a cock, but, the production board may be of more help if you haven't already tried there.

Hadn't occurred to me really, don't tend to leave the hideout much but in retrospect it would be a better place ..

Microkorg looks like a sound synth but everyone seems to hate it, why?

I remember a hardware discussion in here a few months back(?), can't be bothered finding it. kidshuffle is right though, this is one best aimed at the Production board.

My only criticism of the microkorg is the crappy keyboard but thats easy to get around.

kidshuffle wrote: Can't ever go wrong with a microkorg if you don't mind having a digital synth, imo.

And then MAYBE someday you'll be this good

khamiz wrote: Hadn't occurred to me really, don't tend to leave the hideout much but in retrospect it would be a better place ..

Microkorg looks like a sound synth but everyone seems to hate it, why?

its all good, just trying to get you some better opinions

Yeah the keyboard on the microkorg is just so small...but like said before, that can be worked around

The keyboard was the least of my problems with the MicroKorg. It's like a Playskool synth.

I say save up and get a vintage synth.

I already have a Roland D-50, it takes a phenomenal amount of effort to create a new patch.

I just want a logical, non-screen based (I don't mind an LCD I just don't want a MIDI controller with a VST on a screen) synth, for a reasonable amount of money, £200-£450.

Compared with something like Blue by Rob Papen I'd agree, its much less powerful, but what is it you hate so much about it, specifically?

I prefer synths where you have complete control of the sound right there on the keyboard.

That isn't a specific issue with the Microkorg though, what is it that makes it a playschool synth?

^ nothing. microkorg is dope. the 2step bass and sub patches are GIGANTIC.

khamiz wrote:What are people thinking of hardware synths these days?

I've got a Roland D-50 but it takes the piss to build patches.

I want something that isn't screen based (ie Novation Ultranova), or has a software program to modify its sounds, don't need any more soft synths.

Suggestions?

Access virus TI snow. 'nuff said. Full plugin integration with your DAW. Gorgeous sounds.

Do you want mono or polyphonic?

If you need just mono go analogue and get a Vermona Lancet or a Doepfer Dark Energy, both are cheap and sound awesome and have all the controls there in front of you.

If you want poly don't bother with analogue unless your prepared to pay over £800. Novation Supernova 2, MS2000 or Roland JP8080 all meet the brief you mention and are all fairly cheap on the second hand market and are nice alternatives to the Access Virus and Nord Lead synths.

khamiz wrote:I already have a Roland D-50, it takes a phenomenal amount of effort to create a new patch.

I just want a logical, non-screen based (I don't mind an LCD I just don't want a MIDI controller with a VST on a screen) synth, for a reasonable amount of money, £200-£450.

Compared with something like Blue by Rob Papen I'd agree, its much less powerful, but what is it you hate so much about it, specifically?

I've not used a MicroKorg, but it's fairly light on knobs isn't it? If I was going to get some hardware for production (rather than because I wanted a keyboard to play in a band or something) I'd want something with approximately one knob per parameter for properly hands on sound design.

For £200-£450 you're pretty limited, I think, particularly if you want a keyboard as well. But yeah, second hand VAs (MS-2000, JP-8000, Nord Lead, Alesis Ion etc) might be good. Personally I'm waiting for the Korg Monotribe to actually come out, although that's a bit random.

Speaking of which, do any of the new budget analogue monos actually come as keyboards? Do people with (say) a Dark Energy all just have it hooked up to a controller or what?

DSI Mopho Keyboard, I suppose.

amphibian wrote:

khamiz wrote:What are people thinking of hardware synths these days?

I've got a Roland D-50 but it takes the piss to build patches.

I want something that isn't screen based (ie Novation Ultranova), or has a software program to modify its sounds, don't need any more soft synths.

Suggestions?

Access virus TI snow. 'nuff said. Full plugin integration with your DAW. Gorgeous sounds.

I'd buy a house though.

I'll second the Korg MS-2000

JP-8000 looks really nice, and the MS2000 looks like what I'm after for the price.

Is there anywhere more reliable to find one of these than Ebay? I hate buying music tech off Ebay, can't test it and people tend to lie about their state of repair.

Thanks for all the help btw.

I'm no expert, but isn't the whole point of using hardware synths in the studio to get that slightly unpredictable, raw sound from VCOs that add character? My point being that many hardware synths like the MicroKorg are 'virtual analogue' so they're not gonna have authentic imperfections and surely you might as well just use a soft synth?

Having a bunch of knobs and a keyboard so you can make some sounds and play a tune without having to look at the computer is the other big advantage.