Synthesizers anyone?

http://cgi.ebay.com/MOOG-SYSTEM-55-MODULAR-VINTAGE-ANALOG-SYNTH-SYNTHESIZER-/220694741687?pt=Keyboards_MIDI&hash=item33626e82b7

Some discrepancies if Keith Emerson ever played it but......I can't imagine ever wanting another synthesizer after getting this one.

crimhead wrote: http://cgi.ebay.com/MOOG-SYSTEM-55-MODULAR-VINTAGE-ANALOG-SYNTH-SYNTHESIZER-/220694741687?pt=Keyboards_MIDI&hash=item33626e82b7 Some discrepancies if Keith Emerson ever played it but......I can't imagine ever wanting another synthesizer after getting this one.

Current bid:US $21,100.00

Santa's not going to be buying that.

Synthesizers anyone.
No thanks, I'm trying to cut down.

Actually I have had my eye on one of these:

Analog modeling and multiband vocoding in a compact, portable instrument.

With 37 keys and 128 user-rewritable programs, the Korg MicroKORG Synthesizer/Vocoder is perfect for the musician looking for a serious yet affordable synthesizer. It provides powerful synthesis with the same dual-oscillator DSP synthesis engine found in the MS2000, and offers a wider selection of waveforms than most other modeled synths. It also has an 8-band vocoder with many advanced features, a full range of effects, and a flexible arpeggiator. 2 audio inputs let you process other instruments through it. Also serves as a compact MIDI controller. Comes with its own microphone.

Powerful synthesis
The microKORG boasts the same dual-oscillator DSP synthesis engine found in Korg's critically acclaimed MS2000 and offers a wider selection of waveforms than any other modeled synth. Oscillator 1 features a total of 71 waveforms. These include traditional analog waves like saw, pulse, sine and noise, plus more unique choices like Vox wave and cross wave. Together they provide a cool selection that can be modulated to produce an extensive range of timbres. In addition, 64 exclusive DWGS waveforms from Korg's classic DW-8000 enable the microKORG to reproduce a broad collection of imitative sounds. Sounds like bells, electric pianos, guitars, basses and more that would be difficult reproduce on an analog synthesizer. You can also apply Ring and Sync modulation from Oscillator 2 to create the kind of complex timbres that are the true sign of an advanced synthesizer.

Four filter modes are available, offering -12 dB (2-pole) low pass, high pass and band pass configurations plus an extra steep -24 dB (4-pole) low pass setting. All include resonance. Two classic ADSR envelope generators and two MIDI-syncable LFOs provide the power to shape your sounds. Add a Virtual Patch matrix that lets you create advanced modulation settings—routing the Mod Wheel to control filter cutoff or pulse width, using an LFO to control panning or amp level, etc.—and you have performance that is unheard of from a synthesizer in this price range!

Classic vocoding
The microKORG includes an 8-band vocoder with many advanced features. You can capture and "freeze" the formants of your voice, and then play it across the keyboard, or shift the formant frequency to make your voice sound male, female, like a child or just plain wacky! Best of all, the microKORG comes with its own microphone so you can start having fun right away.

A full range of effects
Three types of modulation effects (chorus/flanger, phaser, ensemble), three types of delay effects (stereo, cross, L/R), and a two-band equalizer add the finishing touch to the microKORG. The delays can be synchronized with the arpeggiator or to an external MIDI clock—a great feature for live performances or for laying down tracks. All effects can be edited to create your own, unique sounds.

Great sounds and expression
Korg has used all of the microKorg's synthesis power in the creation of 128 great-sounding presets. They cover a wide range of the latest musical styles plus many vintage favorites. Sixteen vocoder Programs are also included. The Pitch Bend wheel, Modulation wheel, and five other knobs provide flexible realtime control over filter cutoff, attack, release and other important parameters. The Edit Mode allows you to fully edit the existing sounds, or to create your own new ones.

Flexible arpeggiator
Six types of arpeggio patterns (UP, DOWN, ALT1/2, Random, Trigger) are built in, with control over tempo, gate time, swing, and up to a 4-octave range. You can turn individual steps on or off within a pattern, providing the feel and functionality of a step sequencer.

Audio in
Two external audio input jacks are provided, so you can run other instruments, CDs and more through the microKORG's filter and effects, allowing you to process sounds in truly creative ways.

A compact MIDI controller
The microKORG's compact size is perfect for the musician or DJ looking to add a synth to his or her setup when space is tight. It's also a great choice for use in a computer-based music setup. The five realtime knobs on the front panel can transmit MIDI messages (control changes), so they can be used as controllers for software synthesizers. Use the 37-note velocity-sensitive mini-keyboard for controlling other gear or for recording and editing with your sequencer. And thanks to battery-power, the microKORG is the ultimate portable controller when used with a laptop computer!

Clear control and classic looks
There's no complex menu structure—all parameters are located on the panel for easy access to any function. A large dial and LED illuminated buttons provide easy program selection even on a dark stage. With its beige-gold body, wooden side panels and retro-influenced design, the microKORG has a look that's both vintage and funky.

Korg MicroKORG Synthesizer/Vocoder Features:

• 128 user-rewritable programs
• 37-key mini keyboard
• Powerful synthesis
• Classic vocoding
• A full range of effects
• Great sounds and expression
• Flexible arpeggiator (6 types)
• Clear control and classic looks
• Can serve as a compact MIDI controller

My first keyboard was a Poly 61 and I found out that if cranked the arpeggiator up to full speed you make some really cool atmospheric sounding stuff with patches that had a long sound envelope.



Edited by Slartibartfast - November 15 2010 at 18:21

What price range are you talking about?

Analog or digital?

Workstation or wee little synth box?

If you're even bringing up price as an Issue, let's skip the Nord stuff, but keep those in mind if you get super serious about it.

We just debuted the new Moog Little Phatty (~$1500) in Synth class tonight.   CHRIST THAT WHORE IS SO GOOD! Like any modern synth worth it's salt, it's got MIDI and USB connections so you can hood it up to you favorite DAW (not GarageBand, apparently) and record in that way.

It's analog by the way...go analog if you can afford it.

We had a nice setup with the Phatty and a couple Moogerfoogers (exquisite beauty right there) and it was so damn wonderful.

The Rolad SH-01 Gaia (digital synth, ~$600) is a good one for the price. It does sound less authentic than the Phatyy, but it ought to for the price reduction and being digital.

Both have separate LFO, oscillator, Filter and Amp controls.

The Doepfer Dark Energy (http://www.doepfer.de/Dark_Energy_e.htm) is a nice little unit and it packs a punch for being so tiny. Your call on whether that thing is something you want to start with or something that's bets used as an add-on to a keyboard synth setup.

Triceratopsoil wrote: there was someone selling one of these in my city for 150$ on kijiji, but it sold in like an hour  I wanted it so bad

For only $150!?! They didn't know what they had.

crimhead wrote: Triceratopsoil wrote: there was someone selling one of these in my city for 150$ on kijiji, but it sold in like an hour  I wanted it so bad For only $150!?! They didn't know what they had.

yeah, that's what I figure, or else it must have been broken to sh*t.  Anyway, that explains why it sold so fast; those things go for $500+ on ebay

my favourite modern synth at the moment is the Roland Sh201 i am addicted to this synth and would recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable but very legitimate synthesiser

Try the Waldorf Blofeld.
VERY complete synth for 300$.

For the beginners, I would recommend cheap but decent keyboards such are Rolando JUNO D (if you're more into general sounds) or Alesis MICRON (if you want to learn quirky sound synthesis). If you don't care about the sound and just want to learn to play on home keyboard with speakers, any one will do; Yamaha PSR series are okay.

Used keyboards could be a great investment, but you have to known something about them. Everything older than 1989 is not worth your investment, even if if it's in a mint condition (unless dead cheap, which won't happen).

Yes, knobs and sliders.  My first was a Korg Poly 61.  My current one a Kawai K1 doesn't have those and seriously I miss those.