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URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=73224 Printed Date: December 01 2024 at 04:43 Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Synthesizers anyone?Posted By: EatThatPhonebook
Subject: Synthesizers anyone?
Date Posted: November 15 2010 at 13:56
I'm thinking about buying a synthesizer for christmas, a nice one, but not too expensive... Any ideas?
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Replies: Posted By: crimhead
Date Posted: November 15 2010 at 14:14
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.
------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
Posted By: Triceratopsoil
Date Posted: November 15 2010 at 18:44
get an old Arp Odyssey
Posted By: stonebeard
Date Posted: November 15 2010 at 21:13
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, ~$600) is a good one for the price. It does sound less authentic than the Phatyy, but it ought to for the price reduction and being digital.
Both have separate LFO, oscillator, Filter and Amp controls.
The Doepfer Dark Energy ( http://www.doepfer.de/Dark_Energy_e.htm - http://www.doepfer.de/Dark_Energy_e.htm ) is a nice little unit and it packs a punch for being so tiny. Your call on whether that thing is something you want to start with or something that's bets used as an add-on to a keyboard synth setup.
Posted By: Triceratopsoil
Date Posted: November 15 2010 at 21:17
there was someone selling one of these in my city for 150$ on kijiji, but it sold in like an hour
I wanted it so bad
Posted By: crimhead
Date Posted: November 16 2010 at 13:50
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 $150!?! They didn't know what they had.
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: November 16 2010 at 18:20
crimhead wrote:
Triceratopsoil wrote:
there was someone selling one of these in my city for 150$ on kijiji, but it sold in like an hour
I wanted it so bad
For only $150!?! They didn't know what they had.
Oh I could have such fun with one of those.
------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
Posted By: Triceratopsoil
Date Posted: November 16 2010 at 19:23
crimhead wrote:
Triceratopsoil wrote:
there was someone selling one of these in my city for 150$ 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
Posted By: jampa17
Date Posted: November 16 2010 at 22:49
I have a Korg Workstation M-50... it's now around the $1200. It has some of the technology of the M-3, in less than a half of the price, it has two separated oscilators, LFO, preamps and modifiers to detail. It has a touchscreen very atractive and make the work and editing pretty much logic and visually easy. Of course, it has midi, USB connection and a very easy to use arpegator and Secuencer.
But I think you have to decide what is what you want to do with it. Moogs and Analog stuff is better I think, but the M-50 is great if you want a more modern technologic taste to your sounds. It works for me because I use it live and for recording and modeling sounds, but no vintage and retro. So you have to decide first why you want a Synth and for what kind of music...
Hope this can help you... :)
-------------
Change the program inside... Stay in silence is a crime.
Posted By: topographicbroadways
Date Posted: November 22 2010 at 10:21
my favourite modern synth at the moment is the Roland Sh201 i am addicted to this synth and would recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable but very legitimate synthesiser
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Posted By: clarke2001
Date Posted: November 22 2010 at 10:42
topographicbroadways wrote:
my favourite modern synth at the moment is the Roland Sh201 i am addicted to this synth and would recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable but very legitimate synthesiser
I have an eye on that one too. I don't see anything original or ground-breaking on it, but it indeed sounds lovely for a reasonable price.
Posted By: mono
Date Posted: November 25 2010 at 05:08
Try the Waldorf Blofeld. VERY complete synth for 300$.
------------- https://soundcloud.com/why-music Prog trio, from ambiant to violence
https://soundcloud.com/m0n0-film Film music and production projects
https://soundcloud.com/fadisaliba (almost) everything else
Posted By: halabalushindigus
Date Posted: November 25 2010 at 08:29
I like The Yamaha CS-2x, it's affordable and has an effiecient library
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assume the power 1586/14.3
Posted By: clarke2001
Date Posted: November 27 2010 at 18:19
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).
Posted By: Philamelian
Date Posted: November 28 2010 at 13:33
I think new roland Gaia might be a good first synth to get into synths. It has lots of knobs sliders so everything is in control of you and this is visually helpful i think.
Another newcomer is Novations ultranova. I just watched some videos about this synth it looks brilliant. I thought to buy this one as a second synth for stage because it looks really easy to control and has really cool sounds.
These two are for really affordable prices. In UK they are around 500pounds.
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: November 28 2010 at 16:47
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.
------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
Posted By: benjajl
Date Posted: November 29 2010 at 09:46
I wish I could buy a new Synth but the economy has squashed that dream. So I was inventive. i have a 15 year old Digital Piano. It has like 5 sounds. I connected it to my laptop and run it through Mixcraft. I set up a Virtual instrument and effects and from there I connected it to an amp for better control on the final output. I even have bend control and modulation control. It may not be a new synth but I can do everything they can do.
Posted By: Philamelian
Date Posted: November 29 2010 at 10:03
Don't underestimate softwares guys. There are really powerful softsynths, i think it's just a matter of choice. There are also hundreds of really useful free softsynths and a lot of cheap ones.
Posted By: mono
Date Posted: November 29 2010 at 11:40
Philamelian wrote:
Don't underestimate softwares guys. There are really powerful softsynths, i think it's just a matter of choice. There are also hundreds of really useful free softsynths and a lot of cheap ones.
"Massive" is a good example (50% off right now!! along with many other NI products, veeery limited offer (in time)) http://www.native-instruments.com/#/en/products/producer/massive/
------------- https://soundcloud.com/why-music Prog trio, from ambiant to violence
https://soundcloud.com/m0n0-film Film music and production projects
https://soundcloud.com/fadisaliba (almost) everything else
Posted By: himtroy
Date Posted: December 01 2010 at 21:25
Hmm.. I was never a big digital kinda guy but my Alesis Micron imitates Moogs and all popular synths as well as provides a lot of pads. Mostly though, the Moog is basically perfect, which isn't true of any other imitators I've heard.
------------- Which of you to gain me, tell, will risk uncertain pains of hell?
I will not forgive you if you will not take the chance.
Posted By: stonebeard
Date Posted: January 26 2011 at 13:59
I was going to go the soft synth + controller way, butI realized getting just a controller and relying on a computer is kind of dumb starting out. I want to be able to jam and perform live, and since Macs are horrible I won't be getting one and I'm only getting a desktop now. Anyway, I've had my eye on the Korg MS200, but sadly I want rich pads (ambiance, etc), and 4-voice polyphony is a no-no. Also, the bargains for that seem to be in rack mounts, something I'm not going to get into now. Similar models like the Alesis Ion I couldn't find anywhere, and I let a JP-8000 go on ebay because $450 is just a bit much for me now.
In the end, if all goes right I have one of these lines up: http://www.vintagesynth.com/ensoniq/ens_esq1.php" rel="nofollow - http://www.vintagesynth.com/ensoniq/ens_esq1.php . Sure, I'm not finding it for a extreme bargain, but $245 is all right for me. I think I'll be getting an effects processor too. I've heard good things about the Lexicon LXP15, but are there any good modern ones going for under $200 that can compare?
------------- http://soundcloud.com/drewagler" rel="nofollow - My soundcloud. Please give feedback if you want!
Posted By: jammun
Date Posted: January 26 2011 at 21:25
Here's what you need if you want to really have fun:
It is a blast to play with. You get to be virtual Emerson. You get to move the virtual patch chords. You get to wonder, why is there no sound? Yes I've got a patch chord into the VCO, yes I've got a patch chord into the VCF. Wait, sheet I forgot the VCA! Ahh, blessed sound.
It ain't cheap ($250?) but it sure is fun, and you will learn synthesis probably in ways that you never imagined.
And you can try to get that kinda whistle-y Moog sound on From The Beginning.
Obviously, requires a midi-capable keyboard, unless you like playing keyboard with a mouse.
------------- Can you tell me where we're headin'?
Lincoln County Road or Armageddon.
Posted By: clarke2001
Date Posted: January 28 2011 at 05:37
jammun wrote:
Here's what you need if you want to really have fun:
It is a blast to play with. You get to be virtual Emerson. You get to move the virtual patch chords. You get to wonder, why is there no sound? Yes I've got a patch chord into the VCO, yes I've got a patch chord into the VCF. Wait, sheet I forgot the VCA! Ahh, blessed sound.
It ain't cheap ($250?) but it sure is fun, and you will learn synthesis probably in ways that you never imagined.
And you can try to get that kinda whistle-y Moog sound on From The Beginning.
Obviously, requires a midi-capable keyboard, unless you like playing keyboard with a mouse.
This thing can produce the best sound I've ever encountered on a softsynth. Too bad it's the most unstable softsynth ever: it will bug, freeze, delay, eat hefty amounts of CPU if you try something more demanding. Absolutely unreliable for a live performance. But excellent for studio work if you're into such kind of thing, and if you're patient.
It is a blast to play with. You get to be virtual Emerson. You get to move the virtual patch chords. You get to wonder, why is there no sound? Yes I've got a patch chord into the VCO, yes I've got a patch chord into the VCF. Wait, sheet I forgot the VCA! Ahh, blessed sound.
It ain't cheap ($250?) but it sure is fun, and you will learn synthesis probably in ways that you never imagined.
And you can try to get that kinda whistle-y Moog sound on From The Beginning.
Obviously, requires a midi-capable keyboard, unless you like playing keyboard with a mouse.
This thing can produce the best sound I've ever encountered on a softsynth. Too bad it's the most unstable softsynth ever: it will bug, freeze, delay, eat hefty amounts of CPU if you try something more demanding. Absolutely unreliable for a live performance. But excellent for studio work if you're into such kind of thing, and if you're patient.
Thanks for the heads up. I've only played around with it in my friend's studio, and we didn't encounter any problems. In any case, I don't have the $ to buy it right now. It is on my wish list, and maybe the next version, if there is one, will address at least some of the instabilities. I still would say it is a great learning tool for anyone interested in synthesis.
------------- Can you tell me where we're headin'?
Lincoln County Road or Armageddon.
Posted By: stonebeard
Date Posted: January 31 2011 at 21:16
mono wrote:
Try the Waldorf Blofeld. VERY complete synth for 300$.
What now? Looked into this a couple of times shopping around for my synth, and only the rackmount unit approached $300, and even then it was ~$450-500. The keyboard ones went for $700 minimum, more around $900.
------------- http://soundcloud.com/drewagler" rel="nofollow - My soundcloud. Please give feedback if you want!
Posted By: clarkpegasus4001
Date Posted: February 01 2011 at 00:40
I got an old Yamaha DX7 at Xmas. Although i'm just learning keys, it sounds good to me. However some folk will say it's not a "proper" synth because it does not have real time tweaking capabilities so you could try a Jen SX1000, both of these synths are still cheap to buy.
------------- Tony C.
Posted By: mono
Date Posted: February 01 2011 at 06:16
stonebeard wrote:
mono wrote:
Try the Waldorf Blofeld. VERY complete synth for 300$.
What now? Looked into this a couple of times shopping around for my synth, and only the rackmount unit approached $300, and even then it was ~$450-500. The keyboard ones went for $700 minimum, more around $900.
I got if for 350euros in France, and usually the prices are the same in $ in the US... Guess I was wrong! (probably because it's made in Germany?)
------------- https://soundcloud.com/why-music Prog trio, from ambiant to violence
https://soundcloud.com/m0n0-film Film music and production projects
https://soundcloud.com/fadisaliba (almost) everything else
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: February 01 2011 at 06:40
Oh God no, not synthesizers!!! Aieee!!!
------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
Posted By: Samantha
Date Posted: June 21 2011 at 02:34
mono wrote:
Philamelian wrote:
Don't underestimate softwares guys. There are really powerful softsynths, i think it's just a matter of choice. There are also hundreds of really useful free softsynths and a lot of cheap ones.
"Massive" is a good example (50% off right now!! along with many other NI products, veeery limited offer (in time)) http://www.native-instruments.com/#/en/products/producer/massive/
Also Arturia Moog Modular V
http://www.vintagesynth.com/misc/mmv.php
I create my own patches, and it is just brilliant. My strong recommendations!
Massive is also very good (as, in fact, nearly any major modular synth - NI Reaktor or Cycling 74 Max for Live). What I value most about it, is its unique opportunities of waveshaping LFO's. Talking about other NI products, there are also Absynth and FM8, but I think Massive would be better choice for prog needs (Absynth is essential rather for someone who creates ambient/drone et al. it is powerful enough for other tasks - the same as FM8, it uses FM synthesis, so you can create lead synth not any worse in it, - but for atmospheric music it is just the best fit).
Posted By: awaken77
Date Posted: September 06 2011 at 09:09
I do not own any "real" synthesizer , only midi keyboard. I play synth leads on free software synth MinimogueVA it's pretty realistic Minimoog emulation software models of DX7 and Prophet also sounds good
p.s have someone tried DSI Mono Evolver?
Posted By: Flimbau
Date Posted: September 08 2011 at 17:46
I actually just sold a mirco korg a few days ago. Pretty neat little gizmo, got some really nice presets and a decent range of programmable options. The vocoder is nice but somewhat superfluos. I also like the line in option which is fun to use it as a pseudo guitar synth. Theres even a video on you tube of a guy using it to mod a radio broad cast thru the line in. The only drawback is the programming section through its use of the knobs is somewhat klunky. However Korg rectified this by releasing a freeware program that allows you to program it via GUI on your computer through its midi inputs.
Also I would kill for one of the digital mellotrons but that seems to be in a state of flux currently.
------------- "Deep in the human unconscious is a pervasive need for a logical universe that makes sense. But the real universe is always one step beyond logic."
from The Sayings of Muad'Dib by the Princess Irulan
Posted By: stonebeard
Date Posted: September 08 2011 at 19:22
awaken77 wrote:
I have one. it's pretty neat. You can get some freaky stuff and the leads are great. I haven't spend as much time with it as I should though.
------------- http://soundcloud.com/drewagler" rel="nofollow - My soundcloud. Please give feedback if you want!
Posted By: stonebeard
Date Posted: September 08 2011 at 19:23
awaken77 wrote:
p.s have someone tried DSI Mono Evolver?
I have one. it's pretty neat. You can get some freaky stuff and the leads are great. I haven't spend as much time with it as I should though.
------------- http://soundcloud.com/drewagler" rel="nofollow - My soundcloud. Please give feedback if you want!
Posted By: Fox On The Rocks
Date Posted: September 08 2011 at 22:20
ARP's are absolutely AMAZING! Definetly better than Moog's and Korg's in my opinion.
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Posted By: stonebeard
Date Posted: September 08 2011 at 22:26
Fox On The Rocks wrote:
ARP's are absolutely AMAZING! Definetly better than Moog's and Korg's in my opinion.
Hardly matter for the common man since Korgs are the only things selling for under $5,000, $2,000 if yer lucky.
------------- http://soundcloud.com/drewagler" rel="nofollow - My soundcloud. Please give feedback if you want!
Posted By: awaken77
Date Posted: September 13 2011 at 03:27
Software is OK , but general purpose computers are troublesome/not so reliable for live gigs. Professional musicians, who use a lot of soft synths on stage (like Jordan Rudess), use Receptor or other hardware for running live Cost of such equipment is comparable to hardware synthesizer
Posted By: Fox On The Rocks
Date Posted: September 23 2011 at 15:35
stonebeard wrote:
Fox On The Rocks wrote:
ARP's are absolutely AMAZING! Definetly better than Moog's and Korg's in my opinion.
Hardly matter for the common man since Korgs are the only things selling for under $5,000, $2,000 if yer lucky.
Very true! Don't get me wrong, Korg's are great but if you have the dough you'll definitely want to settle for ARP!
-------------
Posted By: awaken77
Date Posted: September 25 2011 at 12:09
Fox On The Rocks wrote:
ARP's are absolutely AMAZING! Definetly better than Moog's and Korg's in my opinion.
ARP as a company is dead since 1981... what ARP you are talking about? they used to produce different models, monophonic , duophonic, polyphonic - what ARP exactly better then Moog(what Moog?) or Korg?
at least you can get new Moog right now.. and parts and service are available