looking for a simple synth
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Forum Name: Tech Talk
Forum Description: Discuss musical instruments, equipment, hi-fi, speakers, vinyl, gadgets,etc.
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=83073
Printed Date: November 21 2024 at 20:30
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Topic: looking for a simple synth
Posted By: AbrahamSapien
Subject: looking for a simple synth
Date Posted: November 26 2011 at 02:18
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Ok, so I got this Korg Prophecy thing, but figured out very soon that I won't be able to use it, because I've got absolutely NO idea about most of the stuff in the manual. Do you think that buying a cheap simple solo synth would be helpful to understand the concept (i mean something without a display and a 1000 menues, but if possible something with knobs and keys???)? Any suggestions for something simple anyway please? Thank you.  |
Replies:
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: November 26 2011 at 10:01
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I have a feeling that unless you like yours with built in speakers you are out of luck. I used to have a Poly 61. I've had a Kawai K1 for many years now and it's still a hard instrument to get into. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened... 
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Posted By: AbrahamSapien
Date Posted: November 26 2011 at 15:09
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Don't quite get your point, sorry ... Let's just say that I'm looking for a (cheap) simple thing without a display, with knobs and buttons (i guess the word is analogue ...?).  Hope I didn't say anything stupid .... |
Posted By: The Quiet One
Date Posted: November 26 2011 at 15:18
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^as far as I'm concerned, analogue usually means expensive, but I may be totally wrong. What exactly are you looking for? What do you plan to do with it? |
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: November 26 2011 at 18:38
That's OK, I was just saying that what you seek probably doesn't exist. If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with. You just have to train yourself to communicate with it in a way where you can make it produce the best sound it is capable of. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened...
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AbrahamSapien wrote:Posted By: stonebeard
Date Posted: December 09 2011 at 17:20
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If you want analog, think about Dave Smith Instruments Mohpo. That's about the cheapest analog monosynth that's worth. Dunno how easy it is to program. You should probably learn how to program the Prophesy. It has a good reputation. Otherwise, I would maybe suggest looking into the Novation Xiosynth or a Korg microKorg. They're digital and all that, but they can be a lot of fun.
If you don't want a display and just want a bunch of knobs, check out the Doepfer Dark Energy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQFTR91o9qE&feature=related" rel="nofollow - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQFTR91o9qE&feature=related You will need a MIDI/CV controller of some sort. Also, http://www.gearslutz.com/board/electronic-music-instruments-electronic-music-production/463818-dave-smith-mopho-doepfer-dark-energy.html" rel="nofollow - http://www.gearslutz.com/board/electronic-music-instruments-electronic-music-production/463818-dave-smith-mopho-doepfer-dark-energy.html ------------- http://soundcloud.com/drewagler" rel="nofollow - My soundcloud. Please give feedback if you want! |
Posted By: TremoloDental
Date Posted: December 10 2011 at 06:02
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Well, Korg Monotron is very very easy to learn.
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Posted By: mono
Date Posted: December 12 2011 at 04:15
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I think you've made your first mistake by directly bying an expensive hardware synth. I suggest you get yourself a simple, free and ergonomic VST synth. http://www.kvraudio.com/get/4126.html http://www.kvraudio.com/get/1464.html Once you've learned how synthesis works, you can choose a HW synth (if you want to) according to the sounds they produce and the features you will have mastered. Fabfilter Timeless has one of the most easy-to-use interfaces but expensive and complex... Good luck! @TremoloDental: the Monotoron may be too simple to actually understand synthesis : ) more of a toy to play with. ------------- 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: King Only
Date Posted: May 20 2013 at 06:56
Not sure if you are still looking for a simple synth... but if you are then I strongly recommend the VERMONA MONO LANCET. It's not too expensive, it sounds great, it's easy to use and it's well made. |
Posted By: Gerinski
Date Posted: May 20 2013 at 07:42
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I'm not a synth player but I guess that what you want is what used to be called 'a presets synth', like the ARP Pro-Soloist or the Korg PE-1000 / 2000 were in its time. A synth in which different solo (or not just solo if polyphonic) sounds are already preset for you without having to build them from scratch, and yet with a few knobs to edit and play with some of their parameters. However I have no idea which modern synth fits that description
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Posted By: Dean
Date Posted: May 20 2013 at 09:20
Wow. There is some serious Lazarus Effect happening here.  ------------- What? |
Posted By: Gerinski
Date Posted: May 20 2013 at 12:07
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Oeps, you're right, I didn't even care to check the date of the OP
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Posted By: Dean
Date Posted: May 20 2013 at 12:16
Still, even if Mr AbrahamSapien isn't looking for a Synth that Vermona Mono Lancet looks fun, but a little expensive for what it is (and it looks "homemade" in a bad way).
 ------------- What? |
Posted By: progbethyname
Date Posted: May 20 2013 at 12:57
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^ I'd buy that for a Dollar. ------------- Gimmie my headphones now!!! 🎧🤣 |
Posted By: Dean
Date Posted: May 20 2013 at 13:43
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Probably, but would you drop another http://bigcitymusic.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_32&products_id=792&zenid=fd7fdf9545788bf5bc9e9f2870eaa604" rel="nofollow - 618 dollars on top of that solitary one to own one? ------------- What? |
Posted By: King Only
Date Posted: May 20 2013 at 14:08
| VERMONA's gear is quality. Try to find a shop that stocks their gear and try it for yourself. Really nice analog sounds. |
Posted By: pitfall
Date Posted: May 20 2013 at 17:56
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I bought a Vermona Mono Lancet 2 months ago, because I found it the best sounding analog synth available. To me it seems warmer and more organic sounding than the current offerings from Moog - they have what I would describe as a 'sheen' to their sound, they are a bit more clinical. It's all subjective, of course, but you can't argue with the beautiful build quality of the Lancet. |
Posted By: Timbo1961
Date Posted: September 29 2013 at 06:24
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How about an ipad with Korg IMS20, Sunrizer, Nave, Thor, or Arturia iMini synth apps, then add an Alesis IO dock and MIDI controller keyboard. You can learn the basics of synthesis plus have all of these cheaper than buying a hardware synth.
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Posted By: moshkito
Date Posted: September 29 2013 at 11:37
Nowadays, only if you want some Dave Smith creation ... but even Casio just had one for 499 and a slight variation for 599.
I'm wanting one, but with the software these days getting so much better ... compare the Jupiter 8v software with the real thing, or the Prophet 5 software with the real thing ... I question why would you want a hard piece of equipment, when a computer will likely help you longer and further into your music adventure.
But I'm not a 100% musician, so don't take my words that seriously! ------------- Music is not just for listening ... it is for LIVING ... you got to feel it to know what's it about! Not being told! www.pedrosena.com |
Posted By: Dean
Date Posted: September 29 2013 at 13:14
 Not sure which Casio you are referring to, perhaps you could be a lot more specific? Also, software synths, however well modelled, will always be digital, and since Mr Abraham found the real Korg Prophecy over-complicated, any software version will be equally as complex.
HOWEVER. Since Mr Abraham asked his question TWO YEARS AGO, it think it is safe to assume the question is not the burning issue it once was. ------------- What? |
Posted By: pitfall
Date Posted: September 29 2013 at 13:16
| Yes, you can buy a collection of blow up rubber dolls quite cheaply, and have simulated sex with your virtual reality toys, but I'd rather have the real thing anyday - even if I can only afford one. |
Posted By: Dean
Date Posted: September 29 2013 at 13:22
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...if you can only afford one blow up rubber doll then you can only afford one blow up rubber doll, such is life. Knowing my luck she'd run off with Bibendum anyway. ------------- What? |
Posted By: progbethyname
Date Posted: October 09 2013 at 19:23
This is great advice. The I Pad can be a multipurpose tool to use and access different pro tools for learning synth basics 101. So many app's to choose from. Apple is good this way. :) ------------- Gimmie my headphones now!!! 🎧🤣 |
Posted By: clarkpegasus4001
Date Posted: March 18 2014 at 15:23
I also bought a Korg Prophecy, for recording purposes and I don't play keyboards. I think by your requirement of just "knobs and keys" and also a relatively cheap synth, may I suggest a Jen SX 1000? ------------- Tony C. |