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Post by swurveman on Jun 10, 2015 8:30:29 GMT -6
I am writing and producing some pop songs. So, I need to use synthesizers. I have been working with an Axiom 61 keyboard and NI's Komplete (Massive/Kontakt etc.), but I find going back and forth from my keyboard to the mouse/computer/software to be a workflow killer. So, I'm looking for a good tweakable synth that can be midi connectable and has a wide range of sounds, from bass saw sounds to lots of pads to arpeggio sounds etc.
If anybody is doing this and can recommend a good all around synth I'd appreciate it!
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Post by henge on Jun 10, 2015 9:24:13 GMT -6
Even if you get a hardware synth you`ll still be going back and forth...
Fwiw I use Zebra, but I use very little synth. Just for a pad here and there and maybe some bleeps and bloops.
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Post by jazznoise on Jun 10, 2015 9:27:58 GMT -6
Even if you get a hardware synth you`ll still be going back and forth... Fwiw I use Zebra, but I use very little synth. Just for a pad here and there and maybe some bleeps and bloops. This. My go to soft synth is a Korg Monopoly emu but imho opinion you need an MS20/Monopoly, Moog, Juno 106, DX7 and probably a Mellotron just to cover most modern bases. Then you need some organ sounds too. The MS20 just had a price drop. Short of a cheap old Farfisa I can't recommend much outside softsynths for budget minded musicians. |
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Post by mobeach on Jun 10, 2015 12:06:23 GMT -6
I put my Korg synth on the desk right in front of the monitor with the mouse to it's right. I also use NI Komplete and Omnisphere. If I want to use the synths sounds I just go into Global to turn "local on" and I'm good to go.
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Post by mrholmes on Jun 10, 2015 12:21:14 GMT -6
Mh would not believe that I say this myself one day, but software synths are your workflow friend because of recall and you can work on many songs at the same time. If you use Logic the stock synths cover the most common synthesis forms..... I do make them thicker with some hw tube saturation.... done..... love to work this way. not to forget that even hardcore hw synth lovers cant take away the sw advantages..... if you want something special..... always urs heckmann from Berlin.....
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Post by swurveman on Jun 10, 2015 13:34:09 GMT -6
Even if you get a hardware synth you`ll still be going back and forth... Fwiw I use Zebra, but I use very little synth. Just for a pad here and there and maybe some bleeps and bloops. This. My go to soft synth is a Korg Monopoly emu but imho opinion you need an MS20/Monopoly, Moog, Juno 106, DX7 and probably a Mellotron just to cover most modern bases. Then you need some organ sounds too. The MS20 just had a price drop. Short of a cheap old Farfisa I can't recommend much outside softsynths for budget minded musicians. I'm not necessarily budget minded. Interesting day doing some virtual shopping. Been looking at the Moog Little Phatty for bass leads and the Dave Smith Prophet 08 for pads, both of which look more suited to my idea of synth workflow. |
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Post by kcatthedog on Jun 10, 2015 14:15:16 GMT -6
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Post by keymod on Jun 10, 2015 16:06:14 GMT -6
Arturia Keylab is great compromise between software and hardware.
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Post by jazznoise on Jun 10, 2015 16:38:13 GMT -6
I've actually played the Little Phatty and the Sub Phatty and I didn't really rate either - too much is hidden in the menus! Obviously the filter sounds great, but there's plenty to be had in that sense.
The Dave Smith stuff is great. Also there's an Arp Odyssey remake on the way soon? Nord Leads are really solid too, really nice keys and they're great for gigging too.
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Post by mobeach on Jun 10, 2015 18:09:41 GMT -6
I like the feel of a nice heavy hardware synth, so I just use a Roland Um-One MIDI to USB adapter so I can use my Korg X3 as my controller. I have a M-Audio controller and it weighs about as much as a toy. Plus the keys are smaller.
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Post by henge on Jun 10, 2015 20:37:59 GMT -6
Have you checked out Omnisphere. It's a great sounding synth.
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Post by bentley on Jun 10, 2015 20:44:40 GMT -6
You might go with something analog for bass/lead type sounds but don't overlook the Virus TI, Waldof Blofeld, or Nordlead for pads and effects. Might even check out a Prophet 12? Out of all the poly analog synths I have, I have a tendency to lead towards digital or VA for pads. Go figure. Find the interface and sound that inspires you most and go from there.
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Post by swurveman on Jun 11, 2015 17:06:00 GMT -6
You might go with something analog for bass/lead type sounds but don't overlook the Virus TI, Waldof Blofeld, or Nordlead for pads and effects. Might even check out a Prophet 12? Out of all the poly analog synths I have, I have a tendency to lead towards digital or VA for pads. Go figure. Find the interface and sound that inspires you most and go from there. I liked the Dave Smith Prophet 8 because I want to do as little menu diving as possible. I want to turn knobs. |
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Post by jazznoise on Jun 11, 2015 18:28:14 GMT -6
Oh man, after watching the Arp reissue video I'm really interested in one!
obviously the Korg MS-20 looks really cool too - my brother has one and is quite happy, and the external input options means you can do some really cool stuff patching sounds through the filter with various CV's. I've done it before with my guitar on the Korg Monotron and really enjoyed it, it's well worth the try. Automatic Gainsay's channel is great for synth demos - I'd recommend watching some if you really want to see how far you can stretch a synth.
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Post by Guitar on Jun 11, 2015 19:51:34 GMT -6
Most people that are into synths have got to have more than just one.
If you think about it, it's like a guitar, a pedalboard, and a guitar amp all built into a single box that you can't modify. So you could see how having one particular arrangement could be limiting. They all sound so different.
But some are known for their versatility, stuff like the Access Virus, maybe a Nord, maybe a Moog for single note stuff, or a MicroKorg for screwing around on.
For me though, it seems like 2 or 3 would be closer to a minimum array.
I'd say a Juno or a DX7, or a Prophet would be a really good bet for some standard polyphonic pop keys stuff. Or a Virus if you are leaning more modern in your tendencies. There are also cheaper or mid-priced modern polyphonic VA options like a King Korg or a Roland Gaia.
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