Synthesizers

[studiodekadent]

This thread is for the discussion of synthesizers.

I would appreciate if other forum members didnt bash synthesizers or synthesists, i.e. comments along the lines of "synths are faggy" are not welcome.

So what synths do you like? What synths do you have? What synths do you recommend for specific genres? etc.

SYNTHS I OWN:
Alesis A6 Andromeda analog synthesizer
Access Virus C modelled-analog synthesizer
Clavia Nord Rack 3 modelled-analog/FM synthesizer
Terratec Axon AX100mk2 Guitar-MIDI converter and Guitar Synth (sample playback)

I will be upgrading the Virus C to a Virus TI soon, and getting a DSI Evolver Keyboard hybrid monosynth, as well as a vintage Roland SH2 analog monosynth. I might be getting another synth (ideally a hybrid) in addition. Im also planning on getting a better mic and channel strip (thinking saving for the SSL Alpha Channel). Talk about Gear Aquisition Syndrome (GAS).

[richiebee]

Originally Posted by studiodekadent

This thread is for the discussion of synthesizers.

I would appreciate if other forum members didnt bash synthesizers or synthesists, i.e. comments along the lines of "synths are faggy" are not welcome.

Wow, I didn't know people did that. The only comment I remember from synthesizers is that the users all say that analog is so w a r m compared to digital. So, I'll tell you what... no faggy comments as long as no w a r m comments.

So what synths do you like? What synths do you have? What synths do you recommend for specific genres? etc.

Can't remember the last time I saw a real synthesizer. We have a Moog modular here at the school, but sinfully, its just shoved in a corner and ever even sees the light of day. One of our prof's has an Arp 2600 in immaculate condition, and knows how to use it He used it on an improv album a year or two ago, and it sounds great.

Everything's internal for me. Absynth, Crystal, MiniMogue, Arppe2600...

[studiodekadent]

Originally Posted by richiebee

Wow, I didn't know people did that. The only comment I remember from synthesizers is that the users all say that analog is so w a r m compared to digital. So, I'll tell you what... no faggy comments as long as no w a r m comments.

lol, I assure you not all synth nuts are analogue fascists. "w a r m" refers to having unstable tuning in the oscillators (i.e. drifting). So yes, analogue synths (if they are voltage-controlled) are w a r mer than digital ones and digitally-controlled analogue. However, I dont find "w a r m" to be good... indeed oscillator drift can be annoying. And digital oscs are also more flexible.

The other thing you probably here analogue fascists say about analogue synths is that they are much "fatter" than digital ones. This basically refers to the hugeness of the sound, particularly the bass. This "fatness" is due to analogue filters. I love "fatness" in my synths, but you can make a digital sound as fat as an analogue by running it through an analogue filter. The sound is phenomenal too. But not all digital filters suck, the Waldorf and Access filters are excellent.

So yeah, Im a digital-osc-analogue-filter type synth nut, lol.

[studiodekadent]

NEW TOY! NEW TOY! NEW TOY!

Have got myself an Ensoniq ESQm.

Used a lot by Skinny Puppy, these early 80's synths have grungy 8-bit waveforms run through fat-sounding analog filters: the same filter chips as on the SCI Prophet 5!

The mod capabilities are very good. Programming sucks, but hey, its an 80's digital. Its easier than FM synthesis! And damn it sounds cool!

[bubba]

In the seventies, before poly became affordable, I used two Arp Odysee's on the gig. While I was playing a song on one, I was programming the other for the next song. In those days, there were no "presets".

Peace: bubba

[GhostPhase310]

All i can say is that music would be lost with synthesizers. well maybe not lost but it would not have progressed so much and had a unique sound. how does not love to play around with them?

[heiseric]

Hey,

Thanks for starting a thread for Synthesizers. I have the Korg Ms-20 and I wanted to us it in my mixing process.

Is is possible to send audio through the Korg so I can use the Ms-20 filters as an aux send?

Thanks.

[DutchDoctor]

Wow.

I am suprised there is such little interest of Synth's in this forum..
I guess I just assumed that alot of soundtechs were also into synths.

I started out with a Roland Juno-D and have since Purchased a Roland V-Synth and working towards a Nord Stage.

Alot of synthists seem skeptical about the V-Synth, but in my opinion - The Possibilities of sound creation are limited only by your creativity and musical know-how.

I have never really gotten into software synths, have always needed the hardware and knobs to tweak ad adjust on the fly.

[MatsonMusicBox]

Currently I own:

Yamaha Motif XS8
Korg M3 61
Alesis QS8
Yamaha Motif ES6
Roland Juno G
2 Minimoog Ds (the old ones)
Arp Odyssey
Korg CX3 (Organ - not realy a synth I guess)

I have owned literally 25-30 synths in my time - what would you like to know?

[DutchDoctor]

Originally Posted by MatsonMusicBox

I have owned literally 25-30 synths in my time - what would you like to know?

Hey, I can't seem to decide what my best option is:
I have recently purchased a Roland V-Synth, for the features that that delivers of course, but I need to choose a board suited more to Piano/Organ/Rhodes/Strings patches, preferebly 88key - At a reasonable price.

What would be your board of choice?

EDIT: I had the Nord Stage in mind, something different.