I didn't see this intro thread til just now. I've been lurking around here, posting from time to time for about 6-7 months I guess. I've really enjoyed the wit, help and great ideas shared here.
My name is Donald and I'm really a synth-recording hobbyist guy. I do have a recording label and have actually produced 4 or 5 recordings for a local sacred music pianist, one of which had national distribution through what used to be Benson Music in Nashville, TN. But that was a loooonnng time ago.
I've playing with synths since the days of the ARP2600 and Moogs.
My Masters Degree in Audiology gave me a jump start in understanding the basics of synthesis and how they work. My very first keyboard, which I still have, is was a Siel DK600. I loved programming it and creating different sounds.
I'm also a guitar player (acoustic) and have played for over 40 years. I used to do coffee houses and such in my younger days.
I grew up on Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul and Mary, Paul Simon, and all those guys.
Today, I have a nice little recording/midi set-up that includes:
Yamaha Motif XS8
Yamaha TX-7
Yamaha RX-5
Korg DW8000
Siel DK600
Yamaha TX81Z
Casio CZ-1
Mackie Onyx 32 mixer
ART Multi-Verb
Akai AE30P Midi mixer
Yamaha KX5 portable controller
Software: Pro Tools LE7.3.1, with Xpand, Hybrid, and Structure soft synths, as well as several plug-in effects.
2 Acoustic steel string guitars: Guild F-20 and an Alvarez.
I have a hand-made Mexican classical guitar
1 lap dulcimer, 1 Mandolin and 1 Bandurria (if you don't know what that is, google it! Its from Spain!!)
I do all this for the sheer fun of it as well as teach my 16 year old daughter the basics, because she's got the gift for writing music and playing the keys.
My favorite thing to do is write and arrange music.
Thanks to all who have provided me with answers to my many questions.
Donald M