marino Posted May 21, 2011 Share Posted May 21, 2011 Hi all, I have to take a decision and would like your opinion. It looks like the Alesis Ion which I've used as main synth for my classes in keyboard programming/performance at school has breathed its last breath. *Five* trips to "authorized" assistance (ha) didn't do much good. We've lost a lot of teaching/learning time for this problem, so it's become a sort of emergency. The Ion is not sold new anymore, so we are left with the option of buying an used one, or buying a different keyboard. Possible alternatives are the Clavia Nord Lead 2X or the Oberheim OB-12 (which can be found relatively cheap in Italy). My question: Maybe there's some other possible alternative that didn't come to my mind? What we need: A VA-type synth with a lot of knobs and a clear, analog-style front panel. Must be poly. Extra points for pitch and mod *wheels*, more than two oscillators, multi-timbral capabilities, aftertouch, extensive modulation routings, different filter types. Is there anything else on the market with these features? Thanks in advance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill H. Posted May 21, 2011 Share Posted May 21, 2011 Keyboard versions of the Access Virus come immediately to mind. A tabletop version coupled with a controller might be an affordable option. Tabletop "A's" are in the $500 range here in the US. Although it's front panel isn't as clearly delineated as some, the Virus still is considered the industry leader in hardware VA's I believe. You might as well show your students how it's done on something they're sure to run across. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meisenhower Posted May 21, 2011 Share Posted May 21, 2011 +1 on the Access Virus! I had a Virus Ti keyboard and it was a beast! Even some of the Virus A, B & C's can be had for little money, but they're not as robust as the Ti. Yamaha C7 Grand, My Hammonds: '57 B3, '54 C2, '42 BC, '40 D, '05 XK3 Pro System, Kawai MP9000, Fender Rhodes Mk I 73, Yamaha CP33, Motif ES6, Nord Electro 2, Minimoog Voyager & Model D, Korg MS10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rod76 Posted May 21, 2011 Share Posted May 21, 2011 Novation Supernova/Nova series. I've been wanting one for a while but always keep forget about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksoper Posted May 21, 2011 Share Posted May 21, 2011 In the used department, Roland JP-8000 or Korg MS-2000. The Roland always looked like fun to me. Might not meet all the requirements, but could be had inexpensively. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burningbusch Posted May 21, 2011 Share Posted May 21, 2011 Maybe the Roland Gaia. Clearly laid out with helpful screen graphics. Inexpensive. http://www.chipcollection.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/2010032319391.jpg http://synthupgrade.com/roland-gaia-review/ Busch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moonglow Posted May 21, 2011 Share Posted May 21, 2011 Would an RA qualify as "VA-type synth?" Prophet 08? "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marino Posted May 21, 2011 Author Share Posted May 21, 2011 All excellent suggestions, thanks you! The Virus is a gorgeous instrument, and a KB or KC can be had rather cheaply, but the panel is not so clearly laid out for beginners. The Gaia is ok, but... ok, I just dislike the Roland paddle. Especially for getting started with pitch/mod control. However, both the Supernova and JD-800 sound like concrete alternatives to me. MS2000 too. (Ok, the JD is not a VA, but it has a similar structure) I have to investigate their features and panel layout a little more. Again, thanks a lot for the ideas. As usually, KC delivers! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marino Posted May 21, 2011 Author Share Posted May 21, 2011 Would an RA qualify as "VA-type synth?" Prophet 08? Ha ha, of course! They're a bit expensive here though. But it's a good suggestion - I'll try to throw that on the table too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Maximus_ Posted May 21, 2011 Share Posted May 21, 2011 i was going to say Gaia, or SH-201, not stellar, but cheap, avaliable, and pretty good UI Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marino Posted May 21, 2011 Author Share Posted May 21, 2011 The Gaia is ok, but... ok, I just dislike the Roland paddle. However, both the Supernova and JD-800 sound like concrete alternatives to me. Ooooops!! Guess the JD is out of the picture... (It's late night here, folks! ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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