Looking to buy value synth-module

[Jdub2k1]

OK, now that I have a decent controller, I am going module crazy. I am looking for the best bang for the buck in synth modules. If I can help it, I wouldn't want to go above $350. I already have the alesis nanopiano which does wonders considering its small size. The pianos, el. pianos, and clavs get the job done, but the synth sounds leave much to be desired. Among my current options are the alesis nanosynth, the roland jv-1010, and the kurzweil micro piano. If anyone has prior experience with any of these or knows of anything else worth considering, help me out

[DJDM]

If you have a computer, have you considered softsynths? Is this for studio or live application?

- DJDM

[Dave Horne]

I can add my two cents about the Kurzweil MicroPiano. I bring that along on jobs in case my sampler dies on me.

 

It has a decent acoustic piano sound, an excellent electronic piano sound (DX7ish) and a handful of useable organ sounds ... and they threw a string patch or two in as well. There might be a Rhodes type sound, but if there is, I don't use it as I use a sampler with an excellent Rhodes sound loaded.

 

It's basically a 'piano/keyboard' module. If you're looking for synth sounds, it ain't got it.

 

I will also repeat something I've said here in other posts. In the long run, you'll probably save money by just buying a good sampler and an occasional CD ROM with the kinds of sounds you're looking for. The initial outlay of money might make you wince, but in the long run you'll have more options.

 

I also bought the Alesis Nanopiano (or whatever it's called). I bought it only for the acoustic piano sound. It had a ton of other sounds, but I returned it after using it for a week as the acoustic piano sound wasn't up to my tastes.

[progfusion74]

How much tweakibility are you looking for?

 

prog

[Jdub2k1]

If you have a computer, have you considered softsynths? Is this for studio or live application?

I thought about that, but I play mostly in live performances and I don't trust computers enough to perform live.

 

How much tweakibility are you looking for?

I like the ability to tweak different sounds, but it isn't a must as long as the original sound is good enough that it doesn't need tweaking.

[Stephen Fortner]

Roland's got a new half-rack in the XV series, basically the JV-1010's replacement.

[burningbusch]

Currently Yamaha is closing out the AN-200 and DX-200. They can be found for ~$200/each at a number of places. These are great synths and a real bargin at that price.

 

Check them out.

 

Busch.

[DJDM]

Originally posted by Jdub2k1:

[QB]If you have a computer, have you considered softsynths? Is this for studio or live application?

I thought about that, but I play mostly in live performances and I don't trust computers enough to perform live.

 

[QB]

Fair enough. There are some things on the horizon that should make the live use of softsynths a more stable prospect but I would wait.

Best of luck,

- DJDM

[keyoctave]

I would recommend the Kurzweil Micro Ensemble (or ME1). I have owned this module for a month now (plan to put down my thoughts about it in this forum soon). I have used it at home, in practice and at live gigs. I used to own an Alesis Nanosynth a few years ago and I can tell you that the ME1 is way ahead of them. The pianos are great! They go from sedate (but dynamic) baby grand type sounds to bright rock grands (the kind that cut through the mix at a live gig) Good E pianos (especially the Wurly's) Warm pads etc. Also, the voices on it are stunning, and the price is right (paid $349 with no tax or shipping charges) Check it out!!

[Cowfingers]

Originally posted by SteveFortner:

Roland's got a new half-rack in the XV series, basically the JV-1010's replacement.

yeah i was playing around with the JV2020 the other day (or maybe it was an XV - but the 1010s replacement anyway) the only difference seems to be its silver, has USB, can take the new expansion cards and costs nearly twice as much! still, it sounded nice and was good(ish) value but not $350

[RABid]

Of the bunch the JV-1010 will give you the best variety of sounds and they are quite decent. You might also keep your eyes open for a used Proteus 2K. A lot of people are moving up to the P2500 so a lot of used 2K's are hitting the market.

 

Robert

[coyote]

I am tempted to pick up the AN-200. Does anyone out there know if it would be a serious addition to the capabilities of my JP8000, or would it be essentially redundant? Do the filters have different characteristics? the waveforms?

 

Originally posted by burningbusch:

Currently Yamaha is closing out the AN-200 and DX-200. They can be found for ~$200/each at a number of places. These are great synths and a real bargin at that price.

 

Check them out.

 

Busch.

[Jdub2k1]

Ok now I have the Proteus 2K, Yamaha AN-200 and DX-200, Kurzweil Micro Ensemble, Roland jv1010 and 2020 added to my options

I haven't heard much about the ensemble, an-200, and dx-200, so I will definetly check them out. As for now, the leader is the jv-1010 because of its expandablilty and maybe the 2020...thanks guys.

[RABid]

Originally posted by coyote:

I am tempted to pick up the AN-200. Does anyone out there know if it would be a serious addition to the capabilities of my JP8000, or would it be essentially redundant? Do the filters have different characteristics? the waveforms?

I picked up the AN-200 and the DX-200. IMHO the AN-200 is a step down from the Roland JP8000 and I am not sure you would gain much. The DX-200 would probably be a better choice. This is not your father's DX7. The filters on it place it between FM and VA. Of the two I like the DX-200 better.

 

Robert

[Jdub2k1]

Rabid,

How do the rhodes/ e. pianos sound on the dx-200?