Siberian Posted July 21, 2003 Share Posted July 21, 2003 Hello, this is my first post here. I am looking for advice on buying an analog synth. The main purpose is for arpeggios. I want something that can be manipulated in real time, must be midi capable to link up to a click track when recording, and have actual keys to play (as opposed to a rack mount or desk top box). I really liked the Access Virus, but it's out of my price range and the one I looked at (Virus B) did not have keys. I like the Alesis Ion a lot and played with one the other day and it makes the kind of sounds, and has the kind of control that I am looking for. The price for he Ion ($800) is about at the upper limit of what I want to spend. That said, are there any others out there that I should consider before commiting to the Ion? I might even consider a rack mount synth with a separate midi keyboard controller. I am new to keyboards. I am actually a drummer so I have very little experience in keyboards. I will be using this for my band. We have sort of a hybrid gothic/industrial sound. Our keyboard player has a Korg Z1, a Trinity, and a Triton, but doesn't really get into the arpeggio stuff that much. So I am just going to take the responsibility on my own shoulders and just get a dedicated analog synth and write the arpeggios myself, then pre-record them to the digital recorder for live shows. That's why it needs to link to a click track. Anyway, any advice on other models I should look at besides the Ion would be greatly appreciated. I would also consider a used model. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
synthlover Posted July 21, 2003 Share Posted July 21, 2003 In that price range, you should have a few solid options. Personally, I like the Korg MS2000 and Novation K-Station. I haven't heard the ION yet, but it seems to be getting rave reviews from those who have. EMU also has a few boards that are priced very well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superbobus Posted July 21, 2003 Share Posted July 21, 2003 Originally posted by Siberian: I am looking for advice on buying an analog synth. I really liked the Access Virus, but it's out of my price range and the one I looked at (Virus B) did not have keys. I like the Alesis Ion a lot and played with one the other day and it makes the kind of sounds, and has the kind of control that I am looking for. Thanks!Welcome aboard! I'm sorry to disappoint you, but the boards you're mentioning are as digital as can be. They're called "virtual analogs", VA's and their goal is to imitate those old analogs and create weird new effects as well. Some are better than others, but that Ion looks sooo cool... http://www.bobwijnen.nl Hipness is not a state of mind, it's a fact of life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Siberian Posted July 21, 2003 Author Share Posted July 21, 2003 Superbobus... sorry, lemme clarify. By "analog" I meant analog modeling. Digital is fine for my purposes. It doesn't have to be "true" analog. I know that the true analog vintage gear is very expensive so I am not even considering it at this point. I like that digital sound anyway. It blends well with the "industrial" sound of our music. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RABid Posted July 21, 2003 Share Posted July 21, 2003 I really liked the Novation KS4 and am considering a KSRack. I think these just surpass your spending limit. The Korg is nice but only 4 note polyphony. Still, that is not bad for arps. See if you can still find the Yamaha DX200 and AN200 for $200. No keyboard, but a very good deal. As said before by synthlover, I also suggest that you look at the E-mu XL-7. Some stores are closing it out at $499. I paid $1249 for mine when it first came out and thought that it was well worth that price. Though it is a ROMpler rather than a true VA the E-mu's have good filters and great synth type sounds. It also has good arps and beats. Better than you will find on most VA's. Robert This post edited for speling. My Sweetwater Gear Exchange Page Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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