aajjgg Posted September 10, 2003 Share Posted September 10, 2003 Hi! I am new to the board, though I have been reading it for a few weeks now. I know others have asked questions like the one I am going to be asking, but I think/hope that the specifics are different enough to not cause this thread to be redundant... The question: What synth(s) should I start off with? First, I am planning on making techno/electro music, and more specifically, underground techno influenced by a lot of the best German labels and their producers (BPitch, Playhouse, Kompakt, Paul Kalkbrenner, Ricardo Villalobos), as well as my favorite Detroit and Chicago records. Right now I have just a DX100, which takes care of some of the classic bass, bell and organ sounds, but I obviously need Analog or VA synths as well! After alot of research, I m leaning towards getting a Korg Electribe ER-1 for drums, and then an ION for basic analog sounds. I have taken a class on Subtractive synthesis, so I think this is the place to start. I was also thinking of adding a CS6X later for instrument sounds and also so that I could have a better dedicated controller, allowing me to control future samplers and modules. I obviously need synths to cover a whole range of sounds, but I really would love to be able to make complex pads. IS this a good plan? Are there any synths priced similarly to the ones above (ie less than $1000) that are worth checking out? I have no problem with getting older used synths, but I would rather get something older and more specific sound-wise once I have established a good studio. Also, I obviously dont need weighted keys, but flimsy or small keys are not helpful, at least not this early in the process. Also, what hardware sequencers are worth checking out? I dont have the money to buy a good computer right now. Any advice is helpful, even if it regards something I have not covered above (ie should I even bother with any sort of controller synth given my genre? Is this a good order to purchase in?) Also, I dont really like all-in-one techno boxes because I really want to program my own sounds, and dont want my records to sound like demos I have spent time with the microKorg and MS2000 and dont like either (lack of knobs/keys in the former, small knobs in the latter), and also some of my friends have had bad experiences with Novation gear in regards to maintenance, repair, and reliability, so I am somehwat wary... (book over!) Disco! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phait Posted September 10, 2003 Share Posted September 10, 2003 Roland V-Synth? http://www.v-synth.com/en/index.asp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aajjgg Posted September 10, 2003 Author Share Posted September 10, 2003 looks very cool but zzounds lists it at $2300... I can spend that much money over the course of the next year, but not all at once unfortunately :-( Disco! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dementia13 Posted September 10, 2003 Share Posted September 10, 2003 I'm sure you'll get some better advice from others, but I can't argue with that plan. I have a CS2X and like its sounds, but the lack of modulation routings is starting to get old. The 6X gives you more controllers, and would probably also make a good controller for the DX-100. My FS1R even responds to scene changes from the CS, and the arpeggiator alone would breathe new life in the DX. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RABid Posted September 10, 2003 Share Posted September 10, 2003 I know you said you do not like beat boxes but the E-mu XL-7 is one of my favorite pieces in my setup. Lots of polyphony. Good sounds for dance and techno. Expandable with ROM's that will cover all other areas. Lots of knobs that make it a good controller. And CHEAP if you can still find on at close out prices. If not, they can be found cheap on ebay. It matches up very well with a VA. Later on add the World ROM. I also have a Korg Electribe R but don't use it. It may go on ebay soon. With the XL-7 I just don't need it. For cheap sound sources also look for the Yamaha DX200 or AN200. Instead of beat boxes consider them table top synths. For a while they were selling out for $200. Robert This post edited for speling. My Sweetwater Gear Exchange Page Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aajjgg Posted September 10, 2003 Author Share Posted September 10, 2003 the Emu box looks interesting, and I will try and play with one if I see one at the synth store tommorrow. How much depth is there in the synth programming? One of the things that interests me the most with the ION is the Mod Matrix... there seems to be more sound creation potential in that synth than others at comparable prices. The Emu box does look very interesting as a controller, and for drums, though the PX-7 might be better if I am looking for something better than the ER1? Disco! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Fortner Posted September 10, 2003 Share Posted September 10, 2003 Sweetwater was blowing out B-stock Roland SH-32's (a tabletop module VA) for $199. Stephen Fortner Principal, Fortner Media Former Editor in Chief, Keyboard Magazine Digital Piano Consultant, Piano Buyer Magazine Industry affiliations: Antares, Arturia, Giles Communications, MS Media, Polyverse Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burlingame2 Posted September 10, 2003 Share Posted September 10, 2003 Good luck aajjgg. Sone of us are waiting for something similar to what you are describing. Some instuments to make the music enjoyable, without sacrificing the quality in sound. If I came across some instruments that bring your best intent to the fore, I`d be sure and say `yeah this is the way to go and so forth`. I`ve got some similar issues to get past. Give yourself some time. I know there`s something that will help put it together for you, withoutnending up with a selection of crap you can do without. Sorry for being blunt, and not very helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burlingame2 Posted September 10, 2003 Share Posted September 10, 2003 Good luck aajjgg. Sone of us are waiting for something similar to what you are describing. Some instuments to make the music enjoyable, without sacrificing the quality in sound. If I came across some instruments that bring your best intent to the fore, I`d be sure and say `yeah this is the way to go and so forth`. I`ve got some similar issues to get past. Give yourself some time. I know there`s something that will help put it together for you, withoutnending up with a selection of crap you can do without. Sorry for being blunt, and not very helpful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aajjgg Posted September 11, 2003 Author Share Posted September 11, 2003 I saw Craig Anderton demoing the ION tonight and I was pretty impressed... I messed with it a lot beforehand and it just felt more intuitive than most of the others i have messed with, so I believe I have arrived at a decision, though I will try those synths mentioned above before making a final purchase... Disco! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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