Advice on new synth

Ashaneen · Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 7:38 pm Post subject: Advice on new synth

I was wondering if I could get some advice on my next synth.
I am thinking about purchasing the Korg x50 or a similar synth for around $500-$1000 US. I mainly work on Psychedelic Trance / Goa but I still haven't found a decent inexpensive synth for my needs. The reason I am looking at a cheaper keyboard as compared to a full-on workstation, is that I do most of my sequencing in Cubase and/or Reason and don't feel like I need an on-synth sequencer (not like I could afford a $2000 synth right now anyway). Confused

But my main issue is that I haven't been able to create exactly what I want with what I have (powerful laptop, Loads of Vst's, Sh-201).
My main issue is with not being able to create the complex bass arpeggios that I want. I have been using the Sh-201 and the software to create custom arp's but they don't sound as good as what am really trying to do.
The real reason I was leaning towards the x50 was for the ease of use of the (dual?) arpeggiator, the 200+ preset arp patterns, and the possibility of user-created arp patterns. Now, I did play with one today for around an hour and I liked it much more than the Juno-D, which was my other choice. Wink

So, if neither one of these will help me make the quality of trance i'm attempting, does anyone have any suggestions as to whether I should get a different inexpensive synth, or if I should save up a bit and get something a bit more serious. scratch

Thanks.

GovernorSilver · Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2007 11:32 am Post subject:

How about the Korg Radias or R3? Alesis Ion or Micron?

Ashaneen · Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2007 12:25 pm Post subject: examples

Ashaneen · Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2007 8:16 pm Post subject:

Well, I checked out both of those Korg synths, and I don't think either of those are what I am looking for. I was also able to play around with a Juno-G, and I think that is getting closer to what I feel will suit my needs. The Juno-G has a small sequencer, a fantastic and fully customizable arpeggiator, and it can sample audio and MIDI data. So, for around $1000, I think I am going to go with the Juno-G. Cool

The only problem I for see is that the patches/samples are not editable, so I am basically stuck with those on-board sounds or I can get extra sound modules. At least with the Juno-G I can sample and use the tweaked-out sounds from my Sh-201. Maybe I should just save up an extra $800 and go with a Fantom X6. Rolling Eyes

elektro80 · Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2007 9:42 pm Post subject:

The 201 is kinda cute. I like it. The Korg Radias is closer to a modern real instrument. I love it.

As for arpeggiattor patterns, unless you are shooting off the stuff at insane speeds, why don´t you just play the stuff you need? If you really need to store a 1:1 repeatable pattern you can most likely use your DAW for this anyways.

mtvic · Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2007 11:19 pm Post subject:

Why not trade the 201 ,save the 800 as mentioned add the 1000 and go for a
non special edition Prophet 8.
True analog.
just a thought.

Ashaneen · Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2007 11:47 am Post subject: Radias? Prophet 8?

GovernorSilver · Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 1:16 pm Post subject:

I might get a Radias if the local Guitar Center still has any on clearance sale.

What kind of arp power do you really need?

My Emu Command Station XL-7 can do up to 32 simultaneous arppegiators, each on its own MIDI channel. There are 8 different modes to choose from (up-down, random, user pattern, etc.). MIDI CCs can also be mapped to parameters that affect arpeggiator behavior (like length of note, gate values, etc.). Looking forward to experimenting with this via MIDI guitar. Cool

GovernorSilver · Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 3:09 pm Post subject: Re: examples

Ashaneen · Posted: Tue Nov 13, 2007 4:49 pm Post subject: Re: examples

GovernorSilver · Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2007 1:11 pm Post subject:

Good luck!

I got my Command Station for $450 off of ebay, still shrink-wrapped, btw.

elektro80 · Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2007 1:16 pm Post subject:

Re the arpeggiator in the Radias: I´m not using it. If I need that arpeggiator feel to voices I´ll rather write the full stretch of events into a sequencer first.

The built-in sequencer is really nice.

GovernorSilver · Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 2:11 pm Post subject:

Nice example of musical use of an arpeggiator, with the Korg MicroX running the arp:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=munMDFzfbgQ

Ashaneen · Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2007 9:54 am Post subject:

Thanks for all the advice. I ended up finding a Radias to play with in a local Guitar Center in Southern California, and was only slightly impressed. Yes, the synth is very fun to play with and the sequencer seems decent. But, again I was not too impressed with the arpeggiator. Sure, it was customizable after figuring the right button combination and key-presses to use, but I still don't think it's what I'm looking for.
I'm thinking now I am going to save up more money (maybe another $1000+) and get something that will suit my needs perfectly, (if it even exists). Confused

In reality I am looking for a synth (analog or VA) that has an arpeggiator that I can edit on-the-fly. Is there anything out there like that?
A synth that I can have an arp going with and be able to dial a knob or hit a slider, or even touch a screen (V-synth or Fantom X-8 maybe?) to be able to adjust individual steps on the fly. So I can hear what it sounds like in real-time.
Granted, I have what I "need" to create the arps I want slowly with Cubase and the 201's editor, but I was looking for something with a more hands-on arp that I could maybe use live. Is there anything out there like that? Rolling Eyes

egw · Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2007 1:30 pm Post subject:

Arpeggiators are intended to be adjusted in real time, by playing the notes on a keyboard. In this way you "edit" the individual steps. If you don't want to play the notes on a keyboard, maybe what you really need is a step sequencer. Most of these allow real time editing.

Ashaneen · Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2007 4:59 pm Post subject:

GovernorSilver · Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 12:44 pm Post subject:

Ashaneen · Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2007 10:02 pm Post subject:

Mohoyoho · Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 8:01 am Post subject:

The arp in the Ion is not very editable. The Micron might be a better bet. Not mentioned so far is the Waldorf Q or Q rack. That has a great arp which is highly editable. I also think the Q sounds great. The Q also has an editable step sequencer which will also transcribe to a different key corresponding to what root note you hit on the keyboard.
The Waldorf Microwave XT also has a tremendous arp.

GovernorSilver · Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 3:07 pm Post subject:

Ashaneen · Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2007 2:05 pm Post subject:

GovernorSilver · Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 12:35 pm Post subject:

The V-Synth XT can be found for under $1500 on ebay too. I just lost an auction on one, with final price being about $950. Evil or Very Mad

Ashaneen · Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 2:11 pm Post subject:

BobTheDog · Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 7:41 am Post subject:

I have an XT and the GT is basically two XTs with some extra stuff thrown in.

The XT is great already so the GT should be extra great Smile

You will have many many hours of fun with it.

Andy

spinach_pizza · Joined: Oct 31, 2007 Posts: 15 Location: Kansas

I don't know whether this is helpful, but two other ideas come to mind (if you're interested in analog sound):

1. Futureretro's Revolution (about $700, I think) which has an analog monosynth and sequencer, both tweakable on the fly.

2. Any analog or digital synth with cv or midi inputs, hooked to a FR Mobius (about $400). You could use a Spectral Audio Neptune II rack analog monosynth, with 3 oscillators, LPF, MIDI interface, etc ($600 at Nova Musik), and for $1000 have a pretty cool setup for basslines. The Mobius and the Neptune are eminently tweakable in real time.