What synth/controller do you recommend?

Discuss music production with Ableton Live.
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Sebastian
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What synth/controller do you recommend?

Post by Sebastian » Tue Jul 24, 2012 9:36 pm

Hello,

I am looking for a controller or synth or 2 in 1 that is easy, intuitive, lets me make multiple loops from synths on computer, built in sounds (so it doesnt have to be computer based always) and loops generated from my singing and guitar

What are your recos?

Thank you
Live Suite 9, RME Fireface 800, Mac Book Pro, Sierra

3dot...
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Re: What synth/controller do you recommend?

Post by 3dot... » Tue Jul 24, 2012 10:16 pm

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heavensdaw
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Re: What synth/controller do you recommend?

Post by heavensdaw » Wed Jul 25, 2012 3:08 pm

I use the Novation X Station.. I paid 180euros new for it in a 'summer sale' about 5 years ago... still going strong, no issues what so ever..

You can get them really cheap now second hand..

Hd

cotdagoo
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Re: What synth/controller do you recommend?

Post by cotdagoo » Wed Jul 25, 2012 3:15 pm

heavensdaw wrote:I use the Novation X Station.. I paid 180euros new for it in a 'summer sale' about 5 years ago... still going strong, no issues what so ever..

You can get them really cheap now second hand..

Hd
Started with a X-Station 25 close to 5 years ago as well to getting better grips on synthesis. Pretty solid product with a built in soundcard, midi and synth for very little.

heavensdaw
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Re: What synth/controller do you recommend?

Post by heavensdaw » Wed Jul 25, 2012 3:31 pm

cotdagoo wrote:
heavensdaw wrote:I use the Novation X Station.. I paid 180euros new for it in a 'summer sale' about 5 years ago... still going strong, no issues what so ever..

You can get them really cheap now second hand..

Hd
Started with a X-Station 25 close to 5 years ago as well to getting better grips on synthesis. Pretty solid product with a built in soundcard, midi and synth for very little.
Tbh I haven't seen a better option for the prices these are fetching, they are very hard to beat And coupled with some creative effect usage the synth is pretty damn passable to most people ears... simple usb connectivity and extra midi in/out ports.. And as you say, soundcard built in, great for direct audio recording via usb.. easy to set up, very good keyboard with aftertouch.. x.y pad.. built in effects too.. shit!

Hd

Theo Void
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Re: What synth/controller do you recommend?

Post by Theo Void » Thu Jul 26, 2012 4:22 pm

I have an Alesis Micron that I kinda want to sell. Awesome little synth!

Sebastian
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Re: What synth/controller do you recommend?

Post by Sebastian » Thu Jul 26, 2012 4:39 pm

Thanks guys.

What about a controller that is not a synth, that has keys, drum pads, stop, play, insert, etc, and somehow has the ability to store samples off of Ableton synths?
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3dot...
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Re: What synth/controller do you recommend?

Post by 3dot... » Thu Jul 26, 2012 4:42 pm

I use the Novation RemoteSL and love it..
Akai MPK have good reputation too...
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Theo Void
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Re: What synth/controller do you recommend?

Post by Theo Void » Thu Jul 26, 2012 5:40 pm

I use an APC40, a Launchpad, an Axiom 25. This covers everything! Honestly I couldn't choose between APC and Launchpad. I love and need them both. I also have a Micron synth and a Roland GAIA. The synths are cool and all but I really don't use them since I have so many soft0-synths and can map them to my controllers.
Have you seen the Quneo? I'd really like to grab this. Pretty cheap too.

http://www.keithmcmillen.com/QuNeo/overview

I have a bit of an addiction when it comes to gear. But seriously bro there are ENDLESS possibilities when it comes to controllers. There are so many(TOO MANY) options. All depends on your work-flow.
I've recently switched to Traktor for live performance after using Ableton for years. I had a whole custom system for DJ'ing in Live but I;'ve abandoned it for Traktor and a custom APC40 mapping for it. I still produce in Live and so I still use all my controllers but now I'm thinking about getting an S2 or S4 for Traktor. Although, my APC40 Traktor mapping is pretty dope.

Anyway, let us know what u decide to get.

Sebastian
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Re: What synth/controller do you recommend?

Post by Sebastian » Thu Jul 26, 2012 9:42 pm

Thanks. Which hardware synth control maps out nicely with Ableton?
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reticent
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Re: What synth/controller do you recommend?

Post by reticent » Thu Jul 26, 2012 10:37 pm

I find my MicroKorg XL hardware maps beautifully with Ableton Live and I can use it as an external hardware synth... also I plan on picking up a Launchpad for clips. Makes it more practical to play songs and also record them rather than clicking with your mouse all the time.

Theo Void
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Re: What synth/controller do you recommend?

Post by Theo Void » Fri Jul 27, 2012 2:12 am

Sebastian wrote:Thanks. Which hardware synth control maps out nicely with Ableton?
Well, my Roland GAIA is a pretty awesome control for just about any soft-synth. I map Massive to it mostly. There are tons of faders and knobs on it so its pretty dope.

Theo Void
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Re: What synth/controller do you recommend?

Post by Theo Void » Fri Jul 27, 2012 2:22 am

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Gregory Wells-King
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Re: What synth/controller do you recommend?

Post by Gregory Wells-King » Fri Jul 27, 2012 6:02 pm

Hmmm.

Make what you will of this.

But 63% off !, did it for me, and I'm in love with it.

http://www.thomann.de/gb/m_audio_venom.htm

No transport controls, No Drum Pads, No Sliders or advanced mapping, but frankly I'm enjoying the freedom and the hybrid interface with Vysor.

rprntc
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Re: What synth/controller do you recommend?

Post by rprntc » Sun Jul 29, 2012 3:39 pm

Gregory Wells-King wrote:Hmmm.

Make what you will of this.

But 63% off !, did it for me, and I'm in love with it.

http://www.thomann.de/gb/m_audio_venom.htm

No transport controls, No Drum Pads, No Sliders or advanced mapping, but frankly I'm enjoying the freedom and the hybrid interface with Vysor.
Some price!!!!!
Very tempting...

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