Ableton Forum

im thinking buying a hardware synth but would like to use it for most of my sounds
my budget 500-700 GBP
i would like something that is easy to program
thanks
fred.

Dont waste your money buy a controller keyboard(if you havent got one already)and Zebra 2, better than any new hardware synth out now.

http://www.u-he.com/zebra/

What type of sounds do you want it to make? Bassy ones, experimental ones, drums? Do you need a keyboard? How familiar with synthesis are you? There's a few good synths that are cheaper than your budget if you'd prefer to save some cash.

Zebra 2 does it all.

Comes with Zebralette which is a mini version of Zebra 2 good if your just starting out and wiil also help you understand how to use Zebra 2.

I'd say an Alesis Micron, or maybe a Korg Triton used.

I would like to second the controller+zebra suggestion. I am very much a hands on person and i don't have a very deep understanding of synth programming etc... but i find Zebra2 really easy to use and it really can make some incredible noises.

a funky modular "starter kit" from Synthesizers.com, MOTM or Modcan
should get you hooked for life

i'm very happy with my new clavia nord lead 2x

for that kind of dough I'd recommend... one of these three

analogue monosynth with performance sequencer -- Future Retro Revolution

hybrid digital/analogue synth with built in sequencer -- Dave Smith Evolver (desktop unit) ... this one has huge sound potential, but I find its tricky to get into the desktop model's interface.

Virtual analogue multi-timbral synth, with no sequencer or effects - Clavia Nord Lead 2x rack mount.


you can just about afford one those, not sure what kind of sound you're into but theres no over-lap between those beauties - they all rule for different reasons! go check out some reviews and audio demos and see what suits your tastes. Seeing as its your first hardware synth ? (is it?) ...I'd recommend the nord lead 2x seeing as its so versatile and has a nice interface and as such is easy to program.....BUT, the evolver really can churn out a wide reaching palette of sounds, altho it has a tricky interface that has to be learned like the back of your hand - not at all as easy to program as the nord lead, imo.

looking to make a wide range of sounds really
i was looking at the roland sh 201 or the korg ms 2000

i'd second the dave smith evolver recommendation...kind of a modular synth/analog sequencer/effects processor in a box at a very reasonable price...of all the crap i own, that and the mpc1000 are my two faves...

i am buying an sh201

djfm wrote:looking to make a wide range of sounds really
i was looking at the roland sh 201 or the korg ms 2000

OK, maybe this isn't he person looking at getting involved with a monosynth. Especially a tricky one like the Evolver...

If you want a synth that does a wide range of sounds, you should stay away from the FR Revolution. It's one of my faves and i've been lusting for one since they were announced a couple years back. It's a machine that's designed to work within the Acid techno frame. It's a bassline. If you want deep evolving pads or something look elsewhere...

Someone suggested a Nord Lead 2x. Good suggestion. Maybe the Alesis Ion? Maybe for that money I would look into buying a used but in good shape Roland JP-8000. In my opinion the best analog modeling synth ever created. A giant palate of great sounds. Leads, pads, etc.

I personally love the Evolver and Revolution but that's used in addition to other synths. I have access to a Kawai 5000 (amazing), A Roland Juno 106, and the Korg Legacy collection as well as the Revolution.

Hope you make the right decsion and your happy.

rsagevik wrote:a funky modular "starter kit" from Synthesizers.com, MOTM or Modcan
should get you hooked for life

I like your thinking, sir.


I firmly believe that programing hardware modular synths is the best way to learn synthesis, and general basics of electronic music as a whole. I think it is the biggest tradgedy in the electronic music world that academic institutions that teach electronic music have for the most part abandoned these instruments in favor of software.

There are surely still afew places left that have these machines and use them in their curriculum, but the numbers are sadly dwindleing....


anyway, i ju7st wanted to throw that into the conversation, i don't really think that's what the poster wants.





.lm.

check out the yamaha RM1-x

lots of bang for your buck there!
Easy to use, very flexible, build in sequencer, sturdy build.
Great workhorse synth/groovebox.