Are hardware synths over-rated?

condra · Post by **condra** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 2:57 am

People are always going on about hardware synths- both old analogues and modern VAs like MS2000s etc.

I got my first proper hardware synth yesterday, an Alesis Ion, and to be honest I'm a bit underwhelmed.

I mean, its nice to be able to fuck around with synth patches without turning the computer on, but was it worth splashing out €450 for that? To me it sounds a bit like Linplug Alpha, i.e a nice VA, but nothing exceptional.

So what do you guys think?

Are hardware synths over-rated?

Is hardware in general over-rated?

Is the "ideal project studio" now just a damn good computer running Live, a few plugs, with some nice monitors.

Thanks for your thoughts on this. I'm considering selling the Ion to fund a bigger computer screen, a Live 7 upgrade, and a microphone.

dcease · Post by **dcease** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 3:00 am

condra · Post by **condra** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 3:09 am

Dude Im super serial!

beats me · Post by **beats me** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 3:12 am

Doesn't count til you've dropped no less than $2,000 (US)....so Virus, Little Phatty, Voyager, etc.

Machinesworking · Post by **Machinesworking** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 3:13 am

I think if you're talking analogue with knobs and dials, no hardware is not overrated. Some emulations that don't appear in soft synth form really, like the Access Virus Ti (I know it acts like one, but it's hardware), a Poly Evolver, Waldorf etc. aren't overrated, but they're expensive.

Any classic analogue like the Arp 2600, Oberheim Xpander etc. that really don't emulate well is not overrated. Really, the 2600 is about the tactile experience, moving cables etc. and that does help in sound creation I believe.

I have a MemoryMoog, I inherited $2000 when I was a kid and bought it. I use it all the time, though it's funny how it works, it wasn't until I realized how much richer it sounded than emulations that I started using it on tracks again. The novelty of having everything in the box was compelling, but I'm glad I have it, and plan on using it until I'm dead really.

I would sell the Ion and invest in a classic synth personally.

adventurepants_ · Post by **adventurepants_** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 3:15 am

if you dont want an instrument, or dont understand how an instrument differs from a computer, then yes you probably should sell it.

i mean youve given the synth an entire day of your time.

Machinesworking · Post by **Machinesworking** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 3:16 am

beats me wrote:Doesn't count til you've dropped no less than $2,000 (US)....so Virus, Little Phatty, Voyager, etc.

Right on the edge of that is the Prophet 8, really sweet synth IMO!

http://www.audiomidi.com/Prophet-08-P9736.aspx#

Click to enlarge....

beats me · Post by **beats me** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 3:19 am

Machinesworking wrote:
beats me wrote:Doesn't count til you've dropped no less than $2,000 (US)....so Virus, Little Phatty, Voyager, etc.
Right on the edge of that is the Prophet 8, really sweet synth IMO!

http://www.audiomidi.com/Prophet-08-P9736.aspx#

Click to enlarge....

Off by $1?? OK, it's in

condra · Post by **condra** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 3:23 am

adventurepants_ wrote:if you dont want an instrument, or dont understand how an instrument differs from a computer, then yes you probably should sell it.

i mean youve given the synth an entire day of your time.

HAHA

You have a point. I need more time with it. I'll play with it for a couple of weeks and see if it grows on me. It's capable of some pretty great sounds, but it's still a fairly standard VA at the end of the day.

What have I said that makes you think I might not "understand how an instrument differs from a computer" ???

Anyway..

I'm on a really tight budget. I just wonder if maybe the money might have been better spent elsewhere. Fuck it, its no biggy. I just think I expected to be blown away, and instead its like, "meh, Linplug Alpha"

By the way Machinesworking, I've heard some "real" Analogues in the flesh and to be honest, personally, I dont subscribe to the hype.

Olga · Post by **Olga** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 3:34 am

condra wrote:People are always going on about hardware synths- both old analogues and modern VAs like MS2000s etc.

I got my first proper hardware synth yesterday, an Alesis Ion, and to be honest I'm a bit underwhelmed.

I mean, its nice to be able to fuck around with synth patches without turning the computer on, but was it worth splashing out €450 for that? To me it sounds a bit like Linplug Alpha, i.e a nice VA, but nothing exceptional.

So what do you guys think?

Are hardware synths over-rated?

Is hardware in general over-rated?

Is the "ideal project studio" now just a damn good computer running Live, a few plugs, with some nice monitors.

Thanks for your thoughts on this. I'm considering selling the Ion to fund a bigger computer screen, a Live 7 upgrade, and a microphone.

The real question is, is the hardware synth analog with analog filters?

Buttons and knobs are neat and for a controller, great.

When I think hardware synth I automatically think analog period. 99.99% of all the non-analog "hardware synths" or so called analog emulators like the Ion's sound can all be attained ITB these days so to me its an absolute waste of money. Unless the hardware synth is truly analog and has a unique, thick, rich sound that is unattainable with digital emulations, then I pay the money for it. Like all that is offered from studio electronics.

http://www.studioelectronics.com/products_synths.php

Otherwise I use plugs ITB and avoid hardware emulations like ion. They all sound the same, in the computer or hardware, same sound. one has fancy chassis for extra $$$.

adventurepants_ · Post by **adventurepants_** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 3:49 am

condra wrote:
adventurepants_ wrote:if you dont want an instrument, or dont understand how an instrument differs from a computer, then yes you probably should sell it.

i mean youve given the synth an entire day of your time.

HAHA

You have a point. I need more time with it. I'll play with it for a couple of weeks and see if it grows on me. It's capable of some pretty great sounds, but it's still a fairly standard VA at the end of the day.

What have I said that makes you think I might not "understand how an instrument differs from a computer" ???

i know very few musicians who would save up 500 quid for an instrument, spend a day with it and say 'oh i can just get these sounds from the computer". thats entirely missing the point of what an instrument is for.

condra · Post by **condra** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 3:55 am

No dude, I get it. Trust me, I get it. I'm just a bit underwhelmed by the sound of the synth is all really.

dys4ik · Post by **dys4ik** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 4:07 am

Before you go buying something else, try it out first...

condra · Post by **condra** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 4:08 am

aww fuck everyones patronising me now.

bastards

kaffein · Post by **kaffein** » Mon Feb 18, 2008 4:13 am

As long as every function of the sound is accessible by a knob/button/fader/wheel... I can dig it.

Are hardware synths over-rated?

Are hardware synths over-rated?

Re: Are hardware synths over-rated?