cheap hardware synths?

ehcsztein · Post by **ehcsztein** » Wed Jul 16, 2008 8:34 pm

Well I'm a hardware guy (workflow reasons primarily) sooo ... here's a few (older of course) that I have or have had along the way that can still be found releatively cheap but still provide some tonal goodness.

Yamaha tx81z = FM Synth that can create some seriously nice low end (can be found 50-100 usd) ... the interface is a bit clunky ... menus w/subpages and then paramters etc

Oberheim Matrix 6/r = Old analog beast excellent thick pads and speaker killing low end. Again PITA interface but worth it for the routing matrix alone. Also the matrix 1000 which uses patches from the 6 without editing capabilities (can be found 80-400 usd)

Kawai K3r = Rack versionf of the K3 ... a simple wavetable synth with analog filters does some good bread and butter basses and bleeps ... working getting a wobble out of mine (non-rack) for kicks and giggles (50-100 usd) also PITA interface at times. Benifits greatly from offboard effects I use guitar stomp boxes (flange and overdrive) in-line and a bit of compression on the mixer.

Novation A-Station = Basic V-analog ... lots of knobs for a 1RU synth. Excellent sound quality, effects, interface etc. Probably the best bang-for the buck synth I have got currently. If I need a specific sound this is the module I reach for if the routing works out (150-300 usd)

This is not to support/refute any of the Hard vs. Soft-ware rhetoric just trying to give insight into options that I know of. None of these are easier to use than software for certain. Then again easier != more usable/useful for everyone.

cheers

hd4000 · Post by **hd4000** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 5:01 pm

go for the micro korg.HUGE bass out of a small keyboard that runs ya 300 bucks.almost cheaper than a soft synth.

http://www.analoguehaven.com/korg/micro ... rokorg.jpg

FSTZ1 · Post by **FSTZ1** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 9:15 pm

my fingers are too fat for the microkorg

ali jamieson · Post by **ali jamieson** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 9:59 pm

new = novation xiosynth or korg micro korg methinks

jokerkhk · Post by **jokerkhk** » Sun Jul 20, 2008 6:19 am

Joe C wrote:tell us some sounds similar to what youre after!

if you want cheap and versitile you dont want hardware.

if youre after some nice 80s lo fi sounds, or early 90s style you can get em dirt cheap!

I got a Yamaha DX27 for 20 quid on ebay, which is the full key version of the infamous DX100 used by every techno guy ever

WHa i payed 90 pounds 4 my dx 27

anyways

i would say get a sh201

or micro korg

Sharmaji · Post by **Sharmaji** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 3:06 am

i use my hardware like software-- only play stuff on the midi controller but run my microkorg, tx81z (the cat is officially out of the bag), and roland jv all into a mixer and control all the programming and presets via midi cc from logic.

takes a bit to set up but i'm really, really happy with it.

i initially took the hardware plunge because i wasn't happy w/ where vsts, etc, were 5 years ago. things have changed drastically. I sold the pieces i wasn't using because they weren't worth the hassle, and kept the goodies that i use all the time-- the 81 can get really ugly or really silly, the roland is a great ROMpler with some excellent pads, ethnic, and orchestral sounds, and the microkorg is really great for instant, beefy leads and basses.

were i getting into this all right now, dunno if i'd go hardware at all. it's nice to have an actual recording stage (mic pre, etc) to run stuff thru but certainly not necesarry.

all in all it's the workflow i've got and i'm happy with it, but you really don't *need* hardware to make rockin' tunes. cases in point: mala, skream, benga, chase & status, logistics.....

eshscramble · Post by **eshscramble** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:11 am

FSTZ wrote:my fingers are too fat for the microkorg

that's hilarious.

get reaktor... there's thousands of synths in the NI user library you can get for free. get bored one day? download ten new synths or a hundred... the quality is getting(well, has been) amazing. most digital synths are nothing more than your computer and midi board marketed as a standalone item...

if you are already producing on a computer it's pointless, like buying a pager if you have a cell phone.
*only drug dealers and plumbers buy digital synths...

if you really want fat analog sound do what the others said and get a kickass modular kit or find some old lady selling a pro one on ebay or in the paper.

i'm spending too much time writing this, it's all been said already//

Littlefoot · Post by **Littlefoot** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:54 am

jokerkhk wrote:
Joe C wrote:tell us some sounds similar to what youre after!

if you want cheap and versitile you dont want hardware.

if youre after some nice 80s lo fi sounds, or early 90s style you can get em dirt cheap!

I got a Yamaha DX27 for 20 quid on ebay, which is the full key version of the infamous DX100 used by every techno guy ever
WHa i payed 90 pounds 4 my dx 27

anyways

i would say get a sh201

or micro korg

Joker mate, your processing of the DX27 sounds loads better than mine.

It's used on Retro Racer isnt it?

any times for processing it that might make it sound a bit "classier" more defined, as is I would describe your FM sounds in the mix.

badeshi · Post by **badeshi** » Mon Jul 21, 2008 8:45 pm

You can get some real nice hardware fairly cheap now...
Nord Lead/Rack
Accesss Virus
Roland JP 8000

all have lots of MIDI controls and heavy sounds, got all basses and leads covered.
I also like more random stuff, cheap casios etc. I think of it a bit like record digging - why would i want to use the same synths as everyone else? gotta find that unique sound...

phonetic system · Post by **phonetic system** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 2:52 am

Access Virus TI! (just not that cheap)

shits on any VST and its a big shit

i think if your thinking of buying a synth hold out and get quality... otherwise your just going to buy something you will most likely replace.

the Microkorg i can second is good value for money. (stupid small keys though)

abstractsound · Post by **abstractsound** » Sun Jul 27, 2008 7:41 am

www.vintagesynth.com

but seriously.. realistic mg-1 is where its at. roland shs 101, juno 60 (not so cheap) or hell buy a bent casio sk-1 from diabolical in the states for $200

taal mala · Post by **taal mala** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 7:25 am

ebay...

there's loads of synths on there being sold by poor software lovers all the time. I've seen an MS20 go for like £300..

murk_dweller · Post by **murk_dweller** » Sat Aug 02, 2008 4:38 pm

abstractsound wrote:buy a bent casio sk-1 from diabolical in the states for $200

i've never understood why anyone would do this

i have a casio sk-1 and an sk-5, both of which i bent MYSELF.

paying someone $200 to bend a keyboard for you is a waste of money.

spend your $200 on a real synth

i got a nord micro modular off ebay for about that much

or, just circuitbend something yourself, its not that hard

djake · Post by **djake** » Sat Aug 02, 2008 5:06 pm

murk_dweller wrote:
abstractsound wrote:buy a bent casio sk-1 from diabolical in the states for $200
i've never understood why anyone would do this

i have a casio sk-1 and an sk-5, both of which i bent MYSELF.

paying someone $200 to bend a keyboard for you is a waste of money.

spend your $200 on a real synth

i got a nord micro modular off ebay for about that much

or, just circuitbend something yourself, its not that hard

yea the fun part of curcuitbending is doing it your self

.klimaxx · Post by **.klimaxx** » Sun Aug 03, 2008 9:06 am

novation x-station is your best bet by far mate

i bought it recently and not only does it have 200 siiick sounds built in, it also has loads of features that are ready to use with your software...

for example it has loads of midi controllers including an XY touchpad.

and the best bit is that you don't have to worry about buying a soundcard because it has one built in to it! that means you can sell your old one, get some extra cash, and have more space on your desk =]

and it only costs like £150 for the 25 note one or £300 for the 61 key one!

seriously worth it mate.

abstractsound · Post by **abstractsound** » Sun Aug 03, 2008 3:16 pm

consider the fact that a) some people dont know jack about electronics and soldiering and b) im trying to offer up something that isnt a f'in xstation

pretty soon we'll all use a combination of FL, reason, ableton and xstations and our music will all sound the same

djake · Post by **djake** » Sun Aug 03, 2008 6:26 pm

i want a roland tb 303

but there hardly cheap

abstractsound · Post by **abstractsound** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 12:33 am

take your own advice and build a x0xb0x. shit.

act like you know.

djake · Post by **djake** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 12:35 am

abstractsound wrote:take your own advice and build a x0xb0x. shit.

act like you know.

yea i already no about them.

but there still pretty expensive and someone told me u cant get them anymore.

abstractsound · Post by **abstractsound** » Mon Aug 04, 2008 2:03 pm

about 2 weeks ago there were 34 kits available. you have to go to the website and email them to get a password and your name on a list, and then you can access the purchasing page. $350 US and 3 weeks of your free time you will have a tb303 that is one resistor off from the original version. im pretty sure they even supply a note as to how you can simulate the one resistor that they could not track down (because its not made anymore)

they release them in batches of 100. you always have to have a password. and they are awful at updating the site for when the kits will be released again. just gotta watch it.

almost bought one, but going on vacation for a few weeks and bought an ipod instead. more immediate gratification but ill regret it when i return from my vacation

cheap hardware synths?

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