Sounds modules/rack synths - good budget options?

[quincy]

Apologies as I know this has likely been covered many times, but I would love a few pointers.

Having spent years tweaking with software and whatnot since about '94 or '95, I am now concentrating on learning the keys. Thats kind of relevant and kind of not, but basically I wonder why it seems there aren't many hardware sound modules any more. I know that laptops are popular and software is obviously the popular choice, but if i wanted to just take my Axiom 49 controller keyboard and a box that made sound out and about (my laptop is used for other things and i don't want it damaged, stolen or broken) do I have many choices?

For example, the Novation Xiosynth in a small box with just the knobs (or even not, i could use the Axiom knobs) would be a great toy, and surely these could be manufactured withhout the keys for some £149 (only £200 for 25 key version)? That would be a killer toy.

Any other good options? I don't especially want to have to shell out for, say, an Alesis Ion or Roland SH-201 as they are friggin huge by a laptop twiddlers standards and I already have a set of keys (and not a huge bedroom)!!

Anyway, any pointers gratefully recieved, i'm happy to buy second hand or new really, I just don't feel the need for a hulking great synth when i already have keys, knobs and sliders!!

Cheers

[Chuck E. Jesus]

what exactly are you looking for soundwise? i think with the popularity of softsynths, there are many options used...certainly a used Emu sampler w/hardrive can be had for 100-200 dollars easy...i run into lots of used items at pawn shops and a couple music shops around here...i recently got a Waldorf Pulse rack analog via trade, works great w/ my BCR2000 for programming...

[quincy]

I think realistically i'm looking for something in the VA/subtractive sort of area, its the instant tweakability and ease-of-use thats the key here I think, although if something more adventurous could be had for not too much cash then i'm open-minded.

I guess the problem is that, although I know these old 90's rack synths (as used extensively by the acts of the time) can be found at a reasonable price, I don't really know what to buy as I am not clued up about these units. With software I can easily the sounds out etc, not so with used items.

I find these rompler type units intriguing as well, being able to dial-up a bunch of stock sounds easily is quite appealing.

[Chuck E. Jesus]

i don't know your price range, but as far as small rack unit, VA, infinite tweakability you could could do much worse than the Nord G2 engine...you can build whatever type of synth you want (with the help of a computer) and then tweak away...and there are many patches available online to get started...just my opinion, but i'd go for a sampler before a rompler as you could use whatever sounds you want, never be stuck....

[Richard Lichten]

G2 is most likely fantastic. Apart from this, many choices here...some ideas (i am also searching atm): MFB does cute small analogue synths for around 230 Euro
new. They sound well and are monophonic :
http://www.mfberlin.de/Produkte/Musikel ... ite_e.html

Waldorfs are rather cheap to get used -around 300 Euro. Nice are Pulse (monophonic analogue), MicroQ (VA) and Attack.

Evolver is also monophonic and small and rather cheap new (400 Euro), but can do alot new stuff.

Yamaha has great samplers (A series), good VAs (boxed A200) and interesting Romplers (CS6x) for not much mone used - personally, i love these 90ies units which share a basic sound and always good effects and a big does of craziness.

Then there is Roland - these 1080++ Romplers do sound good even if VStis might sound a bit better (which isn't the case in the other synth mentioned IMO).

[joshhunsaker]

i found a motif rack at a consignment shop for $500 i think. You could go for one of the emu deals which would be really cheap.

[quincy]

Thanks for the pointers.

I'm very intrigued by the G2 engine, i've read and heard about this before and the idea is interesting to say the least. I found something about the waldorf MicroQ too, pretty reasonable price for a decent set of synthesis specs.

I think perhaps I need to keep a close eye on ebay to find a good bargain, I have noticed soke interesting rack and keyboard synths going on there for under 200 notes. Maybe just take a chance on a cheap unit for the pure fun value, I have spent so much money on VSTi and hosts over the years that an investment of a couple of hundred quid for a real physical item would be a refreshing change!!