rackmounted hardware synths

[fmr]

Here is my suggestion list:

1. Waldorf Microwave II XT (can be rackmountable)
2. Yamaha TG77 (although the SY99 is much better, this rackmount version is a must have, IMO). There is an expansion ROM by a german company.
3. Korg Wavestation A/D or SR
4. Kawai K5000R
5. Yamaha FS1R
6. Roland MKS-80 Super Jupiter (if possible with the MPG-80)
7. Roland MKS-70 Super JX (if possible with the PG-800)
8. Waldorf MicroQ
9. Clavia Nord Modular G2 Engine

Some of the other suggested would also be considered bu me, like the Roland JD-990 8only if it had expansions), but not as a top priority.
No way the Korg MS2000, or the Roland JP080 (the MKS-70 or MKS-80 are much, much better).

If you consider tabletops, and you manage to find it, a Oberheim Xpander is an absolutley MUST, although on this I would also prefer the keyboard Matrix-12.

[amiga909]

tkx fmr, very extensive list!

hmmm...checked my local ressources and actually found a TG77 for 250$. not sure if this is what I want. why did you rate this thing so high, fmr?

my target is having hardware gear to escape working with computers all the time (1), have reliability for live gigs (2) (I know, I know for some people computers are more reliable..) and just have some more machine magic (3) (again this is highly subjective I know).
another limitation I have is: for my live playing I need synths that have send+recieve controls (I work with on the fly CC recording) or the possibility to make a decent patch on my Behringer BCR2000's (offering 32 + 24 knobs).

- if I could choose a MKS-80 + MPG-80 would be the thing, a vintage analogue synth is missing in my rig...hard to get, expensive and coz of age risky thu...didnt know about the MPG-80, looks sooo beautiful..not sure if the programmer devices allow midi cc recording (via MKS midi out)?
- quickly checked the TG77 manual. the synth is highly configurable, my recieve+send spec is alright here... thing just is that I rather had to work with the SY99 computer editor to manage its complexity. so i could use plugins here instead as well (still not fully matching the TG77 sonic potential I guess)
- fsr-1, wavestation and K5000R fall aside for the same reason.
- waldorf microwaveXT could be a possibility. q or microwaveI+II are easily programmable on the device itseld I reckon. already got a waldorf pulse yet..
- oberheim Matrix-12 or Xpander is a dream too of course. too expensive I fear
- guess wont consider desktop synths now...
- cheap+interesting is also Cheetah MS6 (no controls hence)

-> going to look for the Roland stuff MKS-80/70+programmer, JD-990 and the orange Waldorf rack unit
-> will prolly also keep an eye on Access Virus A-C, Clavia Nordrack I+II

thanks for your help KVR-ists!

[amiga909]

- waldorf Q/Q+, there is also a rack version, Q+ has analogue filters..

found some more on schneidersbuero.de, most are over 1000 bucks sadly..
- SMS MARS halfmodular synth (650$)
- Analogue solutions: Red Square (1300$) v2, Semblance (1000$)
- Vermona Perfourmer polysynth (1400$)
- Future Retro XS monosynth (2000$)
- Cwejman S1-Mk2 Semimodular (4000$ ...): if I had the money prolly the best choice for analogue sound available

[fac]

- waldorf Q/Q+, there is also a rack version, Q+ has analogue filters..

found some more on schneidersbuero.de, most are over 1000 bucks sadly..
- SMS MARS halfmodular synth (650$)
- Analogue solutions: Red Square (1300$) v2, Semblance (1000$)
- Vermona Perfourmer polysynth (1400$)
- Future Retro XS monosynth (2000$)
- Cwejman S1-Mk2 Semimodular (4000$ ...): if I had the money prolly the best choice for analogue sound available

I don't know where you live, but the FutureRetro XS costs $1300 in NovaMusik and looks great. I almost bought it but went with the Nord G2 instead. I'm not yet sure if I made the best choice, since I could have interfaced the XS with my dotcom modular, but both are surely great synths.

I also second the Waldorf XT suggestion. Great synth for around $650 second hand.

Another option, Korg Radias rack (much better than the MS2000R).

You may also find a Elektron Machinedrum for around $1000, and I think those can be rackmounted.

[amiga909]

thanks for more ideas:
- radias (1000$): very good, forgot about that one! already got that MS2000 thu
- future retro: yes, sorry my price seems to be wrong.
- we did not mention Kurzweil so far.

-> was looking for more info about tg77. for 250$ it really is a good offer. the hardware plus falls aside a little (intuitive programming, tweak fun), hence the computer question arises. but for 250$ you get technically more in financial terms of sonic ressources (plugins), hardware ressources (10outs, pro a/d-converter) and cpu (32voices), even for long term calculations. tg77's effects are prolly bad (like in my Yamaha A3000), realistic instruments too. however, I like electronica music and for surprising sounds tg77 seems well suited. and that's the thing: turn on, get surprised
thanks for the tip, fmr

[pschelfh]

I just got a FS1R and I personaly like it better than my TG77. I always liked the pure FM sounds more than those that also used samples in my TG anyway.

Plusses are : The D/A convertor is much better, high quality FX, lots of (modern sounding) FM sounds to start with.

Peter.

[hifiboom]

http://www.schneidersbuero.de/index.php ... URO_BRUTTO
that one seems a decent tool.

have a listen on the sound samples on the right side...
very nice. great for aggressive electro basses. nice filter, fat sound!

and a decent look

[Chuck E. Jesus]

you could easily integrate your BCR2000 with the G2 rack engine...even though you have to program patches on a computer, once that's done it would be like many customized synths you could control any way you like...