The real reasons why analog synths are superior to softsynths

[IncarnateX]

My hypothesis:

1. You know they are analog and thereby better pr. definition.

2. They are often made in more robust materials than plastic, which makes them feel authentic.

3. They have real wires and often complicated to set up, which make them feel sophisticated.

4. Playing them makes you feel like a real musician compared to clicking softsynths with your mouse, which makes you feel like a computer nerd.

5. They are more beautiful than a PC.

6. They are three dimensional not two dimensional, which enhance their authenticity.

7. The fact that you sometimes have to get them repaired enhance their authenticity.

8. They feel more authentic to bring to a jam - or live gig than a PC and a controller.

9. They are much more expensive, which makes them feel more valuable.

10. They even smell better, especially when they get hot.

Now this is not to say that these are not perfectly valid reasons to the ones who adore them, but just to say that if analogists or digitalists discuss their status with focus on their particular sound only, they are deluding themselves. How they actually sound should really be a minor issue compared to these major psychological advantages.

Remember it is only a hypothesis. Maybe it could even be tested with the right design?

Discuss.

[Mushy Mushy]

Dude, do we have to do this again? Everything that can be said has been said.

[DSmolken]

But analog gear makes girls think you're really old. Old and boring.

[IncarnateX]

Dude, do we have to do this again? Everything that can be said has been said.

Why do we always end up discussing their sound then? If it all have been said and you agree, let's make this a summery for posterity then.

[Gamma-UT]

Are you saying that digital hardware is not superior to soft synths? My VL1-m is now sulking.

[BDeep]

But analog gear makes girls think you're really old. Old and boring.

Absolutely, but software makes girls think you're really nerdy. Nerdy and boring.

[IncarnateX]

Are you saying that digital hardware is not superior to soft synths? My VL1-m is now sulking.

No. Don't worry. Digital hardware can achieve some of the advantages listed but will fail in 1. , often 2., sometimes in 5., very often in 7. and certainly in 10.

[Aloysius]

n/m

[werp]

But analog gear makes girls think you're really old. Old and boring.

Ummm... I am really old and boring...

[vurt]

its because theyre dearer, you spend 2 grand on a synth you are going to justify it by belittling those who only use software
at least, thats why my analogues are better than your software.

or, both analogue and software are tools, use what works for you. superiority is in the users hands, not the tool.

[IncarnateX]

both analogue and software are tools, use what works for you. superiority is in the users hands, not the tool.

Don't you dare to violate my hypothesis with that politically correct cliché. Superiority is given in the advantages listed. I know I am right. I can feel it.

[Lotuzia]

My hypothesis:

1. You know they are analog and thereby better pr. definition.

2. They are often made in more robust materials than plastic, which makes them feel authentic.

3. They have real wires and often complicated to set up, which make them feel sophisticated.

4. Playing them makes you feel like a real musician compared to clicking softsynths with your mouse, which makes you feel like a computer nerd.

5. They are more beautiful than a PC.

6. They are three dimensional not two dimensional, which enhance their authenticity.

7. The fact that you sometimes have to get them repaired enhance their authenticity.

8. They feel more authentic to bring to a jam - or live gig than a PC and a controller.

9. They are much more expensive, which makes them feel more valuable.

10. They even smell better, especially when they get hot.

Now this is not to say that these are not perfectly valid reasons to the ones who adore them, but just to say that if analogists or digitalists discuss their status with focus on their particular sound only, they are deluding themselves. How they actually sound should really be a minor issue compared to these major psychological advantages.

Remember it is only a hypothesis. Maybe it could even be tested with the right design?

Discuss.

Sofsynths also become especially usefull when you cant install them anymore for various reasons ( OS/Daw compatibility, C/R protection, lost files, etc ) In this case soft synths physical boxes are especially nice, because they make you nostalgic that you indeed had something in ancient times.

Its also nice when the computer fails to play in live situations, because you can now really discuss with the audience about life and *real* things ( Before there was too much music )

( Just for the pleasure to discuss , cos I like and have both soft and hw things, and enjoy them both )

[vurt]

so, does a monotron sound better than monark?

[Sendy]

For me the main pulls for analog are: 1- 1:1 correspondance between your fingers on the knob and the sound changes, and 2- authentic audio-rate modulation - but on this point (a) many analogs don't allow audio-rate modulation (which begs the question: WHY? You're using the universe to get free anti-aliasing, why not use it?!) and (b) softsynth devs have pretty much learned to nail the sound of audio-rate modulation in the digital realm.

Give me Monark, Diva, TALs, and the other emulations over what they emulate, anyday.

[Bathrobe]

Please, do not feel insecure about the sounds you use.

And if you do, don't try do derive your sense of confidence from the type of instrument you use.

Of course it's nice to have good knobs. But remember good and bad knobs can be found anywhere.