My first "big" hardware synth for around 3k €. What to buy?

[cocoazenith]

Get the Roland JD-Xa when it comes out and an Analog Rytm

[xamido]

If you really want hardware synth with crazy sound potential and modulation then Virus TI keyboardI is your best choice. The built in fx are excellent, lots of modulation slot, 4 envelope, 3 lfo, plus multiple oscillator waveform. It's crazy how you can do a lot of stuff on it.

The Virus is associated with trance and supersaw, but that doesn't mean you can't do different stuff it.

Plus, the keybed is really nice with 5 octave.

[jancivil]

But if you think that buying software in a standalone box like a Virus will magically improve your sound over what you could do in the computer, you are mistaken. I also think the analog myth is overblown, and you'd be just as happy with Diva or Oddity 2 as you would with a Prophet 6 (not that I would turn one down). The only reasons to go with hardware are if you need to play out live without a computer, or you hate computers, or you are just obsessed with analog and/or the physicality of using a piece of hardware.

This, a million times.

The tactile interface and knob per control possibilities with hardware are still better than a controller.

To the tune of 3 thousand euros? That's some really sexy knobs these things must have. But in terms of sound, I come from when there was only these boxes, and there isn't anything that the world is going to miss from a "Prophet 6" versus some software IME. It sounds like 3k euro is not something the OP typically burns through in a spree so I think the amount of sound for that money is kind of slim with a single box relative to software. Buy NI Monark for $99.

But if you gotta have that whole 'feel', go up into Guitar Center or something and spend all day to spend that kind of cash.

[trimph1]

Couple that with a good MIDI controller and possibly an Arturia Minibrute....save some $$$$ in the process for a little bit.

[cryophonik]

$3K is a lot of money to spend on a synth, especially if you have no idea which one you'd want or why. My suggestion is to be patient, do your research, and get your hands on whatever you can in this price range before listening to anybody's advice.

[thunderkyss]

I'm going to recommend a used Virus TI..... not a TI2. First off, it's 16 VA synths in one. Second, it sounds great. Third, it's an awesome midi controller. I got mine about a year ago for $1500.... about 1300 Euros I think.

[ImNotDedYet]

Couple that with a good MIDI controller and possibly an Arturia Minibrute....save some $$$$ in the process for a little bit.

The mini's awesome as is the MIni/Microbrute, and both are very capable of some "out there" sounds, but neither is capable of helping one learn to play the piano.

Come to think of it, I'm not sure what things are like in Europe, or if you'd have the room, but here in the States people are having problems giving upright pianos away. You could score an actual piano for cheap if you had the space, then buy a synth with most of your original budget, and in that case I'd probably go Prophet 6.

And while Diva and some other software VSTs can come pretty close in their emulation of hardware, there's something about paying a sequenced or arp on hardware and fiddling with all the knobs to get your sound down. Granted you could do this w/ a controller and VST, but the immediacy just isn't there. Do know this though...once you go down the hardware route...it's a hella big financial rabbit hole because now you need effects, pedals, better pres, CV capabilities, etc.

[markoos]

Radikal Technologies' Accelerator should also be considered...

http://www.radikaltechnologies.com/accelerator_videos

[pdxindy]

The tactile interface and knob per control possibilities with hardware are still better than a controller.

To the tune of 3 thousand euros? That's some really sexy knobs these things must have.

Plenty of hardware does not cost that much. But regardless, there is something lovely about hardware.

No question, sounds per dollar, software is better. But I love my Analog Keys.

No need to turn on a controller, audio interface, computer, launch a DAW, inset soft synth on a track. With the Analog Keys I flick the power switch and start playing. It is self contained, sounds lovely and is performance oriented.

[Dazed Veins]

For less than 10% you can buy a second hand master keyboard with aftertouch. And this is for free: ctrlr.org/

[kitkonis]

The tactile interface and knob per control possibilities with hardware are still better than a controller.

To the tune of 3 thousand euros? That's some really sexy knobs these things must have.

Plenty of hardware does not cost that much. But regardless, there is something lovely about hardware.

No question, sounds per dollar, software is better. But I love my Analog Keys.

No need to turn on a controller, audio interface, computer, launch a DAW, inset soft synth on a track. With the Analog Keys I flick the power switch and start playing. It is self contained, sounds lovely and is performance oriented.

yeah, this is what i am speaking about. I am not into midi controlling any vst parameters.. that is not the same as actually twisting the buttons on a hardware synth. thanks for all the answers people. currently I am thinking of buying a analog keys or analog 4 + a big 7 octave midi controller. if the prophet 12 would have better daw integration i would buy it but..still thinking about it. why 12? its just my dream. but now that i saw that they are planning some nice stuff for analog keys it is on the #1 place.

Has someone tested this? -> http://www.soundtower.com/prophet12/