Getting started in electronic music production (with hard synths)

[do_androids_dream]

My advice is to forget about hardware (unless your budget gets a HUGE boost) and get Komplete 10 at a 50% off sale.

And, why not, demo the U-He products too! They got 2 fab modulars: ACE (analogue) and Bazille (FM).

Only at kvr... thread about hardware and it's full of software recommendations

[thecontrolcentre]

There's never been a better time to get into hardware. It's cheap (relatively) and plentiful. Something like the new KORG Minilogue is an amazing entry level analog poly. There are a ton of affordable analog mono synths available too ... Mini/Microbrute, Moog Mother, Doepfer Dark Energy, Bass Station 2.

[do_androids_dream]

There's never been a better time to get into hardware. It's cheap (relatively) and plentiful. Something like the new KORG Minilogue is an amazing entry level analog poly. There are a ton of affordable analog mono synths available too ... Mini/Microbrute, Moog Mother, Doepfer Dark Energy, Bass Station 2.

Amen

[chk071]

Again, you won't get very far with his budget:

I have about $450 right now, I can save up too.

Will be enough for one monophonic analog synth. Or, of course, he could get a VA, Blofeld comes to mind, and he'll be set quite fine for most musical styles. But then, what about speakers, audio interface, and midi keyboard? I'd really make sure i'd get those first, before thinking of purchasing anything else.

[thecontrolcentre]

Again, you won't get very far with his budget:

I have about $450 right now, I can save up too.

Will be enough for one monophonic analog synth. Or, of course, he could get a VA, Blofeld comes to mind, and he'll be set quite fine for most musical styles. But then, what about speakers, audio interface, and midi keyboard? I'd really make sure i'd get those first, before thinking of purchasing anything else.

I didn't notice the OP asking about speakers or interfaces. For $450 the second hand synth market makes sense. I picked up 2 of my analogs for much less than that. There are plenty of second hand VA's available too ... X-Station, Xiosynth etc.

[saplingmusic]

Hey, did anyone read my last post? I explained everything I had in there.

Its on page 2

[maschinelf]

OP has stated that he prefers hardware. And I kinda agree with his logic. Somehow, hard synths worked better for me too, even in better understanding and getting more out of soft synths. I kind of got synthesis, but didn't really get it till I started using more hardware. Its just a psychological thing, as logically speaking there is no difference, but hardware did keep me more focused and somehow got me to make connections that I didn't initially, and also allowed me to be more focused and go deeper with software, while initially I was distracted by all the options and the controller assignments and all the daw functions etc. It could be that it was just me gaining more experience with time, and the same could've happened with just software, but imho it would've been slower that way. This is only me own preference and personal experience, so obviously it doesn't apply to everyone.

As for recommendations, I'd go with rod_zero's suggestions on page 1. Since a preference for polysynths has been specifically mentioned, that only really leaves the Blofeld and Minilogue, with me leaning towards the Blofeld. It's not as hands on as the BS2 or Minilogue, but the trade off is its way more powerful, and I think is a reasonable compromise on the immediacy of control. And it's actually quite similar to the way a lot of software is designed in terms of menus/structure etc, so again it's a reasonable compromise between the extremes of a knob per function pure analog within OP's budget, like the minibrute, and a soft synth. And since this is his first hard synth and maybe the only one for a while and he may rely on it a lot, imo its better to go for something more powerful so as not to hit a limitation or a wall as soon as one would, with say a BS2. Also Waldorf Pulse 2, though not polyphonic, would be within his budget in the EU so I'd add that as maybe the 3rd or 4th choice.

[chk071]

Hey, did anyone read my last post? I explained everything I had in there.

Its on page 2

Sorry, missed that post. Well, maybe it would be important to figure what you'd want to go for then. Pure analog, virtual analog, which gives you a lot more functionality for the same money, or some hybrid like that Rolang thing. As i wrote, with your budget, the Waldorf Blofeld would probably get you the most for the money, if you don't want to go analog. Or a used Virus Snow. You'd need a midi keyboard then to play those anyway, as they don't come with keys.

[rod_zero]

If a keyboard is needed then the best options are either the Minilogue or the Ultranova.

[saplingmusic]

Ok, I think I'm coming down to my final decision. I plan on purchasing soon.

Korg minilogue or a roland boutique JU-06. Sweet water has a demo JU-06 for $270, then I could get the K-25M keyboard.

But, the minilogue seems to have a lot of options on there and looks packed with features. But it is $500.

I'll do a little more research.

Thank you all for the help!

Porter

[e@rs]

My advice is to forget about hardware (unless your budget gets a HUGE boost) and get Komplete 10 at a 50% off sale.

And, why not, demo the U-He products too! They got 2 fab modulars: ACE (analogue) and Bazille (FM).

Only at kvr... thread about hardware and it's full of software recommendations

[EdSevered]

VORT3X, you should write a book! Or at least start charging for advice.
I'm going to copy your posts to my virtual studio notebook.

x2

[tieb]

awesome forum, new here, just reading the replies and topics.

[MOK19]

I have some skullcandy aviators, which I know aren't the best, but those are my headphones. But I have some Mackie CR4 studio monitors. I love them, and they work for me.

Of everything that's been covered in this thread, this is priority #1. Decent headphones - those that cost $100 or more - are a must, before all else.

Second - since you seem very interested in Synthesis, I'll plug the youtube video I always do. Because it's the best synth tutorial out of the many many synth tutorials I've seen. .

Third, you have nothing at all to lose if you spend time with a free softsynth, like the very famous Synth1, which is featured in many hit songs, if you listen to electronic music. This is a great synth to learn with, decently powerful, good sounding, and everyone knows about it and how it works.

Hardware is neat and all, but for what you can get for absolutely free with software compared to what hardware can provide...
It's a massive, massive price premium for an ultimately minor difference, in the big picture. To be constrained by a music gear budget for an electronic musician in 2016... That is truly a shame, and frankly pointless.

The original poster mentions that he prefers a tactile approach - That's most certainly an important factor. But it absolutely doesn't rule out softsynths! You can relatively easily map a midi keyboard's knobs to the software knobs. Afterwords, it is just as tactile, hands-on, and spontaneous as you wish it to be. The only catch is remembering what you mapped, to which knob. But you can label the controls. And just like learning a hardware synth, the more you use it, the better you remember.

All this said, I'm not trying to talk you out of hardware all together. I'm just trying to talk you out of it as your opening move. By all means, go hardware later. But for now, you're not actually gaining much at all, compared to software, when you're a complete novice. With a slim budget, you're better off clearing the OTHER roadblocks down the music path. Things like an audio interface, good headphones, maybe a good pair of reference speakers, or a licensed copy of other software you'll be inevitably using.

When you see those Deadmau5 videos with all the shiny looking gear, bare in mind that he wasn't using all that shit when he made his first hits. In fact, that's the case for most modern EDM musicians. They have it and use it because they can, not because they need it for their art & sound. They do not need it, not even slightly.

Alright, nuf wordcount.
But welcome to our world. I look forward to seeing you around.

[sin night]

In your posts you named a few product that are very far from each other (simple grooveboxes like the Volca, monosynth like the MS-20, polysynth like the Minilogue, modulars)... Even though you then restricted you choice down to 2 items, I'd still suggest you to spend some more time researching before committing to any purchase. Especially since you stated you're a total beginner.


I understand the tacticle factor, but I'm afraid you may end up with a synth limited for your needs (or that you don't much its sound)... I think that's the reason behind many of the "stick with software" advices (beside kvr userbase being naturally more geared towards software).

If you really want to go hardware, I'd forget about the Roland Boutique line. They have a very small form factor, so I guess they won't give you a great tacticle experience. The Minilogue could be a better choice, as any virtual analog that fits the price (I can't think of anything else than microKorgs and Novations)... I think a Minilogue could offers a more hands on experience than synths like a microKorg (the Minilogue has more dedicated controls).

Before buying synths, look for videos showing the actual workflow with them. Each synth has its peculiar way of working. For example, a microKorg has a sort of matrix for parameters (you may like that approach or dislike it). Some synths have a simpler access to their functions, while others require you to use matrix, shift keys and menus...


In my opinion, you should think about these things before making any purchase.


I love hardware, but in this case I'd suggest you to stick with software. As others have already stated, you may spend your budget for more useful things (better headphones, etc). If you still want to go for an hardware synth, I'd strongly suggest you to take some more time to decide which one to get.