Hi all
Was almost tempted to drop this in another thread (viewtopic.php?f=102&t=545494&start=15) but decided better of it and Im after something a little different to the mentioned topic.
To start with Im looking for a decent polyphony synth with analogue elements that can work well as a standalone for creating jamming and to incorporate in the DAW.
Having a host of plugin instruments I am ideally seeking a unit that will cover both basis reasonably.
Key would like features:
Aftertouch, as many "to hand" parameters as possible (menu digging is not really inspirational for my liking), controls/faders/sliders to assign to vst instruments (ominsphere, diva, sylenth etc you get the idea).
Analogue element is a like to have.
Usual mod/pitch wheel/joysticks.
4 Octave minimum preferably 5.
Full size keys, I want to be able to play naturally!
Ideally GUI support for daw (but not essential).
Around the £1000 mark or less if I could get
Any features I havent considered please chime in.
I was initially considering NIs Kontrollers 49/61 keys then I was thinking I really want a standalone synth and something I can use to jam standlone with the Virus TI desktop module.
I nearly bit the bullet on the Roland JX-DA last week, but from previous impulsive orders decided to hold off. I know there's the cosmetic side of things ie finger smudges but Im not overly worried on that score.
Other kit currently to give you an ideal NI Maschine, Virus TI, JV-1080, XOXBOX into an RME Fireface 800.
Ive got a JD-800 awaiting servicing but the keybed is jammed with red glue at the moment (grrr).
Synths Ive had previously; DSI Pro8, Elektron Analog Keys, Korg M1, Korg Prophecy (why did I buy that is beyind me).
The system 8 has dropped into view, but I am not convinced and dont know too much about it. Seems all digital and basically a hardware synth loading Roland VST plugins (is that right)?
The Arturia MaxiBrute is appealing but a little too pricey and the poly functions Im guessing are limited. I had a tinker on one last year in the local music store and was quite impressed. Be great if all the knobs are assignable again not done my homework here.
Im open to ideas, styles are predominantly electronic ambient/trip hop styles and the odd techno track for fun.
Any input/experiences welcome on the above JXDA, System 8 or other. Not too sure about the Korg Wavestate as not looked into that one yet (from the other thread seems to be heavily menu driven with no GUI).
Im kind of sold on the JX-DA, know its dated but good prices out there atm (potentially coming to an end of line - not sure whats replacing it).
So many choices, such a tight budget.
Cheers
M
Synth/MidiController Advice, Input and shared experiences please
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- KVRAF
- 3303 posts since 27 Mar, 2010 from UK
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canadian_moose canadian_moose https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=427894
- KVRist
- 279 posts since 14 Oct, 2018
How about a Controller hub keyboard and then an analog module?
Novation SL49/61 MK3 plus a Korg Minilogue module?
Love my SL 49 MK3..
Sounds like you may not want a combo though.
As far as I am aware, the system 8 is it’s own synth but it uses the analog Circuit behaviour digital system so it’s not true analog. It also is able to load the Roland soft synth modules like the Jupiter and Juno etc. I believe they also map perfectly to the system 8 controls automatically.
Novation SL49/61 MK3 plus a Korg Minilogue module?
Love my SL 49 MK3..
Sounds like you may not want a combo though.
As far as I am aware, the system 8 is it’s own synth but it uses the analog Circuit behaviour digital system so it’s not true analog. It also is able to load the Roland soft synth modules like the Jupiter and Juno etc. I believe they also map perfectly to the system 8 controls automatically.
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- KVRAF
- Topic Starter
- 3303 posts since 27 Mar, 2010 from UK
Thanks. Really after one synth to double up as a vst controller, Im guessing doing some research most on the market nowadays have assignable slide/pots etc. Still hunting and confusing myself!
Still really fancy the JX-DA but still a lot for the finances my end atm. :/ But theres some appealing interest free terms currently, so got some scope
Just need to fathom the technical and functional side of things in my head for workflow and what I need and want.
Currently in my head:
JX-DA
Korg Wavestate (not convinced need to demo and research as and when)
Roland System 8 but I really would like some form of analog. I really miss the DSI Pro 8 sold a few years back, hated the pots but the sound and filters where standout when played alongside vsts and the TI.
Arturia Maxibrute (I know not a true polyphony) and Novation Summit both really pushing the budget and I think Summit is way to deep a synth for my need.
Nord 2 (just dropping this one in there but waay over budget).
Still really fancy the JX-DA but still a lot for the finances my end atm. :/ But theres some appealing interest free terms currently, so got some scope
Just need to fathom the technical and functional side of things in my head for workflow and what I need and want.
Currently in my head:
JX-DA
Korg Wavestate (not convinced need to demo and research as and when)
Roland System 8 but I really would like some form of analog. I really miss the DSI Pro 8 sold a few years back, hated the pots but the sound and filters where standout when played alongside vsts and the TI.
Arturia Maxibrute (I know not a true polyphony) and Novation Summit both really pushing the budget and I think Summit is way to deep a synth for my need.
Nord 2 (just dropping this one in there but waay over budget).