Your favorite "versatile analog-modelled/emulation" synth plugin?

[cryophonik]

I wonder how many people who own/use analog synths even care how much their plugins sound like hardware. I can only speak for myself, but as someone who has owned analog synths since the 80s and currently owns eight (modern) analog synths, I don't care and never really have cared how much the software sounds like the hardware. I don't have golden ears and in a blind A/B test, I'd probably be making more of an educated guess than anything. I like using both and, personally, I tend to prefer soft synths that go beyond the limitations of the hardware it's emulating, rather than trying to strictly emulate it. My worthless 2c.

[Markus Krause]

Ok, a question for you then: If Saurus is supposedly emulating analogue sound, what IS analogue sound then, if analogue sound isn't really defined?

Many people think that this is analog sound:
- Lots of bass
- warm waveforms (lots of energy in the lower partials)
- detuned sound
- lots of noise
- lots of distortion

This is what really defines analog sound (you can switch most of this on/off in the Config menu of Saurus3:
- Filter with self-oscillation
- slight oscillator-drift
- slight instabilities
- Soft saturation
- Damping of frequencies over 8Khz in the OSCs
- a little noise
- no aliasing
- filters are slightly 'off-tune'

These ticks are done by synth-manufacturers to make their emulations sound more 'analog' and 'warm':

- F0 partial of a pre-rendered sawwave that is stored in a lookup-table is over-attenuated to simulate saturation on the OSC and make it sound more 'warm' (many analog emulations do this)
- Lowpass filter the output of of the oscillators at around 8kHz (several U-he synths, Saurus3 in some modes, etc)
- Oscillator/voice output is soft-saturated before it goes into the filter (Moog, Saurus, etc)
- slightly detune voices
- slightly detune filters

[AnX]

Not all analogue filters self oscillate

[syntonica]

...
What's the standard? Who decides the standard? You can get soft synths sounding identical to the MiniMoog...

You can get soft synths sounding identical to A MiniMoog. Unfortunately, unless you can find the Platonic ideal of MiniMoog out there, perhaps built in Spice from the original schematics with perfect components, there's no standard, just various references.

On a side note, I really like Saurus3 as it sounds quite analog and all the controls are right there. However, it's too modern sounding for my taste. It's like using a Sequential Rev2 vs using an original SCI Prophet 5. I like my various components to consider their options for the day while they warm up.

[LoveEnigma18]

I just downloaded the demo of Model 84. My goodness! It sounds fabulous. Probably the kind of synth that I was looking for.

Two-sided thoughts:

- I wonder if I should consider it despite having Super 8 and Monark (I know it's mono, but still). Of course, I have Massive X, Dune 3, Spire too. Wonder if it would be just an unnecessary addition.

- If I do want to get it, should I consider it over Repro and/or Diva? Definitely can't have and don't want to have all 3.

[VELLTONE MUSIC]

I use frequently analog filters of Icarus,Warlock,Viper and Synthmaster2.
Prefer analog filters,instead of analog emulations for multitask use,but start to appreciate them in the mix.
Don't know what drives people buying hardware synth,when there is tons of dope affordable vsti,probably it's the same with expensive cars,laptops,smart phones and all other modern toys,but strictly in term of use in modern mix,hardware synths are far behind virtual ones in ratio price/use.
Cheers

[cryophonik]

Don't know what drives people buying hardware synth,when there is tons of dope affordable vsti,probably it's the same with expensive cars,laptops,smart phones and all other modern toys,but strictly in term of use in modern mix,hardware synths are far behind virtual ones in ratio price/use.
Cheers

Yeah, I have no idea why someone would want to own and use a fine hardware instrument, when they can come from work after a long day of staring at the computer screen, then stare at a computer screen some more.

[VELLTONE MUSIC]

Don't know what drives people buying hardware synth,when there is tons of dope affordable vsti,probably it's the same with expensive cars,laptops,smart phones and all other modern toys,but strictly in term of use in modern mix,hardware synths are far behind virtual ones in ratio price/use.
Cheers

Yeah, I have no idea why someone would want to own and use a fine hardware instrument, when they can come from work after a long day of staring at the computer screen, then stare at a computer screen some more.

Good point
To me is the same with guitars,can't imagine to play virtual guitar

[Ploki]

This is turning into a debate on principles, kind of...

Ok, a question for you then: If Saurus is supposedly emulating analogue sound, what IS analogue sound then, if analogue sound isn't really defined?

For me, it is, for example, trying to emulate sound characteristics in analogue filters as close as possible. Same with other components. For you, it might be completely different then.

I don't hear filter characteristics, I just hear the whole sound, for instance a sweep, and compare it to the sounds I know from old records.

Old records tracked on tape

[chk071]

I just downloaded the demo of Model 84. My goodness! It sounds fabulous. Probably the kind of synth that I was looking for.

Two-sided thoughts:

- I wonder if I should consider it despite having Super 8 and Monark (I know it's mono, but still). Of course, I have Massive X, Dune 3, Spire too. Wonder if it would be just an unnecessary addition.

- If I do want to get it, should I consider it over Repro and/or Diva? Definitely can't have and don't want to have all 3.

TBH, I'm not a fan of the Juno's architecture. A single oscillator just won't do it for me. That would be the major consideration for me against a soft synth which emulates it. If anything Roland, I'd get the TAL-J-8. Just my opinion, of course.

[LoveEnigma18]

I just downloaded the demo of Model 84. My goodness! It sounds fabulous. Probably the kind of synth that I was looking for.

Two-sided thoughts:

- I wonder if I should consider it despite having Super 8 and Monark (I know it's mono, but still). Of course, I have Massive X, Dune 3, Spire too. Wonder if it would be just an unnecessary addition.

- If I do want to get it, should I consider it over Repro and/or Diva? Definitely can't have and don't want to have all 3.

TBH, I'm not a fan of the Juno's architecture. A single oscillator just won't do it for me. That would be the major consideration for me against a soft synth which emulates it. If anything Roland, I'd get the TAL-J-8. Just my opinion, of course.

I agree, although the upside of it is that it makes it easier to program (better for my not-so-nerdy or sound designer brain), which is why I like Super 8 too, and avoid getting lost in complex routing/modulation/etc. And if that is ever needed, we of course have other synths with more oscillators and overall sound design options.

I have heard good things about TAL-J-8, but just looking at its GUI, it looks a bit overwhelming. Of course it would be capable of more, but I wonder with more such options I will be able to or want to get any extraordinarily useful sounds that I wouldn't get with a simpler synth. Hope you got my point here.

[Introspective]

You make yourself sound too stupid to understand with that sort of straw man argument, or perhaps you are?

C'mon, man. Grow up.

You've got an axe to grind about using the A-word. Good on 'ya. Plenty of folks do. But you can argue until you're blue in the face about how the CZ sounds "analog" and you're still ignoring the fact that you know what it means, I know what it means, the OP knows what it means, and it's a term that is NOT going away. You've lost the plot.

But, please: your ad hom to my straw man. Keep it coming. Fun times.

[chk071]

I just downloaded the demo of Model 84. My goodness! It sounds fabulous. Probably the kind of synth that I was looking for.

Two-sided thoughts:

- I wonder if I should consider it despite having Super 8 and Monark (I know it's mono, but still). Of course, I have Massive X, Dune 3, Spire too. Wonder if it would be just an unnecessary addition.

- If I do want to get it, should I consider it over Repro and/or Diva? Definitely can't have and don't want to have all 3.

TBH, I'm not a fan of the Juno's architecture. A single oscillator just won't do it for me. That would be the major consideration for me against a soft synth which emulates it. If anything Roland, I'd get the TAL-J-8. Just my opinion, of course.

I agree, although the upside of it is that it makes it easier to program (better for my not-so-nerdy or sound designer brain), which is why I like Super 8 too, and avoid getting lost in complex routing/modulation/etc. And if that is ever needed, we of course have other synths with more oscillators and overall sound design options.

I have heard good things about TAL-J-8, but just looking at its GUI, it looks a bit overwhelming. Of course it would be capable of more, but I wonder with more such options I will be able to or want to get any extraordinarily useful sounds that I wouldn't get with a simpler synth. Hope you got my point here.

Sure. Although I still think a layout like the Juno 106 is too limiting for me.

[LoveEnigma18]

I just downloaded the demo of Model 84. My goodness! It sounds fabulous. Probably the kind of synth that I was looking for.

Two-sided thoughts:

---

TBH, I'm not a fan of the Juno's architecture. A single oscillator just won't do it for me. That would be the major consideration for me against a soft synth which emulates it. If anything Roland, I'd get the TAL-J-8. Just my opinion, of course.

I agree, although the upside of it is that it makes it easier to program (better for my not-so-nerdy or sound designer brain), which is why I like Super 8 too, and avoid getting lost in complex routing/modulation/etc. And if that is ever needed, we of course have other synths with more oscillators and overall sound design options.

I have heard good things about TAL-J-8, but just looking at its GUI, it looks a bit overwhelming. Of course it would be capable of more, but I wonder with more such options I will be able to or want to get any extraordinarily useful sounds that I wouldn't get with a simpler synth. Hope you got my point here.

Sure. Although I still think a layout like the Juno 106 is too limiting for me.

So, what is the next best alternative or similar synth to TAL-J-8 according to you that is little more involving than a Juno 106 emulation?

[zvenx]

I just downloaded the demo of Model 84. My goodness! It sounds fabulous. Probably the kind of synth that I was looking for.

Two-sided thoughts:

- I wonder if I should consider it despite having Super 8 and Monark (I know it's mono, but still). Of course, I have Massive X, Dune 3, Spire too. Wonder if it would be just an unnecessary addition.

- If I do want to get it, should I consider it over Repro and/or Diva? Definitely can't have and don't want to have all 3.

TBH, I'm not a fan of the Juno's architecture. A single oscillator just won't do it for me. That would be the major consideration for me against a soft synth which emulates it. If anything Roland, I'd get the TAL-J-8. Just my opinion, of course.

I am with you here.... I do like the Model 84, but not anyhere in love with it as I am with the Model 72.. Whereas I am in love with the Tal J-8.... (I also really like the Super 8, but the browser and GUI needs work)..

rsp