Hardware synths that blew away your expectations

[PieBerger]

When I read back my own post it seems weird that I don't like metallic wavetable character, because FM can sound incredibly metallic. But FM doesn't pretend to be anything else - it's unapologetically out there flaunting it's metallic credentials. Whereas wavetable seem to me to be coy wannabe analogue waves that are dressing up to sound like something else but not very well. I never figured out exactly why I dislike wavetables but tolerate and even like FM.

Haterz gotta hate

[whyterabbyt]

When I read back my own post it seems weird that I don't like metallic wavetable character, because FM can sound incredibly metallic. But FM doesn't pretend to be anything else - it's unapologetically out there flaunting it's metallic credentials.

and yet chowning's main work on FM was emulation of acoustic instruments.

[kritikon]

He wasn't very successful, then. Most musical instruments don't go "clang".

[kritikon]

Actually, it does some of it well in that respect. If I want make a metallic guitary stab/strum for dub etc then FM is my first choice, especially an Opsix fx operator. And FM makes for brilliant organ sounds. Cheesy but very effective. Even my old DX100 organ presets bring a smile to my face - instant LooneyTunes cartoon vibe. Sounds crap in 140bpm doofdoof though...

[styphonthal]

I got a used Super 6 desktop for a good price I couldn't pass up but didn't have much expectations.

It's amazing. Controls are kind of confusing as the updates added button combinations, but otherwise pretty easy to use despite having no physical screen/display. I love the sounds. I have been layering it with different synths and it makes everything sound more interesting.

[alefri]

I recently got a Dreadbox Nymphes and I was really surprised about the sound, very powerful and compact analog poly

[flatline_horizon]

I have the inverse problem, I fear. Obsessively watching youtube workflow and sound demo videos until it arrives, then initial elation ends quickly.

[CANE CREEK]

Osmose, thought the presets were all going to sound organic, but theres some good synth/ambiemt stuff in there.

[PieBerger]

I have the inverse problem, I fear. Obsessively watching youtube workflow and sound demo videos until it arrives, then initial elation ends quickly.

friend! My desk Hydrasynth Explorer and Eurorack collecting dust sees you!

[egbert101]

Problem solved. Put your unused and neglected hardware in boxes or the cupboard. Never worry about dust again!

[vurt]

Problem solved. Put your unused and neglected hardware in boxes or the cupboard. Never worry about dust again!

just throw a sheet over them, less work.

[iowastate89]

Melbourne Instruments Nina.. The motorized knobs are great and reactive, but the immediacy of the work flow has been really impressive. The modulation is intuitive, and the sound is fantastic

[Uncle E]

Did you get it? The year it was announced at NAMM, I thought it was the best sounding synth of the show.

[iowastate89]

Did you get it? The year it was announced at NAMM, I thought it was the best sounding synth of the show.

Yeah, have had it for 2 days. Haven't had time for an extended deep dive but really like it so far, built very solidly and the flow just works for me. Very cool in Bitwig to see the stuff I automated control the knobs automatically on playback (gimmicky or not, it's a helpful feedback loop). Haven't tried MPE yet but that's next on my list

[boombaxx]

Bought this broken took a gamble it was less than half price. The Arturia Matrixbrute one new power board later working. It seems to be unlimitless in what is possible