I wouldn't say what I listed are my "favorites" by any means. If it were, I probably would have just listed the u-He freebies. I tried to stay free, cheap, current and simple for my suggestions. It seemed like an earnest question that deserved an earnest answer and so far, imo, others have responded that way also.
Beginner/learner DAWless synth
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- KVRAF
- 7862 posts since 28 Apr, 2013
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- KVRAF
- 2143 posts since 10 Apr, 2002 from Saint Germain en Laye, France
Ableton Drift
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vitocorleone123 vitocorleone123 https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=333504
- KVRAF
- 1940 posts since 30 Jun, 2014 from Pacific NW
Visually overwhelming. Vital would be a better choice (and free) but still too much.
Full bucket also makes free synths. Basically looking for basic subtractive synths I’d say. If paid, a Korg Polysix can be had on sale for $50.
If the school has an iPad I’d suggest that instead of a PC and Ableton. Cheaper. More interactive. Less expensive software that tends to be more accessible.
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- KVRAF
- 10434 posts since 3 Feb, 2003 from Finland, Espoo
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- KVRAF
- 9901 posts since 18 Aug, 2007 from NYC
Have you considered VCV?swilow11 wrote: ↑Thu May 16, 2024 12:52 am I'm a librarian and we're setting up a little synth workstation in the library aiming at kids/teens. We've got a Novation midi keyboard, and Ableton Lite, but also wanting to get some kinda of beginner basic synth that can run in standalone. The simpler, the better. Something that works easily and hopefully provides some sort of visual feedback. Also ideally free or cheap. Please help!
Standalone.
The initial patch includes modules setup as a VA.
There’s hover-over tips for available parameters.
With the initial patch, it’s setup to use the computer keyboard for note input.
Would definitely be library appropriate (and budget friendly, as it is free).
https://vcvrack.com/
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- KVRAF
- 9901 posts since 18 Aug, 2007 from NYC
Not standalone.
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- KVRAF
- 2143 posts since 10 Apr, 2002 from Saint Germain en Laye, France
What is the goal of the standalone request ?
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- KVRAF
- 9901 posts since 18 Aug, 2007 from NYC
I’m not the OP, but I’d assume less distractions with a focus on immediacy.
Opening any DAW can be daunting if there’s no experience and no guidance.
I would also assume the idea is someone could potentially do this independently. Double-click, open, play would be a great introduction.
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- KVRian
- 640 posts since 3 May, 2023 from Norway
U-he Podolski
FL Studio 21 - Waveform 12 | Surge - Variety of Sound
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- KVRist
- 129 posts since 12 May, 2023
Nakst Apricot or/and Extra Bold are both fairly standard/straightforward and run as standalone applications and you could add Fluctus and Regency As well to teach different forms of synthesis
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- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 379 posts since 1 Jul, 2023
Thanks for the various suggestions, folks. Can't respond to all but will do some research today and see what can come up with.
That's correct. The idea behind the workstation is for it to be self sufficient- kids (or anyone) can come to the library, sit down and start creating immediately. For those that want to go deeper, Ableton is a click away. But those who just want to make bloops and bleeps- just as easy. Imagine a 10 year old who's never used a synth or a DAW and has no one on hand to guide them.elxsound wrote: ↑Thu May 16, 2024 8:33 pmI’m not the OP, but I’d assume less distractions with a focus on immediacy.
Opening any DAW can be daunting if there’s no experience and no guidance.
I would also assume the idea is someone could potentially do this independently. Double-click, open, play would be a great introduction.
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- KVRian
- 670 posts since 7 Oct, 2005
Oops, I made a mistake. NanoHost loads VST2 only. Odin is VST3. Sorry.lobanov wrote: ↑Thu May 16, 2024 4:05 pm I think, Odin2 is extremely good for teaching purposes. Many algorithms (Subtractive, Additive, FM, PM, etc., it's possible even to draw wavetables and harmonics), simple, minimalistic controls, semimodular architecture.
For standalone, use savihost or NanoHost
