Software vs. Analog in 2025 – Has the Balance Shifted?

VST, AU, AAX, CLAP, etc. Plugin Virtual Instruments Discussion
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Has digital finally dethroned analog?

Yes, software has clearly taken the lead
22
31%
No, analog still holds its ground
17
24%
About 50/50 - I balance both worlds
4
6%
Not sure, it's context-dependent
1
1%
Doesn’t matter. It’s about results, not tools
26
37%
 
Total votes: 70

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seafire wrote: Wed Jun 25, 2025 7:25 pm
I don't see anything in hardware that I'm missing out on
Try hearing instead of seeing
Pretty lame comeback :roll:
CrimsonWarlock aka TechnoGremlin, Moved to Reason and Rack Extensions exclusively (from Reaper and VSTs) several years ago.

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crimsonwarlock wrote: Wed Jun 25, 2025 7:31 pm
seafire wrote: Wed Jun 25, 2025 7:25 pm
I don't see anything in hardware that I'm missing out on
Try hearing instead of seeing
Pretty lame comeback :roll:
It's on par with this thread.

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IvyBirds wrote: Wed Jun 25, 2025 7:18 pm
ghettosynth wrote: Wed Jun 25, 2025 4:17 pm
dellboy wrote: Wed Jun 25, 2025 12:36 pm So would any modern software synths benefit in any way if they were made into hardware?

One piece of software that I think would not benefit from making into hardware is Synth1. I like it just like it is. Its free, its tiny (871 kilobytes zipped download), it can be run on any old computer, and no license to spoil the fun. It sounds great. It runs on Windows and Mac. Its range of sounds is amazing.

https://daichilab.sakura.ne.jp/softsynth/index.html
From the KVR page on Synth 1:

"Synth1 is a software synthesizer. Functionally it is modelled on the Clavia Nord Lead 2 Red Synth."
You do realize that the Nord Lead 2 is software right? It's literally 100% software running in a computer inside of a MIDI controller and that you can run the EXACT code on your computer

You also realize that Synth 1 has extra features not on the Lead 2 right?
LOL, yes my friend, I think I understand that it's software.

viewtopic.php?p=5782805&hilit=Clavia#p5782805

I bought a G1 brand new, sight unseen, the minute that my guy could get his hands on one right after they came out. I've been around that block. My comment was with respect to the absurd statement that someone wouldn't turn Synth1 into "hardware" as if they didn't realize that it was a weak clone of an existing VA. Who cares if it has other features, your rejoinder is in the same cognitive class as the original post.

It's as if some of you are cosplaying at sounding interesting. Why would anyone turn a shit sounding and half/ass clone of the Nord Lead that was fine when it came out but was completely outclassed over the last decade into anything? It's a two-oscillator synth with a few crappy DSP filters and some average effects.

Nobody cares, nor should they, about Synth1 as some basis for a new product. LOL!

The love of Synth1 reminds me of how KVR went all giddy over the no-brainer for AAS Ultra Analog V1. There was nothing special about it other than it's fairly simple clean interface. KVR is littered with giddy love for mediocre emulations. I even offered my copy for sale at a vintage price to suit its grand achievement, no takers of course, it wasn't good, but people love to talk about how the software world is caught up to the real thing and they have loved to do that since KVR's name meant something to somebody.

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KVR is like a synth museum and a bar fight rolled into one oddly polite forum. It’s also a kind of group therapy for me.
Its over for Bitwig--CUBASE WON !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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crimsonwarlock wrote: Wed Jun 25, 2025 7:31 pm
seafire wrote: Wed Jun 25, 2025 7:25 pm
I don't see anything in hardware that I'm missing out on
Try hearing instead of seeing
Pretty lame comeback :roll:
The truth hurts eh....
How original

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BTW: At only 46 pages this thread is still in noob territory for this topic.

viewtopic.php?t=338195&start=1425

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From a link from one of my posts over a decade ago. The Cat is great, I have an SRM with the 2040 filter as well as the B.Cat. I prefer the original, it has more character, but, the B.Cat is much more manageable in my setup. Great commentary at about 16 minutes with respect to how all synths have limitations.


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vurt wrote: Wed Jun 25, 2025 5:53 pm
wikter wrote: Wed Jun 25, 2025 2:37 pm There's no high quality hardware available for free.
become a top tier youtuber, then you get some bits.
That's a really short thinking and promotes ignorance about artists & creators.

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seafire wrote: Wed Jun 25, 2025 8:10 pm
crimsonwarlock wrote: Wed Jun 25, 2025 7:31 pm
seafire wrote: Wed Jun 25, 2025 7:25 pm
I don't see anything in hardware that I'm missing out on
Try hearing instead of seeing
Pretty lame comeback :roll:
The truth hurts eh....
Yep, some software tools never existed on hardware, not even emulations.

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ghettosynth wrote: Wed Jun 25, 2025 8:11 pm BTW: At only 46 pages this thread is still in noob territory for this topic.

viewtopic.php?t=338195&start=1425
Since post 1 both threads are noob & a waste of internet bandwidth.

Post

ghettosynth wrote: Wed Jun 25, 2025 7:20 pm
vurt wrote: Wed Jun 25, 2025 5:53 pm
wikter wrote: Wed Jun 25, 2025 2:37 pm
dellboy wrote: Wed Jun 25, 2025 12:36 pm So would any modern software synths benefit in any way if they were made into hardware?

One piece of software that I think would not benefit from making into hardware is Synth1. I like it just like it is. Its free, its tiny (871 kilobytes zipped download), it can be run on any old computer, and no license to spoil the fun. It sounds great. It runs on Windows and Mac. Its range of sounds is amazing.

https://daichilab.sakura.ne.jp/softsynth/index.html
There's no high quality hardware available for free.
become a top tier youtuber, then you get some bits.
Are you getting free stuff yet vurt?
just need a couple million more subs :hyper:
:ud:

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wikter wrote: Wed Jun 25, 2025 8:35 pm
vurt wrote: Wed Jun 25, 2025 5:53 pm
wikter wrote: Wed Jun 25, 2025 2:37 pm There's no high quality hardware available for free.
become a top tier youtuber, then you get some bits.
That's a really short thinking and promotes ignorance about artists & creators.
it's no secret that top youtubers get free stuff.
it's not an insult, just one way to get free stuff, in the old timed id have suggested writing reviews for magazines.

nowhere did i suggest getting there was easy.
:ud:

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It’s the quality, not quantity… a couple billionaire subscribers and yer all set.

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wikter wrote: Wed Jun 25, 2025 8:47 pm
ghettosynth wrote: Wed Jun 25, 2025 8:11 pm BTW: At only 46 pages this thread is still in noob territory for this topic.

viewtopic.php?t=338195&start=1425
Since post 1 both threads are noob & a waste of internet bandwidth.
This waste of bandwidth seems to have triggered a full-length guest appearance from you. Amazing how much passion you've poured into it. Thirteen posts worth of "I don't care." :hihi:
Its over for Bitwig--CUBASE WON !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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pekbro wrote: Wed Jun 25, 2025 9:03 pm It’s the quality, not quantity… a couple billionaire subscribers and yer all set.
hmmm good thinking!

will have to make some billionaire friendly electronic musics!
:ud:

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