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

[IvyBirds]

He asked AJHSYNTH to build that modular system in 2024 not 2014. After LegendHZ was released btw so maybe LegendHZ didn't do everything he wanted it to do? https://mixmag.net/read/hans-zimmer-ajh ... honic-tech

Actually that was built because he and some of his associates bought the former studios of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop in London. That was the home of Musique Concrete and other cool things they were doing with things like tape manipulation and huge modular Synths back in the 1950s and 1960s to make all kinds of cool sounds for Radio and TV

He wanted to recreate the long gone huge modular system they were using 60 years ago, so he had that commissioned, it's for the BBC Studio that is basically going to be a time capsule and hands on museum of the past

Much of that article you linked to is from years ago however and says copyright 2014 at the bottom

And what do you expect him to say about software he is associated with? When talking about software he is gonna praise the software. When he is talking about his hardware setup he is gonna praise his hardware.

You the same guy posting links to a manufacturers website to prove your point?

The proof really is in the final product. Hans has done all of his personal and commercial work over past years at his studio in Santa Monica, California. That huge modular system was not installed there, it's half a world away in London. He uses software there on computers with a custom MIDI Controller

That's just the nature of marketing and unfortunately many people can't read between the lines to find the truth that gets lost in the middle.

Yep like you did with that big modular system he had built for a museum

"When Hans says that a particular synth sounds more engaging and fuller than others then he is speaking from a position of experience and authority,” the manufacturer continues.

I agree like the huge modular system he had built for London

[Quote,]Also you should look up the specs of the Moog One 16 voice as you are uninformed of the actual power. There are something like 14,000 components in the Moog One which together add up to 48 oscillators and 32 filters on no fewer than 16 printed circuit boards, plus three arpeggiators and three sequencers, five effects units, all comprising three separate polyphonic synthesizers[/quote]
What am I supposedly uniformed over? It's 3 Oscillators per voice x 16 voices for a total of 48, sorry 3 Oscillators going into a ladder filter is boring as hell

I want 6 per going into a ladder filter with MSEG and MPE. I also want unlimited polyphony. I get that with software, the $10,000 Moog One is a joke and doesn't come close. It's only powerful if you compare it to other weak hardware synths

Shall we compare the specs of that with HALion7. I can use it to make an analog style patch with 768 oscillators if I wanted with unlimited polyphony. Shall we then talk about Falcon?

I have yet to even utilize everything the synth can do and still learning it, but saying LegendHZ is better in sound or function is completely ridiculous even if we are talking purely specs. About to fire it up and create some patches just for you

Only it's not and you seem ignorant to basic facts

But no need to waste your time trying to impress anyone with 3 VCAs going into a ladder filter, a $300 Behringer Model D can do that if you want to stay in analog land

[wikter]

I think it speaks volumes that successful musicians tend to gravitate towards HW.
When they can use whatever they want.

It’s like when I asked my friend Dave M,
a multimillionaire guitarist if I should consider
an affordable fender (his official guitar sponsor)
over a premium model fender, he said unequivocally, not to, in his honest opinion.

You know Dave Murray?

I do… and he did say that actually… he owns 2 houses where I work, yes 2. 1 for guests. I’ve
known him a long time actually, good guy.

Then you should consider other guitar brands. When i bought my first electric i was really interested in Jackson Dinky but I checked a lot of guitars for 3 months, from cheap to overbudget (1000€ at 1999).
My final decision surprised me, because some supposed to be great sounding guitars were just based on certain pickup manufacturers, so i decided to pick the BEST playable one for me and change pickups later, but I switched only one pickup 10 years later because most of the sound job is shaped with pedals.
That's the same with hw VS soft. Trying to solve all your problems with only hardware is dumb. Think about this: Moog One had software issues for years, some hardware uses software for easier use.

[pdxindy]

Moog One has this sort of hi-fi like pristine sound quality that I just connect with and I love the way it sits in a mix.

Yeah, it's a fantastic chamber ensemble. Some impressive acoustic sounds for an analog synth... and with its presence and vitality.

[pdxindy]

Only you don't, the Moog One is a perfect example. It was super expensive and full of bugs upon release, many users had all kinds of QC issues and they wouldn't stay in tune. They also promised things that never came to fruition

I ended up returning my Moog One in part because it was buggy. But that UI was incredible. Easily the best complex synth interface I have used. The keyboard feels great too.

The thing about cheap hardware is, it tends to be too small. I don't like tiny knobs that are cramped. I never develop muscle memory from tiny synths like the Behringer Neutron. My Moog Matriarch however, I can use with my eyes closed. There is plenty of space and the controls are of suitable size for my hands. It's a joy to use and when I am playing music, the UI doesn't take any attention. My hands know what to do without my having to involve my brain. Which is one of the reasons I like hardware.

[pekbro]

I think it speaks volumes that successful musicians tend to gravitate towards HW.
When they can use whatever they want.

It’s like when I asked my friend Dave M,
a multimillionaire guitarist if I should consider
an affordable fender (his official guitar sponsor)
over a premium model fender, he said unequivocally, not to, in his honest opinion.

You know Dave Murray?

I do… and he did say that actually… he owns 2 houses where I work, yes 2. 1 for guests. I’ve
known him a long time actually, good guy.

Then you should consider other guitar brands. When i bought my first electric i was really interested in Jackson Dinky but I checked a lot of guitars for 3 months, from cheap to overbudget (1000€ at 1999).
My final decision surprised me, because some supposed to be great sounding guitars were just based on certain pickup manufacturers, so i decided to pick the BEST playable one for me and change pickups later, but I switched only one pickup 10 years later because most of the sound job is shaped with pedals.
That's the same with hw VS soft. Trying to solve all your problems with only hardware is dumb. Think about this: Moog One had software issues for years, some hardware uses software for easier use.

I just wanted to see what he would say about it, he collects them, even tho he gets them free. And I gotta say, I will believe in his knowledge and experience when it comes to guitars over just about anybody. When it comes to that he is not just for show, believe it or not.

As for guitars, I use Gibson and G&L custom,
currently.

[zerocrossing]

I think it speaks volumes that successful musicians tend to gravitate towards HW.
When they can use whatever they want.

It’s like when I asked my friend Dave M,
a multimillionaire guitarist if I should consider
an affordable fender (his official guitar sponsor)
over a premium model fender, he said unequivocally, not to, in his honest opinion.

Two things. First, no. Second, a guitar is vastly different than a synthesizer.

Different instrument yes but all studio gear share one thing in common. You usually get what you pay for.
98b45723750ec7d2bdd7611918833397.jpg

Usually, until you get duped into buying an unfinished monstrosity from a company that hadn't made a poly in decades and bit off far more than it could chew. I bet I could best your Moog One with a Korg multi/poly.

[SoftSynthLover99]

But no need to waste your time trying to impress anyone with 3 VCAs going into a ladder filter, a $300 Behringer Model D can do that if you want to stay in analog land

I suggest you go watch a movie called Idiocracy (2007) because that is the exact kind of nonsense a person living in that reality would say. "Why me need water when Brawndo sports drink is betterrrrrr"

God help this world

[SoftSynthLover99]

I think it speaks volumes that successful musicians tend to gravitate towards HW.
When they can use whatever they want.

It’s like when I asked my friend Dave M,
a multimillionaire guitarist if I should consider
an affordable fender (his official guitar sponsor)
over a premium model fender, he said unequivocally, not to, in his honest opinion.

Two things. First, no. Second, a guitar is vastly different than a synthesizer.

Different instrument yes but all studio gear share one thing in common. You usually get what you pay for.
98b45723750ec7d2bdd7611918833397.jpg

Usually, until you get duped into buying an unfinished monstrosity from a company that hadn't made a poly in decades and bit off far more than it could chew. I bet I could best your Moog One with a Korg multi/poly.

I jumped on the Moog One when all was pretty stable and got one heck of a deal on a mint condition unit. So a lot of the reported bugs people say they experience I never have. And if I ever decide to sell it I would've lost no money at all as mine is still mint and could sell it for what I purchased for or slightly more actually.

And I've heard great things about the korg multi/poly. I only have the plugin to compare but they are not in the same class of synth from my own experience.

[IvyBirds]

But no need to waste your time trying to impress anyone with 3 VCAs going into a ladder filter, a $300 Behringer Model D can do that if you want to stay in analog land

I suggest you go watch a movie called Idiocracy (2007) because that is the exact kind of nonsense a person living in that reality would say. "Why me need water when Brawndo sports drink is betterrrrrr"

God help this world

But you claim the Model D sounds EXACTLY like the Moog One, why else do you think software synths that model the Moog Model D should sound like it?

Are you saying the Moog One sounds different than a Model D? If so that means your entire premise is wrong

[IvyBirds]

I think it speaks volumes that successful musicians tend to gravitate towards HW.
When they can use whatever they want.

It’s like when I asked my friend Dave M,
a multimillionaire guitarist if I should consider
an affordable fender (his official guitar sponsor)
over a premium model fender, he said unequivocally, not to, in his honest opinion.

Two things. First, no. Second, a guitar is vastly different than a synthesizer.

Different instrument yes but all studio gear share one thing in common. You usually get what you pay for.
98b45723750ec7d2bdd7611918833397.jpg

Usually, until you get duped into buying an unfinished monstrosity from a company that hadn't made a poly in decades and bit off far more than it could chew. I bet I could best your Moog One with a Korg multi/poly.

I jumped on the Moog One when all was pretty stable and got one heck of a deal on a mint condition unit. So a lot of the reported bugs people say they experience I never have. And if I ever decide to sell it I would've lost no money at all as mine is still mint and could sell it for what I purchased for or slightly more actually.

And I've heard great things about the korg multi/poly. I only have the plugin to compare but they are not in the same class of synth from my own experience.

Why didn't you buy it new? And if you got a good deal on it that means the original owner thought it sucked so bad he sold it at massive loss even though you say it's mint

Currently there are a bunch of used ones on Reverb no one wants that have been listed for months despite being listed at a massive loss

There is a used music store near me that has had one since the pandemic. They have not been able to sell it, even though they are trying to sell it for $1000 less than they paid for it, it's mint also

In any case your example proves you don't get what you pay for as the guy you bought it from certainly didn't and if that was true you would have bought a new one for thousands more because you would have gotten what you pay for right?

[SoftSynthLover99]

But no need to waste your time trying to impress anyone with 3 VCAs going into a ladder filter, a $300 Behringer Model D can do that if you want to stay in analog land

I suggest you go watch a movie called Idiocracy (2007) because that is the exact kind of nonsense a person living in that reality would say. "Why me need water when Brawndo sports drink is betterrrrrr"

God help this world

But you claim the Model D sounds EXACTLY like the Moog One, why else do you think software synths that model the Moog Model D should sound like it?

Are you saying the Moog One sounds different than a Model D? If so that means your entire premise is wrong

What? I never claimed anything remotely close to that. But believe whatever makes you feel warm and cozy inside. I guess you’ll only appreciate the synth when Hans Zimmer creates a MoogOneHZ plugin and tells you how that is the only synth he uses 95% of the time in 2028.

But those of us who know, know.

[SoftSynthLover99]

I think it speaks volumes that successful musicians tend to gravitate towards HW.
When they can use whatever they want.

It’s like when I asked my friend Dave M,
a multimillionaire guitarist if I should consider
an affordable fender (his official guitar sponsor)
over a premium model fender, he said unequivocally, not to, in his honest opinion.

Two things. First, no. Second, a guitar is vastly different than a synthesizer.

Different instrument yes but all studio gear share one thing in common. You usually get what you pay for.
98b45723750ec7d2bdd7611918833397.jpg

Usually, until you get duped into buying an unfinished monstrosity from a company that hadn't made a poly in decades and bit off far more than it could chew. I bet I could best your Moog One with a Korg multi/poly.

I jumped on the Moog One when all was pretty stable and got one heck of a deal on a mint condition unit. So a lot of the reported bugs people say they experience I never have. And if I ever decide to sell it I would've lost no money at all as mine is still mint and could sell it for what I purchased for or slightly more actually.

And I've heard great things about the korg multi/poly. I only have the plugin to compare but they are not in the same class of synth from my own experience.

In any case your example proves you don't get what you pay for as the guy you bought it from certainly didn't and if that was true you would have bought a new one for thousands more because you would have gotten what you pay for right?

Do you even read what you type before you hit reply? I have no clue how you’ve come to that conclusion as it defies all logical and critical thinking.

Idiocracy the movie, please watch it and hopefully stop the anti-intellectual nonsense. Have a good night ivy!

[IvyBirds]

But no need to waste your time trying to impress anyone with 3 VCAs going into a ladder filter, a $300 Behringer Model D can do that if you want to stay in analog land

I suggest you go watch a movie called Idiocracy (2007) because that is the exact kind of nonsense a person living in that reality would say. "Why me need water when Brawndo sports drink is betterrrrrr"

God help this world

But you claim the Model D sounds EXACTLY like the Moog One, why else do you think software synths that model the Moog Model D should sound like it?

Are you saying the Moog One sounds different than a Model D? If so that means your entire premise is wrong

What? I never claimed anything remotely close to that. But believe whatever makes you feel warm and cozy inside. I guess you’ll only appreciate the synth when Hans Zimmer creates a MoogOneHZ plugin and tells you how that is the only synth he uses 95% of the time in 2028.

But those of us who know, know.

This you?

The most "high end" hardware synth I own is the Moog One 16-Voice. I also own pretty much every Moog plugin from UA (Minimoog) to Synapse Audio (LegendHZ) to the official Moog plugins on MacOS (Animoog, Model-D and Model 15) and the Arturia collection. So I'm speaking from experience as I compare all the time the differences between hardware and software. So when I hear things like "software sounds the same as hardware" it lets me know most of those people have no clue what they are talking about.

So you compared the sound of your Moog One with the sound of Software emulations of the Minimoog including Arturia, The Legend HZ, UA, and the official Moog version

And your conclusion?

"So when I hear things like "software sounds the same as hardware" it lets me know most of those people have no clue what they are talking about."

Again the only reason you would make that conclusion is that you think the Moog One should sound like a Minimoog and are disappointed that software emulating a Model D doesn't sound like your Moog One. Otherwise that would make no sense

So yes you did claim you think the Model D should sound exactly like the Moog zone otherwise you would not think people that say the software Model D, sounds like the hardware Model D have no clue what we are talking about

We do we are just comparing apples to apples

[Papuzzo]

But no need to waste your time trying to impress anyone with 3 VCAs going into a ladder filter, a $300 Behringer Model D can do that if you want to stay in analog land

I suggest you go watch a movie called Idiocracy (2007) because that is the exact kind of nonsense a person living in that reality would say. "Why me need water when Brawndo sports drink is betterrrrrr"

God help this world

A lot of hard-headed musicians have been living in Idiocracy for quite some time now. Old vintage gear has electrolytes!

[BazJacuzzi]

Great job, guys