Please help me decide a hardware synthesizer

[HAL76]

cryophonik and zerocrossing:

Thank you, appreciate your suggestions. I understand that these are not proper/actual analog hardware synths, but I want a hardware synth not for the analog sound, but something I can enjoy playing on its own. I am OK with digital hardware synths. I am hoping it will be bring some fun in music production, which sometimes I tend to lose in the box. I have never had any hardware synth, so I thought let me start with something which is familiar in terms of (software) sounds but gives a tactile control.

Also, most of the analog synths are too expensive for me. I would want to get minilogue XD sooner or later as it has that analog sound at an affordable price, but I am looking for more polyphony and a bigger keybed apart from other things.

I wish I could buy UDO Super 6/8, but it is not affordable and not even available in my country.

Do you have any specific recommendations for synths that I should consider checking out? Please note that my budget is $1500 to $2000.

I would recommend. also to include used synthesizers in your considerations. Digital synthesizers in particular are anything but stable in value, some you can get after a few years for a fraction of the new price.

And if you ask me: features are treacherous. At the end of the day it´s other things that are more important.

But anywy: your vague description of your targets is no good foundation for qualified recommendations. What sounds are you looking for? There are many difital synthesis methods, including ROMplers. Are there any additional features like USB audio that are interesting for you?

[LoveEnigma18]

cryophonik and zerocrossing:

Thank you, appreciate your suggestions. I understand that these are not proper/actual analog hardware synths, but I want a hardware synth not for the analog sound, but something I can enjoy playing on its own. I am OK with digital hardware synths. I am hoping it will be bring some fun in music production, which sometimes I tend to lose in the box. I have never had any hardware synth, so I thought let me start with something which is familiar in terms of (software) sounds but gives a tactile control.

Also, most of the analog synths are too expensive for me. I would want to get minilogue XD sooner or later as it has that analog sound at an affordable price, but I am looking for more polyphony and a bigger keybed apart from other things.

I wish I could buy UDO Super 6/8, but it is not affordable and not even available in my country.

Do you have any specific recommendations for synths that I should consider checking out? Please note that my budget is $1500 to $2000.

I would recommend. also to include used synthesizers in your considerations. Digital synthesizers in particular are anything but stable in value, some you can get after a few years for a fraction of the new price.

And if you ask me: features are treacherous. At the end of the day it´s other things that are more important.

But anywy: your vague description of your targets is no good foundation for qualified recommendations. What sounds are you looking for? There are many difital synthesis methods, including ROMplers. Are there any additional features like USB audio that are interesting for you?

Thanks for the suggestion. The description may be a bit vague, but I have a fair idea of what I would like using for many years to come. I understand your point about features, but based on the sounds I am looking for (realistic sounds are needed) and a balance of synthesis options and overall features (USB audio is not essential, but nice to have), I found both MODX M and FANTOM-0 great, but it will be MODX M that I am planning for (still not in stock here). I will consider a pure analog hardware synth at a later point, like minilogue XD.

[HAL76]

Thanks for the suggestion. The description may be a bit vague, but I have a fair idea of what I would like using for many years to come. I understand your point about features, but based on the sounds I am looking for (realistic sounds are needed) and a balance of synthesis options and overall features (USB audio is not essential, but nice to have), I found both MODX M and FANTOM-0 great, but it will be MODX M that I am planning for (still not in stock here). I will consider a pure analog hardware synth at a later point, like minilogue XD.

At any time. What you are looking for seems to me to be an all-round synth and you are probably already on the right track - I would have recommended Yamaha that they were and are pretty well positioned.

Unfortunately, however, they tend strongly towards preset synths with limited synthesis features and "the devil is often in the details".

For my part, I would definitely consider the devices from the 90s and 2000s - because of the sound, the sounds (which are very different today), the price and because "all-round" was even more important back then ("workstations").

SY-77 / TG-77... Motif....

[Uncle E]

As great as the 77's are, the Montage and MODX go way beyond in terms of synthesis capabilities. Maybe some might say they don't inspire experimentation as much as the 77's do?

[EnGee]

Montage/MODX has 8 FM operators and 88 algorithms! It is the same as FM Lab in Halion 7 mostly! The new M series has also AN1X synth (which I don't have). So, it is very capable synth in addition to great presets from the AWM engine and also hybrid (AWM+ FMX).
MODX in my opinion is a great value synth/rompler and can be all you need (Drums, pads, leads ... you name it!). If you need to delve deeply into FM synthesis, I don't think you will hit any limitation. The only problem for me, I prefer software over hardware because I like my compact setup and the keyboard/mouse control (I'm lazy!).

[HAL76]

As great as the 77's are, the Montage and MODX go way beyond in terms of synthesis capabilities. Maybe some might say they don't inspire experimentation as much as the 77's do?

That's clear: progress goes on and on, and the spectrum of possibilities is its primary expression.

But let's be serious: these two instruments can no longer really be compared. The FM sounds different, the sample content is completely different and the sound Yamaha is aiming for today is oh just "different".

And do we really need the additional operators or do you benefit more from the recognition value of the sounds, a very large community and tons of presets?

[HAL76]

Montage/MODX has 8 FM operators and 88 algorithms! It is the same as FM Lab in Halion 7 mostly! The new M series has also AN1X synth (which I don't have). So, it is very capable synth in addition to great presets from the AWM engine and also hybrid (AWM+ FMX).
MODX in my opinion is a great value synth/rompler and can be all you need (Drums, pads, leads ... you name it!). If you need to delve deeply into FM synthesis, I don't think you will hit any limitation. The only problem for me, I prefer software over hardware because I like my compact setup and the keyboard/mouse control (I'm lazy!).

Believe me - the E-mu Morpheus is the last piece of hear where figures have somehow impressed me. After switching through 197? Z-Plane Filter types having 88 Algos would rather mak me nervous.

I don´t even know how many my FS1R has, but I think it´s a similar number that doesn´t turn me on really.

[HAL76]

[sidenros1]

If I were you I would get the Deepmind 12/12d.

[whyterabbyt]

If I were you I would get the Deepmind 12/12d.

Okay, but since he's not you, then a little bit of you explaining that choice would go a long way.

[rACatkvr]

I have only skimmed this thread but unless I am mistaken the thread starter hasn't said where they are whilst saying a number of the recommendations aren't cost effective in availability.
To the OP I would suggest a second hand Kurzweil: most of them have numerous knobs, switches and sliders which make them great as MIDI controllers for any software synths unless you want polyAftertouch;
there is a reason that they became so popular in the pits of musicals etc - their sounds fit well into a mix; and
VAST programming is something to behold.
Downsides from my own experience - PC2's have lead in them and a tendency for the weights in the keys to come adrift - a repair nightmare (although any you buy now would probably have had them reattached), PC3x's are as heavy a F%%%, LOTS of menu diving when programming (but with the knobs and sliders and switches not when playing)

[HAL76]

If you make your selection based on options or parameters, you will quickly fall victim to the manufacturers' marketing promises.

Even if a synth has everything you want, it is by no means guaranteed that it will appeal to you sonically or in terms of usability—or that it will align with your goals. Just think about the presets, for instance.

And when I take into account your stylistic intentions (and your username here), I actually already know that you are likely to be disappointed by newer models.

[D-Fusion]

I am looking to buy my first hardware synthesizer soon, and one that's versatile. I am mostly into alternative rock/pop, R&B, and electronic (not EDM or its sub genres) music. The intention is to enjoy playing wide variety of on-board sounds, tweak existing sounds to a decent extent, create new sounds in some capacity at least, loading external samples/presets would be great, and also to record the sound as audio into DAW to add a "hardware" sound element in my music production.

Based on the budget (or a stretched one) and various considerations, I have shortlisted the options below, but I am unable to decide which one I should get.

Korg NAUTILUS AT
Korg Wavestate SE
Korg OPSIX SE 61

Roland JUNO-X
Roland FANTOM-06

Yamaha MODX M6

ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe

Note: I like the Korg minilogue XD as well, but I may add it to my setup later, so excluding it for now.

Any help is appreciated. Thank you!

I would go for the Nautilus Based on your music style and description.
It has a lot of different synthesizer engines built in and many good sounds for those genre's.
Back in the day the Triton was used a lot for those types of music styles and the Nautilus is a big step up from that tech.

The Juno X is also a great option but you have to remember that if you go for that one you will buy into the Zen core Eco system that is tempting you to buy more sounds and synth models for it to get more sounds.

Instead of the Juno X i would go for the Jupiter X If you want a Roland Keyboard that has more synth models included instead of being stuck with Juno models.
You can also buy Zenology Pro and buy the SRX banks and Synth models you want instead and save some money and you won't get into polyphony issues (only remember that the Vst version needs reactivation every 30 days).

https://www.reddit.com/r/synthesizers/c ... t/hdq4lrx/

[LoveEnigma18]

I have only skimmed this thread but unless I am mistaken the thread starter hasn't said where they are whilst saying a number of the recommendations aren't cost effective in availability.
To the OP I would suggest a second hand Kurzweil: most of them have numerous knobs, switches and sliders which make them great as MIDI controllers for any software synths unless you want polyAftertouch;
there is a reason that they became so popular in the pits of musicals etc - their sounds fit well into a mix; and
VAST programming is something to behold.
Downsides from my own experience - PC2's have lead in them and a tendency for the weights in the keys to come adrift - a repair nightmare (although any you buy now would probably have had them reattached), PC3x's are as heavy a F%%%, LOTS of menu diving when programming (but with the knobs and sliders and switches not when playing)

Thanks for the suggestion. I am in India. Unfortunately, Kurzweil products are not easily available here if at all. If at all I find something, it's mostly out of stock or the prices are too high. So, Kurzweil is not an option for me.

[LoveEnigma18]

If you make your selection based on options or parameters, you will quickly fall victim to the manufacturers' marketing promises.

Even if a synth has everything you want, it is by no means guaranteed that it will appeal to you sonically or in terms of usability—or that it will align with your goals. Just think about the presets, for instance.

And when I take into account your stylistic intentions (and your username here), I actually already know that you are likely to be disappointed by newer models.

I think you may be right. I am trying to find something that appeals sonically and usability, but there's always going to be a trade-off. Budget is an important consideration (< $2000), as I don't want to go too overboard and then not like/use what I buy in the long run.