With All These Emulations Coming Out...

[whassup]

Now if you are trying to nail the exact sound of the A6 for some reason that might be a different story, but not sure why anyone would want that. Does it sound bad? No it doesn't but it's just not very special either

While I agree in this case I think it is still absolutely personal as to what moves me or somebody else.

[234north]

I didn't watch that particular video. The video I did watch I thought some of the sounds were amazing. There is a bigness and lushness I don't find in VSTs in general. And no, I'm not a hardware snob. But in this case, the hardware wins even over the Oberheims which sound pretty damn good. I just think the A6 sounds better.

Not saying you're "wrong" or whatever, we've all got our preferences, but watch the video and then you might see what I mean. The thing is obviously an analog monster with Moog/Obie-inspired filters. It better sound big

So then how come so many people aren't impressed by it? If I could get an accurate VST emulation of this, it would absolutely be my favorite synth hands down. Right now, with all the VSTs I own, I can't say that any one is an absolute favorite.

Dunno. People have all sorts of reasons or biases, including just not caring about analog synths anymore. Lots of people don't like the JP-8 or P-5, etc. either.

Did you watch the video?

[kraster]

The weak argument for analogue synths is that “digital can never sound analogue.” Modern VSTs can sound excellent, and in a mix the difference may be tiny.

The stronger argument is that a synth like the Andromeda creates complexity naturally. It is effectively sixteen analogue synth voices, each with small differences in tuning, filter response, envelope timing and saturation. Play a chord and those variations add up to width and movement that are hard to reduce to simple drift or chorus.

Its filters, routing and gain structure also behave as one connected system. Change oscillator level, resonance or routing and several things shift at once, often producing unexpected sweet spots.

A VST can model all of this, and some do it extremely well. But the Andromeda does not need to simulate that behaviour. It simply happens as part of the instrument.

Then there is the interface: 72 knobs and 144 buttons, wheels, ribbon controller, and most are tied to fixed functions. It feels like one coherent instrument rather than software mapped onto a controller.

VSTs are more convenient and often the sensible choice. But the Andromeda’s depth and movement are not added afterwards. They come from the system itself.

I've had mine for about 18 years and nothing really sounds like it. As I said above in terms of pads it's the best synth I've ever heard. There's a lushness there that I just can't replicate with digital.

Here's another favourite. The Andromeda doing a version of Wendy Carlos' Scarlatti's Sonata in D Major:

[Seafire Mk2]

It's a pretty average sounding synth .

Nostalgia and misinformation make it more interesting than it really is.

[IvyBirds]

Now if you are trying to nail the exact sound of the A6 for some reason that might be a different story, but not sure why anyone would want that. Does it sound bad? No it doesn't but it's just not very special either

While I agree in this case I think it is still absolutely personal as to what moves me or somebody else.

Sure but the issue is that doesn't drive sales of a virtual instrument. When not to many people are out there saying "you know what this song/track needs? An A6 trying to sound like an OBXa" you are just going to sell very many copies to justify the expense of developing it

[whassup]

Sure but the issue is that doesn't drive sales of a virtual instrument. When not to many people are out there saying "you know what this song/track needs? An A6 trying to sound like an OBXa" you are just going to sell very many copies to justify the expense of developing it

I have great sympathy for sales of music software.
It feeds quite a few families and households.
So bring it on! 5 versions!
And we will discuss which is best and will be indistiguishable in a mix.

[kraster]

It's a pretty average sounding synth .

Nostalgia and misinformation make it more interesting than it really is.

Like it's a 16 voice, 16 part multitimbral analogue synth with dual analogue filters per voice and features out the wazoo. That's what it is.

I think the misinformation about the A6 has always been the other way ie. That it's not as good as it actually is. It's one of the best analogue polysynths ever made, imho.

It's an absolute beast of a machine.

[felis]

When Arturia comes out with an A6, I'll get it.

If they can do stuff like Pigments, they should be able to do an A6.

[whassup]

It's an absolute beast of a machine.

I'm glad you're happy with it. And for so long. Defo a keeper.

[exmatproton]

When Arturia comes out with an A6, I'll get it.

If they can do stuff like Pigments, they should be able to do an A6.

But, what would be different, really, compared to Pigments though? I mean..there is quite some overlap between those, and Pigments allows for even more crazy things...at a good sound quality (not bashing..genuine interest)