How About Some Less Expensive Synths?

[tony10000]

I know that u-he spends most of its resources developing and updating its more expensive synths (and I own them all), but how about making lower-cost synths to enlarge the user base? The free and mag synths are fantastic, but it would be phenomenal to have scaled-down versions of synths like Hive and Diva priced similarly to Ace (or even lower). Strip them of modulation options and effects for lower CPU utilization so they can be used by folks with less powerful laptops. I think they would be very popular and generate more cash flow without a lot of development costs (since you would be recycling existing technology).

[Elektronisch]

Whats the point of that if you already have Free and Magware U-He stuff wich is powerful enough?

I think they would be very popular and generate more cash flow without a lot of development costs (since you would be recycling existing technology)

No that would not generate more cashflow. Thats quite a ridiculous idea. U-He will be forced to do constant sales like waves because of company having too much of same-stuff-just-a-little-bit-different plugins.

Why you just dont buy some of that "expensive" u-he plugin or look at the competitors?

I think U-He is doing great job by not cluttering its library with half of useless plugins. It makes only the brand much stronger.

[stardustmedia]

I think U-He is doing great job by not cluttering its library with half of useless plugins. It makes only the brand much stronger.

This!

And more plugins means also more maintenance, even if they are just stripped down versions.

[Urs]

I agree about keeing the portfolio focussed.

We have gone through these szenarios several times. "Producer synths", "low hanging fruit", "mini synths", "light versions". Apart from the product convolution aspect, these things always sound like routine jobs. For me, routine means no challenge, no challenge means no love. It would be a half arsed attempt at something that others have certainly done better, for less.

The only good chance for another basic subtractive synth is another emulation, but that's also out of the question anytime soon.

[tony10000]

"Why you just don't buy some of that "expensive" u-he plugin or look at the competitors?"

I already own Zebra, Zebra HZ, Hive, Diva, Ace, Bazille and Repro along with numerous competitor's synths. So I am not talking about me. I give u-he plenty of love (and dollars).

[tony10000]

"We have gone through these scenarios several times. "Producer synths", "low hanging fruit", "mini synths", "light versions". Apart from the product convolution aspect, these things always sound like routine jobs. For me, routine means no challenge, no challenge means no love. It would be a half arsed attempt at something that others have certainly done better, for less."

Urs, I understand your need for bigger challenges. I think u-he has demonstrated its ability to produce great free synths (Zebralette, BazilleCM, Tyrell, Triple Cheese, Podolski).

I just thought you might want to create something that you could make some money from and reach a potentially larger market. There is plenty of competition in the $100-200 US range. In the $50-100 range, not very many decent synths.

But, I get it...I get what you are saying.

[melomood]

I would compare U-he freeware/magware synths favorably when stacked up against synths below 100

[tony10000]

"I would compare U-he freeware/magware synths favorably when stacked up against synths below 100."

Agreed...I just wish there were more of them. A Hive variant would certainly be cool. Perhaps, u-he could add a feature or two to make it a bit different.

[rod_zero]

ACE is pretty much this, on current computers, it isn't as hungry as it was when new.

[bmrzycki]

ACE is pretty much this, on current computers, it isn't as hungry as it was when new.

And I recall Urs saying ACE was one of his least popular overall sellers, even at its very competitive price point.

[tony10000]

ACE is great synth...however, I am sure that newbies are intimidated by its modular design.

[wilx]

For the quality, and compared to the other soft synths (and hardware for that matter) u-he synths are fantastic value. I don't think there would be any benefit in diluting the range with a feature-hobbled cheapie...

[fourthmanfire]

um, no. ew. u-he is known for quality. this is a terrible idea.

I want to be more eloquent, but....just no.

[dlarseninclusive]

I would spend $4 on google play for a CM Magazine, and get both Zebra CM, and Bazille CM. If you are looking for Hive CM, I would bark up that tree, they can commission U-he to create it if it makes sense. Podoloski (Think Filterscape), Tripple Cheese, Tyrell N6 (I am personally working on a free patch bank for it) Zebralette, (I have a copy of Repro Alpha, but not sure if it is still possible to obtain), leaving outstanding a lite version of Hive, and Diva (Diva is a world wide best seller, just buy it if you want it). Uhbik, Satin, MFM, and Presswerk are so good... It is just not possible, and not entry level anyway.

I personally took a serious interest in collecting the whole product line, and have all but MFM, and Satin at this point and that may not be for everyone but I love the products, I want to see more and vote in the way that matters which is buy them. You can get a big taste of almost everything for almost no money.

On Ace and Bazille, yeah they are geeky, and priced because of that from what I gather. I was intimidated by them and choose HIVE as my first one. I love Hive, and these days am very comfortable working with Bazille, and ACE. I actually find Diva intimidating, it's so big and a little goes a long way with it.

2 cents.

[experimental.crow]

perhaps they should concentrate on a few less expressive synths ...
you know , just a few simple bleeps or bloops ...