a question about hardware synths

[sluggo]

Okay, I've been all software for several years now. In fact, going back to when I actually had hardware I didn't know what I was doing then so it barely counts.

So I love the capabilites of software and it's easy intergration. Furthermore, I've been demo'ing a few analogueish synths (arturia, aas, gmedia) for a while because I would like something with that little bit extra of flavour (not that Reaktor or z3ta+ is any slouch, but they're a bit different I think). Anyways, I've now starting to wonder if I should also consider getting a hardware synth instead. Some synths hardly cost anymore than a top expensive softsynth. And I don't mind running one midi cable and one extra set of cables to my mixer. Furthermore, it would take a big load off of my cpu.

So what are other people's thoughts on having one hardware synth to take the place of a "high-end" softsynth? Is the extra hassle a good-enough reward for the cpu foregiveness? What synths may be a suitable replacement for softsynths such as Albino, UA-1, CS-80v, ImpOSCar, etc?

As well, I wouldn't mind a small keyboard version to replace my crappy keyboard. I don't play keys, so I don't need anything fancy.

cheers
s.

[Soniccat]

Alesis Ion, Korg MS2000.

I have both of these and they are very good VA synths.

Depending on what you are willing to spend there are quite a few Hardware synths that bring something different to the table. If you are willing to go for something used check out Ebay. Seen alot of Waldorf synths there lately.

I bought into hardware after running software only for a number of years and it does help from overloading the cpu but it is also nice to have knobs and I even got a couple of used analogues that really make a difference in the mix.

[vurt]

i love my ms2000 too

[fac]

Well, it all depends on personal tastes (and budget), but here are a few options:

Nord Leads
Korg MS2000 & Z1
Waldorf XTk & Q
Alesis ION
Novation KS range
Access Virus range

I don't know if they could replace this or that softsynth but they all cover basically the same ground (substractive synthesis). If I had to name one synth that would replace them all, that would probably be a fully expanded Nord Modular G2.

[sluggo]

The ms2000 looks good, but maybe a bit low on voices?
I just found a virus rack on ebay for super cheap (still a few days left for bidding though).

[sluggo]

The MicroQ seems to be spec'd really well. The reviews I've read were a bit split on the sound. They all agreed that it can do wonderful weird stuff. There wasn't a tight consensus on how "analogue" it could sound.

[BONES]

I would defintely go for an Alesis Micron. I was recently looking at a few different alternatives for our upcoming tour and the Micron came out tops in every area. It has the same sound-engine as the IOon but its in a much smaller aluminium casing with a 3 octave keyboard. Its quite small so it would make a decent controller and it is supposed to be a lot easier to program than it looks because you can use the piano keys to navigate the menus very quickly. It has twice the polyphony of an MS2000, is four-part multi-timbral and can be had for less than US$400. With its multiple emulations of classic filter types [Arp, Oberheim, Moog, etc] it is sort of like have a box full of different synths.

[DevonB]

I still have my hardware, I won't part with it, and I plan on bringing in a few pieces again in the future. I made the mistake of playing a Waldorf Microwave XTk, and I'm TOTALLY sold on it! Someday.... I wouldn't mind picking up a Fantom XR with expansion boards, Motif Rack with Expansion, and Triton Rack with expansions too.

Devon

[vurt]

yeah the microwave is my next purchase hardware wise

[Soniccat]

I am saving for the Evolver Keybord. May 5 years I will get it

[Joxer the Mighty]

That new Virus TI looks pretty damned sweet.