Synths and Synths and Synths

[Acsii]

Also if I had the money I would definitely get a Roland Jupiter 80

[S.P.P]

Honestly, best thing you could spend $2000 on.

[Acsii]

But then again I think an XL would be a lot nicer

[Acsii]

I'm considering renting an XL for a week or so. Just so I can make my envy of one even more. And so I can say I've used an XL

[Aurum Noble]

Also if I had the money I would definitely get a Roland Jupiter 80

I've been thinking of getting one of these, but because I'm more synth modules, I'm now considering the Integra-7, which is basically an XV-5080/Fantom XR on steroids. However, I'm also considering the successor to the Fantom series, if one ever comes out, oh, and the Korg Kronos.

As my budget unfortunately can't cover these at the moment, I'm sticking to second-hand modules and synthesizers, so my next synths will more likely be a JV and a Triton.

[JayB]

I'd be interested in how you use your hardware synths in your productions. Or are you having them more for fun? In which position (element) does each synths perform best? Examples would be nice.


Also, does anyone besides me have Quasimidi stuff? The German masters of lofiness?

[Acsii]

HOLY SHIT where did you get a quasimidi from?
I can't find one anywhere...

[Aurum Noble]

I'd be interested in how you use your hardware synths in your productions. Or are you having them more for fun? In which position (element) does each synths perform best? Examples would be nice.

My hardware synths play a central role in all my productions: the Roland SH-201 is used mostly for basslines (sometimes doubled with an FM8), whilst my trusty Roland D-50 is used mostly for pads, brass and bells.

Being my only VA synth, the SH-201 is the most versatile, although the D-50's phenomenal sound (despite using PCM samples that sound rather aged when put next to a JV/XV-type synth or a more modern ROM-pler/synthesizer/sampler) makes it ideal for producing rather deep, ethereal pads

Here's an example of the D-50 and SH-201 in use:
https://soundcloud.com/aurumnoble/3ps-party

In the near future, I'll be acquiring a JV/XV module, and perhaps a few more modules, if my budget can stretch far, although I'll soon need to expand my existing audio interface, and with convention and future saving plans in the way (as well as a jobhunt), I'll have to see.

[ChocolateChicken]

This thread is talking an awful lot about hardware synths, but I think they are pretty unnecessary and expensive compared to software synths. Software synths, in addition to being designed to emulate their hardware counterparts in sound and looks very accurately, are also more versatile, flexible, and precise in general, especially when doing specific modulations. Plus hardware synths seem so inconvenient considering how much more expensive they are, the additional space they take up, and also the fact that you also - like with any hardware instrument - need to buy an audio interface to have anything recorded into your DAW.

I'm with Madeon when I say that "I don't believe in the hardware myth."

[Acsii]

software synths don't have this thing called 'circuit expression' that hardware synths have, well mostly analog. It's this thing where electrical components are never ideal so they tend to not work the same every time so you get a unique sound. Can your fancy soft-synth do that?

[ChocolateChicken]

software synths don't have this thing called 'circuit expression' that hardware synths have, well mostly analog. It's this thing where electrical components are never ideal so they tend to not work the same every time so you get a unique sound. Can your fancy soft-synth do that?

I guess not, but I wouldn't prefer hardware synths over software just for that small reason. I remember a while back d.notive was asked on tumblr about why he loves hardware synths so much, and his answer had to do with "feeling" the synth, which I can understand. He described it as almost a sexual fetish in that it "feels great." To me, that is more of a reason to use hardware synths than "circuit expression" because it really must be an exhilarating experience to twist all the knobs and push all the faders on a synth rather than clicking stuff. Still not enough of a reason to make me prefer hardware synths though haha.

[Aurum Noble]

The thing with softsynths is that they take up a lot of resources, and whenever you're trying to layer several on a complex project, you'd need a powerful computer or otherwise it'll be difficult to bounce the tracks without getting constant CPU dropouts and crackles in your audio interface, which is a pain because I tend to use both hardware and software in my productions, and Arturia plugins are the worst offender (imagine trying to use Prophet V on top of, let's say Jupiter-8V and Modular V) — that's why I personally think that hardsynths are superior.

Another thing is character: as d.notive said, hardsynths have character (which explains his feelings), and character in a hardsynth cannot be replicated in software, which is especially true for vintage synths, and also, there are not many emulations of many of Roland's sample-and-synthesis modules available, not even samples can come close. For example, I chose to acquire a real D-50 over samples because a real D-50 is always going to reign supreme, and I can also programme new patches with it.

Having said that, though, there are some softsynths that are almost indistinguishable: for instance, Korg's software versions of their classic M1 and Wavestation synths are true to their real counterparts, except for the addition of resonant filters, which were absent from the real thing.

[ChocolateChicken]

The thing with softsynths is that they take up a lot of resources, and whenever you're trying to layer several on a complex project, you'd need a powerful computer or otherwise it'll be difficult to bounce the tracks without getting constant CPU dropouts...

Only if you're using a pretty crappy computer with like 4GB of RAM or something. I usually end up with anywhere between 70 and 90 tracks in my songs and I don't experience this. Many of the tracks are soft synths and I find that effects plugins and samplers use up more of my CPU than synths haha.

Another thing is character: as d.notive said, hardsynths have character (which explains his feelings), and character in a hardsynth cannot be replicated in software, which is especially true for vintage synths...

I don't recall d.notive ever saying this, but character is not specific to hardsynths, but rather, EVERY synth has its own special audio characteristics; this is not specific to hardware synths. Plenty of software synths have their own character as well. And like I said before, soft synths can be, are are designed to emulate vintage synths in most cases, from the oscillators to the filters. You also fail to identify exactly what you are referring to when you mention vintage characteristics.

[Acsii]

I think the real thing is... You like soft synths because you can pirate them and get them for free but you cannot do this with hardware synths. And also you mentioned about resources... Obviously you are not using many polyphonic synths... I have a pretty beast of a computer when modding my music and running polyphonic s tha with plenty of voices for ambience eats up the resources

[ChocolateChicken]

I think the real thing is... You like soft synths because you can pirate them and get them for free but you cannot do this with hardware synths. And also you mentioned about resources... Obviously you are not using many polyphonic synths... I have a pretty beast of a computer when modding my music and running polyphonic s tha with plenty of voices for ambience eats up the resources

I've never pirated anything in my life and I don't intend on ever doing so, and that is a pretty bold and random accusation on your part. And yes, I do use plenty of polyphonic synths, such as ES2, Sculpture, Massive, Sylenth, FM8, Twin 2, and Multi-Output Ultrabeat. You saying that I don't use many polyphonic synths is another untrue assumption and also incorrect.

[the4thImpulse]

and that is a pretty bold and random accusation on your part.

It really isn't too bold to assume someone uses pirated software in today's internet age. But that still doesn't make it right to assume and judge so quickly. Its good to hear you stay away from it, it can only help you in the future

[Ocular]

Only if you're using a pretty crappy computer with like 4GB of RAM or something.

Damn son, my main production computer has 2 gigs of RAM

(I'm poor don't judge me)

On another note, I'd much rather buy a hardware synth than pirate a softsynth.

[moogboy]

Hardware synths are definitely kind of sexual, if you play them right. For me, it's all about the interface. I hate mice, and if I could access the internet and do all the other things I do with a computer without a computer I would.

Hardware instruments are kind of like, art. There's something beautiful about a well designed synth, and when you get the huge synths they're like looking at massive wall sized art, if that makes sense.

[Acsii]

Hardware synths are definitely art... The makers really put their all in to make them look good... DSI and Moog are really good examples of this

[Acsii]

No... Well not for me...

[the4thImpulse]

You literally just said it was the looks that made them attractive.

You can argue as much as you want that analog has more "soul" or whatever, but when it comes down to it, virtual instruments are cheaper, more practical and generally easier to handle.

Hardware synths are novelity. Its cool and I seriously fucking want one, but not for production really. More because its just an awesome thing to have, and it looks sexy.

It changes person to person. Soft synths will always be easier/more convenient for the average guy but personally (and it is a personal thing) I find I make better sounds on hardware because of the user experience. Better isn't the best word, but I like the patches I make on the more than the ones I make in software, it's more hands on and it feels like I've actually changed something. Hardware will always be more sexy than software. Soul comes from the user not the device, it seems more people find soul in analog because of the experience using those devices.

[Acsii]

The other thing with hardware synths is I use analog synths... and all of mine I have made myself which means I know how they work completely so if a sound is off I can tune it myself or as I've done before require it to get a completely obscure sound. True soft synths are cheaper and easier to use but for me hardware synths are much more practical for me being a pianist. And not only I have to point out because I make all of my synths it works out cheaper... the only expensive thing was a one off purchase of a midi to cv module.

[JayB]

HOLY SHIT where did you get a quasimidi from?
I can't find one anywhere...

I won it in a competition.
They're pretty hard to find these days, I know. The sound is definitely not it's strength, but I don't want to miss it in my productions. I use the Quasimidi Sirius for a lot of drums and percussion, pads and layers. Supersaws is what it can do good, plucks - or say the filter in general - are a rather weak point of it.

be
Here's an example of the D-50 and SH-201 in use:
https://soundcloud.com/aurumnoble/3ps-party

Wow, that's so 80s. xD I hear a lot of Korg in there, too.
But, well, hearing through your SoundCloud profile I notice that this description fits to pretty much everything.

There are two points that attract me to hardware synths, well, actually three:
1.) I can play them, even if my computer is not turned on (or busy doing other things)
2.) Designing sounds is - for me at least - ore direct and easier
3.) The sound is simply different, especially with those "older" synths from the 90s. There's so much charming dirt that software synths can't offer.

I love to use the Yamaha AN1x (virtual analog) for plucks and basses a lot. The synth engine sounds very similar to sylenth, but somehow more vivid. Drone bass example:
https://soundcloud.com/jaybmusicnet/phonybrony-feat-giggly-maria
Also in this song you can hear the glistening pads of a Korg X5D in the breakdown (2:56). And the only drums that come from software are the kick and the clap.


I recently read a bout the new Waldorf Rocket. That one looks nice to play around with. I wonder if it's worth a try...

[HMage]

Diva is a softsynth that sounds more analog than any softsynth I ever heard. SoS reviewers agree with me. It's like my computer has been possessed by a hardsynth.

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/sep12/a ... e-diva.htm

[Ocular]

Welp, yesterday I went to Guitar Center to try out a Minibrute but it was the only one that didn't work :I

But then I found the Roland Gaia

That thing is so much fun to play with, and it has a ton of cool options.

Unfortunately... it feels really cheap, the keys aren't weighted, and it doesn't have very good sound quality.

I guess I'll just save my money until the Bass Station comes out.