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Synthesizers
GiantRobo
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
I've been wanting to pick up a synth to mess around with for a while now, but the problem is I don't know jack about selecting them. What would be a good brand/model to start out with?
GiantRobo on
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Before you drop several hundred dollars on a keyboard, though, you might want to mess around with a software synth for a bit, just to make sure you enjoy the process of making sounds.
hitting hot metal with hammers
I have been messing with fruity loops for a while, but I came back across reason and am trying to learn that too.
I generally advise people to stick with hardware if they're not particularly computer-oriented, or if they are just looking for something to play with (and by play with I mean physically interact with). You *can* do everything via software, and often for cheaper when it comes down to it, but hardware does tend to be more fun, and therefore more worthwhile for learning and experimenting. If you're already familiar with synthesis, and simply want everything in one spot, migrating your shit all to software can save a lot of headaches. But starting there can be daunting if you don't consider the computer an extension of yourself.
I like the microKORG on paper, but the mini keys irk me, as does the matrix-style programming. I like knobs on hardware, so you can control stuff immediately. It's not a bad synth, but it might turn you off from synth programming. I'd actually suggest you keep an eye out for an Alesis ION or micron. They can be had for $400/300 if you're diligent, and while they lack some features of more expensive synths, they're more hands on. The ION is knob-heavy while the micron is smaller and more menu-y.
If you're willing to spend a little more, the Nord Lead 2 rack version, plus a basic controller keyboard, will sound pretty good as well, and is knob-heavy.
You could also simply invest in a good controller, like the Novation SL series, and use it to control software synths. You'd probably have to upgrade your soundcard if you're on a Windows machine, or get an external USB/FW one for your audio stuff, but spending $350-400 on a Novation SL series keyboard would give you the hands on without having to invest a large chunk of money into something you're not sure of. You can then play with Reason and other soft synths using the controller, and I suggest the SL series because they use Automap, which detects which synth you're using in real-time and updates its controllers to control the various parameters of said synth. So you can be in Reason and switch between modules and have it automatically update.
The only downside as I see it to buying hardware is that most synths don't have onboard sequencers, so they're limited by either what you can play, or by how you're sequencing it (usually via computer). On the flipside, hardware can be sold, often for what you paid for it if you buy it used. I've used eBay as a long-term "rental" system quite a few times, getting a piece of hardware to see how it works, deciding I don't like it after 6 months, and selling it on eBay again for about what I paid (sometimes less, sometimes more). You can't do that with software (although you can do that with midi controller keyboards) so much.
Ultimately it comes down to how into it you wanna get, and how interested you think you'll be. I love the feel of hardware and the immediacy, but like the convenience of software. I currently have a Novation ReMOTE 37SL and am running all my sounds via software, although mostly because I've learned how to play some instruments within the past year or so. If I was all-synth still, I'd likely keep some around.
Oh, I do have an MPC-1000, but that's not a synth. Don't look into MPCs if you're looking for melody, or if you're not interested in working with samples.
keys response to your fingers
velocity sensitive = force with which the keys are initially pressed
aftertouch = really pressure sensitivity but was named "aftertouch" to avoid confusion.
I recommend a keyboard having both these aspects, you can find some with both but usually most of the cheaper synths will only have velocity sensitivity.
The only reason I brought up softsynths is that it's a really good way to cheaply learn the basics of making sounds, rather than making a big investment and then realizing that it's not as much fun as you thought it would be.
On the other hand, though, I suppose it's not really necessary to understand the technical shit to enjoy tweaking knobs and making noise, as long as you go in knowing it's not like strumming a guitar.
But back on topic, it's more important to get a keyboard that has sounds you like, as opposed to one that has a better keyboard. All modern synths have MIDI capability, so you can always get a better keyboard for a synth you like, where you're pretty much stuck with the synth's tonal capabilities. I recommend going to a Guitar Center or something and playing around with what they have there. Don't buy from a big-box music shop, but they're useful for trying shit out.
Also,
That is just beautiful.
hitting hot metal with hammers