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So I want to buy a synth

Nexus ZeroNexus Zero Registered User regular
edited April 2008 in Help / Advice Forum
I want to make beats, drum 'n' bass, grime, dubstep, etc, and to do this I need a synth. What sort of features am I looking for, what synths do you recommend (is £200-300 ok?) and what learning resources do you recommend to an absolute newb such as myself?

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Nexus Zero on

Posts

  • GihgehlsGihgehls Registered User regular
    edited April 2008
    It's nice that you want to make beats, but if you think you need a synth to do it you are dead wrong. Anyway, as for learning resources, I would try some softsynths so you can get the basics of synthesis down before you plunk down serious bills for a hardware one. Hardware synths definitely have their place, and I learned on one early in my life, but these days it is hard for me to recommend one to somebody just getting started. You can get so much more done in a shorter amount of time using software. If you absolutely must have a keyboard, MIDI controllers that plug into your computer could probably be found for about 70 pounds.

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  • PheezerPheezer Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited April 2008
    A MIDI controller keyboard with a copy of Ableton Live will cost less and do more and be easier to learn on than just about any other option. Assuming that your computer isn't complete and utter shit, but Live will run decently on computers that are five years old now, so you're probably fine there.

    Pheezer on
    IT'S GOT ME REACHING IN MY POCKET IT'S GOT ME FORKING OVER CASH
    CUZ THERE'S SOMETHING IN THE MIDDLE AND IT'S GIVING ME A RASH
  • PheezerPheezer Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited April 2008
    Also, M-Audio makes really nice controllers that are very reasonably priced.

    Pheezer on
    IT'S GOT ME REACHING IN MY POCKET IT'S GOT ME FORKING OVER CASH
    CUZ THERE'S SOMETHING IN THE MIDDLE AND IT'S GIVING ME A RASH
  • MartinMartin Registered User regular
    edited April 2008
    Go over to www.propellerheads.se and download the Reason demo there. It'll more than likely give you what you need (not the demo, but it'll give you the right idea). If you're not recording any live audio, it's the way to go, and it works really well with any recording program (ie Live or Cubase etc.)

    Martin on
  • Nexus ZeroNexus Zero Registered User regular
    edited April 2008
    Thanks for the advice guys I'll definitely have a play around with soft synths first, starting with Reason. I should mention that I'm using a new MacBook, it's a light on RAM but I'll be upgrading soon.

    Nexus Zero on
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  • KhavallKhavall British ColumbiaRegistered User regular
    edited April 2008
    I came in here to suggest Reason.


    But fine. I guess you all can do it before me.

    Khavall on
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