Breaking into the world of "synths" question

[deemic]

I've been basically recording/mixing/editing - guitar tracks along with whatever loops I've been lucky enough to find on the web.
Now, I want to purchase a Key/synth that I can use to record drum, bass and some synth sounds as well.

I dont know squat about midi at this point, except that my soundcard is compatible (audigy 2)

For a true beginner, do you have any ideas about what I might want to look for in a synth to get me up and running?

very low budget (under $300) 61 key would be fine.
Mostly blues and spaced out rock music.

I use Sonar/Cool edit for my recording projects.
Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!


__________________
Dee

 

[dafduc]

If you're using sonar, you might not need a synth, just a controller. Controllers are synths without the onboard sounds.

Since Sonar has built-in instruments and support for VSTi's and DXi's, I'd probably just go with a good controller. You probably want at least 4-5 octaves, but for $299, American Musical Supply has an 88-key StudioLogic controller. Or you can get a smaller one with more knobs and sliders.

Daf

 

[deemic]

hmmmmm.....

O.K.

I have been kicking that around a little bit, but what if I needed on board sound for running direct into cool edit in real time?

And do any of the lower priced keyboards have "line out" as opposed to midi, so I could make my set up a little simpler?

thanks for the response btw

 

[dafduc]

If Cool Edit works like Sound Forge (they're supposed to be similar) you can play real time in Sonar (with your controller driving a virtual synth) and record it in Cool Edit, if you choose.

The point is, the sounds on a sub-$300 board will suck, but there are some very good free VSTi's out there, plus I'm sure the stuff that's bundeled with Sonar is good, too.

Given you very limited amount of money you're going to throw at this, I think it's better spent getting a good controller.

The VERY cheapest keyboards have no midi, and only a line out. Avoid them. A midi controller is your best friend for getting good sounding keyboard parts recorded if you're using Sonar or Cubase.

Here's one potential advantage to built-in sounds: virtual synths all have some latency. A good sound card on a good computer might only have 5-10 ms., but on a consumer grade soundcard it'll drive you crazy. What the built-in sounds will buy you, if you have a slower system (mine's about 23 ms., so I use this), is you can monitor their onboard sounds separately, for zero-latency performance. You'll hear one sound (your synth) with no latency and record another one (your virtual synth) WITH latency. Sonar will adjust your playback to campensate for the latency.

So there's SOME advantage to the cheap sounds that come on a low-end synth. But it's a fine point.

Good luck.

Daf

 

[deemic]

O.K.

I think I'm following you.

Basically, because the soft synths have a better overall sound quality, the midi controller might be a better way to go. (if I can work around the midi latency and figure out how to set up midi at all, which seems like a chore in of itself)

But, if I have any latency issues, I might be better off using lesser quality on board sound on a cheaper keyboard, but have the advantage of real time monitoring/recording (as long as it has a line out)

Are there any Keyboards in my $300 range that will offer me both?

Meaning midi control and the crappy onboard sound? But also have the line out function?