Pros & Cons of Full or Rack versions

  • Thread starter Thread starter microchip
  • Start date Start date
M

microchip

New member
Ok all, the rack version of a synth is cheaper...obviously because there is less to it physically.

But, I want to hear from everyone's experience the pros and cons of having a rack version over the full synth w/keys.

In my opinion, if I am tweaking with the knobs and such, it's going to be much easier to do this with the keys right there than moving the knobs, going to the other keyboard to play, then moving back to the rack unit to change again.

This is the kind of info (positive and negative) that I want to hear.

Thanks,
Micro
 
I prefer keyboard versions because it seems like you develop a better connection with the instrument. The problem is that they take up space and they aren't very practical if you build a big collection.

Modules are easier to sell if you ever want to get rid of it years later. Check Ebay to see what I mean. Also, I've had trouble with my Korg 01/W, the keyboard wasn't built well and it's cost me quite a bit of money to have it repaired a couple of times.

The other factor is the velocity curve is different on every instrument. Some keyboard controllers don't work well with some modules. That's the reality.

I think a combination of keys and modules makes the most sense for me.
 
Historically, modules have had fewer features than keyboards because they're not performance instruments, per se.

As far back as 1986, the Ensoniq ESQ-M lacked the sequencer of the ESQ-1. Same with the Korg M1r vs the M1 I believe.

Also, unless it's a tabletop model like an Access Virus, for example, there's not much use in loading up a module with knobs, but it's natural for a keyboard because the knobs are part of the live expressive mode, especially on an analog or VA synth.

On the other hand, you may gain other things. The Roland R-8m is a great drum machine, better than the R-8 because it has three card slots instead of one.

I don't know how widely you can generalize from these examples, but it does underscore the need to research both versions of a synth thoroughly before making a decision.

---
DAVID VESEL -- synthpop recording artist
The new single, "The Caves"
The new album, Calliope
Now available on Situation Records
http://www.ampcast.com/davidvesel
davidvesel@pobox.com
 
For me it boils down to two issues.

1. A keyboard has a feel and say you use the K2500 with a B3 sound. Yet the k2500 keys are uncomfetable for most B3 style playing. If you find a controller you like then you can hook up any rack to it. It can mean a lot to a Key player when it comes to interpetation.

2. If you own a few different racks for a diversity of sound then owning 5 keyboards isnt really practible......
 
I have 4 keyboards and at least 3 modules. I think it's nice to have at least 2 or 3 keyboards. Different size, feel, knobs, etc.. After that just use modules. That way you can have multiple setups of different keys playing whatever combinations of modules.
 
porphyrous said:
Historically, modules have had fewer features than keyboards because they're not performance instruments, per se.

As far back as 1986, the Ensoniq ESQ-M lacked the sequencer of the ESQ-1. Same with the Korg M1r vs the M1 I believe.

Also, unless it's a tabletop model like an Access Virus, for example, there's not much use in loading up a module with knobs, but it's natural for a keyboard because the knobs are part of the live expressive mode, especially on an analog or VA synth.

On the other hand, you may gain other things. The Roland R-8m is a great drum machine, better than the R-8 because it has three card slots instead of one.

I don't know how widely you can generalize from these examples, but it does underscore the need to research both versions of a synth thoroughly before making a decision.
Click to expand...

this really isn't applicable anymore... todays synth manufacturers have realized that people will often use one master keyboard to control the synth, and they've started giving them the same specs...
Getting a rack module and a controller is often cheaper and you can deside yourself what keys you wanna play on, and where it should be placed according to the rack... having a keyboard underneath two modules/synths can be more expressive than having two keyboard version synths...
 
porphyrous said:

As far back as 1986, the Ensoniq ESQ-M lacked the sequencer of the ESQ-1. Same with the Korg M1r vs the M1 I believe.
Click to expand...

My M1r has a sequencer just like the M1
 
I've owned 8 keyboards (had 5 at one time) but am now down to 3. I have 7 modules. Obviously we all get different units for the different sounds and/or features.

I have found that as a general rule modules don't give you as many options to "tweak" the sound and what you can tweak you have to get at thru layers of menu screens (vs. knobs and sliders). As a result, I tend to use the modules more for the "specific sounds" they offer (my Proteus has a great accoustic guitar, my Kurzweil has great piano, etc).

If you like tweaking sounds a full keyboard will probably give you more satisfaction. If you prefer to dial up factory sounds and use them, modules may make more sense. If you like old analog type syths, a full keyboard full of knobs is a must.

Obviously, space is an issue. In my case I have 10 sound producing devices (3 keys and 7 modules) I could never have room for 10 keyboards.

I agree very much with Wide Awake that a keyboard is more personnal. When I had my Juno 60 (upgraded to a Juno 106 for the MIDI) I knew every subtle thing about the filters and oscilators, etc. (I could operate it with my eyes closed). With my modules I keep a chart of all the presets and that about as personal as I get.
 
I've owned 8 keyboards (had 5 at one time) but am now down to 3. I have 7 modules. Obviously we all get different units for the different sounds and/or features.

I have found that as a general rule modules don't give you as many options to "tweak" the sound and what you can tweak you have to get at thru layers of menu screens (vs. knobs and sliders). As a result, I tend you use the modules more for the "specific sounds" they offer (my Proteus has a great accoustic guitar, my Kurzweil has great piano, etc).

If you like tweaking sounds a full keyboard will probably give you more satisfaction. If you prefer to dial up factory sounds and use them, modules may make more sense.

Obviously, space is an issue. In my case I have 10 sound producing devices (3keys and 7 modules) I could never have room for 10 keyboards.

I agree very much with Wide Awake that a keyboard is more personnal. When I had my Juno 60 (upgraded to a Juno 106 for the MIDI) I knew every subtle thing about the filters and oscilators, etc. (I could operate it with my eyes closed). With my modules I keep a chart of all the presets and that about as personal as I get.
 
If the issue at hand is going for a lot of qaulity sounds, then why dont you think of a controller or keyboard together with a sampler.
Load the sampler with sounds and you have it all in one...
 
If you like old analog type syths, a full keyboard full of knobs is a must.
Click to expand...

Not necessarily. It's all about the knobs. What about the virus?
 
there are just as many knobs on the newest rackmounts as on the keyboards on todays V/A synths... clavia, access, novation, waldorf, the lot...
 
To subtractor & Chriss - I stand corrected, you are right. In the last few years since analog has re-gained favor, there are several units with all the real time controls (although many of them do apprear to eat up alot of rack space - still less space then a 61 keyboard).

I guess I'll have to renew my subscription to Keyboard & Electronic Musician. :D
 
mikeh said:
To subtractor & Chriss - I stand corrected, you are right. In the last few years since analog has re-gained favor, there are several units with all the real time controls (although many of them do apprear to eat up alot of rack space - still less space then a 61 keyboard).

I guess I'll have to renew my subscription to Keyboard & Electronic Musician. :D
Click to expand...

they do eat up a lot of rack space... just look at the SNII rack from novation... it comes complete with furniture and curtains...

http://www.novationmusic.com/nov_route/images/prod_pics/sup_nov_rack_fr_lg.jpg
 
Yeah, I prefer the tabletop modules myself. It's usually kind of hard to get a rackmount in a good knob tweaking position.
 
subtractor said:
Yeah, I prefer the tabletop modules myself. It's usually kind of hard to get a rackmount in a good knob tweaking position.
Click to expand...

not if you elevate it... then it's even better than keyboards and tabletops imo...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top