Response by Jack Hammer
I have two locations and thus two names (both ridiculous but whatever). In any event, this is Jack Hammer. In response, first let me clear up certain things. Digital and Module are not synonymous. Thus there can be an analogue module though there are few made if any these days. As a historical note, the original analogue synths were "modular" though these modules were the various functions of the synth so that an envelope would be a seperate module, a ring modulator another. Anyway, that is another discussion for another day. Most of the so called "analogue" synths nowadays are acutally analogue modeling synths. They are essentially digital recreations of analogue synths though I believe there are varying degrees of "analogue" parts. Anyway, for the purpose of getting the type of "fat" bass sounds that are useful in hip-hop and the like, analogue modling synths are fine. A very popular brand is the NOrd synths either the Nord
Lead II or III. I believe they also have modules and possibly a bass synth. I do not have any experience with the Novation but I trust that the bass station or whatever it is called would give you what your looking for and you would be happy with such a synth. There are modules and keyboard versions of this as well I think or at least very similar synths in module and with keys form. There is also
the Access Virus, my personal favorite. Very nice, fat bass sounds and it can be had in a module, with keys or software version. I have the module version.
I think that having modules and a controller is a very good way to go. It allows for great felxability and quite alot of control. Also, I suspect that eventually more and more synths will be plug ins and I think that controllers will be gbest suited for running these plug-in or "soft" synths.
As for the KARMA. The Motif has some great sounds, I heard it in a music shop and thought it was fantastic. However, the KARMA function is the thing that I think is so useful for hip-hop and rap music. It wil generate endless amount of grooves, truly cool grooves with limitless variations. The thing about these grooves that is so compelling for that kind of music is this. The KARMA function will take a basic drum groove, lets say, metamorphosize endloess subtle variations on it. This is perfect for laying down a rap for instance. The basic groove remains the same ins uch music as it does on the Karma with subtle differences here and there. Therefore, with little effort, you get a completely usable groove that, unlike a traditional drum machine, is generating subtle difference almost like a real drummer so that the track stays interesting and not boring. Also, these variations are controllable in real time. A better tool for hip-hop and rap has not been invented. Aslo, the sounds are very good and in fact, some are outright excellent.
The drawback on the KARMA is that it takes a bit of doing to learn the KARMA functions. You will need some time with it, however, there is a site called KARMA-LAB (or LABS).com that is very useful and is just for KARMA owners to share and exchange ideas. It is monitored by the inventor of the KARMA and he will answer your questions directly. This is very cool. I suggest you check out the site now and see if you are interested. Remember, you can ultimately get the Motif as well later one if you just like the sounds or wait for the module versions. The Motiff is nice but it is not something special and different like the Karma. The Karma is a world unto itself that many people are quite into. There is a feature in either Keyboard or EQ magazing this month about a guy who played keys for, among others, the Dixie Dreggs. Who and what they play is unimportant, the point is, this is another full time, playing working keyboard player who has come out with his own recording (who hasn't nowadays?) and he used the Karma extensively as well (recall Herbie Hancock). I think that there is so much that can be done with the instrument that we have only scratched the surface. But it is what it is and it is something I would recommend you learn about a bit more before deciding. If your decision was between the Triton and the Motiff, I would say go for the Motiff becuase it has some newer sounds that have not been so used but that is a small consideration since a guitar has been used over and over since the begining of time (rock musically speaking) of course, it is how you use the sound not the sound itself. A good sound is always a good sound as proved by the "vintage" keyboard phenomenon.
Anyway, I have gone on long enough. Obviously, I am a fan of the KARMA and for certain styles of music (not just hip-hop or rap but trance, dance music of any style, ambient music, hipnotice type music al las Phillip Glass and the like etc.) this is a can't-be-beat tool.
One more thing. The bass synths tend to be monophonic with small keyboards and not much additional functions such as sequencers, arppegiators and samplers and thus are cheaper than full blown synths. All of the new modeling synths and the bass models are great and have great and useful sounds. Big fat basses and the like. And, for bass, a good synth and a good compressor and you are set. By the way, there are still those that think the mini moog is still the king of bass sounds. It once was and many of the sounds are modeled after the mini moog type bass sounds but, functionally, it is a bit behind the times having no velocity sensativity and therefore, no dynamic ability.
So, whatever you choose, good luck.
(I doubt I answered anything but I sure wrote alot)