Synthesizer for different sounds?

[rpe]

I want to add different sounds to my guitar recordings. Strings, winds, drums, piano, etc. I record on my PC using Cakewalk Guitar Studio, Guitar Tracks Pro and/or n-Track. I use a Delta 1010, analog mixer, ART TPS preamp. Is a synthesizer the tool I need? If so, what features should I be looking for?

Thanks,

rpe

 

[Hi_D_Ho_Man]

yep thats what u need.

1 )u can go with either a hardware or software module, or both

2)you'll need keys you can get a keyboard synth or a midi controller and option 1

3)we'll need to know how much you're looking to spend. Do u want top notch sounds or just something to complete the general idea of your compositions?

 

[rpe]

Thanks Hi,

I'd want sounds that sound authentic. Violins, flutes, percussion, brass, etc. Money is not a real factor (my wife of 30 years supports my hobby!). Are all these things MIDI or are some analog? Can I mic them or must they go in direct?

thanks,

rpe

 

[Toad Rush]

Synths like the XP-30 or bigger workstations like the Motif 8 have both authentic instrument sounds and some analog ones(if you get the right expansion cards). If you want analog sounds you can get Virtual Analog(Nord Leads, Virus), or true analog (Jupiter 8, Junos, etc).

You can run an instrument cable from the synth into an amp and then mic it. Or you could record direct, your choice.

 

[mikeh]

When buying a synth there are two basic options:

1) A MIDI controller - this has no sound in it, you simply use it to send "performance data to a hardware synth of software synth. Controllers normally come with either 49, 61,76 or 88 keys (88 keys is the number on a full sized piaon - while this is often important to a real piano player - most people can get by fine with 61 keys)

2) A keyboard synth - this has a keyboard with built-in sounds (some also come with on board sequncers - but you don't need that, since you already have a software sequencer) Again the options are normally 49, 61, 76 or 88 keys

If you choose a MIDI controller (with no internal sounds) you then need to buy one or more hardware or software synths - (or possibly samplers) Samplers can provide the most realistic accoustic sounds (since you are useing samples) but you need to find the right sample libraries (this can be hit or miss). Useing a sampler can be a little more complicated than a synth (you have to load in samples, possibly tweat them, etc.). Often a synth simply requires scrolling though sounds till you find what you want (although most synths provide plenty of tweak options if that's what you want).

When you ask if these things are MIDI or analog - it depends. A MIDI controller (with no on board sounds) simply sends out performance data (when you press down a key, let up a key, how long you held, the note, etc) - in this case there is no sound. This sends MIDI data to a sequencer which then relays that data to a sound "module" and the module creates the sound.

If you use a hardware synth/sampler there will be anywhere from 2 to 8 analog (1/4" outputs) which you can plug into an amp/mixer or D/A converter (such as your Delta). There also may be digital outs as well as MIDI ins/outs.

If you use software synths you are limited to the number of D/A outs on your computer (the Delta has 4 right?). Some people prefer to do everything in the computer including burning a CD - in which case the only D/A in's you need are to record your guitars and vocals.

Most people prefer to record the MIDI performance first, and then decide which sound "module" will be "triggered" this allows you to try different sound to see which works best (vs. recording the analog sound and then being stuck with it).

I believe what Toad Rush was trying to relay to you is that many synths act as "sample playback" which means they play samples of accoustic instruments (although unlike "samplers" they don't allow you to sample your own sounds). Some synths do not use samples but rather use wave forms to create "analog sounds". I suspect when you use the term "analog" you mean actual "analog sound" vs MIDI data.

The key things you should "look for" depend on what you want. If you want realistic accoustic sounds a sampler is probably best (but the libraries can get expensive). A sample playback may give you close to the sounds you mention (string, piano, etc). Also if you plan to "play the notes" (vs. program them) the feel of the keyboard may be important (weighted keys feel more like a piano, etc). If you play to create very complex recordings (lots of sounds) the number of notes that can play at the same time (polyphony) is important - most synths allow at least 64 note polyphony.

There are way too many great sounding synths/modules, etc to make specific recommendation - however, if your main prioity sf adding stings. pianos, brass, drums to your recordings - I suggest you look at the XP30. It has tons of good sounds and it is very easy to learn how to use. It is a very reasonably priced machine.

Try out as many as you can and trcus your ears. I hope I didn't make this more complicated than it needs to be.

 

[rpe]

Mikeh.........

.....that was one great reply. Many thanks.

rpe

 

[rpe]

I see several XP-30's on ebay. Bids range from $450 & up. Some "BuyIt Now" prices are $600 and $650. What would be a fair price to pay for a used XP-30?

thanks,

rpe

 

[mikeh]

rpe,

I have not priced used XP30's so I really can't answer with authority, but I would think $500 would be a very good price - I would not go over $600

 

[rpe]

thanks mikeh.

 

[Jack Hammer]

ONe thing to add. Take the advice of listening to the modules first. An XP30 might be the right one butg then again, it might not. You should isten to the many, many great offerings available. For instance, a Motif module, Triton module, Proteus module or, maybe one of the other Roland modules.

Also, if you only want "real" instruments, then a sampler dedicated to this taks will give better results than a more "all-in-one" synth. As Mikeh said, the good libraries can ge expensive and, the samplers and computing power needed can become a factor. when you get into the soft sampler area, it matters whether you are on PC or Mac and how fast you computer is.

As for soft samplers, currently, there are two direct from disc offerings that I know of, Gigastudio and Kontakt. Gigs is PC only, Kontakt, Mac and PC I believe. This is good because it reduces the amount of Ram needed by the sampler thus not taxing the Ram used to record all that much and thus possibly avoiding the need for a seperate computer just for soft synths and soft samplers though that is a great option.

If mony is not a big deal, get a great contoller, another computer with another sound card (RME Hammerfall is popular for this). Load the second computer up with soft synths, soft samples and libraries of sounds and you will be on the cutting edge of sound technology.

With this configuration, you can use plug ins in the first computer for recording, effects, processing, shaping etc. and the second computer for the actual instruments.