S
sondriven
New member
Are there any websites out there for old synths, preferrably moog to buy?
M
major240
New member
Try Synthzone.com, Analogue Heaven for some info...actually, just use the model name and/or number your looking for as your search word and see what happens. Buying and selling is commonly a subheading of these sights, or they may have links to others. Of course, there is always ebay and the like. Happy hunting...
J
Jerry Kahn
New member
check out http://www.vintagesynth.com
classified section.
They also have this really useful rating system for synths--seems like its done purely based on user feedback.
jk
classified section.
They also have this really useful rating system for synths--seems like its done purely based on user feedback.
jk
Roel
That SMART guy.
And for the more adventurous amongst us: build your own analog synth. If you've got some basic electronics knowledge you can. And some kits are even that simple that my mam would be able to build them. With a little help: "Read the manual. I have to read it to if I'd have to tell you." (One of my favorite sentences)
Start with paia kits. Very easy. I made theremins for my friends. Sounds really nice. Can't get a decent melody out of it. But it sounds good. (You can get something decent out of it. Hard as hell however.)
Start with paia kits. Very easy. I made theremins for my friends. Sounds really nice. Can't get a decent melody out of it. But it sounds good. (You can get something decent out of it. Hard as hell however.)
M
major240
New member
Hey Roel, build your own Theremin? Tell me more.
Does Paia have a website proper?
Does Paia have a website proper?
Trak
New member
Roel
That SMART guy.
Everything and even more you wanna know about building synths, plus amazing pictures of the even more amazing modulars that some people have made themselves...
Just type 'synth diy' in a search engine, and follow the links...
The paia website is at http://www.paia.com
There are more manufacturers of synth-kits. At your fingertips: 'synth diy'. But don't underestimate the price of building your own synth. It's not the cheap way. Most kits however are affordable. But you'll need alot of htem anyway if you're building a modular.
Just type 'synth diy' in a search engine, and follow the links...
The paia website is at http://www.paia.com
There are more manufacturers of synth-kits. At your fingertips: 'synth diy'. But don't underestimate the price of building your own synth. It's not the cheap way. Most kits however are affordable. But you'll need alot of htem anyway if you're building a modular.
J
Jerry Kahn
New member
Roel:
You seem very synth savy. I like the idea of building my own synth, because the old analogs cost a lot of $$$ and are HEAVY-- I got a loaner once, an old "Electro..something" and I think it weighed OVER forty pounds. It had a lot of cool knobs, but I could barely get it home.
I have a few dumb questions synth questions for ya:
1. Can I build a multi-timbral (polyphonic, whatever you call it) synth that is good, stays in tune etc. with one of those packages you mentioned? (is that what you mean by "modular"?) See, I like the Waldorf Pulse, which I just bought on Ebay for $350, but it can only play one tone at a time, as you know probably. Can a package deal compare in quality to a Pulse, and can I get more than a note at a time out of it? Or should I just get more Pulses @ 350 a pop-- you can string them together for polyphonic, I understand.
2. What do you think of synths like Nord that are "virtual analog".. i.e. Do U think virtual analog stands up to analog sound-wise?
3. are software synths good?
Thx a lot!
jk
You seem very synth savy. I like the idea of building my own synth, because the old analogs cost a lot of $$$ and are HEAVY-- I got a loaner once, an old "Electro..something" and I think it weighed OVER forty pounds. It had a lot of cool knobs, but I could barely get it home.
I have a few dumb questions synth questions for ya:
1. Can I build a multi-timbral (polyphonic, whatever you call it) synth that is good, stays in tune etc. with one of those packages you mentioned? (is that what you mean by "modular"?) See, I like the Waldorf Pulse, which I just bought on Ebay for $350, but it can only play one tone at a time, as you know probably. Can a package deal compare in quality to a Pulse, and can I get more than a note at a time out of it? Or should I just get more Pulses @ 350 a pop-- you can string them together for polyphonic, I understand.
2. What do you think of synths like Nord that are "virtual analog".. i.e. Do U think virtual analog stands up to analog sound-wise?
3. are software synths good?
Thx a lot!
jk
J
Jerry Kahn
New member
OK, fine Roel, be that way... does any one else have any ideas?
Roel
That SMART guy.
Sorry 'bout being late. I don't get on the internet during weekends...
1 a polyphonic synth. Offcourse you can build a multitimbral synth. But it's mainly the same as building a monophonic synth for every voice you want, and adding a little mixer at the end. (read: a lot of work.) The midi-cv convertor has to be able to be played in polyphonic way too, offcourse...
BUT you can start building a modular (what I'm doing), each module (each VCO, filter,...) gets it's own package, and when you want a sound, you 'patch' up the modules. So you've got alot of modules, with even more wires between them... This is easily expanded with more modules, and in a while you might be able to patch it up for 2 voices... The modules you get are mainly remakes of older popular synnth-parts, with improved stability. Or they're better...
But I'll say it again, it's NOT cheap!
Virtual analog synths are getting quite good lately. They offer alot of functionality... In an analog synth, you've got a certain number of modules, pre-patched in a way, with switches. The virtual analog can mix up these blocks (order of the alogorithms) or replace blocks without problems. The way a modular synth allows you, but without wires all over the place.
And it would cost about the double, to get an analog synth (modular) that can do what these digital bros can do. With a modular, you pay for each module...
Software synths... Don't like to play with them. I don't have a good soundcard, and don't like sitting at my computer to make music...
If you check out virtual analogs, I was thinking about buying a virus. But I bought a VS1880 instead. The virus is definately worth checking out...
1 a polyphonic synth. Offcourse you can build a multitimbral synth. But it's mainly the same as building a monophonic synth for every voice you want, and adding a little mixer at the end. (read: a lot of work.) The midi-cv convertor has to be able to be played in polyphonic way too, offcourse...
BUT you can start building a modular (what I'm doing), each module (each VCO, filter,...) gets it's own package, and when you want a sound, you 'patch' up the modules. So you've got alot of modules, with even more wires between them... This is easily expanded with more modules, and in a while you might be able to patch it up for 2 voices... The modules you get are mainly remakes of older popular synnth-parts, with improved stability. Or they're better...
But I'll say it again, it's NOT cheap!
Virtual analog synths are getting quite good lately. They offer alot of functionality... In an analog synth, you've got a certain number of modules, pre-patched in a way, with switches. The virtual analog can mix up these blocks (order of the alogorithms) or replace blocks without problems. The way a modular synth allows you, but without wires all over the place.
And it would cost about the double, to get an analog synth (modular) that can do what these digital bros can do. With a modular, you pay for each module...
Software synths... Don't like to play with them. I don't have a good soundcard, and don't like sitting at my computer to make music...
If you check out virtual analogs, I was thinking about buying a virus. But I bought a VS1880 instead. The virus is definately worth checking out...
regebro
Insane Genious!
Virtual analog synths are getting quite good lately. They offer alot of functionality... In an analog synth, you've got a certain number of modules, pre-patched in a way, with switches. The virtual analog can mix up these blocks (order of the alogorithms) or replace blocks without problems. The way a modular synth allows you, but without wires all over the place.
Actually, most virtual analog synths doesn't do this at all. There are some that does, most software based. The only hardware virtual analog synth I know about that is modular is the Clavia Nord Modular, which therefore automatically and per definition is the coolest synth in existance.
http://www.clavia.se/
Jerry:
I think the virtual analog does stand up to analog soundwise. Since the virtual analog is more exact and always in tune and stuff, the sound does get a bit more clinical, but if it has separate VCO's per voice you can fatten the sound up with a bit of modulation.
Some software synths are good, some bad. I don't really like them, with one notable exception: ReBirth, by propellerheads. It rocks, sounds great and is dead easy to use. Also, Reason, by the same guys is nice. I don't like the drum-machine in Reason, but you can plug in a ReBirth module into the Reason rack and use it instead!
http://www.propellerheads.se
Actually, most virtual analog synths doesn't do this at all. There are some that does, most software based. The only hardware virtual analog synth I know about that is modular is the Clavia Nord Modular, which therefore automatically and per definition is the coolest synth in existance.
http://www.clavia.se/
Jerry:
I think the virtual analog does stand up to analog soundwise. Since the virtual analog is more exact and always in tune and stuff, the sound does get a bit more clinical, but if it has separate VCO's per voice you can fatten the sound up with a bit of modulation.
Some software synths are good, some bad. I don't really like them, with one notable exception: ReBirth, by propellerheads. It rocks, sounds great and is dead easy to use. Also, Reason, by the same guys is nice. I don't like the drum-machine in Reason, but you can plug in a ReBirth module into the Reason rack and use it instead!
http://www.propellerheads.se
Roel
That SMART guy.
Wasn't really clear I guess... What I meant to say was, they allow some flexibility. Not a real modular approach, but they always do allow some extra functionality. An extra filter if you don't use the 3rd VCO, multitimbral stuff (in the analog world, this would need another synth), these kindof tricks... Or the vocoder in the Virus or the korg MS2000...
The Nord modular is cool. But NOTHING compares to a REAL modular setup... Check this: http://www.media.mit.edu/~joep/SynthBlurb.html
Why I preferred the Virus was it's external inputs, vocoder, and it's ability to sound very aouch... The Nord modular also allows this, but needs a computer to patch it up. Don't like that.
And if you really enjoy creating sounds and effects, even more possibilities than the Nord Modular, and a 600-band real time vocoder!!!
http://www.symbolicsound.com/
The Nord modular is cool. But NOTHING compares to a REAL modular setup... Check this: http://www.media.mit.edu/~joep/SynthBlurb.html
Why I preferred the Virus was it's external inputs, vocoder, and it's ability to sound very aouch...
The Nord modular also allows this, but needs a computer to patch it up. Don't like that.And if you really enjoy creating sounds and effects, even more possibilities than the Nord Modular, and a 600-band real time vocoder!!!
http://www.symbolicsound.com/
regebro
Insane Genious!
Well, the good thing with REAL modular stuff is that you can always extend it infinitly. The Nord modular DOES run out of processor power...
And you can build your own stuff, with an analog modular, and you cant with the Nord. A developers kit for the modular to build your own modules would be SO COOL!
In all other aspects I actually think the Nord Modular rules over a real modular setup. The coolness of a real modular synth is easily overshadowed by the pain of using it.
And you can build your own stuff, with an analog modular, and you cant with the Nord. A developers kit for the modular to build your own modules would be SO COOL!
In all other aspects I actually think the Nord Modular rules over a real modular setup. The coolness of a real modular synth is easily overshadowed by the pain of using it.
Roel
That SMART guy.
Indeed. A modular synth has to be a real pain to use... But it's easy expandable, and you can start with a very small 'cheap' synth. (Cheaper as the nord modular...) And building it is a nice thing to do to get my head of music and my hurting wrist.
Regebro, have you looked at the kyma (symbolic sound) setup? This allows more freedom and algorithms than the modular. It's graphical interface is more scientific, but it is quite expandable too... (24 DSPs and about 700 Mb RAM, something like that. Really big.) You really have to get you one of the (free)demo cd's. It's somewhere on their site...
Regebro, have you looked at the kyma (symbolic sound) setup? This allows more freedom and algorithms than the modular. It's graphical interface is more scientific, but it is quite expandable too... (24 DSPs and about 700 Mb RAM, something like that. Really big.) You really have to get you one of the (free)demo cd's. It's somewhere on their site...
regebro
Insane Genious!
No, I looked at their website, and I didn't like what I saw, so I haven't checked it out more thoroughly. Looks like a beast to me.
J
Jerry Kahn
New member
you guys are cool.. thanks & PLEASE DONT STOP.. I LOVE IT!
Thanks for the tip on Kyma, Roel: looks awesome. For the moment Im looking for something a little cheaper and more basic, i think.
regebro-- do you have a Nord Modular?
I just researched the "Micro Modular" but feedback on SynthZone said "not too hot" (which explains its low $). Im thinking my next step might be a Nord Lead II: the immediacy and simplicity appeal to me, as well as the price. It also is not dependent on the computer, which I dig. I also heard its better sounding than the Virus (although maybe the Virus is more flexible).
Question: I use my old Roland JV30 keyboard to trigger my Pulse via midi (not very cool -- I end up using the unfriendly front panel of the Pulse to modify params) and I was thinking of also using it on the Nord-- now, how stupid is that? Can you recommend a good midi controller that would work with these items that is affordable, that has knobs and shit?
Also, check out:
http://www.future-retro.com/
Tell me what y'all think!!
peace
jk
Thanks for the tip on Kyma, Roel: looks awesome. For the moment Im looking for something a little cheaper and more basic, i think.
regebro-- do you have a Nord Modular?
I just researched the "Micro Modular" but feedback on SynthZone said "not too hot" (which explains its low $). Im thinking my next step might be a Nord Lead II: the immediacy and simplicity appeal to me, as well as the price. It also is not dependent on the computer, which I dig. I also heard its better sounding than the Virus (although maybe the Virus is more flexible).
Question: I use my old Roland JV30 keyboard to trigger my Pulse via midi (not very cool -- I end up using the unfriendly front panel of the Pulse to modify params) and I was thinking of also using it on the Nord-- now, how stupid is that? Can you recommend a good midi controller that would work with these items that is affordable, that has knobs and shit?
Also, check out:
http://www.future-retro.com/
Tell me what y'all think!!
peace
jk
Roel
That SMART guy.
When I was comparing synths, the micro modular hadn't arrived yet. But I did compare the nord lead II with the virus and the roland jp8080...
Roland jp8080: good for soft kinda sounds, can't get a hard lead out. Sucks.
Nord lead: Very good for hard leads, but always sounds kinda aggressive. Now aggressive pads aren't really usefull, right? But cool synth. It doesn't have inputs though, which is a big plus of these other synths.
Virus: can go softer than the roland, and even harder than the nord lead. Truly, a beast.
But you should compare them yourself. At the time, I didn't know enough about synths to go tweak the knobs myself, so the shop-guy told me... And they can tell you anything. But it was a quite extensive demo, and I know what I hear.
Also check out the korg MS2000. It should be pretty ok for it's price range. Haven't heard it though, and the keyboard sucks. (my toy organ did better...)
If you buy one of these synths, and at the same time you want to buy a good controller, just buy the keyboard version of the synth. (except for the nord modular. what a silly keyboard...) The virus and nord lead both come with good keyboards...
And just to remind you, order a demo-cd of the KYMA!!!
Roland jp8080: good for soft kinda sounds, can't get a hard lead out. Sucks.
Nord lead: Very good for hard leads, but always sounds kinda aggressive. Now aggressive pads aren't really usefull, right? But cool synth. It doesn't have inputs though, which is a big plus of these other synths.
Virus: can go softer than the roland, and even harder than the nord lead. Truly, a beast.
But you should compare them yourself. At the time, I didn't know enough about synths to go tweak the knobs myself, so the shop-guy told me... And they can tell you anything. But it was a quite extensive demo, and I know what I hear.
Also check out the korg MS2000. It should be pretty ok for it's price range. Haven't heard it though, and the keyboard sucks. (my toy organ did better...)
If you buy one of these synths, and at the same time you want to buy a good controller, just buy the keyboard version of the synth. (except for the nord modular. what a silly keyboard...) The virus and nord lead both come with good keyboards...
And just to remind you, order a demo-cd of the KYMA!!!
regebro
Insane Genious!
Originally posted by Jerry Kahn
regebro-- do you have a Nord Modular?
Yes.
I just researched the "Micro Modular" but feedback on SynthZone said "not too hot" (which explains its low $).
The low price is due to it not being multi timbral, basically. Its basically 25% of a full modular. "Not too hot" is just dead wrong, IMO. Obviously the Micro Modular is not as hot as to Nord Modular, but then it's much cheaper. I'm actually thinking of getting a Micro Modular too just as an effect box.
I can't find the "not too hot" you are referring too. One guy thought the JP-8000 sounded better, and one guy thought it sucked, but he obviously hadn't grasped the concept of modularity...
Also, check out:
http://www.future-retro.com/
Well... If you want at TB-303 clone, sure. But for $777?
regebro-- do you have a Nord Modular?
Yes.
I just researched the "Micro Modular" but feedback on SynthZone said "not too hot" (which explains its low $).
The low price is due to it not being multi timbral, basically. Its basically 25% of a full modular. "Not too hot" is just dead wrong, IMO. Obviously the Micro Modular is not as hot as to Nord Modular, but then it's much cheaper. I'm actually thinking of getting a Micro Modular too just as an effect box.
I can't find the "not too hot" you are referring too. One guy thought the JP-8000 sounded better, and one guy thought it sucked, but he obviously hadn't grasped the concept of modularity...
Also, check out:
http://www.future-retro.com/
Well... If you want at TB-303 clone, sure. But for $777?