Workstation for a Po Person

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BeatDaddy

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Okay Folks - It's reality time :(

I have been getting fantastic input from many people on the posts that I posted in the past and has actually formulated a plan for my homerecording setup. Since then, I have had events cause me to pair back my budget. I don't want to mess with the software or the interface, so the logical choice is the keyboard.

Instead of my original choice like the Fantom, Motif7, or Korg I was thinking about the Ensoniq PK-6. I understand it is a good workstation for beginner.

I know about the more inexpensive boards like the RS-5, but I don't think it has what I need.

I would appreciate any experiences with the Ensoniq keyboards.
 
It's just a keyboard, not a workstation. I've got the proteus2000, and the sounds are really good. I'm not sure about the quality of the pk-6 keyboard, but the sounds should be the same.
 
subtractor - forgive my ignorance, but are you using a midi controller with the proteus? What kind of keyboard do you use or do you use soft synth?
 
Yes, you have to have a controller to control any module like the proteus. I use a kurz k2500 and a nord lead3 as my main controllers. I suggest using some sort of synth as a controller. Once you have 1 keyboard, you can save money by buying module versions of your favorite synths or softsynths. Any keyboard with midi out will work, but the more knobs, the better.
I also really like the way my ms2000 controls. It has a ton of knobs that seem to cover alot of the onscreen controls for many softsynths. Plus they are cheap, and it's one of the coolest synths out there in my opinion.
 
subtractor - I really appreciate the input, but your k2500 alone is more than I budgeted for my initial setup :eek: I've been told by a few people that building a good home studio is like smoking crack......the more you get the more you want!

I just need a decent keyboard with good effects and possibly a sequencer for around $600.00.

I aspire to have a kurzweil because I have a friend that has the k2600 and it is all that and a bag of chips, but for now "poverty sucks".
 
Yes, I would agree with the "like smoking crack". Except, the next day you still have some gear left!
Don't worry about getting a workstation right now, unless you can find something like a k2500 on ebay for cheap. I'm not sure you would find a good one for that cheap though. I can tell you though that for $600 the korg ms2000 is one of your best options. You can get a new one for that price these days, and nothing else in that price range will be near as fun. Then just use software as a sequencer.
 
I looked at the Korg ms2000..............man, all dem buttons!:eek:

Since the ms2000 is not expandable, are you thinking I would still have a use for it even after I get my Fantom?

Do you think it is better to have a seperate keyboard and buy the ms2000R or all together in the ms2000?
 
The thing about the ms2000 is that it doesn't need to be expandable. Or most other modeling synths for that matter. All the sounds that come out of the synth are produced on the spot within the machine, thus creating a completely unique sound. The Fantom is a "rom"based synth, therefore in order to get any new sound or add sounds, you need an upgrade like a rom expansion.
Since the ms2000 is not expandable, are you thinking I would still have a use for it even after I get my Fantom?
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It would compliment the fantom. They make completely different kinds of sounds.
Do you think it is better to have a seperate keyboard and buy the ms2000R or all together in the ms2000?
Click to expand...
Well, I guess tha depends on personal preference. I have 3 keyboards in front of me, and that's plenty, but I wouldn't want to give 1 up. For one thing it's nice to have 2 boards to play together, and it allows for more control options for modules. But as long as you have at least one keyboard of some sort for a controller, you can save quite a bit of money alot of times by buying modules or rack units. I got the keyed version though so...
 
Po peoples workstation

For the money,you can't go wrong with a good used yamaha sy77, or sy99.You can get a nice sy77 off e-bay for around $400,and an sy99 for around $600.They are all around good synths as well as workstations.There are a lot of aftermarket disks around pretty cheap too.Just a thought.
 
subtractor said:
The thing about the ms2000 is that it doesn't need to be expandable. Or most other modeling synths for that matter. All the sounds that come out of the synth are produced on the spot within the machine, thus creating a completely unique sound. The Fantom is a "rom"based synth, therefore in order to get any new sound or add sounds, you need an upgrade like a rom expansion.
Click to expand...

I guess you can tell how much of a newbie I am:rolleyes:

Are you saying that I can do instruments like strings and drums without sampling? Or with the samples that come with it I can change them into anything I want?

I really appreciate your patience!!
 
Re: Po peoples workstation

Casmo said:
For the money,you can't go wrong with a good used yamaha sy77, or sy99.You can get a nice sy77 off e-bay for around $400,and an sy99 for around $600.They are all around good synths as well as workstations.There are a lot of aftermarket disks around pretty cheap too.Just a thought.
Click to expand...

I checked it out.......looks good. Killer price!! How long have you been using Yamaha and do you have any samples of your recordings?
 
If you can find an old Ensoniq KT-88, they're pretty good - a bunch of decent sounds & combis, nice feeling weighted keyboard, easy-to-use onboard sequencer. They were discontinued about 5 years ago, around the time Emu acquired Ensoniq.

Haven't priced 'em, but should sell around $600. Some good ROM card sounds for them, too, if you can find them.

Used Alesis QS-8s shouldn't be more than $6-700 - excellent feel to the keyboard, sounds are uneven, but some good ones mixed in there. Lots of ROM cards floating around for those as well. Editing kinda sucks on the QS series, and they're not known for their roadworthiness, but I like mine.:)
 
Are you saying that I can do instruments like strings and drums without sampling? Or with the samples that come with it I can change them into anything I want?
Click to expand...
Yes. An analog or virtual anaolg synths (both) do not use samples at all. They take a basic waveform, which is just a steady sound (basically), and you shape that sound with the various parts of the synth such as the amp controls, the filter(s), lfo's, modulators, effects, etc., to come up with a "modeled" sound.

Most of the technique, terms and tools, are also used in a rom based synth, but instead of shaping a sample, you are shaping a generated sound or tone.

You've really got a shitload to learn before you'll be proficient at programming a synth, but it's a ton of fun learning it. That's another reason I would recommend a virtual analog synth, because it's alot easier to learn alot of this stuff on a synth that has a ton of dedicated knobs, rather than having to mess with layers of confusing menus on a little lcd screen. And they are the most fun.

But my best advice would be to play around on them at gc or wherever, and keep researching it till you have a decent grasp of the technology, and what all is available on your budget.
 
subtractor said:
You've really got a shitload to learn before you'll be proficient at programming a synth, but it's a ton of fun learning it. That's another reason I would recommend a virtual analog synth, because it's alot easier to learn alot of this stuff on a synth that has a ton of dedicated knobs, rather than having to mess with layers of confusing menus on a little lcd screen. And they are the most fun.
Click to expand...

You got that right Brutha! I will go to Guitar Center this weekend and take a look around.
 
dafduc said:
If you can find an old Ensoniq KT-88, they're pretty good - a bunch of decent sounds & combis, nice feeling weighted keyboard, easy-to-use onboard sequencer. They were discontinued about 5 years ago, around the time Emu acquired Ensoniq.
Click to expand...

I have a buddy that has the KT, that's what made me start this thread. I really liked the effects and the sequencer. I wanted some input on it because it was a less expensive set up. I figure I'll probably end up with two or three keyboards and/or synths (Like Subtractor) when I grow up......I just wanted to make sure I wasn't wasting money. ;)
 
I have a Casio WK1630... Don't be fooled by the brand... this is a good, cheap board. 76 keys, sequencer, and a fairly decent synth function all for about 3 to 4 hundred bones. It's all I use for recording and for stage... Someday I'll have a couple thousand to spend on something real nice.. but why go midrange for a grand when you can have a low priced board thats has just as much to offer as midrange boards.. (Actually I hope someday I'll have a nice 8 1/2 foot Steinway grand!)

Good luck with your studio bro.

Scott
 
I looked at the WK1800 at a Mars Music Store, while I thought it was a very nice board, I wanted something that was a little more upgradable or expandable.

I appreciate the input though!;)
 
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