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synthdude
PostPosted: Tue Dec 28, 2004 9:26 pm    Post subject: Hard or Soft? Reply with quote



Joined: 06 Dec 2004
Posts: 910

So which way are you going in your love affair with synths? Hard or soft?

As someone who grew up lusting after Rick Wakeman's massive keyboard arsenal (as pictured in the centre-sleeve of his amazing 'Six Wives Of Henry VIII' album), I've always loved getting physical with synths.

Still have a Yamaha DX7 (Mark I) and a Casio CZ3000 from the '80s. And the rig has grown in recent years with a Technics WSA1, Korg MS2000, Korg Prophecy, Yamaha DX200/AN200 and Korg EA-1/ER-1.

But unbelievably authentic softsynth approximations of classics, like Arturia's minimoog, modular moog and Yamaha CS80 and Korg's Legacy Collection, have convinced me that soft is the best way to go now.

Only thing is, the thought of playing an instrument that doesn't exist in a physical state scares the bejeesus out of me!

Smile
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okta
PostPosted: Tue Dec 28, 2004 11:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

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i dunno much about synth...

but i tried a few sounds of the DX 7...seems a bit too harsh for me. . .

Very Happy

soft synth can do wonders!!!
u didn't mention Absynth Razz
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adam
PostPosted: Wed Dec 29, 2004 12:12 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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have you guys tried absinth? can you get it here?
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okta
PostPosted: Wed Dec 29, 2004 12:55 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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it would be so nice if i can tell u to download at www.suprnova.org

Very Happy

but i can't!!!
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synthdude
PostPosted: Wed Dec 29, 2004 9:33 am    Post subject: DX7... Reply with quote



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Actually, I hardly use the DX7 these days except as a MIDI controller basically because it has one of the nicest keybeds I've ever played.

You're right about the sounds being harsh, but that's the nature of FM synthesis.

It's that brittle quality that makes its electric piano, percussion, and bell-like sounds so compelling. And the basses are pretty good too, having a tight, punchy edge to them.

If you're ever thinkng of exploring FM synthesis, you should try the Yamaha DX200 (now discontinued) or the Yamaha FS1R (also discontinued).

The former is a fairly flexible box that's like a souped-up version of the DX7 with a drum machine, while the latter is a sophisticated module that takes FM synthesis to the outer reaches of the stratosphere.

Some of the new virtual analogue synths, like Alesis' Ion and Micron, Clavia's Nord Lead and Novation's Supernova, offer pretty neat FM approximations.

There're also severel highly regarded FM softsynths, but I have little experience with them.

Cheers.

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okta
PostPosted: Wed Dec 29, 2004 10:12 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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i believe Native instrument came up with the FM7 which is trying to copy the DX7 ...am i right?

i tried Ion at SMX showroom...i still can't differenciate soft synth quality with hardware base. . Razz

i would like to buy a keyboard and use as a MIDI controller too...any 2nd hands?!? Very Happy
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GryMlock
PostPosted: Wed Dec 29, 2004 11:37 am    Post subject: Reply with quote



Joined: 24 Nov 2003
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Location: Agombak Ago go!

well soft synth is absolutely the way to go for me since I can't afford to buy new keyboard every now and then Very Happy

but I do like to own either the KORG MS10/MS20 or a mini moog. And a portable hammond Very Happy

hmm yeah. that'll probably do it for me.

I never had the chance to use soft synth during live performance though.
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synthdude
PostPosted: Wed Dec 29, 2004 12:48 pm    Post subject: DX200 music... Reply with quote



Joined: 06 Dec 2004
Posts: 910

If you want a taste of FM synthesis at its most refined, check out this track:

http://www.angelfire.com/electronic2/rs/Voice_On_The_Radio.mp3

It was done entirely on a Yamaha DX200.
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synthdude
PostPosted: Wed Dec 29, 2004 12:50 pm    Post subject: Sorry... Reply with quote



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Looks like you have to go here:

http://www.angelfire.com/electronic2/rs/

To access the song -- 'Voice On The Radio'.

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theFlyingElk
PostPosted: Thu Dec 30, 2004 9:36 am    Post subject: Reply with quote



Joined: 27 Jul 2004
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I have an EA-1 but that doesnt make me an expert on hard synths. i also think soft synths is the way to go now unless you have millions of ringgit to spare. which is cool. Bedroom musicians have a lot more options and have more access to the classic synths that they could not afford (like me) hehe. and Musicians already have the synths dont have to haul their prized rig on to the stage when they tour. they just bring their laptop. but nothing beats the feeling of twisting them knobs on your own instead of using the mouse and plus the cool factor of having a weird looking keyboard with holes like the MS-10. hehe

check out this song we made using the EA-1 and a playstation

http://www.i-bands.net/audiovault/play.php?band_id=6&song_id=1835&mode=song_hifi
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okta
PostPosted: Thu Dec 30, 2004 9:38 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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theFlyingElk wrote:
. but nothing beats the feeling of twisting them knobs on your own instead of using the mouse and plus the cool factor of having a weird looking keyboard with holes like the MS-10. hehe



U can alwiz buy the controller...
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theFlyingElk
PostPosted: Thu Dec 30, 2004 10:15 am    Post subject: Reply with quote



Joined: 27 Jul 2004
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okta wrote:
theFlyingElk wrote:
. but nothing beats the feeling of twisting them knobs on your own instead of using the mouse and plus the cool factor of having a weird looking keyboard with holes like the MS-10. hehe



U can alwiz buy the controller...
Very Happy


agreed.. but how cool is this onstage


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okta
PostPosted: Thu Dec 30, 2004 11:03 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

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nah...i rather spend the money on some pyros....

Laughing Laughing Laughing Laughing
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spitsid
PostPosted: Mon Jan 10, 2005 6:04 am    Post subject: Reply with quote



Joined: 07 Jan 2004
Posts: 77

softsynth quite enuff for me
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