Synth recommendation for an Amiga sys... Newbie

[Oliver]

Hi,

This is a tricky question to answer, as it depends somewhat, on what kinds of sounds you want from your synth(s).  

There are several factors which I think you should consider.

Make sure your intended synth can communicate fully with your software.  I know you'll be using midi, but some midi software and synths don't properly communicate.  I've only noticed this with Music-X II, but you should try to check that OctaMedSS aint going to have the same problems.

Consider the type of sound generation that you want to use.  Some examples are analogue, virtual analogue, sample based, wavetable, fm etc.  Read about these online.

Consider the number of voices you will be needing to play simultaneously.  Some sound modules, or band-in-a-box type products can give you access to a large range of sounds, and are able to play a number of tunes at the same time (eg, entire percussion set, leads, basses, pads, etc).  They may also offer effects, such as delays, reverbs, chorus, etc.  These products can be great value for money, if you choose carefully, but generally don't give the same control over individual sounds, or quite the depth of character as a synth which is dedicated to playing only one patch at a time.

Take your time, and play the synth that you are considering buying.  Demo it several times.  By 'demo', I mean try to create the sounds/music that you want to use the synth for.  Don't pay any heed to in-built demo routines in synths (you may see a demo button on a synth).  These are generally crap, and not a fair indication of what an instrument is capable of.  Don't believe the marketing hype either.  Just use your own ear.

Carefully consider the level of control you need.  Most people will need at least one keyboard to play.  This could be from a synth with built in keyboard, or you could use a separate control keyboard, with sound modules, or rack mount synths, etc.  One must also consider the midi implementation of what you are buying.  Good synths will have just about every parameter editable via midi messages.  As you are using old software, you should try to avoid synths that rely too heavily on system exclusive messages (sysex).  It can be a pain if you need to send sysex just to change a patch or modulate a filter.  Try to get something which offers knobs and sliders for the sound parameters that you want to modulate in real time.  Some synths offer user assignable knobs/sliders, which can be handy.  You can also buy/diy separate control surfaces, which are really great.


Is there a particular style of music you want to do?  This can narrow the field considerably.  For example, if you really only want to do hip-hop, using the most typical sounds, you could buy something like a JV-1080 (or it's recent replacements) as this has been a staple in the industry for so long (maybe not anymore, as I'm really not in the scene now).  If you want to do acid tech. you would seriously miss something which sounds like a 303.  If you want to do hymns, maybe an electric organ is for you.  If on the other hand, you are highly experimental, then there is really no limit, other than your ear, your budget, and your imagination.

Budget, budget, budget...  There are ways to get the most for your money, but it can be a real pain.  Definitely patience is important here.  It helps if you know someone in your area with a studio setup.  A lot of musicians who have been running studios for some time can help you work out what would be good for you, on your budget.  It helps to have used lots of different synths before, and have a good understanding of the different sound generation techniques.  Often shops will not give you the best price, but second hand gear can also bite you.  A lot of the classic analogue synths are getting unreliable now, and some also have issues with battery leakage, so be careful.  If you buy from a shop, make sure they have a reasonable return policy.

Hmm, lots of other things to know.  One good tip I could give is also to use PC's as sound generators.  I have several old PC's which I use as software synths.  I have dos boxes which I use just for a program called AXS.  The computers were completely free, and the sounds can be really good.  The only problem is the additional interfaces/cables, oh, and extra space too.  PC's can be a great way to expand your studio on a budget though.

If you can mention what type of music you want to do, I may be able to give you a bit more help.

Good luck,

Oli

[Oliver]

@weguru: alpha junos rock.  Very cool synths.  I only used one for a day, but really enjoyed it.  Not the easiest to use, but I thought it very capable.  I believe there is a fairly rare add-on control surface for the alpha juno as well.  Have you got that?  I've heard mixed reviews of the MC09.  I've only tried one for about 5 minutes in a shop.  What do you think its strengths and weaknesses are?

@ marcfrick2112: no probs for the reply.  My pleasure.

I think you're in a pretty tricky situation.  You want to do a wide range of music, on a budget, without using modern soft synths (can you get hold of a Mac? expensive, but versatile for music, and easier to use than some of the more esoteric PC synths that I play with).

If you REALLY want a 303 sound, with all its character and subtle nuances, you will really have to get something dedicated to doing only that one analogue voice.  However, if you just want something pretty close, and still good, there are plenty of options (just read some reviews, and grab samples).  Many synths which can approximate a 303 sound, can also do a lot which 303's never could.

For a wide range of sounds, a digital synth is probably your best option.  The afore mentioned JV1080 is worth considering.  Old units, but good quality.  Used by literally thousands of studios.  Many film scores and hip-hop tracks have been made with 1080's (some almost exclusively).  They need some expansion cards to get a wider range of sounds.  However, even with the expansions, the ability to design sounds is limited.  You would also need a control keyboard to play (these can be just midi-out devices, without any sound generation capability), as the 1080's don't come with a keyboard.  I guess there should be 1080's available second hand, as they have been around for quite a while.  I can't remember if the 1080 has built-in effects as well.  There are many other options similar to the 1080 as well.

I started out using a Yamaha general midi (GM) sound module, thinking it would be handy for it's range of sounds.  Unfortunately, the sounds are not very customisable at all, and it was not very satisfying at all.  I would avoid this type of sound module, as it really offers little more than a cheap PC sound card (a bit better quality, some more options, but not many).  Some XG sound modules are a little better, and cater more to dance music, and can be used to good effect, but not as a staple for a studio - only as a cheap extension.

I think it would be worth your while learning to use a PC a bit more, as low end ones are often just about free these days, and they can be used to fill out a studio to really good effect.  Macs also offer plenty in this regard too, but they tend to be a bit pricier.  If you can have a play with rebirth on one of these, it may be enough to quench your thirst for 303 sounds, as well as providing some percussion.

OK, thats all for now.  Get some other opinions too.  I haven't done anything with music for a few years now, so I'm pretty out of touch.  btw, there's plenty more to know.

Have fun.

Oli

P.S. Some synths which I have had some troubles using with amigas are Yamaha CS1-X, JoMoX XBass09, Novation Super Bass Station, and maybe some others I can't remember.  They generally receive midi fine, but amigas can have trouble consistently receiving their output.  I experienced this primarily with MusicX-II, but also with a Midisnoop program (I think that's what it was called).  Most common faults were not receiving note off events, and lock ups.  I built a midi data filter to clean up their midi signals (made it more compliant with original midi standard), and they worked fine.  Also used a Juno-106, which is a great synth, but it uses sysex for a few parameters (volume, and a couple others I think).  This can be a problem if you want to control these parameters with old software, which doesn't have a pre-customised environment to support such a synth.  I think it also doesn't send midi out signals for all its knobs/sliders, but can't remember clearly.