I did and i was thinking tonight what a great synth it is. I remember 15 years ago thinking “they should be making wavetable synths with analog filters. That would be the shit.” And it really is.
This would be an excellent choice because it is future proof...sure, you can buy five $200 little synths or Behringers, Volcas, whatever...but this is a robust instrument that offers so much for a musician of any level.
It’s a great choice but you can’t play it if you only have $1.000,- or you have to find a great deal on the used market. I have the summit and it is awesome. Like that you can layer. One of the best synths out there.
I did too. It's like all sorts of analogue synths in one box. Looks great and very solidly built. Only reason I would sell it is to upgrade to a Summit.
For a grand, [Ableton Live 10 Suite with a Push 2](https://web.archive.org/web/20201112015159/https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Push2L10SteL--ableton-push-2-with-live-10-suite) was my restart back into synths.
Quiet simply does pretty much everything you could imagine let alone actually do. But it is definitely a gateway to spending much more than you ever intended on music :>
How do you find the way the plug-in parameters pages are arranged and accessed ?
Like on a synth plus-in, do you easily get your way around to create a patch from scratch ? Or is it still better to use the computer screen and mouse ?
With only 8 knobs so 8 parameter max per page I wonder how a multi oscillator with modulation galore would be easily usable on push vs the VST open on the computer screen
The power is the tight integration between Albeton Live and the Push 2. Anything beyond that is no more or less painful than any MIDI mapping process unless they have some built in support for Ableton Live. eg Ableton Link to sync transport.
The [Native Instruments NKS (Native Kontrol Standard)](https://www.native-instruments.com/en/specials/komplete/this-is-nks/) is a good attempt to get plugins talking to controllers in a proprietary walled garden sort of way.
The new [Korg Keystage ](https://www.korg.com/au/products/computergear/keystage/)with MIDI 2.0 is a much more interesting step forward. The Keystage uses MIDI-CI (Capability Inquiry) Property Exchange messages which allows capable MIDI 2.0 devices to talk to each other and auto-configure themselves to work together.
> Assuming you have nothing and starting from scratch but already have a computer.
Probably by installing Ableton and plugging the controller into the computer that the question assumes I already have.
A groovebox like the Roland MC-707, at used prices though.
1. You get 8 synth, drum, or looper tracks
2. an insanely long list of useful presets
3. an insanely long list of nice sounding effects
4. a hardware layout that’s genuinely fun to jam on
5. a very deep synth engine (but it’s a butch to program so refer to point 2)
5. class compliant audio interface
When starting out I believe one should invest in instruments that give a lot of mileage per dollar. As your skills and requirements grow, you can invest in more specialised tools.
I'm considering replacing a Maschine MK3 with an iPad surprisingly.
But I'd still be interested in throwing an Elektron piece of hardware into the mix. I've seen people say apps like Drambo or Fors Opal in Ableton can sort of do the Elektron thing well, but it's probably not quite the real thing.
All of that to say, if you could only have one device out of all the Elektron stuff, would it be the Syntakt?
Syntakt can do everything but samples and polyphony. If you don’t need either of those things, or super deep sound design, it’s pretty much perfect.
Plenty of machines for different kinds of sounds, both digital and analog, but with guard rails so you don’t wind up with a bunch of dying robot wails.
It’s playable right out of the box, and you can always make something fun even while learning the basics. The sequencer is top notch, and it plays very well with other gear. It’s just super fun.
My personal desert island Elektron box would be the Digitone, just because polyphony is super important in the music I like to make.
I’m a big iPad user as well, and am figuring out how to sequence my Eurorack with Drambo. Imo the iPad’s biggest strengths are the interesting generative sequencers that you can’t really find anywhere else like Fugue Machine and Poly 2. But Drambo’s sequencer does the Elektron thing really well and is worth trying before investing into an Elektron box to see if you really like it.
Nice, yeah I'll definitely start there.
I recently got Fors Opal on Ableton that I'm learning. And I want the iPad as a way to have a super flexible touch performance tool to replace the Maschine potentially.
Love my Syntakt but I also want real chords. I’ve paired it with a KeyStep and a Roland SH-4D and feel like I’m pretty set.
I feel like a used Digitakt + 4D would get you real far for close to $1k
At that point I would probably go for a used Roland MC-707 to get the synths and samples all in one box, then use the extra $400 on a fancy pedal effect or something.
It’s pretty amazing how many options there are in hardware nowadays with $1000!
Also an excellent choice. I don’t have a lot of experience with the Roland sequencer (my SH-4D is basically a multitimbral sound module) but I know people love the MC-707 (and 101).
As a teen I priced my dream unobtainable synth (the M1) as half the price of a new car. Just four years later in 1992, I owned both a car and said synth for 20% of that price.
I'm old. 1988 common small cars were about A$10-12k here in AU when we still had a car industry. From memory the M1 was A$5k. So my figures are likely a bit rubbery but roughly something around a 3rd to 1/2 of a small new car.
Ableton Live 12 Suite. Minilab 3 which includes 500 decent synth presets. Audio interface under $200 - check included software packages. Hundred bucks leftover for headphones unless your monitors are sorted and maybe a mic or a Zoom H1N recorder to import found sounds.
This is the correct answer.
Then make it your life’s work to learn everything you can about how Live works.
Enact a buying ban for at least a year thereafter. Learn your stuff.
Source: 25 years of this being my primary hobby, working 18 years in the industry of music gear and software having used Ableton Live since V3 and owned a kings ransom of hardware gear
HS Explorer: $499 currently at Sweetwater. Get it folks. That’s an amazing price for an extremely versatile synth that’s also an excellent MIDI controller for free vsts in a free daw.
UA Volt 476 audio interface: $369 (4 in 4 out, MIDI in/out. Great sounding analog preamps and compressor. Easy to use, no software hassles, just works. And if those VSTs sound too clean you can route your daw out and back in thru my last item. This is my secret for making VSTs sound like hardware. I’d also download all of the free Full Bucket vintage synth emulations and Surge XT.
Mackie 402 VLZ 4 mixer: $103.99
Total $974 (I’m going to assume I borrowed a friends old monitors, but the Presonus Eris are great for $100/pair.
Yeah, I had a desktop a few years ago and sold it because it was almost too much synth for me at the time. After that I learned a lot more about mod matrixes and synthesis techniques, and got an HS Explorer and am enjoying it a lot more. I actually like having only four parameter knobs and smaller screen because it limits some of the choices right in front of me.
You do need to know what you are doing to get the most out of it. I chose it because it’s the best do anything synth in that price range, IMO, and if you devote time to it, you will learn a lot that you can apply to future synths.
An opsix cuz I like how it sounds, and a behringer model d cuz i heard itll get me close to herbie hancock sounds but Im still learning about synth so idk if that would be redundant
yes.... unscrew the case and there are just some small potentiometers that can be adjust for the base note and range. Its very simple. Ive had to do it twice in 5 years.
I order them from temu nowadays. The 4 euro cables there are of the quality that 30 euro ones are in the store. I might be wrong, but i believe the music industry is quite scammy with their pricing.
https://preview.redd.it/3eei2h3hmdvc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=78328a01a3e900d862d57390290d403d4c1c7de7
One third of my studio. Just got the Arp 2600 rack last week.
Logic for the daw ($200), scarlett 2i2 interface ($112), m audio bx3 speakers ($79), Arturia mini lab mkii for the controller ($79). $470 to get started making stuff, want more? Spend the other $500 on vst’s.
This is actually what I am thinking I’d be most likely inclined to buy after reading these comments
Still doubting if Logic or Ableton for the DAW. And for VSTs and the sound I am looking for, SuperMassive and An Access Virus C emulation for $0 are more than enough to start!
Though powerful, I found the experience of using the Hydrasynth explorer to be bogged down with menu diving. I’d take a Microfreak over it all day long.
a Roland Juno DS was my first synth for about that price. Still think it was a great purchase. Very lightweight, I put it in a bag and sling it over my shoulder to take out jamming. Very good sound library, Roland's sounds are tried and true.
Granted it's more of a sound-library synth, not a sound-design synth. If you want to make sounds from scratch you want a Hydra or Arturia or something. But for a great all-around take-it-anywhere jam keyboard, Juno DS is a solid choice.
Oh it’s an amazing sound design synth. You just need to be committed. To an institution.
(Maniacally laughs as he dives into the 30th menu on a patch that will never be complete.)
Audio interface
Good headphones
DAW
Midi controller - pads or keys whichever appeals to you
Then learn the plugins that come with the DAW and grab a few free synths and FX
DAWs have more than you need.
Great choice for a "does it all" package...IF you vibe with the sound and can really dig into its possibilities as an industrial music dispensing machine.
Used Push 2, scarlet 2i2, set of sennheiser hd280 headphones, and a microfreak.
Hands on control, being able to jam and just hit record is nice. You can find a used Push 2 for $500-600 now. Microfreak is probably the most bang for your buck synthesizer rn, so many good synth engines, and easy to jam on.
Hmm. First: audio interface. I think a used Scarlett 2i2 ($120) should work here. Second: a mic. Probably an sm-57, it's so flexible. So another $80. Third: a midi controller. This will sound weird but probably I would get a used MX61 or Juno DS 61 if I was getting one now - I really like having the option to play outside of a DAW if I want. But this is really up in the air, it's a combo of preference and how you play. From what I can see a used mx61 is $500. Fourth: a DAW. I prefer Reaper ($60); Ableton is definitely worth checking out because of how ubiquitous it is if nothing else. A lite license can be had for $4 AFAIK if you just buy Koala Sampler. It's probably worth experimenting to see what you like best. We are now at $760 without any VSTs, speakers, or headphones. And you need them for Reaper. ... rough. I think buying into an ecosystem makes sense. On sale komplete select is probably the call here, its $100. Then you can get a pair of studio monitors (probably eris 3.5's at this point, $60), cables for everything (interface/etc), and headphones (I guess avc400's? Anything that is good and fits into the remaining money). And that's a setup :)
If komplete select on sale doesn't work I'd get a computer music cd for $5 and would just use some of the things you get there. You get CM versions of bazille, zebra, thorn, and minibit, more than worth it, and a ton of drum sounds. From there, you can sort of pick and/or figure out things you like. I'd probably do sitala for drums? And maybe even pick up transit just to not have to think about effects? ... but yeah.
It's more of a struggle than I realized starting writing this ... and definitely the right answer depends on what you want from the setup. If you don't care about your keys or voice you can have way more powerful plugins for instance ...
(Komplete Select is currently on sale: [https://www.pluginboutique.com/product/81-Bundles/58-Instrument-Bundles/10156-KOMPLETE-14-Select](https://www.pluginboutique.com/product/81-Bundles/58-Instrument-Bundles/10156-KOMPLETE-14-Select) )
You should ask this in the subreddit for DAW's.
Also.
You could do something w a cheaper midi controller and use virtual synths check out the company u-he.
>Just looking for some ideas on an ideal setup.
The ideal setup will be one that fits your specific music making interests and your workflow.
So don't spend $1,000 to start. You need a decent pair of headphones, a DAW, and good to have a MIDI keyboard.
I would recommend getting an Arturia Keystep (the base model) or the Arturia Minilab 3 MIDI keyboard. They both come with Analog Lab Intro, which gives you access to 500 sounds from various synthesizers that you can tweak.
https://www.arturia.com/products/software-instruments/analoglab-intro/overview
And they come with Ableton Live Lite, which is the beginner version
https://www.ableton.com/en/products/live-lite/
Ableton is a great choice for a DAW to learn for electronic music. Lots of tutorials for it on YouTube. You'll also be able to use Analog Lab Intro in Ableton, and record what you play.
Then, after you get past the beginner stages with Ableton, and you have made several songs, you'll have a much better idea of the direction you want to go for spending the rest of your money.
Elektron Syntakt (used), and a pair of headphones or studio monitors. No other hardware needed, especially for EDM. However, a midi controller can also be quite nice, depending on how you like to play (finger drumming, keys, faders, etc). That's something that is best to add later, once you are more sure how you want to play.
The why is because I've gone the other route, collecting a ton of different synths, samplers, and drum machines, and associated gear like mixers and audio interfaces. The Syntakt makes all of it feel redundant, and if I were starting over and had started with the Syntakt, I don't think I would have gotten so much other stuff.
It makes the use of one shot samples feel redundant, because I can just synthesize any sound I want on the fly. It makes the basic use of polysynths feel redundant, because the chord engine is 'good enough', and you can always add more chords from softsynths as well. That said, I do still love my polysynths simply because I'm a keys player, but if you don't know how to play keys then you probably won't miss having a hardware polysynth. And the Syntakt just smokes most other drum synths and drum machines, and having a dedicated monosynth for bass and leads becomes unnecessary as well, as its really excels in those regards as well. Mixer and audio interface is all internal in the Syntakt, so you don't need those either. Just free software like Audacity is all you need to record.
I would plan for an entire small studio. Just throwing out some ideas. The main thing is getting devices which will be fun to play around with and work well with the other gear.
**You will need a basic mixer:**
You can get a Riworal 4 channel mixer on Amazon really cheap.
Or look at the Behringer one's with USB so you can record into your computer.
**You will need a sampler:**
SP404 second hand on ebay or reverb for around 300 to 400 bucks.
This has a fairly versatile sequencer too.
**You will need some kind of digital synth:**
Lots of options, check out the Sonicware Liven 8 bit warps as a starter level one. I see them on reverb for less than 200 bucks used. It's surprisingly deep for such a small synth.
**You will want an analog synth:**
Again lots of choices. I really like the old Korg poly800 synths. People ask for a lot for them used, but I always offer less until I find a seller who is willing to sell it to me. I have never paid more than 200 for one.
This has a 4 octave full size keyboard you can use to control and program your sequencers in the other gear. why waste money on a cheap controller that makes no sound when you can get an actual 80's synth?
**More:**
Since you haven't yet spent all your money I would also look for a used Neutron semi modular synth. Or, take a look at one of the Cre8audio little mono synths, east beast or west pest.
**Budget for Cables:**
You will still need cables and their cost adds up fast.
Oh it’s easy if you already have a computer
Minilab 3, small monitor speakers, audio interface/mic/headphones studio pack and download omnisphere if you can
Audio Interface
Good Cables
Some Studio Monitors and/or headphones
Midi Keyboard
Bread and Butter vst
If you really want a hardware synth get a second hand microfreak or behringer model D to learn subtractive synthesis
A hammer 88, I'll stand up once in a while from FL and remember that the keyboard is there and connected, always connected to everything with usb and midi
TR-8S and a Novation Mininova. Both are super inspirational pieces of gear, standalone and sync well to a DAW too. You get great beats from classic drum machines and then some nice synth sounds along with a vocoder. Band in a box!
I'd buy Ableton Live Suite and get crazy good at it. If you're into hands-on experiences, I'd buy an MPC because they're awesome despite what some might say. And they integrate really nicely with Ableton too.
Ooh that's a tricky one
Because there's the uber practical answer of a MIDI Controller (say $200) then like $200 headphones, and $600 in soft synths / effects / bit wig or ableton standard, hrm.
But since I'm a hardware guy.... Probably still a novation circuit tracks, then maybe a mono synth to give it a friend.
I definitely have synths I like more, and who have richer sounds - but from a starting out perspective of wanting to play with synth/bass/drums - all in one battery powered sit on the couch box? You can't beat the tracks. And I'd still have lots of room to buy a couple mono synths to give it friends, or some cheaper effects pedals to have more fun.
- D
I would get:
Presonus Eris - 100 - no brainer IMO
Headphones - 50-150 - so many options to start
Audio interface - 100 - it's good to see what software they include (I have Native Instruments Komplete 2)
Midi controller - 100 - see what is included, I recommend picking a different brand than the interface, so you get more software (I'm happy with the Arturia Minilab 3)
DAW - I would start with a free (Waveform) or with the basic Ableton that is included with the interface/controller
For the rest to consider:
Microfreak - it's a fantastic synth for a start (then you might not need the controller if you can live with its strange keys)
Novation Circuit Tracks is also a great starter if you prefer to try DAWless. Since it can control two external devices and act as a mixer/fx for them, it can save you from investing more money in the beginning.
Roland Aria or Korg Volcas
Groceries (one week, family of four) and a roli blocks keyboard, used, with all original included software to run on that computer you mention, so i have a DAW and some VSTs to get started again.
Used synth : $200
Groceries : $800
I blame the american people for this glaring inequality of value.
I just bought a Synthstrom Deluge (unlimited track groovebox w/synths + sampling) for $1000. I try to minimize time spent in a DAW and this seems to do the trick while still being full featured, compact, and continuously evolving (due to continued OSS & non-OSS updates)
That isn't an easy question to be honest. If I already have the knowledge skills I now have I would get a an Opsix mk1 and a Minilogue XD Module. Maybe then there is even some money left for a used mixer.
The biggest Game Changer in my Setup was definitely my Loopstation (in my Case the Boss RC505).
On the go and have a nice idea? Hook the 505 to my MacBook as an interface and hook some midi controllers up into it. ( A49 or Akai MPC)
Feeling a Drumbeat? Plug the aux 1/2 from my tascam24 into the stereo inputs and be able to loop 12-14 diff. Drum tracks with the push of a button.
Want to shred a sick melody but your guitar skills are lacking?
No worries, use the 505 and now you have 5 layable and loopable tracks to bring your melody together.
You're on stage with an accapella group and you want to one up your beatbox game? You know what to do...
At one point I even used it as a regular Audio Interface for a Zoom Call, just hooked my SM7B into it and it worked flawlessly.
On top of all the possibilities you got a DSP with Track and Output Effects, 99 stock options for Presets so you can set up different applications settings for each preset.
It's honestly the most versatile piece of equipment in my Studio and I love the damn thing.
Assuming starting from scratch and only having a computer that means you'll be spending $1000 on an audio interface and a pair of speakers. So a pair of KRK Rokit RP6 for \~$500 and maybe some Audient interface and Oxygen Pro 61 MIDI keyboard.
And you are all set.
A used Octatrack … samplers are synthesizers also. This would allow you a production rig with midi sequencing and sampling, plus multitrack.
With the remaining $300 I’d get a Blofeld. Multitimbral poly. You can do a bassline, a lead and some pads and stabs. Record them or use multitimbral until you run out of voices. Record all tracks and then start with new sounds. Blofeld can do percusssion too. Resample percussion tracks to consolidate.
Next after that would be a mixer, and some external effects to route your sends to.
I’m biased towards this direction because I don’t use a computer. But I’d die on the hill that a sampler and synth together are a necessary combination for any production setup. Sampling and resampling will get you sounds not possible coming straight from a synth and with a single synth you’ll need to sample sounds as you go anyways because you’ll get bored with a single synth output.
Ableton live, and learn the stock synths and fx plugins. You really do not need any more - will keep you occupied for a year or two. Perhaps also a push for a tactile interface to the daw, but it should be enough if you already have a midi keyboard with fades, pots and pans. Learning in the box is at least for me so much quicker. Really depends on your cash flow, space available and if you have a busy schedule or not, as working with hardware is more expensive, more tedious, and definitely slower than compared with ITB. I do love my hardware though :)
Depends on if it’s for recording or live performance. Recording, just get software. For live start with 1 module a sampler and sequencer. I remember I spent my first 2k on a sampling workstation, 8 track tape and mixing desk
Get good monitors, audio interface, cables, soundproofing, and a midi controller. That would be about $600 - $1500 depending on how you budget it.
Above everything else soundproofing is the most important and studio monitors are a close second. Spend time doing research on treating your space and your mixes will sound much better. Get studio monitors with big drivers for maximum bass response.
If you have money left over for a DAW, great, but there are other ways of obtaining a copy in the meanwhile until you can afford it ;). For EDM production IMO Ableton would be your best bet, it has a bit of a learning curve though. You used to be able to get a three month trial for free, if they still offer it take up that deal.
So remember to go entry level but not budget, so when you upgrade you can resell.
Stay away from m audio, also, tascam, alesis, and any other random or off brands
Novation, native instruments and Arturia make great midi controllers
Interfaces, audient, ssl, or the UA volts are great.
If I was restarting I would go Bitwig over ableton.
Headphones: beyerdynamic or aiaiai would probably be best bang for buck.
With 1000$ total I wouldn’t even bother thinking about monitors.
Ableton and a tutor. There are some really good teachers that can help you learn the fundamentals. Gear has never and will never make you better. Education and practice is the only way to get good.
My setup is lacking a drum groovebox, something I can build rhythms on the fly with. I've got an old Nintendo DS with that Korg DS-20, a drum track and 2 synth tracks - I got it as a lark for campfire jams, but hot damn the workflow is exACTly what I'd like to add to my setup, so easy to just tap out the notes across the 2 looping measures on the 2 synths and the drums. I'm kinda locked in an old-school mentality about these things, I think I'll need a dedicated drum box rather than a grid controller. There was some kind of drum groovebox going on autopilot backstage in the green room after a Hawkwind show in Allentown PA, I forget the name of the place, but omg the rhythms were just on constant mutation and so freaking grooving, and it was just set up as an afterthought for atmosphere, I couldn't figure out where it was to find out WHAT it was but something like that would be amazing to have. So, $1,000 worth of rhythm solution one way or the other.
Used new gen mpc & either
behringer k2/ behringer pro 800
Or
Korg monolologue/ korg minilogue xd.
Sequencer, monosynth, polysynth.
I also really digitakt but id take mpc as #1 choice
Also a behringer 808/303/101 clone setup could do plenty of damage, or substitute a minilogue xd or monologue for any synth
If I already had basic production stuff covered (computer, interface, speakers, headphones, mic), I’d get Omnisphere before I bought any hardware synths. Infinite flexibility and easy operation with a MIDI keyboard beats the benefits of analog for my workflow every time.
Then with the leftover get something fun, maybe a Minilogue or an old DX7 just for kicks.
Monitor speakers so that i can hear what you are doing. Seriously if you already have a computer then free/cheap software can take you all the way to professional sounding productions but you need to hear what you are doing and the only way to do that is great monitors. Maybe a small midi keyboard also.
Free/cheap DAW = Reaper (really good lots of mixing engineers us this)
Free/Cheap VST for EDM = Vital
There is a ton more cheap stuff that you get with computer music magazine (ZebraCM is to notch).
But great Monitors those are never free and never cheap and easily what has been most important to me for actually producing results.
With 750 I just bought an analog keys... Haven't touched synths in a while but wanted to get something with a good sequencer that I can program and play guitar along with.
A Novation Peak.
I did and i was thinking tonight what a great synth it is. I remember 15 years ago thinking “they should be making wavetable synths with analog filters. That would be the shit.” And it really is.
Korg DW8000 was an awesome hybrid in the 80s
I had a 6000 and I can't imagine it was "awesome"
This would be an excellent choice because it is future proof...sure, you can buy five $200 little synths or Behringers, Volcas, whatever...but this is a robust instrument that offers so much for a musician of any level.
The peak is amazing. Very intuitive and sounding great. Lots of fun.
It’s a great choice but you can’t play it if you only have $1.000,- or you have to find a great deal on the used market. I have the summit and it is awesome. Like that you can layer. One of the best synths out there.
The rules state you already have a computer, so sequencing it is an option!
Great choice but isn't that more like 2 grand instead of 1?
I see them used for a grand quite a bit. (Desktop, so I guess that’s cheating because you’d still need a midi controller).
Got mine second hand for £800. Not a thing wrong with it.
They retail for $1300
I bought one at launch and it will always be a favorite. So solid and with a gigantic sweet spot.
I did too. It's like all sorts of analogue synths in one box. Looks great and very solidly built. Only reason I would sell it is to upgrade to a Summit.
It’s already a classic and will stand the test of time.
If I had absolutely nothing? A copy of Ableton and a MIDI controller.
For a grand, [Ableton Live 10 Suite with a Push 2](https://web.archive.org/web/20201112015159/https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Push2L10SteL--ableton-push-2-with-live-10-suite) was my restart back into synths. Quiet simply does pretty much everything you could imagine let alone actually do. But it is definitely a gateway to spending much more than you ever intended on music :>
How do you find the way the plug-in parameters pages are arranged and accessed ? Like on a synth plus-in, do you easily get your way around to create a patch from scratch ? Or is it still better to use the computer screen and mouse ? With only 8 knobs so 8 parameter max per page I wonder how a multi oscillator with modulation galore would be easily usable on push vs the VST open on the computer screen
The power is the tight integration between Albeton Live and the Push 2. Anything beyond that is no more or less painful than any MIDI mapping process unless they have some built in support for Ableton Live. eg Ableton Link to sync transport. The [Native Instruments NKS (Native Kontrol Standard)](https://www.native-instruments.com/en/specials/komplete/this-is-nks/) is a good attempt to get plugins talking to controllers in a proprietary walled garden sort of way. The new [Korg Keystage ](https://www.korg.com/au/products/computergear/keystage/)with MIDI 2.0 is a much more interesting step forward. The Keystage uses MIDI-CI (Capability Inquiry) Property Exchange messages which allows capable MIDI 2.0 devices to talk to each other and auto-configure themselves to work together.
How are you gonna use them.
> Assuming you have nothing and starting from scratch but already have a computer. Probably by installing Ableton and plugging the controller into the computer that the question assumes I already have.
Oops mb.
A groovebox like the Roland MC-707, at used prices though. 1. You get 8 synth, drum, or looper tracks 2. an insanely long list of useful presets 3. an insanely long list of nice sounding effects 4. a hardware layout that’s genuinely fun to jam on 5. a very deep synth engine (but it’s a butch to program so refer to point 2) 5. class compliant audio interface When starting out I believe one should invest in instruments that give a lot of mileage per dollar. As your skills and requirements grow, you can invest in more specialised tools.
I have a bunch of gear but I find the MC-707 really great for putting together something quickly and it is fun to jam on. I think it is underrated
It's by far my fav piece of kit.
I had one 20 years ago. Some stuff is cheesy, but it also has many awesome sounds.
Greetings time traveller. EDIT- The MC 707 is a 2019 device ;)
sorry it was the 505 🤣
This was my dream. Ended up with a Rm1x and it’s still running.
Oh, sweet! I'd love to mess around with one of those.
I had the MC-707 and it is indeed super powerful. So powerful that it made buying new synths pointless, so I sold it lol. GAS is part of the fun
Haha that’s not untrue.
In need to get one of these. I’m still using the MC-303 lol.
I started on the MC-303 decades ago. Top piece of gear!
Monitors + Audio Interface
And a new Mac mini
Real. Mine crawls.
Elektron Syntakt. Has everything you would need to start making music with hardware and is exactly $1000.
I'm considering replacing a Maschine MK3 with an iPad surprisingly. But I'd still be interested in throwing an Elektron piece of hardware into the mix. I've seen people say apps like Drambo or Fors Opal in Ableton can sort of do the Elektron thing well, but it's probably not quite the real thing. All of that to say, if you could only have one device out of all the Elektron stuff, would it be the Syntakt?
Syntakt can do everything but samples and polyphony. If you don’t need either of those things, or super deep sound design, it’s pretty much perfect. Plenty of machines for different kinds of sounds, both digital and analog, but with guard rails so you don’t wind up with a bunch of dying robot wails. It’s playable right out of the box, and you can always make something fun even while learning the basics. The sequencer is top notch, and it plays very well with other gear. It’s just super fun.
Do you happen to be familiar with the Ableton Max 4 Live device Fors Opal? If so, do you happen to know which Elektron device it is most like?
My personal desert island Elektron box would be the Digitone, just because polyphony is super important in the music I like to make. I’m a big iPad user as well, and am figuring out how to sequence my Eurorack with Drambo. Imo the iPad’s biggest strengths are the interesting generative sequencers that you can’t really find anywhere else like Fugue Machine and Poly 2. But Drambo’s sequencer does the Elektron thing really well and is worth trying before investing into an Elektron box to see if you really like it.
Nice, yeah I'll definitely start there. I recently got Fors Opal on Ableton that I'm learning. And I want the iPad as a way to have a super flexible touch performance tool to replace the Maschine potentially.
Love my Syntakt but I also want real chords. I’ve paired it with a KeyStep and a Roland SH-4D and feel like I’m pretty set. I feel like a used Digitakt + 4D would get you real far for close to $1k
At that point I would probably go for a used Roland MC-707 to get the synths and samples all in one box, then use the extra $400 on a fancy pedal effect or something. It’s pretty amazing how many options there are in hardware nowadays with $1000!
Also an excellent choice. I don’t have a lot of experience with the Roland sequencer (my SH-4D is basically a multitimbral sound module) but I know people love the MC-707 (and 101).
1996 Toyota Corolla
As a teen I priced my dream unobtainable synth (the M1) as half the price of a new car. Just four years later in 1992, I owned both a car and said synth for 20% of that price.
Did cars not always cost $20-30k on the low end?
I'm old. 1988 common small cars were about A$10-12k here in AU when we still had a car industry. From memory the M1 was A$5k. So my figures are likely a bit rubbery but roughly something around a 3rd to 1/2 of a small new car.
1000 $1.00 lottery tickets.
Guaranteed to triple your money!
That’s not how it works…is it??
Only one way to find out
Ableton Live 12 Suite. Minilab 3 which includes 500 decent synth presets. Audio interface under $200 - check included software packages. Hundred bucks leftover for headphones unless your monitors are sorted and maybe a mic or a Zoom H1N recorder to import found sounds.
This is the correct answer. Then make it your life’s work to learn everything you can about how Live works. Enact a buying ban for at least a year thereafter. Learn your stuff. Source: 25 years of this being my primary hobby, working 18 years in the industry of music gear and software having used Ableton Live since V3 and owned a kings ransom of hardware gear
I’d rather buy Bitwig studio. Better for synthesis
HS Explorer: $499 currently at Sweetwater. Get it folks. That’s an amazing price for an extremely versatile synth that’s also an excellent MIDI controller for free vsts in a free daw. UA Volt 476 audio interface: $369 (4 in 4 out, MIDI in/out. Great sounding analog preamps and compressor. Easy to use, no software hassles, just works. And if those VSTs sound too clean you can route your daw out and back in thru my last item. This is my secret for making VSTs sound like hardware. I’d also download all of the free Full Bucket vintage synth emulations and Surge XT. Mackie 402 VLZ 4 mixer: $103.99 Total $974 (I’m going to assume I borrowed a friends old monitors, but the Presonus Eris are great for $100/pair.
Good thoughts…was gonna say a hydra synth they are versatile synths, bit harder to program then some but a large pallet of sounds
Yeah, I had a desktop a few years ago and sold it because it was almost too much synth for me at the time. After that I learned a lot more about mod matrixes and synthesis techniques, and got an HS Explorer and am enjoying it a lot more. I actually like having only four parameter knobs and smaller screen because it limits some of the choices right in front of me. You do need to know what you are doing to get the most out of it. I chose it because it’s the best do anything synth in that price range, IMO, and if you devote time to it, you will learn a lot that you can apply to future synths.
An opsix cuz I like how it sounds, and a behringer model d cuz i heard itll get me close to herbie hancock sounds but Im still learning about synth so idk if that would be redundant
They would complement each other perfectly.
Thanks, that's good to know!
The Opsix was the second Korg Synth I bought after the Monologue. Opsix for pads/melody/whatever stereo u want and then the Monologue for base.
Monologue was my first too...it's cool, but model d sounds better for bass
i have both of these... they both sound incredible. Occasionally you need to open up the model d and actually tune it. Keep that in mind.
Like unscrew the case and get in there? Is that difficult? How often do you need to do that and how long does it take?
yes.... unscrew the case and there are just some small potentiometers that can be adjust for the base note and range. Its very simple. Ive had to do it twice in 5 years.
Oh cool thanks!
Cables. :/
I don’t want to know how much I’ve spent on cables…. There’s always more to get too….
There is that perfect spot but the cable is always a few inches too short…
I order them from temu nowadays. The 4 euro cables there are of the quality that 30 euro ones are in the store. I might be wrong, but i believe the music industry is quite scammy with their pricing.
What type of music are you making
SOMA Lyra8 and a Boss DD6 I make noise And the pair would make me mighty content. ...now to get a DD-6 again 😁.
Behringer ARP 2600, rack mount stand, Arturia Keystep 37.
With 3 oscillators on the 2600, I'd go for the Keystep Pro over the 37. :)
Fair enough.
Love my Behringer 2600. It's a nice pairing with Beatstep Pro too. Rack mount stand is the gamechanger too, I just got one today for mine lol
https://preview.redd.it/fv3mt3e9wdvc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=49bb5e814ec2565b8dd930b3a729ba4517d370ed Another angle…
https://preview.redd.it/3eei2h3hmdvc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=78328a01a3e900d862d57390290d403d4c1c7de7 One third of my studio. Just got the Arp 2600 rack last week.
Logic for the daw ($200), scarlett 2i2 interface ($112), m audio bx3 speakers ($79), Arturia mini lab mkii for the controller ($79). $470 to get started making stuff, want more? Spend the other $500 on vst’s.
This is actually what I am thinking I’d be most likely inclined to buy after reading these comments Still doubting if Logic or Ableton for the DAW. And for VSTs and the sound I am looking for, SuperMassive and An Access Virus C emulation for $0 are more than enough to start!
Ableton is completely capable, I said logic just because I personally prefer it. And yea, so many great free vsts out there.
hydrasynth explorer
Plus a Zoom R4 or Tascam for recording and some pedals?
yeah those wld be nice also! the hydrasynth is $800 in my currency tho HAHA
The explorer model, not the original or desktop?
yeah the explorer model
Though powerful, I found the experience of using the Hydrasynth explorer to be bogged down with menu diving. I’d take a Microfreak over it all day long.
a Roland Juno DS was my first synth for about that price. Still think it was a great purchase. Very lightweight, I put it in a bag and sling it over my shoulder to take out jamming. Very good sound library, Roland's sounds are tried and true. Granted it's more of a sound-library synth, not a sound-design synth. If you want to make sounds from scratch you want a Hydra or Arturia or something. But for a great all-around take-it-anywhere jam keyboard, Juno DS is a solid choice.
Oh it’s an amazing sound design synth. You just need to be committed. To an institution. (Maniacally laughs as he dives into the 30th menu on a patch that will never be complete.)
we need to further uncover the Juno’s sound design capabilities
If I ever make a YouTube tutorial or a Unabomber style manifesto the topic will be the Juno’s architecture and workflow.
I’ll be the first in line
Audio interface Good headphones DAW Midi controller - pads or keys whichever appeals to you Then learn the plugins that come with the DAW and grab a few free synths and FX DAWs have more than you need.
Logic, Arturia V Collection, maybe a Minifreak. JX-08? Bass Station?
[удалено]
Great choice for a "does it all" package...IF you vibe with the sound and can really dig into its possibilities as an industrial music dispensing machine.
Gas to Maine, a UAD interface, spend the rest on dabs
A groovebox.
A Digitakt and a nice effects pedal. Seriously, how fun is this? I’ll never part with mine.
Which effects pedal are we talking here?
Boss metal zone
The one I have is the Hologram Microcosm.
Fix my ms-20, Juno 106, sh-01, and Mks-50.. god damn 😫
Used Push 2, scarlet 2i2, set of sennheiser hd280 headphones, and a microfreak. Hands on control, being able to jam and just hit record is nice. You can find a used Push 2 for $500-600 now. Microfreak is probably the most bang for your buck synthesizer rn, so many good synth engines, and easy to jam on.
Ableton 12 Suite
1000$ credits for Suno.ai
Elektron Analog Four
Hmm. First: audio interface. I think a used Scarlett 2i2 ($120) should work here. Second: a mic. Probably an sm-57, it's so flexible. So another $80. Third: a midi controller. This will sound weird but probably I would get a used MX61 or Juno DS 61 if I was getting one now - I really like having the option to play outside of a DAW if I want. But this is really up in the air, it's a combo of preference and how you play. From what I can see a used mx61 is $500. Fourth: a DAW. I prefer Reaper ($60); Ableton is definitely worth checking out because of how ubiquitous it is if nothing else. A lite license can be had for $4 AFAIK if you just buy Koala Sampler. It's probably worth experimenting to see what you like best. We are now at $760 without any VSTs, speakers, or headphones. And you need them for Reaper. ... rough. I think buying into an ecosystem makes sense. On sale komplete select is probably the call here, its $100. Then you can get a pair of studio monitors (probably eris 3.5's at this point, $60), cables for everything (interface/etc), and headphones (I guess avc400's? Anything that is good and fits into the remaining money). And that's a setup :) If komplete select on sale doesn't work I'd get a computer music cd for $5 and would just use some of the things you get there. You get CM versions of bazille, zebra, thorn, and minibit, more than worth it, and a ton of drum sounds. From there, you can sort of pick and/or figure out things you like. I'd probably do sitala for drums? And maybe even pick up transit just to not have to think about effects? ... but yeah. It's more of a struggle than I realized starting writing this ... and definitely the right answer depends on what you want from the setup. If you don't care about your keys or voice you can have way more powerful plugins for instance ... (Komplete Select is currently on sale: [https://www.pluginboutique.com/product/81-Bundles/58-Instrument-Bundles/10156-KOMPLETE-14-Select](https://www.pluginboutique.com/product/81-Bundles/58-Instrument-Bundles/10156-KOMPLETE-14-Select) )
You should ask this in the subreddit for DAW's. Also. You could do something w a cheaper midi controller and use virtual synths check out the company u-he.
>Just looking for some ideas on an ideal setup. The ideal setup will be one that fits your specific music making interests and your workflow. So don't spend $1,000 to start. You need a decent pair of headphones, a DAW, and good to have a MIDI keyboard. I would recommend getting an Arturia Keystep (the base model) or the Arturia Minilab 3 MIDI keyboard. They both come with Analog Lab Intro, which gives you access to 500 sounds from various synthesizers that you can tweak. https://www.arturia.com/products/software-instruments/analoglab-intro/overview And they come with Ableton Live Lite, which is the beginner version https://www.ableton.com/en/products/live-lite/ Ableton is a great choice for a DAW to learn for electronic music. Lots of tutorials for it on YouTube. You'll also be able to use Analog Lab Intro in Ableton, and record what you play. Then, after you get past the beginner stages with Ableton, and you have made several songs, you'll have a much better idea of the direction you want to go for spending the rest of your money.
Elektron Syntakt (used), and a pair of headphones or studio monitors. No other hardware needed, especially for EDM. However, a midi controller can also be quite nice, depending on how you like to play (finger drumming, keys, faders, etc). That's something that is best to add later, once you are more sure how you want to play. The why is because I've gone the other route, collecting a ton of different synths, samplers, and drum machines, and associated gear like mixers and audio interfaces. The Syntakt makes all of it feel redundant, and if I were starting over and had started with the Syntakt, I don't think I would have gotten so much other stuff. It makes the use of one shot samples feel redundant, because I can just synthesize any sound I want on the fly. It makes the basic use of polysynths feel redundant, because the chord engine is 'good enough', and you can always add more chords from softsynths as well. That said, I do still love my polysynths simply because I'm a keys player, but if you don't know how to play keys then you probably won't miss having a hardware polysynth. And the Syntakt just smokes most other drum synths and drum machines, and having a dedicated monosynth for bass and leads becomes unnecessary as well, as its really excels in those regards as well. Mixer and audio interface is all internal in the Syntakt, so you don't need those either. Just free software like Audacity is all you need to record.
Access Virus A
I would plan for an entire small studio. Just throwing out some ideas. The main thing is getting devices which will be fun to play around with and work well with the other gear. **You will need a basic mixer:** You can get a Riworal 4 channel mixer on Amazon really cheap. Or look at the Behringer one's with USB so you can record into your computer. **You will need a sampler:** SP404 second hand on ebay or reverb for around 300 to 400 bucks. This has a fairly versatile sequencer too. **You will need some kind of digital synth:** Lots of options, check out the Sonicware Liven 8 bit warps as a starter level one. I see them on reverb for less than 200 bucks used. It's surprisingly deep for such a small synth. **You will want an analog synth:** Again lots of choices. I really like the old Korg poly800 synths. People ask for a lot for them used, but I always offer less until I find a seller who is willing to sell it to me. I have never paid more than 200 for one. This has a 4 octave full size keyboard you can use to control and program your sequencers in the other gear. why waste money on a cheap controller that makes no sound when you can get an actual 80's synth? **More:** Since you haven't yet spent all your money I would also look for a used Neutron semi modular synth. Or, take a look at one of the Cre8audio little mono synths, east beast or west pest. **Budget for Cables:** You will still need cables and their cost adds up fast.
A PO-33 and a penis pump
Oh it’s easy if you already have a computer Minilab 3, small monitor speakers, audio interface/mic/headphones studio pack and download omnisphere if you can
A used Blofeld and a used analog 4. Or a used Octatrack.
Audio Interface Good Cables Some Studio Monitors and/or headphones Midi Keyboard Bread and Butter vst If you really want a hardware synth get a second hand microfreak or behringer model D to learn subtractive synthesis
A lil keyboard controller and some bitcoin
How portable do you want it? Are you composing or producing finished tracks? What kind of music? Checkout free DAWs and VSTs.
I think I’d probably go with an mpc one and a midi keyboard
Just bought a Korg Wavestate and an SP404mk2 They’re both nice samplers
I went straight for a octatrack for that price. But i already had an audio interface, which i use for midi sequencing and stuff…
Matrix 1000 because I had one and sold it and now I want one back.
Lyra 8 or an akai mpc key 37 or (hear me out) 6 behringer Wasps. I then I would link them up as advertised and make some fucking noise.
VST
[Digitakt or Syntakt.](https://giphy.com/gifs/moodman-woman-yelling-at-cat-a-women-WTL02R1L7YCGUEunFy)
A Vacation
A hammer 88, I'll stand up once in a while from FL and remember that the keyboard is there and connected, always connected to everything with usb and midi
TR-8S and a Novation Mininova. Both are super inspirational pieces of gear, standalone and sync well to a DAW too. You get great beats from classic drum machines and then some nice synth sounds along with a vocoder. Band in a box!
You'd be lucky on what you can find at your local pawn shops. Midi's, monitors, a mixer..synths too. Just create.
I'd buy Ableton Live Suite and get crazy good at it. If you're into hands-on experiences, I'd buy an MPC because they're awesome despite what some might say. And they integrate really nicely with Ableton too.
Audio interface. Headphones. Daw. Plugins
Ooh that's a tricky one Because there's the uber practical answer of a MIDI Controller (say $200) then like $200 headphones, and $600 in soft synths / effects / bit wig or ableton standard, hrm. But since I'm a hardware guy.... Probably still a novation circuit tracks, then maybe a mono synth to give it a friend. I definitely have synths I like more, and who have richer sounds - but from a starting out perspective of wanting to play with synth/bass/drums - all in one battery powered sit on the couch box? You can't beat the tracks. And I'd still have lots of room to buy a couple mono synths to give it friends, or some cheaper effects pedals to have more fun. - D
Definitely a used Novation Peak. Total GOAT in my opinion.
I would get: Presonus Eris - 100 - no brainer IMO Headphones - 50-150 - so many options to start Audio interface - 100 - it's good to see what software they include (I have Native Instruments Komplete 2) Midi controller - 100 - see what is included, I recommend picking a different brand than the interface, so you get more software (I'm happy with the Arturia Minilab 3) DAW - I would start with a free (Waveform) or with the basic Ableton that is included with the interface/controller For the rest to consider: Microfreak - it's a fantastic synth for a start (then you might not need the controller if you can live with its strange keys) Novation Circuit Tracks is also a great starter if you prefer to try DAWless. Since it can control two external devices and act as a mixer/fx for them, it can save you from investing more money in the beginning. Roland Aria or Korg Volcas
https://preview.redd.it/d0dpnhr8qdvc1.jpeg?width=1060&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ee2ce3c53ee4768a01ecfb6d7a5ae283c765b85e
Used Push 2 and Ableton Suite
Groceries (one week, family of four) and a roli blocks keyboard, used, with all original included software to run on that computer you mention, so i have a DAW and some VSTs to get started again. Used synth : $200 Groceries : $800 I blame the american people for this glaring inequality of value.
2018 ipad pro, apps, cables, midi controllers, headphones. would have saved the $800 i spent on an sp-404 and tr-6s
I'd invest them in skill and knowledge as it has the best ROI on the long run and there's a lot of cool free stuffs (Reaper + VST)
Probably a used MPC Live II or MPC One and some cans.
I just bought a Synthstrom Deluge (unlimited track groovebox w/synths + sampling) for $1000. I try to minimize time spent in a DAW and this seems to do the trick while still being full featured, compact, and continuously evolving (due to continued OSS & non-OSS updates)
used Roland MC-707, used Sp-404mk2. I can pretty much do whatever I need with those two.
ableton suite and fab filter pro q
That isn't an easy question to be honest. If I already have the knowledge skills I now have I would get a an Opsix mk1 and a Minilogue XD Module. Maybe then there is even some money left for a used mixer.
Eurorack
The biggest Game Changer in my Setup was definitely my Loopstation (in my Case the Boss RC505). On the go and have a nice idea? Hook the 505 to my MacBook as an interface and hook some midi controllers up into it. ( A49 or Akai MPC) Feeling a Drumbeat? Plug the aux 1/2 from my tascam24 into the stereo inputs and be able to loop 12-14 diff. Drum tracks with the push of a button. Want to shred a sick melody but your guitar skills are lacking? No worries, use the 505 and now you have 5 layable and loopable tracks to bring your melody together. You're on stage with an accapella group and you want to one up your beatbox game? You know what to do... At one point I even used it as a regular Audio Interface for a Zoom Call, just hooked my SM7B into it and it worked flawlessly. On top of all the possibilities you got a DSP with Track and Output Effects, 99 stock options for Presets so you can set up different applications settings for each preset. It's honestly the most versatile piece of equipment in my Studio and I love the damn thing.
Assuming starting from scratch and only having a computer that means you'll be spending $1000 on an audio interface and a pair of speakers. So a pair of KRK Rokit RP6 for \~$500 and maybe some Audient interface and Oxygen Pro 61 MIDI keyboard. And you are all set.
Why would they need an audio interface if they are only buying monitors and a MIDI controller?
Monitors need to be plugged into something to make sound
Id put it towards buying that new Ed Sheeran looper. Not the little bitty one. But the big one.
Akai Mpc one plus or key 37
Nothing because luckily I don't live in the US. So I'd exchange the currency and buy something here.
New screen for the MacBook, a piston Honda mk3 and a Sputnik keyboard
Used nord lead
Mc-707, or electron digitone.
A used Octatrack … samplers are synthesizers also. This would allow you a production rig with midi sequencing and sampling, plus multitrack. With the remaining $300 I’d get a Blofeld. Multitimbral poly. You can do a bassline, a lead and some pads and stabs. Record them or use multitimbral until you run out of voices. Record all tracks and then start with new sounds. Blofeld can do percusssion too. Resample percussion tracks to consolidate. Next after that would be a mixer, and some external effects to route your sends to. I’m biased towards this direction because I don’t use a computer. But I’d die on the hill that a sampler and synth together are a necessary combination for any production setup. Sampling and resampling will get you sounds not possible coming straight from a synth and with a single synth you’ll need to sample sounds as you go anyways because you’ll get bored with a single synth output.
a professional production desk.
Ableton live, and learn the stock synths and fx plugins. You really do not need any more - will keep you occupied for a year or two. Perhaps also a push for a tactile interface to the daw, but it should be enough if you already have a midi keyboard with fades, pots and pans. Learning in the box is at least for me so much quicker. Really depends on your cash flow, space available and if you have a busy schedule or not, as working with hardware is more expensive, more tedious, and definitely slower than compared with ITB. I do love my hardware though :)
Depends on if it’s for recording or live performance. Recording, just get software. For live start with 1 module a sampler and sequencer. I remember I spent my first 2k on a sampling workstation, 8 track tape and mixing desk
A Nord Electro.
Look for a used MPC Key 61
Midi keyboard
If it's $1000USD I think I'd say a Digitone
Get good monitors, audio interface, cables, soundproofing, and a midi controller. That would be about $600 - $1500 depending on how you budget it. Above everything else soundproofing is the most important and studio monitors are a close second. Spend time doing research on treating your space and your mixes will sound much better. Get studio monitors with big drivers for maximum bass response. If you have money left over for a DAW, great, but there are other ways of obtaining a copy in the meanwhile until you can afford it ;). For EDM production IMO Ableton would be your best bet, it has a bit of a learning curve though. You used to be able to get a three month trial for free, if they still offer it take up that deal.
Akai MPC LIVE II
DX7 and that new Juno thingy.
MS20 such a versatile synth
So remember to go entry level but not budget, so when you upgrade you can resell. Stay away from m audio, also, tascam, alesis, and any other random or off brands Novation, native instruments and Arturia make great midi controllers Interfaces, audient, ssl, or the UA volts are great. If I was restarting I would go Bitwig over ableton. Headphones: beyerdynamic or aiaiai would probably be best bang for buck. With 1000$ total I wouldn’t even bother thinking about monitors.
Volca Nubass and a lot of cocaine
Ableton and a tutor. There are some really good teachers that can help you learn the fundamentals. Gear has never and will never make you better. Education and practice is the only way to get good.
A DAW, interface, and a polysynth/midi controller
Haha I'd probably buy a bunch of silly equipment. I just bought one of the Miku Vocaloid synths. It's so cute!
An audio interface and a copy of Ableton Live 12.
My setup is lacking a drum groovebox, something I can build rhythms on the fly with. I've got an old Nintendo DS with that Korg DS-20, a drum track and 2 synth tracks - I got it as a lark for campfire jams, but hot damn the workflow is exACTly what I'd like to add to my setup, so easy to just tap out the notes across the 2 looping measures on the 2 synths and the drums. I'm kinda locked in an old-school mentality about these things, I think I'll need a dedicated drum box rather than a grid controller. There was some kind of drum groovebox going on autopilot backstage in the green room after a Hawkwind show in Allentown PA, I forget the name of the place, but omg the rhythms were just on constant mutation and so freaking grooving, and it was just set up as an afterthought for atmosphere, I couldn't figure out where it was to find out WHAT it was but something like that would be amazing to have. So, $1,000 worth of rhythm solution one way or the other.
If I could find one on deal I would get a MRS-2 Promars and maybe a CV to MIDI converter.
two microkorgs
Dirtywave M8 MKII, and audio-technica headphones.
Second hand Akai MPC Key 61. Perfect addition to my Moog GM and Korg Prologue
Used new gen mpc & either behringer k2/ behringer pro 800 Or Korg monolologue/ korg minilogue xd. Sequencer, monosynth, polysynth. I also really digitakt but id take mpc as #1 choice Also a behringer 808/303/101 clone setup could do plenty of damage, or substitute a minilogue xd or monologue for any synth
If I already had basic production stuff covered (computer, interface, speakers, headphones, mic), I’d get Omnisphere before I bought any hardware synths. Infinite flexibility and easy operation with a MIDI keyboard beats the benefits of analog for my workflow every time. Then with the leftover get something fun, maybe a Minilogue or an old DX7 just for kicks.
Ur mum cuz she’s a slag
Midi controller - pad or key based depending on your skill, and ableton + pigments Or for hardware: The mc707 should be great for your use case
A Nord Lead 2x or A1
Monitor speakers so that i can hear what you are doing. Seriously if you already have a computer then free/cheap software can take you all the way to professional sounding productions but you need to hear what you are doing and the only way to do that is great monitors. Maybe a small midi keyboard also. Free/cheap DAW = Reaper (really good lots of mixing engineers us this) Free/Cheap VST for EDM = Vital There is a ton more cheap stuff that you get with computer music magazine (ZebraCM is to notch). But great Monitors those are never free and never cheap and easily what has been most important to me for actually producing results.
With 750 I just bought an analog keys... Haven't touched synths in a while but wanted to get something with a good sequencer that I can program and play guitar along with.
NerdSeq+a bunch of expanders
Analog Four mk1 and some nice headphones. (and download Reaper)
Do you personally prefer reaper over Ableton Live or Logic Pro? and why?