After using battery/ultrabeat/bfd and most of the the other software drum machines I realized that despite exceptional sound quality the sounds just didn't cut through the mix. I tried compressors, limiters, eq, exciters, maximizers, etc. which got the sounds *closer* but I was still missing somethi...

one reason the 500 is one of my fav pieces of gear is the portability (it's battery-powered) - it seemed like a novelty b4 I got it but now I've decided not to upgrade to a 1000 almost just for this feature alone. But I really wouldn't be able to use it w/o a computer to prepare/chop samples so like...

BFD is about as close as any software or hardware has come to sounding like a real drummer. Most hardware drum machines don't have the multisamples to get the dynamics of real drums. Use it w/ the free SSL talkback plug and get *that* sound.

I'd say go for it - the last multi trak I saw went for $400 on craigslist. It's an improvement over the six trak which is a great board in its own right (multi has a velocity-sensitive keyboard + advanced sequencer). Overall, it's an underrated poly that sounds like it would be a good deal for ya.

I've given up trying to program my TX - I have Sound Diver and Unisyn and but I just can't be bothered. The best way I've found to get new sounds is to dl the 100's of dx sysex patches floating around (I've found some linked in VSE threads here) and load them up. Most of 'em of c**p (as most dx soun...

best overall value might be a Sequential Sixtrak - got one recently for $300ish. All analog - 6 voices - generally a good deal, just make sure all 6 3394s are functional.

Just bought a cem3394 from them - and overall it was a good experience. The guy I talked to humored me when I asked a couple of noob MIDI q's before I even committed to buying anything. Only thing was that the site said the IC was $45 but actual price was $75 - the site hadn't been updated since 200...

Props def. go to sonicprojects - last year I moved overseas and had to leave the beast that is my OBXa behind so I picked up the OPX to keep my obie cravings at bay. I had a lot of fun w/ it but I'm back in the states now and the only thing I'm using my computer for now is to waste time on synth for...

I just have to say that after selling softsynths for years (and thusly getting them all for free) I no longer delude myself into thinking that they sound like their analog counterparts. They are easier to program, they are lighter (and usually cheaper, too), but please people, they don't *sound* lik...

If you are looking for brass sample libraries the best (and most expensive) is the Ilio Vienna series. You can get just brass sets or the full orchestra. So if you are looking for reality this is it. If you are looking for brass *synths* I would recommend either the oberheim OB-X, or OB-Xa. Those fi...

After dl'ing the demo and a/b'ing w/ Arturia & gmedia moogs I can vouch for the samplemoog over these other VAs. The filter is virtual (samples for each filter tweak would put the sample bank in terrabyte territory), but it doesn't sound that bad, either. Of course it's *still* just software but hav...

I've used the Aphex C2 for softsynths in my live rig and it has def. given the sound a little more presence, which softsynths need to sound a little more analog and a little less virtual. Also, the 'big bottom' on the Aphex units really adds, surprisingly, tons of bass if you need it.

Roland KC500 - they don't make it anymore but I think you can find them used. I think the KC550 is still in production but it's over $500, and I got my KC500 for $250. Very loud and great resolution - tons of bass if you need it. Plus 4 channels and you can get two to chain for stereo. For what's it...

The Arcadia album is great - it gave DD some musical gravitas by featuring Herbie Hancock and David Gilmour on it. There's a great article on the Yahoo Fairlight group that features an interview w/ Nick talking about the album and the fairlight. Favourite quote: It sounds like the Fairlight gives yo...