Choosing my first synth on a budget.

[eMh]

Hi. Ive been making electronic music for about three years now and I've come to a need of a hardware synth. I mainly focus on Industrial/Noise/Breakbeat. Ive got a link to my Myspace profile in my signature.
Since i am an underage student with no job atm, im on a fairly strict budget-about 500$
I have got a midi keyboard, so it can be a sound module/rack unit. I am quite heavily into programming and exploring new sounds, so the presets on the machine dont really matter.
Having explored quite alot on this site, I've made a list of possible synths:
Alesis Ion
Alesis Micron
Korg MS2000(r)
Korg microKORG(Only if i got it really cheap, as i have quite large fingers )
Yamaha AN1X
Novation A-Station
Novation KS (r)

Im hoping for some opinions and/or more possible options from more experienced users, the pros and cons of those synths and general advice.
I also excuse for my bad english.

[Ashe37]

The Novation synths you're listed are going to be a little... smooth for the kind of music you're working with. The MS2000r and microkorg both have limited polyphony. PRogramming the micron is a bit involved, but it has decent p[polyphony and is multitimbral. One thing i notice is missing from your list is an Access Virus A or B... A models regularly go for under $400 while Bs are runnign right around the 500 mark.

[edfunction]

re: novation synths.
They can be pushed into harshness, but it's not really their forte.
That said, I enjoy my nova. They can be had for quite a bit less than $500...

A 2nd hand nord modular would be perfect too.

[code green]

might the esq-1 or sq-80 suit our poster's needs? and leave him goodly scratch left over....

[tekkentool]

virus B sounds good, or a jp-8000!

[eMh]

Ok, did some market research and the lucky winner seems to bee Yamaha cs1x-just because there's one available in my country(A proper synth sell pops up about four-five times a year around here) for about 200$, which is a lot cheaper than the normal going rate on ebay.de for example. I'll be closing the deal next week, i think.
I tried to find a decently priced Virus in europe, had no luck. Same goes to the other options you guys offered.
Still, I would like to thank you all for advice.

[balma]

AN1x will ALWAYS be a great choice for almost any genre. And you can get one on even $300. And could get another Yamaha on $200, a RM1x to sequence it..

JP8080 is one of my fav virtual analog synths, and is around $500. Sequencer on board, line in, fat sound, great controllers, low poly (10). Is better than the JP8000

The yamaha Csx1 mentioned above, is a limitated rompler, not so recommended to edit your own sounds, is good as a midi controller but I would not invest a penny on it....

The Novation desktop VAs are also suitable for the sound you are looking at. The Novation Nova.... mmmmm


You mentioned Alesis ION. Don't go for the Micron, since is poor on controllers. You need to get your hands busy on a lot of knobs, get the Ion....

I could not say this 8 years ago, but $500 is a good budget today, so don't understimate it.....

I also go for the Virus, not the A, but the B is already a harsh powerful sound synth.

[eMh]

Well, the cs1x is the best available for me right now, since i had to cut my budget down a lot..
About the RM1x, I've looked into it alot recently and I think it will be my next buy, then a drum machine (i LOVE modded Alesis HR-16's) or a sampler.
I had no luck of finding an an1x for the budget i have now, but I will definetly consider getting one in the future, I've seen in person what can be done with it.

[balma]

the RM1x is a very comprehensive drum machine-sequencer. It has a huge display, lots of groovy effects. I advice you this is totally dance-live performance instrument, not oriented to industrial at all. Sounds can be edited on a limited way, but it has a good selection

However, is truly complex machine when talking about sequencing patterns for dance music. I just got one on $175 on Ebay. The price is very OK for the features you get for your money

[Hyde]

CS1x is a great budget choice. put some headphones on & work through some videos on you tube. Find something that speaks to you. Ensoniq SQ1 is a great board. Kawai, Yamaha also made some nice stuff in the 90's