Post
by i_watch_stars » Wed Mar 05, 2008 1:03 pm
It depends.
The most valid comparison IMO is D50/D550 vs JD800/JD990, leaving the M1 out which is not really even a synthesizer but a preset box.
To many, the JD800/990 superseded the D50. It is, essentially, D50 Reloaded. It has the same Tone/structure idea behind it (although it eschews upper and lower layers and parts). However, owning both the JD and the D550, it is clear that each has its own special charm that isn't captured by the other.
The D50 has a certain warmth and "charm", of sounding more vintage and aiming for some realistic sounds, but missing the mark. This makes it a really unique synth to have because of *how* it misses the mark and sounds so "D50". As usual, the preset haters appear and slam the D50's presets, but IMO the D50 contains some of the beast presets ever made. When its not imitating something real, it has freedom to make majestic beauties such as "Glass voices", "STAR TREK voices", "Fantasia", etc. Even when it is aiming for realism, you have lots of ethereal new age sounds at your disposal.
The JD on the other hand more "hits the mark" in terms of realism, but, who are we kidding. If you want realism get GIGAStudio or whatever, because that would be a better bet. Everything the D50 does, the JD does better; better and more effects, more waveforms, filtertypes, bells and whistles, etc. Also its a LOT easier to program (but the D50 isn't that bad). The JD990 can be expanded as well.
But still, something is missing that makes it different from the D50. It doesn't have the same waveforms, and the ones it does have sound much more clear and lack the digital warmth of the D50. Also the D50 has very unique sounding pulse and PWM.
Basically I would tell you that if you have the money and desire, get both. If you just want one synth, or don't have the money, get the JD-800/990 over the D50. I wouldn't get just the D50 unless you are specifically looking for that late 80's early 90's digital sound, and don't mind a lack of realism. If that is your thing, then absolutely get the D50.
PS: Just so you know, if you ask the VSE community if you should buy something 99% will always say "yes" with a knee j**k type response. Next time just offer a "vs" type thread.
JP-8080, Virus B, TG-77, JD-990, D-550, XV-5080, CS1x, Matrix 1000, SE-1, SuperNova II Pro Rack, MKS-50, EMX-1, TX-802, Nord Rack 2X, Korg RADIAS