various questions about synths and more

nsm · Post by **nsm** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 11:30 pm

I’m new to making synthesized music and am building my repertoire of synths and equipment and am looking for suggestions.

Here is what I have:

MacBook Pro
Sonar
a cheap midi keyboard
Akai S1000

My biggest concern right now is synths, outboard effects, and plugins.
I would like to attain a sound reminiscent of Boards of Canada.

I like the Minimoog, but it is quite pricy. I would like to know your opinions on Arturia’s Minimoog V—can you get a warm sound like the real thing?

I am also considering a Korg MS-10. I would like to know your opinions on that in respect to that BOC sound.

As for outboard effects and plugins, which of the two do you prefer? Which ones are your favourites? Where can you get them?

I will appreciate any help at all guys. Thanks.

Yoozer · Post by **Yoozer** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 11:49 pm

can you get a warm sound like the real thing?

I don't think anyone will vouch for that. Also, I've heard (but can't confirm) that the Ohmboyz Minimonsta is better.

I would like to know your opinions on that in respect to that BOC sound.

The BoC sound is not specific towards gear. Not exclusive to vintage gear, either. See if you recognize this:

http://theheartcore.com/music/kaini_micromod.mp3

Also, this is BoC-like:

http://theheartcore.com/music/ontario_planks.mp3

Neither required expensive (or even analog) synthesizers or lots of outboard.

See also:
http://www.vintagesynth.org/phpBB2/view ... hp?t=29755
http://www.vintagesynth.org/phpBB2/view ... hp?t=33634

nsm · Post by **nsm** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 11:57 pm

Yoozer wrote: The BoC sound is not specific towards gear. Not exclusive to vintage gear, either.
Neither required expensive (or even analog) synthesizers or lots of outboard.

Do you have an idea how those were processed? Were they recorded on vintage reel to reel?

WWBJD · Post by **WWBJD** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:00 am

Bandpass

tyrannosaurus mark · Post by **tyrannosaurus mark** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:03 am

nsm wrote:
Yoozer wrote: The BoC sound is not specific towards gear. Not exclusive to vintage gear, either.
Neither required expensive (or even analog) synthesizers or lots of outboard.
Do you have an idea how those were processed? Were they recorded on vintage reel to reel?

What kind of special equipment do you use? I understand some of your machines are quite big. And you have something what you call “the Secret Weapon”.

If I told you what the secret weapon is, it wouldn't be a secret anymore. We have more than one really. We use a mixture of old and new equipment. We don't have lots of synths, we use hi-fi gear and other tricks to achieve our sound.

from http://www.solesides.com/winblad/boards ... d0498.html

I've never really listened to this band, but I've tried to emulate band's sounds the way it sounds like you are. I find the best thing is to get a grip on the technology first, and then once you know what it can do, go hunting for the specific sounds

nsm · Post by **nsm** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:07 am

WWBJD wrote:Bandpass

do you believe that filter to be all and end all of their processing, or is that just a suggestion?

nsm · Post by **nsm** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:09 am

tyrannosaurus mark wrote:
nsm wrote:
Yoozer wrote: The BoC sound is not specific towards gear. Not exclusive to vintage gear, either.
Neither required expensive (or even analog) synthesizers or lots of outboard.
Do you have an idea how those were processed? Were they recorded on vintage reel to reel?

What kind of special equipment do you use? I understand some of your machines are quite big. And you have something what you call “the Secret Weapon”.

If I told you what the secret weapon is, it wouldn't be a secret anymore. We have more than one really. We use a mixture of old and new equipment. We don't have lots of synths, we use hi-fi gear and other tricks to achieve our sound.
from http://www.solesides.com/winblad/boards ... d0498.html

I've never really listened to this band, but I've tried to emulate band's sounds the way it sounds like you are. I find the best thing is to get a grip on the technology first, and then once you know what it can do, go hunting for the specific sounds

what do you think I should get first to start me off?

tyrannosaurus mark · Post by **tyrannosaurus mark** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:22 am

I got myself a microkorg synth and started getting my head around subtractive synthesis, that's a good start!

nsm · Post by **nsm** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:25 am

tyrannosaurus mark wrote:I got myself a microkorg synth and started getting my head around subtractive synthesis, that's a good start!

i'll look into it, thanks.

Yoozer · Post by **Yoozer** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:39 am

nsm wrote: Do you have an idea how those were processed? Were they recorded on vintage reel to reel?

Yeah, because I made them

. No, no reel to reel.

The first was a Nord Micromodular, directly through the mixer > E-mu 1212m audio interface.

The second was mixed with a cheap Behringer 1002FX, and it's a JX8P through an Alesis Ineko (with the vocal filter) and a Juno-60 with some reverb. That also went into the E-mu 1212m. I could do the same with a DX7 and an Alpha Juno if I wanted to; the tape-like effect is a slow, shallow LFO on the pitch.

If you can give a budget (not "pricey" or "cheap" because we don't know what those terms mean to you), we'd be able to help you better.

nsm · Post by **nsm** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:45 am

Yoozer wrote: Yeah, because I made them

If you can give a budget (not "pricey" or "cheap" because we don't know what those terms mean to you), we'd be able to help you better.

I like your stuff.

My budget is around $1000 for a synth and some effects.

Post by **WDW** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:51 am

Welcome to VSE.

As an FYI, what-should-I-buy threads go in the BUYER'S GUIDE sub-forum.

Moved.

WD

WWBJD · Post by **WWBJD** » Mon Mar 10, 2008 2:55 am

I would suggest the Juno-60 as well.

What I'd really suggest is tape, Juno-60 and a bandpass filter. Or how about through a space echo..

Slight modulation of the pitch via lfo is good too.

various questions about synths and more

Minimoog or Arturia Minimoog V?

various questions about synths and more