Korg Wavestation SR Vs. AD

[Dill]

I've been looking into the Wavestation series for some warm, creamy synth pads. I notice the SR is typically sold at significantly cheaper prices than the AD, but the SR doesn't have a vector joystick. So, I ask the fine gentlemen of the internet, is the joystick necessary? Could I make just as unique soundscapes using the LFOs instead? Would I be missing out on all fun of real-time vector synthesis?

[rap and country]

SR also can't process external audio, which is probably the main reason why it's cheaper

[tekkentool]

not to mention the SR being hard to program. just get the A/D they aren't that expensive

[crystalmsc]

The SR would also accept newer 2Mb PCM card which is compatible with the 01R/W and has a lot more sound banks. The A/D accepts the older PCM card. To me the SR sounds a bit cleaner compared to the keyboard version. Originally bought it as an additional module for the keyboard. It's a bit hard to do deep editing using the small screen of the SR. To me, the Joystick is what I like to fiddle whenever I play with the keyboard. But the SR would be able to do unique soundscapes even without the Joystick. Also the XY movements will respond to CC16 and 17 which is the same as the keyboard, but something with a joystick would do a better simulation. If you plan to edit it from the interface, the AD might be a better choice. The AD is actually a Wavestation EX (the orginal + EX expansion board), plus more banks and audio inputs. One more thing to consider is the Korg Legacy Digital which is almost worth even as an editor alone. I remember hunting for those cards in the old days, and those are all included in the Legacy Digital now. I own the original, EX, SR and Legacy. The keyboard sounds best to me.

[Pro5]

If you are going to get any wavestation other than the AD you may as well just buy the software.

The A/D is a good unit though, the input is the main thing I'd be interested in having it in my rack for.