Synth for soundscapes ($600 and under)

[ryryoftokyo]

So I've wanted to find a good synth for soundscapes/ambient/electronica/krautrock/drone music for a while now and I'm caught between a few of them. Any suggestions? I've been eyeing things like the Korg Wavestation, Waldorf Blofield, Roland D-50, Yamaha SY-35, and the Waldorf Micro Q. Any of these seem to be the standout? Any other suggestions? I'd also like something that fits in my live rig, which currently consists of:

Ace Tone FR-3
Dubreq Stylophone
Korg Electribe EA-1
Korg Electribe EMX
Korg microKORG
Korg Monotron Delay
Korg MS-20
Korg Poly 61 (x2)
Roland Alpha Juno 2
Roland Juno 60
Roland JX8P
Roland TR-505 (circuit bent)
Sequential Circuits Split 8
Yamaha AN1x
Yamaha DX7
Zoom RT-123

Sorry to ask such a loaded question. I appreciate any responses!

[Psy_Free]

You can achieve plenty of differing soundscapes with the synths you already have, but I'll add a few I think stand out for under $600 anyway :-

As you mentioned -

Waldorf Blofeld
Korg Wavestation (incredibly fiddly to program though)

Some others -

Novation Ultranova (plenty of wavetables & extensive mod matrix)
Yamaha SY-77 (beyond a DX-7, easier to program & soundscape heaven)
Korg Wavestation (versatile but incredibly fiddly to program though)
M-Audio Venom (touted as Analogue Modelling, but excels at weird, industrial, noisy, drony sounds IMO & super-cheap)

Hope this helps a bit.

[phesago]

mono evolver desktop.
A4(costs more but will more than be able to suit your needs with on board effects)

I cant think of anything else at the top of my head that you haven't already mentioned.

[Z]

Roland JD-800

[Psy_Free]

Roland JD-800

Aren't they pushing the $600 limit at the moment ? They are in the UK anyway.

[Z]

Sold listings on eBay (US) are $300-$700. $500-$550 is the average.

Solderman will be returning my extra JD-800 next month and I'll probably sell it. It needs a new keyboard, though, as it is a victim of the dreaded Roland red epoxy goo.

[Swayze]

You could get a JD990 for around $400. Save space and get more advanced sounds than the JD800. Just a thought.

[Stab Frenzy]

You can achieve plenty of differing soundscapes with the synths you already have, but I'll add a few I think stand out for under $600 anyway :-

As you mentioned -

Waldorf Blofeld
Korg Wavestation (incredibly fiddly to program though)

Some others -

Novation Ultranova (plenty of wavetables & extensive mod matrix)
Yamaha SY-77 (beyond a DX-7, easier to program & soundscape heaven)
Korg Wavestation (versatile but incredibly fiddly to program though)
M-Audio Venom (touted as Analogue Modelling, but excels at weird, industrial, noisy, drony sounds IMO & super-cheap)

Hope this helps a bit.

All this is true. Personally for soundscapey stuff if you already have a few synths then I think an Eventide Space would be a better buy.

[pflosi]

You drag all that stuff out live? Or do you choose from these from gig to gig...?

Anyways, good suggestions so far, I'd also have a look at the TG33 and Kawai K-series...

[ryryoftokyo]

Stab: The Eventide Space is already on my "to buy" list. Just saving up slowly, but surely.

Pflosi: Yes, I do drag all of it out. It makes for quite a spectacle for the audience, and a massive headache for promoters.

I think I've decided on the Wavestation since it seems to be the go to for ambient music, although this has made me take a second look at the Venom, which always interested me due to it's great features and low price, but build quality was a concern. Guess I'll have to snag one next time they come up cheap.

Also on my radar now is the JD800!

[Yekuku]

I am addicted to soundscapes and my personal favorites are the d50, wavestation and fizmo.
I would like to add the Kawai k5000 too but it has a huge learning curve, makes it hard to recommend .
The JDs along with the An1x and the Virus are quite capable too.
From my point of view the key to soundscapes are effects , heavy slow modulation and polyphony.
I see you have an AN1x, you should not underestimate this synth when it comes to soundscapes.
Its Free EG in conjunction with its reverb/delay/symphonic fx can produce lush evolving soundscapes. Listen to the preset "Soar". Instant jaw dropper!

[pflosi]

Pflosi: Yes, I do drag all of it out. It makes for quite a spectacle for the audience, and a massive headache for promoters.

Holy s**t man. That's like 7 full sized keyboards already...

Would love to see a pic

[White]

I say that you already have a couple of synths that would be good, or even excellent, for soundscapes - The Yamaha AN1x and the MicroKorg. To buy anything else would be pointless at this stage. Try and program those two synths and see what you come up with first.

[the synthman]

Not quite $600 and under i know but if you can afford it then one of the Roland V synths should fit the bill..
Any one would fit the bill. Wicked for soundscapes, pads and just about anything really.
Original.
Original V2.
Gt.
Xt (rack).

[vicd]

Let's head to a somewhat another direction: iPad + Animoog + Waldorf Nave (+ Wolfgang Palm's Wavemapper or Wavegenerator + Camelaudio Alchemy) + (camera connection kit + any keyboard controller).
Would likely fit your bill and cover "soundscapes" quite nicely.