Synthesizer/midi controller below $300. Could you advise?

[djiva]

Hello to everyone

I am thinking about to buy my first Synthesizer/midi controller.
It is mainly for hobby, home experimenting.

Could you please advise something? Budget is not more than $300.

Thanks in advance.

[Pro5]

YAMAHA AN1X. Great controller. Cheap. Not 'too old' so fairly reliable. Nice sounding VA. Fairly flexible.


However that can all change if you are thinking more along the lines of a 'workstation synth' (or Rompler).

So you need to define the type of music you will make, whether you need multitimbrality (the synth to play many different sounds at once), amount of polyphony you'd prefer, whether you want some drum sounds, whether you want 'realistic' accoustic sounds or pure synthesizer tones etc.

There really is a big difference in recommendations depending on your primary goal/use so some details would be good.

rgds

[djiva]

Thanks for the response.

I do not need drum sounds on it. Multitimbrality is also excessive.
I don't know about polyphony. Pure synthesizer tones would be great.

I would like to compose electronic using fruityloops/reason etc, and also experimenting with single playing.


Is YAMAHA AN1X work as midi controller?

[braincandy]

It could work as a MIDI controller, yes. I used my AN1x to to control my MicroQ when I used to gig.

I think Pro5's suggestion is a good one, having owned 3 AN1x's over the years myself. The interface takes a little getting used to at first, but once you learn it, it's easy to work with. It also has aftertouch, which few synths in that price range have, as well as a ribbon controller (which can be a lot of fun). And most importantly, I think it sounds really good.

[Pro5]

Yes AN1x is a great midi controller. It can send it's arpegiator over midi for example, plus everything Brain Candy said. Obviously there are other choices for that money but I've found the AN1x to be a joy to work with. It's also fairly light, has fast playing keys good for a range of 'synth' type playing, keys are quiet not clunky like some older stuff.. also you can use it's onboard edit nobs (x8) to control things over midi via CC. So all in all for the price I'd say it makes a very tempting midi controller alone.

Then you factor in the synth it self is one of the best Virtual Analog synths ever made (sound wise - especially considering it's price, you pay far more for higher rated synths that don't 'always' sound better) and the onboard toys/tools it comes with...

You could easily integrate the AN1x's sound into your software sounds - it's very flexible and can fit in or stand out depending on your needs in the mix.

It's not without it's (minor) flaws such as a seperate PSU (mains adapter) not a big problem, and some earlier units suffered from a 'fault' with clicks and pops when you used multi-scenes in certain situations (switching off/on again cured that I read). Mine is fine though and was a shade under $300 (based on conversion as mine was UK bought in GBP).

I think you will find it hard to get a full/decent sounding synth that also has as many features as AN1x AND works as a great controller for under your budget without going to older synths... I love older synths but they may not be what you need at this time if it's going to be your only synth and you want it without problems or limitations.

It's up to you though of course, but definitely add it to your list and research it independently (google).

an important edit > I'm not sure you meant buying second hand or brand new but the AN1x is based on used prices (it was made in 1997!) it's STILL great and can be found in 'almost new' condition so don't let that you put you off. If you want BRAND NEW then you won't find all you need for $300, so I assume you were open mainly to used synths.

[djiva]

Thanks a bunch for replies, guys! I need to think about it.

Does anybody know any site where I can find used synth for USA except ebay?
I could only find this http://cgi.ebay.com/YAMAHA-AN1X-KEYBOAR ... 1|294%3A50

[Hair]

Isn't the Xiosynth/X-station pretty much exactly what the OP is looking for? Not much experience with it personally though.

A big question is do you want knobs to have control over various paramaters, or are you just looking for a MIDI keyboard. The latter will open up a lot of possibilities as the vast majority of modern synthesizers have MIDI control, but not all have very many knobs.

Another thing is whether or not you want to use it for controlling software/interfacing with a computer, in which case something with MIDI via USB is the easiest - correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think the AN1x has USB, so if you want to use it with a computer you'll need a seperate interface.

[djiva]

I would probably stay with just pure midi controller. It is too low budget for sinth, I realized.
I stopped at E-MU Xboard 49.

Thanks for all!

[Pro5]

Dude ALL the synths in my signature cost me less than $300 each... some WAY less ($150 or less)... you can buy a GOOD synth that acts as a GOOD controller (used) for that budget.

If you buy a pure controller, you may get some extras (for control) and you can buy new perhaps but you won't have a 'synth' which is what you asked for?

but.. whatever you decide I guess it needs to suit your main purpose and only you can know that.

And that ebay one doesn't look decent enough for that price. Maybe $100 less for it worn like that. You can find AN1x in nice condition... (£150 - £200) but like most used synths you have to be patient and watch EBAY, REaders ads, classifieds etc... if you need to buy ASAP then yes ... go to a shop and pay full price for less

In fact that EBAY one is very poor (for that price) scuffed, worn legends AND backlight not working! I'd pay no more than £100 for that, but would probably rather pass and wait for a better one.. trust me they ARE worth it when you find a tidy one that has been cared for

[Pro5]

btw midi controller keyboards 'loose money' they are never that desirable on the 2nd hand market so you will give money away buying new, look for a good 2nd hand one for less than $150 if that's what you decide.
Unlike proper full synths, there's no emotional attachment to a controller so you'll never even dream of passing it on for more than you paid... this is rarely a concern when you first start out, we've all spend thousands on 'wasted' gear only to palm it off on someone for a loss... so consider what you do.. you COULD own a very respected SYNTH for that money that will bring you joy away from a computer too.

ahhh.. enjoy whatever you do but do think about it before blowing cash on a hyped up sparkly new M-Audio/Emu/Generic control keyboard that you'll get bored with...

[djiva]

Oh, boy...

You made a good point about emotional attachment. I have almost sure about the e-mo but now I hesitate.
The thing is that there is only one second hand AN1x on ebay, and as you said it is overpriced. I can take forever waiting for good one.

Maybe you could point out any good bargain in there
http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid ... Categories

[braincandy]

djiva, where are you located?

If you're in the States, check with Music Go Round, Rogue Music, or The Starving Musician. They're all good places for used gear if you want to avoid eBay or Craigslist.

[djiva]

Yes, I am in USA, NY. Thank for the advice.