Is there a better setup in my price range?

thatmullingskid · Post by **thatmullingskid** » Sun Dec 27, 2009 8:30 am

Hey everyone,
I've had my Nord Lead 2x and Juno-D setup for about a year now and I'm starting to think that there has to be a better setup for my needs in a similar price range (the price of the two combined give or take about $200). I basically need polyphonic analog (or good virtual analog) subtractive synthesis with a decent amount of flexibility and a fairly intuitive control surface and something to fill my sample-based needs (a good piano, rhodes, and mellotron).

My dilemma is that the sounds on the Juno are sub-par (imho).. the nord also has a few small quirks (no hard sync on the arpeggiator, its power supply pickiness isn't conducive to gigging, etc.), but I'm not as worried about these.

So basically (for those of you who didn't read the rest of the post), I'm looking for a good setup that consists of a flexible, good sounding analog or VA synth and a sampler with a good piano, rhodes, and mellotron in the $1200 (for the pair) price range.

So what do you think?

EDIT:
I thought I'd add that I have a good MIDI controller/keyboard, so tabletop and rack models aren't an issue.

Post by **braincandy** » Sun Dec 27, 2009 8:39 pm

I'm staying within the $1200 limitation here...

VA/Analog: I used a Yamaha AN1x for gigging and it served me very well. And, it can be had cheaper than what NL2's sell for, so you'd have cash to put towards a better rompler. It uses a matrix interface which isn't the most intuitive, but once you spend some time learning it, it will be pretty easy to get around on and you have a ribbon controller which can be a lot of fun. I used to use the ribbon controller to control the filter on my MicroQ I had MIDI'd to it. On top of that it has aftertouch and a layer/split function. You should easily be able to find one for $300.

Another option might be the MicroQ. Again, not the nobbiest of interfaces, but it's not that difficult once you get the feel of its matrix interface. I really liked mine and used it for lots of pads while controlling it from the AN1x. Again, they shouldn't go for more than $300 (the rack, not the keyboard version). Another option in that same price range is the Novation Nova, which is a desktop unit. It has a sort of softer sound, but sounds decent and has a lot of fun things you can do with the arps.

I have a Korg MS2000B and really like it, but the somewhat limiting 4-note polyphony may be an issue for you. Fun to tweak and create sounds with, though, and a great interface. I was looking at the standard MS2000 a while back and they were regularly going for $300-$400 on eBay. The MS2000B isn't much more and you get an input for a gooseneck mic.

Rompler: With the money saved from getting a cheaper VA like the AN1x and selling the Juno-D, you could get a Korg M50 which sounds really good and has a touchscreen interface. I've seen B-stock models for for $800. It's super lightweight which makes it a good choice for gigging. In that same price range you could also land a Juno-G (used/b-stock), Juno-Di (new), or a Yamaha MO6.

thatmullingskid · Post by **thatmullingskid** » Sun Dec 27, 2009 11:33 pm

Thanks for the in depth reply

I like the MicroQ and was actually considering a blofeld.. do you think it's worth the difference?

The analog/va is definitely the priority of the two units, so if there's a better selection for a bit more i'd definitely be willing to make that trade-off.

I'm also considering the Access Virus C and Use Audio Plugiator... is there anything these units are notorious for, good or bad?

Post by **braincandy** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 1:11 am

I've never owned a Blofeld, but from everything I've read, it is worth the upgrade if you can swing it. I've seen them used for $500. The only thing that would make me hesitate on a Blofeld is that bugs haven't been ironed out and it's been out for over a year since it's been on the market. There are plenty of people here who've had a Blofeld, so you might want to do a search and PM some of them for their opinions of it.

The R3 is right in that price range, too. I didn't mesh with it after owning one for a few months, but you might like it.

thatmullingskid · Post by **thatmullingskid** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 2:19 am

thanks again

... and (I feel weird derailing my own topic) do you play out around Dallas? I saw your location thing and now I'm curious as to whether or not I played with you or saw you play while I lived there.

Post by **braincandy** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 3:42 am

Check your PMs.

thatmullingskid · Post by **thatmullingskid** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 12:17 am

alright.. i think i'm getting closer to a decision.. i've just got one or two more things to sort out.

would there be any downside to just selling both synths and buying a laptop exclusively for VSTs and using my midi controller?

i mean, both are digital anyway and there's the discodsp discovery pro out there to replace my nord and plenty emulations of pianos, mellotrons, and rhodes.. right?

cartesia · Post by **cartesia** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 1:58 am

If you get a laptop you'll be able to get a multisampled kit (for kontakt most likely) for each of the pianos/mellotrons/rhodes and they will be GREAT (if you get a good one

).. a good multisampled kit is the best you will get without actually owning the original device.. There are lots of free ones around too if you want to go cheaper...

I recommend you have a play with some soft synths first, as not everyone likes to use them. (lets avoid that debate.. just use your ears and decide for yourself if you think it sounds good.)

Also make sure you check out midi keyboards before you dive in, alot of the average ones have pretty terrible keyboard actions.

So yeah.. big plus with the computer is you dont have to 'emulate' the keys.. but check out the soft synths and midi controllers before you buy.

Post by **Stab Frenzy** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 3:10 am

thatmullingskid wrote:would there be any downside to just selling both synths and buying a laptop exclusively for VSTs and using my midi controller?

If you're worried about the Nord's power supply being too picky for playing live then you might find that a laptop might not be reliable enough, especially if it's running windows.

I gigged with a laptop (and some hardware synths) for three years and by the end of that the laptop was pretty much dead, I've replaced the battery but it isn't really giggable at the moment, although I will be DJing off it tomorrow night.

Some people are fine with a laptop, some people prefer the interface and ease of use of hardware. I don't know which side of this you fall on so I can't speak for you.

Is there a better setup in my price range?

Is there a better setup in my price range?

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