Small analog synth recommendations?

[Googlydog]

Hi,
I'm looking for any tips as to what sort of synth I should be looking for...
I'd like an analog synth that isn't much bigger than two octaves, can handle bass parts as well as some nice soft sounds/leads. The Micromoog seems to be a good fit, and fits my $500 price range (sometimes), but I was wondering if there are any other tips. Mono or polyphonic.
I'm definitely an analog sound guy, and need the tactile sensation of having controls at my fingers instead of softsynths.
Thanks!

[speak_onion]

Yamaha CS01

[CapnMarvel]

Ahh, the 'cheap, small knobby synth'. I didn't have a lot of luck myself because I can't stand the Microkorg. I ended up with an Mono Evolver, which is great but about 2x as much as your limit.

The Alesis Ion has many detractors, but it's not a bad solution for that price and does a lot more (albeit not in an analog fashion) than a vintage CS or Roland SH. That was my first synth (besides a Matrix 6R) and taught me a lot about synthesis. It does some neat FM stuff that's pretty unique for a synth of that price. Some people don't like they keybed or the infinite knobs, or think the sound is unconvincing. It's got to be better than a Microkorg, though (imho).

The Realistic MG-1 is a Moog in Radio Shack clothing, but doesn't really do the 'soft pad' thing, I wouldn't say.

[Syn303]

A Roland SH-101 should fit in nicely and be within your $500 budget

[th0mas]

For analog on the cheap, you could go with a novation bass station, but they build quality is somewhere near terrible.

[CfNorENa]

If you can wait a few more months, and go a bit higher than $500, then the new Mopho keyboard could be the answer...

[Googlydog]

Thanks for all the tips so far.
Definitely looking at the CS 01 as a possible bet. A friend has one I'll borrow and try out.
The SH-101 goes for around $1,000 right now, so...
The bass stations cheap construction might not be a good idea since I'm planning on using it live/on tour.

[Angstwulf]

Like above, I'd also recommend holding out until the Mopho keyboard comes out. If you can extend your budget to around $800, you could also find a used Evolver or Lil'Phatty when the wind's blowing in the right direction.

If you are okay with analog-ish: what about the Alesis Micron, Novation X-Station/Xiosynth or a used Korg Micro-X?

Or a Mopho/Evolver desktop unit and a controller with map-able knobs?

[novielo]

i just wonder why you suggest something that is not even out? never tried it but you would suggest it? there's plenty of keyboard already out, at affordable price on the second market.

[space6oy]

i just wonder why you suggest something that is not even out? never tried it but you would suggest it? there's plenty of keyboard already out, at affordable price on the second market.

well the mopho IS already out, only difference in the keyboard version is built in controls...

[novielo]

i know it's out, but i mean, nobody saw the contruction, the quality of the pots, etc. you can get a brand new mopho for less then 350$ and a new mpk 25 for 200$. if the size of the keyboard doesn't mater to much, he suggested a micromoog, this keyboard could also be used on other rack synth that also could lead to more affordable synth.

just a thought

[anoteoftruth]

i know it's out, but i mean, nobody saw the contruction, the quality of the pots, etc. you can get a brand new mopho for less then 350$ and a new mpk 25 for 200$. if the size of the keyboard doesn't mater to much, he suggested a micromoog, this keyboard could also be used on other rack synth that also could lead to more affordable synth.

just a thought

Agreed. If he's not afraid of modules + controllers, than I'd say its a way better bet. Will save money, and can always use the controller to control other modules in the future, plus rack things up. If I were him, I would just save for longer and get a used LP or something... but I admit I'm a bit Moog biased.

[Angstwulf]

i just wonder why you suggest something that is not even out? never tried it but you would suggest it? there's plenty of keyboard already out, at affordable price on the second market.

True, true...it's not a thing to buy sight unseen, but the engine is proven and absent the encoder issue [which the company put a lot of effort into solving], DSI keyboards are very well designed.

As far as current small form keyboards, there isn't much on the analog only side, especially at or near the OP's price range. Which is why I also suggested the desktop/controller route. Still, it's a pretty exciting development as far as quality affordable analogs go.

And at least I didn't recommend a Kaossilator...

[dinotread]

roland sh-09 or the micromoog if you can get them. The sh2 and multimoog were the first synths I ever played, so I'm biased toward the sound of these 4 machines...Who am I kidding, old Roland sh synths and Moogs just sound good in general.

[Sir Nose]

used LP stage 1
keep searching for a good deal