Big decision - many options. Need assistance.

[DLovas]

Alright. I know that i've been making quite the amount of threads similar to this lately - so I'm going to end it all right here (at least till next time). I have a decision to make.

Lets say my budget is.... around 600-800 (could be more, I don't know exactly how much I'll end up with in the upcoming weeks) but lets say thats the ballpark.

As i've stated numerous times in other threads, and as it says on the side. I enjoy making Trance, New Age, even soundtrack music now and then. I already have in my possession a Roland JP8000, and a Yamaha AN1x. I'm sure you guys are aware of what type of sounds those two can cover, so i'm looking to fill in the gaps.
What i feel I LACK in my setup is a good bass provider (being all digital)
Also I prefer to have some fairly knobby options (such as on my JP8000)
Additionally I would PREFER a Synth with 2 or MORE oscillators. But i am considering synths with only one (such as the cs-5)

What I'd like you to do for me is help me (using your extensive and diverse knowledge) compare and contrast each of these synths together based on my needs - their value - and their overall capability. If you have suggestions other than my current options, please let me know, although justify your reasoning by comparing/ contrasting the suggested item with my other options. If you can though try and stick to my options (unless you think your option is perfect for me)

Lets start with what I primarily am Considering.

ANALOGUE SYNTHS

In IDEAL conditions, what I would purchase would be a Moog Voyager Rack Mount Synth or a DSI Poly Evolver however, given my price range - that is out of the question.

Here are the synths that I believe to be in my price range (based on ebay listings i've seen, as well as recommendations from the board) They are in order of which are top considered.

DSI Evolver Module ($700.00)
Yamaha CS-5 Synthesizer ($500.00)
(i'm also beginning to look at some other CS series synths - such as the CS-15, CS-30, etc.). [some of those van get very expensive so the CS-30 (which I've seen for around $1300 would be probably the most expensive option I'd consider - I assume I won't be able to afford it, but please consider it when replying anyway)
Doepfer Dark Energy Synthesizer [w/Glide Add-on] ($600-700)
Tom Oberheim SEM ($800 Patchbay vers.)
Studio Electronics ATC-1 ($No Clue...)
Roland SH-101 Synthesizer ($650)
Roland SH-2 Synthesizer (guessing $600-900+)
Roland Juno 106 ($800-900)
DSI Prophet '08 Synth Module ($1050)
Future-Retro XS ($1300)
^^Last two are stretches, but possibly could be afforded. Assuming I can't however, please still compare my other options to them in terms of capability and value.

DIGITAL SYNTHS

I am not in desperate need of another Digital Synth, however i feel that several of the ones i've listed below can produce some sounds that are not present in my current set-up. (once again listed in order of what i am most considering)

Roland D-50 LA Synthesizer [w/PG-1000] ($900 w/PG1000)
Yamaha DX7IID FM Synthesizer ($550)
heres one that i really don't need at all, but I plan on owning at some point:
Novation SuperNova II Pro-X 48 Voice Rack Mount Synth (guessing $700-900)

Many of you have told me to acquire some drum synthesizers. I will look into that in the future, but for now, i just wish to focus on a synth. Thanks in advance, i know its a mouthful but we'll get there...

-DLovas

[CfNorENa]

Given your budget, your current gear, and your stated desire for a synth that excels at bass, I would recommend either a Roland SH-09 (with some luck, you might even be able to swing an SH-2 at the upper end of your price range) or, if you can live with a rack unit, a Studio Electronics SE-1. Another contender would be a Mopho keyboard. In any case, I would strongly urge you to add an analog synth to your setup. It ain't just hype. It'll make a BIG difference.

[DLovas]

Given your budget, your current gear, and your stated desire for a synth that excels at bass, I would recommend either a Roland SH-09 (with some luck, you might even be able to swing an SH-2 at the upper end of your price range) or, if you can live with a rack unit, a Studio Electronics SE-1. Another contender would be a Mopho keyboard. In any case, I would strongly urge you to add an analog synth to your setup. It ain't just hype. It'll make a BIG difference.

I KNEW i forgot to add some of my considerations to the list - i had forgotten an SH-101 / SH-2. I don't know much about the SH-09, but how do you think it compares to the other SH series?

[CfNorENa]

I don't know much about the SH-09, but how do you think it compares to the other SH series?

I haven't played either one (yes, yes, I should probably just shut up now), but the "word on the street" is that SH-09 is great value-for-money. It is, in essence, an SH-2 without the second oscillator, but with a slightly more flexible sub-osc. And since many of the defining SH-2 bass sounds are made with one oscillator + sub-osc., you'd basically be getting the same thing, but at a lower cost. On the flip side, no detuned lead sounds etc.

Just to add to your difficulties, I also recall hearing very good things, by people who should know, about the Waldorf Pulse. Might be worth exploring...

[Stab Frenzy]

What i feel I LACK in my setup is a good bass provider (being all digital)
Also I prefer to have some fairly knobby options (such as on my JP8000)

Vermona Mono Lancet. /thread

[ninja6485]

can you get an sh-101 for $650 anymore? if so, damn i think mine came close to 800 with shipping. the sh-101 has an ace up it's sleeve when it comes to sub basses. the filter is so resonant, and has just the right tone that when tracked, it gives a very impressive long, low, killer sub bass sound that easily matches or surpasses my 808's kick. (read: 'compliments nicely'.) in terms of trance basses, it's been a fan favorite for years along with the 303. what do you see cosmic baby with preforming live on stage? a 101. what's sitting next to etnica's modular? a 101. what's lior perlmutter from astral projection rocking out on in this picture? a 101. the cover of blue room released made on earth compilation? yea, it's a 101. it's not the only or best bass synth out there, but for trance, it's a classic.

[memory cords]

Vermona Mono Lancet.
new Tom Oberheim SEM.
Studio Electronics SE-1X.
Analog Solutions Semblance or Telemark.
FutureRetro XS.

[Ashe37]

Mopho Keys.

[lcdenom]

I can definitely recommend the Vermona Mono Lancet. It's got a big sound, smooth controls and fantastic build quality for a cheap little synth. However, like most synths, it has it's pros and cons. The main negative side (for some people, not me) would probably be it's lack of patch storage. It can certainly manage big bass sounds, though. Having said that, most of the synths mentioned above are more than capable of good bass sounds, so it simply comes down to your personal preference. With some of the older synths, though, you're going to have to factor in the cost of a MIDI to CV interface, if you want to sequence them. Whatever you choose, you've definitely made the right choice to add a little analogue to your setup.

[DLovas]

can you get an sh-101 for $650 anymore? if so, damn

w / shipping it'd come out to about 730, but I'm ignoring shipping costs for those of you looking at my prices.

http://cgi.ebay.com/USED-Roland-SH-101- ... 3cb9da61ab

Vermona Mono Lancet. /thread

thanks... seems interesting - i'll keep my eye on this one.

I would just like some more info on the Yamaha CS-5 since i just love its appearance and what it seems capable of in this video (below). How do you think it compares to some of the other synths you guys have mentioned, such as the Lancet?

[silikon]

Others have suggested the following, and I am here to bump them: (in no particular order)

Tom Oberheim SEM
Vermona Mono Lancet
Moog Little Phatty (obviously you'll want to look into used on this one to stay in your ballpark)
Studio Electronics SE-1x or ATC-1 with the four filter carts (again, used)
DSI Mopho Keyboard

The Novation Supernova is a sweet little piece of kit. Quite versatile. Does bass. Well.
The Access Virus. Very liquid, very versatile. Can get huge. You can find a Virus C on eBay right now in your price range.

Lots of choices, less about the machine to an extent, and more about the programming.

[DLovas]

Others have suggested the following, and I am here to bump them: (in no particular order)

Tom Oberheim SEM
Vermona Mono Lancet
Moog Little Phatty (obviously you'll want to look into used on this one to stay in your ballpark)
Studio Electronics SE-1x or ATC-1 with the four filter carts (again, used)
DSI Mopho Keyboard

The Novation Supernova is a sweet little piece of kit. Quite versatile. Does bass. Well.
The Access Virus. Very liquid, very versatile. Can get huge. You can find a Virus C on eBay right now in your price range.

Lots of choices, less about the machine to an extent, and more about the programming.

I was considering a virus - but wanted to narrow things down little though - an ATC-1 sounds very interesting, I know trillian uses many samples from it as soundsources I'll check it out. And yes - I'm lookin for something very programmable that I can spend a lot of time on. . Thanks for your input.

Also PS - I am adding new synths to my list as you suggest new ones to me... keep that in mind thanks guys.

With the SEM, does the Patch Panel version have the same capability as the MIDI/CV version? I'm just overall confused with all 3 versions. I know that the SEM-Pro combines both, however, what does each do individually that the other does not? I have never used a patchbay before, but i would love to learn how, and also the patchbay version is less expensive thanks.

[Pro5]

SY77 over D50/DX7IID (esp over the DX7) - way more synth than both those combined for usually far less money. It's a beast of a synth. Cost a fortune new and can do things the other two digitals can't.


And get an SH-101 - great synth, $650 sounds a little hopeful though - up your budget for these sought after beasts if in good condition.

[DLovas]

SY77 over D50/DX7IID (esp over the DX7) - way more synth than both those combined for usually far less money. It's a beast of a synth. Cost a fortune new and can do things the other two digitals can't.


And get an SH-101 - great synth, $650 sounds a little hopeful though - up your budget for these sought after beasts if in good condition.

This decision keeps getting more and more difficult... The SH-101 seems to be a good choice, although it is much more than the CS-5 ( yea I kno I keep going back to it, cause its the cheapest.). For my needs, would an SH-101 be worth it? Or could the CS-5 be admirable I'm it's place.

[memory cords]

This decision keeps getting more and more difficult... The SH-101 seems to be a good choice, although it is much more than the CS-5 ( yea I kno I keep going back to it, cause its the cheapest.). For my needs, would an SH-101 be worth it? Or could the CS-5 be admirable I'm it's place.

The SH-101 makes awesome bass and lead sounds. It has a really tight attack and a great filter. Really nice sounding synth.

Remember that you will need a MIDI to CV converter if you want to sequence either the CS-5 or the SH-101 because they don't have MIDI ports (unless they've been modified).

The MFB Kraftzwerg might be a good option for you, it's within your price range.

When it comes to features and value the MFB Kraftzwerg is hard to beat. And it has a powerful raw agressive sound. Much more features than either the SH-101 or the CS-5.

Here's some MFB demo sounds from the Unease site (MFB Synth 2 but the Kraftzwerg sounds the same):