V-Synth as An1X (and A-3000) replacement?

[pricklyrobot]

Greetings, V-Synth fans; there seem to be a lot of you here.

In the interest of trying to do more with fewer pieces of gear, I've been thinking about replacing my two Yamahas (the A-3000 sampler and the An1X) with one V-synth (original keyboard version).

From what I've read and heard, it seems like the V-Synth's sampling side will cover the A-3000's ground, and then some.

I'm more curious about how the VA side of the V-Synth compares to the An1X. Anyone owned both? Is there anything the An1X has that you feel is really lacking in the V-Synth (I would miss the An1X's step sequencer, but figure my EA-1 could fill in that gap)?

I also use the An1X as my main controller for rack synths and such, so any thoughts on how well the V-Synth works in this respect would also be good.

All cogent opinions are welcomed.

[Stab Frenzy]

The V-Synth has possibly the best control surface of any synth on the market and a really nice keybed, so it'll cover your controller bases easily. It also has a step sequencer, and a programmable arpeggiator, so you won't miss that.

I haven't used the An1X that much (a guy I worked with had one and I used it in the studio a little bit) but the V-Synth has a little bit of a different sound to it. I can't think of anything off the top of my head that you could do on the An1X that you can't on the V-Synth though.

You might find the V-Synth a bit of a surprise in the sampling stakes, because it doesn't act like a traditional sampler at all. I tried recreating a few patches from my S2000 on the V-Synth before I realised they were too dissimilar to be able to do exactly the same things. For example the V-Synth can only layer two samples on a single note but on the S2000 I often layered a lot more than that to get the complexity I wanted. When you realise it's not the same and start using the V-Synth to its strengths though, it opens up a whole lot of possibilities that you couldn't do with a traditional sampler. If you like sampling you'll love the V-Synth, once you adjust to its ways of working.

[tallowwaters]

After I got my V Synth, I sold all but one of my VAs... (I dont count my microkorg, which I keep for sentimental s**t and the Prophecy which I keep for Physical Modeling).

Having the ability to easily layer PCM waves with VA waves makes for some interesting s**t. Then resample that wave and layer it with another VA wave. See what I am driving at here?

I know this is helping that No Current Occupation GAS

[Hugo76]

I've used the plg150-an a little bit, and from the little experience I have, the an1x might be a bit punchier and rawer than the V-Synth. But my experience is far too limited to make a qualified statement.
The V-Synth va is nevertheless very satisfying imo.

Regarding the keybed, I second Stab Frenzy's opinion. I find it absolutely lovely. I used to have the yamaha cs6x, which I think can't compare at all (I also find the V much more pleasant than the Motif ES' keybed).

The A3000 have better effects, though, but I think you'll find the V-Synth much more interesting & inspiring than the yamaha's. I say go for it!

[pricklyrobot]

It also has a step sequencer

Is that the Multi Step Modulator? Can you use that to control oscillator pitch like with a standard step sequencer? I couldn't tell from the manual. Also can you assign the sequencer or arpeggiator to specific key zones, and is there a hold/latch feature or do they only run when you have a key pressed?

You might find the V-Synth a bit of a surprise in the sampling stakes, because it doesn't act like a traditional sampler at all.

Actually this sounds like a good thing for me. I like the idea of sampling, but feel like I haven't quite clicked with any of the samplers I've used before. The A-3000 is cool, and I wouldn't say particularly difficult to use, but there are just too many steps between thinking of something you'd like to sample and actually having a playable sound on your hands. It always seems more like a tool and less like an actual instrument, if that makes sense. Plus I'm much more interested in making weird, warped timbres than I am in doing realistic samples, and that sounds like the V-Synth's strength.

I know this is helping that No Current Occupation GAS

Yes, I continue to live a life of pointless speculation, for the time being. Grrrr:evil:

the an1x might be a bit punchier and rawer than the V-Synth

I love cranking up the VCA Feedback on the An1X; if I could get some approximation of that sound on the V-Synth I'd be happy. And I've always got my Bitrman to add a layer of unholy grit to anything that needs it.

Thanks all, for the info. Once I have the money, I'll probably pick up the V-Synth first, compare it side-by-side with the An1X and A-3000, then decide who stays and who goes.

[tallowwaters]

You can use the 4 sequencers to modulate damn near anything you have in the patch architecture. There is a latch button.

The V synth takes the pain out of sampling (almost. doesnt import your loop points, small niggle)

[Stab Frenzy]

I think I've used the step thing to do pitch stuff but I can't remember. I actually had the synth for about 2 years before I even used the step modulator at all. The arpeggio latches if you want, there's a hold button next to the arp on one. You can assign the sequencer to different key zones cause it's part of the patch, but the arpeggiator is universal. I think, can't remember exactly without it in front of me.

Sounds like the sampling side will be right up your alley.

You can get all sorts of crunchy wild screaming out of the V-Synth without needing a bitrman, I don't know if you heard my Staying Alive remix but it was mostly V-Synth and it was rather crunchy.

[pricklyrobot]

Excellent, thanks for the clarification, fellas.

Now all that remains is to get myself a goddamn job!

[cornutt]

I love cranking up the VCA Feedback on the An1X; if I could get some approximation of that sound on the V-Synth I'd be happy. And I've always got my Bitrman to add a layer of unholy grit to anything that needs it.

There's a "feedback oscillator" choice in the VA oscillator choices. It's capable of some ungodly noises, especially when you use it with some of the sicker filter algorithms. Plus, you can always set up one layer to use the external input, and feed the output of the other layer back into it... hmm, I'll have to try that...

[OriginalJambo]

I've had a V-Synth for a while (even used it for a panto this week and it was fantastic for sampling backing tracks and effects - guns from Max Payne for a start - as well as being used for more conventional sounds) and while it's clearly very powerful and unique I don't think the VA section is amazing in its own right. Not so much the possibilities, but the actual sound itself.

Don't get me wrong, you can get the usual analogue bass, strings and pads no problem and the filters are pretty good considering they're obviously DSP driven, but it still sounds quite digital to me. In fact it reminds me a bit of the JD-800 I had for a while. All and all don't expect it to sound exactly like your AN1X, but it should cover most of the bases with any luck. The envelopes also need to be tamed out of clicking a lot of the time in my experience.

Despite this it must be said that some of the best patches on the V-Synth combine both the samples and the VA section IMO. In a nutshell it's great at what it does, but if you are strictly looking for a replacement VA and nothing else I wouldn't really recommend a V-Synth over anything else really.

[OriginalJambo]

Is that the Multi Step Modulator? Can you use that to control oscillator pitch like with a standard step sequencer? I couldn't tell from the manual. Also can you assign the sequencer or arpeggiator to specific key zones, and is there a hold/latch feature or do they only run when you have a key pressed?

I'm pretty sure you can set it to run only when a key is pressed or it receives MIDI clock, but remember that the step sequencer routed to oscillator pitch won't trigger envelopes. You'll need the arpeggiator to do that (which is actually able to act as a basic step sequencer anyway).