Synth recommendation?

[MrWriter]

I currently own a Nord Lead A1, but it is only 49 key and I need another octave, or more as I find with 49 keys I run out at both ends.

I don’t want to buy the Nord Wave 2, although it looks perfect, as I’ll just be getting more ‘Nord’ sounds and I already have the Lead A1. So I'm looking to buy another synth by another company. I don’t want Behringer as I don’t like that ‘copy cat’ company, and they are unreliable. I don’t want Roland Jupiter X as it sounds no better than the best VSTs and the build quality is a bit questionable and don’t want Prophet due to naff ‘crash happy' software and no support.

I like the idea of adding a second synth, but a different brand to Nord so I’ll have a new set of sounds and pre-sets to enjoy.

I want something modern, not used or vintage, but that can re-create 80s sounds as well as new modern sounds. I need a synth that will work well in my small home recording studio as well as for live gigs.

I have a budget of around 2,200 euros (£2,500).

Somebody mentioned the ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe? How does this sound, any other options you can recommend?

 

[happyrat1]

Hydrasynth deluxe.

 

[happyrat1]

Or maybe a prophet rev 2?

They both have their plusses and minuses.

 

[ChrisNabil]

Hydrasynth deluxe.

I am so on the fence about the Hydrasynth, it is a real unique synth with a unique sound. You get a lot for your money too!

 

[MrWriter]

Hydra Deluxe looks good, will have to try one in shop as it has semi-weighted keys and I'm used to Nord Lead A1 with regular synth keys.

 

[happyrat1]

He could always go with a module version of either one I recommended and add an 88 key controller.

 

[MrWriter]

Don't want controller, I want a second synth, Happyrat.

 

[PnutKid]

I currently own a Nord Lead A1, but it is only 49 key and I need another octave, or more as I find with 49 keys I run out at both ends.

I don’t want to buy the Nord Wave 2, although it looks perfect, as I’ll just be getting more ‘Nord’ sounds and I already have the Lead A1. So I'm looking to buy another synth by another company. I don’t want Behringer as I don’t like that ‘copy cat’ company, and they are unreliable. I don’t want Roland Jupiter X as it sounds no better than the best VSTs and the build quality is a bit questionable and don’t want Prophet due to naff ‘crash happy' software and no support.

I like the idea of adding a second synth, but a different brand to Nord so I’ll have a new set of sounds and pre-sets to enjoy.

I want something modern, not used or vintage, but that can re-create 80s sounds as well as new modern sounds. I need a synth that will work well in my small home recording studio as well as for live gigs.

I have a budget of around 2,200 euros (£2,500).

Somebody mentioned the ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe? How does this sound, any other options you can recommend?

Roland Fantom 6 (not the 06 nor the new EX version).Huge sound set,beat production,unlimited sound tweaking.very easy to work on,LOTS of tutorials.

 

[PnutKid]

I currently own a Nord Lead A1, but it is only 49 key and I need another octave, or more as I find with 49 keys I run out at both ends.

I don’t want to buy the Nord Wave 2, although it looks perfect, as I’ll just be getting more ‘Nord’ sounds and I already have the Lead A1. So I'm looking to buy another synth by another company. I don’t want Behringer as I don’t like that ‘copy cat’ company, and they are unreliable. I don’t want Roland Jupiter X as it sounds no better than the best VSTs and the build quality is a bit questionable and don’t want Prophet due to naff ‘crash happy' software and no support.

I like the idea of adding a second synth, but a different brand to Nord so I’ll have a new set of sounds and pre-sets to enjoy.

I want something modern, not used or vintage, but that can re-create 80s sounds as well as new modern sounds. I need a synth that will work well in my small home recording studio as well as for live gigs.

I have a budget of around 2,200 euros (£2,500).

Somebody mentioned the ASM Hydrasynth Deluxe? How does this sound, any other options you can recommend?

I mention the Roland Fantom 6 ( not the EX nor the 06).Huge sound set,beat production, unlimited sound tweaking, LOTS of tutorials, easy to work with.61 keys. Alittle over your budget.

 

[ChrisNabil]

I mention the Roland Fantom 6 ( not the EX nor the 06).Huge sound set,beat production, unlimited sound tweaking, LOTS of tutorials, easy to work with.61 keys. Alittle over your budget.

Good keyboard, pianos & strings are weak and the action is loud BUT synth-wise AMAZING.

 

[delaware dave]

Dave Smith Prophet Rev2-08 8-Voice Synth

A powerhouse analog polysynth, Dave Smith's 8-voice Prophet Rev2 updates the Prophet '08 with an expanded mod matrix, waveshape modulation, new FX and more.

www.zzounds.com

 

[happyrat1]

Dave Smith Prophet Rev2-08 8-Voice Synth

A powerhouse analog polysynth, Dave Smith's 8-voice Prophet Rev2 updates the Prophet '08 with an expanded mod matrix, waveshape modulation, new FX and more.

www.zzounds.com

This can be upgraded to 16 voice with an aftermarket daughter board. I bought mine used and did the upgrade myself later on. Remarkably simple to do.

 

[happyrat1]

I also own an original Hydrasynth keyboard.

Both have channel aftertouch while the hydrasynth also has note aftertouch. But the MPE MIDI 2.0 implementation is so buggy it will crash your DAW if you use it so I have to keep it turned off.

Overall, the Hydra is more prone to software lockups.

Both are bi-timbral.

The hydrasynth has the most bells and whistles on the arpeggiator but lacks a regular note sequencer. The Rev2 has a simpler arp but also a 128 note step sequencer.

My suggestion is to get both.

That's my honest opinion of both.

 

[happyrat1]

PS. The Hydra's ribbon kicks ass!!!

 

[happyrat1]

Programming each is simple enough if you understand sound design and adapt to the different control design methods. The Hydra is more graphical but way more menu diving. The Rev 2 is more "knob per function"

 

[MrWriter]

Leaning towards Hydra. I'd be using it with Logic Pro on Mac, happyrat, would I still have the 'MPE MIDI 2.0' (whatever that means) buggy issue?

 

[ChrisNabil]

The two synths that come to mind are the Roland FP E50 and the Yamaha DGX 670. The Yamaha is well suited to working in a studio environment, with full MIDI support. The Roland has extremely limited MIDI capability, which makes it almost impossible to use for MIDI recording; but it is well suited to working a live gig. The Yamaha is quite large and heavy, and not really suitable for hauling about to gigs. Both boards have a long list of features, and come in considerably below the price point you mentioned. Hope that helps - Charlie

Both are lower end digital pianos they are not synths

 

[happyrat1]

Leaning towards Hydra. I'd be using it with Logic Pro on Mac, happyrat, would I still have the 'MPE MIDI 2.0' (whatever that means) buggy issue?

yes.

 

[MrWriter]

happyrat, can you explain what MPE Midi 2.0 is and how I avoid it when I get this synth?

 

[happyrat1]

Just turn it off from the menu. Still prone to MIDI lockups though.

Google is your friend.