Pro synths / workstations

[Timmy_G]

I've recently been playing a lot of keyboards at church lately, trying to get into another area of music as. Also recently I bought a wx5 with VL70-m. I'm now really interested in music production with a Pro synth or keyboard workstation. I've been checking ebay regularly for Items that may come there. Specifically Yamaha motifs, Nord leads, roland fantoms and korg tritons. I've already placed bids on a korg karma and a nord lead 2 but lost both.

I was wondering who has what type of keyboard. What kind of music you use it for. Also, is it worth spending a a large amount of money on a Pro keyboard when I am firstly a saxophone player, i'm not sure I will get max usage out of it.

Thanks

[tjontheroad]

I think it makes better sense to get a laptop with software and keyboard controller. It's more flexible and can be used other things such as recording. Workstations get obsolete fast.

[docformat]

Timmy

You first need to work out what you need from a synth - what type of sound, what controls (menu driven or twidddly knobs), is it for performance or sequencing, do you want a stand-alone workstation or a more sophisticated set-up etc.

I've got Nord rack-version which is great synth but is a virtual analogue synth which is a very particular sound. Also it doesn't have sequencer/fx etc. I use to have a Roland JV-1080 which had a much wider range of sounds but I found the menu system of control too frustating - so its a question of personal taste as well.

You might want to check out the M-audio ProKeys keyboard which is reasonably priced. This way you get at 88-keys, good piano sounds and good midi functionality. Then you can add rack units (nearly all synths come with keys or without) as you decide what you want as they are considerably cheaper.

[docformat]

TJ's advice is good as well. The only probelm with that is that then you have to deal with OS problems, soundcards, compatability issues etc. They also tend to be less fun to use as well - i.e. using a mouse to change a filter. Oh and PCs get obsolete too!

[tjontheroad]

TJ's advice is good as well. The only probelm with that is that then you have to deal with OS problems, soundcards, compatability issues etc. They also tend to be less fun to use as well - i.e. using a mouse to change a filter. Oh and PCs get obsolete too!

IMO, A PC or Mac will last longer before it will certainly become obsolete. When it does, it can be religated to less demaining chores like word processing or internet. Granted, it doesn't have all the knobs and sliders, but some of those workstations are just as much a bear to program. Plus, a midi controler keyboard will last through many generations of upgrades.

Like Doc said, it's really all about what you want to do with it. If you're just wanting a good sounding keyboard to play, then the computer is overkill. The more features and cash you're looking at, the more a computer based set up makes sense.

[saxophoniste]

I just bought a MIDI controller to use with my Mac--an Edirol PCR M80--Both Tjontheroad and docformat have great points. I'm in a similar situation and I went (via internet) to http://sweetwater.com. They were very helpful and for $200 I'm getting a great 'board that will serve my current needs plus give me room to grow into. It's been fun to "get away" from the sax into this new (for me) area--Good Luck!

[Timmy_G]

I've been checking out some M-audio gear and I talked to a guy at the music store this morning. I would like a semiweighted keys, I don't like the feel of the plastic weighless keys. Next question is (this may be in another thread) what software to use. The guy at the music store was talking about "Sonar", I also know that cubase make good software.

[Timmy_G]

Ok, I bought a 'Roland Fantom S'. I can't wait to get started on it.