The Omega 8 sounds interesting, especially since I own a SE-1 that I’m upgrading to a SE-1x. However, the Omega is a too expensive. I would have to sell everything I have to get one!
you get used to the endless knobs, it’s just a different interface . really it takes no time at all to get used to them .
Like in the 80’s layering a digital and analog synth together will produce some really nice sounds. I don’t own one but I think I would have kept the V Synth, but sure if it is not working for you, why keep it. Then again I am one of those that never gets rid of any synths .
Have fun and good luck in your quest, that is the cool thing there are a lot of tools out there to chose from, some work better for some than others. What fun would it be if we all had the exact same gear ?
I thought the V-Synth GT was pretty cool sounding, but in the last year, I only used it about 5 hours if that. It just wasn’t getting any use, and I know I will use an analog type of synth more right now. There are tons of features in the unit, and I just didn’t have time to explore them, and didn’t expect I would have extra time to work with it. It would just time away time from being creative as I’m working on new tracks. Right now I just need something that sounds great and I can tweak a few knobs on the panel (instead of going through layers of menus) to get the sound I’m looking for.
Also, I know everyone has their own opinion, but one person indicated that they thought the Prophet 08 was a cheap digital sounding modern analog machine. I didn’t think that when I heard it, however, I haven’t really explored analog synth for a long time. I never owned an Oberhem OB-8, I only was able to get the Matrix-6 and later the Memorymoog (which has too many software issues… it was unstable). So, that’s why I’m asking opinions from people who are using the stuff on a regular basis and have explored different options to get warm analog sounds. What’s most important right now is to find something that offers the ability to tweak sounds very easily.
If someone does not like the Prophet 08 that’s fine . There are those that think the Voyager does not sound good . every one can have their own opinion.
MemoryMoogs sound(ed) huge. While the OS was a little “primitive” and there were a few changes made along the way the main problems with it were hardware issues, the power supply for one.
Are you using the keyboard version or rack of the Prophet 08? Can you get some good pad and strings sounds out of it? What does it do best?
As I mentioned in a previous post, I got rid of some gear. I do use a few soft synths in Logic. Is there anything you would add to this list of gear?
Nord Lead 2x
Korg Triton Rack (with orchestral expansion)
SE-1 (upgrading to SE-1x)
Fender Rhodes Suitcase (not used for recording, just to play around with)
Roland A-90 EX (controller)
Roland JV Series Vintage Synth card (no module to use it in at the moment)
I had a Prophet '08 Rack for one day before I returned the unit. In my opinion, it sounded truly stunning. Huge sounding. Definitely had it’s own character. Much different than the Voyager.
However, the unit just felt too flimsy for my liking. The knobs were very loose and wobbly and it didn’t seem like it was built to last. It was an incredibly bitter sweet experience.
In regards to virtual analog poly synths, the Alesis Ion sounds great to my ears. I’ve had some issues with mine but have held onto it none the less. Most things are accessible from the panel. And with the mod matrix thing, you can get pretty “modular” on this thing. No effects though.
I recently got a Virus TI, but haven’t really had much time to dive into it. Sounds great, but has a hefty learning curve when it comes to all the menu stuffs. I think it will be great for more digital sounding stuff too. Versatile.
I have a Juno 60 for sale if you’re interested too! 
I forgot about the Ion and Micron for that matter. They are nice VA’s for sure.
WHat about the Andromeda A6?
Seems that Ive heard those things sound pretty nice, roughtly the same price as the Voyager?
Eric
don’t expect it to be any good at “normal keyboardsounds” like hammond rhodes etc. i like it a lot, though it’ss complexity puts it somewhere between the p8 and softsynth’s l. a bit like oberheimexander.
for those who like to tweak and spend time tweaking , a bit more the meditating style of synthing. or you should stick to the presets afcourse.
I thought the A6 came up already:):) It is a very nice synth, I think it is only speical order now, maybe not. It has a lot under the hood to play with that is not apparent on the surface. I’ve only played with one once when they had them in the stores. It was okay but wasn’t what I wanted at the time. With the Prophet 08 I’m happy, if and when another Analog Poly comes out ( no matter who makes it) I’ll check it out.
I am using the keyboard version of the Prophet 08, the prophet 08 does really nice pads and strings, I’ve had no problem tweaking factory presets or making my own. To me it does them all well, if I need something to thicken it or expand it I have other synths to layer with it. But on it’s own the Prophet hold ups well.
rajprods: You have a lot of nice gear, if it is working ofr you and you don’t feel a void it should be fine. I’d look for something from Roland to put the card in though. Maybe add some MoogerFoogers and a Lexicon Mx200 ( or something similar) if you don’t all ready have them. it’s always nice to have one or two mono analogs around. look at a little Phatty. Use the Rhodes once in awhile to record
For someone working in Logic with soft synths
For someone not overly attached to modern or old-school kit
For someone who wants an analogue sound…
Access Virus Ti.
It’s not analogue, but there’s something about the modeling that “feels” more analogue than, say, the SuperNova. It’ll integrate with the studio layout nicely, and there’s a choice of 61 or 37 key models.
I’ve got the older version, the Indigo 2; I had to have one after hearing a Virus b desktop.
FWIW, I have owned a Juno 6 and a Roland JX10, the SuperJX was a limited, annoying device to work with and really quite soul-less - I would consider a Roland JD800 (or, since you’ve got that SR-JV card kicking about, a rackmount JD990) a better bet, but even then I went over to a newer XV since I never really got into programming the JD.
Your Triton will do the pads well. The SE is the fun monosynth IIRC? The Lead does some nice glitchy stuff and some weirder sounds. An Access Virus would give you the fat, analogue-feeling sounds and 80-voice polyphony (max, of course, it’s really more like 32 apparently) plus easy access from the sequencer.
I also tried the Prophet '08, but the shop hadn’t set it up with stereo outputs and as such, I didn’t get into it.
Access have incorporated a model of the Moog filter. I have no idea if it’s really accurate, but the synth IS impressive.
FWIW, I’m using my Voyager with a t.c. electronics FireworX. THAT can make some pretty screwed-up sounds…
In terms of modules, I have a void for really good pianos, pads, and strings. These are available through Logic, but you know sometimes, it’s just good to do it the old fashioned way… or at least without having to boot up Logic and stuff. I’m trying not to be so dependent on Logic, which in some ways have effected my ability to just “play”… if you know what I mean.
An online dealer has a “Scratch and Dent” Prophet 08 synth module for $1,124.00… very tempting.
If you’re missing pads, pianos and strings, then Roland XV - 128-voice piano with the SRV Piano card (and you can use your synth card in it too, depending on model).
Can’t the A90 be given cards to make it into a synth, or was that just the older JV50/80 expansion card and/or the older A-series controller… for additional polyphony (one was extra voices - the one I had in the JV-50; the other was additional sounds).
I’m not sure, but I think the JV series vintage synth card I have can go in the XV series. The A90 I have has the expansion card with a few piano, rhodes, and synth sounds. However, they sound a bit “muddy” to me even when compared to the sounds available in Logic. I may even look into the Yamaha ES series, but as suggested, it’s probably at least a good idea to use the card I have especially since it’s not available anymore.
Thanks for all the info!
With UK prices, the cheapest routes to using your card would be JV1080, then possibly the JV80 keyboard (rare, though) - things may be different in the US. I’d recommend picking up a JD990 though, as that has JD800 sounds. The XV 3080/5080 will definitely support your card, the latter also has sample RAM, and if you can pick one up cheap would be a flexible (4 JV, 4 SRX slots) module to have anyway.
I find the JV/XV strings bright, and the built in pianos a bit harsh (which is why I will one day add the expensive dedicated piano board for the XV); most Rhodes/EP sounds tend to sound a bit flat to me and if I listen to them on recordings, they seem appropriate.
A lot of the older S+S synths seemed to aim for output “similar to post mastering”; so in isolation they sound pretty good, but they get lost when in a mix.
I googled, and my memory hadn’t failed me - the A90 accepts the VE-JV1 or VE-GS1 card, which is an early 90s expansion board for the very very early JV-35 and 50. From the sounds of it you have the dedicated VE-RD1 board; either way, this isn’t going to be the best sound source.
This thread is reminding me of all of the synths I’ve purchased and sold!
I’ve owned two JV-880’s, one JV-1080, and one XV-5050. I basically got tired of the sounds in the JV’s, so I sold them. I thought the XV would be a bit better also because it had new sounds. However, after a while, it was the same old stuff in terms of what I used. Also, it did a strange performance patch changes on it’s own in Logic, and I never figured out how to stop it, so I got rid of it. I kept the JV series Vintage Synth card because I knew it was discontinued and would be either hard to find or expensive. I paid about $300 for it new when it was readily available, and you can get it on Ebay for about $150? Amazing…
Is there any difference in sound between the JD-990 and the XV-3080 or XV-5080? I know the polphony is much lower in the JD-990 (I think it’s 24 voices). Just wondering if it’s any difference. If it’s not, maybe the XV-3080 would be the better choice because of the polyphony. However, I wouldn’t be surprised that I realize it’s the same thing that I already had!
Just wondering if you’ve had any experience with the Studio Electronics Omega 8.