Need help on finding a new synth to keep my Moog warm.

countlove · Post by **countlove** » Tue May 31, 2005 9:29 pm

Hi.. Just wondering if anyone had some recomendations for a new synth.

I currently have a AE Moog Voyager. Its great, but I want a poly synth, and I want great sounding pads with poly. Was thinking of the Nord Lead 3, V Synth, or the Access Viruis ti.

Anyone have something to say or add?

Thanks!

Count

sir_dss · Post by **sir_dss** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 1:18 am

4 Moog RME's

countlove · Post by **countlove** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 4:05 am

Yeah.. 4 would be great.. But I don't have that kinda cash to invest in!

baward · Post by **baward** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 5:53 am

countlove wrote:Hi.. Just wondering if anyone had some recomendations for a new synth.

I currently have a AE Moog Voyager. Its great, but I want a poly synth, and I want great sounding pads with poly. Was thinking of the Nord Lead 3, V Synth, or the Access Viruis ti.

Anyone have something to say or add?

Thanks!

Count

The much-discussed Andromeda?

Ben

ikazlar · Post by **ikazlar** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 7:07 am

I would suggest you check the Andromeda, the Virus TI and the Triton Extreme.

punkdisco · Post by **punkdisco** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 7:58 am

If you are considering the Virus, definitely make sure you have a few auditions in a store, familiarise yourself with the sound. I have a B and then a C but never got into it. Eventually realised that the sound was just not for me. It has a definite character which you may or may not like.

How about one of the Roland MKS synths? I had a MKS70 (DCOs) but now have a MKS80 (VCOs). The MKS80 is very similar to the Jupiter 6. If you actually want the keyboard, maybe the JP6 or JP8..

Let us know what you decide.. Good luck.

Qwave · Post by **Qwave** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 8:54 am

a Waldorf WAVE

and a used WAVE should be lower in price then 4 Moog RMEs

GregAE · Post by **GregAE** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 9:00 am

Most of the poly-synths mentioned so far are either all-digital or virtual analog (VA). While any of these can be a good compliment to the Vger, you may wish to stay in the analog domain.

A PolyEvolver keyboard would be a good choice for an analog synth. Only four voices, but 4 oscillators/voice (!) and filters based on the Curtis chips, which sound different from the Moog filter.

Using four RME's is a good suggestion for analog, but the cost ($2000 each) PLUS the need for a mixer make it an expensive proposition.

As far as VA's go, you might want to check out an Alesis Ion (or Micron). These synths offer terrific analog-like sound at a price that should be pleasing to your wallet. Plus, the Ion has all those lovely knobs! Be aware that early Ions had a problem related to the rotary encoders, so avoid any second-hand Ebay offerings.

Lengai · Post by **Lengai** » Wed Jun 01, 2005 1:10 pm

countlove,

The DSI Polyevolver is a very sweet synth and I highly recommend it. The Nord is a good one too. Have you ever looked into the Korg Wavestation? The Wavestation is a Dave Smith designed synth based on the Prophet VS and is considered by many to make the some of the sweetest pads around. They are not too expensive and are available on Ebay.

countlove · Post by **countlove** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 12:05 am

Thanks for all the advice everyone.. I hung out at West LA music for around 4 hours playing with all the synths..

I had a ton of fun with the Ion, but it felt really cheap.. But for 600 bucks, I think its a good deal for a synth loaded with cool toys. I decided on the Nord Lead 3. It just felt right.

Thanks!

count

TZ_Keyz · Post by **TZ_Keyz** » Fri Jun 17, 2005 7:04 pm

[quote="punkdisco"]If you are considering the Virus, definitely make sure you have a few auditions in a store, familiarise yourself with the sound. I have a B and then a C but never got into it. Eventually realised that the sound was just not for me."

I have to agree with you about the Virus. A year ago I was looking at the "Voyager" but opted for the Virus KC. Well 6 months later I really found I was not "digging it." My Tritons sounded much better. I sold it, and I now have a Voyager. TZ

tunedLow · Post by **tunedLow** » Mon Jul 11, 2005 5:11 pm

I ordered a Nord Lead 2, the rack mount edition. It's 3 weeks back order. I was also looking at the Polyevolver. However, the Nord was much less. Granted it's digital, but I've heard some examples and liked them. Moreover, these guys I dig called Ratatat use it extensively, and I liked the sounds they were getting.

What do you guys think about this synth?

pelican1 · Post by **pelican1** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 1:05 pm

man, you decided on a synth fast. You only went to one store? I would say go for the polyevolver keyboard- unique sounding and instantly musical unlike andromeda where you have to spend forever programming.

I think you'll grow tired of the nord. I had one, but every sound has a metallic digital overtone/nuance in the background. Very annoying and cheesy. Basically just paying for all the led's.

You should have dropped by my friend's store in pomona- analogue haven (www.analoghaven.com) They have tons of gear that you would never find in a chain store. They actually know what they are tlking about if you ask them a question as they are all synth fanatics, and usually will work with you on price.

tunedLow · Post by **tunedLow** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 1:40 pm

Thanks for the input pelican. Yeah, that looks like a cool store -- unfortunately it's 9 hours from me!

People seem to either love this synth or hate. I got it through musicians friend, so I have 45 days to return it if I don't like it. The polyevolver is another 600 bucks, and I found reviews like yours about it! I do wish I could hear them side by side, as that may save me shipping fees if I return the Nord!

How was the interface to the Nord?

Oh yeah, about the store - good for those guys, this is the last time I buy from Musicians Friend -- not that they've given me bad service - quite the oppisite (I just returned a piece of gear after using the crap out of it for 40 days). But, I've personally spoken to 2 different musical instrument store owners that say places like that have really hurt them. So I'm done. Mom and Pop all the way.

Lengai · Post by **Lengai** » Tue Jul 12, 2005 3:02 pm

tunedLow,

I have an expanded Nord Lead and a Polyevolver. Pelican1 is right about the Nord. It's a good synth so you didn't throw away your money, but the Polyevolver is a bad mo-fo. It's more expensive, especially the keyboard version. You could get the Polyevolver Rack and an Evolver. They're made to be chained together so you'd have 5 voices instead of 4, and you can use the Evolver as the controller. That would be about $1,800 which would save $500 off of the keyboard version. There are a lot of sound clips of the Evolver on the web. I don't know what the price is now, but I got my Polyevolver from JRR Shop in Irvine, CA for $1,215 so you may want to try them. Eric is the owner so he's who I'd talk to. http://www.jrrshop.com

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Need help on finding a new synth to keep my Moog warm.

Need help on finding a new synth to keep my Moog warm.

Re: Need help on finding a new synth to keep my Moog warm.

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