Suggest a Synthesizer Please

by **triscuit** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 10:03 am

I'm looking for a nice synthesizer that I can save up for. I'm looking to be able to transfer the sound to my computer with no noise.

I'm confused why I can't seem to find a good synth with balanced outputs? Why do do they all seem to come with unbalanced outputs? Even most Nords come with unbalanced outputs.

Any help would be great.

by **The Elf** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 11:50 am

Don't get hung up on balanced outputs - it really isn't a big deal for synths.

If you really are on a quest for ultimate audio hygiene then you should be looking for synths with digital outputs.

But I think you are worrying unduly. Pick a synth with the sounds and features you like - the audio output from any decent pro/semi-pro synth will be clean enough.

by **Zukan** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 12:14 pm

And if your signal path is balanced and you need to run unbalanced line inputs then a simple DI will solve any problems.

by **Dave B** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 12:19 pm

The Kurzweil PC3 series synths come with balanced outputs. Less useful in the studio but great having a few more db live!!

Oh ... and they are good synths as well!

by **Richie Royale** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 1:09 pm

My main concern would be sound quality and user interface. Get down to a music shop (if they still exist?!?) and have a play around with some.

by **vinyl_junkie** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 2:42 pm

Didn't the Novation Super Nova's have balanced XLR outs? Always wondered why the hell did they put that there lol

As to what synth to buy only you have the power to choose, I could say go guy a Waldorf Q Rack how ever you might hate it or it wouldn't suit your needs.
Waldorf is a bit like Marmite I find, you either love or hate their sound.
Or be done and just get a JP8 lol hey it's got XRL outs :D

by **chris...** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 3:03 pm

vinyl_junkie wrote:Didn't the Novation Super Nova's have balanced XLR outs?

Fraid not - the SN has 1/4" jack outputs. I'm not aware they're balanced jacks.

For recording synths in home studio, it's highly unlikely unbalanced vs. balanced will make any practical difference.

If really concerned about (lack of ) noise, then consider:

- synth with digital outs (e.g ADAT lightpipe)
- synth that streams audio into computer via USB (e.g Virus TI)
- software synth plugins

by **necromunger** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 3:26 pm

I'm looking for a nice synthesizer that I can save up for.

how about this. http://www.vintagesynth.com/waldorf/wald_wave.php

by **Zukan** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 3:38 pm

necromunger wrote:
I'm looking for a nice synthesizer that I can save up for.

how about this. http://www.vintagesynth.com/waldorf/wald_wave.php

I really wish you hadn't done that.

I have tried to forget that mama and spent the last 10 years in GSA.................alas I have relapsed.

by **necromunger** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 4:38 pm

I really wish you hadn't done that.

I have tried to forget that mama and spent the last 10 years in GSA.................alas I have relapsed.

i feel your pain. just wish i had enough cash to buy one. tho i ain't seen one for sale for a long time now and if one did come up for sale it whould be silly money.

id ask Santa for one but he whould probably have a heart attack and die at the price it whould go for.

by **triscuit** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 7:25 pm

"- synth with digital outs (e.g ADAT lightpipe)
- synth that streams audio into computer via USB (e.g Virus TI) "

Yeah, this is what I want. My roland sh-201 does USB it but it's noisy. :frown:

Is there anywhere I can find a list. Virus TI would be great but I might have to save up for 2 years to afford one.

by **vinyl_junkie** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 8:20 pm

triscuit wrote:"- synth with digital outs (e.g ADAT lightpipe)
- synth that streams audio into computer via USB (e.g Virus TI) "

Yeah, this is what I want. My roland sh-201 does USB it but it's noisy. :frown:

Is there anywhere I can find a list. Virus TI would be great but I might have to save up for 2 years to afford one.

What do you mean by noisy? Hiss? Interference noise?
Is it only when you connect it to the computer via the USB it becomes noisy in which case it's most likely a ground loop related issue.
If the synth's output is not connected to anything and everything is unplugged except the power try it with some headphones...is it still as noisy?

by **triscuit** » Fri Dec 18, 2009 9:12 pm

Yeah even with head phones. the SH-201 is noisy. There is no problem with ground loops or anything like my Korg tr.

by **Matt Houghton** » Sun Dec 20, 2009 11:28 pm

Plenty of options, but speaking from experience... Oberheim/Viscount OB12 is a nice synth and includes a digital output alongside the usual jack ones. Only available second hand - about £350ish (a least that's what mine went for). Horses for courses though really: depends what you want from your synth! Personally, I'd rather go for something with a bit of character if using an outboard synth; and go software if cleanliness is of the utmost importance (which it rarely is for me...)

by **Pashmina** » Sat Dec 26, 2009 2:22 pm

I have an Alesis Ion which I like and use a lot. Unusually, it does have balanced outputs! I recommend the Ion, although mainly for its sound/interface, not so much for the balancedness.

by **vinyl_junkie** » Sat Dec 26, 2009 2:28 pm

Pashmina wrote:I have an Alesis Ion which I like and use a lot. Unusually, it does have balanced outputs! I recommend the Ion, although mainly for its sound/interface, not so much for the balancedness.

The ION is a fantastic synth, was rather impressed after playing one and would highly recommend them.

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Suggest a Synthesizer Please