Cheap hardware synths?

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Cheap hardware synths?

Postby Ocular » 15 Apr 2013 06:43

I've been looking for some decent cheap hardware synths (~$200) to play around with. Any suggestions?
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Re: Cheap hardware synths?

Postby Icky » 15 Apr 2013 07:02

At that price you're better off using softsynths. If you really want more hands on get a midi controller.
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Re: Cheap hardware synths?

Postby LFP » 15 Apr 2013 08:38

I've heard these are pretty good and cheap, though minimal ^^
viewtopic.php?f=21&t=7649
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Re: Cheap hardware synths?

Postby the4thImpulse » 15 Apr 2013 09:00

I usually wouldn't recommend a hardware synth without a budget greater than $500, most synths under that are digital and sound no better/different (and provide less features) than a soft synth.


LFP wrote:I've heard these are pretty good and cheap, though minimal ^^
http://www.mylittleremix.com/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=7649


These are looking like a great little synth family for the price, although I prefer larger hardware synths without any cramped controls.

So for $200 I'd say increase your budget two fold, or try out one of those Volca synths.
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Re: Cheap hardware synths?

Postby Ocular » 15 Apr 2013 09:54

Well, seeing as how I just turned 15, I don't have much of a budget.
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Re: Cheap hardware synths?

Postby the4thImpulse » 15 Apr 2013 14:34

TheOcularInvisible wrote:Well, seeing as how I just turned 15, I don't have much of a budget.

Try the used market, you'll likely find something like a DX7 for $200.
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Re: Cheap hardware synths?

Postby itroitnyah » 15 Apr 2013 15:21

Get job, ???, profit
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Re: Cheap hardware synths?

Postby Nine Volt » 15 Apr 2013 15:24

He just said he's 15.
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Re: Cheap hardware synths?

Postby itroitnyah » 15 Apr 2013 16:43

You can still get jobs at 15. Work at McDonalds, they're always hiring apparently. Other fast food chains will hire at 15 or a bit lower. Of course, your chances of getting hired are a bit lower, but you can still apply. I applied at like 10 places before I turned 16. I got a few interviews, but not many, but that's because my application didn't look the best for the jobs I was applying for.
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Re: Cheap hardware synths?

Postby Nine Volt » 15 Apr 2013 16:54

My local McDonald's doesn't hire 15 year olds, nor do most of my local places. Besides, he literally just turned 15, like a few days ago.
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Re: Cheap hardware synths?

Postby itroitnyah » 15 Apr 2013 18:24

Well they do where I live. Hm, you may want to look at what age jobs hire at in your area of Earth, Ocular. Getting a job early on would do wonders for your music by allowing you to get equipment, and it would definitely benefit your future as well in getting a career job or any future job.
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Re: Cheap hardware synths?

Postby JayB » 16 Apr 2013 12:43

Yamaha AN1x.

Or if you're looking for some retro digital sounds: Korg X5D or the N-Series.
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Re: Cheap hardware synths?

Postby Aurum Noble » 16 Apr 2013 15:04

If you shop around on eBay, you'll find tonnes of cheap hardware synths, especially the Roland JV/XV rackmounts, which are really good, and if you're not after retro 1980s/1990s sounds, many of the sounds are still useful, and a lot of studios still use them, a testament to their longevity, although if you want something more hands on, the SH-201s are really good, and can be used for the sort of sounds you'd normally find in Massive, plus, the VST editor is really good.

If you're after something more retro, the Yamaha DX7, Roland D-50 and Korg M1s are your go-to synths, since they can be acquired so cheaply, due to the fact that these synths were the best-selling synths, and the M1 is still the best selling synth to date, despite it being discontinued in 1994, when the Trinity and Triton took over. Also, the M1 is full of useful sounds, particularly if you're not keen on using the rather clichéd Piano 8' preset or one of the organ presets, although it'll be useful if you're producing house music, since these sounds have sort of made a comeback recently.

By the way, when it does come to MIDI-ing it up to your DAW, do be aware that the older synths (especially those produced before USB became popular) may not take too kindly to cheap MIDI-USB converters, and it's best to use one from a more reputable manufacturer, or alternatively, use an external interface that'll have some room for when you want to expand.
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Re: Cheap hardware synths?

Postby Mr. Bigglesworth » 16 Apr 2013 20:08

Lol McDonalds hires at 13 here.

Anyway, increase your budget. hell, if you're having trouble, save all of your unused pocket change. I have $100 just sitting around from spare pocket change that I've kept.
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