Korg Forums

Mvp82 · Posted: Thu Mar 20, 2008 7:38 pm Post subject: Great Synths

Hey all,

What are some great synths (other than the Microkorg) that can do chords and aren't solely lead synths? I'm thinking about upgrading soon.

Any suggestions?

I have a Microkorg, Roland Sh-201 and a Roland xp-30.

Although most of you are huge Korg fans, it would be cool if you let me know which models of synths are pretty good. ... i'm not the best at doing research Very Happy

Cheers

Daz · Retired Joined: 01 Jan 2002 Posts: 10829

A few off the top of the head :

Clavia Nord Lead 2X or Clavia Nord Wave -> www.clavia.se
Access Virus TI or Virus TI Snow -> www.access-music.de
Waldorf Blofeld -> www.waldorfmusic.de
Dave Smith Prophet '08 -> http://www.davesmithinstruments.com/

All polyphonic and definitely great Cool

Daz.

Mvp82 · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 7:32 am Post subject:

is the nord 2x better than the 3?

kvnvk · Full Member Joined: 06 Oct 2006 Posts: 103 Location: TX

that's a completely subjective thing, really the only way to know if one is "better" than the other for you is to a/b them side by side and see which better suits your needs. of course if you aren't lucky enough to have immediate access to both synths at the same time you can still compare them via features and audio samples. I'd suggest first visiting the Clavia site...

Nord Lead 2X
http://www.clavia.se/main.asp?tm=Products&clpm=Nord_Lead_2X&clnlm=Information

Nord Lead 3
http://www.clavia.se/main.asp?tm=oldproducts&clpm=Nord_Lead_3

Unfortunately the Lead 3 page doesn't have any audio samples, but I'm sure if you poke around on the web you can find some.
Personally I have used the Nord Modular and G2 Modular for quite some time and just last year bought a Lead 3 rack based on features and a few samples I had heard. I really didn't have that much of an interest in the 2X prior to that as there was nothing that made it compelling enough for me already having the two Nord Modular models. Of course since then I have considered jumping on a 2X a few times just to be able to make a comparison.
I do know alot of people don't like the Lead 3 because they say it sounds nothing like the Lead 2 / 2X, but again, that's personal preference. one thing I've seen mentioned a few times lately is that the Lead 2 / 2X keyboard does not feature aftertouch, whereas the Lead 3 does. so that is a deal breaker for some. also, the 3 has been discontinued so you will have to look to the used market to find one, and the usually run a few hundred more than even a new Lead 2X.

Mvp82 · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:30 pm Post subject:

Thank you so much for that information. One of the key things i'm looking for is a really great sounding saw wave, since that's what I use most in my band. I don't think the after touch is that big of a factor in the decision.

Were people complaining that the Lead 3 sounded bad.. or just different?

kvnvk · Full Member Joined: 06 Oct 2006 Posts: 103 Location: TX

mainly different... to my ears the Lead 3 is one of the best sounding synths I've owned. I think the main complaint I've heard is that it doesn't have the same bite or can't get as aggressive as the 2/2X. if you're mainly using sounds based on saw waves in a band the 2X may be more suitable.
I do know quite a few people rave about the "super saw" setting on the Roland JP8000, so that might be an option for you.

Mvp82 · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 11:28 pm Post subject:

Yeah.. i may just stick to my Roland SH-201 for now. It's kind of hard to decide on a synth over the internet. It's nice to play on them before purchasing.

What part of texas are you from?

kvnvk · Full Member Joined: 06 Oct 2006 Posts: 103 Location: TX

Virus TI is supposed to do a good emulation of the Roland super saw, but that may be way more synth than you actually need, plus it is quite expensive, but most people will agree that you get your money's worth.

I'm roughly 50 miles west of Houston.

Mvp82 · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 11:49 pm Post subject:

yeah the Virus stuff is pretty legit. I've been reading up on the TI..pretty cool. Yeah, I'm from College Station. Thanks for the help dude.

JayB · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Posts: 37 Location: Burgstädt, Germany

Yamaha AN1x should be in your interest, too. It's still one of the best VAs IMHO, even though it's over 10 years old.

If you want something more current, I reccomend also the Roland V-Synth series.
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Mvp82 · Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 8:10 pm Post subject:

Yeah, I already have my Roland XP-30 for a big selection of keyboard sounds.

I just need some good synth sounds that have more of a "warm" and dynamic feeling to them. I'm looking at Realistic Concertmate MG-1's and Nord Lead 2X's. They both seem pretty good.

OmarNoori · Senior Member Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Posts: 292

if you havent you should try the roland d50, i have it an it works wonders Very Happy

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