Audio Interfaces / Synth Advice

Sazzaa · Post by **Sazzaa** » Tue Jan 08, 2013 2:45 pm

At the moment I have a Kaossilator Pro, Numark NPM5 monitor speakers, an Alesis Q61, and some extras like a mic and electric guitar... I usually just mess about and use the Kaossilator as more of a toy, but I'd ideally like to add my laptop, set up a studio and buy a synth so I'd mostly be using the synth, Kaoss and possibly Ableton as the DAW (I'm open to suggestion about the DAW too).

Firstly I need an audio interface to connect it all up, but there are quite a few choices so any help appreciated. Preferably around the £100 mark but would spend more.

Secondly there are so many amazing looking synths that my brain hurts looking at them. I guess the easiest way is to make a budget and stick to it, so I'm thinking about £400 ish. I'm loving the look of the Minibrute but I really have no idea what to go for! ALL suggestions welcome!

Post by **mikemolloyuk** » Tue Jan 08, 2013 3:53 pm

Hi Sazzaa

This is a mighty big subject to get into.

You could look at a Tascam US-100 for a budget interface or a Presonus AudioBox.

The choice of Synth is huge. I would suggest you go to a local large music store that has a good selection of product and have a decent demonstration. Then please support the retailer after the demo by buying from them and not getting it a bit cheaper online. You will find then that when you return they will be more willing to give you advice and demos for future purchases.

sohatyi · Post by **sohatyi** » Tue Jan 08, 2013 3:55 pm

If you want a VA that is REALLY easy to program and very flexible with a great keybed, I'd recommend the Novation Ultranova. I picked up mine new for £280. The r3 has a more powerful engine in some ways (and better effects) but it is far harder to pick up IMHO.

Sazzaa · Post by **Sazzaa** » Tue Jan 08, 2013 4:09 pm

Half my problem is that i live in a city with just two music shops, and a poor selection of synths, so online is my best option.

synthjoe · Post by **synthjoe** » Tue Jan 08, 2013 4:56 pm

Sazzaa wrote:Half my problem is that i live in a city with just two music shops, and a poor selection of synths, so online is my best option.

No, it's not. Taking a trip to a city where you have a large music store or a specialist keyboard shop is another option, even if it does not look reasonable at first. Trust me, it'll be worth it - without the relevant objective and experience at hand your online purchase is likely to result in something that you'll want to sell very soon... God only knows how much you're going to lose on that.

Looking up options over the internet and reading reviews is a good preparation - then you can look for (call) a shop where you can try gear on your shortlist. If you like, chances are that you can buy right away.

Sazzaa · Post by **Sazzaa** » Tue Jan 08, 2013 5:29 pm

Ok this place is about 2.5 hours away but it has a decent selection of synths (I think!) http://www.reddogmusic.co.uk/catalog/ke ... nthesisers

synthjoe · Post by **synthjoe** » Tue Jan 08, 2013 6:28 pm

Now we're talking!

Perhaps someone on the forum can advise whether it is worth visiting. And doing your homework online upfront (reading reviews, etc.) will definitively pay off when faced with a pile of all sorts of synths, each with a 'unique selling point'. You'll really want to know what features you're looking for, before listening.

Good luck with your purchase!

csteen · Post by **csteen** » Tue Jan 08, 2013 8:07 pm

For the bang for your buck I would have to recomend something like a Korg M50 . The prices are really sweet and they will do just about anything you might need. Sequencer, Drums ,synths, brass, keys, bass, Tons of downloadable patches in addition to the nearly 1000 patches that come with them stock. Also great arpeggiatiors and a dedicated rhythm track. You can also control vst synths you can get for free on line . All in all for a small ammount of cash considering what you get I do not think you could ask for more.
While I have no experience with the Yamaha MO series an older Mo is fairly cheep and will do alot of the same type of thing however the touch screen on the M50 makes it one hell of a lot easier to work with from everything I have heard to date. I moved to the M50 from the triton Le and the touch screen is a HUGE plus . You can pick one up used in mint conditin for about 600 american or 800 new.

Sazzaa · Post by **Sazzaa** » Fri Jan 11, 2013 12:21 pm

Am I right in saying that the Novation Ultranova also acts as an audio interface?

Sorry for the n00b questions, but I've got to start somewhere!

sohatyi · Post by **sohatyi** » Fri Jan 11, 2013 12:24 pm

Corrrect, it is indeed an audio interface as well.

Post by **mikemolloyuk** » Fri Jan 11, 2013 1:37 pm

Sazzaa wrote:Am I right in saying that the Novation Ultranova also acts as an audio interface?

Sorry for the n00b questions, but I've got to start somewhere!

I dont know the product specifically but the down side with using a single keyboard that has USB is that you are limited to what other sounds you can connect into your software. It might be worth looking at the spec to see if it allows external devices to go through it.

The advantage of a stand alone device like a Roland Quad-Capture or similar is that you are not restricted at all in terms of what you can connect.

Sazzaa · Post by **Sazzaa** » Fri Jan 11, 2013 1:44 pm

Thanks for info. I'm thinking for the sake of £100-£200 I'm probably better off getting a separate AI anyway.

Post by **mikemolloyuk** » Fri Jan 11, 2013 2:22 pm

Well whatever you choose to get, I hope you have fun..!!

Sazzaa · Post by **Sazzaa** » Fri Jan 11, 2013 2:26 pm

That's the plan! Buy toys then learn as I go along! All the technical stuff is pretty daunting but I'm sure it'll become clearer in time

Post by **mikemolloyuk** » Fri Jan 11, 2013 2:47 pm

Well there are many tech heads on this forum so if you get stuck just let us know.