Anyone here use a Novation Ultranova - synth questions/content

[amos]

Been looking around at starter synths for a long time. I really like the computer-based patch editor, a great way for me to learn to build synth sounds from scratch and get an even better understanding of synthesis. I wish there were lights around the encoders and a dedicated tempo knob, but I can pick one up for $550 new which is damned cheap for how powerful the modulation routing possibilities are.

I had my eye an Access Virus TI2 but they are just damned expensive. I could get a moog voyager for almost the same price.

I really like the Arturia Analog Experience/Analog VSTis based on all the classics like the moog modular, minimoog v, jupiter8, arp 2600. So I want a synth that will act as a decent controller as well. I thought about just going with a top of the line MIDI controller, or even the 49-key MIDI controller that is specifically made for the Arturia Analog softsynths. but I really like the idea of having something that's standalone, latency-free, no computer required, my computer is a basic core 2 duo PC laptop. but that's the bassist part of me coming through.

the Nord Lead 2x was the first real synth I ever experienced, so I've always had a crush and wanted one since I was a kid. A used one isn't out of my price range, although the extra cash would be nice for the effects pedals I'm looking at. The biggest difference is the Nord Lead 2x is multi-timbral whereas the Novation Ultranova is mono-timbral.

Before I decided I wanted to produce my own music at home, it was between the little phatty or DSI mopho,strictly for live performance. I'm not currently in a band and am in writing/recording/learning synthesis/learning DAW/putting together a home studio mode, so something like a Nord Lead 2x or the previously mentioned Novation Ultranova seem to fit the bill better. I can't play keys worth crap so buying a semi-weighted 49 key Nord with all the great b3 and clavinet patches seems a bit wasteful.

Lastly, the Ultranova at $550 is only about twice as much as a really nice 37-key MIDI controller. So the badass synth engine (link below) ends up costing you only around $200-300. It has automap for ableton so I would assume it will act as a decent controller for my needs.

Great demo of the ultranova that I've watched 5 times at least: Synth specialist Daniel Fisher on Novation UltraNova - YouTube

opinions, comments?

appreciated,

-bebopcola

[seamonkey]

For Arturia
Check out the Sem V next to the actual hardware
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_n2ctb40B8
As much as youtube audio is limited, it's a great sounding synth

Novation is great hardware, and automap is amazing for controlling synths and daws.

[amos]

I think this thread is probably harder for folks to respond to because it reads as if I've already made up my mind. But I haven't boought anything! I looooove the sound of moog. it's about as organic as a synth gets to my ears. It inspires me to make music more so than do-it-all machines, even though it pretty much just sounds like a moog, and can't cop juno-60 sounds, etc.

thanks for the link.

[geeza]

You might want to check out the M-Audio Venom.

[seamonkey]

Only today 1/15/2012
Arturia - Analog Experience-The Laboratory & V Collection 2 Bundle $600
Analog Experience-The Laboratory & V Collection 2 Bundle

This is every synth except Oberheim SEM V
Incredible deal
Arturia just released an update to their ARP 2600
One thing about Arturia is almost every update is free - free for years.

[amos]

Yeah I love the Arturo's stuff , especially the arp 2600 and arp patches in analog experience. I have decided on the dsi mopho and akai mpk25 midi controller.