Want to start playing a synth

[SoonerMatt]

So I've really wanted to pick up a little synth to play around with and possibly do some live playing and I thought I settled on the microKORG. However, after reading some other forums and reviews, everyone says the microKORG XL or R3 are where it's at now.

Since I'm not going to be using synth too much (at first) and don't have the funds to buy the R3, would the extra $100-ish for the XL be worth it?

EDIT
I was also told the Alesis Micron is another synth to look at and that it blows the microKORGs out of the water but isn't as durable. Any experiences?

[SoonerMatt]

Nobody?

[bassybill]

For me, thiis is the way to go:

MIDI keyboard
Decent audio/MIDI interface
PC plugged into a good sound system

There's no end to what you can do with this sort of setup for playing and recording, using some great software synths. It will beat to **** any hardware instrument you can buy.

[superbassman2000]

i would say micron given the choices--i wasn't impressed with the microkorg

[rakirksey]

Originally Posted by bassybill

For me, thiis is the way to go:

MIDI keyboard
Decent audio/MIDI interface
PC plugged into a good sound system

There's no end to what you can do with this sort of setup for playing and recording, using some great software synths. It will beat to **** any hardware instrument you can buy.

I went the hardware route vs. the computer/MIDI keyboard/soft synth route. I wouild also say that the Micron is probably a good starter AND you could probably find used ones for around $300 USD pretty readily.

The main things you want to look at though are the following:

1. Edit on the hardware vs. Edit on the computer

2. Cost of entry

3. Variety of sounds desired

4. Gig worthiness

Some hardware will require you to edit on the computer like the Micron since editing on the hardware is more than tedious.

As far as cost of entry, the laptop/MIDI controller route will probably be more expensive, but depending on where you end up going may provide a cheaper overall solution. Also if with the laptop/MIDI controller/soft synth you can easily transport what you use for recording into a live setting.

Variety of sounds may be somewhat limited by hardware, but it will more than likely be limited to the capabilities you have with subtractive synthesis. Subtractive synthesis can get really deep with even a simple synth architecture.

For me the hardware seemed more sturdy than a laptop, but YMMV depending.

[Vic Winters]

MicroKorg has tiny keys which can be a pain in the butt.

[TheWolf]

I am holding out for this to come out this summer...

http://www.rolandconnect.com/product.php?p=sh-01

[iamlowsound]

Micron and a good laptop is where it is at.

lowsound

[SoonerMatt]

Originally Posted by TheWolf

I am holding out for this to come out this summer...

http://www.rolandconnect.com/product.php?p=sh-01

If I had the $700 I'd be all over this in May.

And yeah, it seems like the Micron is blowing the microKORG out of the water. Just listening to sound clips it's obvious that the little extra cost of the Micron puts it miles ahead of the microKORG.

[superbassman2000]

to echo what others have said, the microkorg is small--it feels like a toy--the micron looks more like a toy, but it has some way better sounds...plus it's a personal thing but i don't like the program select bank where the presets are listed under genres--i think that's kinda dumb.

[Omniant]

I'm not sure exactly how much experience you have with synths or what types of sounds you're looking for, but after having experience with several different ones, I've realized that the microkorg and other similar synths are pretty sterile and lacking.

There are a few things I can still do with a microkorg but the sounds really turn me off for the most part. Don't get me wrong, the price point is great, but if you look around you can get a lot more for not that much money (especially used). What kind of sounds are you looking for?

[LaklandMike]

Just a thought: If you already have a pc (it doesn't have to be a laptop, but it would be easier if you plan on gigging), you can find Reason 4.0 for cheap on places like craigslist. One guy was selling Reason 4.0 on the Sacramento craigslist this week for $50. Then, all you need is a midi controller like the Axiom 25 for $175 (new), and you have a fat synth setup for $225. You'll also get all the other goodies that come with Reason like the drum machine, sampler, vocoder, and tons of other stuff. Every time I boot up Reason, I find new and crazy things to do with it. I guess if I could afford a fat hardware synth I would get one, but since I can't, the software route made sense and it has been working with no problems at all.

Good luck with whatever route you choose!

[liquid-dream-ex]

I also root for the micron. If I didn'T already own a novation xio i'd buy the micron.

the main reason not to buy the microkorg (or micro xl) are the small keys.

If you like the idea of your synth also doubling as usb-interface go with the xio. It sounds quite good, and someone made a nice editing software for pc. It's also pretty realiable. I dropped it twice on stage but it's still working like a champ.

[mikkejohansson]

just got the Micron yesterday and I'm really happy with the sounds so far! plan on diving in to the editing once the kids are asleep tonight (it's morning in Sweden right now).