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best bang-for-buck desktop synth keyboard for recording

rylie

rylie

Sep 25, 2017
464
589
somewhere stable
#1
Posted earlier here asking opinions for MIDI sound modules. Thank you, to the two who replied. This post, I'm asking for experienced users opinions/comments about the current favorite all in one, synth keyboard with integrated onboard sounds and presets. That's one synth keyboard into a Tascam Portasound (no computer). Yes, I'm aware these can get $$$$. This is a hobby. My goal is under $500. I'm open to used priced gear as well. Please recommend. Thanks.
 
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#2
Yamaha's MX and Roland's RS line are what I call "general purpose" synthesizers...lots of preset standard sounds like pianos, organs, strings, horns with a lot of synth patches included too. The emphasis is on having a lot of preset sounds that can be selected quickly. Think of a working cover band or a commercial composer...

Other synths are (Korg Minilogue, Moogs and others) are geared for explicitly electronic music and lack "realistic" sounds like pianos and horns. Most will have presets, but are also geared for tweaking existing sounds and creating and saving new ones.

High end "workstation" keyboards are similar to the general purpose types, but usually have a larger weighted keyboard and a built in sequencer for recording keyboard parts. These tend to be pretty expensive.

I see GC's used section has several Yamaha MX 49s for sale, they seem to go for about $420 give or take.
 
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#5
I have a Roland Fantom, it's a workstation/sampler, but now I do everything I need now in DAWs. It's just much easier for me to use a PC. Not everyone agrees.

For helps on Keyboards see:
Keyboard Workstation Buying Guide - inSync

I don't know if you got drums and other automation, but an arranger keyboard will give you a good deal of everything you need to jam and arrange with. Full songs and arrangements in the keyboard. Watch the video's

$300-500 range:
Portable & Arranger Keyboards | Sweetwater
 
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#8
I personally would get garageband than a Nektar keyboard with a music interface... but im biased opinion because i own a Nektar... they have VERY Affordable Great systems --- And I am not affiliated with them -- just like what I have used so far very good system and I use it with Qbase. But you can hook it into garage band for free and pick up a keyboard for 200-300. I got my eyes set on a Korg to be honest ---
 
#10
Seriously though, even an older iPad with Garageband is a great idea.

Using the iPad keyboard for simple single note stuff requires focus, but with a midi keyboard it is soooo easy.

The iPad synth sounds are great.
 
#14
Ben Clarke said:
Is there a reason why you're thinking of investing that kind of money in a hardware synth for recording?

Virtual instruments are tough to beat for value and convenience.
Click to expand...

As the original post stated, I have a TASCAM Portasound. I have experience with a MIDI keyboard and GarageBand and all the virtual instruments that come with that. My next goal is either (a) add a standalone sound module, like Roland Sound Canvas, or (b) a unified sound/keyboard, in one unit, like Roland RS series. Roland is for reference only. In the end, it's a keyboard into a Portasound. Sound module OR unified synth is the decision.
 
#15
lol.. nothing like starting a reply with "per my email..." along with a taste of "I already know that". You still didn't answer about what the reason is, all of which leaves me unable and unwilling to help, which is actually something I get paid really well to do because I'm pretty good at it. All of which is fine by me.

Good luck with your decision.
 
#16
The reason is because he has a hardware recorder he wants to use, so he wants a hardware synth to go with it. He has said before he has a TASCAM Portasound multitrack recorder. He does not want to use a DAW at this point.

Different strokes for different folks…
 
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#18
Ben Clarke said:
I was asking about the context, in an effort to avoid the limitations of my bias. Sheesh.
Click to expand...


Yeah, I get it. There is no flame here. Just addressing his lack of reply to you.

Context is always relevant to gather information around a subject or topic. It helps, I think we all understand that.

When a question is direct, asking ‘why would you do that’ or ‘why aren’t you doing this instead’ isn’t about context anymore. It comes across as an assumptive predisposition that the person asking doesn’t have enough understanding or self qualification themselves to know what they are asking.

It happens often on TB. A response or reason from the OP isn't required.
 
#20
Ben Clarke said:
Is there a reason why you're thinking of investing that kind of money in a hardware synth for recording?

Virtual instruments are tough to beat for value and convenience.
Click to expand...

I have been using virtual instruments since I discovered that my new desk wouldn't accommodate my keyboard workstation (!). They sound lame and eat up my CPU and RAM. The best virtual instruments (specifically Roland) are subscription-based now, which is a business model that I loathe and detest. Also, when I'm using these instruments, I am often running my webcams, Sibelius, Neck Diagrams, Reason 10, and a Zoom call all at the same time, which leads to even small samples glitching out. None of this is convenient. So I'm on the precipice now of going all-in and getting an Integra-7. Frees up computer power, and sounds better than any software I've tried. Also has those all-important Roland sounds that you can't get anywhere else unless you get a Roland Cloud account. Which is a hard pass.
 
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