What synth should I get?

jonnygreentrees

Getting some inheritance soon and want to buy an analogue modelling synth to mess around with. Not a fan of the sound of Microkorgs, been looking at the new Roland Boutique synths but only 4 notes polyphony bothers me and the 3.5mm output too.

I basically want something for under £400 that does nice pads!

bbill335

2nd hand minilogue?

jonnygreentrees

Minilogue looks cool, I'll definitely keep an eye out for one

GavRichList

Minilogue is basically the only one that meets your criterea (analog poly) - the others mentioned are modelling only. Get a minilogue - it looks great. 

jonnygreentrees

nah I'm not fussed with it being modelling as long as it sounds good

bbill335

There was a time when you could get a juno for not much more than 400 but these days they're more like 7-800 at least

GavRichList

Would still get the minilogue on that budget. If you're not fussy about having keys, you could get a rack - the Oberheim I bought is the best £400 I've ever spent 

goldtop

Minilogue's no good as it's 4-voice poly (like those boutiques).

Modern: Waldorf Blofeld (limited interface, sounds excellent).

Old-school: JP8000 or even AN1x (limited due to older DSP tech, but both are becoming a bit cultish)

Left-field: Korg Z1 (physical modelling)

Or follow Gav's approach on an old proper analogue.

mixolyd

Depends how nice you want the sound to be: analogue sounds a bit better and feels way, way better.

I wouldn't touch any of the digitals which leaves Minilogue as the only option since a poly rack unit like the Matrix will come in closer to 2x your budget.

goldtop

Except the OP says 4 voices isn't enough.

(FWIW, the analogue/digital polemic is daft, because this is synthesis, and there are sounds that digital synths like the Blofeld will do that no analogue synth will ever manage.)

Moss

I really like the Yamaha Reface CS - 8 note polyphony and some decent sounds, the detuned saw is particularly nice

tampadragon

The Blofeld sounds great, I've added to my wishlist of synths!
Also Amazon have them for £284 for the desktop version at the moment!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Waldorf-Blofeld-Modeling-Synthesis-Module/dp/B0011P8ICA

stratman3142

Are virtual (VSTi) synths an option for you?

In your price range you could get a midi keyboard, midi interface to your computer and a good virtual (VSTi) synth.

I can recommend a few that I've got. My favourite analogue synth VSTi is Ultra Analog by AAS.

jonnygreentrees

stratman3142 said:

Are virtual (VSTi) synths an option for you?

In your price range you could get a midi keyboard, midi interface to your computer and a good virtual (VSTi) synth.

I can recommend a few that I've got. My favourite analogue synth VSTi is Ultra Analog by AAS.

I use VSTis at home and our keyboard player uses them live with a midi controller and laptop but I fancy something self-contained to mess around on

Strangefan

I love the minivova personally,the bass station is pretty fantastic too ( although not within your spec 

rossyamaha

I know nothing about them but our Reface ones seem to do well.

mixolyd

goldtop said:

(FWIW, the analogue/digital polemic is daft, because this is synthesis, and there are sounds that digital synths like the Blofeld will do that no analogue synth will ever manage.)

Its true that digital can do sounds that analogue can't be the reverse is equally true: the digital repros of analogue stuff don't get the sound.  Modelling in the guitar world is way ahead of the synth world.

VJIves

I'm in love with my Ultranova.

octatonic

Used Roland JP8000.

blobb

Supernova II.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GECYYWlQErE

Luminous

2nd hand novation k station