which synth might you choose between these 2 for a first synth?

racefaceec90

i would like to get a synth to mess about with and attempt various stuff from ambient sound scapes to vangelis/jean michel jarre and other stuff like trance etc (obviously my lack of skill will be an issue ha).

basically a synth that i can learn and grow with and be able to do a wide variety of sounds (am not rich or have space for a lot of synths unfortunately)

i am thinking either the asm hydrasynth explorer or the arturia minifreak as  reviews and videos etc have highly rated them both.

which one might you choose?

thanks :-)  

edit i know there are virtual synths on pc i can get but would like a real synth specifically for physical use etc.

Musical_Mystery_Tour

The hydrasynth explorer is great. Lots of cool presets and easy to create new stuff. I really like mine and highly recommend it.

monquixote

I think they are two brilliant choices.

The Hydrasynth is probably the more powerful but the Minifreak has a VST.

Keep in mind they are both modern Wavetable Synths rather than retro analogue synths if you want the wonky synthwave stuff.

Stratavarious

Minilogue XD..  compact, very hands on, great for learning… I loved its big siblings, the Prologue 8 & 16…

If 4 note polyphony is likely to be an issue, you might want something else though.

paulmapp8306

Ive had both of your options,   However, neither are ultra simple to get around.   the minilogue XD as mentioned is easier in that regard, and the Behringer deep mind is also better int his regard and sounds really good too.

That said - if its a choice from the two you mentioned ... The Microfreak sound better IMO but the Hydranth is more varied, capable  and probably easier to learn.  In some way its interface - accessing one "section" at a time cold help the learning process. 

While "technically" wavetable based... the HS isnt.   Its only 7 waves per table not 64 as normal, and it has the standard static waveforms for traditional subtractive synthesis.  If it were me - Id go hydranth from those two in your position., 

racefaceec90

I have just ordered a minifreak from andertons in stellar black special edition. The main reason is that it was on special offer but i also like the fact it has a sequencer and i also prefer the layout of the controls etc. 

Very much looking forward to getting it and making sounds with it :-)

prowla

I have a Behringer Model D - the Minimoog controls layout encapsulates a logical left-to-right flow of the signal chain.

Basher

Another Hydrasynth vote here. I've only just got mine (49 key model) but what's amazing is the Explorer is the same sonically but with a few less controls because of the smaller size. It's an absolute bargain!
You'll still have to put the hours in and learn about synthesis but the controls are very well done. The "soft" encoders change, depending on whether you're adjusting an oscillator, envelope, lfo etc. and it's designed very well imo.
Another big plus is that it's become a hugely popular synth so there are lots of tutorials and patches available online.
I've also found that the criticisms of it's cold or digital sound are misplaced. It can sound as warm as the virtual analogs I've tried or owned. I guess the real synth heads might be able to tell it from an analog oberheim but it's close enough for me. Besides, all the extra waveforms open up loads of possibilities and my experience with NI Massive has shown that I like digital and wavetable sounds too. 

Vintage65

This is the best Hydrasynth advert ever!

monquixote

Vintage65 said:

The best Hydrasynth advert ever!

6 Hydras!

Vintage65

monquixote said:

Vintage65 said:

The best Hydrasynth advert ever!

6 Hydras!

The sound is incredible and I nearly bought one after watching the video, even though I don't play keyboards much