First Synth

[RB26]

Okay so ive just started getting in to some producing, im completely new to this, so im basically starting from the very start and learning the basics. Could you guys recommend a good hardware synth for beginners? I dont really want to spend massive amounts of money on one either

[Asta]

good luck on your synth

[SvenD]

since you just started, I would NOT go the hardware route, unless hardware really gets your gears going . I would start with a soft synth, learn sound design on that synth and master it. There are some BIG name producers that do what's called "in the box" producing, meaning they are so good at the synths that come with their DAW they do not need to expand into the hardware world, everything is done on the computer in the DAW, "in the box".

If you start to really get a grasp on sound design, as in you can hear something on the radio and know how to make it in your software, but you feel like you want to add special characteristics to that sound (warmth, randomness, etc) then you might want to look into getting a hardware synth. However, if you are a strong keyboard player already, you might like a hardware synth so you dont feel like you are always at the computer. But if you do not play piano yet, you will get a TON of great sounds from software instruments that are relatively cheap or even free!

[Spsalms]

since you just started, I would NOT go the hardware route, unless hardware really gets your gears going . I would start with a soft synth, learn sound design on that synth and master it. There are some BIG name producers that do what's called "in the box" producing, meaning they are so good at the synths that come with their DAW they do not need to expand into the hardware world, everything is done on the computer in the DAW, "in the box".

If you start to really get a grasp on sound design, as in you can hear something on the radio and know how to make it in your software, but you feel like you want to add special characteristics to that sound (warmth, randomness, etc) then you might want to look into getting a hardware synth. However, if you are a strong keyboard player already, you might like a hardware synth so you dont feel like you are always at the computer. But if you do not play piano yet, you will get a TON of great sounds from software instruments that are relatively cheap or even free!

The man above is right. If you start with hardware you won't know how to make the sound you want. Since your beginning the whole hardware stuff will be a HUGE learning curve where you could just work with soft synths and use presets. Once you learn and practice then go ahead and make your own patches. Then buy a hardware synth. Its much easier that way and more productive. There are people that do it backwards but I did it softsynth and when I get the bread I'll jump into the hardware.

[B Side Producer]

All of the above.
Then get yourself a midi controller keyboard.
Some that are ok, always try to feel them out yourself in a shop:
- M-Audio Axiom (oxygen is there cheaper range)
- Cakewalk
- Alesis
- Akai
- Novation
- Arturia

Check out what you want to spend. You basically get what you pay. Keyboard of 60 euros won't give you much. Some ppl are very happy with the oxygen while some aren't happy with any keyboard under 300 bucks.
On how many keys: mobility? 25 is very mobile 49 still mobile as well. If mobility doesn't matter, get at least 49. 61 is maybe a better option. Depends on how good you wanna get, if you wanna get a fully weighted electric piano after a while anyway, the room on your desk, etc.
Non weighted vs semi weighted vs fully weighted: just try the keyboards out and see if you like the touch of the keys. Make sure they have key velocity curves that you can edit that determine how hard you press the key to give of a certain midi mssg from 0 to 127 with 0 being the softest and 127 being the hardest. If it supports aftertouch which can be nice for some extra effects (aftertouch is something you can get with pressing the key harder after you pressed em all the way down, whatever, cba to type atm, google it). If the keyboard has aftertouch, make sure you can edit that via a curve as well. The weighted vs semi weighted vs fully weighted becomes interesting when you are playing the keyboard like a pro. Although, fully weighted resembles the feel of piano.

[rroth42086]

i learned everything i need to know about synths on the Reason Subtractor...very useful

[B Side Producer]

i learned everything i need to know about synths on the Reason Subtractor...very useful

What about the modulation matrix in thor and thor itself? That thing is amazing

[hollandturbine]

I started out on an old analog synth that cost me $35 from a second hand store in the 90's, it was a Roland SH-2 and the great thing about it was unlike most of the digital shit that was popular at the time it had a control for every parameter, so even without any reference point such as a manual I was able to figure things out through experimentation and the knowledge I gained from using an analog synth enabled me to understand what needed to be done to get a decent patch out of a digital synth with a rubbish menu diving user interface.

The ability to put our monkey man hands on any parameter is not to be undervalued so I would recommend you start out with a VA (Virtual Analog) synth that features a knob for everything set out in order rather than something like a workstation keyboard with limited controls, software is fine too so long as you have a decent controller and can dedicate enough knobs and buttons for every parameter without getting confused by the physical layout of your controller or distracted by bullshit.

[2ndchance]

Now those two other gentlemen before me, saying you should get started with a virtual synth, their reasoning may be right. Virtual synths that come with DAWs can be inexpensive or free. Personally I cannot sit at a comp and try to do sound design. Nothing beats turning actual knobs and having hardware away from the computer. Now as far as spending, the beauty of analog synths is that you can go out to a store and test em out. Also if things don't work out you can always sell it back, unlike DAWs or virtual synths. Synths are actual instruments and do not loose much value if you take care of them. Good luck with your shopping...I would recommend checking out the miniak by Akai, micron by Alesis or any of the minikorg products. They are virtual analog but a good start.