So what’s the most usual first synth in the year 2022? Not asking what’s the best for a beginner, but what’s what people often start with? I’d say it’s a B clone, but I could be wrong.
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Syntakt, apparently?? These Elektron cats know what they’re doing.
I see the Minilogue in No2, I bet that’s a good shout. My first ‘proper’ hardware synth was a Monologue and they are brilliant for the money.
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Monologue is an excellent first synth.
Definitely the Syntakt. It’s unusual for many reasons:
- The Elektron way of blurring the line between the synth and the sequencer parts
- Both analog and digital synthesis
- Blurring the lines between FM and subtractive synthesis.
- Sounds like a Sega Megadrive/Genesis.
If I started my music making journey on one of these (and loved the sound of Sega), I’d probably have a hard time ever leaving the Elektron ecosystem because the workflow is so distinct and fun.
Did you read the OP
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I reckon it’s Analog in a cracked copy of ableton mostly.
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B clone sounds about right for dipping your toes. The Behringer Poly D can do superb bass and leads. Its a great price. Well built as well.
Interesting because I have no idea, whereas in the mid 2000s - at least mid 2010s I feel that microkorg would have easily been in the lead.
I would imagine minilogue/xd because it’s in guitar center which is the most common music store to find at least on the east coast. But maybe reverb has changed things for people just beginning?
Not sure if that was directed at me, but yes, I did. And I tried to reply accordingly.
Id say the volcas would be popular for a first choice and nicely priced to dip your toes.
Depends, if you want to mainly play or sequence. The top sellers @natehorn posted pretty much sum it up
When I first started monkeying with synths about four years ago, I started with a Boog and a Keystep. I put a fair amount of search time in, and consistently the advice given was “start by learnisubtractive synthesis on a monosynth.” I’m not sure that there’s better advice out there today.
Bare in mind that Thomann’s list represents what they have in stock and what they want to push onto you to buy.
For instance, there’s zero chance that the Arturia Polybrute has sold more than the Take 5.
That list has zero Roland, Moog, Sequential to name but 3 big players.
So take it with a pinch of salt, fellas.
Also, I agree with it being hard to look past Behringer for value, but, personally, I get 0% feel good factor from owning any Behringer product, they feel dirty/tainted/a big compromise… whereas owning a Moog or Prophet feels good, like you own something with real heritage and value.
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My first synth in early 2022 was the MicroFreak, which is a blast and a good physical size, neat design, and moderate price point for finding out if I enjoyed hardware synthesis, as a longtime musician getting over a foot injury.
It was … quickly followed by more to complement it. Not sure if I would have gone straight for the Syntakt if I were just starting out, but when it came out I knew immediately it was the “groovebox” solution I’d been seeking out to complement that first synth.
Definitely nothing from Elektron.
Probably a Korg Mini/Monologue or something from Arturia.