Low-cost hardware synth for sound design? (filmmaking)

I recommended three synths, two of which are very cheap and one which is moderately expensive. I also gave some hints as to where to find more information. Finally, I concluded with a comment on the deeply personal and aesthetic nature of your question.

You could make use of the search function - there are a ton of similar threads here from which you can obtain a list of synths to audition on YouTube.

If you go do some homework then when you return you will be able to ask more nuanced questions and get more useful answers. But if you are here to fight it looks like there are a few people here willing to engage in single combat with you.

So do you want to find a cool synth to make strange sounds with or do you prefer to argue with randos?

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Ah it’s been a long week. I’m hot. The air con is busted.

Tell me - what hardware gear do you have?

Strange sounds please.

sure: none

Got it. What software then?

Things in my studio you may enjoy:

  • Syntrx Mk1 (Mk2 is fine but seems less raw and weird to me)
  • Korg ARP 2600m (or B2600, or an OG 2600 or 2500 if you have infinite money and studio space for synths)
  • Korg OPSIX (mk1, 2 or desktop are all fine) or Volca FM (2 is better but a cheap used OG is fine)
  • Behringer K2 (or any of the Korg MS20s, OG or the reissues)
  • Any of the other Behringers with patch points
  • A Eurorack modular (money pit, but the ultimate in experimentation. Pick Buchla or Serge if you want to remain a little more focused but with a much higher initial outlay)
  • Voltage Lab 2 (approximately a modern take on the Buchla Music Easel)
  • Any Elektron, but particularly the Monomachine or Octatrack (I don’t have any of the Digis, they seem great too)
  • Microfreak
  • Minibrute 2s (contains a great integrated sequencer but the patchable synth is great too)
  • A field recorder with built in microphones

That’s off the top of my head and stuff that I either own or own clones of. All of them have either dedicated threads here or discussion within other threads.

Fortunately it’s (slightly) more socially acceptable to have a harem of synths than of humans. :crazy_face:

Now it’s time for you to do some homework!

Korg Minilogue XD

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Well that’s my bank holiday ruined haha. thanks.

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OG Digitone.

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An Analog Four MK1 you can find them cheap enough now it will do everything you need and way more…
If you can’t afford it save a little extra and get it I have done a ton of sound effects with it and it just keeps on giving.
Also grab a cheap field recorder and record any weirdness you like.

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Ableton 12 stock plugins

if it’s not an early 1970’s minimoog then frankly I can’t imagine how you expect to make any kind of music with it at all let alone design sounds for major motion pictures and television.

sorry friend, back to the old drawing board.

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I’d play DA and say a fully restored CS-80 is the only option.
/s

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I guess you can get similar sounds out of Microfreak (+external FX)? or am I missing more differences between the Mini and Micro?

also what were the main differences that made you like the Mini and dislike the Micro?

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fixed that glaring omission for you.

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I can’t speak to that since I honestly didn’t delve deep enough in to the Micro. Having the fx connected to the mod matrix is a huge win imo.

Standard keys, FX, and polyphony. Slightly spread out knobs. The VST integration is big for me because I have found I’m able to learn the synth better on a big screen and then take the knowledge back to the hardware.

This thread is already comedy gold. I’ll make a large pot with potcorn for all of ya!

My next suggestion for a cool synth for weird sounds: Lyra! Or something like Koma Elektronik Chromaplane – KOMA Elektronik

honestly… there are 1000 things you could like / use / want! It’s a journey. Just start somewhere!

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Get an iPad !

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I had the micro… sent it back. I think the minifreak would be a keeper. At least from what I read here and there

Here’s a Hydrasynth Desktop version at Reverb for $600 (great for variety of sounds and really easy access UI but deep programming if you want): https://reverb.com/item/89082619-asm-hydrasynth-desktop-polyphonic-synthesizer-2020-black

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