VA-Synth (no vintage) with at least 49 Keys under 800€

The Lounge Other Gear
1

Hi,

i´m searching for a Virtual-Analog Synthesizer to complete my Setup (AR, AK, OT, Waldorf Rocket + Pulse 2). I need at least 49 Keys and 12 Voices for Keyboard-Playing (not possible with my AK). My Price-Limit is 800€ (new or used) so an Access Virus Keyboard is too expensive for me.

I have 3 Favorites but they all have their problems:

  1. Waldorf Blofeld (LFO- and Midi-Sync-Bugs)
  2. Nord Lead 2x (average Keys & no effects)
  3. Studiologic Sledge (Size is too big and the color is … very special)

Is there an alternative VA-Synthesizer fitting in my Setup?

2

Korg MS-2000K?

3

maybe a novation ultranova?

1 Like
4

You might also consider the Nord Lead 3, which has an enhanced specification but most importantly a much better user interface than the Nord Lead 2X.

[Full disclosure: I am about to sell my Nord Lead 3 in order to downsize to the Nord Rack 3.]

5

I would have suggested the Blofeld Keyboard version. Where did you read about MIDI sync issues? The only problems I hear about are the encoders jumping which from my experience has been more or less corrected in the current beta firmware.

6

you should be able to find a korg radias with the keyboard attachment.

you might want to just look for a keyboard you like and then midi up a synth though?

7

Novation KS4

8

I would suggest a JP-8000 or a Yamaha AN1x… except they’re both 10 voices I believe and borderline vintage. You could, however pick one up cheap, hook up a Blofeld module to it and still have change from €800.

AN1x is still the best sounding VA I’ve come across. Not as much fun to program as some though, but the effects are also top notch.

9


Novation nova rack - it’s not really a rack but more a “laptop” or desk module.
12 voices as standard, can be had for less than 200 euro - then buy the best 49 key controller you can find for your budget.

http://www.vintagesynth.com/novation/nova.php

Latest OS gives you 16 voices, new filters and waveforms.

You could also go the used Ti Snow route but you’d have less knobs and less to spend on a controller but arguably a more flexible synth engine…

Either way you have the flexibility to get a great keybed and then swap modules at your leisure in the future.

10

A Blofeld-Owner from another Board told me his Blofeld would skip the first note when the ARP is slaved to an external Midi-Clock - sorry, if this information is wrong.

11

I am selling an excellent condition Yamaha AN1-X that I too (as someone else in this thread has mentioned) think this is one of the best sounding VA’s you can get.
Programing is actually pretty straightforward with the amount of knobs and simple dial system.
Awesome arpeggiator + sequencer + fx + modulation make this a pretty versatile synth.
http://www.elektronauts.com/t/yamaha-an1x-sold-blue-virtual-analouge/8016
:]

12

@Sammy - I have the desktop. The Arp bug you mention was resolved in the most recent OS update.

13

how about the king korg?

i think it is overpriced at the brand new price, but the used prices in america are $700-800 US, which is pretty reasonable. i have recently become enamored with it. there are only a few youtube videos outside of the official product demonstrations, but they sound GOOD. it has a lot of filter emulations on it (moog, oberheim, ms-20, etc.), and i have seen a lot of people mention just how smooth the filters are (even the ever-so-picky nick at sonic state mentioned this).

it satisfies your keyboard requirements, has two timbres than can be layered or split, and has 24 voices.

here’s some videos (including some with the analog four doing the final processing):