string synthesizers

currently i'm looking for a synthesizer for my set up. i'm looking for a synth with multiple midi channels or just midi in and outs i'm not picky. i know there are plenty of good ones out there the motifs and trinitys and fantoms. but there are also the jx-8p and everything before i got into making beats. i want one that makes nice string sounds and pads maybe even simple wavs i'm not objected to romplers as longs as they can be programmed. what do people in here use when there trying to fill in there sample tracks and have experience with please let me know.. what boards do you have good things to say about and everything ive been on vintagesynths for like a couple weeks just looking at all the synths out there and everything and there sure are a lot so if anyone has some input it will be appreciated

Here's a list of string sources I usually go for:

-Yamaha Motif ES Rack

-Korg Triton Rack

-Kurzweil K2500RS Rack

-Roland JV1080 w/ 2 expansion cards

-Kontakt 3 s/w sampler synth

And out of them all, I like the Kurz because it sounds the most authentic when it comes to strings.

Even the small Kurzweil modules have that realness to their strings, maybe it's something worth checking out.

i like the IK Multimedia's, Miroslov Philharmonic...
but that's a VST, you want an actual synth

If you want real ill strings then you get no MIDI.


Maybe you should listen to James and go with Miroslov Philharmonic and just get a hardware VST unit.

I use a Crumar String Synthesizer for strings mostly. The sound could be found all over the first 2 Duran Duran albums. I also use a Nord Lead. I like those for strings through some analog fx. There are others, but too pricey to mention!

You mentioned the JX8P. Great for strings. However, not so easily programmable, but still programmable. Unless you get the additional programmer to give you that analogish.

I recommend a Korg MS2000. Lots of knobs. Polyphonic. Cheap. Maybe I'd even say a Roland JP8000.

I'd get anything from above before a rompler.

Sovereign wrote:If you want real ill strings then you get no MIDI.


Maybe you should listen to James and go with Miroslov Philharmonic and just get a hardware VST unit.

Sure boxcutter, you might want to crab a Muse Receptor because as we all know...you got it like that.

But all jokes aside, get what you feel that best fits your ideas, the sound you're after, and most importantly...your budget.

Sh!t, if you were my little brutha, I'd probably buy you one just for GP.

budgets not really a problem im not trying to spend like 2 grand on one synth id cop a motif xs for that but i think im gunna roll with a jx8p and try to get the modeling board with it. or if the opportunity comes up im wanna cop a jupitar 8 i just want one where i dont have to keep looking for new ones i just want one that will be fine for a while

dabmeister wrote:
Sure boxcutter, you might want to crab a Muse Receptor because as we all know...you got it like that.

lemme get on putting that together

^^^ In other words, you're looking for a good expandable modular synth.

motif is a expandable modular synth, I think it can fit 3 or 4 PLG cards. not sure how quality they are tho

I guess I misunderstood what he's looking for.

If you want killer strings you have to get a machine that's pre-MIDI, something like the ARP Solina or even the Omni.
If not then you need to go with a big bad VI.

If you are talking about strings like you get in a Motif, Fantom, M3 etc then it's not worth asking since they all can give you that type of string.
You just need to pick one.

I assumed you were talking about big lush strings.

what do people think about the sequential circuits six trak?
ive listened to some demos and they sound alright

its quite alright....same Curtis CEM3394 chips as the Akai ax73

can get some nice bases and pads out of it

6-voice polyphonic subtractive, only one VCO/voice! so a bit limited

and not so hands on for editing

Specifications
Polyphony - 6 Voice Polyphony and 6 part Multitimbral
Oscillators - 6 VCO's (sawtooth, triangle, variable width)
Memory - 100 patches
Filter - 24 dB/oct lowpass w/ ADSR envelope
VCA - Standard ADSR
LFO - Yes
Keyboard - 48 keys
Arpeg/Seq - Arpeggiator (up/down) and 2-Track sequencer (up to 800 notes)
Control - MIDI (all parameters are midi controllable)
Date Produced - 1984

i think i might pick one up i don't mind the 6 voices i only plan on using it to fill not full tracks

boxcutter butta wrote:Specifications
Polyphony - 6 Voice Polyphony and 6 part Multitimbral
Oscillators - 6 VCO's (sawtooth, triangle, variable width)
Memory - 100 patches
Filter - 24 dB/oct lowpass w/ ADSR envelope
VCA - Standard ADSR
LFO - Yes
Keyboard - 48 keys
Arpeg/Seq - Arpeggiator (up/down) and 2-Track sequencer (up to 800 notes)
Control - MIDI (all parameters are midi controllable)
Date Produced - 1984

i think i might pick one up i don't mind the 6 voices i only plan on using it to fill not full tracks

I remember playing a Six Trak. I was interested in the sequencer actually. I got an Ensoniq ESQ instead.

I have 3 Sequential Circuits synthesizers. Anything Dave Smith makes would be good in my opinion. From the specs Boxcutter has up there sounds like a great little synth and its multitimbral. Good for fills. I don't remember being overwhelmed by the sound. If all 100 patches can be overwritten, very nice too.

I'd say get this over a rompler any day.

i respect your opinion switch as ive seen your recent picture in the pics of your cribs.
so you think it would be nice to add under samples to fill i just want a synth that will play fly on the wall and be there but not live for the attention