SV 1 + ???

scales · Post by **scales** » Sat Apr 07, 2012 6:39 pm

I just purchaed an SV-1 88. I'm trying to decide whether to get another (small) keyboard on top or try the soft synth route in my laptop. This rig is not for gigging (maybe a coffee house or two every now and then); mainly sitting in my bedroom writing and recording.

I have absolutely no experience with software synthsesizers and wouldn't know where to begin. I'm about average when it comes to getting around on a computer. I pick up things fairly quickly.

Do you guys or gals have any suggestions or recommendations when it comes to software brands or packages? I've heard and read good things about Reason. The only negative thing I read about Reason is that it does not support VSTs.

Low Class · Post by **Low Class** » Sun Apr 08, 2012 12:37 am

If you decide to go with a second keyboard Kurzweil is blowing out the PC361. Most dealers have them for $999 shipped, but I got mine on eBay for $999 with the ribbon controller included which is worth $100. It's a great complement to the SV-1 and you can use it as a standalone if you don't want to haul the SV-1 out.

scales · Post by **scales** » Sun Apr 08, 2012 4:06 am

That's a great price on a powerful board. I'll give it some thought. I've been thinking about how nice it would be to set my laptop on the SV loaded.

ShaunKorg · Post by **ShaunKorg** » Mon Apr 09, 2012 12:42 pm

For Mac try Garage Band.

For Windows try Mixcraft. (Its a Garage Band look alike)

Both support VST's.

scales · Post by **scales** » Mon Apr 09, 2012 7:25 pm

Thanks Shaun I'll give it a look!

whirlyberg · Post by **whirlyberg** » Mon Apr 30, 2012 4:39 pm

I have a CP80 and a Midi interface into a Windows machine running an armada of VSTs but, have also been looking for a...portable... auxillary options. I've looked a bit into running an iPhone and Akai Synthstation 25. This is actually quite convenient and nice, but stability is not good enough for live use (in my opinion)

I played around with one of the new casios over the weekend at a local store. The organ controls are nice (but I found the 'drawbars' to be laggy) It actually has a nice waterfall-ish keybed that compliments the piano keys on an SV1. I didn't have enough of a chance to get fully into the features of the casio, but I found it to be a little lacking--ie couldn't find drive/rotary controls etc.,

I keep looking more and more at the Nord Wave. The Mellotron samples plus synth controls make it a very viable option. The Electro 3 is also on my radar.

Casio is nice but I just have a hard time considering it "worthy." Then again, it's really hard to argue with such an attractive price point.

Edit: Went back and played with the Casio some more. This thing is killer for the price. it isn't "as good" as a Nord for organ sounds, but it's got some amazing possibilities, midi, (found the rotary controller, my hand was over it when I looked last time

) I'm seriously considering this thing--I'd say I'm put hesitant mostly because of the price (too good to be true!)