I have been reading the forums, and still trying to decide. I have the M3 w/EXB-Radias (and LOVE it!), I now want to add/learn more about creating sounds. The Radias intrigues me since it appears to have easier, hardware (knobs) to alter, modify, create sounds to help in my education. I like the touch and feel of hardware, more than learning to manipulate and find a place to put a computer/monitor.
But I worry that there is too much overlap in the sounds etc on the EXB vs the Radias - perhaps another synth might provide the education AND significant additions to my sounds (recongnizing the M3 has more than I could probably every use). Just don't want to put out the money and feel like I didn't add much to the M3. Anyone out there that has the M3w/EXB-Radias, and added the Radias let me know your experience or why you decided to add?
Thanks!
Have the M3/EXB-Radias Should I add the Radias
Moderators: Sharp, X-Trade, Pepperpotty, karmathanever
-
PharmerTom
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Sat Dec 12, 2009 6:29 pm
Not exactly what you're asking, but I bought the Radias keyboard instead of adding the EXB-Radias to my M3, and I'm really glad I did. I agree with you that having all the knobs and buttons gives you easier access to all the parameters for programming.
Now I wouldn't necessarily recommend both, because of the overlap. There are less-expensive alternatives from Korg--like the MicroKorg or R3...or, check out something from Nord, Access, or Waldorf.
Now I wouldn't necessarily recommend both, because of the overlap. There are less-expensive alternatives from Korg--like the MicroKorg or R3...or, check out something from Nord, Access, or Waldorf.
M3, Triton Classic, Radias, Motif XS, Alesis Ion
I'm no expert, but im guessing theyd have a fair amount of overlap. R3 as well.
Maybe an MS2000?
And Access Virus's sound amazing, albeit being expensive.
Maybe an MS2000?
And Access Virus's sound amazing, albeit being expensive.
Current: MS-20 Mini, Minilogue, SY77
Past: Korg R3, Volca Bass, X50, Mg Slim Phatty, Rld Gaia SH-01, Yamaha TX81Z
Have my freebie granular plug-in: https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewt ... p?t=192886
Past: Korg R3, Volca Bass, X50, Mg Slim Phatty, Rld Gaia SH-01, Yamaha TX81Z
Have my freebie granular plug-in: https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewt ... p?t=192886
They do have a lot of overlap, however the Radias is capable of many of sounds that you can't do with the EXB - but probably can do with EDS.
I'd suggest an MS2000 or original MicroKorg, great for learning more about programming on, still a korg (a +1 for me
), and much easier to get a fat analog sound. I'd quite like to get one (or get my old MK back) myself for basses and leads.
I'd suggest an MS2000 or original MicroKorg, great for learning more about programming on, still a korg (a +1 for me
), and much easier to get a fat analog sound. I'd quite like to get one (or get my old MK back) myself for basses and leads.Current Gear: Kronos 61, RADIAS-R, Volca Bass, ESX-1, microKorg, MS2000B, R3, Kaossilator Pro +, MiniKP, AX3000B, nanoKontrol, nanoPad MK II,
Other Mfgrs: Moog Sub37, Roland Boutique JX03, Novation MiniNova, Akai APC40, MOTU MIDI TimePiece 2, ART Pro VLA, Focusrite Saffire Pro 40.
Past Gear: Korg Karma, TR61, Poly800, EA-1, ER-1, ES-1, Kawai K1, Novation ReMote37SL, Boss GT-6B
Software: NI Komplete 10 Ultimate, Arturia V Collection, Ableton Live 9. Apple OSX El Capitan on 15" MacBook Pro
Other Mfgrs: Moog Sub37, Roland Boutique JX03, Novation MiniNova, Akai APC40, MOTU MIDI TimePiece 2, ART Pro VLA, Focusrite Saffire Pro 40.
Past Gear: Korg Karma, TR61, Poly800, EA-1, ER-1, ES-1, Kawai K1, Novation ReMote37SL, Boss GT-6B
Software: NI Komplete 10 Ultimate, Arturia V Collection, Ableton Live 9. Apple OSX El Capitan on 15" MacBook Pro
While I'd suggest just getting a Radias because they're awesome; if you're concerned about overlap and you want an analogue modeling synth with a lot of controls on the front panel, look into getting an old Roland JP-8000. They can be had on Ebay for next to nothing and they have a sound that puts them over plenty of modern synths.
Radias is better and more complex but JP-8000 is crazy cheap and sounds really good all things considered.
Radias is better and more complex but JP-8000 is crazy cheap and sounds really good all things considered.
-
PharmerTom
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Sat Dec 12, 2009 6:29 pm
Thank you all for your thoughtful responses.
I think I will go ahead and order the Radias ... after considerable thought 2 of your responses stand out:
Allegory: "While I'd suggest just getting a Radias because they're awesome ... " : )
X-Trade: "however the Radias is capable of many of sounds that you can't do with the EXB - but probably can do with EDS"
Even with the overlap, I think I will rationalize my decision with:take what I learn with the ease of modifying sounds on the Radias - to improve my work in the M3 with the editor software, and then utilizing those modified EXB-Radias sounds with Karma. PLUS simply enjoy the use of the Radias with it's unique strengths.
Thank you again for your thoughts! I DO appreciate!
I think I will go ahead and order the Radias ... after considerable thought 2 of your responses stand out:
Allegory: "While I'd suggest just getting a Radias because they're awesome ... " : )
X-Trade: "however the Radias is capable of many of sounds that you can't do with the EXB - but probably can do with EDS"
Even with the overlap, I think I will rationalize my decision with:take what I learn with the ease of modifying sounds on the Radias - to improve my work in the M3 with the editor software, and then utilizing those modified EXB-Radias sounds with Karma. PLUS simply enjoy the use of the Radias with it's unique strengths.
Thank you again for your thoughts! I DO appreciate!
-
PharmerTom
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Sat Dec 12, 2009 6:29 pm
Update: I ordered the Radias, and it has arrived!
What an amazing synth - will be a lot of fun - right now just a little overwhelmed trying to figure it out (as with most synths) - but editor software installed, links all work, now small steps.
There is a big snowstorm headed our way - can't think of anything better than being snowed-in right now.
What an amazing synth - will be a lot of fun - right now just a little overwhelmed trying to figure it out (as with most synths) - but editor software installed, links all work, now small steps.
There is a big snowstorm headed our way - can't think of anything better than being snowed-in right now.
Worth It?
I am in the same situation. I have an M3 with EXB-RADIAS installed. Is there enough extra in the RADIAS to warrant its purchase? The RADIAS demo songs certainly sound unique; more than I can coax out of the EXB-RADIAS. Thanks in advance for your input.
Re: Worth It?
How are you creating programs on the EXB-Radias? Are you using the software editor or using the LCD screen? Are you creating programs at all, or just using the presets? Buying a new synth doesn't buy you knowledge and experience, so the choice depends a lot on you. If you know how to program the EXB-Radias well, but the interface just doesn't work for you and you prefer using hardware knobs, then by all means get the Radias Rack, even if you have to sell the EXB-Radias card. Don't worry about duplicating features if the features you have aren't working for you due to the interface. Getting something that you enjoy editing is probably one of the most important factors in any synth.ottom8 wrote:I am in the same situation. I have an M3 with EXB-RADIAS installed. Is there enough extra in the RADIAS to warrant its purchase? The RADIAS demo songs certainly sound unique; more than I can coax out of the EXB-RADIAS. Thanks in advance for your input.
-
PharmerTom
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Sat Dec 12, 2009 6:29 pm
Since I had started this question, let me follow up some too.
I think xmlguy put it very well.
Clearly I did not spend as much time learning the EXB-Radias as I should have at first. I was playing the pre-sets and REALLY enjoyed it. I never dove down into all the layers to manipulate the sounds with the software or M3 screen.
I am now several months into having both the EXB on the M3 and Radias. There was both a financial and a time commitment that had to be made owning both. I isolated the Radias in the studio and worked simply with it for the first few weeks. Amazing instrument. You can easily make the argument that I should have done the same with the M3 - I just didn't. For me it is easier to adjust with hardware knobs than with software. What I learned and skills developed from the Radias can be taken back to the M3. So I now do some of that as well with the software interface.
Yes there is overlap. But I don't regret for a moment the purchase.
xmlguy is absolutely right: "Getting something that you enjoy editing is probably one of the most important factors in any synth"
And playing the M3 and Radias makes for a great combination.
(At least for me...)
I think xmlguy put it very well.
Clearly I did not spend as much time learning the EXB-Radias as I should have at first. I was playing the pre-sets and REALLY enjoyed it. I never dove down into all the layers to manipulate the sounds with the software or M3 screen.
I am now several months into having both the EXB on the M3 and Radias. There was both a financial and a time commitment that had to be made owning both. I isolated the Radias in the studio and worked simply with it for the first few weeks. Amazing instrument. You can easily make the argument that I should have done the same with the M3 - I just didn't. For me it is easier to adjust with hardware knobs than with software. What I learned and skills developed from the Radias can be taken back to the M3. So I now do some of that as well with the software interface.
Yes there is overlap. But I don't regret for a moment the purchase.
xmlguy is absolutely right: "Getting something that you enjoy editing is probably one of the most important factors in any synth"
And playing the M3 and Radias makes for a great combination.
(At least for me...)
M3, Radias, MircoX, Fantom X8, SH-201
EXB-RADIAS is a MUST have IMHO. That married with the M3 gives sonic possibilities that are impossible otherwise. I then bought a RADIAS, ditched the keyboard and mounted it next to my M3 so I'd have 73 keys of RADIAS pleasure. After a short while I bought ANOTHER full RADIAS to have a 2nd that was left in tact to the original 49 keybed. There are times the seperate 49 key version is more convenient than powering up the M3 to use the RADIAS.
The EXB-RADIAS and full RADIAS sound the same, but give different possibilities and potential. If the RADIAS had a large ribbon controller on it, it'd be damn near perfect.
-Mc
The EXB-RADIAS and full RADIAS sound the same, but give different possibilities and potential. If the RADIAS had a large ribbon controller on it, it'd be damn near perfect.
-Mc
Current Korg Gear: KRONOS 88 (4GB), M50-73 (PS mod), RADIAS-73, Electribe MX, Triton Pro (MOSS, SCSI, CF, 64MB RAM), SQ-64, DVP-1, MEX-8000, MR-1, KAOSSilator, nanoKey, nanoKontrol, 3x nanoPad 2, 3x DS1H, 7x PS1, FC7 (yes Korg, NOT Yamaha).
-
PharmerTom
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Sat Dec 12, 2009 6:29 pm
Oh yes! Certainly I agree ... I would NEVER remove the EXB-Radias from the M3. It IS a MUST have for that keyboard.
But clearly I am not quite talented enough to handle another Full Radias!
I bow humbly before you McHale!
Someday I'll get there ...
Have a GREAT weekend!
Tom
But clearly I am not quite talented enough to handle another Full Radias!
I bow humbly before you McHale!
Someday I'll get there ...
Have a GREAT weekend!
Tom
M3, Radias, MircoX, Fantom X8, SH-201
now now, having money does not equal having talent. I have money, whether I have talent or not is up for debate.PharmerTom wrote:But clearly I am not quite talented enough to handle another Full Radias!
I bow humbly before you McHale!
Someday I'll get there ...
Have a GREAT weekend!
Tom
-Mc
Current Korg Gear: KRONOS 88 (4GB), M50-73 (PS mod), RADIAS-73, Electribe MX, Triton Pro (MOSS, SCSI, CF, 64MB RAM), SQ-64, DVP-1, MEX-8000, MR-1, KAOSSilator, nanoKey, nanoKontrol, 3x nanoPad 2, 3x DS1H, 7x PS1, FC7 (yes Korg, NOT Yamaha).