What "Synth" to go with my OASYS?, any suggestions

[Mike Conway]

I'm thinking of exchanging my Supernova II ProX to the Andromeda A6

Aack! Keep the Nova! Sorry, I used to pine after their "liquid audio" sound. I was just perusing the new catalogue and happily noticed that Sweetwater was still selling the Andromeda. Comparitively, I auditioned the lowpass only Prophet 8, and found it very "basic". (I like the digital Virus TI much more.) I've always dreamed of getting a Prophet, but I think my expectations were too high. That Andromeda has high pass and a lot more features. I only played it once and it seems to need coaxing to get to the "meat". There is plenty of it, though. I wish I had extra dough.

The OASYS does quite nice analog stuff, but can't compete with a real analog, or can it?

Well, we know the non-aliasing oscillators are "big", and I tend to agree with what Keyboard magazine said:

"The filter sound is just plain wicked. Very very fat, creamy and convincing..............The filters sound really lovely - quite analog, actually.

Though the VAs are capable, I have to make a bit of a blasphemous statement and say that many of the thickest sounds come from the rompler. I posted examples at Harmony Central and people kept commenting on how good the VA sounds were, even though most were HD-1 samples.

I totally disagree with anyone who compares the OASYS rom engine to any other rompler synth, including Korg's own. The lossless compression and the reinterpolated oscillators, with their E-MU style pitch transposition give the sound a big, full smoothness, which gives it the kind of presence that some of the big, old analogues had.

Some examples of what I'm talking about:

Flashlight Wave Pad
Filter Rhythm
Slow Dual filters
Super Saw
eXposure

....not a VA in the bunch, yet I had a hard time getting that kind of "thickness", just a few short years ago.

As an example, I was just listening to the Silva CD, "Tangerine Dream: Dream Music 2". Music was performed by John Beal, Mark Ayres and Daniel Caine, using digital instruments from 1995. The actual synth sound quality is so cheap! I'm not knocking the composers, but the equipment quality was a sign of the times.

Digital has since narrowed the gap with analogue.

[sirCombatWombat]

I'm thinking of exchanging my Supernova II ProX to the Andromeda A6

Aack! Keep the Nova!

Wow, not the answer I expected, now I'm grateful I asked!

Sorry, I used to pine after their "liquid audio" sound.

I seem to have better gear than I thought then?
It's not that I don't hear my instruments, but I constantly try to find new and better ones. Gear lust is probably the occupational disease of pro audio.

That Andromeda has high pass and a lot more features. I only played it once and it seems to need coaxing to get to the "meat". There is plenty of it, though. I wish I had extra dough.

So the Andromeda would still complement the Nova?
How do you mean coaxing? Is it difficult to program, or do you mean that the presets are not that good?

Well, we know the non-aliasing oscillators are "big", and I tend to agree with what Keyboard magazine said:

"The filter sound is just plain wicked. Very very fat, creamy and convincing..............The filters sound really lovely - quite analog, actually.

I knew the filters were good, but that good?
I thought that I might use the Andromeda's analog filters with the OASYS sounds, but it might be the other way around then.

Though the VAs are capable, I have to make a bit of a blasphemous statement and say that many of the thickest sounds come from the rompler. I posted examples at Harmony Central and people kept commenting on how good the VA sounds were, even though most were HD-1 samples.

I totally disagree with anyone who compares the OASYS rom engine to any other rompler synth, including Korg's own. The lossless compression and the reinterpolated oscillators, with their E-MU style pitch transposition give the sound a big, full smoothness, which gives it the kind of presence that some of the big, old analogues had.

My previous experience is mostly from the 'other' romplers, with few PM:ers in there. Today when almost everybody talks about the big sound of the past and how nothing today compares, I feel unqualified to take a stand against them. And when acquiring new gear it is horribly difficult to separate the facts from fiction, defensive praises and marketing ploys. And that's why we need a bit of healthy blasphemy now and then.

Digital has since narrowed the gap with analogue.

You have given me a lot to think about, thank you.

[Kontrol49]

Andromeda for a supernova...

Go for it the Andromeda is awesome,Don't think its a bitch to program its not,its just the layout of the parameters that people become daunted into thinking its a sod to program,it isn't.the Front Panel just looks like it should be used by rocket scientists.

The Andromeda is a complex beast,but only because of its awesome Modulation routing options,its pretty easy to manipulate if you have a decent Understanding of Subtractive synthesis,

Its filters are based on the typical Moog 24db Lo pass and some Oberheim type filters I think,but goes beyond the realms of a standard 2 filter synth,it does some wonderful Moog type basses and evolving pads,is great at weird EMS VCS type FX and everything in between.balance of typical keyboard sounds with drums and basses and leads all thrown in.theres almost every reference those classic synths in its presets. (Jupiters,Moogs,Arp,TB303 etc,)

You've also got performance mode where you can stack up to 16 parts(Kind of like a Korg Combi)consisting of the single sounds from program mode made up by splits layers etc,you can also have 16 Analog sequencer parts running too as well as arpeggiator.(Arpeggio isn't user programmable though,sequencer is) Sadly the FX processor has to share across timbres

One thing I will say against the A6 is that the presets will put people off because they really are dire...So on demoing it,most of them may not flatter you into thinking its a capable synth,if you can get by with the presets then fine,but Look beyond its face value,if you want to learn to program,this is the synth to use,its basically a powerful Modular synth,without the Patch cabling...And of course you can run external Audio through it,

It has a list of ommisions and Bugs to its O.S as long as your arm,and Alesis should have addressed them,(One of my biggest issues is that the Sequencer has no latch feature)but you overlook that when you consider it has 16 analog type Sequencer tracks all capable of running together and with offsets and timing difference,really great for creating some weird and wonderful synth melodies.

The earlier models had awful tuning issues with the Chips,If your buying secondhand be sure to check it out,most of the older models,had the ASICS chips replaced and seemed pretty stable,I have one of the newer models and never had any tuning issues(So long as you tune up after bootup and then let it warm up and then retune again its stay pretty stable)Typical Analog routine.Unlike many analogs it has a tuning stabiliser,which maintains a certain Operating temperature to keep tuning stable,something Moog voyager Has.

The only thing I'd say where the Nova wins is there ability to retain the Ifx from program mode(I loved this on my KS5)whilst in multi mode,other than that I don't miss owning any of the Novation synths.I'm too busy having a blast with the Andromeda but the Nova has its merits,that i suppose you'll miss if it goes,I tend to try and not sell any gear on,especially if bought from new,its just not financially worth it,better to have what you want and keep them rather than sell them on to fund a new machine only to then pine and want to buy it back again,losing out twice,

The Andromeda maybe pricy but its worth the money now seeing as they were almost double the street price when released,And its really the Only Real analog synth your gonna find to date that has 16 part Multitimbral capability,Ok its only able to run at full pelt with 16 mono voices due to its polyphony,but your still getting 16 (Real Analog)monosynths for the price and you also have 16 seperate outputs for each voice too....

I Personally think the Andromeda is one of the best if not the best of the new wave of Real Analog synths if only Alesis would have addressed the Problems and requests for updates,it would have been that so much more sweeter,I still think it will become a cult classic.

I'm just waiting for Moog to Blow the Andromeda away with a remake of the MemoryMoog to follow on with the Minimoog/Voyager series..

A6 is a great compliment to the Oasys,Infact this thread has made me smile to myself,given the comments about the Virus being a great addition to the O too,Infact this is part of my armoury now,the Oasys,Virus TI,Andromeda,Moog Voyager and the Z1

Sorry for the long post I type Fast..

[Mike Conway]

Great post!

One thing I will say against the A6 is that the presets will put people off because they really are dire...So on demoing it,most of them may not flatter you into thinking its a capable synth,if you can get by with the presets then fine,but Look beyond its face value

That's what I meant about "coaxing". All the guts of a great synth are there.

And, I wasn't saying that the SuperNova 2 was anywhere as good, but it is also a sweet synth. I was thinking you may be able to come up with another means to get the Andromeda, but if it's either/or, then go for the Andromeda.

[sirCombatWombat]

My head's spinning but one thing is certain, I'm getting the Andromeda.

the Front Panel just looks like it should be used by rocket scientists.

That is only a good thing.

One thing I will say against the A6 is that the presets will put people off because they really are dire...So on demoing it,most of them may not flatter you into thinking its a capable synth,if you can get by with the presets then fine,but Look beyond its face value,if you want to learn to program,this is the synth to use,its basically a powerful Modular synth,without the Patch cabling...And of course you can run external Audio through it,

I like programming sounds, but good presets help learning.
Oh, a big modular would be a blast! Maybe some time if I become rich and can quit working. Then I would just endlessly patch and patch and patch...

It has a list of ommisions and Bugs to its O.S as long as your arm,and Alesis should have addressed them,(One of my biggest issues is that the Sequencer has no latch feature)

Is there a list of the requests somewhere, it would be interesting to read?

The earlier models had awful tuning issues with the Chips,If your buying secondhand be sure to check it out,most of the older models,had the ASICS chips replaced and seemed pretty stable,I have one of the newer models and never had any tuning issues(So long as you tune up after bootup and then let it warm up and then retune again its stay pretty stable)Typical Analog routine.Unlike many analogs it has a tuning stabiliser,which maintains a certain Operating temperature to keep tuning stable,something Moog voyager Has.

Fortunately I have made my homework on the analog tuning procedures, so it doesn't come as surprise afterwards. But I am buying second hand, the asking price is 1500€ (US$2355). The unit is currently in service at Alesis Germany because of power phase differences at the sellers training place, he says the output board got damaged. He also says that it has about two years of full warranty left. So the hardware is most probably new stock. Is there other things I should be aware of?

And, I wasn't saying that the SuperNova 2 was anywhere as good, but it is also a sweet synth. I was thinking you may be able to come up with another means to get the Andromeda, but if it's either/or, then go for the Andromeda.

It is more of a space issue, I'll have to get a larger stand.
I hate parting with a synth, always have. I have had few, and this is probably the first time that I don't have to sell because of money. So I won't.

Thanks Mike and Kontrol, you have been a great help!

[fallingman]

Just get the classic V-Synth which is still very powerful.

If you read the SOS review of the V-Synth GT, you may come to the conclusion, as I did, that the XT is better bang for buck, as it has the D50 emulation and Vocal Designer included, as well as better patch handling...

...but don't flame me !

Link here:

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/nov07/a ... ynthgt.htm

Just my humble opinion...

[fallingman]

I'm just waiting for Moog to Blow the Andromeda away with a remake of the MemoryMoog to follow on with the Minimoog/Voyager series..

Now there's a thought...

[EJ2]

Just get the classic V-Synth which is still very powerful.

If you read the SOS review of the V-Synth GT, you may come to the conclusion, as I did, that the XT is better bang for buck, as it has the D50 emulation and Vocal Designer included, as well as better patch handling...

...but don't flame me !

Link here:

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/nov07/a ... ynthgt.htm

Just my humble opinion...

I have to agree. The V-Synth XT with the D50 (tons of patches on the net), the Vocal Designer (super vocoding) and great touch screen (time trip pad, X/Y vectoring etc.) is the way to go. The arpeggiator, which can record realtime patterns, is very handy. Now, throw in maniacal sound mangling and "Bob's your Uncle!"

With all of the EXis, I feel the OASYS can already get close the Virus and Moog sound. That's why I stick with the XT.

Cheers,
EJ

[Kontrol49]

Just get the classic V-Synth which is still very powerful.

If you read the SOS review of the V-Synth GT, you may come to the conclusion, as I did, that the XT is better bang for buck, as it has the D50 emulation and Vocal Designer included, as well as better patch handling...

...but don't flame me !

Link here:

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/nov07/a ... ynthgt.htm

Just my humble opinion...

I never really had any liking towards the V synth infact it passed by me almost unnoticed until the GT model came out,I was aware of the original synths and the rack,but just didn't think it would add anything new or give me anymore scope to my music,but after having some time demoing a GT its grabbed my attention,and shaken my curiosity at to what I've missed out on...


I'm slowly growing fond of the V synth,infact I'm about to purchase one of the 3 various models,but in a dilemna as to which one to have,I can save some cash and buy the original secondhand,but then I have to try and source the expansion cards,and I really like the Vocal designer card,and at the same time I really don't need another keyboard taking up room,but on the other hand I hate racks,(Well if they have a keyboard version availible instead I do)I'm leaning towards the GT,at the moment,but the only thing against it is the fact it doesn't have the D50 ability,I sorely miss my D50,and would like to get those classic sound emulations again without buying another D50...so the XT rack is winning at the moment,

What I would like to know is how great the VA synthesis is in the V synth,I know it has the Supersaw and was looking to maybe ship out my JP8000,is the V synth is capable of replicating a lot of the same sounds,and to what degree..

I also would like to know if its possible to load D50 system exclusive dumps into the V synth and the patches are backwards compatible.or is there some conversion software??would be cool to get those Patches I made on the D50 all those years ago.

The trouble is I hate Rack versions and knowing what the actual synth is like performance wise,will be something I will wish I had of bought
Somebody suggested that for the price of the GT I could perhaps get a second hand XT and original V synth for less and still have the same amount of power or more.as the GT..Decisions,decisions...

[fallingman]

I also would like to know if its possible to load D50 system exclusive dumps into the V synth and the patches are backwards compatible.or is there some conversion software??would be cool to get those Patches I made on the D50 all those years ago.

Yeah, I'd like to know this too - I had a D50 all those years ago and created loads of patches for it, 'cos it was so darn tweakable, so if there is a way to load Sysex dumps into the D50 side of the V-Synth XT, I'd be interested to know...

[nutkin]

Fallingman,

I am pretty sure you can load D50 sysex files into VC1 in the XT and I tried a few a while ago with some banks I got of the internet. There is a section in the VC1 manual (p29 ff) the comes with the XT about how to send sysex to it.

Rob

[nutkin]

. . . in fact reading the manual, you can do it the other way too, from V-Synth XT to D50/550.

Rob

[fallingman]

. . . in fact reading the manual, you can do it the other way too, from V-Synth XT to D50/550.

Rob

Thanks Rob - I'll give it a try when I get a chance !

[fallingman]

What I would like to know is how great the VA synthesis is in the V synth,I know it has the Supersaw and was looking to maybe ship out my JP8000,is the V synth is capable of replicating a lot of the same sounds,and to what degree..

The sound of the V-Synth is really powerful IMHO - a certain Mr Rudess uses 2 V-Synth XTs live with his OASYS (as well as a Radias now), and he did some of the programming for it too, I think...

...he's the "poster boy" for both the V-Synth GT and the OASYS, after all !

One V-Synth XT is linked to his Haaken Continuum - the other is a spare I think, though I could swear I could see it triggering from the OASYS in a recent video !

[EJ2]

Fallingman,

I am pretty sure you can load D50 sysex files into VC1 in the XT and I tried a few a while ago with some banks I got of the internet. There is a section in the VC1 manual (p29 ff) the comes with the XT about how to send sysex to it.

Rob

That's correct. I can load any of my D50 sysex files into the XT. That's why I made the comment within the brackets (tons of sounds on the net). Keep in mind that Roland's files structure is convoluted and not as friendly as Korg's.