Getting into synths...

[Roseweave]

I have an E-MU 61 key keyboard with lots of knobs and things. However, I lack a synth module.

My problem is that for what they do, to me, Synth modules shouldn't really cost any more than your average multi-fx. If there was a little box you could get that was like a multieffects or something with some nice analogue modeling or rompler stuff that's be great. The thing is I'm unsure where I'd put a rack synth as I don't have a rack or anything.

I mainly want analogue sounds, I wouldn't mind a decent piano/flute/violin soundset. If I could load on my own soundfonts that'd be great. I had an old Roland U-20 which had some really amazing flutes, that borked though, one of the keys and some of the buttons are gone, and I don't know where would fix it. Also it's ridiculously fucking heavy.

The Fricke MFB Synth Lite looked great but it's impossible to find. I like that because it's not a rack synth, it's small, it's light. A lot of synth modules are heavy and that's a nightmare on shipping costs.

I think I may just end up getting an EEE PC and using that. The latency will be awful though :|

I guess a decent, non rack ROMpler would do me. A filter section is very necessary, as my U20 lacked that. If there are any that I can load on my own soundfonts for that'd be great.

[laxlover_bill369]

David Smith Mopho
http://www.davesmithinstruments.com/products/mopho/mopho_video.php

[Roseweave]

Way out of my price range I could get a Microkorg for less than that

[Suilebhain]

Get a used Waldorf MicroQ. They usually go for around $300, sometimes less if you time it right. I got mine for around $250.

They are Virtual Analogue but have the option of using wavetables, as well. Three ocsillators per voice. Plus, you can layer four voices for a really thick sound. There are lots of places you can hear one, but Doc T is my favorite:

http://www.trippler.net/music/Waldorf_m ... icroq.html

[Suilebhain]

Now, if you want just standard sounds, look for an Emu Proteus module. They usually go for dirt.

However, if you want to go a bit "out there", go for the MicroQ.

Besides, how can you go wrong with a company whose name translates into English as Whale Village....of course, unless it means that they are a whaling village, which is a another matter altogether and not so pleasing.

[bunnycat]

Here's where you can buy the MFB Synth Lite (II).
And a lot of other synthy things.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Korg-MS2000R-Rack-V ... 1|294%3A50

If you're looking for something in the $250 range, I'd look on craigslist or ebay for an Ensoniq ESQ-1.
Nice warm 1987 digital with a true analog lowpass filter. Plus you get an onboard sequencer. Kind of like
an easier to program, fatter/warmer DX7.

[Roseweave]

Proteus may be a good idea due to expandability.

[crizwell]

Cycling 74's Max MSP software allows you to build modular synths on your laptop.

[smallsnd/bigsnd]

Cycling 74's Max MSP software allows you to build modular synths on your laptop.

+1 there.

also, NI reaktor is similar is some respects... definitely worth checking out.

[Roseweave]

I was thinking it would be a good idea to get a Webbook and run it on that. But would the latency be very high? I remember running on older computers with onboard sound, it sucked. But using USB, it might be faster?