Synthesizer for a total noob.

Robbie444

Hey, I am buying a synthesizer very soon with the intention of using it in a live indie rock band eventually. I have absolutely no background with synths and cant even play keyboards or know which keys are which notes etc. I will be picking up a basic synth most likely the micro korg or Alesis micron. Anyway, I am just wondering if anybody could point me in the direction of some basic learning resources for getting started.
Many thanks.

jiltloop

Hi I'd advise against getting the micron as a first synth simply because there isn't much hands on control and its hard to visualise how the synth functions. I think you'd be better off going for something with more visible controls. Therefore you can see the signal path of the synth and it will be easier to figure out the basics of synthesis. Basically you'll be able to see an oscillator section a mixer section a filter section etc etc. With the micron I think you just have 4 assignable knobs so you might find it more difficult as a noob to enjoy learning about synthesisers.
I think if you're looking at a small 25 key synth a good one to start off on with plenty of controls and a well layed out interface would be a novation K-station. Although the sounds aren't to my personal tastes it's great fun to play with and I reckon would be great to learn on. i can't give any advise on the micro korgs cos I've no experience with them.

Robbie444

Thanks for the advice. The thing is I never learned to play any piano or keyboards so I do not know which key is which or how to play any chords. Will this cause big problems or is it basic enough to learn on a micro synth as I will mostly just be hitting chords and basic enough melodies.

krd

Robbie444 wrote: »

Thanks for the advice. The thing is I never learned to play any piano or keyboards so I do not know which key is which or how to play any chords. Will this cause big problems or is it basic enough to learn on a micro synth as I will mostly just be hitting chords and basic enough melodies.

With one of those Korgs - similar - you don't play chords (For reasons that will become apparent to you when you press two keys together on a phat bass synth)

All you need is one finger - some hairspray - a kit of theatrical grease paint - You don't even need to know the notes - give them your own names - Like XYZ etc.

Remember it must look cool - before it can sound cool - first law of Rock'n'Roll: Ridicule is nothing to be scared of!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbVuYEeyni0

jiltloop

You don't really need to know the notes when you're starting off but of course you should learn them. I just started off with a good ear for melodies so I was able to piece melodies and loops together with no knowledge of theory whatsoever. To be honest my knowledge of theory is still lacking to say the least, its something I've always wanted to learn more of. There are numerous sites online which will teach you the basics of music theory and I would definately advise you to learn at least the basics. I think theres a site called piano nanny, google it and you should find it. It explains the basics quite well. Also you should probably search for some info on subtractive synthesis which will really help you get to know your synth better (that's if you choose to get a subtractive synth but most hardware synths are).

partyatmygaff

Theory isn't essential, before theory existed people created great music. Theory only refines natural ability.

That said, Get a korg microkorg, its the best value synth for a beginner and it has a huge variety of sounds.

BTW just so you realise while both a synthesiser and piano have keyboards, they are two completely different instruments. You never play chords on synthesisers (Well maybe pads and some select thin sounding synths) and the keys are completely weightless on a synth compared to a piano's heavy action.

stateofflux

DO NOT GET AN ALESIS MICRON....some nice sounds but the screen is so small programming will wreck your head and if you are a noob it will be a nightmare.......

Microkorg is nice but you may not like the reduced key size......for hobbit fingers

heard good things about the new korg R3....around €450 ....has full size keys....

kfoltman

Let me give you another idea. Ok, it may sound weird, but so be it.

At this stage, you can probably assume you don't know what *exactly* you want. So why not just start by getting a second-hand MIDI keyboard controller (with knobs or not). You can probably get one for around 50 euro. Then you can download a couple of demo versions of VSTi instruments, and just fool around with them for a while.

This way, you can learn what all that stuff is for - oscillators, filters, envelopes, LFOs, effects, whatever. You'll also learn what uncommon features you like. I mean things like osc sync, filter FM, stepper LFOs, there are many functions that are essential in some music genres but useless in others. You'll know if you need a synthesizer with 3 oscillators or if you can't live with fourth one. You'll be able to tell if a monophonic synthesizer like Mopho is all you need, or if you absolutely need huge polyphony of a Virus.

Then, with all that knowledge, you can take a look at spec sheets and maybe download a couple of synth manuals to verify that the needed features are there and if manuals themselves are clear. Might be a boring step, but keep in mind you'll probably need to read one of these manuals later.

This might be a tedious process, but at least you'll avoid wasting money on something that's popular but completely unsuitable for you.

You can let others make synth buying decisions for you. But it will only work if your needs are same as theirs.

kfoltman

stateofflux wrote: »

DO NOT GET AN ALESIS MICRON....some nice sounds but the screen is so small programming will wreck your head and if you are a noob it will be a nightmare.......

I wouldn't write it off based on just that.

There are software editors for it (AFAIK a friend of mine is writing or wrote one, and it's going to be free). He probably doesn't need to edit sounds live, so using a software editor might be acceptable.

Robbie444

Thanks for all the advice guys but I think I am going to just pick up a microkorg. I like how versatile it looks and although the small keys is a bit annoying, I have no experience with larger keys so I should not find it too hard to get used to (and I have small girlish hands). I know that there will be a lot of sounds and features that I do not need but it will be a nice new hobbie trying to learn about the different features. I have seen microkorgs used with some of the bands that I listen to such as yeah yeah yeah's, Antlers, mates of state, crystal castles, digitilism, death cab for cutie etc. so it looks pretty reasonable. Hopefully over time I would like to start adding some guitar effects pedals such as line6 dl4 delay modular or wah to get some more experimental sounds eg, Dan Deacon, Holy fcuk, if anybody is familiar.

kfoltman

Robbie444 wrote: »

Thanks for all the advice guys but I think I am going to just pick up a microkorg. I like how versatile it looks and although the small keys is a bit annoying,

I think you can always try to use a full-size keyboard with it, via MIDI.

empirix

rubbish synth, the very least you should be thinking of is an R3 but a Radias is ideal and its pretty easy to use too

mattfender

Shud give the roland sh201 a shot. Mate uses it in my band great for post rock sounds etc

krd

mattfender wrote: »

Shud give the roland sh201 a shot. Mate uses it in my band great for post rock sounds etc

That sh201 looks like a very good all rounder. It would be very close to the Korgs in some ways.

There are certain functions on the the sh201 that may make it easier to integrate with a pc - it allows you to send the audio from the keyboard over a usb acting like a usb soundcard.

Small is not always a bad thing. The small korg keyboard makes it more portable, with is handy if you need to move it around and you don't have much space. - If you want you can always get a larger midi keyboard to plug into it.

The Korg might be better with someone who's more experienced - The SH layout is clearer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_23HV_MNnoM -

Looking at the Korg r3 and the SH201 - they both look great. The SH spec on the roland site on some things seems a little lower spec then I'd expect more patch presets then 32.

Honestly I go from the Korg myself.

A http://www.vintagesynth.com/roland/jx305.php Roland JX 305 would be better to have for many other reasons. There would be many things you could do on an old jx305 that you couldn't do on a sh201

A cross between a JX 305 an MC 909 and a SH201 would be the ultimate, for me at least.


Though at the end of the day - Korg might sound better.

Equally a cheap midi keyboard and some soft synths is something you should try at least.

studiorat

Why not get a controller and use a software synth. Then you can learn how they work and make an informed decision for yourself.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlLiUh-uVgI&feature=related

sexmag

dude really wierd,i just bought one on friday,same as you no experience with synths but iv been playing guitar a few years and im have the time of my life with it,iv figured out most things with it and iv got a couple of great songs already,jus check out youtube and that will have all you need....god speed:D

Dragan

empirix wrote: »

rubbish synth, the very least you should be thinking of is an R3 but a Radias is ideal and its pretty easy to use too

What synth are you taking about exactly? It seems to be cool to say the mircrokorg is a rubbish synth, but if you have a look around for the people who use it, you may just be surprised at some of the sounds that come from it.

Akai have repacked the Mircon as well, into the Miniak and all reports as that the sound is massive out of it, but the editing of patches remains a pain the ass and Akai have said nothing about a patch editor coming anytime soon.

Microkorg XL is a bigger and fatter than the microkorg, keys are bigger too, comes with patch editing software and all that jazz.

I would agree with the previous points of learning what you need and want before purchasing.

It's funny, every since MGMT broke everyone and their dog wants a Micron.

empirix

Dragan wrote: »

What synth are you taking about exactly? It seems to be cool to say the mircrokorg is a rubbish synth, but if you have a look around for the people who use it, you may just be surprised at some of the sounds that come from it.

Akai have repacked the Mircon as well, into the Miniak and all reports as that the sound is massive out of it, but the editing of patches remains a pain the ass and Akai have said nothing about a patch editor coming anytime soon.

Microkorg XL is a bigger and fatter than the microkorg, keys are bigger too, comes with patch editing software and all that jazz.

I would agree with the previous points of learning what you need and want before purchasing.

It's funny, every since MGMT broke everyone and their dog wants a Micron.

it is a toy, you might get some sounds out of it but certainly not enough to sustain you, if your going to buy a synth buy something that will keep you in good stead for the future, if you stick with production, i guarantee you will soon outgrow these low end synths!

Robbie444

empirix wrote: »

it is a toy, you might get some sounds out of it but certainly not enough to sustain you, if your going to buy a synth buy something that will keep you in good stead for the future, if you stick with production, i guarantee you will soon outgrow these low end synths!

Thats the thing, when people post here looking to buy a synth they are not always looking for something that they can add to their big home studio. I don't have any musiuc production software or hardware what so ever. I'm not looking to get in to serious music production (well atleast not for now), I am just looking for something that I can mess around with and incorporate in to some live gigs. You also need to undertsand that with absolutely no experience with music production and a VERY small budget (<€400) the micro korg just fits the bill nicer. And being a noob, I honestly wouldnt know the difference between something like a microkorg or a moog, nord lead or something like that even though there is obviously a huge difference. Based on the amount of bands that use the microkorg and the impressive records that have been put out, I'm more than happy to use my money on this product. And if it ends up in a box in the attic so be it.

woodsdenis

Robbie444 wrote: »

Thats the thing, when people post here looking to buy a synth they are not always looking for something that they can add to their big home studio. I don't have any musiuc production software or hardware what so ever. I'm not looking to get in to serious music production (well atleast not for now), I am just looking for something that I can mess around with and incorporate in to some live gigs. You also need to undertsand that with absolutely no experience with music production and a VERY small budget (<€400) the micro korg just fits the bill nicer. And being a noob, I honestly wouldnt know the difference between something like a microkorg or a moog, nord lead or something like that even though there is obviously a huge difference. Based on the amount of bands that use the microkorg and the impressive records that have been put out, I'm more than happy to use my money on this product. And if it ends up in a box in the attic so be it.

First of all I have never used a Microkorg or Alesis micron, but I do have experience of these things lasting many decades :mad:

Both Roland and Korg really dont make bad products, they make products aimed at every conceivable price/player point. You will find a lot of their hi end proprietary products filter down to the cheaper end at some point. You really will pay for what you get. Cheaper synths tend to have smaller keys and single parameter access, which is fine if all you want to do is play around with the presets and are not a keyboard player first, small keys are a nightmare for someone who plays keys at all.

The really enjoyable thing about synths is being able to manipulate the sound easily, I would therefore suggest looking at whatever is in the Roland/Korg range that has at least a few knobs on it and go for full size keys if you can. If when you check it out it is over budget then you will have to compromise.

Good Luck

empirix

Robbie444 wrote: »

Thats the thing, when people post here looking to buy a synth they are not always looking for something that they can add to their big home studio. I don't have any musiuc production software or hardware what so ever. I'm not looking to get in to serious music production (well atleast not for now), I am just looking for something that I can mess around with and incorporate in to some live gigs. You also need to undertsand that with absolutely no experience with music production and a VERY small budget (<€400) the micro korg just fits the bill nicer. And being a noob, I honestly wouldnt know the difference between something like a microkorg or a moog, nord lead or something like that even though there is obviously a huge difference. Based on the amount of bands that use the microkorg and the impressive records that have been put out, I'm more than happy to use my money on this product. And if it ends up in a box in the attic so be it.

Go out to XMusic or similaar store with a good selection of synths and try out the microkorg then stroll over and try out the nord - you will then notice the difference- if you don't id advise buying the microkorg for messing about with but don't have any aspirations to by a daw and produce some music before buying the hearing aid,i believe Bono recommends Bonovox!

krd

empirix wrote: »

Go out to XMusic or similaar store with a good selection of synths and try out the microkorg then stroll over and try out the nord - you will then notice the difference- if you don't id advise buying the microkorg for messing about with but don't have any aspirations to by a daw and produce some music before buying the hearing aid,i believe Bono recommends Bonovox!

The Nords are gorgeous - and in terms of sound they're top notch. They look beautiful - they feel beutiful. The Nord stages have great sounds - like Rhodes gorgeous sounding rhodes - Anyone who can afford a Nord should have one (Me unfortunately being in the boat that can't afford one - though I came very close - ended up buying a Korg stage)

All these synths and things are "Toys" - most people get the shock of their lives when they see a real genuine 303 for the first time - it looks like a gimicky childrens toy.

I have to say though - I messed around with soft synths for years and I learned more in the first few hours of using a piece of hardware then all the years of fffing about with soft synths -

Despite what many people think. There isn't very much money in the manufacture of synths. There's more money in knocking up cheap plywood guitars then making synths. Each one is a labour of love - they guys and companies making these could probably be making more money developing programmable dishwashers, and talking hovers.

(Maybe in the future we'll start seeing Dishwashers with built in Drum machines and a few oscillators - and a rudimentary sequencer that can sync to the swishy water nosises of the dish washer - same thing for tumble dryers - personally I can't wait)

Robbie444

Ok so I assume that microkorg is at the bottom of the price/quality range in the synthesizer market. So what is the next step up? There is no point in recommending a Nord lead as these are well over €1000 from what I have seen or any other high end synths. Price is obviously the biggest consideration here and as I am looking to buy my first synth but I also don't want to buy something that is going to be really difficult to use for somebody with no experience. The reason that I am looking towards the microkorg is because while it is within my budget (<€400), it also seems like it not too difficult to use. I have been playing guitar for 13 years so I can more than appreciate the difference between quality and poor equipment. For example, I can certainly hear the difference between a nice fender blues tube amp than some modern digital modelling amp on the lower end of the market. You pay for quality in any area of music instruments or digital production. But for my budget and the fact that I am just looking for something to play around with and vamp up some songs a bit, is the microkorg really that bad a purchase? And what about all the good bands that are using them, doesn't that say anything? I don't know what kind of stuff people listen to on here but I'd regard LCD soundsystem as a band that has released two quality records and they use 3 microkorgs live.