Learn synthesis not a synth and you wont' have to ask that question . Start on the basics but learning a software synth doesn't teach you anything.

 

if you are purely a sound engineer why do you think you should learn synths? learn mic techniques and plugins first.

 

Maybe I am a little biased because I learned on an old Korg MS-20, but I still enjoy plugging in the headphones and twiddling the knobs, it seems to be a more organic and interactive experience to me. The lack of the requirement of needing a PC is also good.

I play guitars too, so I am not entirely dependent on computers to get anything done, although I have no preference and they are interchangeable in my view

 

Last edited: Aug 10, 2015

Yeah don't get me wrong I agree in many ways and MS-20 fantastic bit of kit. Again a different approach.

I guess really it comes down to the OP & how much work & effort he is willing to put in.

If your going to persevere and learn long term then learning Synthesis the way to go.

If on the other hand your simply want some great hardware then nothing wrong with that and that could possibly serve him better in a functional sense. All depends on how much effort & time he can/wants dedicate I guess.

Totally agree about the lack of need for the PC and that a huge benefit plus the warmth etc u get with such gear can't really totally be replicated so just different ideas I guess but ultimately he has to choose

 

BTW I'm loving Omnisphere now, it has become my de facto composing tool (3xOmnisphere, 1xAddictive Drums), along with my CME Xkey 25. It's just the coolest thing, I don't even need to get out of bed anymore! Hahaha

 

Last edited: Aug 10, 2015

Learn on one you will use exclusively, if I can add to the bunch Tone2 Electra2 too, if not, my vote goes entirely to Serum, of course, if your CPU can handle it

 

While I don't use them often, it's often nice to play with real basic synths like 3OSC from FL Studio (or similar) because if you can make something sound good with them it feels like you actually understand what's going on. For example if you do something in Sylenth, it's so easy to make something sound fantastic by adding some voices and playing with a detune knob. In 3OSC you can see what you can do with fine-tuning what few options you have.

A basic synth requires a bit more tweaking to sound decent, and also when you look at what you're creating in a spectrum analyzer (which I recommend) the basic/cheap synths seem to not have a lot of mystery "analog" stuff going on so you can see what's happening with your harmonics.

Also when you play with a basic synth and switch to something more powerful, you'll be able to appreciate the difference in the most basic waveforms like "Noise" or "Saw". Compare something like 3OSC to Sylenth and you can tell how it sounds 10x better right from the starting line.

When something like Sylenth or Dune is second nature, the more involved synths don't seem as intimidating.

 

Last edited: Aug 10, 2015

+1 for syntorial (great for basic sub synthesis). I learned about synthesis by reading the manuals that came with the synths I have owned over the years. Truly helpful stuff. Learn the basics of synthesis on something like sylenth and move on to more features and sound-sculpting functions.

Also to go on further about what audiowolf was saying: I think you should learn what waveforms people use for what sounds--AND WHY. Learn the sine wave. Seriously. It has so many applications it's ridiculous. Also learn to use noise (drums, risers, thickeners, etc.) effectively. This will take you a lot further than you might imagine. The use of a spectral analyzer is also very beneficial to see what is happening to your sound.

 

As a quick aside are there any VST spectral analyzer's with a virtual piano keyboard or note values?

 

Last edited: Aug 10, 2015

I started with a Electronic Dream Plant (EDP) Wasp. I now own several hardware synths, a K1, a TG100, a mikroKorg XL+ and various outboard gear. I also have an amazing selection of plug ins and Vst's that give me an incredible sonic choice. So start simple and learn and progress.

 

Old school. https://www.flickr.com/photos/117254183@N07/20282852218/in/dateposted-public/

 

Wave Candy in FL Studio works great for that. If you have it, set it to Spectrum 8192 bands and resize the window until the piano comes up on the left. Adjust dB range to taste and move your mouse over it for detailed note and Hz values. I find it really useful for learning synthesis, and tuning instruments.

As for vsts outside of FL, surprisingly I haven't been able to find any that works as good. I know some people use things like Fabfilter Pro-Q and turn on the piano (icon in lower left), but I like having the info scrolling across the screen.

I hate when tutorials end up being nothing but an audio-book version of a manual. I think Dance Music Production vids are quality though. I'd rate them higher than a lot of Hollywood movies. "Is that Miley Cyrus?!?"

 

Last edited: Aug 11, 2015

If you narrow it down to Massive and Serum, than I'd advise you learn Serum. IMO it just has more opportunities, because IMO, It's newer and like a rising star on the top VST synths available. But I agree nearly whole-heartedly on what SyNtH said. And also, Sylenth1 is good for starters. And almost every EDM producer has it and uses it. That's what I learned with - I taught myself these things with Sylenth1. And of course, don't expect to learn it overnight - as almost always said with learning a skill like sound engineering. If you ever need help identifying a specific waveform from a song or whatever, I'll be more than happy to assist you, just PM me.
But first things first, get a synth like Sylenth1 or whatever. You can download a trial or buy it or listen to your demons and say "I'll download it alright!" Then just get the hang of the basic waveforms - Saw, square, sine, and triangles, and whatever. At that point you've put your foot on the gas pedal and started your drive down the road of sound-engineering, my friend. Best of luck.

 

ARP- 2600 It's gorgeous!

 

Ha ha, keeping good working cables for the patch bays would keep you and your soldering gun busy by itself.

 

5 top synths - Strengths and Weaknesses

https://www.adsrcourses.com/categories/5-top-synths-strengths-and-weaknesses/5052/media

In this tutorial series, Echo Sound Works compares 5 of the most popular software synthesizers on the market and how they stack up against each other. This isn’t a review so much as it is a comparison and an in depth look at how each of these instruments handle basic functions like generating tone in the oscillators and filtering out frequencies.

The 5 synths that we are going to look at are:

1.) NI Massive (ranked #5 by Computer Music 2015)

2.) Sylenth (ranked #4 by Computer Music 2015)

3.) Spire (ranked #6 by Computer Music 2015)

4.) Serum (ranked #1 by Computer Music 2015)

5.) NI Monarrk (ranked #19 by Computer Music 2015)

The reason we are using these 5 synths isn’t because they are the best out there, but because the all compliment each other nicely. Two of them are Wavetable synths, one is a very digital sounding VA synth, one is a hybrid synth and one is even a straight up Mini Moog emulation.

PART 1 - A short introductory video on what this series covers.

PART 2 - Looks at how the synths just naturally have their own tone and sound. We examine how each one not only sounds different at the most basic levels of synthesis, but compare these findings using an oscilloscope.

PART 3 - This section compares each synths strengths and weaknesses and why it’s good to use a few different types of synths in your productions.

https://www.adsrcourses.com/categories/5-top-synths-strengths-and-weaknesses/5052/media

 

I don't hear of Monark much, but I've tried it and I like how it sounds. Not a lot of tweak able options but often it's working within limits that inspires you to push the boundaries and create something you can be proud of. I really recommend just playing with any synth and making weird noises, because watching a youtube videos is only going to teach you how to copy everyone else. I tried the Roland 101 and SH-2 a while back and I couldn't believe how long I played with it. It was so basic compared to modern synths but I loved seeing what it could do. I never bothered making FX or kicks in Sylenth, instead relying on samples or presets, but I went wild with the 101 and SH-2 and made all kinds of lasers, kicks and risers.

But anyway, hope we didn't scare you off YurOw. Seems like some of us went a little nuts replying to what you probably wanted a simple answer to . I don't know about other members, but I'm just a casual hobby person myself. It can be intimidating looking at a forum of people who seem to be pros.

Truth is it probably doesn't matter what you use. If you're interested and dedicated I believe you'll learn and understand whatever synth you want. They are all fine synths which is why they're world famous. If you don't mind that I'm an amateur, feel free to ask me things.

 

It still helps.
i've been in the studio many times where bands have wanted to include software synths. and as a result of that i had to create and edit patches based on what they want.

also OP.

the true question is Which should you learn first ;)

but understanding synthesis first is a clear answer. once you know basic synthesis you can dive into any synth.

you'll soon find your favourite and want to learn that one in more detail.

for me it's massive, it's always been my go-to synth.

 

It's just me or... Serum isn't that much as it's praised to be? Just because it's new and shiny gives it a "placebo" sparkle, but IMO it's just a flexible wavetable synth with good sounding oscillators, but most of the sounds i tried to get out of it even from scratch or 3rd party presets.. Its overall sound is kinda sterile, thin and... strange in a way. Honestly, sonic wise i like Massive more, even though it's not as flexible as Serum.