Boutique desktop bass + poly synths?

Discussion in 'Synthesizers' started by bateson, Jan 1, 2025 at 9:27 AM.

  1. bateson

    bateson Newbie

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    I want to buy either one that can do both bass and chords or 2 desktop synths to complement each other to record in my DAW. My budget is under $800 USD. It can have keys or not.

    I mostly make House and Techno, but sometimes Synthpop, DnB and Breaks, to give you a general idea of what they will be used for. Gnarly fat, sometimes plonky classic basses, beautiful chords, plucks and pads, that kind of thing. Am I asking for too much? :unsure:

    Every time I search I get a long list of the usual stuffs from the big brands, but what about the lesser known small boutique companies that make desktop synths? So far the closest to what I seek would probably be those made by Dreadbox. From all of the demos I heard they sometimes sound big, fat and rich, but sometimes not so much and even terrible in many demos. I guess that is to be expected, but anyway I want to explore more options before I buy anything.

    Can you suggest any interesting options for me?
     
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  3. Preamp Blend

    Preamp Blend Newbie

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    Right now I think of the Hydrasynth desktop, versatile good sounding synth with great interface
     
  4. dondada

    dondada Audiosexual

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    B K2
    B 2600
    And ad some crave or other fun toy like a mini desk to mix & overdrive
    like Xenyx X1204 USB or just analog

    of course used is the best way, especially for a mixer
    a lot of fun to be had:disco:
     
  5. dondada

    dondada Audiosexual

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    Sorry i actually overlooked that last part
    imo, 800 for 2 indie/boutique, is rather tough, for the really interesting stuff.

    i see 2 ways forward
    a small, very specific modular rig
    there you could exchange parts without big investments after
    the initial investments, but the gear is REALLY interesting & unique!

    then here are some i would suggest used
    Jomox or Tanzbär for drums
    ranges from 120-2k in price

    synths
    Beetlecrab (vector s.)
    Pittsburgh Modular
    Modal Electronics (maybe)Cobalt8M
    dsi
     
  6. Radio

    Radio Audiosexual

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    Hardware
    ASM Hydrasynth Desktop - 769 €


    Korg - King Korg Neo - 799 €


    Korg - microKORG Crystal - 447 €


    Behringer Model 15 - 299 €

    Software:

    Air MUsic Tech - AIR Sub Factory : The Ultimate Bass Synth
     
  7. bateson

    bateson Newbie

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    Thanks for the suggestions! I should have mentioned that I am really only interested in analog synths, unless it is of the hybrid sorts or its gotta truly be something special that cant really be matched ITB. My budget is a little flexible, but I still have to buy a new interface and monitors (fxxxxxxing expensive! :(), so I need to stay tight as possible with it.

    Anyway, I am spending the day listening to demos and looking for the best prices I can find. It would be great too if any of these accepted crypto.
     
  8. clone

    clone Audiosexual

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    korg minilogue xd fits most of your mentioned criteria. Analog poly are often more than your budget, and for bass they are mostly monophonic.
     
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