I am look to expand my hardware and looking for some synths. Rack mounted synths or desktop synths ideally, but will also consider keyboard synths. I am looking to move into making techno/prog trance/prog house type stuff, probably in the ilk of someone like Deadmau5, but only using his like as an influence rather than to copy. Before anyone suggests an Access Virus Ti2 or a Moog Minimoog Model-D, I am looking to pick up some stuff from the 'budget' range. The cheaper the better, but setting the limit at around the £3-400 mark max. Also perfectly happy to be picking stuff up pre-owned too!

Anybody got any recommendations? Would be good if you could also list any pros/cons about your recommendations.

 

New:
Korg minilogue (4 voice analog!)
Korg Volca series if you are into toys like that.

Interesting second hand synths (since you already have a Nova & Virus A):
Korg Radias
Blofeld - I scored one (with the capacitor mod so the knobs work) for about $300 USD.
Kawai K5000 (if you're into additive synthesis)

Sadly, most of the decent 80s & 90s synths go for more than I think they're worth these days.
There are a lot of great new synths these days too, but they are a bit out of your price range:
http://www.junodownload.com/plus/best-analogue-synths/

 

I heard this is the secret weapon of some EDM producers and it goes for a tenner these days. They say the pads are especially awesome, better than MPC's. It's hard to find, though.

 

Best bang for your buck IMHO is the Ensoniq SQ80 or ESQ-1 (ESQ-M for rack). Super flexible, great sound - $300 on this side of the pond.

I also scored a Roland JX10 for $300 and spent another $100 putting the Vecoven PWM 4.0X mod into it. Now it's a beeeeast!!!

 

Last edited: Mar 25, 2016

arturia microbrute, can give you some very good bass sounds
roland boutique series, these things sound amazing
both of these devices have very simple midi though, you wont be able to automate any parameters but they do sounds awesome
waldorf blofeld, amazing little desktop synth but very few controls on the device, editing goes easiest with an editor. can generate up to 16 sounds at the same time on 16 channels. does only have stereo output though
roland jd-xi might also be worth checking out, 2 digital parts, 1 analog part and 1 drum part. can be a serious beast this one, also has a sequencer inside so you dont need to use your computer all the time when composing

 

Korg Microkorg XL+

 

normal microkorg would prolly be better, owned the + and compared to FE the mininova it sounded really flat, was a bit of a shame

 

Access Virus Ti2 = vsti inside the hardware
Yamaha DX7 vintage digital synth 300$
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Yamaha-DX7-...037525?hash=item1eac052655:g:NUkAAOSwFqJWn4tp

 

not a lot of good ones keyboard wise for that money,microbrute, novation, korg minilogue looks good, for racks used option some great stuff, Roland V-synth rack, waldorf q (sweet sounds) or blofeld for sure, Korg radius rack.....

 

Korg Minilogue.

 

Hate to endorse any company related to Avid, but... M-Audio Venom might meet your qualifications.

 

Roland System1m, or absolutely Moog Minitaur (few trick pony, but what it does, nothing does better!)... and the Roland Boutique line is great as well...

 

Roland GAIA SH-01. Its a near perfect hardware synth for about 450 pounds.

http://www.gak.co.uk/en/roland-gaia-sh-01/32392?gclid=CPG4_9qQ2csCFUUeaAodFAAIOQ

 

This is what I'll be adding to my hardware setup next: already have the RM1X, Electribe 2 and Volca Sample.
Some examples of how it sounds too.

http://www.ebay.com/bhp/korg-ms2000

 

To give a recommendation it would be helpful to know, why you want to go for new hardware in the first place.
Since you are asking for rackmounted gear, I believe it's not your goal to use it as a performance tool.

Which problem with your current setup you want to fix with a new synth?
Do you want a special sound, many knobs, impressive vintage look?
Do you want analog, digital, sampler?

If you just want something for inspiration I would recommend to buy a microphone and an acoustic instrument.
You don't need to master it to get some interesting noises.

 

All these new synths, under ~$500 especially, are pure crap, lads. No offence, but there are so many 10 or more years old, professional and built to last synths, that can wipe the floor with these overpriced DSP toys inside a plastic case made in China. All that it comes to these days, if you want a really good synth, is building an Eurorack modular. That's pretty much it. Some Dave Smith instruments are good, Access Virus Ti, high end Novation synths, and some Moogs are good, too. Korg, Roland, Yamaha all produce overpriced toys now.

Reality check, lads.

 

Last edited: Mar 24, 2016

VA Monosynth : korg prophecy

VA Polysynth : novation nova / nova desktop(19'' 3HE Uni
/ supernova (19'' 3HE Unit)(19'' possible)

Monosynth
MiniBrute
MicroBrute
but add more budget and get the korg minilogue

they all sound good :D id go for the nova first (superb built and sound quality) then for the minilogue

 

Last edited: Mar 25, 2016

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Yamaha-AN20...063811?hash=item210c3a3c03:g:ij4AAOSwa-dWpM6U

 

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...0.TRC0.H0.TRS0&_nkw=Roland+SH-32&_sacat=11233