You know, the one you'd grab if the house was on fire.

Over the years Ive been using my hardware synths less and less as the software has improved. Ive mothballed my 88 key weighted controller keyboard for the handiness of a Nektar Panorama P6.

But sometimes I feel like Im missing out on something special. Not necessarily something rare or unique, just something that REALLY creates a sound that no software synth can produce.

 

Not a 'synth' but my Emu IV Platinum.

 

only hardware synth I have is a Microbrute I bought for a bargain once, it's definitely a fun instrument to play with and has it's own peculiar vibe, would definitely take it with me!

 

Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1UW MKII +Drive

 

Korg ARP Odyssey. I've been fanboying for this thing since forever. I don't know if it's the hands-on thing or the mental space i have to put myself since getting it ready to play feels like a satanic ritual at this point, but my creativity just flows with this thing.

I think the filters are pretty unique, even compared to the software version, but it's a fairly simple synth so i don't know if "No software" can produce that. But i'm yet to find a software synth that produces the same effect on me.

I wanted to tatoo the ARP logo on myself where the sun don't shine, but as a dog it has proved rather difficult.

 

virus. most versatile synthesis and best keys. I wouldn't take "software vs hardware" into consideration, I'd just pick my favorite one.

 

My Wavestation, nothing else sounds like it.