Reccomendations for hardware synth to move from software?

[eyron]

I've been producing progressive house / DnB using software synths like Massive and Sylenth1 and have learnt how to get the sound I want reasonably well now. I like the unison functions in both these synths and the 3+ oscillators.

Separately I play bass in a band and was thinking of playing synth as well. I have a 61 key midi keyboard & keyboard amp, and my first idea was to use an ipad with camera connector to keyboard and the Sunrizer app (which I love) to play. Unfortunately it doesnt seem like a reliable setup as audio seems to drop out when i close and re open the app and have had some problems with the mini jack cable slipping out.

Was wondering if the solution to this is to get a hardware synth, but I have no idea if I'm expecting too much for the amount I would be able to spend. I would probably need to switch between several patches (guessing you cant do this on true analogue ones) and would like a large number of oscillators preferably through unison or some kind of supersaw function. How much would it cost to get something like this second hand, and can anyone recommend anything? I would like a realistic idea of what i would need to spend to get something that sounds decent so say if my budget is too low but I probably couldnt spend more than £250 max (student) and I would prefer cheaper. Is there anything available at this price point?

Thanks

[tehLORD]

You might be able to pick up a Roland Gaia on Ebay for around that budget.

[Delphine]

If you have a Midi keyboard, I'd consider an Access Virus B.

[cacofonix]

If you have a Midi keyboard, I'd consider an Access Virus B.

^this

[vorax]

As much as I love my Virus (TI), if i was doing it all again, I'd seriously consider the softsynth / midi keyboard / laptop route. If you are happy with your sounds, then I'd consider saving up for a laptop to use live with the midi-keyboard. Maybe even think about putting your PC in a gig-proof case. You can also a laptop (or PC) to run tracks from your DAW live as well. That said I'd check with people with more live experience with me as to how reliable this can be... a hardware synth is likely to be a little more bomb proof...

[octatonic]

Virus for sure.
Any of them are great- the TI is amazing.

[cacofonix]

As much as I love my Virus (TI), if i was doing it all again, I'd seriously consider the softsynth / midi keyboard / laptop route. If you are happy with your sounds, then I'd consider saving up for a laptop to use live with the midi-keyboard. Maybe even think about putting your PC in a gig-proof case. You can also a laptop (or PC) to run tracks from your DAW live as well. That said I'd check with people with more live experience with me as to how reliable this can be... a hardware synth is likely to be a little more bomb proof...

I have not heard any synth with as much versatility or sheer sound quality as the TI. Blofeld is nice, but darker. Don't use a laptop to run softsynths live. Hardware for live, computer for studio. Ask any professional sound engineer.