Os9 Dp3 And New Synth, advice please? Options

[Badshirt]

Hey guys and gals,
I'm currently using the Digi001 w/ Digital Performer 3 and ProTools (that shipped w/ the 001) on my Mac 633MHZ Computer in OS 9.2. I've only really done audio recording and haven't moved into midi sequencing too much.

I'm just wondering if I might be able to get some advice on a Synth to use for the purpose of recording. Of the ones I've played in stores I like the Yamaha Motif ES8 the most. The 8 is necessary because the weighted keys are a must for my lady who will pay half to use it for keys.
Has anybody used this synth with the 001? Is there a different suggestion on synths that are out?
Is the serquencing better IN DP or Protools or should I look elsewhere in general?

I guess I'm just looking for some opinions on any of the questions above. The Digi001 has served me well and the Mac that I'm using has never been too little for my uses. I would just love to add a nice synth to the mix for some great drum sounds. So which software and which synth?

Thanks ahead of time. I greatly appreciate any opinions. Please also feel free to e-mail me at: [EDIT LPM, please no email in the forum, spam bots can read it! use the link in the user's profile ]

This post has been edited by lepetitmartien: Mon 24 Oct 2005, 01:42

[lepetitmartien]

In fact you can use any synth, it depends of the type of synth you want, an all rounder or something more specific ?

DP will way better for sequencing, PT is a must for ease to audio manipulation and its quality, but the MIDI part is stone aged, it starts only a be shaken a bit with PT 7 which uns on OS X only.

[Badshirt]

Thank you for the reply. I will be using it to record mostly rock type music with some orchestral pieces as well.

If there is another synth alternative please let me know.

[lepetitmartien]

Well it's more of a job for an allrounder. I'm not a specialist of those (more an analogue or crazy techie obscure digital synths guy), but I'd look into the flagships from Yamaha or Korg (does it show I don't like Roland at all). Or I'd look after a used Kurzweil if you're a bit short on cash, they have great all rounders with plenty of options like the K2500. You can buy them second hand for way less than their original price.

I'm sure other members here have an opinion too

Is the Midi thing fairly easy to learni with DP?

Powerful and accessible. It's not the atomic science of Logic but close enough yet understandable. Anyway, most people have a fairly basic use of the MIDI possibilities (in regard of the atomic science).

[Badshirt]

Thanks again for the advice. I'll look into the K2500. I wasn't too crazy about the Roland. I like the sounds on the Motif ES8 the best but may also check out the new S90 - If the sounds are comparable and the price point is better I may go that route.

[dixiechicken]

You cant go wrong with a Kurzweil.

Have an old secondhand Kurz-2000 myself.
The sound-engine in the Kurzweil is impressive.

Only bad thing about my Kurzweil-2000 is the reverb from Digitech - I think.
With the 2500 you have the option of the KFX-reverb-engine instead - way better.

The built in hardware sequencer is quite decent too.

Cheers: Dixiechicken

[Jaysee]

Hi, I bought a K2661 kurzweil about 18 months ago, it sounds fabulous, comes already equipped with the previously optional (and expensive) stuff like the orchestral rom etc. The keyboard is non weighted, (no hernias carrying around for gigging)but I really wish I'd bought the slightly older k2600X or 2500x just for the weighted piano action. The ribbon controls aren't on mine but the long one is available as an option. The sampling option adds a lot and is very tempting but is way too expensive.
Kurzweils are bloody complicated! Have a look on Kurzweils website and download the manuals 'musicians guide' and 'musicians reference'......jeez talk about rocket science! I love the instrument despite a few teething problems, but the manuals (to me anyway)are impenetrable technical gobbldygook. I know its an amazing bit of kit but lord knows whats going on inside, I can't figure it out. A plus is that there are heaps of controller inputs, 2ccpedals, 4switch pedals, breath control, aftertouch and heaps of switches,sliders.... you name it. The crappiest thing is the tiny little blue LCD display, its like trying to read a book through a pin hole. If you aren't looking at it from the ideal angle you can see f*** all, surely this is very old tech....think LCD laptops displays 10 or 15 years ago!
They do sound good though.
all the best JC

[Badshirt]

Thanks again for all of your input - all of you.

I'm thinking about picking up the Yamaha S90 ES due to the new piano sounds and the fact that I may not need all of the functionality of the Motif series. I'll be using DP 3 so I may not need the sequencing etc....

Its such a big decision since my budget isn't this large on most purchases for music.
Any other suggestions?

Thanks again.

[Jaysee]

re on board sequencing, I am one of those perverse individuals who actually likes hardware sequencers, I was a real fan of the roland MC50mk11 despite its tiny display, but I've grudgingly gone over to the dark side, joined the 21st century and embraced software sequencing now and must admit it's good to see all that info on screen.
re more keyboard suggestions, before I bought my kurzweil I gave serious consideration to the korg triton....and I think they do a cut down model which is very affordable.
I've not heard a Yamaha S90ES but I believe they're very good too.
cheers, JC

[Badshirt]

Thanks to everybody for this information. It is greatly appreciated.
I'll post once I have the s90ES to let everybody know how it works out. Please feel free to add any thoughts or comments.