Need some direction on synth purchase

[Control Z]

Hi guys,

I'm looking to spend some money on a new synth and could use some direction for producing house/pop/electro style. I'd like to stay around $500 but will make an investment if I can see its really worth it.

I'm considering purchasing a hardware synth since I don't currently own one. Wondering what I would gain from hardware when there are so many great software synths out there these days? Are hardware synths multipurpose meaning good for leads, bass and pads on the same unit? Would it give me a better understanding of synthesis since I'm psychically interacting with the gear?

I've heard a lot about of buzz about the slim phatty and mini brute. The virus TI2 desktop looks awesome but its really pricey. the other option would be buy some new sw syths like imposcar2, mnimonsta, diva, etc.

Please let me know your thoughts.

[Deejaesnafu]

i have an alesis micron that i got as a gift, but i believe it is under 500. the sound that comes out of it out of the box stomps about everything i can come up with in ableton, granted im a novice with both, but the actual hardware seems to have a richer sound and feel than softsynths ive tried.

[mostapha]

IMHO:

Hardware is easier and more fun to tweak. Every knob becomes something you can play with in real time, either while you're playing with 1 hand (or with an arpeggiator with a hold feature) or sending MIDI notes to it from a sequencer (or a DAW, whatever) and recording the audio.

The last time I played with a brand new (to me) hardware synth that I'd never seen before and hadn't read the manual on…it took like a minute to make it make noise and like 5 more minutes to make a noise I liked. The last new software synth I tried was making noise almost immediately…and took a week until I was liking anything that came out of it. It also might become the first one I actually decide to purchase.

But that's just me.

If you don't have my obsession with knobs, you get a lot more for your money with Software. Synapse Dune has been compared to the Virus, and it's <$150. Omnisphere might be the most comprehensive thing out there for $500.

[Zalgo]

Get a Moog Slim Phatty. A little pricey, but worth it. The Minitaur is another great choice.

[mostapha]

Is the minitaur even out yet?