Just want to get some opinions on everyone’s favorite Software synth’s. I’m looking into getting a Virus TI desktop but they aren’t cheap so while I save up for one it’s all about the software.
Personally I’ve used Absynth, Zorg Legacy collection, Sylenth and ZebraII.
ZebraII is hands down my favorite of the synths I’ve used so far. Sylenth is a great starter synth, it’s very simple to use and the layout is straightforward plus it has tons of presets so you don’t have to program your own patches. But ZebraII sounds so amazing compaired to Sylenth it’s not even close, also ZebraII can replicate virtually any type of synth you can think of. ZebraII just takes alot of time because you basically build your own custom patches from the ground up, but it’s worth it in the end when you get that fat almost analogish sound.
I’ve heard great things about Massive, Z3ta (Windows only), Omnisphere, FM8 and Rob Papen’s synths but haven’t tested any out for myself.
Anyways, my favourite synth that I’ve recently is the Minimonsta by G Force. It’s a fucking MiniMoog on roids! Won’t be disappointed in scooping it. But the best bang for the buck Softsynth wise is the V Collection. All their VSTs are spot on of the originals (for better or worse depending on how you look at it).
My big thing when working with VSTs is the interface. If there’s multiple screens you have to navigate and click through to do stuff I’m most likely not going to use it, just not conducive to an efficient and creative work flow.
I heard that Dune was supposed to be kinda like a software Virus. That’s why I got it. I like it okay, but I can still get better sounds out of a real virus in GC (or almost any other hard synth with knobs, for that matter) than I can get out of Dune at home. I think I just have a mental block against mice.
From what I was told they are both based off the same engine because a Virus is a virtual analog synth, no? If what I’m being told is true then yeah, you have a mental handicap and only “think” you’re getting a better sound as you should be able to do the same with Dune
I just picked up Native Instruments Massive and FM8 this weekend to add to my arsenal. From the little time I got to spend with each one, I really like FM8 alot. Massive seems perfect for Brostep or Techno type sounds (Probably won’t get as much use from me). Can’t wait to spend some more time learning each synth more, damn u spring break, y u only 7 days long!
Massive and Sylenth are two I use a lot, Massive is easier to use and more flexible, but Sylenth just sounds epic. I also use all kinds of weird stuff like Fruity Granulizer, Synplant, and even 3xOSC.
I use Massive to create a HUGE variety of sounds, from hardcore kicks to string-like synths. I highly, highly recommend it. it’s immensely flexible, so I recommend it because if you DO buy it, you will feel the need to learn it inside and out and it iwll be well worth it. it is better to know a single synth very well than it is to know many different ones only at a basic level.
My other experience is with Alchemy, which has some remarkable presets and is really cool for its ability to warp the sound between settings within the patches/presets. sort of like controlling all of the macros in massive at once.
I have a couple other free synthesizers VSTs that are meant for more specialized sounds, and are not very flexible. I often use this if the track needs something a bit out of the ordinary.
Yea, I haven’t delved too deeply into Massive beyond the basic presets so far. However, there are alot of big name producers cranking out tune after tune with Massive, so there must be something to it. Time to start You Tubeing how-to videos on Massive.
[quote=“JasonBay, post:7, topic:40419, username:JasonBay”]
From what I was told they are both based off the same engine because a Virus is a virtual analog synth, no?
[/quote]The virus is VA, but there’s more than one engine for VA synths.
[quote=“JasonBay, post:7, topic:40419, username:JasonBay”]
If what I’m being told is true then yeah, you have a mental handicap and only “think” you’re getting a better sound as you should be able to do the same with Dune
[/quote]No, I definitely get better sounds with any hardware VA synth than with any soft synth. The mental block is in not being willing to experiment as much with the software because it’s finicky, unintuitive, and fucking boring.
I know there’s more than one kind, but I’m asking if it’s based off the same exact one though from what I’ve read. Doesn’t the Virus itself come with a software interface for saving and programming synths among other things as well?
The TI and TI2 come with plugins that handle audio routing and preset recall at least. I don’t know if you can edit patches from the plugins, but if want to do that, you’d be stupid to buy hardware.
And analog gear can be finicky. But hardware gear doesn’t have fucking mice, and that makes it better. I don’t even use a mouse with my web browser anymore (thanks to vimperator), and I’d ditch the computer in a heartbeat if I could afford it.
I wouldn’t go that far to say it’s stupid. There are still benefits of having the actual hardware as well. If you want to ditch the mouse then invest in a BCR2000/UC33-e or something along those lines. I have two UC33-e’s, and I have them mapped out to different VSTs on different softsynths (I have a handful, but mainly use 4).
Takes a minute to setup, but once you do you’ll be set and ready to go.
If you can explain your mappings, I’ll think about it…but the last time I looked, there just weren’t enough controls on the BCR or UC33e. And how does it deal with multiple instances of the same plugin?
For multiple instances you would just have them mapped out on different global channels. So all the controls would be the same, you would just be flipping through global channels to get from one instance to the next
