Bass synths

[thisnameistaken]

I've been looking at analogue synths. I like the idea of a proper analogue synth, but I also like the idea of patch memory, so obviously I really like the idea of the Bass Station II, but I don't like the idea of a 2-octave keyboard, and I don't like the idea of having to carry a second keyboard just to add more range.

What else should I look at?

[xgsjx]

Moog sub phatty 37.
Or if you want 5 octaves, how about a KingKorg?

[JapanAxe]

Another option would be a box-only synth and a controller keyboard with enough keys to meet your requirements.

I'm a big believer in stating the obvious btw!

[Mike]

Roland Gaia. Analog sensibilities, no screen, only knobs, but digital, so saved patches!

[thisnameistaken]

I looked at the Gaia, but the romantic in me wants an analogue synth.

As for modules: The reason I'm looking at buying a synth is because I like tweaking controls. Otherwise I'd probably just stick with software (mostly MASSIVE) and a controller keyboard which is what I'm doing at home.

I didn't know there was a 37-key Sub Phatty. That's very cool, but a bit pricey. I'm not sure I can justify it, even if it is a Moog. I would also like something a bit more portable. Yeah I know, portable, more keys, conflicting priorities etc. What I really want is a Bass Station II with more keys and I'm waiting for one of you to make me one.

[thisnameistaken]

Now you made me watch a Sub 37 demo. YOU'RE A BAD PERSON!

[Ben Jamin]

I have a Bass Station II.

I can confirm it sounds awesome.

[Spike Vincent]

Just curious, but why more than 2 octaves for a bass synth? I use a Basstation rack with a midi keyboard, if that's any help.

[xgsjx]

[quote name='thisnameistaken' timestamp='1411770958' post='2562778']
Now you made me watch a Sub 37 demo. YOU'RE A BAD PERSON!
[/quote]
I watched some moog voyager XL demos. Trying my best to justify spending £5k on a synth to the Mrs, but I don't think its gonna work.
I'm going down the synth route, but just for home use, so I'm considering a Roland FA08 (that's got a bit more than 37 keys too ).

[thisnameistaken]

[quote name='Spike Vincent' timestamp='1411851784' post='2563369']Just curious, but why more than 2 octaves for a bass synth? I use a Basstation rack with a midi keyboard, if that's any help.[/quote]

I just think while a 2 octave keyboard is probably OK if everything is in C I'm worried it will start to feel a bit tight in keys a fourth or fifth away. I'd rather have three, or even two and a half.

Yeah a module and controller would be one way around it but I like having all the controls to tweak, and less gear to carry (there's potentially double bass in the mix in one band too).

Edited September 27, 2014 by thisnameistaken

[xgsjx]

It also might be worth having a look at the Arturia Keylab 32 or 49. It's a VST & hardware system, so you'll need to take a laptop, but it has plenty of assignable knobs & sliders & has some excellent VSTs of analogue synths.

Another good synth that I nearly forgot about is the MicroKorg. Singer in a previous band had one of these & they have some excellent sounds.

There's also the DSI MoPho. That should fit your bill.
2 1/2 octaves, fully analogue, programmable & loads of knobs. It's made by the chap who started Sequential Circuits.

Edited September 28, 2014 by xgsjx

[oggiesnr]

Long in the tooth and getting harder to find in good condition but the Korg Prophecy is a brilliant beastie.

Steve

[thisnameistaken]

The MoPho Keyboard might be a good option, I didn't realise they'd released a standalone model. The MicroKorg is fun but I like having full-size keys, due to having full-size hands.

[Sonic_Groove]

[quote name='thisnameistaken' timestamp='1411765753' post='2562705']
I've been looking at analogue synths. I
[/quote]

How about this?!!!




B

[thisnameistaken]

Is that Jimmy Saville?

[BassTractor]

What?
WHAT?
W H A T ? ?

You don't even recognise fellow bass player Malcolm Cecil?

Me neither.
Or rather, I did recognise Malcolm Cecil, but had no idea he's a bass player.

The monster behind him, btw, is TONTO - reportedly the largest modular synth ever. IMS it consisted of modules and keyboards from a range of brands, necessitating they built all kinds of circuitry to "translate" the control signals between systems.

Any self respecting bass player in need of some bass synth sounds should get one or two of these.

[TheSiberian]

...or at least a Moog Taurus 3.
Best

[chaypup]

[quote name='BassTractor' timestamp='1411976006' post='2564367']
The monster behind him, btw, is TONTO - reportedly the largest modular synth ever. IMS it consisted of modules and keyboards from a range of brands, necessitating they built all kinds of circuitry to "translate" the control signals between systems.
[/quote]

TONTO is featured in the best-worst film I've ever seen, Phantom of the Paradise.


[url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5qVJEg3qA"]http://www.youtube....h?v=2n5qVJEg3qA[/url]

Edited September 29, 2014 by chaypup

[thisnameistaken]

Ok so today I went out to Gear4Music and tried some synths. The Arturia Minibrute sounded great but without patch memory wouldn't be useful enough live and I want a synth that will be tweakable and also easy to use live.

So I came home with a Bass Station 2. And it's better than I thought it was. What a great little instrument. :-)

[BigRedX]

Nord Lead (any version).

I know it's "virtual" analog, but IMO it sounds fab and is more versatile than most of the competition.

[thisnameistaken]

Having never owned a 'proper' analogue synth though, I'd decided that's what I wanted.

I haven't taken it to a rehearsal yet (Thursday will be its first outing) but I've spent every spare minute pissing about with the modulation options, it's a fascinating little box.

[HowieBass]

Have you tried putting your bass guitar through it yet? When I first started playing in a band with my mate we tried putting my bass through his Yamaha CS15 synth just to see what we could do with the signal - great fun

[thisnameistaken]

I think the audio input just routes the signal through the filter, and the filter is very good and there are lots of modulation options, but no I haven't yet. I've got a couple of very good filters on my pedal board (which I will be running the synth through too).

[Earbrass]

If it's anything like my [url="http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/apr02/articles/novationkstation.asp"]Novation K-Station[/url] (and it may not be!), you'll need a line-level signal to get much use out of the audio input, so you may have to go via a pre-amp first.

[ras52]

[quote name='chaypup' timestamp='1411977404' post='2564389']
TONTO is featured in the best-worst film I've ever seen, Phantom of the Paradise.


[url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5qVJEg3qA"]http://www.youtube....h?v=2n5qVJEg3qA[/url]
[/quote]

...and on Stevie Wonder's early-70s albums <3