Synthesizer Vocoder
Posted in Instruments by admin
on October 13, 2010
What is the difference between a modeling synth and a regular synth?
I am looking for my first synthesizer and i am looking at the Korg R3 Synthesizer / Vocoder Keyboard (http://www.guitarcenter.com/Korg-R3-Synthesizer---Vocoder-Keyboard-104474242-i1174821.gc?sort=3) and the Alesis Micron Analog Modeling Synth (http://www.guitarcenter.com/Alesis-Micron-Analog-Modeling-Synth-102810637-i1154723.gc). i need advice on what synth to get. I'm looking for something $600 or less. Please help!
If you want to spend under 600, you should take a look on ebay and find a vintage synth to whet your appetite. You could easily snag a decent vintage synth for that price. However, with the features that the newer synths have, you might prefer to go that route.
A modeling synth uses a digital environment that emulates an analog synth. There are subtle nuances between the two, but sonically, they are close. Purists will notice, but to the average listener, it is very subtle. Some purists argue that the modeling synths aren't warm enough, which is partly true. I've owned all styles and types of synths. I currently own a Micron, a microkorg (my first synth), a Yamaha DX7, a Sequential Circuits Pro-One, a Casio CZ-1000, a Korg Poly-800, and a Korg EMX-1, and I can coax the Micron and the microkorg to sound quite similar to all of them. Modeling gives you the best of both worlds, really.
However, layout issues with the Micron make me favor the R3. The Micron is more of a performance synth, and for beginners learning how to program patches, i would recommend the Korg over the Alesis. It has very minimal controls, and a A LOT of menu-hopping, so it kinda brings the enjoyment factor and the knob-twiddling to a minimum.
Korg always got their vocoder right as well. It certainly isn't a Moog, but it sounds pretty sweet in its own right. I've owned many Korg and Alesis instruments, and I've always favored Korg for their innovation. Besides, the R3 has more features, being a newer synth.
Hope this helps you out!
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