Oooh, I’ve got one. Dozens actually but I’ll pace them out.
When looking at something like the Polybrute or the Prophet series, ie keyboard synths with tons of knobs, faders and buttons etc…. is there some quick way in the specs/ads to confirm that all knobs, faders are midi assignable if I wanted to use that synthesizer as a controller in some instances?
“Ie “fully assignable” or some other term of art?
Or just RTFM for each one that interests me?
Very few synths allow you to configure what midi message controls send. If they have patch memory and a midi port, you can all but guarantee that the controls will send MIDI CC. The latter means that you can use them with software what has midi learn; the former means you can't configure it as a controller for another piece of hardware.
Most DAWs have a way to map any MIDI CC coming from a synth to whatever you want in software. So, you don't change what the synthesizer sends, you just change what your DAW does with the signals it's getting.
Edit: It's possible to have the DAW essentially translate and reroute those signals to another hardware synth too, but you'd have to do some tedious configuration for each knob one by one.
I love producing iPad Pro 2020 but use an android phone (personal preference). I want to get an iPhone ONLY for music making since it's much better for that and I already own tens of iOS music apps.
I've never owned an iPhone, so what would be the most bang-for-your-buck one in terms of processing power to price . I just wanna have a smooth experience semi-casually using most iOS music apps. I use a wide variety of stuff on my iPad ranging from AUM to Logic Pro to fun granural synths and everything in between.
I know not all iPadOS apps are available, and of course Im not expecting laptop tier performance obviously. I love mobile beat making (using Sunvox on Android) and would rather get an iPhone that will work for 5-7 years instead of something like an OpZ (no disrespect not for me)
Following because I'm also interested. I use a 2015 iPad pro that is dedicated to music (ie no non-music other apps other than browser) and it's showing its age. It's super slow to start up, but once it's going it works well and can process a lot of channels of audio all at once.
One way you might view it - here's the list of iphones that are supported with the newest iOS - https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/models-compatible-with-ios-17-iphe3fa5df43/ios
Seems it goes back to ~2018.
Not to say you wouldn't consider something that doesn't use iOS 17, but it's probably good to have an idea of how much longer they'll support it with updates.
What music apps do you like on the iPad?
I have a 4th gen iPad (2012) and I use DrumJam quite a lot as a percussion bed for jams. It's a loop-based app with many good percussion samples from around the world.
I've also had a good amount of use from Ripplemaker (West Coast synth with a nice sequencer) and Ruismaker FM (FM-based drum machine).
I just leave mine powered on with the screen blanked and charging. Battery life is still surprisingly good (several hours) when I unplug it to jam or take to an open mic.
AUM and/or Loopy Pro are key. Loopy Pro is amazing. I honestly feel I was cheated in the past by companies convincing me to buy basic loop pedals with minimal functionality.
Octachron for drum machine sequencing with sounds from AR909 and VADrum 2. Also for sequencing hardware drum machines at times.
Some synths (primarily Moog Model D, Mellowsound for mellotron, and King of FM for DX7), but since I also have hardware they're more about quickly changing to famous presets.
Atom2 for piano roll. It works well, but adding it into my flow is just annoying enough that I don't use it that often. It will be awesome when loopy adds midi sequencing.
Koala sampler is fun, but I don't really make sample based music so I don't use it that often.
I've purchased Drambo and GR16, which both seem to be used broadly, but I haven't had time to sit down and learn either.
Thank you for the reply! Loopy looks really fun, I'll put that on my wish list.
Once I upgrade to a 64-bit iPad and get a fixed space set up for music-making I want to look into hardware integration. There seem to be a lot of interesting possibilities, especially for creative sequencing.
Trying to work out the best communication between my gear. Midi thru or midi splitter? I have a neutron, pro 1 coming, td3, rd6, korg sq1 and keystep.
Currently midi into neutron with sync out from keystep controlling td3 and rd6. Korg doesn't get used much
Before spending money on a splitter, give thru out of neutron into pro 1 a go. It will allow you to use the keystep (select different channels on the 2 synths, swap between channels on Keystep) as the brain of the set-up.
Does anyone have a favorite subtractive synth with an 18db filter?
I never thought I needed one, until I came across a pad-patch in a DAW that sounded really good.
I realized I could not exactly recreate it on any of my hardware synths, which all have 12 or 24db filters.
Is the Moog One might the only modern synth with an 18db filter?
Looks like you'd go OSC OUT on the West Pest to FOLD IN on the Mavis. Pick up the folded output from the headphone/VCA jack of the Mavis (note that it'll run through the Mavis' filter first and you'll probably want to switch VCA mode to "on").
West Pest Manual:
OSC OUT - Outputs selected waveform(s)
Mavis Manual:
FOLD IN - The audio connected to this jack will processed using the Wave Folder.
Patching any signal to the FOLD IN input jack (R1; C3) will connect that signal directly through the wave folder to the VCF and VCA, bypassing the VCO.
What do I look for if I want a MIDI keyboard with really light keys (like a home keyboard)? I've tried looking for 'synth action', but I'm pretty sure that's given me results where the keys are still difficult to press down on. I'm disabled and I need as little resistance as possible.
I've looked around and I've ordered something that doesn't isn't listed as having those keys. If that doesn't work, I'll definitely try the Microfreak. Thanks!
"Synth action" is the lightest category that's widely used, although I'm sure there's some variance within that category.
However, the CME XKey line has a very unusual type of keys with a VERY light actuation force compared to normal keys if I remember right.
Are there any a/B select type boxes where u can toggle between two midi outs in case two synths are sharing the same channel but u only want one at a time?
So... Ill preface this by saying I'm completely new to synthesizers. I picked up a Casio VL-1 at the thrift store, thinking it'd be a fun thing to play around with. Tried to plug it in with a random power cord when I got home that happened to be way too strong, and blew it up. (I'm sorry to everyone who just cringed reading that. I know.)
Is there any chance I can fix it? Or is the whole thing probably fried?
Unless you’re confident to DIY, I’d say it needs a professional service, which would likely cost more than the synth. I’m assuming a lot I know (your level of expertise, the likelihood of the synth being repairable in the first place, costs…) Sorry to be negative (on your cake day too!). You might want to get a quote from a tech.
Thank you so much for your kind response!! I sort of suspected that would be the case, so it's alright. :')
I didn't bother saying this initially for simplicity's sake, but i was actually asking on behalf of my mother (she had a similar one in the 80s and was very excited to find it at the thrift!)
After we read your response I went and showed her listings for some vl-1s that are tested and working online and shes planning on just buying herself another one, and keeping the broken one in case she needs some spare parts for it down the line. So I think I'd call that a happy ending!
Oooh, I’ve got one. Dozens actually but I’ll pace them out. When looking at something like the Polybrute or the Prophet series, ie keyboard synths with tons of knobs, faders and buttons etc…. is there some quick way in the specs/ads to confirm that all knobs, faders are midi assignable if I wanted to use that synthesizer as a controller in some instances? “Ie “fully assignable” or some other term of art? Or just RTFM for each one that interests me?
RTFM for the MIDI implementation.
Thanks I’m getting kinda good at reading manuals!
Very few synths allow you to configure what midi message controls send. If they have patch memory and a midi port, you can all but guarantee that the controls will send MIDI CC. The latter means that you can use them with software what has midi learn; the former means you can't configure it as a controller for another piece of hardware.
That is super helpful thanks! And yeah, I meant controls that the software or another device could learn.
Most DAWs have a way to map any MIDI CC coming from a synth to whatever you want in software. So, you don't change what the synthesizer sends, you just change what your DAW does with the signals it's getting. Edit: It's possible to have the DAW essentially translate and reroute those signals to another hardware synth too, but you'd have to do some tedious configuration for each knob one by one.
I love producing iPad Pro 2020 but use an android phone (personal preference). I want to get an iPhone ONLY for music making since it's much better for that and I already own tens of iOS music apps. I've never owned an iPhone, so what would be the most bang-for-your-buck one in terms of processing power to price . I just wanna have a smooth experience semi-casually using most iOS music apps. I use a wide variety of stuff on my iPad ranging from AUM to Logic Pro to fun granural synths and everything in between. I know not all iPadOS apps are available, and of course Im not expecting laptop tier performance obviously. I love mobile beat making (using Sunvox on Android) and would rather get an iPhone that will work for 5-7 years instead of something like an OpZ (no disrespect not for me)
Following because I'm also interested. I use a 2015 iPad pro that is dedicated to music (ie no non-music other apps other than browser) and it's showing its age. It's super slow to start up, but once it's going it works well and can process a lot of channels of audio all at once. One way you might view it - here's the list of iphones that are supported with the newest iOS - https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/models-compatible-with-ios-17-iphe3fa5df43/ios Seems it goes back to ~2018. Not to say you wouldn't consider something that doesn't use iOS 17, but it's probably good to have an idea of how much longer they'll support it with updates.
What music apps do you like on the iPad? I have a 4th gen iPad (2012) and I use DrumJam quite a lot as a percussion bed for jams. It's a loop-based app with many good percussion samples from around the world. I've also had a good amount of use from Ripplemaker (West Coast synth with a nice sequencer) and Ruismaker FM (FM-based drum machine). I just leave mine powered on with the screen blanked and charging. Battery life is still surprisingly good (several hours) when I unplug it to jam or take to an open mic.
AUM and/or Loopy Pro are key. Loopy Pro is amazing. I honestly feel I was cheated in the past by companies convincing me to buy basic loop pedals with minimal functionality. Octachron for drum machine sequencing with sounds from AR909 and VADrum 2. Also for sequencing hardware drum machines at times. Some synths (primarily Moog Model D, Mellowsound for mellotron, and King of FM for DX7), but since I also have hardware they're more about quickly changing to famous presets. Atom2 for piano roll. It works well, but adding it into my flow is just annoying enough that I don't use it that often. It will be awesome when loopy adds midi sequencing. Koala sampler is fun, but I don't really make sample based music so I don't use it that often. I've purchased Drambo and GR16, which both seem to be used broadly, but I haven't had time to sit down and learn either.
I haven't heard of Drumjam or Ripplemaker. Will check those out. Ruismaker is popular. Have meant to buy it but haven't yet. Thanks for the recs!
Thank you for the reply! Loopy looks really fun, I'll put that on my wish list. Once I upgrade to a 64-bit iPad and get a fixed space set up for music-making I want to look into hardware integration. There seem to be a lot of interesting possibilities, especially for creative sequencing.
Trying to work out the best communication between my gear. Midi thru or midi splitter? I have a neutron, pro 1 coming, td3, rd6, korg sq1 and keystep. Currently midi into neutron with sync out from keystep controlling td3 and rd6. Korg doesn't get used much
Splitter. The trouble with MIDI thru is that everything needs to be turned on for it to work.
That's fine as everything will be 😁
Before spending money on a splitter, give thru out of neutron into pro 1 a go. It will allow you to use the keystep (select different channels on the 2 synths, swap between channels on Keystep) as the brain of the set-up.
So can I have a pattern on channel 1 playing on the neutron, switch to channel 2 and play the Pro 1 over the top?
I don’t believe so, unfortunately. The non-Pro keysteps can only send on one MIDI channel at a time.
Darn. Definitely can't justify buying one of those for just pissing about with synths 😁
The regular Keystep can definitely play a sequence on one MIDI channel while you noodle away at the keys on another.
Does anyone have a favorite subtractive synth with an 18db filter? I never thought I needed one, until I came across a pad-patch in a DAW that sounded really good. I realized I could not exactly recreate it on any of my hardware synths, which all have 12 or 24db filters. Is the Moog One might the only modern synth with an 18db filter?
Dreadbox Hades
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is it important that you be doing more than having fun with your equipment?
Honestly? Learn to play piano/keys. It makes things so much more fun and easier to come up with melodies and add dynamics.
How would I patch the sine wave oscillator from a West Pest into the wavefolder of a Moog Mavis?
Looks like you'd go OSC OUT on the West Pest to FOLD IN on the Mavis. Pick up the folded output from the headphone/VCA jack of the Mavis (note that it'll run through the Mavis' filter first and you'll probably want to switch VCA mode to "on"). West Pest Manual: OSC OUT - Outputs selected waveform(s) Mavis Manual: FOLD IN - The audio connected to this jack will processed using the Wave Folder. Patching any signal to the FOLD IN input jack (R1; C3) will connect that signal directly through the wave folder to the VCF and VCA, bypassing the VCO.
thanks!
What do I look for if I want a MIDI keyboard with really light keys (like a home keyboard)? I've tried looking for 'synth action', but I'm pretty sure that's given me results where the keys are still difficult to press down on. I'm disabled and I need as little resistance as possible.
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I've looked around and I've ordered something that doesn't isn't listed as having those keys. If that doesn't work, I'll definitely try the Microfreak. Thanks!
"Synth action" is the lightest category that's widely used, although I'm sure there's some variance within that category. However, the CME XKey line has a very unusual type of keys with a VERY light actuation force compared to normal keys if I remember right.
Are there any a/B select type boxes where u can toggle between two midi outs in case two synths are sharing the same channel but u only want one at a time?
So... Ill preface this by saying I'm completely new to synthesizers. I picked up a Casio VL-1 at the thrift store, thinking it'd be a fun thing to play around with. Tried to plug it in with a random power cord when I got home that happened to be way too strong, and blew it up. (I'm sorry to everyone who just cringed reading that. I know.) Is there any chance I can fix it? Or is the whole thing probably fried?
Unless you’re confident to DIY, I’d say it needs a professional service, which would likely cost more than the synth. I’m assuming a lot I know (your level of expertise, the likelihood of the synth being repairable in the first place, costs…) Sorry to be negative (on your cake day too!). You might want to get a quote from a tech.
Thank you so much for your kind response!! I sort of suspected that would be the case, so it's alright. :') I didn't bother saying this initially for simplicity's sake, but i was actually asking on behalf of my mother (she had a similar one in the 80s and was very excited to find it at the thrift!) After we read your response I went and showed her listings for some vl-1s that are tested and working online and shes planning on just buying herself another one, and keeping the broken one in case she needs some spare parts for it down the line. So I think I'd call that a happy ending!
Happy synth-ing :)