Musikality Net

Yamaha Motif XS8

Today we are going to debate over this subject: soft synths vs hardware synths. There are many opinions, almost as many musicians, but I am going to give my view on the subject on a few lines.

First of all, you have to realize that any instrument that you are using is going to shape your sound. Like the electric guitar shaped the sound of blues, and heavy distortion shaped the sound of heavy metal, the synthesizer has shaped the sound of electronic music.

For example, the 80s have been characterized by cetain lo-fi analog sounds. The efforts of the synthesizer industry to create emulations of strings, for example, gave rise to sounds that sounded somewhat like strings, but, pretty obviously, weren’t. Nonetheless, these sounds, gave to many bands their distinct sound.

Furthermore, we can’t forget the legendary drum machines like 808 and 909.

Roland 808

The same happens with synthesizers. Soft synths and hardware synths are tools in your music arsenal.

This leads us to the point 1

1)The distinct sound that each synthesizer possesses will shape your music.

However, there are all varieties of prices. Some soft synths have really cheap sounds, some have their own distinct sound. Native Instruments and Spectrasonics are two companies that are known for making soft synths with their own signature sound. Of course, this doesn’t mean that there are not cheaper alternatives (since these companies usually move in the >$400 range). Image Line’s Toxic Biohazard is a VST synth with an excellent sound that comes in less than $100.

Image Line Toxic Biohazard

The same can be said for hardware synths.

Now, let’s get to point 2.

2)Everything depends on your goals

While expensive soft synths (like Native Instruments Absynth which is one of my favorites) have their own distinct sound, they are usually focused on certain genres of music. On the other hand, most modern synthesizers, are not presented as synths, but as "workstations", a concept that Korg founded with Triton Workstation.

This means, that synthesizers are now made as complete recording solutions, with sounds for all genres of music.

Korg Triton Studio

So, your goals will determine which one you should choose. If you are focused solely on electronic music, then going for a hardware synth might be a waste of time, since VST synths are always most easily configured through your DAW, and some of them can create unique sounds in a better price than a hardware synth.

On the other hand, a hardware synth can be a complete solution.

I myself made my first steps with a Korg Triton LE (that was the light edition of the Korg Triton which was too expensive to buy at that time). I learned many, and I mean many, things from that instrument. However, now that I am writing mainly electronic music and music with my bass and guitar, I don’t really need it. I use VST synths from inside my DAW to write electronic music and the bass and the guitar have nothing to do with a Triton LE , since they are plugged in directly into the soundcard.

Roland 909

Of course, there are still some analog synths, which are a different story alltogether. Analog synths are very unique in their sound and are for purists who know that they need this distinct sound. They are a choice for professionals, and maybe, it would not be a good thing to start your career with an expensive instrument without knowing first one or two things. But, then again, who knows? Maybe this is all you need!

Anyway, to recapitulate what we said in this post.

1)Your synths shape your sound pretty much like any other instrument

2)Soft synths are easier to control and are less expensive, while hardware synths are more of a complete solution, but more expensive

I hope that this little article helps you somewhat in your quest towards the perfect sound

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 14th, 2009 at 3:27 pm and is filed under General, Synthesizers. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.