Korg vs Yamaha synthesizers

Will

Both synthesisers are very good. They sound different, true. I'd go for the one you like the sound of best though that may not be easiest to use. As for sound quality - again that is difficult to judge - most workstations have a 'samey' quality imparted to all the sounds coming out of them - I prefer to use many different sound sources.

Just an aside here; what are you trying to achieve? Have you looked at the possibilities of computer/sequencer/virtual synthesis combinations?

Regards

Stephen

Hi Stephen,

Thank you for your reply. My ambitions are modest. I want an 8 octabe keyboard so as to ensure that all those years of piano lessons don't totally go to waste ;-), but at the same time would like to experiment with sampling and sequencing. Hence the desire for a workstation rather than just an electric piano. I've definitely looked into the virtual route (seems to be far more cost effective), but found the level of choice even more overwhelming. I played around with Reason the other day and was impressed with its functionality. For sequencing, I guess Cubase SE should be more than enough for me. Any suggestions.

Thanks for your help Stephe, it is much appreciated!

All the best,
Will

Will

I assume you are using a PC? Cubase or Cakewalk are the main contenders as sequencer and VST host. You can get a cut-down version of Cubase for £60 which can load any VSTis (Virtual Instruments) and then the virtual world is your electronic oyster. VSTis are brilliant and some of the free ones (Crystal for example) are easily as good as hardware (which is just virtual in a box, really). You are right - the choice is vast. But usually you get demos so you can make up your mind what you need at your own pace.

I'd reccomend you hang at www.kvr-vst.com for a while to check out what's available.

Basically you'll need

A fast PC with lots of memory, hard disk space and a decent soundcard.

A MIDI interface.

A weighted controller keyboard (you'll need to do some shopping for this!)

A Host software package like Cubase

Some VSTi intruments. There are lots of virtual samplers, synthesisers et al. Then you'll want something like 'The Grand' from Steinberg - it's a great piano instrument.

Computer Music have, on their cover disk every month, a free sampler, synth, bass synth and other VSTis to get you going.

Once you have a host, you can download demos, experiment and have lots of fun. It's more open ended than buying a workstation.

Regards

Stephen

I have had both Y and K synths. I would say that Y have better 'conventional' sounds, better emulations of real instruments, whilst K are better at the wild and wacky electronic sounds.

I think I prefer K overall.

The idea of the PC and sequencer (or MAC and Sequencer) is one to follow up - you could start off with a workstation, but the editing and flexibility of a computer program are sooo much better, and world of VSTi and effects is very inspiring.

DS

OTD - Appliance - Are you earthed?

Thanks guys! I will definitely start to take a closer look at the virtual option.