Take a look and tell me what you synth heads think. I'm seriously considering buying one. I'm going with a US dealer since the nearest one to me is in the U.K. and exchange rates are really not in my favor.









http://www.novationmusic.com/nov_route/docs/prods/ks45/ks45_over.htm

http://www.novationmusic.com/nov_route/docs/prods/ks45/ks45_spec.htm

V.

Well between the login timing out while i was doing work and me hitting backspace and sending the web browser back 3 times, I've lost the post 4 times, so here's a summary:

- would like to see 2 filters instead of 1
- they don't mention modulation possibilities which is not a good sign if you like complex pads or other sounds where having a nice mod matrix is helpful
- k-station was decent sounding and this is a souped up one so it's probably not crap
- but if buying used is an option you should check it out because you will get more for your $$$ (either better sound or more features or both)

This will be my first major synth purchase so I wanted to get something decently versatile without breaking the bank (like a SuperNova II, Korg Triton or a Yamaha Motif). For a grand, it works for me.

I'd rather get a brand new one with full warranty than a questionable used one. Besides, this model is brand spanking new, what are the odds of getting a used one?

I can live with one filter. I've got 2 ADSRs, 2 LFOs and an arpeggiator to play with.

V.

there is only one filter, but it is multi-timbral and you can select low, high, and BAND. with a -12 and -24 db per octave slope...
that equates to squelchy leads are squelchier and your lows will be punchier. This looks like a good buy, lots of features and all.

Yea I'm not saying it's crap. The k-station was decent but limited, it looks like they have gotten rid of some of the limits, so it should be solid.

I really prefer more extensive modulation capabilities but if you don't care then you won't miss it obviously.

If you want to stick with new synths, then at your price the only other thing I can think of offhand that I would give serious consideration is the MicroQ Keyboard version. You lose some keys and the nice interface but get an (imho) better synth. However, the interface is quite unfortunate if you are a knobs and buttons kind of guy, so it's by no means a hands down victory for the microq... If you don't ever want to program it it doesn't matter how good it is. :P

I personally am a big fan of Novation products. I have heard their sound nowadays being called "liquid analog"...If the board has a sequencer, as well as drum sounds, then you are in luck, if not, then you will still need a sequencer or cpu in the mix somewhere in order to start creating complete songs. Hardware rocks The ms2000 Korg may also be an option, but mainly if you like and can use the sounds this synth can make, then go for it....but always remember, the more the merrier..(as far as gear goes)

My entire production set-up as it now cosists of an Athlon 1700+ XP workstation and audio software. Soft synths and sequencers have been part of my evil plan all this time but I agree: when it comes down to synthesis, there is nothing like good solid hardware. I definitely plan to get more when my finances allow it. Thanks for the input, guys. Feel free to post if more needs to be said.

V.

I'm a big fan of Novation also- I use a Nova laptop in my own setup. I wouldn't recommend either of those pieces as a first device, however, unless you plan on doing your sequencing and drums on the computer (or by buying other hardware). Novation makes great synths, but like most VA rack out there, it's not designed for making drum sounds.

Nord Lead 2 and the Roland V-Synth.

OK. Here's a new development. After reading Contrast's comment about Waldorf's sound, I took a look around at the Waldorf. I came up with the Waldorf 16 voice Q.





http://www.waldorf-music.com/q_keyb/

About the same price of a Novation KS5. What are your thoughts on this? Any input appreciated. Thanks.

V.

The Q is a -great- piece of gear... I got to work with one on this Breaks Project with my friend Steve... Solid piece of gear. =)

Gawd I want that keyboard so bad. It will be mine oh yes it will be mine.

If you are talking about that $1100 Q on musiciansfriend, I would read some reviews, make a decision, order quickly and cross your fingers, because the full Q keyboard usually lists around $2400.

If they actually sell it to you for $1100 you could probably immediately resell it on ebay for more than you paid...

I suspect though that they will tell you the price was wrong and not sell it to you.

Yeah, I looked into it. I e-mailed them a few days ago and never got a straight answer. Checked the price today and it was back up to $2399. Damn f0ckers.

I'm better off getting it from the distributer in Singapore. Better prices and instead of paying tons for shipping and insurance, I can just fly there and test drive one for the same amount.

From a technical point of view, the Q would seem to be a superior machine when compared to the KS5. But when it comes to sound, it's subjective. I listened to some online mp3s of the Q and was blown away!! Check it out and judge for yourself.

ftp://ftp.waldorf-gmbh.de/q/audio-demos/qwerk.mp3

ftp://ftp.waldorf-gmbh.de/q/audio-demos/delia.mp3

ftp://ftp.waldorf-gmbh.de/q/audio-demos/lightning.mp3

ftp://ftp.waldorf-gmbh.de/q/audio-demos/sunrise.mp3

ftp://ftp.waldorf-gmbh.de/q/audio-demos/zipfelchen.mp3

These are 128kbps so they don't really do the Q justice. I could'nt find any sound bites for the KS5 so I listened to the K-station samples instead.

V.