RE: (idm) some STUFF about MUSIC

From rw
Sent Mon, Nov 3rd 1997, 21:37

On Mon, 3 Nov 1997 13:04:41 -0800 (PST),
xxx@xxxxxxxx.xxx wrote...

>- clavia nord lead synth
>
>  well, analog synths are expensive,

Many analog synths can be found for the same price or less than a nord lead. 
Maybe not with the MIDI spec of the NORD, but that is not always the most 
important thing to alot of people when it comes to analog style sound 
generation.  I can think of many analog synths that cost less than the Nord 
I would take in a heartbeat before it.  That is not to say that the Nord 
sucks, i actually like it quite a bit, but to say it is better because 
"analog synths are expensive"  is not entirely true.  Depends what you want 
for your $ I guess.

> go out of tune, 

Many people see this as a feature of analog synths.  In fact one of the main 
complaints alot of people have with the new virtual analogs is how stale an 
"overly stable" they sound.  The float in the VCOs and VCFs of real analog 
adds to the character imo, tho I understand alot of people cant stand it.  
Worth keeping in mind either way when listening to various synths old and 
new.

>the nord sounds every bit as good as
>  a real analog synth 

Well, i dunno. it does a good copy, but nothing beats the real thing imo.  
If you want analog, get a real analog imo.  If you want a synth that does a 
good analog knockoff plus some other really cool stuff then get a Nord or 
one of the other new virtual analogs (especially if a good MIDI spec is 
important to you).  This is not a putdown either, i think the coolest thing 
about the Nord is that it can do a decent analog sound plus alot of other 
things.  To buy it just to get straight analog style sounds is a waste of $ 
imo.

>the envelopes are at least as fast
>  as the arp 2600 so it's perfect for electro blips.  the THWIP factor
>  is through the roof.  

I have owner 4 2600s and have used the nord quite a bit and I wouldnt go as 
far as to say this. Also, different 2600 have different ENV speeds, so its 
hard to compare to them. The ENVs do seem nice and tight on the Nord tho. 

BTW, Im not a anti-digital freak, not at all.  I use all sorts of analog and 
digital stuff.  I even like the Nord Lead, but not to the point that I would 
say it replaces a whole world of analog synths.  It is its own thing and it 
pulls off alot of stuff quite well. It is definitely worth checking out, 
especially if you are looking to get a good general use synth which can 
cover alot of bases.  The bottom line is use what sounds good to you and 
works for you.  Get all the facts and opinions you want but let your own 
ears decide in the end.



--
               Rob Williams</>fEEd</>Tempest
         xx@xxxxxxxxxx.xxx</>xxxxxxx@xxxxxxxxx.xxx