i need help with something beat production wise..

Question

i dont know if i want to spend $500 to get the omnisphere 2.6 power synth or if i want to get the akai advance 49 midi controller, which is also $500.

Answer 1

So they do two different things which I think is very important to go through. The Akai MIDI controller HAS NO onboard sounds. It is meant to control VSTs like Omnisphere, but it produces no sound of its own. All keyboards that are specified as a MIDI controller actually produce no sound. So the real question is are you looking for a synthesizer to produce sound, or a controller to control a VST?

If you're looking for a VST, check out some free alternatives first to see if they fill the hole in your production workflow. Check out Helm, or the TAL Noisemaker for some free synth VSTs.

If you're looking for a synthesizer and you want a physical one, the $500 may be a bit tight but there are still some in that price range that are definitely worth looking into. The Korg Minilogue for example can be found for $500, same with the Behringer Deepmind 6 if you look for a used one. Both of those produce sounds of their own.

As far as a MIDI controller, depending on what you need the Arturia Beatstep is another classic choice, but again, it produces no sound of it's own and is meant for controlling VSTs.

Hope that helps, feel free to ask any questions!

Answer 2

The answer is very tricky and subjective without first knowing what type of music you create and what your long term goals are. The other two are right, the two are extremely different, and one isn't necessarily fully useful without the other. I'd personally recommend a compromise with both the controller and the software, as there are lots of amazing alternatives for both that are cheaper.

For instance, I have a M-Audio Code 61 Midi Keyboard. Not only is it a tank that I've taken on tour, but it feels great and is an amazingly diverse midi controller with 61 keys, 16 color assignable beat pads, buttons, faders, knobs and everything you need to create amazing music with whatever software you have, for about $300.

As far as synth software, don't underestimate brands such as Waves, XLN and more. Even stock plugins in Logic combined with creative plugin use and tweaking can yield amazingly professional results. Sampling is also a great tool to use in your synth arsenal.

Hope this helps! Let me know if you need anymore ideas moving forward.

Jonah

Answer 3

I whole heartedly agree with Liam's answers.

I would also say go to KVRAUDIO.com and download some free synths.

There is a powerful filter in the interface where you can ask for the correct host, plugin type and engine you need.... VST , AAX, AU.... dependent on your hosts requirements. But last of all, you can filter for free plugins only. It's a treasure trove.

Best

Daniel

Also look at the national used pages of guitar center online or craigslist for midi controllers at half the price of new. :)

Best of luck to you!

Daniel