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1. 

   Diskvader
   

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   As the title suggests, I'm a newcomer whos rather confused about where to begin. I'm looking for a soft-synth to play around with on my computer, but I'm lost as theres a dizzying array of options to choose from. I've tried downloading a few, but it turned out they were plugins and I needed a host program to use them?. So I take it getting a standalone synthesizer would be my best choice?

   If it matters, I'd be interested in something that emulates the sound futurepop acts like Rotersand and VNV Nation put out but in general I just need to be pointed in the right direction to a beginner friendly synth and knowledge base

   Thanks and apologies, I'm sure I've asked quite a few dumb questions, but I'm pretty overwhelmed right now as where to begin with.

   Posted 1 year ago #
2. 

   soillodge
   

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   Welcome to the board! We would love to help you out. What kind of price range are you looking at?

   `michael

   Posted 1 year ago #
3. 

   hollowman
   

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   Try this one MinimogueVA
   http://www.home.no/gunnare/downloads.htm
   It works stand alone and is free. It is very basic and easy to use plus it sounds quite nice.

   Posted 1 year ago #
4. 

   KryonikMessiah23
   

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   I'd get a DAW, a MIDI controller, and an audio interface.

   Then some freeware VSTs. I can personally recommend Synth1 and Polyblit.

   Posted 1 year ago #
5. 

   Diskvader
   

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   Thanks guys, I'm using a minimogue as hollowman suggested. Although its "basic" theres already enough overwhelming knobs and switches to mess around with, so for a beginner like me it'll settle my needs.

   How did you guys dive in by the way? I have no musical training whatsoever, so I figured maybe taking some online piano lessons in garage-band or the likes would help get better acquainted. Some good synthersizer knowledge bases for beginners would be appreciated, as well as any tips and tricks

   Posted 1 year ago #
6. 

   dogmeat
   

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   http://www.side-line.com/side-line-forum/topic/where-do-i-start

   Posted 1 year ago #
7. 

   ketoujin
   

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   to the begin it´s always good to do some theory i think.
   It helps to understand what you are doing. I can not recommend any good internetsource in english because I´m german. But trust me: to understand what you are doing and what modulation can have what effect helps to double the fun.

   Posted 1 year ago #
8. 

   YADE
   

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   http://www.kvraudio.com/db/superwave_trance_pro_by_superwave

   cheap, VNV like, and offers one fader or knob per function so no tabs or stuff that can bother you.....and it sounds decent....

   Posted 1 year ago #
9. 

   fractured
   

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   wow that trance pro looks exactly like a jp8080, cool!

   I agree with ketoujin, some basic theory / music theory will go a long way but if you're just messing around for now you probably wont be writing any complete songs for a bit so its not totally necessary at the moment but as you layer sounds etc it'll definitely come in handy...

   Also check into apps like fruityloops and acid, theyre really good starting points for looping sounds and arranging sequences.

   Posted 1 year ago #
10. 

    YADE
    

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    @Fractured: so guess how it sounds ;)....it lacks warmth of the JP...but is imho a good emulation :-)

    Posted 1 year ago #
11. 

    dodd
    

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    TACOS!

    @ Diskvader

    If you're looking into software, well... there will be an overwhelming amount of choices for you.

    But if you're looking into hardware, I'd suggest a cheap VA (Virtual Analog) like the microkorg (which ranges from $200 to $300). It's a great entry level synth and it's great to study the basics of subtractive synthesis.

    Posted 1 year ago #
12. 

    metaball
    

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    as always, tweakheadz lab.
    http://tweakheadz.com/guide.htm

    Posted 1 year ago #
13. 

    dogmeat
    

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    @michael can you make a sticky thread for beginners, where we will be super friendly and explain everything that is usually asked???

    Posted 1 year ago #
14. 

    soillodge
    

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    I would like to, but only Bernard can stickie things. I can put a star on crap, or mark a thread a certain way. But then it would be up to us to keep it bumped up top. For now we only have these ghetto options :P

    `michael

    Posted 1 year ago #
15. 

    metaball
    

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    at least we have all these sweet & always relevant popup ads.

    Posted 1 year ago #
16. 

    dodd
    

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    TACOS!

    @soillodge

    Are you sure? With your moderator super-powers you should be able to see 3 options below the "reply" box and one of them should say something like "stick topic to front

    Posted 1 year ago #
17. 

    soillodge
    

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    OH SHIT! Thanks DODD :D

    Posted 1 year ago #
18. 

    dogmeat
    

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    :) RTFM!

    Posted 1 year ago #
19. 

    dodd
    

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    TACOS!

    The more you know... :)

    Posted 1 year ago #
20. 

    metaball
    

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    other helpful sites for electronic music newbs:

    Modern to Classic Synth related info
    http://www.sonicstate.com/synth/
    http://www.vintagesynth.com/
    http://www.synthzone.com/

    Modular Synths
    http://www.synthesizers.com/

    History of Electronic Music Instrument Manufacturers
    http://120years.net/

    Experimental Instruments
    http://www.oddmusic.com/

    Posted 1 year ago #

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