Recommendation required for a small synth?

icu81b4 · August 2023

I’d like to get a synth with a very small footprint that is capable of providing decent string pads and piano sounds so the band doesn’t have to rely on backing tracks for certain songs.

I don’t really want to be carting about my Korg Kronos when I have a couple of guitars and amps already in the car.

jackio · August 2023

Audiothingies Micromonsta 2...

Hurling_Fruitmig · August 2023

How about a Yamaha Reface CP, or a DX if you want to go all out 80s?

horse · August 2023

The Triton Taktile might fit the bill - think there were 2 different sizes, but both small

PeteC · August 2023

Micromonsta is very small and a great synth but probably wont gove you the piano sounds. Waldorf Blofeld would do both if you get a used one which has the sample SL already installed for the piano samples

light but bit bigger a Korg Wavestate will give you everything you need for gigging but might be too large a footprint

icu81b4 · August 2023

Thanks for the suggestions, I’ve never heard of some of these.

goldtop · August 2023

First Q: how many octaves do you need to perform?

icu81b4 · August 2023

goldtop said:

First Q: how many octaves do you need to perform?

I reckon 32 key’s should be enough, and I’d forgotten that I’d given my son a midi controller a few years ago that he no longer uses, so when I get that back I could connect it to a module.

paulmapp8306 · August 2023

Yeh, octaves first, and are mini keys and option or do you want full sized ones.

You wont find a synth that does even half decent pianos though, unless it supports user multisampling which is both more expensive, and likely a bigger board of just a desktop with no keybed.

So....you either go bigger and use a light workstation type board which absolutely WOULD do what you want or you use VSTs and a controller of your choice, or potentially a controller, with a synth module, and an older sound module that does piano (nothing new, would need to track a used something down). You also need to consider if the synth side just needs to create those pad/string sounds or if you need to have controls to tweek.

Budget is the final aspect you need to set. You could spend a lot to get the perfect solution. or not and compromise somewhere.

all that said, my gut says something like the Yamaha MX49. has strings/pads/synth sounds and piano, 49 keys (4 octaves) is enough for piano (yes more than the 32 keys you mention) and doesn't break the bank at £500 ish. This link is a decent demo of the things you might need, even if its US "worship" based.

goldtop · August 2023

^ The MX49 series probably is the best for (fairly) compact size and wide range of decent tones - it's a Motif in a cheap frock. As Paul says, it's super popular among neo-soul/worship fellas who want good pianos and pads.

Korg Triton Taktile, is an odd one. Triton sounds are a bit dated (but IMHO great), and you can also use the 8x2 pad bank to trigger chords for performance. Ujiie can make anything sounds good, of course:

Can't recall a 32-key ROMpler... The Jupiter Xm is packed with pianos and pads and every other sound Roland made famous but is a lot deeper than that and is a lot more £££s.

stickyfiddle · August 2023

My standard instinct for "small synth" is MicroKorg of some sort, but not sure how they are for piano sounds?

paulmapp8306 · August 2023

stickyfiddle said:

My standard instinct for "small synth" is MicroKorg of some sort, but not sure how they are for piano sounds?

non existant

swiller · August 2023

Roland JDXi 37 keys, under 300 sh, supernatural sounds (seen on the integra). Mono analog synth included.

goldtop · August 2023

swiller said:

Roland JDXi 37 keys, under 300 sh, supernatural sounds (seen on the integra). Mono analog synth included.

The piano sounds are a bit lacking. IIRC, it's got a JD800-based piano and a handful of EPs. (It's great value though).

paulmapp8306 · August 2023

goldtop said:

swiller said:

Roland JDXi 37 keys, under 300 sh, supernatural sounds (seen on the integra). Mono analog synth included.

The piano sounds are a bit lacking. IIRC, it's got a JD800-based piano and a handful of EPs. (It's great value though).

Yeh and the keys arnt great either, not full sized and quite low throw. i mean its great for what it is - but I wouldnt be doing pads/pianos on it.

prowla · August 2023

The Roland JV-1010 is a great little 1U/half-width MIDI unit.

goldtop · August 2023

^ Forgot about that. XV-2020 likewise.

icu81b4 · August 2023

Thanks everyone, Once I get my midi controller back I’ll see if thats good enough to use before buying a synth with a key bed.

personalnadir · August 2023

As a curveball, the microfreak recently had sample support added to it. It is paraphonic, so you wouldn’t be able to play it like a standard piano though. However it does sport a vocoder if you get the mic, which is fun

https://youtube.com/shorts/wUYS16wKwXY?feature=share

thomasw88 · August 2023

M-audio key station hook up to your phone... Job done.

paulmapp8306 · August 2023

thomasw88 said:

M-audio key station hook up to your phone... Job done.

gosh no....

monquixote · August 2023

If you have a Midi controller then the Roland MC 101 has ZenCore which is pretty good.

guitarjack66 · September 2023

I was going to ask a similar question and have been drawn towards the Yamaha CP Reface and the Roland keys Go. The Roland is a bit bigger,60 or so keys and I like the effects gimmicks for fun too. Mostly I am looking for home use for fun,learning and theory practice.

guitarjack66 · October 2023

I bought a Roland Keys and I really like it. My basic theory knowledge from a few years,about four,of playing guitar has helped with some understanding of how to play chords and basic melodies and with it's many effects (too much rap/hip hop/house type stuff for my liking ) it is fun to play. 61 keys is a lot more than I realised though.

midiman1962 · October 2023

stickyfiddle said:

My standard instinct for "small synth" is MicroKorg of some sort, but not sure how they are for piano sounds?

I use the korg microkorg Xl live(as does my duo partner) - does everything and also has a pc editor . I go from George Ezra to Kraftwerk without any problems- avoid iPads and that malarkey at all costs if you want to reduce stress. I am predominantly playing guitar as well and also singing 50% of the set

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Recommendation required for a small synth?

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