Soft Synths or Hard Synths?
 

What do you think are the pro's / cons of both?

Looks like the T1 is going a step midway, perhaps gauging the potential future.

I voted hardware!

I just dont think you can beat it with software, not so much in terms of sound, as I think that the softsynths are getting better all the time, but because you rely on your computer for calculations, and they are just not as fast as the dedicated DSP's used in hardware synths, and ultimately your processing speeds get eaten up and there is not enough room for the rest of the mix (compression/EQ etc)

Plus the fact that when you open up the box with your new synth inside, yuo actually feel like you own something. Not just some software on a disc.

AND......knobs!

Well, I simply adore hardware synths and absolutely love soft synths that sound hard and juicy! :lol:

and there are more and more of those around these days, BTW...


Best,
midi.

Voted Hard.

Can't beat the chunky sound of a raw analogue bass.

I've heard many go on about Hardware synths being a thing of the past and that Soft synths are here now for the future. Personally I prefer my hardware and find such software plugins etc.. quite piddly and false. Not to say that many don't produce great sounds or that they aren't created by knowledgeable and hardworking individuals. They are just not for me, right now anyway.

I just don't think the likes of Access, Korg, Roland etc... are going to suddenly say "Oh well, lets close all the manufacturing plants, cancel our tradelines and halt all prototype research, software synths is the way to go". :lol: Yeah, lets all ditch the hardware and start creating software only so that some bunch of hackers can crack them all and put them on the web for anyone to download for free. I don't think so!

There is a growing market for software as far as I can see which appears to be stemming mostly from noobs sitting at their PC wanting to be superstar DJ's after hearing their mates bung together a techno boom boom track on Fruityloops. Again, there is some shit hot proffesional software out there so i'm not knocking it completely.

Ultimately I think neither hardware nor software will fade, there will always be a place for both.

Did the Piano die when electronic keyboards were invented?

Exactly.

Post of the day right there mate.

Couldn't have said it better myself 8)

i would say both.
the TI has nothing to do with softsynths since its entirly dsp based...

cpu based synths have still not reach the same level of dsp based but look at the price difference... :)
so each has its own advantages.

Give me my freakin guitar anyday!! But i also love the sounds of synths, both hard and soft!! <--- sounds king of perverted! :oops:

i didin't vote because i think both of them are great. Depends on what you are doing.
Ususally, i use the virus for mais sounds (lead/bass/pad), and soft synths for FX/noises.
This can vary of course, because some soft are good for both noises and main sounds.

To me, hard and soft means......

Hard - true analog components, voltage controlled.
Soft - Software based sound (even if its wrapped up in 'hardware knobs and buttons')

My definition encompasses what generates the sound. The Access Virus is a softsynth in my eyes. So to is every digital synth ever made. Softsynth with a 'hardware' interface.

True analog synths represent real hardware. Theres no denying it.

DS