My first synth was a first-gen Minibrute back in 2013 and it was perfect for getting a solid understanding of how subtractive synthesis works. The Minibrute 2 would be even better since it includes a sequencer and some basic patching capabilities.
I'm very close to pulling the trigger on a DM12 as my first polysynth actually. It doesn't strike me as a great first synth since given its menu system.
Learn to use and manipulate VSTs
There are hundreds freely available online to download
>b-but they don't sound the same
In capable hands, yes they do
Read a fucking book
Sincerely,
A based user
x
>read a book
Based. I had no idea what i was doing with synths (despite reading and watching online) until i skimmed through this old ass synth book from the 70s and everything clicked
>It doesn't strike me as a great first synth since given its menu system.
the menu is actually very easy to navigate IMO, and there's plenty you can do with it just using what's on the surface. I'm basically retarded and can get my way around the mod matrix without a problem
You may be able to do a hell of a lot more with VSTs than hardware synths but nothing beats the immediacy and fun of turning knobs to make noise.
I spend enough hours staring at a screen every day anyway.
Why do synth snobs who tout knobs not realize that midi controllers are objectively better and much cheaper (and easier to diy)
>why do people prefer to play physical instruments instead of simulations
I get that people like the tactility of hardware
But the age old tried and tested adage stands:
"hardware gets you nowhere without an understanding of software"
The problem is zoomers are far too willing to pay $$$ for hardware synths because they think that is the way forward, that hardware is simpler and will prove to be the key to unlocking their potential as a producer
This is a fallacy
Zoomers need to read + experiment with VSTs
Maybe then you can advance to hardware
But seriously VSTs sound exactly the same in the right hands
I get the screen time thing and blue light irritation, but it's necessary — just spend less time on your laptop when you're not making music
B-but computers and software and midi controllers are entirely capable of doing the exact same thing that synths do.. Is it not an “instrument” unless all the parts are inside the same box?
>"hardware gets you nowhere without an understanding of software"
literally retarded lmao. Were electronic musicians just completely clueless before software came along? What does this even mean?