Software
There are a lot of great software synthesizers out there however I try to limit this list to the items that I would really like to have. From time to time an item is moved from my whish list to my "currently owned items" list, but on the other hand items are sometimes also becoming obsolete and replaced/removed from the list simply because they are not "interesting" anymore.
Spectrasonics Omnisphere (Software Synth/Rompler)
I previously had Spectrasonics Atmosphere on my (soft-synth) whish list, however now its been replaced with Omnisphere (also by Spectrasonics). Some call it a Rompler, but Spectrasonics call it a synthesizer. You can't add/use your own samples however It comes with an impressive 40 Gb Core Library of sounds what you use to build up your patches. The core library contains a lot of "special" (if not "weird") samples, and in the interest of generating new sounds Spectrasonics have made their own "instruments" and recorded know instruments/items in tot rally new settings (ever heard of anyone recording the sound of a burning piano before?).
When first released it came with +2000 pre made patches, however at the time of Winter Namm 2009, Spectrasonics released an update (free of charge) which added additional 2000 patches (luckily their browser makes it easy to locate just the right patch you are looking for). Like Atmosphere this synth is great for Atmospheric sounddscapes with long/slow evolving patches, but it can also be used for screaming leads and fat analog sounding sounds that cut through your mix.
Spectrasonics Stylus RMX (Real Time Groove Module)
I'm not sure how to label Stylus RMX (or simply "RMX" as it has become known) - the short version: It is "a loop playing device" for your sequencer. It comes in a Standard version and an "Expanded Version" where the difference is simply the size of the Core Library (7,4 or 12,9 Gb) of looped material to get you started.
RMX is not only about beats, so any looped sounds can be used (beats, basses, guitars, synth, vocals). Beside the Core Library you are free import REX files, and owning Propellerhead's ReCycle you can make your own REX files.
One of my main interest in RMX is that Omnisphere 's arpegiator can be synced in tempo simply by "dragging" from RMX and "dropping" into Omnisphere (no need to make it more complicated than that).
MidiQuest XL (Voice Librarian/Editor)
As I have written elsewhere both software and hardware have features that make one appear better than the other, in various settings. One of the nice details about software based synthesizers and effects are that their patches/settings can be loaded/saved directly with your project. When you save a project in Cubase the patches/settings are saved along with the project - and more important - when you later reload that project all your patches/settings are loaded as well (at least if you still have those software synthesizers and effect on your PC).
Using hardware you traditionally had to keep track of which patches to load (e.g. you had to load a particular bank from a cartridge/memory card/floppy/CD), however thanks to MidiQuest you now have one/common librarian to store/load/create your patches (as long as your synth is one of those supported, and their is a fair chance since a lot of equipment is supported). All loading, saving and editing is handled via MIDI.
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Synth/Modules
Hardware is great, however not owning MidiQuest (see above) there is a big appeal to software since you don't have to cope with cartridge/memory card/floppy/CD. Also adding more hardware takes more room and use up your MIDI- and Analog- inputs (don't have room for yet another MIDI Interface/Mixer). However there are still hardware out there with a lot appeal (time will show if it remains on this list).
Native Instruments MACHINE (Groove Production Studio)
I've just watched the videos at the Native Instruments site regarding this piece of hardware/software (yes it's both) and I instantly fell in love. Its a hardware controller with the look and feel of "a real hardware groovebox/sampler", however the hardware part is "only a controller", hence it can't be used on its own, without a PC running the software part (which both runs as a standalone program and a plug-in for your sequencer).
Once hooked up to your PC, you can work for hours only interacting with the hardware controller (using its 2 displays and various buttons/knobs) and simply using your PC as a "big screen" for your patterns. The MACHINE comes with 5 GB of sample material ready to go, and it has all been "tagged" to make it easy to browse/search for a particular sample (e.g. looking for "the right" Kick). Most of us have already gathered a lot of various samples and the software part lets you add your own samples to the library in MACHINE). Using the sound card of your PC you can sample directly into the MACHINE, and then use it to slice up your sample (e.g. a beat where you place each slice on its own pad).
Had the MACHINE been around the time got my MC-808, ESX-1 and EMX-1 I would probably never had bought them. Don't get me wrong, those are all fine device, however I preferrer the way the MACHINE integrates into the PC (both as a stand-alone-application and as a plug-in for your sequencer). Time (and money) will tell if I get around to replace those 3 Grooveboxes with the MACHINE in stead.
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KORG Radias (Synth/Vocoder)
KORG has been quite intuitive when building this new synthesizer, since its basically the same unit either when sold as a keyboard or as a module. When configured as a synthesizer, the section with the knobs/buttons (the actual synthesizer-module) can be moved left/right and lowered/raised as you please - the image to the right shows the module centered/raised. The synth engine builds on KORGs MMT (Multiple Modeling Technology), has a maximum polyphony of 24 voices, and it features a 16 band vocoder. The many buttons and knobs makes it easy to "dial-in" new sounds and tweak your patches while performing. The enclosed editor/librarian also allows you to edit your patches via a PC (connected using USB).
Go visit KORGs site to see a video and listen to a few mp3's - showcasing this fine instrument.
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Roland V-Synth (Synth)
This was the synth I initially had planed to get when I was instead suggested the Yamaha Motif-6 which at the time (only having 1 synth), was the best choice for me. However now I do have other synth's "emulating normal instruments", the V-Synth would be a great assert to my setup. Using Roland's VariPhraseTM and COSM(R) Technology it can produce some VERY INTERESTING and evolving sound textures. After the initial release of the V-Synth, Roland has released an add-on board basically turning your V-Synth into a D-50 (however both owning a D-50 and D-550 I can probably do without it <G>), and Roland has actually since released the 2nd generation of the V-Synth.
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KORG OASYS (Synth)
Was I told that I was only allowed one single hardware synth, as of today I would choose the KORG OASYS, however I doubt that I will ever get this synth, as it is (to my budget) extremely expensive (I've seen prices between $6.500 and $8.000 - whether you need 88 weighted keys or you can settle for 76). The short version the OASYS is a mix of Triton, Karma, CX-3 seasoned with some Analog Modeling and KORGs new HDS (High Definition Synth) engine featuring more polyphony than you need and enough memory for big sample libraries. According to KORG the OASYS will never grow obsolete since its software based (brand new features can be incorporated in future software upgrades). Naturally it will grow obsolete - like everything else - however its easier to keep this instrument (alive) and in the front of the development for some time.
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Studio Equipment
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Presonus Monitor Station
Both my mixer and amplifier are located behind me, hence the volume knobs of both are also located behind me
(I know its not "ideal", but its a must due to the space limitations). Therefore I have been looking for some "volume adjusting device" to route between my mixer
and my amplifier (or even completely obsolete mixer), and then place this "device" in front of me within (easy accessible) reach.
Beside the earphones I use myself I don't see the need for multiple headphone outs or talkback features. Also as of now I only need one speaker output but that might change down the road so if spending money I'd better get a device that allows for multiple speaker selections. An alternative to this device could be the Mackie Big Knob, where (from a design point of view) the Presounus has all its "dials" on top the mackie has some of them on the back.
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Genelec 8030A
As of now I am simply running the audio output from my mixer via a DENON (PMA-655R) amplifier to a Dantax speaker set (with sub woofer). The sound is not bad, however these speakers are "coloring" the sound so I can't expect that things that sound OK on my system is also sounding good on other systems. This is one of the reasons I would like to get a set of quality Active Monitors and here Genelec would be my choice. So should I win the lottery I would probably end up with a 5.1 setup using these and if I don't win the lottery I would have to save enough money for a stereo setup.
The 8030A features a 5" bass and a 3/4" tweeter. The output is is handled by 2 40W amplifiers that delivers 108 dB peak SPL and covers frequencies from 55 Hz to 21 kHz. If the 8030A are not powerful enough you should in stead go for the 8040A (6" bass, 90W) or the 8050A (10" bass, 150/120W) - however I think the people living next to me would prefer I went for the 8030A <G>.
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Steinberg CC121
Most controllers are aimed at controlling multiple tracks (e.g. the Mackie Universal has 8 "normal faders" and 1 "master fader"), whereas the CC121 only got one motorized fader working with the "selected track" (2 buttons allows you to cycle to next/previous track). However only working on one track at the time allows the unit to contain several controls for that one track (e.g. containing 16 rotary controllers for EQ). Being build by Steinberg and Aimed at Cubase the unit is great for controlling Cubase, and Cubase users will instantly see where it comes from. In the right side of the controller you'll find 4 programmable buttons along with a "wheel" that both doubles as a Jog wheel and a dial for setting the value below the mouse pointer.
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Mackie Control Universal Pro
For some time I have had a M-Audio ProjectMix I/O and Yamaha 01X on my whish list, but they have now both been replaced with the Mackie Control Universal Pro. Compared to the Yamaha 01X the Mackie Control Universal Pro doesn't have any audio capabilities as it is "only a controller" that can be used for controlling your musical software (in my case Cubase). However after going for a RME FireFace 800 and 2 Behringer ADA8000 (totaling +24 analog inputs and 24 analog outputs) I don't need the 8 inputs that the Yamaha 01X would offer. The Mackie is equipped with 9 motorized faders (8 channels + 1 master fader) and via bank/channels changing you have access to control all of your tracks in your sequencer software. If you are getting tired of bank switching you can buy additional "Extender Pro" devices (which connects to the Mackie Control Universal Pro) each adding 8 additional tracks. Mackie was one of the first companies who made controller hardware therefore most software is working just fine with this controller.
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Misc
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Muse Receptor2
Is it a Computer? is it software? is it a Synthmodule? ... no its the Muse Receptor (which is basically all of the above). It is a 2 unit rackmountable "computer" that is controllable either using the knobs/display on the front of the unit or through a MIDI connecting (controlling it from your DAW-computer). You can install your favorite VST-instruments/effects on the Muse Receptor and it lets you run several of these at the same time. The idea behind this product is great and if money was no object it would be nice to hook up a couple of these to drive various products (software synthesizers/samplers and effects). It comes in a special version with Native Instruments Komplete 5 already pre installed. Running Komplete 5 on a dedicated 3.0 Ghz Dualcore Receptor with 1TB harddrive and 4 GB of memory you have enough headroom for heavy duty usage and your are freeing up the processor in your DAW to do other things (e.g. running effects).
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OpenSynth NeKo XXL
The core of the OpenSynth is a normal computer (2.8 GHz Core2Quad, 4 Gb memory) simply running Windows XP. It is shaped like a normal Synthesizer, both containing a 5 octave (Midi) Keyboard, various knobs/controllers, an integrated QWERTY Keyboard, Trackpad, and Display. On its back side you'll find 2 mic/instrument preamp with Phantompower, 8 analog line inputs, 10 analog line outputs, S/PDIF and a headphone jack. Since its simply a "normal computer", you can install your favorite sequencing software along side your favorite VST-instruments/effects.
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TC Works TC Powercore
Effects such as Compression, Reverb, Delay, Chorus and the like can both be applied via Hardware (using dedicated "effect-boxes" connected to your mixer/audio-interface) and via VST-software (for instance free from KjærhusAudio). The problem with software effects is that they are putting a high load on your CPU (which is probably stressed enough as it is). Enter the TC Electronic Powercore PCI. This is a special PCI-card you insert into your PC containing its own DSP Chips. Special VST Effects (bundled with the card) are then using the processing power of this card, hence enabling you to use these effects without putting extra workload on your computers CPU. One card should be enough in your home studio, however if you go crazy you can add 4 of these cards into the same PC. Some VST-instruments/plugins already got support for this card (for instance Virus|Powercore which is a software version of the great Access Virus B synthesizer) but it comes with a bunch of effects ready to use strait out of the box:
TC ClassicVerb: warmth, volume and Air within the sound.
TC MegaReverb: Reverb with HI-End sound and adjusting possibilities based on the algorithms of Core-1 and Core-2 from legendary TC Electronic M5000.
TC Vintage Cl: Implements the Vintage sound of HI-End analog compressor/limiers.
TC Voicestrip: an all in one effect for voices including: Compressor, DeEsser Voice EQ, Lo Cut filter and Gate.
TC EQSat: HI Quality 5/band parametric EQ from TC Finalizer as a PlugIn.
TC Chorus/Delay: Emulation of the legendary TC Electronic 1210 Spartial Expander. This Plugin includes> Flanging, Chorus, Slap Delay and combined modulation and delay multi FX with BPM/based delay time input.
TC PowerCore 01: A virtual Analog Synthesizer emulating Roland\s SH-101.
24/7c: Emulation of Urei 1178 a clasic transistor (FET) limiting amplifier.
TC MasterX3: Based on TC-Electronics Finalizer with 3-band Expander/Compressor/Limitor, Dithering and Metering.
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Universal Audio UAD-1
The alternative to TC Powercore is UAD-1 (previously distributed by Mackie). Just like TC Powercore the PC can be fitted with 4 of these cards if you really go overboard and use several effects (on several tracks) at the same time. Whenever you read a UAD-1 user mention this card, his dream is to be able to afford 3 of these cards and have room for a single TC Powercore card.
RealVerb Pro: Highly programmable reverb that lets you tailor your "room" from a lot of parameters.
1176LN Limiter: Rebirth of an analog Classic limiter that is highly priced by the industry.
Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier: Fantastic compressor with a magical sound.
CS-1 Chanel Strip: 5 band EQ, Compressor, Chorus/Flange/Delay, Reverb - basically all your need.
Nigel Guitar Aplifier emulating: Complete selection of guitar effects and Amplifier emulation.
Pultec Program EQ: Realistic emulation of classic hardware EQ.
Cambridge EQ: Parametric equalizer with great filters, inspired by high-end analog mixer EQ.
Dreamverb: The best reverb for UAD-1 combined with EQ.
Fairchild 670: One of the most sought after compresser emuation.
