KVR Audio

stimresp · Post by **stimresp** » Thu Dec 05, 2019 1:10 pm

I've been way out of the new softsynth loop for a while, having become enchanted with VCVrack.

Recently, when showing a friend it's capabilities he expressed an interest in getting into sequencing. He has no knowledge of synthesis, DAWs, etc. and has found VCV too overwhelming. He's old and not very technically capable.

So I'd like to get him a Christmas gift of a Synth/Sequencer combo that he can cut his teeth on. I've googled around but haven't found anything suitable as yet.

Can anyone recommend an easy to use, yet reasonably capable, Synth with integrated sequencer for a complete noob?

Requirements:

- Standalone software, no DAW required.
- Easy to understand.
- Windows
- Budget up to Euro 100

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

stimresp · Post by **stimresp** » Thu Dec 05, 2019 1:11 pm

Double post!

enCiphered · Post by **enCiphered** » Thu Dec 05, 2019 1:24 pm

The question is, vintage analog or modern sound? Or even both?

chk071 · Post by **chk071** » Thu Dec 05, 2019 1:28 pm

TBH, i would rather get something like Cubase LE/AI (you can get a cheap copy here in the Sell & Buy forum every now and then), and start with free synths like TAL-Noisemaker, or Synth1. At some point, you'll want to record, or sequence, and, that will be difficult to achieve with a standalone synth. With Cubase LE or AI, you can at least sequence a couple of tracks.

stimresp · Post by **stimresp** » Thu Dec 05, 2019 1:54 pm

enCiphered wrote: ↑Thu Dec 05, 2019 1:24 pm The question is, vintage analog or modern sound? Or even both?

A simple subtractive synth, vintage emulation is not a key consideration (he wouldn't know the difference anyway).

chk071 wrote: ↑Thu Dec 05, 2019 1:28 pm TBH, i would rather get something like Cubase LE/AI (you can get a cheap copy here in the Sell & Buy forum every now and then), and start with free synths like TAL-Noisemaker, or Synth1. At some point, you'll want to record, or sequence, and, that will be difficult to achieve with a standalone synth. With Cubase LE or AI, you can at least sequence a couple of tracks.

It's a matter of him getting comfortable playing with a super simple setup so that he can see if he wants to take it further. In particular the sequencing aspect. Something like the HY sequencer collection would be perfect.

The question was if there is a standalone option, without needing a DAW initially. Recording is some way off!

If there are no standalone options I will push him towards a DAW and the HY plug, but he will need help to setup and he lives in a different country. Again, old guy, not really computer literate (in fact something of a luddite

)

Thanks anyway for your replies.

enCiphered · Post by **enCiphered** » Thu Dec 05, 2019 2:00 pm

You could pick one from Tone2, they can all be used in stand-alone mode and sound amazing. They are on sale at the moment:

https://www.tone2.com/shop.html

Distorted Horizon · Post by **Distorted Horizon** » Thu Dec 05, 2019 2:13 pm

https://www.fullbucket.de/music/vst.html
Some of those with seq, ran inside..
https://www.tone2.com/nanohost.html

*edit*

Price = free!

stimresp · Post by **stimresp** » Thu Dec 05, 2019 2:27 pm

enCiphered wrote: ↑Thu Dec 05, 2019 2:00 pm You could pick one from Tone2, they can all be used in stand-alone mode and sound amazing. They are on sale at the moment:

https://www.tone2.com/shop.html

Interesting suggestion. I didn't see any with built-in sequencers except for Icarus 2, but there I only see drum/glitch sequencers, not a melodic sequencer. He'd need a MIDI controller and maybe it's a tad too complex for him. But I may grab it myself

Distorted Horizon wrote: ↑Thu Dec 05, 2019 2:13 pm https://www.fullbucket.de/music/vst.html
Some of those with seq, ran inside..
https://www.tone2.com/nanohost.html

*edit*

Price = free!

Yes! Nice. SequenceAir looks perfect! It's standalone (no installation needed) and he can explore it with the mouse. Just had a quick play and it's exactly what I'm looking for.

Thanks!

Distorted Horizon · Post by **Distorted Horizon** » Thu Dec 05, 2019 6:09 pm

stimresp wrote: ↑Thu Dec 05, 2019 2:27 pm Thanks!

You're welcome!

Plz check that nanohost too. It can load pretty much any vsti and run it stand alone.

Maybe you could get your friend some affordable (like this https://www.thomann.de/fi/nektar_se49.htm) midi keyboard instead?

stimresp · Post by **stimresp** » Fri Dec 06, 2019 1:19 am

Distorted Horizon wrote: ↑Thu Dec 05, 2019 6:09 pm
stimresp wrote: ↑Thu Dec 05, 2019 2:27 pm Thanks!
You're welcome!

Plz check that nanohost too. It can load pretty much any vsti and run it stand alone.

Maybe you could get your friend some affordable (like this https://www.thomann.de/fi/nektar_se49.htm) midi keyboard instead?

Thanks for the tips, much appreciated. Baby steps towards VCVrack!
Now mulling a Beatstep pro for him...

Recommendations for a Standalone Synth + Sequencer