TRANCE : VIRUS , NORD or NOVATION?

H

headhunter

New member
I´ve just ´discovered´ trance music and looking to get my feet wet in the world of VA so has anyone used the Access Virus? Is there anywhere to get this beast in Spore? How does it compare to the others for trance and other sounds?
 
Hmm, quite a personal question.



It´s like asking which is the better car - Merz, BMW or Audi? (none of which I own BTW).



BUT if you read SOS or FM, most of the trance artists use the Virus.



You could order Access/Novation stuff from Sean Lai or mail order from www.synthplanet.com (You can decide who´s cheaper and more convenient - Sean Lai requires payment upfront while you wait fro delivery).



Mings Enterprises

Sean Lai

103, Lengkong Tiga, #05-375

Singapore 410103

Singapore



fon: ++65 6748 5849

fax: ++65 6842 1956



mings_sons@pacific.net.sg



Daxco carries Nord. Look under dealers of this site to find their contact. Personally, I won´t order from them as I had a bad experience with Daxco. And get this, I placed an order with them and agreed on the price of $1,500 for the Nord Rack 2. When they kept delaying the delivery, I cancelled the order. Next thing I knew, they were advertising a Nord Rack 2 for $1,800.



jk
 
Hi! I´m a trance producer.

You´ll looking for synths huh! Access Virus is good but no match for the Super Nova. Trance producers, Robert Lange and ATB both use Super Nova, many others too. I´ve checked out both, and personally i prefer the Nova. Don´t go for Nord Lead, it´s not meant for Trance. Personally, i don´t have that kind of $$, so i just use a Yamaha CS2x mixed with a Boss VF-1. You can really make a lot happen even without the best synth, a lot of Trance is sound mixing, which relies on the ear! Well, if you got the $$, go for it anyway. Besides that, maybe you´ll try opting for a drum machine and a sampler as well. Check out the Roland models on those, they´ll the best!
 
<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>

On 2003-02-24 19:49, lowjk wrote:

Hmm, quite a personal question.



It´s like asking which is the better car - Merz, BMW or Audi? (none of which I own BTW).</BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>



icon_lol.gif
yeah i know what you mean. For the record, Audi A4 any day !



<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>BUT if you read SOS or FM, most of the trance artists use the Virus.</BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>



there was a recent article on trance remixers ´euphoria´ i think the title was on FM. Ian Van Dahl and Ian Fleming being the only people who showed their kit lists that i knew of. Both had the Virus, but the Nord was conspicous by it´s absence which got me wondering. Hmmmmf......



<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>You could order Access/Novation stuff from Sean Lai or mail order from http://www.synthplanet.com (You can decide who´s cheaper and more convenient - Sean Lai requires payment upfront while you wait fro delivery).



Mings Enterprises

Sean Lai

103, Lengkong Tiga, #05-375

Singapore 410103

Singapore



fon: ++65 6748 5849

fax: ++65 6842 1956



mings_sons@pacific.net.sg



Daxco carries Nord. Look under dealers of this site to find their contact. Personally, I won´t order from them as I had a bad experience with Daxco. And get this, I placed an order with them and agreed on the price of $1,500 for the Nord Rack 2. When they kept delaying the delivery, I cancelled the order. Next thing I knew, they were advertising a Nord Rack 2 for $1,800.



jk











</BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>



Thanx for the ´low´ down jk and taking the time to reply, well appreciated.



Btw, hows your new Roland Groove thing coming along?
icon_biggrin.gif


<font size=-1>[ Edited by headhunter On Date _MONTHDATETIME ]</font>
 
<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>

On 2003-02-25 00:01, parablue74 wrote:

Hi! I´m a trance producer.</BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>



Hi parablue, it´s nice to know a fellow trance head in these woods!



Altho i been writing a lot of other music from way back in d late 80´s , i only recently got into trance initially because of the clubbing scene. It changed my perspective of dance music in a big way



<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>You´ll looking for synths huh! Access Virus is good but no match for the Super Nova. Trance producers, Robert Lange and ATB both use Super Nova, many others too. I´ve checked out both, and personally i prefer the Nova. </BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>



Yes, i have demoed the Novation series and they do sound wonderful, and whatever you play on them sounds exactly like what you hear on the radio! Amazing, and the keys feel pretty solid too! But i still have to hear the nord and virus especially to make a proper comparison tho....



<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>Don´t go for Nord Lead, it´s not meant for Trance.</BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>



Ok.



<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>Personally, i don´t have that kind of $$, so i just use a Yamaha CS2x mixed with a Boss VF-1. You can really make a lot happen even without the best synth, a lot of Trance is sound mixing, which relies on the ear! Well, if you got the $$, go for it anyway. </BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>



Been there. I started with cheapo casio CZ synths, Kawais then progressed to Korgs n Rolands now. Hardware based mostly, can´t wait to see what softsynths have to offer tho.



<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>Besides that, maybe you´ll try opting for a drum machine and a sampler as well. Check out the Roland models on those, they´ll the best!

</BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>



The Triton´s in built sampler is pretty good but not the fastest thing to load up. Had some TR series drum machines from d 80´s. What Rolands do you recommend?
 
Hi headhunter,



First, here´s my opinions



1) There is no suitable synth for trance. The trick is in the programming and effects (lots of it).



2) Trance is very bass and rhythm based. So you will need good synths/samples in these areas. If you believe what you read on the net, the Waldorf Pulse is the best.



3) If you do uplifting stuff (as per current trend), you will also need a good rompler pad synth. I think the Triton and XV series excel in this area. Layering with a VA synth would thick the sound.



4) The Nord Lead may not be popular because it has no effects. As I pointed earlier, effects play a great part in Trance. Contrast this with prog rock or retro 80s songs which use much less effects. It doesn´t take a rocket scientist to guess where most of the Nords end up.



5) The SH-32 has great drum sounds on it (really in your face type of sound). There a nice trance demo on it as well, so even the SH-32 can be used for trance.



6) Having said all that, you may also want to check out the Korg Z1 at City Music; it´s a old but good VA machine too but it´s not too popular.



7) For drums sounds, my advice is to use samples. Spending big bucks on a vintage 808 or 909 seems so wasteful as well as restrictive. In the wrong hands, the 909 always seem to end up in Ah Beng techno songs. You could also do a "Depeche Mode" and synthesize your own drum sounds.



just my 2 cents,

jk
 
<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>

On 2003-02-25 20:59, lowjk wrote:

1) There is no suitable synth for trance. The trick is in the programming and effects (lots of it).</BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>



Yes i kinda figured that out a long time ago. I can get pretty close to the sound of most trance songs with some simple tweaking of a filter here, an EG there. However, there is a difference in d actual sound that i want to get close to, and in particular, Ferry Corsten´s sound. I agree about useing lots of efx part, esp reverb!



<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>2) Trance is very bass and rhythm based. So you will need good synths/samples in these areas. If you believe what you read on the net, the Waldorf Pulse is the best.</BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>



Thanx, im checking out the links you gave me below. Thanx man.



<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>3) If you do uplifting stuff (as per current trend), you will also need a good rompler pad synth. I think the Triton and XV series excel in this area. Layering with a VA synth would thick the sound.</BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>



I have the Triton.



<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>4) The Nord Lead may not be popular because it has no effects. As I pointed earlier, effects play a great part in Trance. Contrast this with prog rock or retro 80s songs which use much less effects. It doesn´t take a rocket scientist to guess where most of the Nords end up.</BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>



i never thought about that.... no wonder so many nord leads in those rock bands. Duh!



<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>6) Having said all that, you may also want to check out the Korg Z1 at City Music; it´s a old but good VA machine too but it´s not too popular. </BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>



Actually, u shouldnt have said that.... cos the Z1 is a beautiful looking synth and it would look rather fetching next to my Triton! (drool....
icon_biggrin.gif
)

Are they still selling it at CityMusic? I hope you´re not referring to that old demo rustbucket that they´ve been trying to get rid off for ages! how much do you know?



<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>7) For drums sounds, my advice is to use samples. Spending big bucks on a vintage 808 or 909 seems so wasteful as well as restrictive. In the wrong hands, the 909 always seem to end up in Ah Beng techno songs. You could also do a "Depeche Mode" and synthesize your own drum sounds.

</BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>



Yes, i wouldn´t get a 909 or 808 just to make music, altho i wouldn´t mind getting them if d price was right , just for history sake y´know ie "look kids, this is a TR 909 drum machine. Every dance record ever made was done on this thing.... and over here is the DX7, all the records from 1983 to 1987 was made with that, and over here is......"





So, you´re into DM too eh? I do like the idea of making my own analog drum sounds and sampling them to make a kit. Did you read about DM on Keyboard? They used softsynths mostly for the sounds! And i love the ´preciseness´ of their latest album. LONG LIVE DEPECHE MODE!
 
thanx for the link. Price is cheap compared to original price but still a tad expensive for me. 1k would be nice. They r a little slow on the K2000r ($999) as this is no longer available, much to d regret of my friend who was saving enuf to buy one.



However, the Kaoss pad looks like a good bargain. Only 252 (1/2 price) and used by the likes of the Chemical Brothers! Yum! Now let´s see how much i have left in my piggy bank....
 
>> tnx for the link. Price is cheap compared to original price but still a tad expensive for me. 1k would be nice



Er, headhunter, weren´t you look for a Jp-8, Synth Casing and the NS-10? Talk about having a budget!



Is the synth casing for the Jp-8?



In case you are not successful in getting the JP-8, there is another way of getting hold of the sound. A JP-8 emulation has been released for the Pulsar Cards. May be worth looking into.



http://www.harmony-central.com/Newp/2003/Europa.html



jk
 
<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>

On 2003-03-04 10:52, lowjk wrote:

Er, headhunter, weren´t you look for a Jp-8, Synth Casing and the NS-10? Talk about having a budget!</BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>



icon_lol.gif
Budget? What budget? I have zero budget, what i do have is bank loans n visa debts n family commitments and ..... an upcoming wedding which happens to be my own
icon_biggrin.gif




It´s just this overwhelming compulsion to BUY! Can´t help it. Been drooling over equipment for the last 16yrs so taking the plunge now, and ´used´ is the cheapest way to go.



<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>Is the synth casing for the Jp-8?</BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>



No, it was for a JD800, alas, sold off today to somebody else.
icon_frown.gif




<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>In case you are not successful in getting the JP-8, there is another way of getting hold of the sound. A JP-8 emulation has been released for the Pulsar Cards. May be worth looking into.



http://www.harmony-central.com/Newp/2003/Europa.html

</BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>



Thanx man, but only the real thing will do. (I feel a top up to my loan looming.....)

<font size=-1>[ Edited by headhunter On Date _MONTHDATETIME ]</font>
 
Yo Headhunter,

Well, i recommend further on the Rolands and let you drool harder. I was in Melb b4 and was really in love with several dance equipments from Roland. Here goes:

Roland SP808 groovesampler, it has the D-Beam, a laser that you can control just by waving your hands in the air. Spectacular!!! If you want a sampler, go for it.

Roland JX-305 Groovesynth, this is fantastic, has the built in functions of more than the MC303 Drum machine and has great synth as well. I really regretted i didn´t buy this bugger, i should have.

Anyway, Sampler or drum machine, it´s really up to you. 808 and 909 drum sounds are not the only ones existent in drum machines, and ppl layer their BD so much, sometimes it is hard to tell. I was a rock musician for many years, upshred on the guitars till like u i fell in luv with Trance via disco. Now all insults to Ah Beng music is gone, and all music are levelled in my eyes except POP!!! Gosh, how those sex symbols get all the fame without doing anything, they didn´t compose, nor produce, not play an instrument, or they do is get out there and flirt.
 
Roland SP808 groovesampler + Roland JX-305 Groovesynth = MC909



http://www.mc909.com/overview.html



>> all music are levelled in my eyes except POP!



Er, even opera and country music? Heh,heh.



>> what they do is get out there and flirt.



Yes, go Kylie go!



jk



ps - I doubt that headhunter can be swayed from his Jupiter 8 dream.
 

Attachments

  • SingaporeRafflesProductionSuite.jpg
    SingaporeRafflesProductionSuite.jpg
    81.5 KB · Views: 1,352
<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>

On 2003-03-12 07:06, parablue74 wrote:

Well, i recommend further on the Rolands and let you drool harder. </BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>



icon_lol.gif
thanx for trying to ease the load on my wallet





<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>Roland SP808 groovesampler, it has the D-Beam, Roland JX-305 Groovesynth, MC303 Drum machine </BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>



Heard of em, never tried tho. Im more into traditional type synths n drum machines. However, it only takes a good demo from a guy who knows what he´s doing to convince me.



<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE> I was a rock musician for many years, upshred on the guitars till like u i fell in luv with Trance via disco. Now all insults to Ah Beng music is gone, and all music are levelled in my eyes except POP!!! </BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>



icon_lol.gif
I´m falling on the floor laughing.... that´s so me! Used to hate 4 on d floor trash, and thought DJs were totally talentless and only knew how to press ´play´ on the CD but experts at pretending to listen to music with one ear on one headphone.

Yeah, man all music is valid. It´s just up to wether we appreciate it or not. But that ah beng thing is so totally true! Some of em are even my friends now ... hehe





<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>Gosh, how those sex symbols get all the fame without doing anything, they didn´t compose, nor produce, not play an instrument, or they do is get out there and flirt.

</BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>



Manufactured Boy Bands deserve to be.... oh nevermind.
 

Attachments

  • Koji.jpg
    Koji.jpg
    39.2 KB · Views: 436
  • Electric-Sheep.jpg
    Electric-Sheep.jpg
    85 KB · Views: 721
Hi headhunter,



Read your advert on the Yammy DX7 & Roland D50.



My comments:

1) Instead of the DX7, get either the Yammy DX200 or the software Native Instruments FM7. The original DX7 is in mono, is noisy and if I remember correctly, sends (or receives) only on 1 midi channel. It´s not worth it even it´s for the thrill of owning one.





2) D50 was pretty good for it´s time but I doubt that there´s anything there that can´t be replicated by your Triton. Unless it´s for the thrill of owning one.



jk
 

Attachments

  • Stärker_Music.jpg
    Stärker_Music.jpg
    91.2 KB · Views: 1,272
<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>

On 2003-03-12 22:16, lowjk wrote:

My comments:

1) Instead of the DX7, get either the Yammy DX200 or the software Native Instruments FM7. The original DX7 is in mono, is noisy and if I remember correctly, sends (or receives) only on 1 midi channel. It´s not worth it even it´s for the thrill of owning one.</BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>



jk, the funny thing is i heard a demo on Future Music mag a few years back that had the DX200 pitched against the Roland grooveboxes and Korg electribes. U think that the DX with its FM only engine wouldn´t stand a chance against modern VA analog synthesis right?



Wrong! I listened to the demo blind (didn´t look at the order until i finished the demo) and the most striking, ass kicking sounds came from the DX. Wonderfully full, resonant, acidy, thick, fat! I couldn´t believe my ears! I thought ´how can FM synthesis do this?´ I was well impressed man. And now, those things are going cheap cheap cheap less than 1/2 price US$199! A bargain if i ever saw one!



I will get one , one day. And the FM7 too will be sitting in my PC.



However, as for the story of the DX7 and why i want one (still). Have you ever had dreams when you were a teenager? Dreams that were so real that you wake up smiling, thinking that the synth that you wanted most was sitting in your bedroom? And when you opened your eyes and looked, it was STOLEN! Only moments later does the reality sink in. That I never had the DX7 in the 1st place. Welcome to heartbreak city. The 1st synthesizer i ever actually dreamt about i wanted it so bad.





<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>2) D50 was pretty good for it´s time but I doubt that there´s anything there that can´t be replicated by your Triton. Unless it´s for the thrill of owning one.

</BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>



You´re right, i only want it coz of the thrill of owning one. My triton can run circles around that thing!
icon_biggrin.gif
Jk, u gota help me stop this gearlust!
icon_lol.gif
 
<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>

On 2003-03-14 20:22, lowjk wrote:

I know you are still hard up on hardware ....</BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>



icon_lol.gif
icon_lol.gif




<TABLE BORDER=0 ALIGN=CENTER WIDTH=85%><TR><TD><font size=-1>Quote:</font><HR></TD></TR><TR><TD><FONT SIZE=-1><BLOCKQUOTE>A Jupiter 8 and TB-303 that does not need servicing.

</BLOCKQUOTE></FONT></TD></TR><TR><TD><HR></TD></TR></TABLE>



Thanx m8, i never knew about this! Btw, what softsynths do you use. Is Reason as good as they say?
 
>> Is Reason as good as they say?



Personally, I think it is. But I don´t own one.

You can download the demo here:

http://www.propellerheads.se/products/reason/reason25/frame.html



and decide for yourself.



Incidentally, I have the

1) Steinberg Model E (which I think is quite lousy)

2) NI Pro-5 which I think is quite good

3) Pulsar Card - with Pro 1, Minimmog & Juno106 emulations



jk

jk







<font size=-1>[ Edited by lowjk On Date _MONTHDATETIME ]</font>
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

D
You play bass? Eh, come join us ah!
Replies
0
Views
2K
deg
D
M
goneMUNE - TULPA:REDUX EP RELEASE SHOW (DARK ALT, AMBIENT, NOISE, ROCK, SOLO)
Replies
2
Views
5K
mune
M
J
  • Locked
SOLD Novation Mininova Synthesizer
Replies
0
Views
736
JanWilder
J
Jean-Marc Boulier
[WTS] Professional audio mastering
Replies
0
Views
2K
Jean-Marc Boulier
Jean-Marc Boulier
K
WORKSHOP: How to Start Composing Music for Visual Media
Replies
0
Views
1K
kopi-o
K

Latest posts

Share this page

Back
Top