Best synthesizers & workstations according to redditors

Add some extra dollas and get this

Kind of looks like these.

Looks like some sort of LED indicator plug.

all I can find similar are these or a bunch of patch cables that have LEDs in them which is also pretty neat.

The two ROLI bags belong to the ROLI Seaboard Rise. Awesome, but pricey.
https://www.amazon.com/ROLI-Seaboard-RISE-25-Controller/dp/B0159ZO4U2?tag=equipboard-proof-20&psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAJNPAI32UDCKLKDGA&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B0159ZO4U2

The small item to the left of it is a Teenage Engineering OP-1 Portable Synthesizer.
https://www.amazon.com/Teenage-Engineering-002-AS-001-OP-1-Synthesizer/dp/B00CXSJUZS?tag=equipboard-20&psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAJNPAI32UDCKLKDGA&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00CXSJUZS

To the left of it is a audio interface, Scarlett. To me it looks like a 2i2.
https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-2i2-GENERATION-USB-Recording/dp/B005OZE9SA

Below that is the Arturia BeatStep Pro.
https://www.amazon.com/Arturia-BeatStep-Pro-Controller-Sequencer/dp/B00V5BIKNW?tag=equipboard-20&SubscriptionId=AKIAJNPAI32UDCKLKDGA&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00V5BIKNW

Below the ROLI bags is the Apogee Quartet Audio Interface
https://www.amazon.com/Apogee-Quartet-Audio-Interface-iPad/dp/B009HPDNKS?tag=equipboard-20&SubscriptionId=AKIAJNPAI32UDCKLKDGA&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B009HPDNKS

And to the left of that is the Yamaha Reface DX
https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-REFACE-DX-Portable-Synthesizer/dp/B010UXJZWA

I don't know what the other things are, but I hope that I helped

Your seller "just launched" (just opened) their account:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/B00CXSJUZS/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used

Amazon has one listing for every product, and multiple sellers for that product. That's why there are reviews.

Any merchant fulfilled seller can claim that they have stock. That's how this scam works. They say they have it, but they don't.

This is a classic scam.

https://www.amazon.com/Teenage-Engineering-002-AS-001-OP-1-Synthesizer/dp/B00CXSJUZS

I have a backorder from MOMA store that I made in February (because I’m a member so get 20% discount AND I had a $100 gift card to use), MOMA was estimating them to be in stock today but I have a sinking feeling that I’ll still be waiting a long time and wish I could just hit that buy now button on Amazon! 😞

Never underestimate the Chinese market for fakes. They'll fake the strangest things. However, the price often gets lower than that on Amazon. So they are probably real. Especially if it's on one of the big sites like Gearbest or Banggood that don't generally sell fakes.

Personally, I'd set up a pricewatch on camelcamelcamel and buy from Amazon, in case something goes wrong. You have no consumer rights buying from China and I've had things get "lost in the post" before.

Price history of Volca Keys, for example:
https://camelcamelcamel.com/Korg-Volca-Keys-Analog-Synthesizer/product/B00CAKSVTU?active=summary&cpf%5B%5D=amazon&cpf%5B%5D=new

Prices have been consistently lower in the UK for some reason. I paid £90 for mine last year, which is around 115 USD.

some vendor named "Precision Audio Sales" is selling them for $200 w/prime fulfillment on amazon

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B07BHYZRYG/ref=dp_olp_all_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=all

edit: nvm they corrected it lol

Never played the Gakken, but for a few more bucks you can get the Stylophone Gen X-1, which has a lot more playability and functionality.


That said, I still want a Gakken!

Well, they're both certainly great looking. I think the MT-65 is one of the best looking keyboards ever made, and the MT-70 is no slouch either with its classy two tone scheme.

They're both pretty unique as far as Casiotones go, the MT-70 being covered here. Don't know if the MT-65 has a similar page. They both can sound pretty good, especially with external effects (your guitar pedals would be great for this), as demonstrated here and here. I used to have a Casio MT-100 that I had some fun with. Sounded more like the MT-65, but it was less interesting except for the EQ section.

But...

First off, even in immaculate condition I would personally never pay $50-60 for a Casiotone of any stripe, especially one with some parts missing. I got that MT-100 I mentioned for $4 and that's about how much it was worth. They're toy keyboards, not professional instruments (although many Casiotones have of course been used professionally).

Secondly, if you're trying to buy your first synth to learn synthesis, you're not going to be able to do that on one of those as they have almost no sound editing capabilities and the sounds you do get are very limited.

$50-60 isn't a whole lot of money for a synth but you could still do a lot better than a Casiotone. Here's some options that you might consider:

• Stylophone Gen X-1: At $70 it's just a tad more money than one of those Casiotones, but it's a full-featured pocket synth that sounds really good and will teach you the fundamentals of synthesis as it's totally editable. This is what I would personally recommend for you as it's a complete analog synth that lets you create your own sounds, is very easy to use, has a built-in delay, and is self-contained like the Casios with battery power, a speaker, and a touchstrip ribbon keyboard that you can play with no prior keyboard experience. I kind of want one myself!
  
  
• Casio SA46: At just $39 new ($49 for the slightly larger SA76), this Casio undercuts the price of the Casiotones you've been looking at and is a lot more modern, with 100 sounds to choose from instead of the handful you get in a Casiotone. And, like the Casiotones, a lot of them are nice, usable sounds. There are a few people on here and on the Facebook synth groups that have one and enjoy it. If you really want a small Casio, this would be the one I'd heartily recommend! As with the Stylophone, it's alluring enough that something I kind of want to buy for myself just for fun.
  
• Teenage Engineering Pocket Operators: These tiny calculator-like devices have lots of that lo-fi charm that people love about the Casiotones, but are enormously more flexible and lots of fun to jam on. There are a bunch of different options that all sound great, and they start at $49.
  
  Any of those three options would be a great fit for you in my opinion. However, if you can stretch your budget, there's a whole lot more fun gear you can consider.
  
  
• Akai MPK Mini Play: At $129 it's quite a bit more expensive than a $50 Casiotone, but it's worth all of those dollars as it's totally packed with features. It's a new model of one of the most popular MIDI controllers ever, but this one adds a suite of built-in synth and drum sounds to play on the keys and pads. Another one I really want myself!
  
• Korg Volca Keys: The Korg Volca series is one of the most popular points of entry for people new to synthesizers. They're small, they're fun, and they're packed with features. Any of them would be good for you, but the Keys is my favorite and the simplest for a beginner IMO. If you're more interested in making drum sounds, there's the Volca Beats, or the Volca Sample for sampling. And so on. A Volca Keys or Bass would serve you really well for a first synth. New the Volcas are $150-160, but they very frequently show up used for less than that. Here's a Keys for $115, and they sometimes show up for as low as $80. And that brings me to my final suggestion:
  
• Used synths! There are tons of great synths that you can get for very little money if you snoop around Reverb, eBay, Craigslist, and sometimes even the Facebook Marketplace. Volcas, Meeblip Triodes, Korg Electribes, Arturia Minibrutes, home keyboards with synthesis editing capabilities and many more.
  
  Finally, if after all of this you decide you actually really do want an old Casiotone, please don't get extorted into paying $50 or $60 for one. Check your local thrift shops and you'll likely find one for about as much as I paid for that MT-100 in a Goodwill. They're all pretty similar anyway.
  
  I hope any of this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

This one on Amazon is one of the cheaper ones, at $100.

Moog makes one that is going to be significantly better quality, but Moog is always ridiculously expensive...that one is going for about $500. There are several others that range anywhere in between those price points, if you do a little digging.

It's a Stylophone. Usually available through your usual online retailers for relatively cheap.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000SKHSRU?pc_redir=1409138164&robot_redir=1

Looks like a Yamaha Reface DX

Holy crap, how'd you pull off such a steal? I see $275 on Amazon.

Here's the link - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00CXSJUZS/ref=pe_3187911_185740111_TE_item

It looks to be a stylophone.

https://www.amazon.com/Dubreq-DU05151-Stylophone-Retro-Pocket/dp/B000SKHSRU

[Volca Sample at amazon.de…] (https://de.camelcamelcamel.com/Korg-VOLCA-Digital-Sample-Sequencer/product/B00NKD1PUI?context=browse)

US Amazon

Canadian Amazon

In other words, F*CK YOU AMAZON!

Stylophone.

Here it is in action.

Here's another one

How about the Gakken SX150 mark II? It might not be very DIY, but it is an extremely cheap ladder filter. You might have some fun adding jacks/pots for external CV.

There are schematics here so you could even try cloning it.

The larger "thing" underneath the Arturia Beatstep Pro is the Electron Octatrack DPS-1
https://www.amazon.com/Elektron-Octatrack-Dynamic-Performance-Sampler/dp/B00EA0E188

The largest keyboard to the far left of the picture is the Komplete Kontrol S49
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00N1YQPOM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1498875492&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=komplete+kontrol+s49&dpPl=1&dpID=41i33b%2BpZJL&ref=plSrch

YMMV, but I just ordered one from the German Amazon site:

I chose the Amazon Prime listing and since VAT should get removed outside of the EU, mine worked out to 564EUR, approx $600

-- EDIT --

Looks like they have upped the price after I purchased, so it's closer to $700 now after VAT removal and delivery.

The Stylophone! It's so much fun, there is even a song about it!

My number shall be 65.

Thank you for the contest!

Honestly, you're going to cry down the line if you don't have at least 37 keys. Trust me. For that I recommend this.

Thanks!

The little red box is a Gakken SX-150 Mark II. In this song I added a blur effect and a delay to make it more dreamy. Last year I made a song where I added a pitch-correction plugin in order to keep the notes in a given scale.

LOL I saw the small thumbnail and thought it was an OP-1

Teenage Engineering 002.AS.001 OP-1 Mini Synthesizer Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CXSJUZS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_PzFRAb0YW1M3H

Hmmm. I was thinking the new one was more of a competitor to this.

I will do my best. I am only a month in to this madness. And when I started I wanted to emulate a workflow similar to how stuff was done in the early to mid 90s. Sort of faux hardware sequencing. The reason being every time I sit in front a DAW for a creative project I feel devoid of inspiration. So here's the current setup:

Hardware:

iPad Pro 1st gen connected to a USB hub via Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter.

LYFNLOVE USB Hub 3.0 Splitter,7 Port USB Data Hub with Power Adapter and Charging Port

KORG nanoKontrol2 connected to USB hub

Behringer UM2 connected to the USB hub and hi/low out of Model D

Behringer Model D connected to USB hub for midi control and UM2 to pass audio to iPad

So how does all this work together? Well the center of my workflow sits AUM AUM is my mixer, playhead, midi routing, and effects insert hub. It's the glue that ties all the widgets together with a unified clock.

For synthesis I am currently using the following apps: MOOG Model 15, MOOG Animoog, Audiokit Synth One, Audiokit FM Player, Menace, and Blamsoft Viking Synth which I can run many instances of. And now of course The Model D.

For Sequencing the Synths I am using the Rozeta suite.

And for percussion/drum machine I am using Patterning 2 which I absolutely love to death. With my quest to eventually go all hardware and possibly just a eurorack it's going to be hard for me to let go of this because I like it so much.

For effects/DSP I use all of the apps produced by Audio Damage, Inc., Kosmonaut, & RE-1 Tape Machine

For misc I use an app called Sector which is a nice sample slicer with a cool interface for introducing randomization to a sequence + effects to slices.

As previously mentioned. I am new to this and still learning. The apps I've mentioned merely are the tip of the iceberg as far as what /r/ipadmusic is capable of. I'm trying not to go too deep down that rabbit hole because I intend to go full hardware eventually. But it has been a great starting point to learn a lot of the basics and intermediate inner workings of how to use midi and some modular virtual patching.

I would be happy to answer any more questions. So far this (link to soundcloud, not just the one track RES is trying to make play)is most of what I've created with the newest to oldest representing the evolution of my learning curve. I have not recorded anything with the model d yet but plan to very soon.

Boop.

So, I ordered two instruments online and they finally got here. I ordered a mini Stylophone and a Otamatone. They are pretty awesome and hilarious. I've also learned only musical nerds still play the stylophone because there are not too many sites that have notes up for songs, guess I'll have to go through trial and error.

or get a stylophone for even cheaper?

You can get them on Amazon for like $70. Here it is.

Ones that complete a bent circuit are new to me and I don't know if they're the same, but people have made plugs that look like this for Eurorack as an indicator for a jack's output, particularly with bipolar LEDs for positive and negative voltages.

[Singles] (http://division-6.com/shop/Jacklight-3.5mm-Red-Blue-Test-LED.html)

[5x] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B01FWQ8RKQ/ref=dp_olp_0?ie=UTF8&condition=all)

[DIY] (https://www.muffwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=83999)

I don't exactly need them as I have a mini oscilloscope but I'd like to make some for output jacks with normalled connections when I want to break them. Anyway here, perhaps just the connection to ground through the LED is all the bend needs.

The one you have sounds awesome! I think I'll pick one up as soon as I can convince myself to spend $75 on another instrument. I just ordered this PocketSynth today so maybe I'll wait a few weeks. Thanks for the advice.

Yep. Was just about to post this:

https://www.amazon.com/Dubreq-DU05151-Stylophone-Retro-Pocket/dp/B000SKHSRU

Retro pocket stylophone.

Less keys are generally fine for some things, like leads and basslines, where there generally isn't a lot of large movement in a phrase. You can enter your midi information into a DAW and it's all good.

However, if you are picturing any large piano arrangements, or anything where you'll be playing a chord with your left and more chords or a melody with the right simultaneously, then obviously a tiny keyboard ranges from less than ideal to straight up unfeasible.

I have a Casio Privia-730 or something, full weighted keyboard but limited midi support (no pitch/mod wheel, etc). It's a piano, not a midi controller. This I would use (through a USB cable) for big grand things like a piano arrangement, string section etc.

I just recently bought a Korg Microkey2 for those more 'tight' sections, as well as its mod wheel and pitch bend. I greatly enjoy it, even though I'm not really yet use to the "synthesizer" feel of the keys. 37 keys is enough to fiddle across two octaves comfortably, and it's way easier to noodle out a quick lead line or something than the heavier, less responsive Casio.

However, I wouldn't recommend it if it were going to be your only controller. For that I'd say at least 49 keys is desirable, maybe more for a pianist as yourself.

Volca?


150- limited, but physical and easy to use.

Do you have a computer? There are some trials for VSTs you can use.

I think you might find the following more fun in the inspiration department. I have a roland sh 201 which is analog modeling like the mircro korg and i have alot of fun with it but don't end up recording with it.

http://www.amazon.com/Korg-Volca-Keys-Analog-Synthesizer/dp/B00CAKSVTU/


http://www.amazon.com/Korg-MONOTRONDUO-Oscillator-Analog-Synthesizer/dp/B00684KFFW/


http://www.amazon.com/Korg-Kaossilator-Dynamic-Synthesizer-Recorder/dp/B00B5S93OK

http://www.amazon.com/Korg-Volca-Bass-Analog-Machine/dp/B00CAKQCHS/


http://www.amazon.com/Korg-KAOSS-Dynamic-Effects-Sampler/dp/B00B5SDFRG/

https://www.amazon.com/Native-Instruments-Komplete-Kontrol-Keyboard/dp/B00N1YQPOM

Amazon has one new for $149. I'm very tempted but usually when something is too good to be true...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00CAKOVQM/ref=dp_olp_all_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=all So should i buy it full priced or should i get it for $121.99 and get it for 38 dollars less. It says like new and they seem to be reputable, is it worth the risk?

I run an Akai LPD8 alongside my Numark MTP. I use the top row as a drum machine and the bottom row for other samples. I got extremely lucky and picked one up used from a local Guitar Center for $15, I just had to get a new mini-USB cable for it.

It's not a MIDI controller, but I also use a Korg KP3 for effects.

I'd highly recommend a synth if you want the sounds of it. If you want a midi controller on the really cheap, get a cheap casio keyboard or something that has midi out, then get a midi to usb adapter, plug it in, and go. If you want a better midi controller that's dedicated for midi and probably has better keys, yadadada get an MPK Mini MKII.

Lastly, if you want a synth, get a MicroBrute. Great sounding portable analog synth for around $300.

So you want something like this

https://amazon.com/dp/B00OAHNA10/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8SJRCbH4JDAMA

Hi! Looks like the perfect place to ask for recommendations.

I'm looking for a small keyboard and I'm a bit lost. My goal is to have something to visualize music theory on, try out some chords progressions and simple melodies, and maybe work the synchronization between the two hands. I'm a guitar player ( trying to learn theory) and I think that could be great to practice some concepts.

Looking at forums, they say 61keys is the minimum to learn piano. But I'd like a smaller keyboard, 60cm length or something, something easy to just sit on my bed or in front of my computer and try out things. What is the minimum amount of keys you'd recommend? Is 37 keys enough to work on synchronization between hands? I saw this one and the size looks nice ( maybe something cheaper though).

I think having built-in sounds would be nice, since having to plug a midi keyboard to my computer will stop me from playing sometimes. However I don't need 150+ sounds, with fancy ding-ding sounds. Just 3-4 nice sounds will be enough. Looks like the one I mentionned previously has that. But it's a bit expensive for me to start on.

Any suggestions?

I own a Yamaha 76 key, and about a month and a half ago bought a novation launchkey 25 key. With both I use Ableton, and I feel I'm starting to get a proper hang of the program and playing keyboard in general. I'm looking into buying my first synthesizer, I want to get a physical analog one. I'm considering getting this one - https://www.amazon.ca/Korg-VOLCAFM-Digital-FM-Synthesizer/dp/B00CAKSVTU/ref=sr_1_6?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1542940922&sr=1-6&keywords=synthesizer&th=1

- But I'm not sure how playing my keyboards with it will work. Basically, I'm hoping it'll be as easy as plugging it into my computer and loading it onto Ableton and play sounds I make off it using my keyboards. I know it might sound silly, but since I'm still new to all this, I just want to make sure I understand.

I was also considering saving up a bit more, and getting something like this instead -

https://www.amazon.ca/Arturia-MicroBrute-Analog-Synthesizer/dp/B00G31YMVS/ref=sr_1_9?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1542940922&sr=1-9&keywords=synthesizer

- The only downside however is it would replace my Novation midi keyboard, and I bought that only a month and a half ago.

​

I appreciate any help. I'm really looking forward to getting into synthesizing.

Behringer-DEEPMIND-12 perhaps.

buy something like this and practice sending out messages

https://www.amazon.com/MFJ-Enterprises-Original-MFJ-557-Oscillator/dp/B00OAHNA10?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_1

you do know they're on sale right now at amazon, right? http://www.amazon.com/Arturia-MicroBrute-Analog-Synthesizer/dp/B00G31YMVS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408524508&sr=8-1&keywords=microbrute

If this is what you're talking about, then the keys are laid out like a piano keyboard. Seems to me it would take far less time to just learn to read sheet music than hunting around for specialised tabs.

Currently $209 on Musicians Friend. Or $225 on Amazon.

$286 to be precise, but still good imo.

https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-REFACE-DX-Portable-Synthesizer/dp/B010UXJZWA/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=reface+dx&qid=1569531865&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/REFACE-CS-Portable-Modeling-Synthesizer/dp/B010UXJXWC/ref=pd_cp_267_1/131-4624601-0474465?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B010UXJXWC&pd_rd_r=f0afa203-b148-4008-829e-37c8ed85b9de&pd_rd_w=FrqbX&pd_rd_wg=WGXdB&pf_rd_p=ef4dc990-a9ca-4945-ae0b-f8d549198ed6&pf_rd_r=29AHJDDZH3CMBN4G0A7X&psc=1&refRID=29AHJDDZH3CMBN4G0A7X

Yeah I just noticed that. :( I bought a Neutron for $330 a few months back and it's listed for $223 right now, and I literally just bought a model D a week or so ago.

Pretty much this. I can't come up with a reasonable excuse to buy it.

I am looking for a synth that is this or is similar to this (https://www.amazon.com/Korg-27-Key-Sound-Module-VOLCAKEYS/dp/B00CAKSVTU/F1SuIZZIeRS?ref=dp_vse_ibvc0). I am new to synth but not new to music. I am looking for something that I can use with my Windows PC (soon to be dual-booted w/ Linux as well). I am familiar with programming/software development and would appreciate any recommendations for software to go along with the recommended synth. I want something that I can easily connect with my PC (preferably USB but I'm not sure if that is even possible/enough, am fine with buying some adapter and chords if necessary). Thanks for any recommendations. Price Range ~200 w/ chords/setup.

This was posted into the comments of a post asking the same thing from u/Mr_Liney97 (Everyone say "Thank you Mr. Liney!")

The two ROLI bags belong to the ROLI Seaboard Rise. Awesome, but pricey.
https://www.amazon.com/ROLI-Seaboard-RISE-25-Controller/dp/B0159ZO4U2?tag=equipboard-proof-20&psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAJNPAI32UDCKLKDGA&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B0159ZO4U2

The small item to the left of it is a Teenage Engineering OP-1 Portable Synthesizer.
https://www.amazon.com/Teenage-Engineering-002-AS-001-OP-1-Synthesizer/dp/B00CXSJUZS?tag=equipboard-20&psc=1&SubscriptionId=AKIAJNPAI32UDCKLKDGA&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00CXSJUZS

To the left of it is a audio interface, Scarlett. To me it looks like a 2i2.
https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-2i2-GENERATION-USB-Recording/dp/B005OZE9SA

Below that is the Arturia BeatStep Pro.
https://www.amazon.com/Arturia-BeatStep-Pro-Controller-Sequencer/dp/B00V5BIKNW?tag=equipboard-20&SubscriptionId=AKIAJNPAI32UDCKLKDGA&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B00V5BIKNW

Below the ROLI bags is the Apogee Quartet Audio Interface
https://www.amazon.com/Apogee-Quartet-Audio-Interface-iPad/dp/B009HPDNKS?tag=equipboard-20&SubscriptionId=AKIAJNPAI32UDCKLKDGA&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B009HPDNKS

And to the left of that is the Yamaha Reface DX
https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-REFACE-DX-Portable-Synthesizer/dp/B010UXJZWA

I don't know what the other things are, but I hope that I helped

I'm a curious newb that's been doing my best to soak up as much information as possible researching about synths and keyboards. A lot of this new jargon has been challenging to say the least. I have a question and I suppose I could've made a new thread but I feel like it's a dumb question so didn't want to draw too much attention.

I know it may not be fiscally or practically sensible but lets say that I want to get a Yamaha Reface CP as a mostly on-the-go-jam instrument but I also want to learn how to play keyboard in my room; so I decide that I want to have a master keyboard (lets say something with 49-88 semi-weighted keys w/ touch response) to play the Reface CP. What are my options? What constitutes as a master keyboard?

If I understand my research correctly, a MIDI keyboard controller with a MIDI dim (such as the Alesis Q61) plugged into the Reface CP won't act as Master.

I've seen discussions that mention using a powered MIDI USB host (such as a Hobbytronics MIDI Host) to make digital piano/keyboards with USB MIDI act as Master to the Reface CP but I don't understand which part of that equation makes that possible. Is it the fact that the digital piano has onboard sound or is the powered MIDI host playing some larger role besides merely extending the MIDI out signal from USB to MIDI dim?

Or to put it another way, would using a MIDI host with a MIDI keyboard controller (equipped with either USB or MIDI dim out) cause it to act as Master to the Reface CP when all plugged in together? This is of course assuming all of the components are compliant/compatible.

My instinct is that the device intended to act as Master always needs to have onboard sound and I'm letting the stuff I read about extenders over-complicate what is admittedly a pretty convoluted idea to begin with.

It looks good but thing is i live in sweden so i dont know what the tax will be on a 19kg package. I may go with amazon uk https://www.amazon.co.uk/Behringer-Deepmind-Analogue-Polyphonic-Synthesizer/dp/B06VW1FQF2

Best I can do in terms of design is this, linked from this thread. Although I do seem to remember something with both piano-like and computer-like keys... There are slim keyboards using Cherry's ML switch (the Cherry G84-4100 is probably what you'd be looking for, and it clacks just as much as MX!) and there's a new Kailh switch of similar characteristics just coming out.

Optical, capacitive or Hall-effect switches are capable of giving analogue output. Relatively modern keyboards with those are: Wooting (optical); Topre (capacitive); XMIT (Hall-effect). But the difficulty is that nobody's (up to now) found a way of making analogue sensing useful for typing text, so typist keyboards with analogue switches usually have some circuitry to convert the analogue inputs from the switches to simple on-off. For example, the XMIT has the circuitry in the switches, so it's probably infeasible to mod that to give analogue output. (See the thread about the keyboard.)

This Deskthority thread might be of interest - also, possibly, the Hall-effect mod of MX linked from the first post. Also:

• Topre claimed some analogue capability in their Realforce RGB - don't know how much got into the production board.
  
• I believe RAFI still sell their RS 76 C Hall-effect switches, but I don't know if they give analogue output.

Some more fun things I found that others might be interested in:

Mini Theremin

Maywa Denki Mr.Knocky Drumstick Type Music Instrument

Stylophone Retro Pocket Synth

Boomwhackers (most of you probably already have these in your classroom)

OK, got a hundred bucks you can let go of?

Did she ask for a Kaoss Pad specifically?

I'm slowly building my first rig real rig. I've got a microbrute synth, a midi controller keyboard, and a Beatstep Pro. I also have a laptop+interface loaded with Ableton 10 but I already use a computer plenty with work and other hobbies so I'm looking for a DAWless experience eventually. Eurorack fascinates me but probably not going to happen for awhile (cost prohibitive). My sounds are techno/ambient/synthwave and my aesthetic is knobs/sliders over menu-diving. Thanks to those who responded last week!

I need some beats! I'd like to keep it cheap because I'm also hoping to get a semi-modular synth (likely Behringer Neutron, Minibrute 2 or Mother-32) in the next couple months. In the meantime while I'm getting intimate with my Brute and BSP while using Ableton a bit for effects and basic drum/synth instruments. So what hardware drum machine should I get?

I'm looking at:

Alesis SR-16 (new)

I figure this thing would make a decent jam-along-with basic drum machine for bass/keys for rock-type stuff and practice and hopefully with some effects I could make use of the default sounds in my own compositions. Also, I can load sounds to it so it could remain useful even if I get other drum synths down the road? Does anybody use one of these with a BSP? This is the cheapest option after software.

Nord Drum Module (used)

Somebody is selling locally on kijiji. Asking 400CAD including an Alesis kick trigger (which I'd have no use for). No onboard sequencer but I'm fine with that since I have the BSP. It's also mono-out which could be a bit limiting maybe? The sounds from this thing are great from my listening online but I worry that my money would be better spent elsewhere since I'm still a new resident to GAStown (wonder if I could find a used Nord 2 for similar price also).

Volca Sample and/or Beats (new or used)
These seem to be the go-to "getting started" option and I'm fine with that. I'm not a huge fan of the actual sounds the Volca beats makes (bla bla kick bla) but at least it is analog so I should be able to knob-twist and add effects to get somewhere creatively? There was a guy on kijiji asking 760 for two samples, a kick, and beats w/ power adapters which seems pretty good if a bit more than I was hoping to spend on the drum end. However, sampler is probably the next purchase after my synth anyway. Why do people seem to "move on" from the volcas? Is it because of lack-of customizability or poor sound quality or what? The workflow seems popular if a bit fiddly... but then again my BSP can be USB powered so the portable aspect of these could be fun (I music festival). A single one of these would be the second cheapest option but the set is almost as much as a new digitakt.

[Korg Electribe EMX-1 (used)] (http://www.vintagesynth.com/korg/emx1.php) Great aesthetic and sound from what I can tell from videos, I've been talking with a guy who is asking 450CAD for one. Seems in great shape, fully functional, etc. How dated is this thing going to feel in terms of connectivity and features (not so much the sound)? I'm not a fan of the menu-diving of the newer Electribes. Probably the most expensive option (not counting the 4 Volcas)...

Any other hardware drum synths that I should look at in the "cheaper the better" range? Not a big fan of the sound or aesthetic of the PO's.

1. Violin - Because it is one of my dreams to learn the violin.
   
2. Sony Headphones - Because I desperately need a new pair for running.
   
3. Pocket Synth - Because synths are awesome!
   
4. Letter Opener - Because I broke my old one.
   
5. Inkless Pen - So I never need to buy a new pen again!

I originally started producing, barely haha. Downloaded some music software, and learned the ins and outs of it. Wasn't the best software by no means. But you soon get a handle of how music is supposed to be structured. Got introduced to people like Deadmau5, Adventure Club, Avicii, Daft Punk, Nero, and Flux Pavilion at somewhat of an early age. though it was 2007 when I found out about this music, it was basically still underground from where I live. Then around junior year of high school I was bored and looked up apps on my phone. Turned out there was a DJ app, go figure. Now don't hate people, I only used it to keep me entertained. For some reason though I had a big urge to do my own research. Then I would constantly look up stuff music related. Watch documentaries, YouTube videos, tutorials, you name it. I went head first into the culture and loved every bit of it. DJing fascinates me because there is so much potential for skill in it. The complete unknowing always believe that its just a big iTunes playlist equipment, but there is far more to it.
After that I bought my first set of turntables.

Then I got better headphones, to adding stuff like this bad boy! Also this too!

Being used to controllers and on a budget, I upgraded to this I personally wouldn't recommend it because it lags, and makes my computer run terrible at times. Keep in mind that I do have a solid laptop.

And now I've saved up and will be adding this to my collection.

It's all how you want to get started. Keep in mind with my first turntables I was able to easily do house parties and keep it simple with it. With my second one I soon started doing bigger house parties as well as doing events, and using speakers that only used XLR cables made me have to upgrade. Now the newest one is basically one of the best before going full CDJs. I get several events now and having the amount of stuff those turntables have is something that I need. Keep in mind I love to mix live, and play fully house, dubstep, and trap.

So it's up to you man, if you love music, love remixing it, and love the culture, I would say go for it. Now don't go full blast just yet. Always good to start small then work your way up.