Synth Minimalism

[D.o.S.]

In my experience: you can do pretty much whatever you need with whatever synth you have. The reason they tend to accumulate is ease of use for a given application. And then you sell them when you need money.

[tremolo3]

What CSCD said.

But if you're like me and don't have a particular genre you want to stick to, then a versatile synth is what you need.
I went with a Nord Modular but there are more modern alternatives, like computers and tablets.

Also samplers, like Deluge! I wish I knew about it before joining the Octatrack cult.

[codetocontra]

Counterpoint: buy all of the synths

[UglyCasanova]

iPad + Midi keyboard + delay + reverb.

My zen is strong in the synth world.

What apps are you using on the iPad? I've got an iPad sitting around collecting dust and would love to use it for something.

Pretty sure I posted this info before, even a screen grab. Off the top of my head; I use Beatmaker 3, Korg iMS-20, Flux:FX, Samplr, DM1, DM2, Looper HD, Moog Model 15, AniMoog. Hmmmm... There are more, but I don't recall right now.

[MrNovember]

You could also build a setup with a specific live project in mind (even if that project never actually materializes). This way, you'll be forced to find the sounds you want within a limited number of synths, comfortable enough to haul to a potential gig/rehearsal. And you'll probably write a few tracks in the process. This approach works for me, at least

hmmm... this might be the best approach...

This would force me to work with the synths as tools, refining how I use them, and help me define what I need. If I somewhat arbitrarily sell what I think I don’t need and keep the handful I’ve listed above, then I might not be setting myself up with the “right” tools. And if I don’t go through the process of developing a live set with these, then I’ll likely keep repeating what I’m currently doing.

So, I need to define what I need musically, and then pair down my setup to what I need to fulfill that need. Only then will I be able to stop flipping and be happy with what I have.

I like this idea. It's kind of where I'm already headed with my setup, but should maybe be a little more of a focus

[01010111]

In my experience: you can do pretty much whatever you need with whatever synth you have. The reason they tend to accumulate is ease of use for a given application. And then you sell them when you need money.

This is sort of how I run now. But I really don’t want to have so much excess. It feels wasteful. Also, where I’m probably going to be moving a lot for the next few years, I can’t really afford to have a lot of synths (or even synths that are very big).

[codetocontra]

Every time I have wanted to downsize I end up figuring out what is the most ultimate thing I want and set a sort of limit in either a number or space-wise. We could be talking about guitars, effects, Euro, synths, etc...Whatever it is, I can work within limits and generally find some peace and creativity with using less. When everything is possible it becomes overwhelming, too easy to obsess over not having one particular sound covered rather than working the hell out of what I already have. Whatever you own should be inspiring, and extra helpful if you find it to be versatile with options or sounds.

[gila_crisis]

Since I have a Digitakt, I no more fell the need to have new synths!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FS2-fA-cq9o[/youtube]

[01010111]

Every time I have wanted to downsize I end up figuring out what is the most ultimate thing I want and set a sort of limit in either a number or space-wise. We could be talking about guitars, effects, Euro, synths, etc...Whatever it is, I can work within limits and generally find some peace and creativity with using less. When everything is possible it becomes overwhelming, too easy to obsess over not having one particular sound covered rather than working the hell out of what I already have. Whatever you own should be inspiring, and extra helpful if you find it to be versatile with options or sounds.

This is probably where I’ll realistically start. I have a case that’s perfect for this application. It’s a gun case that’s about a 1/2” smaller than the limit for check-in bags (but it also has a 100% chance of at least level 2 screening at airports). Where my next move will probably be by plane, I need to make sure I can fly with my gear.

So, I’ll measure the case and make some kind of diy pedalboard-esque thing to stick in it. At that point I’ll work on creating some kind of musical goal to work toward. Then I’ll hone my setup to meet that goal.