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Check this recent thread too.
viewtopic.php?f=149&t=15585&p=216607&hilit=synthesizers#p216607

Without knowing too much about the type of music you make or what sounds you need, I'd put my money on a used Akai AX-60. You can snag one for less than $400. It's loaded with front-panel sliders. More complex than a Juno. 6-voice polyphony. All analog. On-board chorus and arpeggiator. I'm usually more of a digital guy, but it's the best sounding analog I've played. The downside is that it only has 1 oscillator per voice, and lacks modern features like sequencing or layering (though it does do splits).

Alternatively, I'd highly recommend the Ensoniq ESQ-1 or SQ-80 (same synth with added waveforms). It has digital oscillators so it's not as lively sounding, but it's a lot more versatile. It has an analog filter, so it can do the analog sound pretty convincingly, but with the digital waveforms you can also get some decent pianos and brass sounds, and I personally think it does fantastic strings. It has 3 oscillators per voice, and a lot of modulation routings, so you can get really complex sounds. It's a button/menu interface, but it has a nice big screen so it's easy to get the hang of the navigation. It can do the layers and sequencing that the AX-60 lacks.

Soundwise, I'd take either of these over most modern synths that cost two or three times the price. Just my 2 cents. Listen to as many audio/youtube demos as you can to make sure you like the sounds.

I can only say very good things about the Alesis micron. Seriously underrated. Very good sounds, excellent engine, deep if you want it to be and it has really, really good arpeggiators and a drummachine. Some ppl don't like the interface, but i think it's very clever laid out (shortcuts on the keys) and you have two assignable sliders, one wheel and three encoders that can be set for each patch. Presonally, I never needed more.

midi_in wrote:

wfs1234 wrote:There aren't really any analog synths that can compete in price and features.

*cough* Realistic MG-1

The mg-1 doesn't really compare very well. 2 osc, noise source, lfo, low-pass filter, ring mod, and envelope generator. Those are probably about half the features available on the microkorg, and the microkorg has more flexibility with its "oscillators" too. I think the only reason to buy analog is if you think the digital oscillators sound so horrible it's worth paying three or four times as much for something that sounds about the same.

Digital vs analog an argument I could go on for hours. But I've argued it so many times there's no point anymore. People are entitled to their opinions. IMO true analog will always win. Main reason: it's alive.

Me too

I just figure you should go with it if you think it sounds good and does what you want to do.

midi_in wrote:IMO true analog will always win. Main reason: it's alive.

here's an observation I've made in my 20+ years of producing music:
If you have a 'digital' backing, let's say loops, a sampled bass and synth etc and you add one analog synth - it makes absolutely no difference.

If you work with an all analog approch (for exsample 808, Jupiter, Juno, 303 etc) then and only then the analog vibe is transported.
I personally don't care too much for that 'Tangerine Dream' thing, and when working on a schedule analog oldies often are more trouble than they're worth.
(no recall, dusty scratching pots, needs a recap, goes out of tune...)

and almost a year ago the Axe-Fx destroyed every preconception I had about digital preamps.
(and keeps doing so every day...)

p.s.
oh yes, it's wonderful for fuzz!

AC128 wrote:

midi_in wrote:IMO true analog will always win. Main reason: it's alive.

here's an observation I've made in my 20+ years of producing music:
If you have a 'digital' backing, let's say loops, a sampled bass and synth etc and you add one analog synth - it makes absolutely no difference.

If you work with an all analog approch (for exsample 808, Jupiter, Juno, 303 etc) then and only then the analog vibe is transported.
I personally don't care too much for that 'Tangerine Dream' thing, and when working on a schedule analog oldies often are more trouble than they're worth.
(no recall, dusty scratching pots, needs a recap, goes out of tune...)

and almost a year ago the Axe-Fx destroyed every preconception I had about digital preamps.
(and keeps doing so every day.

p.s.
oh yes, it's wonderful for fuzz!

Must...resist urge...to...retort...

Digital synths are great! Just don't treat them like analogs because you might fall short, but that doesn't mean they can't stand up on their own right. Don't buy a MicroKorg and expect a MiniMoog. It is what it is. Find out what it does do well, and embrace it. No synthesizer is all bad.

midi_in wrote:Must...resist urge...to...retort...

are you threatening me?