Best Synthesizer & Drum Sample Pad

NFH

I have a guitar and bass setup with multi-track recorder. I want to add drums and keyboard synth to this. Influences would be M83 type thing - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJAJ_OzJR3w. So for the synth component I want long sustain and as much control of the sound as possible, and ability to simulate string effects also.

I was thinking of getting the MicoKorg https://www.thomann.de/ie/korg_micro...FW237Qod9NoMMw

... and the Alesis Drum Pad
https://www.thomann.de/ie/alesis_sam...drum_274552_12

However, I have seen keyboards that can combine synth and drum pads in one, with more keys than the MicroKorg, so maybe there are better options out there.

Any advice?

mordeith

The Korg is a mini synth and generates its own sounds. The keyboard drum pad combinations you have spotted are more likely midi keyboards which control sound generated from software. More flexibility and usually far cheaper than a proper synth. Something like this
https://m.thomann.de/ie/akai_mpk_225.htm?gclid=COnKyuL87NICFeuw7QoduJ4E7w

NFH

Thanks for advice. If that's the case I think I would like to stay away from MIDI gear then. I would like to stay away from software as much as possible as I imagine that would just be opening up a can of worms and something that would take too long to get used to.

Price-wise I would go as far as to get something like the Korg Minilogue but I am concerned that I would want more keys for greater range, 49 keys ideally.

As for the drum pad, anything that had built in sounds and something that is capable of allowing you to input sounds would be great. Perhaps like the Korg padKontrol, but I think that requires software.

mordeith

A full sized synth is going to set you back serious money. It's actually very easy to use midi keyboards with software. They are basically plug and play.

NFH

Ok, so if I was going to go with a decent sized midi keyboard (and drum pads built in) with laptop software, what would you recommend?

Would this MIDI setup compare to the something like the MicroKorg in regards to freedom of messing around and creating interesting sounds etc?

Also, out of interest, would using this software allow for layered recording, i.e recording various guitar and bass tracks etc. I currently have an 10 year old 16 track recorder and I'm thinking software today might make this obsolete?

mordeith

Absolutely. If you have a half decent laptop you can start off with something like Reaper or Studio One light for free. Loads of free VST instruments let you generate any kind of sound. I'm not too sure about multi track recording

You can definitely record single tracks at at time and mix later