Need guidance for buying hardware synth

Hi everyone,

I need guidance to help me understand what I really need! I’m really sorry if my newbiness is a pain! Basically, I’m a classical musician that didn’t do a lot of shows but I would like to be able to do live performance alone without a laptop. I realized that I really like Absynth sounds and that for now they would suffice me so I’m trying to see which options suits me the best. Clearly, the Komplete Kontrol S61 Mk2 seems to be exactly that because it will play .nabs sounds and also permit me to tweak them live. But it seems like a very costly option if it's only to play Absynth sounds... So before I dive into my simple questions, let me just briefly reiterate: my goal is to be able to play Absynth sounds without a computer, and ideally with all-in-one controller. (I have a few cheap keyboard midi-commander already in my possession, if needed). I work on windows, I use an H6 Zoom for inputs/recording and Sony Vegas as my DAW (for now!) and my budget for all of this would be around 2000$.

So here are my questions:

1- First of all, are there any other cheaper option that will permit me to play .nabs files? I read a lot on the Receptor “debacle” and that option would have tempted me, if it was still on sale… and at a lesser price… But else than the Komplete Kontrol or NI series, what other company can play Absynth’s Sound? (I now realize that there may be an option of using Absynth as a VST plugin but with what?)

2- Can the Komplete Kontrol playback tracks ? And if yes, how many?

3- Is there a way that Komplete Kontrol keeps .nabs file inside itself or will I always need a computer hooked up to it so that it may play .nabs files?

4- As I mentioned, it’s for live performance, but at first it will be more for jamming purpose so having looping/recording functions become quite important, especially if the gear price is getting high!

5- For the price, is there a way to get a super discount if you buy Komplete Ultimate + Kontrol + Maschine ?

6- What kind of amp would you advise for Absynth sounds? I mainly like the harsh abrasive stuff with lots of natural distortion! For example, would the Peavy KB4 be perfect for this type of sounds?


Thank you for reading all of this and hopefully giving me a pointer two for my life!

Bloodbeef

 

I'll try to give some general hints:

For getting full functionality of the Komplete Kontrol Keyboards, you'll need to connect them to a computer (since they are basically just MIDI controller keyboards and don't have any built-in sounds). In addition Absynth is a software synth which can be used either on its own (as standalone software application) or as VST plugin (in a compatible DAW or VST host).

So if you don't want to use a computer/laptop, you'll probably need to have a look at (Standalone) Hardware Players/Hosts which support using VST plugins (like Absynth):

• http://www.seelake.com/en/as-vstplugins.html#top
• http://www.smproaudio.com/index.php/en/products/v-machines/v-machine
  
• http://museresearch.com/products/index.php (Receptor which you already mentioned)

Or getting a 'real' hardware synth which can create the sounds you're looking for on its own: http://www.musicradar.com/news/tech...rdware-synthesizers-in-the-world-today-585436

NI usually has sales in the summer and at the end of a year. But you never know beforehand which products are included in which sale.

In general, certain NI products can qualify as base product for getting a cheaper Update/Update/Crossgrade to other NI products: https://support.native-instruments....ossgrade-Update-Upgrade-and-How-Do-I-Qualify-

Or you can also check if other music shops or NI distributors have any special bundle offers.

 

Thank you very much for your reply solger!

But from the videos on the Komplete Kontrol, I had understood it had patches included and could be used stand-alone. I know there are softwares to install as well for more maneuverability but you are saying it cannot work stand-alone? I don't know if I'm more shocked or disappointed!

 

Which videos exactly? Can you post a link?

In general, although the Komplete Kontrol keyboards also have a Standalone mode (for controlling other MIDI devices via the MIDI ports), you don't have access to all features in this case - as when connecting them via USB to a computer/laptop.

You can find more info here:

• https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/keyboards/komplete-kontrol-s88/faq/
• https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/keyboards/komplete-kontrol-s88/downloads/