Equalizer, you mention soft synths replicating the sounds of analog synths. What they are doing is modeling analog circuitry. In a perfect world the replication would be 100% identical but that isn't always the case although synth modeling is still capable of producing some very impressive sounds using modeling algorithms based on analog components. FM7 from NI is a different case as FM is a digital algorithm that can be implemented exactly on a computer as it was on the original DX7 and following FM modules. There is no reason FM7 should sound any different from the DX7 using the same patch other than the quality of your soundcard. There is a big difference modeling digital synths versus analog synths. Digital synths can be replicated 100% accurately unlike analog synths.

But having said this I was recently knocked out by the sound of an Access Virus C which had plenty of analog character despite being modeled synthesis. I guess companies are refining and improving their modeling algorithms all the time. But the price of new modeled gear is still well in excess of the real thing so the choice is still clear for me. But that may change with time. For people composing on a PC then soft synths have already broken that price barrier. I use keyboards live though and the prospect of relying on a laptop for sound is not so appealing.


[This message has been edited by Nigel (edited 02-25-2003).]