Can anyone recommend a synthesizer for me that costs no more than around $1000 and has a built in 16 Track recording sequencer ?

try korg le 61. probably the best deal!

I would say for ease of use the Triton LE 61 Key.

For best sounds the original Motif6.

For under 1,000 I'd have to agree that the Triton Le would be a good way to go. However if you can afford a little more (about $199 more), you can get the original Motif6--as stated by the previous member.

If you want to go with the arranger under $1000 that'll give you 16 tracks I'd suggest the Korg PA50, or the Yamaha PSR-1500.

Squeak

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 02-22-2005).]

Another idea… why go new ?

You could get your hands on a Triton Classic, Trinity, Motif, Fantom and many others second hand for around €1000.

Just a thought.

Regards.
James.

A used Fantom-S...perhaps if you find a good enough deal a used Fantom-X. IMH unsurpassed value.

Phil

Roland Fantom Xa. Try www.bpmmusic.com for Fantom Xa, you should be able to get a good price.

You may also be able to get a good deal on a brand new original Motif 6 if you call around different places. 8thstreet.com has them new for $1195, call them up they will be willing to give you even better price over the phone.

Ive read quite a few motif reveiws because I was going to purchase one. And just about ever review said the sequencer is useless and very difficult to operate. Its just something id like to throw out if you plan on extensively using the sequncer on board.

Phil

[This message has been edited by Pennywizz6 (edited 02-22-2005).]

While the Motif does have probably the most difficult ( and at times confounding ) interface to navigate of the three, the sequencer is neither useless nor difficult to use. At least that has been my experience with it.

On the contrary, the sequencer and phrase factory are great tools, equivalent to a hardware version of a Reason or FL Studio.

Sometimes, you have to take the reviews you see with a grain of salt, and just try these things for yourself. I've had Motif series boards for 3 years now,( first the original, then an ES ) and while the OS has been difficult to work with in some areas, I wouldn't trade it's magnificent sounds and features for anything else.

I do like the Fantom X and Triton Extreme too btw, and would own one of them with no regret if I wanted or needed a second workstation ( I don't ). I don't think the Triton Le or the older Fantom series match up well vs the Motif series sonically though. Just my experiences of playing all of them and my tastes in sounds.

Where the Motif may lack a little, depending on what you may like, is in Synth patches, especially pads. I more than made up for this by adding the AN150 analog modeling board to the Motif, along with several soft synths I have.

AJ



[This message has been edited by Bluezplayer (edited 02-22-2005).]

The sequencer on the Motif is far from useless. I've seen soooooo many reviews where people buy Motifs, Tritons, and Rolands as their first synths (knowing not a darn thing about them). Then they find because of their lack of experience and knowledge that they can't operate the unit, thus resulting in a poor and negative review from the user. The Fantom, Triton, and Roland are good workstations. All completely different operating systems. You just have to get comfortable with the OS. Yeah the Motif may not be the easiest, but if one takes the time to familiarize themselves with it, they'll find that the navigation isn't really bad. Personally I like the sequencers on the Motif. They're almost identical to the EX series. I thought those were pretty easy to use. When reading reviews keep an eye out for the person who says "this is my first synth", or "I haven't been playing long".

Squeak

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 02-23-2005).]

my 2cents on Motif sequencer.
I have an ES7. Without opening the manual, after about 5-10 minutes of pressing various buttons, I was sequencing. It's really not difficult to use. When I had an my XP-80, I did the same thing. Horsed around with the buttons for about the same 5-10 minutes, then was sequencing.

I think the Mo Classic 6 is a great keyboard for the 1200 bucks. And you might be able to get it lower if you're shrewd enough and have the right salesperson.

I would also suggest a used XP-80 or XP-60. The XP-80's can be had off eBay for around 800 and the XP-60's maybe 600. Both excellent synths with sequencing, good expandability and very good at controlling.

But brand new for a 1,000, I guess the Triton LE may be the only one out there.

Peace
Bob
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