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This is my first synth, having been solely a guitar player until recently. I can therefore not compare it to other synths, but rather provide some insight into the MS2000 as an introduction into synthesis for those interested in electronic music but not well-versed in its implementation.
I chose the MS2000 as a first synth because it is affordable, feature-packed, and still of a sound quality that is pure pro. Oh, and its MIDI spec is nice, a requirement as I plan to use it as a sound module in a larger setup when playing live.
I was able to learn how to create sounds from init/blank programs that sounded EXACTLY how I wanted them to sound within a few days. This synth is VERY easy to learn the basics of, and then some. The layout is very intuitive, and even the more advanced features like virtual patches and the mod sequencer are a breeze. The only thing I have yet to try to delve into is its MIDI capability, only because I don't have anything to sync/link it to yet :P
The tonal character is varied and rich. To my ears, it easily rivals the sounds I have heard on many of my favorite recordings in certain areas. Granted, the pads won't be huge, but with the servicable ensemble effect and a bit of LFO patching, they CAN sound impressive. Basses are great... a little TOO agressive if anything (which is kinda good), and all the talk of great leads is absolutely true.
The mod sequencer and virtual patch mode make nearly anything possible, even for a beginner. I have created simple basslines with the seq. that, with one or two twists of a patch knob, can be morphed into thunderous, drum-like rhythms or robotic squeaks completely unrelated to the original sound. The noise feature is especially useful in patch mode when synched to an LFO to drop rhythmic character into an already-established groove. I cannot stress enough how easy to use and useful the virtual patches are. With them, you can create truly rich shimmering, harmonic overtones, or more traditional rhythmic effects by tempo synching your LFOs and using them to modulate various parameters like filter cutoff, ect. Splendid.
I still haven't fully learned this machine, and already it has taught me SO much about synthesis. I feel confident that I will continue to use it as my little studio grows.
So, for anyone in the position I was in only a matter of weeks ago, looking to learn about synthesis affordably but wanting something you can keep after you are ready to produce professional tracks, I highly reccomend the MS2000. Fun, great-sounding across the board (as long as you take the time to learn to program it), versatile, and intuitive. I now addicted to synths and can't wait to add my next one :)
Pardon my 5-star rating, but all things being relative, it is the best synth I have ever played :P
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