V-Synth GT: what's the fuss about?

[kokocalamar]

Ten seconds after I saw the first image of the V-Synth GT, I knew I would get one as soon as it hit the streets of Sweden!

But lately I've been starting to think about it all. What's the hype all about really?..

It's 2007, and we get:

-No new analogue waveforms.

-No new COSM algorithms.

-Polyphony increased with four (4) notes.

-No V-Card function.


Suddenly I get this feeling of re-packaging... (Yes I know about the dual engines and AP thingie)

Or, the target isn't previous V-Synth owners, but rather new ones?

I guess I need mr Tibbs to convince me to get one!!!

Kokocalamar.

[Silver Dragon Sound]

While there are some bew features, I'm not convinced that its a purchase I need. I'm very content with my V synth and nothing in the specs reaches out at me enough or together that makes me want it. I think the real selling point for me and probably others will be when it comes out and people get a chance to see what it can do and what it can't do. That's the first hand information I'll be looking at along with comparisons between the two. This probably won't happen for awhile as I'll want to hear from multiple people. Then of course I'll have to try it out for myself and make the final call. That being said though at this point I'm really happy with my v synth and am not looking at or considering upgrading it.

[MarkShovel]

I think that the split/layered keyboard functiion will make it a killer board. Some of my favorite V-Synth patches are mono basses and mono leads. With the dual engine/split keyboard, we'll be able to use both hands more effectively on one synth. I have a JP-8000 and the split keyboard function is very nice, even with the smaller keyboard. I use my Fantom X8 in layered and split modes all of the time. Even the JX-10 shines with the dual/split mode. The V-Synth GT will now become a JUPITER-8 style of monster.

The color touch display will be a nice addition. The existing touch display is very easy to control. I like the color screen used with the Fantom X.

There was a video on youtube posted this past week with Jordan Ruddes demonstrating the AP synthesis. It certainly seems like a nice extension for expression.

I've got two V-Synths. I can see how the integrated dual V-Synth GT platform would kick ass. The original V-Synth will be a standard to measure other synths for many years to come. It has killer ergonomic design.

Plus the integrated VC-2 vocal designer function will be a huge improvement. I've got the VC-2 card. While it is very cool, I still find the native V-Synth mode to be the best solution. The VC-2 are selling for a huge amount on EBAY.

The V-Synth GT is a great deal.

[johnny]

When i read through the specs of the GT there is only one thing that comes into my mind:
Sounds like a normal software update compareable to the update to v2.
Some, for me unimportant, hardware-updates included.
Who needs,e.g., a color display?
Who needs some rotary controls on the bottom of a touch-screen-display?
Who needs a new algorithmus to simulate real instruments on a synth ?
(the existing "real"-sounds are good and are great for playing live,
for best studio sound i call someone who plays the instrument or use big sampling library)

Roland is not interested in great update-politics. They just want to sell their stuff.
V2 was the only update, which was great. Everything else were bug-fixes.
Access-Music e.g. treat their customers much more better.

For me there is no reason to give away my "old" V-Synth to buy this new thing.
Its not worth its extremly high price. If there is anyone interested in a V-Synth,
he/she should buy the soon much cheaper old one.

To say somthing positiv: I love my V-Synth cause you can get so much
different sounds out of it, the effects (reverb) sound great,....
A great synth!

greets. JayT.

[Igglethorpe]

Yep,

I too am feeling this way about the GT. I'm starting to think a Virus TI would suit my studio far better in the long run.

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Fantom X8 (2.10) 512MB
Fantom XR (2.02) 512MB
V-Synth XT (2.02)
SH-201

[Septimo]

I also think it's like kokocalamar said in his original post....I don't think It's aimed at previous owners but instead aimed at newcomers who weren't impressed or who couldn't buy the first/second generation models at the time. For them it's a sweet(expensive)deal...When I initially heard about it I was thinking I had to have it, but after looking at the specs, I was left with the same impression as the majority of people here...Not enough to convince me to buy one...Even with the AP synthesis or dual engine, there's nothing I wouldn't be able to do on the GT that I can't already do on the XT other that listen to new factory patches. Not the way I use it anyway...Dual engine? Two Vsynths wouldn't help me in the slightest since I record everything into a DAW anyway. AP synthesis? Maybe it would be a good idea if I didn't have a FX6 already... ...I'm sure some people can find an excuse to use the extra power, but for how I use it, the XT is much more than I need.....Much more......

Instead, this weekend I'm going to pick up an MV-8800 and put my yamaha Su-700 to rest for a while....Can't wait for that....This machine fits my needs much more than a GT...After that I don't think I would need another piece of gear for at least 5 to 6 years or maybe even longer...I hope. But who knows what the future will bring?..?

Take care everyone...

Septimo ,'^)
X6
XT

[kokocalamar]

I'm thinking of getting rid of my Nord Modular G2X and go down the Virus T1 route too.. Really, I love my V-Synth and my XT, but the GT isn't such a great leap forward. Although the color display looks delicious!

Oh well..

Kokocalamar.

[DodgingRain]

Same thoughts here. I don't see much reason at all to upgrade, especially not for that price.

[Synthia]

I still love my V-Synth.I will never let it go for a few quid just to get this new GT.There is so much one can do with the orginal V-Synth.I will never get bored with it.
The colour screen looks sweet but I don't need it.
The GT is is also too expensive.

http://www.jupiter-music.com/synthia.htm
http://www.myspace.com/tritonia
Music keeps me sane in an insane world!

[canefire]

Koko I agree with you and I think this is a great string. Too often people get caught up in buying the latest this or that. I haven't had my v-synth long and I am so happy I got it. My only issue is that Roland stopped making the vc-2.
Still the kind of manipulation this unit offers is great. The price on the new V-synth is too high and frankly all this computer stuff shouldn't be this high anymore because the parts are being made cheaper in countries were labor is cheap plus memory is cheaper. So the high price tag is ridiculous especially when I got my vsynth for $900 brand new this past Christmas.
I think I will always buy new older gear it just makes sense.
Cheers
Ian

"Never waste venom on dead and fleeing things" - The mantra of the Cobra

[LivePsy]

Me too. There's so much I haven't done on the VSynth 'classic' yet. I was lucky enough to get a brand new VC-2 card recently and since VC-1's are still stocked, I'll get that as well. Looking back, I could have saved quite a bit of money just getting an XT with them built in or now selling the keyboard to get a GT. But I'm not motivated to switch.

Its like Vista: looks nice but I'm quite happy with what I got. Odd, because 10 years ago I would have been itching to get the latest. Now I appreciate what I have.

Cheers,
B

[Quinnx.]

I keep saying this over and over..
Roland no longer innovate
or as there logo says "we design the future"
I think they need to update this to
"we keep recreating the past"

there are no major improvements
we stil have sh-t sample memory
and this new APS is just an automation of filter and pitch control.

i think roland has reach its limits
FANTOMX
Vsynth xt

everything else is either Repackage of the above or cut down versions

and dont wait for the complete fantomX-V workstation because this will never happen without killing there current line which there NOT going to do.

if i where to look to the future i would say at least 10 years before you see anything that kicks &ss
Your much better off taking your FX and VXT and building around them with other equipment or software.


X-Bugs.org

Results not Excuses

My Setup


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[LivePsy]

The days of new synthesis methods blowing everything out of the water are long gone. The 80s and early 90s with FM or wavetable won't happen again. I don't know if there is any more innovation left. The Fantom X is a logical progression of the JV and XP range (OK, dropping a few great features on the way). The V-Synth is the refinement of independent pitch, time and formant control dreamed of way back with early samplers. Didn't the EMU 3 or 4 play interpolate samples so they were the same duration across the keyboard? My beloved Virus is a digital refinement of subtractive synths from the 70s. Nothing new here.

We musicians tend of obsess over the slightest limitation on forums. If we are gogin to complain, we should be complaining that there are no new ways to make sounds.

Cheers,
B

[Quinnx.]

The problem is there are no limits with this combination
the limitation is the software these synth are package with.

if roland want to make an impact they will update there software on these systems significatly for people to pay for them.

there are so many Bugs and ilogicals in the FX which your forced to work around which slows down production
same with the V

but we paid our money and roland is not in any hurry to give us what we want
and as long as people are willing to dump current technology for the latest and greatest by handing over there hard earnded cash, why should roland do anything more than sell repackaged old tech..


X-Bugs.org

Results not Excuses

My Setup


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[Hugo]

Quinnx;

I can't say I agree with you. I think Roland has done an awesome job supporting the V-Synth, and developing the technology further.

Just look at Yamaha and Alesis in comparison!

regards, Hugo