Help plz: Fantom X8, Soft Synths, & Creating Patches/Smpls

[2Him4Him]

Alright, I'm hoping that I can clearly explain what my question is. So let me start by stating what I'm looking for, along with what I hope my end result will be. The problem is that even though I've been using midi/workstations for YEARS, I'm still very much ignorant when it comes to creating patches & sounds, as well as using VST soft synths.

Looking For: A soft synth that will fit my needs. I didn't want to go with Reason just because everyone else is using it. (Plus, can I even use it with Sonar?) I've also checked out Omnisphere, Absynth, & Diva. I'd REALLY like to stay in the $200-$300.

End Result: I'm currently using Sonar 8 and I recently built my own DAW PC. I'm using my Roland Fantom as a MIDI controller (not ideal, but it'll work for now). What I'd LIKE to be able to do - but I'm not sure it's possible or whether it makes sense is 1.) create/manipulate sounds/patches at home for my own projects (songs, beats/grooves, bedtracks, etc.) using softsynths; & 2.) transfer my creations (whether as patches or samples) to be able to play them live with my band USING MY FANTOM. Is that possible? Or do I have to have a laptop set up beside me? Or is there an app I can use for my iPad that can get me from point A to point B?

The more I write, the more I realize I just want more flexibility in what I'm creating & to be able to use that live with my Fantom as well as at home in Sonar 8. I don't want to just spend the $$$$ on Fantom expansion packs. I'm probably all over the map right now, but that's only because I've hit a brick wall in researching all this stuff. I love research, but when you don't know exactly what to search for it's tough. I'm just hoping there's someone that sees this and says,"Hey, I know exactly what this freak's trying to do!"

Thanks!

[2Him4Him]

Wow, this must be a dead forum.

[JunoJohn]

You've declared this forum dead after just 12 hours?

A soft synth and a Fantom-X are quite different; you can't just transfer patches. Trying to recreate patches on the Fantom-X seems like a waste of time since you'll be designing the same sounds twice. You could sample your soft synths into your Fantom-X with considerable work, but your success will depend on what kind of sounds you are designing. (This software might help.) Bringing your laptop along is probably the best idea.

But, since you are not committed to any particular soft synth, why not design your sounds on your Fantom-X?

Looking For: A soft synth that will fit my needs.

What are your needs?

A better place to ask about soft synths can be found here:

Windows or iPad

[2Him4Him]

Thank you! And yes, I do apologize. I do get a little impatient when I'm working on projects and researching, and I still can't find an answer. It doesn't help that I feel so ignorant when I feel I should know the answers to these simple questions.

Yes, that software might be a good solution! Would this software be the only thing required to reproduce those sounds via my laptop? I ask because I have a fairly old laptop and there's not a lot of power there. It's time for a new one, but I need my work to by me a new one.

Thanks for the direction! I'll check out those forums.

[2Him4Him]

After a lot of research and weighing the pros and cons, I think I'm leaning more towards the manipulation & creation of sounds just using the Fantom for my live performances. (Now I have to dive a little deeper into the Fantom's editing capabilities.) From the feedback I've heard from others, reliability remains a huge factor when going with a laptop in a live situation. I'll still definitely check out the software mentioned above (along with some other suggestions I rec'd) and see if anything really catches my attention.

Again, I just want to make sure the Fantom has fairly robust editing capability when it comes to creating your own sounds.

[Parsifal]

Again, I just want to make sure the Fantom has fairly robust editing capability when it comes to creating your own sounds.

As a FX owner, I can assure you're not short of anything when editing sounds. I personally doubt my own abilities more than Fantom's editing capability. Robust however does not means you're going to get results fast. That entirely depends on your knowledge and skills.
I'm not sure which is the most complex workstation on the planet but IMO it's something like Kurzweil > Fantom > everything else. However Fantoms are also the friendliest to work with.

[JunoJohn]

Check out:

http://www.sinevibes.com/fantom-x/

The Tweakbook alone is worth the $19.

[2Him4Him]

Btw, I recently downloaded the Fantom-editor and am LOVING how it works with my PC and Sonar. I can't wait to really dive into this, as well as the Tweakbook! Thanks all!