Re: [linux-audio-user] suggest a synth

However, if you're like me and appreciate the qualities of hardware instruments, then i suggest you should have a look at a virtual analog hardsynth. Why virtual analog? Well, there's little or no point in buying a hardware sampler if you wanna create new sounds; i currently own an Alesis QS6.2 and, while it's an excellent sampler on its own (high praise to Alesis for creating an instrument that's robust, straightforward and appealing), it's not appropriate for creating new sounds (well, no sampler is, by definition). Some people appreciate a sampler (those who want to play existing sounds) but some other people, me included, just want to tweak knobs and come up with new stuff. I'll probably put the QS6.2 on eBay, it's in like-new condition. If you wanna play samples, you can just get a few CDs with sounds, run a soft sampler such as Specimen on your computer, get a cheap but good MIDI controller, and that's it. The reason to use an analog synth is to create new sounds (i won't list here the reasons why to use a hardsynth as opposed to a softsynth, in order to not rehash this old flamewar). Since "true" analog synths are usually expensive, if you can find a virtual analog that sounds reasonably well, then that's it.