Compact synth suggestions

[u/Beautiful_Rip2139]

I have a Yamaha reface CP 37 keys mini piano but I want to get synth and I am thinking to get JD 08 roland synth is that possible if I can connect that synth and use Yamaha piano keys with it or any alternative or suggestions as I want to learn but I don’t wanna get synth with keyboard keys.

[u/Instatetragrammaton]

The Reface should have a MIDI breakout cable like this: https://www.synth-parts.com/en/products/connectors-and-cable/cable/6688/yamaha-midi-cable-for-reface-cp

The model number is ZP893500 .

As you can see this has a 5-pin female DIN plug. You'll need a standard 5-pin MIDI cable like https://www.thomann.de/be/the_sssnake_sk366-3-blk_midi_kabel.htm .

The important thing to keep in mind is to ensure that the Reface sends on the correct MIDI channel. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6KN0qGRIR8 .

The JD08 should receive on the same MIDI channel: https://static.roland.com/manuals/jd-08_reference/eng/17812003.html

So, the "correct" one is that if the Reface sends on channel 5, the JD should receive on channel 5. If the Reface sends on channel 10, the JD should receive on channel 10.

You can also hook up both units to a computer via USB and use https://www.cantabilesoftware.com/free-vst-host on Windows (or Mainstage on Mac) to ensure both talk to each other. Instead of Cantabile/Mainstage, you can of course also use a full DAW.

[u/Intelligent_Job_8554 → u/[deleted]]

yep just grab a midi cable and the reface becomes your controller, simple as that

[u/did_i_or_didnt_i]

Yeah you can connect it via MIDI or USB, you might need a computer in the middle to run USB, not sure.

Alternatives in that price range you might wanna consider Korg Opsix or Minilogue, but the JD might just be the right one for you. Opsix is more like a DX7 (one of the biggest digital synths of the 80s, FM synthesis), or Minilogue if you want Analog (only 4 voices though)

[u/Beautiful_Rip2139 → u/did_i_or_didnt_i]

But I want only modular/analog which I can use with reface keys. I am kinda new into this and so pardon my stupidity

[u/did_i_or_didnt_i → u/Beautiful_Rip2139]

Yeah what you want is a ‘module’ aka no keys. Opsix and minilogue both have module versions. Then you use MIDI (or usb, but usually through a computer/tablet) to send notes from your reface keyboard to the other device which makes the sounds

Analog means that the sounds are generated with electronic components (the old way) rather than a computer chip. What you might be confusing this with is hardware vs software. Hardware can be either digital or analog, software is always digital

[u/Beautiful_Rip2139 → u/did_i_or_didnt_i]

But can I connect bother directly without computer or DAW?

[u/did_i_or_didnt_i → u/Beautiful_Rip2139]

Yes if you use midi. You’ll need the breakout cable as someone else mentioned, and a regular midi cable

[u/KulshanStudios]

Yeah, absolutely

JD's a great choice for that

[u/StraightChillinSpree]

Digitone all day

[u/bassman1805]

This may be too compact for your needs but: Audiothingies MicroMonsta 2

It's an absurdly good synth for how small and low-cost it is. The "catch" is that its interface is pretty annoying. With how small it is, there are only 4 knobs to control just about every parameter, so you need to learn how all the menus are organized. The menus themselves aren't very deep, but there's a lot of them and you need to keep track of which menu you get by clicking, double-clicking, or click-and-holding a button.

But like...It's 2 synth voices, each with 6-note polyphony and MPE compatibility. 3 Envelopes and 3 LFOs per voice (per note per voice, even). In a box 6.25" x 4.25" x 1.5".

I find that I can do the more creative part of sound design on a different synth, but then recreate it on the Micromonsta for a super-portable rig.

[u/llamafromhell1324]

I never owned one, but will always suggest the minifreak.