I want the ultimate small form factor live performance standalone synth with full-size keys.

Ideally what I want might be described as: a smaller footprint Nord Stage EX than the Compact (like 49 keys, and they don't have to be weighted, although they could be) - plus poly-key pressure like ye olde Ensoniqs had, and I want it to be built tank-like like the Nord Lead. Maybe the Nord synth engine could be swapped out with something Poly-Evolver-esque version of the Evolver or the Malstrom softsynth from Reason. Ya gotta dream. Anyway, since that doesn't exist, and I don't have a bazillion dollars to have somebody custom build me my live-performance dream machine.... Is there a small hw synth out there a la the Alesis Micron that looks and sounds similarly badass, with at least 8 voice polyphony, with full size keys - and - is easier to program without requiring additional software? I feel like every other small synth I've tested so far in that ballpark, I could breathe on them wrong and they'd break. I bought the recommended Micron software editor from one of the two companies that exists that makes it, but it is extremely sluggish and inconsistent.

Yeah I know, 'badass' is in the ears of the beholder. But I still figured I'd ask for your guys' opinions. Nope, I don't want to use a Receptor or a computer onstage, either. ; )

Thanks musicky mefites!

posted by bitterkitten (8 comments total)

I want the ultimate small form factor live performance standalone synth with full-size keys.

...and I want $1,000,000, a 1957 Strat and a pneumatic blonde, but hey.....
posted by MajorDundee at 2:43 PM on October 8, 2010

well yeah, that's why I'd settle for (if it exists and anyone has a recommendation) an easier-to-program, same form factor and cool factor and built-decently factor Micron - that is not a Micron.
posted by bitterkitten at 2:56 PM on October 8, 2010

Ummm... Waldorf Blofield Keyboard maybe?

For about twice as much there is the Access Virus TI.

Both have module versions for considerably less. I haven't tried the Blofield but I know the Virus is pretty amazing.
posted by dagosto at 3:43 PM on October 9, 2010 [1 favorite]

I forgot about the Korg R3. Much more similar to the Micron than the previous two but a step up in sounds according to what I've read.
posted by dagosto at 4:05 PM on October 9, 2010

Maybe the Nord synth engine could be swapped out with something Poly-Evolver-esque version of the Evolver or the Malstrom softsynth from Reason.

Is it completely out of the question to get a nice small midi controller and hook it up to a laptop with Reason in it?
posted by chimaera at 12:12 AM on October 11, 2010

Chi - yeah I'd like to avoid that. But I appreciate the suggestion anyhow.
posted by bitterkitten at 12:48 PM on October 11, 2010

dagosto - I think the R3 has no aftertouch, tho.
posted by bitterkitten at 12:50 PM on October 11, 2010

Wow! That Blofeld is pretty great, and way cheaper than Nord Wave.
posted by bitterkitten at 9:00 AM on October 14, 2010