Wich do you think will be best?

The Akai Synthstation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnc8_4DWAbM

or

The Korg microKorg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp3mQPxw428

Do you think their are enough powerful iPod apps (so far I have only used Nanostation) to overpower the microKorg? I have a microKorg but I never use it. And because I am at college, I need something more compact and was wondering if there would be enough iPod music apps to replecate a "full synth"?

Thanks

I would say there is absolutely enough full-fledged synth apps to make the synthstation a competitor of the microkorg. The way I see it is such:

A Microkorg is a synth with effects.

An iDevice is a synth with effects, a drum machine, a four track recorder, a DAW, a sampler, a modular synth, a piano, a sequencer, a midi programmer, a compressor, an eq, a limiter, an audio editor that could rival Audacity, a portable hard drive, a guitar effects unit, a looper, a dj setup (albeit pretty weak), and a place to check the sp forums .

The only thing you would have to worry about getting a synthstation is that enough developers implement Akai's API, meaning they make their music app synthstation compatible.

As far as synth apps go, between NanoStudio, Jasuto, Argon, and Rebirth, what have you got to lose?

Don't forget midi/mobilzer from line6. I have nlog synth and it's one of my favorites. Now they have a midi app for that you can play using any daw controller.

this is absolutely the truth. As good as it sounds like it could be, i'd suggest holding off on buying one until it is guaranteed to be a universal standard. a few extra things here to consider are whether future iphones/pods, etc will be the same size and will have the same inputs, etc. Also, if they radically change the os or the like, there may not be compatibility with future programs.

In my opinion, its not worth it to be an early adopter of new technology. Ultimately you play extra money to be a guinea pig and get buggy gear to boot (think of 1st gen mpc 1000's...) I'd take some time to see where workflow falls apart with the microkorg and work on making it more efficient.

Lodger speaks the truth. Work with what you have. As of yet, there hasn't been any reasons to make the synthstation a must have. And to be honest, I'm not sure that there will be for producers/beatmakers who already have a midi keyboard. The Mobilizer, as jbl mentions, seems like a much more versatile choice as far as midi goes, but then there is the RCA outs on the synthstation. In my opinion, that's hardly something to trip over. The Microkorg is more than capable for what you're asking it to do.



Exactly the reason why I'll wait for iPad 2...

im going to drop a beat tape mixeroo of synthstation/nanostudio X sp303

this is a serious combo
nano studio, (despite having the worst name ever) is a dope synth/sequencer it has a built in sampler and some really fat sounds can be made

downside = there is no midi out and limited effects, but when it is combo'd with an SP through RCA you can get some dirt

I can't stand using iphone music apps without a controller and the microkorg is a great synth.

if you don't have the money for the controller and nano studio...pass on it because the akai app is not worth getting

personally I think all music synth apps will be compatible in the future with MIDI/USB its inevitable.

@lodger yeah that makes a lot of sense.

The only reason why I'm considering the synthstation is because I don't want to take my emx to college. I hardly use my microkorg so I was thinking of selling it. But maybe I just need to get use to it.

for me, the trick for the microkorg is to delete the presets and start to make your own. Make a kit of general sounds you'd want your synth to make and adapt those to your tracks. I know with the microkorg, the interface is a bit awkward, but there is a hell of a lot of power in there. not only that, but the resell value is likely to stay quite high with it (as it is for most synthesizers)- even old pcm workstation synths still fetch a respectable amount in the second-hand private market. In regard to the Synthstation, anything based on separate technology like ipods etc is likely to depreciate more rapidly, especially because the brain of the unit is a separate part that is prone to wear out and become obsolete.

If portability is a concern, I'd encourage you to explore software based options...many are free and sound awesome. with the microkorg, you already have a decent midi controller and a synth capable of making some low-end bass craziness. I'm not the biggest fan of the interface, but its learnable and can put out a sound that could punch a hole through a wall.

Ok, so synthstation 25 is $100 bux. It works as a usb midi controller for the PC and also the iphone/ipod. I don't see the issue here. I've played with one and it's a solid piece of kit. Good weight and they key action is fairly decent.

You guys are making it sound like he wants to spend a fortune!!

Yes there will be plenty of synth apps and always more to come. Can you put a micokorg in your pocket and edit patches while on the go? Can you easily whip it out to show others what you've been working on?

Like somebody mentioned.
An ipod/iphone/ipad is a synth, sequencer, sampler, looper, drum machine, multitrack daw, FX unit, etc etc. It surfs the webs, checks emails and stores all your samples for you!!

The microkorg is a nice piece of kit too. I'd just suggest storing the EMX and MK at home so you always go something to look forward to.

I dunno, do what works best for you. Don't force a workflow if yer not comfortable with it. Buy and use the gear that works best for YOU... not what other people are rockin. If you don't try you'll never know.

I didn't realize they were that cheap. I had assumed, from what I had seen, that all-in-all it was a package of 150 (nearly the cost of a 2nd hand synth) or more after you get the software, updates, the gear, etc.

As a person who has dumped money into first gen gear and has been burned before, I'm always an advocate for caution with new technology. I've also made the mistake of selling gear seeking another solution to my problem and ultimately decided to buy it back.

If you get a good deal and you already know that the product will suit your needs, that's another thing altogether. I just feel obligated to help set the record straight for anyone who might be new and reading the forum who ends up lusting for other gear when he or she hasn't mastered equipment enough to make an informed decision.