Thanks for the links homie, I think they're all cool synths to be honest but I decided I really need something multisample-based as a main synth.
The problem with those wavetable-type synths is they never seem to cut it as either an analogue replacement or a multisample replacement. They feel (and sound) very niche to me, something that would be nice to own if you already had the other avenues covered.
From a sheer power, sound quality and versatility point of view, I honestly think the Korg Wavestate and OPSIX are by far the best options out there (by quite a considerable margin as well). I was considering waiting for the 61-Key version of the Wavestate, but it being a Korg product means it'll cost up to three times the price of the three octave version even though it's exactly the same machine inside, and I refuse to be ripped-off like that so there's no point me waiting for it.
To put that into perspective, for the same price I reckon Korg would ask for the 61 key Wavestate, I could buy a Wavestate, an OPSIX, and even an 88-Key controller keyboard (with aftertouch) to play them from and still have cash left over. This would be perfectly doable as well cause they all react to aftertouch anyway (like I said, the synth inside is identical).
Since I'm not prepared to pay what will be severely over-inflated prices for the 61-key versions anyway, what I intend to do is buy a three-octave Wavestate now and wait to see if they release a module version of the OPSIX to add to it.
That would give me two very 80s synths in a very compact setup to feed the SP-404MKII. I love FM far too much not to own an OPSIX, and the OPSIX knocks even Yamaha's own modern take on FM out of the water.
I forgot to mention this when I had the MODX, but it's true, the OPSIX is on another level of FM synthesis while the MODX, while improved, really isn't that advanced in comparison. The OPSIX blew it out of the water even before the update it just got, so the possibilities now are even more insane (as in seriously insane - acoustic piano done in FM insane).
As for the Wavestate, it now has a whopping 4GB of custom sample storage that can be used both in the Wave-Sequencing and Multi-Sample engines. It also has four layers that can individually accept having settings loaded into it each layer (similar to having four parts), meaning I could fill it with a bunch of Mellotron, Fairlight, Harpsichord and Organs, load at will into each layer seperately, and blend between them using the Vector control. I would (literally) never need another sample-based synth, ever, if I had that!
So I think that's what I'll do, continue to go for the compact setup as in SP-404MKII and a three-octave Wavestate to feed it. If they later start adding module versions then I'll add a module version of the OPSIX to the Three-Octave Wavestate.
If a module version of the OPSIX never comes, I'll just have to have it in Three-Octave just like the Wavestate. Ergonomics is really important for me. Imagine how compact a Three-Octave Wavestate with an OPSIX module placed directly above it would be. Then place an SP-404MKII to the right of the Wavestate and that's the maximum footprint.
That's a very compact and powerful setup with comfortable ergonomics, and both synths have full-size MIDI In and OUT on full-sized DIN, so perfect!
I already pre-ordered the SP-404MKII so it looks like the Wavestate is my next purchase and I almost bought one today for less than £500 brand new, which isn's bad considering it wasn't long ago they were selling for £699. I can even pick-up a brand new OPSIX for £50 less than I paid last time, and it was already cheap last time!
Doesn't look as if I'm going to see my 404MKII until at least January though
