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It's about the UI. Most hardware synths have one-knob-per-function on a UI the size of a large panel. You can mould the sound in a tactile way. With a VST, eve

It's about the UI. Most hardware synths have one-knob-per-function on a UI the size of a large panel. You can mould the sound in a tactile way. With a VST, everything goes through a mouse. And you'll probably spend some of your time getting distracted by moving windows around to show/hide other VSTs. It's a much more cerebral experience. My biggest problem with software is that it's so limited. VSTs and DAWs ape hardware studios far too literally. I'd like to be able to connect anything to anything - including VST internals to the internals in other VSTs. And add some generative/programmed elements. But most DAWs either don't allow that at all, or they only allow it with severe limitations.

filoeleven 6y ago
Yes, the big physical panels are what make them playable. When you learn a physical synth, you get the benefit of muscle memory, so tweaking the filter cutoff “just so” during a performance can be done almost without thought. I’m excited to see what happens in VR. The tactile feedback isn’t there, but I bet the muscle memory is. I don’t have a VR setup, but Synthspace might convince me to get one this year—it looks better every time I check on its progress. A VR modular synth kit without the insane cost? Yes please! https://youtu.be/l-za23kxY7E https://youtu.be/l-za23kxY7E