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Originally posted on January 10th, 2010
Last edited on January 15th, 2010
Though there are plenty of successful alternative electronic musicians who use nothing but software or digital synthesizers to create their music, there are also those whose music is defined by sounds produced by vintage analog equipment. While it may be a matter of opinion which devices sound better: true analogs or their hardware and software emulations, the fundamental differences between analog and digital circuitry mean there are also corresponding differences in the sounds they can produce.
The following list of the top five pieces of analog music equipment has been generated based on the information currently available in the Alternative Electronics gear database. This list is created dynamically based on the number of bands currently known to have used each piece of gear and is therefore subject to change as more information becomes available.
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It may come as a surprise to many that despite its age, the Korg MS-20 is one of the most popular hardware synthesizers (analog or otherwise) used in alternative electronic music. The semi-modular structure of this synth provides users nearly limitless opportunities for sound creation, though the MS-20 is definitely not designed for those used to working with presets.
Korg MS-20 users include:
Depeche Mode, Aphex Twin, Autechre, KMFDM, Skinny Puppy, Apoptygma Berzerk, Covenant, Einstürzende Neubauten, :wumpscut:, Front 242, Front Line Assembly, Kid606, Die Krupps, Deutsch Amerikanische Freundschaft, Alec Empire, Neuroticfish, Icon of Coil, Welle:Erdball, Pig, Richard Devine, The Young Gods, Der Blutharsch, Bruderschaft, Severed Heads, cEvin Key, Neuroactive, Implant, SAM, X-Marks The Pedwalk, Noisex, Synapscape, Mono No Aware, The Rorschach Garden, Geistform, Config.sys, MS Gentur, Allied Vision
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The SH-101 is an analog mono synth famous for its acid bass lines. Though some of its specs may seem primitive by today's standards, the lack of patch memory and MIDI support hasn't deterred many musicians from using the SH-101 in modern studio setups and the synth can be heard on tracks ranging from Drum and Bass and House to Synthpop and Noise.
Roland SH-101 users include:
Depeche Mode, Aphex Twin, Squarepusher, KMFDM, Skinny Puppy, Apoptygma Berzerk, Covenant, :wumpscut:, Mesh, Atari Teenage Riot, Assemblage 23, Nitzer Ebb, Suicide Commando, Velvet Acid Christ, Alec Empire, Angelspit, MDFMK, Pig, XP8, Elegant Machinery, Code 64, KiEw, Terrorfakt, X-Marks The Pedwalk, Nic Endo, Mono No Aware, Lost Signal, Tristraum
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While not a 'true' analog since it contains some digital components, the Roland Juno-106 is a hybrid analog / digital synth with a variety of unique features. The full MIDI implementation available on the 106 means all parameters can be controlled externally with a sequencer, a feature seldom found on vintage analog synthesizers. Patch programming on the Juno-106 is done predominately via sliders on the front panel, making it arguably more user-friendly than other analogs.
Roland Juno-106 users include:
Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, Autechre, Celldweller, Covenant, Carbon Based Lifeforms, Mesh, Velvet Acid Christ, Neuroticfish, Haujobb, Elegant Machinery, Thermostatic, Gridlock, Neuroactive, Neikka RPM, Terrorfakt, Iszoloscope, Synapscape, Cesium:137, Interface, C/A/T, Anhedonia, Lost Signal, Tristraum, K-Nitrate, Frontrunner
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A true analog synth similar to the Roland SH-101, all parameters of the Pro-One can be modified via knobs on its front panel. As with the SH-101, Pro-One users have to manage without patch memory and MIDI control. A unique feature of the Pro-One is its 40-note step sequencer, though its volatile memory is lost when the unit is powered down.
Sequential Circuits Pro-One users include:
Depeche Mode, New Order, KMFDM, Skinny Puppy, VNV Nation, Covenant, Front Line Assembly, Mesh, Assemblage 23, Nitzer Ebb, Kid606, Velvet Acid Christ, MDFMK, Icon of Coil, Pig, Severed Heads, cEvin Key, Neuroactive, Rx, Left Spine Down, Allied Vision
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The TR-808 uses analog synthesis to produce its 16 drum sounds, which have found their way onto countless alternative electronic releases. Though early criticisms focused on its "unrealistic" sounds (compared with acoustic drum kits), the TR-808 set the standard for electronic drums and influenced the development of electronic music and equipment for decades.
Roland TR-808 users include:
Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, Aphex Twin, Kraftwerk, KMFDM, Skinny Puppy, Covenant, :wumpscut:, Front Line Assembly, Kid606, Alec Empire, MDFMK, Richard Devine, cEvin Key, X-Marks The Pedwalk, Fairlight Children, Lost Signal
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