Good Day! I have been perusing YT and Reddit for a minute and still fee a bit as overwhelmed now as before I started considering my first synth. I have a Roland RD-2000 for piano which I've had for years and am only now learning functioning beyond one-touch. I know enough to know its limitations. I also need an audio interface, which has started this journey.
I'm talking with a vendor and want to get an audio interface. I was originally going to get 4i4 (MIDI input for piano finally) but now considering the same expansion in the Volt for the built-in warmer sound. This might be a mistake though down the line - I don't know? I definitely want MIDI lines for my piano (not just USB), and also have a guitar and bass I'm going to learn. Getting a dynamic microphone (space is untreated). I am AuDHD and self taught my adult life but scattered (I also have chronic conditions that put music on hold many years due to pain). Now that I'm managing the latter and have some time to make stuff (this is my new vice, and something to do off socials). I'm overwhelmed by options.
I have hEDS with hEDS hands/wrists/shoulders, but built up a lot of muscle and pain tolerance. As a former pianist chasing classical that gave that up due to hEDS brakes, I am approaching music more child-like. As someone that adores EBM/EDM and experimental stuff, this seems like a brave new world. I also have some "cook books" for synths I would like to try. I am still DAW-less, but will likely work with one that I have access (GB, Logic, Ableton). The possibility of sound packs is keeping me from buying the TD-3 and the RD-9 Behringers (yet).
Right now, I am considering Arturia Keylab 61 for controller (and just a different weight of key for pain days). I am also considering some form of synth. KeyStep Pro? Mini Freak? MicroBrute?
I don't want to overwhelm myself from the start, but also would like to give myself a good starting place with room to grow and produce complex layers. Being hands on, I see microphone sampling and synths being a cool way. The warmth of the volt appeals, but if that would be bothersome later I'll save money for the 4i4.
I'm just really trying to reason out a little starter expansion I can order quite soon. I guess this is my attempt to talk this out with people familiar with the subject matter, but have nothing to sell/lose by telling me not to get something and go another way.