I have downloaded some nice free soft synths (not cracked, free). The big name software companies caused me the most trouble--my whole computer crashed more than once,, where as I can just trun on the AN1x and play.. Drumatic is a good 808 clone. Still, for the most part, I know my way around the AN1x and there are enough performance controllers that I can keep the sounds constantly evolving. The AN1X seems to fit in the mix better. I need to listen to more sounds, but going through many soft synth presets and trying to tweak them, the soft synth sounds are more cinematic--sort of like a whole song in one note.
The AN1x has a certain rock sound to it.
One nice feaature on the AN1x: the high pass filter as well as the main filter. Synths tend to fill the audio spectrum. The high pass filter cuts the spectrum , making the synth fit in the track better.
So far I have 2 bass patches and 2 keyboard sounds. I'll post them when I get a chance.I've been using harmonica and guitar for leads sounds (a luddite indeed).
Jimmy