i started off with a K2vk initially. We also used a Korg ms2000 and Novation synth. These days, d:konstruct uses all soft synths with midi controller for live shows. As far as favorites soft synths, here are my current favorites:
Absynth
Sytrus
Morphine
Toxic
Saw
Pro 53
Microtonic
Z3ta
Superwave
etc.
I'm getting away from using regular samples in the music and moving in the direction of using only soft synths. I find the sound quality is better and everything is done at the highest sampling/bit rate. aklso, a good sound card and AD converters help:)
I still use FLstudio as a scratch sequencer to get fast results and then throw everything into Cubase, master it, and ship it off to my producer. I'm buying a Roland 2480 very sson to use for our online machine for our upcoming summer shows. It's gonna be sweet. If anyone's interested in playing a show with us let me know.