However, the construction-quality of the AN-1X isn't that good, so if you're going to be carrying the thing around a lot, I'd go for the Z1 if your budget can stretch to it.

Il_budha

Heres something else that makes this a brilliant "pad" machine. There are 4 free envelope tracks on each patch which can control any of approx 50 parameters (not just filter cutoff but cool stuf like ring mod, oscillator sync,LFO speed etc.) Ok, so you have 4 more envelopes than a regular synth to create evolving textures with. So what are the limitations of these envelopes? To my mind, virtually none.

You can draw any shape you like,have it sync to rhythm or time it by seconds (max 16 seconds). You can trigger these by keyboard or have them automatically re-trigger. You can adjust the way you want the envelope to loop (front-to-back, front-to-back-to-front, etc.)The parameters controlled by each track can be for either or both scenes.

If you can dream a morph you can probably do it. This stuff is not pre-determined (like a wavetable synth), But if you have an imagination, and would like to draw sounds with your mouse.....

If you want to see for yourself, download the PC editor for the AN1X and check out the Free Eg module.

Deopfer has a new midi controller box with 64 assignable midi knobs. Hook this up to an AN1x, with its ability to have everything controlled by MIDI CC's, and you have a synth with more physical knobs than any of the competition. Also, the AN1x, unlike other VA synths around, is complex enough to make use of each of these 64 knobs. The box costs around $500, but it can do sysex and CC's. I'll get one eventually - after they complete the English version of the manual.

I've been using the AN1x for about 2 years now, and I still find completely new sounds on it every day. It will take a really impressive VA machine to even spark my interest now that I know what this one can do. Maybe I'll get a second one someday...