It is definitely totally analogue: the oscillators are all VCOs as opposed to DCOs and it's a versatile beast. It features over 100 single memories - it can't do splits or layers - and I'd say its strengths are pads, strings, basses and fx. It's never let me down and has always had something to offer when I've got a sound in my head. It's a really good addition to any setup.

* The Sampler In port on the back was designed with the S612, S700 and S900 samplers in mind. I owned a S700 briefly and the special lead that connected the two so I did modify the S700's samples with the VX's oscillators. Top banana!

Here's something relatively unique: a genuine analogue synth which was fully MIDI, something which was quite unusual for its time as MIDI was coming in as most genuine analogues were going out.

What's it like? It packs a fair punch sonically, and you've a good deal of oscillator power going on. Basically there are three oscillator modes: Poly which is the full six-voice jobbie, Dual which is three-voice as it's able to detune one oscillator against the other and Uni which layers all of the oscillators on each other for a truly FAT sound!

It's great at pads, authentic analogue strings, basses, fx, atmospheres and almost anything you can throw at it. Believe me when I say this is not imitative synthesis: there's no conveniently sampled waveforms here for the French horn sound you neeed - this is real synthesis and there are no limits.

It has 100 memories - all programmable - can process the sounds of a S612, S700 or S900 sampler and is the business generally. If you find one in good condition for under £100, you've done well. Dance act Bizarre Inc used to use one and loved theirs. The fact mine is still with me after all these years is testament to just what a cracking piece of gear it is.

What is it good for? Well, I guess it does all your basic analogue stuff (with 6 VCOs, VCF lowpass/highpass, LFOs etc.). But whenever I try to do something well behaved on this, I always end up messing with the filter. And believe me - the VX90 filter is completely crazy: set res somewhere between 45 and 100, and it starts to self-oscillate like mad. Combined with the on-board white noise generator, unison mode and the LFO, this can produce absolutely mad, animal-like, distorted sounds. Very analogue, very inspiring. Get one cheap.

- fully analog and not digitally controlled - a little meaner! - more solidly built

Extremely easy to program, and it does all your basic sounds...as far as 6 voices go. And that is very far if you stack them in unisono mode! It is best at brassy sounds and leads, and goes well with organs and other classic pop/rock instruments. It is hard to find, and I am very happy with mine, considering the 180Eur I spent.