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The QS8.2 doesn't get a lot of respect, being that they didn't update the system at all since 8.1, and in fact they stripped down on the hardware a little (esp. with regards to outputs and expansions on the back of the synth). Therefore, I'll rate the QS8.2 at a 4 instead of 5 for the loss of these hardware ports. They did, however, increase the effects to 24-bit and has 24-bit DACs. This gives it a slightly crisper sound than the 8.1. And they also re-wrote the User bank. Otherwise, this review would apply to QS8.1 as well.
It is still a very useful board for gigging and for bread + butter keyboard sounds. It still holds up to newer offerings with regard to the actual quality of its sound and its diverse sample-set. Newer machines like the big 3 workstations have more memory, a resonant filter, and that's about it. I play the newest offerings of the big 3 companies all the time at Sam Ash, and the QS8.2 can still compete with them. It is only ROMpler technology, which matured back in the mid 90s and hasn't really changed much since then.
So you really get a lot of sounds and a quality, sturdy board for your money here. A much better choice IMHO than plastic crap like X-50, Juno-D, MM6, etc. Here you get a good feeling 88-key weighted board with tons of great organs, EPs, pianos, synth sweeps and basses, gorgeous pads -- all for under $800. Holds up to gigging, it's been road-tested by yours truly. The 8.2 is still metal (with a silver finish) but with plastic endcaps. It's pretty solidly built to withstand the rigors of the road. Can you say that about Yamaha's MM6? No.
If you can do without the resonant filter and just want great sounds to take out on the road, get this board, or get a used QS8.1 if you need the extra outputs and extra expansion slot. Also the Q-Cards for these things really open up a new world of sound.... even better samples of Rhodes, Acoustic Grands, vintage synths, and whatever else you can ask for. The library of sounds is almost endless. Great performance mode too, including layers and splits! Can import sequences onto an expansion card if you need to have them.
In addition, the QS series of synths are also expandible via the Soundbridge software.... you can put your own samples in there!! I've done this. It's amazing.... you've got the capability of the top-end workstations right there at a fraction of the cost.
Great synth! I have lots of other stuff including analog gear that I use in the studio but would never think about taking to gigs. This one does the job for me for gigs, sometimes it's the only board I take out.
There is a reason why the QS8.2 is the biggest selling keyboard (synth, ROMpler or workstation) at MusiciansFriend.com. The people know they're getting a lot of quality for a low price with this one.
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