The first thing I did was try to get some organ sounds out of this baby. After a few minutes I realized that the only problem was deciding on one sound--there were so many choices that I could have been programing for hours. This is a very good thing, as it allows me nearly endless range to create new and exciting sounds. The hardest part was trying to decide which effect to layer on--they all sounded so good.

I haven't gotten a chance to really play the arpeggiator, but the specs look quite nice indeed, and I can't wait to give the vocoder a go. For about $500 this synth is a monster (hell, it's a monster for twice that much). The sounds are all lively and workable and the ability to be either fairly typical or way out on the edge of reality makes this a much more versatile synth than many of the more hyped boards, IMO. Sure, if you're into analog imitation, than the Fizmo probably isn't your cup of tea, but if you want to make sounds that no human has ever heard before, then you owe it to yourself to check this baby out.

BTW, if you're checking it out in a store, try and play around with the sound buttons, as this is probably the easiest way to see what is going on behind those multi-layered, far-out presets, IMO. Also, the rumour mill has it that Fizmo may be going the way of the Dodo, so I urge anyone interested to get one while their hot, or else you might be kicking yourself later.

Just to repeat what everyone else here has stated, and to overwhelm the naysayers...for it's intended purpose - pads, atmospherics, evolving Wavestation style textures, rhythmic noise and pulses -- the Fizmo is awesome. There are also some excellent analog sounds (percussive bleeps and pulses, but nothing too acidic). Acoustic sounds? Forget it.

Almost everything syncs automatically to midi clock or tap tempo. The effects rule. The arpeggiator is better than anything but a Cyclone. And despite the small display, it's all easy to use.

For ambient, trance, and soundtrack type stuff it should be essential.