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i almost bought a korg ms2000 myself convinced that it was the machine for me. then this cute, intriguing little unit caught my eye... thank god i waited. i don't mean to inpune the ms as i know its got a signature sound which alot people do find valuable. however, when you compare the k-station's 3 oscillators, 8 voice polyphony, and 400 program memory to the ms's synthesis capability, this unit comes out much stronger and is a much more logical buy. i'm certainly not an expert but i think korg's market for an affordable, yet powerfull va synth has just been taken over. why else has korg suddenly dropped the price of the ms from $950 to $750? although the k-station doesn't have the mod sequencer and a 12 band vocoder in place of a 16 band, it seems like a much more versitile synthesizer.
i'm still quite amazed at just how much synthesis power you get out of this unit for only $700. i was a bit skeptical at how well built a synth would be for that price range, but i was pleased to find its built just like a supernova (metal shell with plastic end-caps) only about half its size, and of course lacking the weighted keyboard. a somewhat light, weak feeling keyboard and some multi-function buttons seem like the direct results of having to leave out certain frills in order to keep it at this price. however, i do think this keyboard does at least feel much better than the nord lead's keys ( you would think you'd get something better for $1200). as long they don't break off when you press them, you really can't complain if you are investing in a synth for its sounds.
another thing i do love about this synth, especially if you are new to virtual analog synthesis like me, is how logical the interface is arranged. its a left to right approach, beginning with the oscillators and finishing with the envelopes. this is wonderfull for someone like me who has had to struggle with digital menus on a rom-based synthesizer in order to tweak sounds to my liking. everything is so direct and instant. even the multi-function buttons are arranged well enough to figure out in short amount of time. and finally a company like novation offers a manual that is comprehensible. i can't tell you how lovely that feels in comparison to interacting with roland gear.
i'm sure that for $1500+ you could get a virus, or waldorf, nord lead 3, supernova, or an andromedia that could probaly put the k-station in its place, but who has that kind of spare money these days? i think novation has proven that now you can get a moderately powerfull synthesizer on budget when you stick to whats most important. these are just my feelings because i've researched what best meets my needs in a synthesizer. alot of people complain because they can't find a perfect synthesizer that will do everything imaginable. the k-station isn't going to do everything imaginable either, but it will do what i what it for, bass and leads. this is my own particular interest just as each musician is going to have something different that fits his or her own interests. i love this synth, but don't take my word for it research what you need.
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