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Well, I've had this board for about 5 years now, and I feel I know it well enough now to write a review.
Overall, I really like this synth. It has a great sound to it, and can cover many types of sound, unlike many synths that retain the same character whatever sound you are using. The synthesis engine is very deep, although there are more complex (and complicated) synths out there. There are more than enough ways to tweak or mangle a sound to keep most users happy, and thanks to the intuitive user interface, editing is a breeze. The screen in particular is fantastic, as it shows graphs and sliders where appropriate, instead of just numeric values. It's no Trinity or Triton screen, but it works just fine.
The unit is built like a tank. I've never had a single problem with it. The key feel is quite shallow, which makes it fantastic for synth sounds and pads, however, I plan to get and 88 note weighted controller to improve the results I get when playing piano sounds.
The sequencer is the main area this beasty struggles. It's a brilliant sequencer, and using it is a doddle. It has great depth, and lots of advanced features. However, on my board it is quite glitchy, and I've heard this complaint made many times by others. Ghost notes sometimes crop up at the start of a track, and sometimes the timing can be a bit suspect. It's still great as a sketch pad, but as a standalone workstation you may struggle. This is also compunded by the implementation of the effects in the sequencer. Like most workstations of the day, only one set of effects can be used in performance mode (or multi mode in Korg speak). This is a pain, as many patches are enhanced by effects, and these are lost in performnace. Couple this with a lack of individual outs (there are 4) and you see the snag.
My other gripe is the outputs. They are grungy. Not excessively, and in a mix you won't notice, but if you play certain sounds on their own and allow them to decay naturally (eg Nice Piano with a sustain pedal) you hear the noise. A pain, but not a problem in a mix or live.
Overall, I am very happy with this board. I have highlighted the bad points, but believe me, compared to the good points they are not such a problem, and if you combine the XP80 with a PC/Mac sequencing package, you are looking at a great sound source with very high end features. The main advantage to this board is THE SOUND. Mmmmmmmmm, sound (Homer style).
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