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Average rating:
4.7 out of 5
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Da psy-trance machine, even better than the original TB-303, IMO. Well suited for all kinds of electronic music, as it really hasn't got any limitations. In addition to all kinds of phat dance voices, there is also great organs, brass, strings, etc, to be found. It sounds very analog, I agree. In this respect, I think it beats the crap outta the competition (Novation, Virus, Nord Lead, aso). It is long time discontinued, but if you own another Yamaha (2000 or newer) there is a board that uses largely the same technology that can be added. It sure isn't a S+S synth, even if it looks like the CS1x. If you want analog and versatile, you should check the AN1x out.
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So you think,... ok, heres an oldie from 1997 when VA was a new thing and processors were slow... and, yes, it looks like 15 pounds of cheap plasticy crap, but dont be fooled; its enormously great sounding. Buy one if you can find one, is my advice. Its already a classic much like the JP-8000, but sounds more analogue. Some say it sounds very prophet 5, and I do agree, esp in dual mode (when the ten 2 osc voices become 5...): rounded, sublime and phat, and...unlike the original in this respect; it has stable tuning. But theres so much more to the story, velocity & aftertouch, a ringmodulator, a bunch of good FX (its Yamaha, after all), morphing between two parts, a VERY advanced programming matrix, arpeggiator and a great analogue-like sequencer, etc. It has modular capabilities IMO, no joke. The only gripe is the somewhat stepping cutoff-knob esp audible with high resonant settings. But then again this adds to the character of this synth, and it doesnt really bother anyone except those trance-freaks that wants everything nice and clean. If youre one of those, I suggest you buy a glassy Novation or a Virus instead. The AN1x is for the true originals out there. Once you start programming it, it becomes your own, just like with the old analogue beasts. This, the MS2000 and the Alesis Ion are the VAs coming closest to sounding real analogue. I have a few of the latter type too, so I really should know.
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Looks horrible, sounds wonderfull, and the sound is what counts. I love its soft, warm analogue sound. If you want harsh sounds it can be done, but you have to use FX. Aural Exciter really does it! It's great at prophet emulation, minimoog stuff, jupiter stuff, not so good for oberheim sound as it doesn't buzz enough (although this can be done with Aural Exciter, too). I am amazed at the range of sounds it can produce. Low end is wonderfull, higher registers are clean, but not 100% aliasing free. Sync sounds tend to sound a bit thin, but fit well in the mix. Filter is great, but forget about manual sweeps as knobs step. But I don't do that anyway. I mean why would I do that if I can draw filter envelope and use both hands to play some great evolving filtersweeps. Morphing rules also. Very smooth and without bugs. FX are nice addition, as well as step seq. Great fun! Interface is so, so, but you get used to it. It is quite intuitive after some time. i plan to use PC editor anyway. I also plan to use it as midi controler as knobs are assignable to whatever parameter.
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great yamaha quality, just like how yamaha led the 80's synth revolution with the dx7 (FM), yamaha leads the 90s and beyond synth revolution with the VL1(world's first virtual modelling synth)...ok, VL1 wasn't modelling analog, but nord lead borrowed this concept and used it for modelling analog synths..
i love everything about an1x except for a few things thats outdated: no vocoder, only 2 multitimbral, only 2 osc /voice instead of 3, slow program changes, but all-in-all a great synth for the money.
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I'm VERY pleased with this one. + Nice keyboard feeling for organ/synth purposes + Lightweight + The Free EG + The sounds overall (including the ability to recreate decent organ patches) + The step sequencer + The low price (3500 SEK = about 440 USD) + The ribbon controller + Nice button feel
- Doesn't cut through a wall of guitars as good as the NordLead, for example - The plastic case (eventhough it makes it leightweight)
Quite a versatile synthesizer for a good price. 61 keys and many knobs makes it a good controller as well.
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