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    Korg Trinity Range: Part 1

    Music Workstation

    Korg shook the hi-tech recording world in 1988 with the introduction of the M1 workstation. With their new Trinity range, Korg are attempting to update the workstation concept for the 1990s. In the first instalment of this two-part review, Gordon Reid assesses how they have fared.

    Reviews Dec 1995
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    Technics SX-WSA1

    Acoustic Modelling Synthesizer

    Technics' first foray into the pro synth market, the WSA1, catapults them to the front of the pack. Martin Russ discovers whether acoustic modelling synthesis really can create gold sounds from base metal.

    Reviews Dec 1995
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    Alesis Quadrasynth Plus

    Piano Polyphonic Synthesizer

    Alesis rereleased their Quadrasynth early last year to mixed reviews, and in response, an updated version has now been launched. Does it address some of the comments levelled at the previous instrument? Original Quadrasynth owner Mike Best finds out.

    Reviews Nov 1995
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    Korg Trinity

    Music Workstation (Preview)

    Hot on the heels of their astonishing new Prophecy monophonic synthesizer, Korg are already near completing work on their next range of workstations, entitled Trinity. Gordon Reid was allowed a sneak preview of the next generation...

    Reviews Nov 1995
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    Rhodes Chroma

    Analogue Polysynth (Retro)

    Norman Fay takes a relro look at the Rhodes Chroma, the last and most obscure of ARP's long line of analogue synthesizers.

    Reviews Oct 1995
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    Fatar CMS 61 & Studio 610

    Master Keyboards

    Andy Davies casts his eyes, and fingers, over Fatar's latest low-cost master keyboards.

    Reviews Oct 1995
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    Roland VP330 Vocoder Plus

    Retrozone

    Vocoders aren't just about tiny robot voices from awful '70s records — some could generate lush choir sounds and opulent strings too.

    Reviews Sep 1995
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    Yamaha MU50 & Yamaha CBX-K1

    Tone Generator & MIDI Keyboard XG

    Two of Yamaha's most recent products, the MU50 synth module and the CBX-K1 mini keyboard, are designed to compliment each other as the nucleus of a budget, GM-compatible music-making setup.. Paul Nagle evaluates the pair, and considers the potentially confusing role of Yamaha's XG MIDI format...

    Reviews Sep 1995
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    Yamaha CS80

    Polysynth (Retro)

    Richard Clewes explains his fascination for this hernia-inducing sound machine from days of yore.

    Reviews Jul 1995
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    Roland JS30

    Sample Workstation

    The JS30 forsakes the familiar rackmount sampler format for desktop presentation, and aims for simplicity and immediacy of operation. Derek Johnson checks it out.

    Reviews Jun 1995
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    Roland XP50

    Music Workstation

    Roland's latest attempt to part you from your savings boasts no less than 1700 patches, a well-specified sequencer, comprehensive effects section and expandability via Roland's popular wave expansion boards. Julian Colebeck takes it for a spin.

    Reviews Jun 1995
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    Technics SX-WSA1

    Acoustic Modelling Synthesizer (Preview)

    With their background in home keyboards and high-quality electric pianos, it came as something of a surprise that Technics should enter the mainstream synth market with a physical modelling instrument. SOS attended the world preview.

    Reviews May 1995
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    Clavia Nord

    Lead Synthesizer

    In a synth market dominated by the Japanese and American manufacturers, it's a pleasant surprise to be looking at a synth made in Sweden — especially when it's as technologically advanced as the Nord Lead. Gordon Reid sees red...

    Reviews May 1995
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    Korg Prophecy

    Solo Synthesizer (Preview)

    Two months ago, Korg unveiled their OASYS high-end physical modelling synth, and already, a low-cost spin-off is just around the corner. SOS staff were amongst the first to hear it.

    Reviews May 1995
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    Roland SH09

    Analogue Monosynth (Retro)

    Paul Ward looks back through time to 1980, and considers the hidden strengths of one of Roland's more overlooked monosynths: the SH09.

    Reviews Mar 1995
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    Yamaha VL7

    Virtual Acoustic Synthesizer

    Yamaha's Virtual Acoustic technology has begun the march toward affordability with the release of the VL7, at a little more than half the cost of the flagship VL1. Is this a DX7 for the '90s? David Crombie finds out.

    Reviews Mar 1995
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    Korg Oasys

    Open Architecture Synthesis (Preview)

    Amidst the parched sands of the NAMM show, Paul White found welcome relief at Korg's Oasys of advanced musical technology, where the latest efforts of the company's US R&D team were unveiled.

    Reviews Mar 1995
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    EDP Wasp

    Analogue Monosynth (Retro)

    Chris Carter sings the praises of a vintage synth which cost just £199 on its launch in 1978, but which hides a multitude of surprises under its unlikely yellow and black hood...

    Reviews Feb 1995
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    Kurzweil PC88

    Performance Controller Keyboard

    Kurzweil's new master keyboard combines the features of a MIDI controller with the sounds and feel of an 88-note digital piano. Tim James tickles the ivories...

    Reviews Jan 1995
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    Yamaha W7

    Synthesizer Workstation

    Yamaha's new Virtual Acoustics instruments provide the cutting edge of sophisticated synthesis technology — at a price. But what is the company doing for the mere mortal musician amongst us? Martin Russ assesses their answer, the new W-series workstations.

    Reviews Jan 1995
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    Korg X5

    AI 2 Synthesizer

    The X5 is Korg's cheapest fully-featured keyboard synth, with a spec that belies its modest price tag. Derek Johnson finds out whether it's really the bargain it seems.

    Reviews Jan 1995
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