Sound Modules

Expandable and user-friendly, Ensoniq's new synth module favours preset sounds and effects over editing and programming options. Julian Colebeck asks how the Mr Rack stacks up.

A monosynth that doesn't cost monopoly money? Paul Nagle thinks Waldorf's new Pulse offers the most fun you can have with your presets off...

Paul White checks out the successor to his beloved D4 and ends up casting sidelong glances at his cheque book.

We try out Akai's first synth in absolutely ages — and discover a monster in sheep's clothing.

Drawing on their experience of home keyboard and MIDI data filer manufacture, Italian company Viscount have created the MF01, a combined data filer and GM module. Andy Davies gives it a spin...

Emu's Sound Engine is the first dedicated General MIDI module from the USA. Derek Johnson explores GM the American way.

Following on from last year's modular MSR2 synth, Marion Systems' new stand-alone Pro Synth seeks to capture the analogue sounds of yesteryear in module format, without recourse to sample-based synthesis techniques. Paul Nagle lends an ear.

Paul White bolts Roland's new range of synth expander modules into his rack, seats himself in the comfy chair, then switches it on.

Offering evolution not revolution, the feature-laden K2500R packs one heck of a sonic punch. Paul Ward remains impressed...

Long-term K2000 user Paul Ward gets to grips with the latest in Kurzweil's line of groundbreaking synths for just long enough to produce this hands-on preview...

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...

Paul Nagle takes home a version 2.0 Microwave and discovers why this extraordinary instrument continues to enjoy such a long and illustrious life.

Novation have squeezed the innards of their successful BassStation analogue bass synth into a 1U rackmount model, throwing in some handy new features along the way. Jonathan Miller gets lost in bass...

It's 28-voice polyphonic, with 128 sounds and a computer interface — and comes in a box the size of a video tape. Derek Johnson finds out whether size matters after all.

Paul Ward gets bullish about one of Robert Moog's lesser-known creations - the Taurus bass foot pedals, famed for their thunderous sound and association with some of the 1970s prog rock scene's greatest stars.

Paul White gets truly virtual with Roland's new physical modelling guitar product — and no, it's not a guitar synth!

More notes, more waveforms, but more money. Is this new module from Korg just more of the same? Derek Johnson finds out...

Could this be the ultimate one-box solution to your sound generation needs? Kevin Earley finds out.

Paul White brings back from NAMM exclusive news from Roland's new secret weapon in the physical modelling wars.

Following the success of their Quasar synth last year, Quasimidi have launched the new Technox, aimed firmly at the production of electronic dance music. Paul Ward dons his backwards baseball cap and checks it out...

Roland's latest synth module boasts an impressive spec, including a 32-bit RISC processor, 64-voice polyphony and the ability to hoast up to four expansion cards simultaneously. Could it be the only synth you'll need? Dave Crombie finds out.