Sound Modules

Emu's Vintage Keys module offered a tempting selection of sounds sampled from the cream of desirable analogue synths. Now the same concept has been remodelled, with a lower price tag to appeal to a larger range of musicians. Gordon Reid assesses the Classic Keys.

Martin Russ gets his analogue teeth into the Marion Systems MSR2 mainframe and ASM analogue synth module.

Dave Crombie gets to grips with Alesis' Tardis-like synth module and finds out that the inside is a lot bigger than the outside.

It's not only the distinctive looks of the legendary Oberheim synth that the designers of OBMx have borrowed; they've also incorporated its legendary sound quality into a '90s MIDI synth made in the true analogue mould. Dave Crombie wonders if it's too good to be true...

Derek Johnson checks out the new flagship of the Sound Canvas range.

Imagine a synth which is a cross between the best of Emu's Proteus and Proformance modules, and also includes the Z-plane filters of the Morpheus. No further need to imagine; it's here, in the form of the new UltraProteus. Julian Colbeck checks out this impressive multitimbral module.

Is it an analogue synth? Is it an FM synth? Is it an S+S or even an additive synth? Quasimidi claim that their new Quasar module is all of these. Paul Ward checks out the hype and the reality, and is pleasantly surprised.

Given the scarcity and high prices of Roland's seriously trendy TB303 Bassline, the field has been wide open for enterprising manufacturers to fill the demand for a cheap and funky bass synth. Novation's BassStation is but the first of three contenders.

The Oberheim Matrix 1000 analogue synth module recently enjoyed a relaunch, resplendent in a new cream livery. Self-confessed Matrix 1000 owner Paul White extols its virtues and exposes its vices.

Derek Johnson takes a look at a new addition to the still-growing Sound Canvas family.

The Proteus series of sound modules have gained a reputation for being all things to all musicians — but they've never had on-board effects. The newest addition to the family takes care of that. Nigel Humberstone checks it out.

Have Roland finally come up with a more affordable MIDI guitar for the masses? Paul White obviously thinks so.

The legendary Kurzweil piano sound is now available in a smaller box and with a lower price tag than ever before - though in the UK it's still significantly more expensive than competing piano modules from other manufacturers. Is it worth the price premium? Derek Johnson finds out.

A new shape? A large LCD? Martin Russ finds out what Yamaha are up to with their latest expander, which aims to give GM compatibility ans a whole lot more...

GEM have upgraded, expanded and enhanced their S2 keyboard synth and crammed it into a 3U module. Devoted S2 owner Mike Simmons discovers what he might be missing out on...

Julian Colbeck sizes up the new offering from the prolific Korg camp, the latest to use the company's long-running A12 synthesis system. Is it just the same old stuff in the new box, or does the X3R have enough Unique Selling Points to justify its existence?

In an age of ever-growing polyphony, Studio Electronics, best known for their vintage synth rebuilds, have returned to first principles — to create the first analogue monosynth for almost a decade. Minimoog owner Nick Magnus finds out how this MIDI-equipped modern classic measures up to its vintage forbears.

Synthesist Ian Boddy steps back in time to report on the classic British sound machine, regularly found haunting the electronic music departments of many a university, and a recent addition to the author's own sonic armoury.