You are here

Sound Modules

  • link

    Emu B3 Tonewheel

    Organ Module

    When Emu launched their flagship Proteus 2000 sound module last year, they promised a further range of cheaper 'P1K' modules which would cater for special needs, but be expandable to full Proteus 2000 spec. The first of these modules to appear aims to recreate the classic Hammond tomewheel organ sound. Nick Magnus is impressed.

    Reviews Jun 2000
  • link

    Studio Electronics Omega 8 (Preview)

    Analogue Synth Module

    The long-awaited Omega 8 promises much, even if its feature-set is not yet complete. Gordon Reid takes a first look...

    Reviews Mar 2000
  • link

    Red Sound Systems Dark Star

    Desktop Synthesizer

    British company Red Sound Systems are known for their innovative DJ products. Now, in the shape of the Dark Star, they've produced their first synthesizer. Wing Commander Paul Farrer warms up the engines and takes it out on its maiden flight.

    Reviews Mar 2000
  • link

    Digisound 80 [Retrozone]

    Modular Synthesizer

    British company Digisound's affordable modular synth may not have the cachet of a Moog or an ARP, but — as Paul Nagle explains — they were innovative, well designed, and sounded great... Additional material by Dave Robinson.

    Reviews Jan 2000
  • link

    Electron Sidstation

    Sound Module

    Swedish company Elektron have taken the retro philosophy to new heights, with a synth based around the original SID sound chip from the Commodore 64 home computer. Simon Trask finds out if this is inspiration or insanity...

    Reviews Nov 1999
  • link

    Yamaha TX81Z [Retrozone]

    FM Synthesizer Module

    Paul Sellars goes back to a time when minimalism ruled in synth design...

    Reviews Oct 1999
  • link

    Roland ED SC8850 Sound Canvas

    General MIDI 2/GS Sound Module

    GM synths have a reputation in hi-tech circles for being dull and samey, but they're undeniably popular — and now the specification has been updated. Derek Johnson & Debbie Poyser take a look at the first of the GM2 generation.

    Reviews Oct 1999
  • link

    Novation Nova

    Polyphonic Synthesizer

    Novation's latest synth is a more affordable 'laptop' version of their powerful Supernova, which capitalises on its user-friendly front panel while adding the ability to process external audio signals. Simon Trask discovers new life in the synth universe...

    Reviews Sep 1999
  • link

    Korg NX5R

    Sound Module

    Some people rage against GM food: hi-tech musicians on the other hand, rage against GM synths. But how justified is their hostility? Nicholas Rowland takes on Korg's latest black box...

    Reviews Sep 1999
  • link

    Jomox Airbase99

    Expander/Synthesizer

    Jomox's Xbase 09 was a clever and eye-catching modern alternative to an expensive vintage Roland TR909 drum machine. Now the Xbase sounds, plus more, are back, in a rackmount module designed for those who prefer to program drum patterns using their own sequencer. Chris Carter airs a few opinions.

    Reviews Aug 1999
  • link

    Roland GR-Series

    Guitar Synthesizers (Retro)

    Recognising that there are millions of synth-hungry guitarists out there, manufacturers have been trying for years to develop products which would appeal to them. Norm Leete traces the history of Roland's innovative GR range of guitar synths and controllers.

    Reviews Aug 1999
  • link

    Spectral Audio Neptune

    Analogue Synthesizer

    Swiss synth manufacturers Spectral Audio continue their journey into retro space with a new analogue monosynth, the Neptune. Sam Inglis finds out if it's out of this world.

    Reviews Aug 1999
  • link

    Korg Electribe EA1 & ER1

    Analogue Modelling Synthesizer & Rhythm Synthesizer

    In all the fuss about last month's launch of the Triton keyboard, you'd be excused for having overlooked Korg's other new products — the diminutive Electribe EA1 synth and ER1 beatbox. As Chris Carter discovers, you won't be able to ignore them for long...

    Reviews Jul 1999
  • link

    DSTEC OS1 Original Syn

    Analogue Monosynth

    dsTEC's eye-catching new analogue mono is bad — but in a good way. Chris Carter reaps the wages of Syn.

    Reviews Jul 1999
  • link

    Roland JV1010

    Sound Module

    If you were offered a Roland JV2080, complete with Session expansion card and software editor, for around half the price of a JV1080, you'd probably wonder what the catch was. OK, so the JV1010 isn't quite that, but it comes surprisingly close...

    Reviews Jun 1999
  • link

    Alesis DM Pro

    Drum Module

    The latest addition to Alesis's DM series of drum modules has the suffix Pro — but does it have the feature‑set to match?

    Reviews Jun 1999
  • link

    Technosaurus Selector

    Modular Synthesizer

    Last month, Gordon Reid reviewed the babies of the Technosaurus range, the Microcon synthesizer and Cyclodon sequencer. This month, he tackles their (very) big brother, the Selector modular synthesizer...

    Reviews May 1999
  • link
    Emu Proteus 2000 synth module.

    Emu Proteus 2000

    Synthesizer Module

    We meet the reviewer's dream — a powerful synth that's versatile, easy to use, easy to edit and even demonstrates its own patches for you!

    Reviews Mar 1999
  • link

    Yamaha MU128

    Sound Module

    Yamaha's latest XG MIDI module achieves more onboard sounds and greater polyphony and multitimbrality than previous tone generators Ñ and allows users to install additional synthesizer and effects boards. Simon Trask explores the power of MU...

    Reviews Feb 1999
  • link

    Yamaha FS1R

    FM Synthesis / Formant-shaping Tone Generator

    FM synthesis was the success story of the mid-'80s, and synth based on its principles, like Yamaha's DX7, sold by the bucketload — until affordable sample-based synths arrived at the end of the decade. Now, with their new FS1R, Yamaha have updated the technology for the late '90s.

    Reviews Dec 1998
  • link

    Korg N1R

    Synth Module

    The latest product of Korg's long-established A1 synthesis technology, the N1R module may not break any ground, but it bristles with great sounds and is a cinch to edit. Paul White feels thoroughly Nlightened...

    Reviews Dec 1998

Pages

Subscribe to RSS - Sound Modules