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Sound Modules

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    Muse Research Receptor

    Stand-alone VST Plug-in Player

    If you want to get your hands on the latest VST Instruments and Plug-in effects, but don't fancy having a PC in your studio, Muse Research's Receptor could be the answer.

    Reviews Mar 2005
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    Dave Smith Poly Evolver

    Four-voice Analogue/Digital Synth & Sequencer

    2002 saw the release of the Evolver, a quirky hybrid analogue/digital synth and sequencer from Sequential synth pioneer Dave Smith. Now he continues his renaissance with a four-voice polyphonic version that integrates neatly with the original.

    Reviews Dec 2004
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    Studio Electronics ATCX

    Analogue Tone Chameleon Rack Synth

    The ATCX really could be seen as four synths in one, as its unassuming exterior conceals not only an adaptable true analogue synthesis architecture, but also the filter characteristics of classic synths that include the Minimoog and the TB303.

    Reviews Aug 2003
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    Creamware Noah

    Instrument-modelling Hardware Synthesizer

    Software instruments are flexible, upgradeable, and frequently offer better user interfaces, while hardware offers better tactile feedback and is easier to use live. But what if you could combine the plus points of both? Enter the Noah...

    Reviews Jul 2003
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    Yamaha Motif Rack

    128-voice Rackmount Synth

    It seems simple enough — take the successful Motif workstation, remove the keyboard, and release it as a more affordable rack unit. But there's lots more to the Motif Rack than meets the eye...

    Reviews Jun 2003
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    Analogue Systems Spawn

    Patchable Analogue Monosynth

    This quirky rack synth not only offers that genuine analogue sound, but comes with built-in MIDI interfacing and a very useful degree of patchability, for exciting sound-design potential.

    Reviews Apr 2003
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    Emu Vintage Pro

    Sample-based Vintage Keyboard Module

    10 years on from the Vintage Keys module, Emu are looking to repeat its success, this time with 128-note polyphony, 32 MIDI channels and 32MB of sample ROM. But is it a fine Vintage, or past its best?

    Reviews Apr 2003
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    Alesis Air Synth

    Motion-controlled Synthesizer

    Alesis brought us Air FX, a motion-controlled effects unit, just before they ran into financial trouble in 2001, so the planned synth version never really appeared at the time. Now that they're back, the Air Synth is with us at last...

    Reviews Mar 2003
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    Dave Smith Evolver

    Hybrid Analogue/Digital Monophonic Synthesizer

    Dave Smith, creator of the Prophet 5 and Wavestation, moved into software synthesis in the '90s, but now he's back with what he calls 'the ultimate dongle' — a hardware analogue and digital synth. We find out if he's still evolving...

    Reviews Feb 2003
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    Kurzweil ME1

    Sample-based Sound Module

    Kurzweil are well known for their high-quality sounds, but less so for affordable hardware in which to house them. Is the new £350 ME1 the answer?

    Reviews Feb 2003
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    Edirol SD80

    GM / GS Sound Module

    The latest Studio Canvas module from Edirol aims to expand the sound palette available to those who need GM and GS compatibility.

    Reviews Jan 2003
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    Roland XV2020

    Synth Module

    Designed to replace the JV1010 as Roland's entry-level synth product, the XV2020 is diminutive, affordable, and crammed with those great XV sounds. But what's it like to use?

    Reviews Nov 2002
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    Vermona MARS & MARS Control

    Analogue Synth Module & Controller

    The German team behind the inexpensive MARS have been responsible for several SOS-reviewed products in the past, although the MARS is the first under their own brand name Vermona. But is it more of a Trabant than an Audi?

    Reviews Oct 2002
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    Access Virus C

    Modelled Analogue Synthesizer

    Access have managed to add some excellent features to their Virus synth in the past simply by upgrading its OS, but the march of progress means that a hardware revision is eventually necessary. Does the new Virus C do enough to keep up with the virtual-analogue crowd?

    Reviews Aug 2002
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    Red Sound Elevata

    Modelled Analogue Synthesizer

    Elevata is a 16-voice polyphonic, eight-part multitimbral modelling synth from UK innovators Red Sound. But with a number of virtual analogue synths available at the same price point, does the Elevata offer enough to distinguish itself?

    Reviews Aug 2002
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    Edirol SD90

    USB Sound Module & Audio Interface [Mac/PC]

    The Edirol SD90 combines Roland's Sound Canvas sound set with a USB audio and MIDI interface.

    Reviews Jul 2002
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    Roland XV5050

    Sample-based Synth Module

    Roland's latest module provides the most affordable way yet to access the company's fine XV soundset, albeit with reduced polyphony and a less intuitive user interface compared to the more expensive XV5080. We weigh up the pros and cons.

    Reviews Jun 2002
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    Roland SH32

    Virtual Analogue Synthesizer

    Roland released the JP8000/8080 virtual analogue synth way back in 1997, but never really followed it up. Now they've combined the modelling synth idea with their Groovebox concept, presenting it in compact form with a wealth of hardware control options...

    Reviews May 2002
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    Emu Proteus 2500

    128-Voice Expandable Command Module

    Emu's synths may have broken no new ground since the 1999 launch of the Proteus 2000, but the new 2500 plays to their strengths, offering the best of their sound library, plus excellent sequencing and real-time control capabilities, at a very attractive price.

    Reviews Mar 2002
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    Novation A-Station

    Polyphonic Virtual Analogue Synthesizer

    Novation's new A-Station seeks to combine the compact styling of their BassStation Rack synths with some of the spec of the prestigious Supernova and Nova - and all for £399! Is it an inspired bit of cross-breeding, or a misbegotten mongrel?

    Reviews Dec 2001
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    Emu MP7 & XL7 Command Stations

    128-Voice Synths/Multitrack Sequencers

    Emu's eye-catching new Command Stations repackage the sounds of their MP1 and XL1 sound modules, adding hands-on sequencing and real-time controls. Can the company win fans with these late entries to the groovebox market?

    Reviews Nov 2001

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