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Synthesizers

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    Korg STR1 & OASYS v1.1

    Plucked String Synthesizer Expansion & OS Upgrade

    An amazing new string-modelling synth is added to Korg's flagship workstation.

    Reviews Oct 2006
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    Yamaha M06

    Workstation Synth

    Looking to create a more affordable keyboard version of their Motif range of workstations, Yamaha have pared back the spec of the Motif ES a little — though not much — to create the M06 and M08.

    Reviews Jun 2006
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    Alesis Fusion

    Synth Workstation

    In these days of fast, flexible computers and powerful virtual instruments, has the hardware workstation synth had its day? Alesis's Fusion mounts the case for the defence, offering four synthesis types, sampling, sequencing and hard disk recording — for under £1000.

    Reviews May 2006
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    Dave Smith Poly Evolver Keyboard

    Four-voice Analogue & Digital Synth

    The Evolver began as a mono desktop unit, then became polyphonic, and now there's a polyphonic keyboard version. It's almost as if Dave Smith's latest synth is steadily evolving back into his earlier Prophet 5... We check it out.

    Reviews Mar 2006
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    Access Virus TI

    Modelled Analogue Synth

    The Virus TI promises to bridge the divide between hardware and software instruments, and create a world of Total Integration, while still offering the classic Virus sound. Is it a hard reality, or have Access gone totally soft?

    Reviews Dec 2005
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    Korg OASYS: Part 2

    Workstation Synth

    We finish our in-depth examination of Korg's new mega-workstation, taking in the remaining synth engines, the sampler, the KARMA algorithms and the onboard sequencer, and draw our conclusions about it...

    Reviews Dec 2005
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    Korg OASYS: Part 1

    Workstation Synth

    For over 15 years, Korg have produced the world's most successful workstation synths, and the OASYS is their new £5400 flagship, their attempt to take the concept to the next level. In the first instalment of our two-part in-depth test, we assess how they have fared...

    Reviews Nov 2005
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    Roland Fantom Xa

    Workstation Synth

    At £1099, the Xa is the most affordable keyboard in the Fantom range. But, inevitably, features have been removed to make it such a bargain. Have Roland thrown out the works from the workstation?

    Reviews May 2005
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    Korg OASYS (Preview)

    Keyboard Workstation

    Long before its debut this Spring, the new keyboard workstation from Korg was already the subject of much speculation. We find out what's really going on inside the OASYS's sleek metal case.

    Reviews Mar 2005
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    Roland Juno-D

    Sample-based Synthesizer

    Giving a modern instrument the same name as a line of vintage analogues that have an assured place in the synth hall of fame invites comparisons. So is the Juno-D the rightful heir to the Juno throne or more of a young pretender?

    Reviews Mar 2005
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    Alesis Micron

    Modelled Analogue Synthesizer

    Less really is more — the 'smaller' name suggests a cut-down follow-up to 2003's Ion synth, but in fact the Micron includes most of the spec of its predecessor, and has added effects and a built-in sequencer too.

    Reviews Jan 2005
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    Open Labs Open Synth Neko 64

    Computer-based Keyboard Workstation

    It's a great concept — a keyboard synth that can run computer plug-ins. Open Labs have created one by putting an entire PC inside a keyboard. But is it a recording revolution, or an overpriced processor in a fancy case?

    Reviews Jan 2005
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    Access Virus TI

    PREVIEW: Virtual Analogue Synthesizer

    It's back! And it's deadlier than ever! We get a first look preview of the next-generation Virus...

    Reviews Dec 2004
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    Voyager By Bob Moog

    Version 2 OS Updates • Anniversary Edition • VX351 • CP251

    Since the release of the Voyager analogue monosynth last year, Bob Moog's company have been busy producing OS updates, special-edition versions, and accessories. We bring you up to date with a look at the lot.

    Reviews Nov 2004
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    Roland Fantom X

    Synthesizer Workstation

    Roland's original Fantom workstation wasn't really much competition for Korg's Triton, so it was no shock to see it revamped last year as the hugely improved Fantom S. But surprisingly, Roland have done it again. What's new this time around?

    Reviews Sep 2004
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    Clavia Nord Modular G2

    Software-controlled Modular Synth

    The Nord Modular offered a classic blend of flexible software and well-designed hardware in 1998. But can the improved G2 keep up with the soft synths of 2004?

    Reviews Jul 2004
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    Elektron Monomachine

    Multiple-Synthesis Keyboard & Sequencer

    Elektron maintain their reputation for producing unusual, innovative instruments with the bizarrely shaped Monomachine; it features six types of synthesis engine, a versatile sequencer, and effects. Is it refreshingly original, or a step too far?

    Reviews Apr 2004
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    Clavia Nord Lead 2X

    Virtual Analogue Performance Synth

    The follow-up to Clavia's Nord Lead 3 is not the Nord Lead 4 (well, not yet), but a beefed-up version of the Nord Lead 2! We find out why, and how it improves on the original.

    Reviews Jan 2004
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    Yamaha Motif ES

    Music Production Synthesizer

    Two and a half years after the launch of Yamaha's impressive Motif workstation synth, the range has been further enhanced and upgraded. How much better can it get? We find out...

    Reviews Jan 2004
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    Yamaha S90

    Weighted-action Keyboard Synth

    Yamaha have taken a weighted keyboard from their latest digital pianos, added high-quality piano samples and Motif sounds, and thrown in a playback sequencer and arpeggiator, and master-keyboard facilities. Left to simmer, the S90 is the result...

    Reviews Dec 2003
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    Access Virus Indigo 2 Redback

    Modelled Analogue Synthesizer • Virus OS 6 Update

    This limited edition collectable synth comes complete with the advantages of new features in the latest Virus OS — and these features can also be added to previous Virus synths via a free update.

    Reviews Nov 2003

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