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Synthesizers

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    Technics SX-WSA1R

    Acoustic Modelling Synth Module

    Derek Johnson takes a second look at this powerful instrument, now available at a fraction of its original retail price.

    Reviews Dec 1996
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    Yamaha MU10XG

    GM/XG Sound Module

    The MU10XG's unassuming casing conceals a sound source with hidden depths which you can explore using MIDI SysEx.

    Reviews Dec 1996
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    Midiman MIDI Gman

    General MIDI Sound Module

    Could this be the most diminutive general MIDI module on the market? Derek Johnson finds out whether small is beautiful...

    Reviews Nov 1996
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    Studio Electronics ATC1

    Analogue Tone Chameleon

    A synth's filter plays a major part in defining its sound, and creates the particular character of the best-loved vintage analogue models. Courtesy of its different filter cartridges, the ATC1 aims to be able to change its sound to suit your needs. Paul Nagle plugs in.

    Reviews Nov 1996
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    Yamaha P50m

    Piano Tone Generator

    Almost a decade since the release of their classic EMT10, Yamaha have returned To the piano module market, spinning off some of the technology used in their top-end digital pianos and using it in an inexpensive half-rack expander format. Dave Crombie tickles the virtual ivories...

    Reviews Nov 1996
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    Yamaha VL70m

    Virtual Acoustic Synth Module

    At under £500 — less than an eighth of the original price of its VL1 predecessor — Yamaha's VL70m constitutes a brave attempt to bring physical modelling synthesis within the reach of all musicians. Martin Russ joyfully welcomes this monophonic modelling module...

    Reviews Oct 1996
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    Studio Electronics ATC1

    Analogue Tone Chameleon Monosynth (Preview)

    With a front panel resembling a butchered Moog Source, and plug-in filters that claim to give you the sound of various vintage brands inside one instrument, the ATC1 is bound to excite interest. Paul Nagle changes his tune.

    Reviews Sep 1996
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    Yamaha VL70M

    Virtual Acoustic Tone Generator (Preview)

    Martin Russ sidles up to an innocent-looking phone-box, receives his instructions, and sets to work decoding Yamaha's affordable new Virtual Acoustic synth. This preview will self-destruct in five seconds...

    Reviews Sep 1996
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    Roland PMA5

    Personal Music Assistant

    Is it a Filofax? Is it a Stylophone? No... it's Roland's answer to Yamaha's portable music Walkstation family. Faster than a speeding bullet, Derek Johnson and Debbie Poyser apply their X-ray vision to the new PMA5.

    Reviews Aug 1996
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    Novation DrumStation

    Drum Synth Module

    British company Novation made their name with the BassStation synth, which offered dance music producers instantly tweakable, analogue-style synth sounds in a MIDI-controllable package. The new DrumStation applies the same formula to the de rigueur dance sounds of Roland TR 808 and TR809 drum machines. Paul Nagle moves from station to station...

    Reviews Jul 1996
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    Syntecno TeeBee

    Analogue Synth Module

    With prices for an original Roland TB303 as high as £1000 on the open market, it is unsurprising that the last two years have seen a number of manufacturers attempting to emulate the 303 in a cheaper, MIDI'd form. Martin Russ checks out the latest pretender to the throne...

    Reviews Jul 1996
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    Spectral Audio ProTone

    Monosynth

    It may be Swiss, but there's nothing cheesy about the idea of a synth that lets you rekindle your rusty analogue programming skills. Paul Nagle dons his boots and goes hiking through the peaks and troughs of the ProTone's analogue waveforms...

    Reviews Jun 1996
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    Yamaha P150

    Electronic Piano

    Few people would deny that there's nothing like a real acoustic piano — but they're not always the most practical of instruments. Paul Ward looks at an electronic alternative that could be the answer.

    Reviews Jun 1996
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    Ensoniq MR

    Rack Synth Module

    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.

    Reviews Apr 1996
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    Roland JX3P

    Polysynth [Retrozone]

    Michael Anthony takes us back to the mid-eighties, when MIDI was in pre-school playgroup, and manufacturers built synths that couldn't decide if they were analogue, digital, or both...

    Reviews Feb 1996
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    Waldorf Pulse

    Monosynth

    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...

    Reviews Feb 1996
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    Alesis DM5

    Drum Module

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

    Reviews Feb 1996
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    Akai SG01v

    Vintage Sound Module

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

    Reviews Feb 1996
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    Klaus Schulze: Digital To Analogue Conversion

    German Philosophy

    The Godfather of German electronic music, Klaus Schulze favoured an all-digital approach to recording the '80s. The last few years, however, have seen a radical revision of his former philosophy. Paul Tingen meets the man for whom old working habits die hard...

    People Feb 1996
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    Viscount MF01 Song Worker

    Active Data Filer/GM Module

    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...

    Reviews Jan 1996
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