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Synthesizers

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    Arturia Minimoog V v1.5

    Virtual Analogue Synth [Mac/PC]

    Although we only reviewed this Minimoog-emulating software instrument four months ago, Arturia have now thoroughly redesigned it, taking into account many of the points made in the original SOS review. So let's take a second look...

    Reviews Jul 2005
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    Arturia 2600V

    Virtual Semi-modular Synth [Mac/PC]

    Completing the quartet of vintage synth emulations they began with Moog Modular V, Arturia's latest plug-in aims to reproduce the sound of the greatest semi-modular of them all, ARP's 2600. We see how it fares up against the original...

    Reviews Jun 2005
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    Analogue Systems RS370 & RS375

    Polyphonic Harmonic Generator & Expander

    Having built their reputation on knob-heavy modular synths, British manufacturer Analogue Systems surprise everyone by bringing out a menu-driven additive synthesis module! But don't worry — the optional expander is covered with things to tweak and turn...

    Reviews Jun 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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    Yamaha Motif Rack ES

    Workstation Synth Module

    Yamaha's original Motif Rack was a fine-sounding, well-specified synth module, but it suffered from MIDI timing problems when reviewed in SOS. Two years on, we put the follow-up Motif Rack ES to the test...

    Reviews May 2005
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    Arturia CS80V

    Software Synth (Mac/PC)

    Yamaha's CS80 was one of the finest analogue polysynths of all time. How close have Arturia come to modelling its classic sound in software? We put the software up against the hardware to find out...

    Reviews Apr 2005
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    IK Multimedia Sonik Synth 2

    Vintage Synth Virtual Instrument [Mac/PC]

    The latest instrument plug-in from IK Multimedia and Sonic Reality packages eight Gigabytes of samples, mostly from a huge range of classic synths, in IK's Sampletank front end.

    Reviews Apr 2005
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    Native Instruments Absynth 3

    Software Synth [Mac/PC]

    Absynth has always dared to be somewhat different to other software synths, and version 3 continues the grand tradition, with new effects, built-in frequency-shifting, and surround processing options.

    Reviews Apr 2005
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    Arturia Minimoog V

    Virtual Analogue Synth [Mac/PC]

    Arturia caught our attention with Storm, the virtual studio suite, but of late they have diversified into emulating classic hardware instruments. So how do they fare in their attempt to capture the mighty Minimoog in software?

    Reviews Mar 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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    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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    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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    Concrete FX Kubik

    PC VST Plug-in

    Concrete FX's plug-ins incline towards the less well-trodden areas of sound generation, and their latest is a wavetable synthesizer that recalls the Waldorf Microwave.

    Reviews Jan 2005
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    Roland GR20

    Guitar Synthesizer

    Roland's affordable new guitar synth incorporates improved pitch-tracking, and comes bundled with the latest GK-series pickup as standard.

    Reviews Jan 2005
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    Arturia Storm v3

    Software Music Studio [Mac OS X/PC]

    Storm, the French software studio from virtual-instrument creators Arturia, keeps on improving. We check out version 3.

    Reviews Dec 2004
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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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    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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    AAS Tassman v4.0

    Physical Modelling Synth [Mac/PC]

    Tassman is not the oldest 'virtual modular' software synth, but it's always been one of the better ones around. We check out the latest version...

    Reviews Nov 2004
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    Cakewalk Kinetic

    PC Software Studio

    With pattern-based sequencing, plenty of presets and a powerful analogue-style synth, Cakewalk's affordable soft studio package could be a valuable compositional tool.

    Reviews Nov 2004

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