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Synthesizers

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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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    Roland Fantom S & Fantom S88

    Synth Workstations

    Despite the synth-spangled history of the company, it's been many years since a Roland product ruled the high-end keyboard roost, and 2001's Fantom workstation failed to change this. However, there's much more to the new Fantom S than one extra letter...

    Reviews Oct 2003
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    Alesis Ion

    Modelled Analogue Synthesizer

    The Ion might be a latecomer to the world of analogue modelling, but this has afforded Alesis the opportunity of learning from all the virtual analogues already on the market. Free and radical, or negative particle? We find out...

    Reviews Sep 2003
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    Hartmann Neuron

    Neuronal Resynthesizing Keyboard

    What if an instrument could combine the realism of a sampler with the complete control over its sounds that only a true synth can offer? That's what the long-awaited Hartmann Neuron claims to do. We put it to the test...

    Reviews Aug 2003
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    Alesis QS6.2 & QS8.2

    Expandable 64-voice Sample-based Synths

    Alesis' QS6.2 and QS8.2 may induce a feeling of déjà vu — they look remarkably similar to 1995's QS6 and QS8. But eight years on, surely the spec has been significantly upgraded to reflect the passage of time?

    Reviews Jun 2003
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    Voyager By Bob Moog

    Analogue Performance Monosynth

    The man behind the Mini has brought us the Voyager — an updated version of the original Minimoog for the 21st century. How does it compare to the original, how does it sound, and how does it play? Read this in-depth review and find out.

    Reviews Jun 2003
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    Roland V-Synth

    Variphrase Synthesizer

    The V-Synth is a classic case of the whole being more than the sum of its parts. None of its impressive features are new — they've all been seen on previous Roland products — but nevertheless, it's the best new synth in years. We explain why...

    Reviews May 2003
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    Novation KS4 & KS5

    Modelling Synth Workstations

    The monotimbral K-Station offered keyboard players an affordable Novation -- but now, for a bit more money, the company have released the KS4 and KS5, which add plenty of new features, better keyboards and multitimbrality. The perfect marriage at the perfect price? We find out.

    Reviews Feb 2003
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    Korg Microkorg

    Modelled Analogue Synthesizer & Vocoder

    Korg's Electribe grooveboxes presented their analogue-modelling technology in an affordable, dance-friendly format and were a smash success. Now, using the MS2000 virtual analogue synth as a starting point, they're hoping for similar budget triumph with the fun-sized Microkorg...

    Reviews Jan 2003

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