Alesis QuadraSynth

True to its tradition of innovation and the competitive price QuadraSynth Alesis released in 1993 in the USA and in France in September 1994 to approximately 14,000 FRS, it was their first great synthesizer.

Originally, in cooperation with Alesis, Marcus Ryle and Michel Doidic who had also participated in the development of several large Oberheim synths as in the famous Matrix 12, Xpander OB8 and are also involved in the effects section and the ADAT QuadraSynth.

It has 76 keys, 64-voice sample-based subtractive digital PCM, which also exists in a version rackmount S4.
For the time he had a huge sample ROM and 16 MB was the first synthesizer on the market to offer the ADAT Optical Digital Interface 48kHz optical digital output.

It also uses the same multi-effects processor as Quadraverb, drum kits based on the D4, a PCMCIA card slot, Midi In / Out / Thru and 4 audio outputs.

For the characteristics of the machine

• Summary: by subtractive sample playback (up to 4 per sound)
• 76-key semi-weighted quality with Aftertouch and Portamento
• 64-note polyphony
• Display: Backlit LCD
• The resolution of the 16-bit sampling
• Sampling rates of 48 kHz
• 16 MB of sample ROM (24MB using PCMCIA ROM)
• Dynamic Range 90dB/-85dBm / +5 dBm
• 20Hz to 20kHz (+ - 1 dB) Bandwidth
Envelopes • 3 to 6 segments (DADSRS)
• 3 LFO's with sync delay and
• Pitch Bend and Modulation
• Memory: 300 multisamples
• 128 preset programs
• 128 programs user programmable
• 100 preset effects
• 100 Preset multitimbral mixes
• Drums kit percussion sounds 82 D4, 16 bit/48 kHz editable (in ROM 16 M °)
• Expandable with PCMCIA cards.
• 16-part multitimbral
• 4-part multi-(4 FX at once)
• 2 programmable controllers pedals
• Stereo output jacks
• TRS auxiliary
• 48kHz ADAT optical digital output
• Input clock synchonization
• Slot for ROM
• Dimensions: 120 cm x 35 cm x 11cm
• Weight: 18kg

UTILIZATION

QuadraSynth surface is very well designed.
Buttons each have a single function, the selection and the parameter settings are right on the screen, while the data entry knob and large soft hit is very nice on the left.

In the modulation matrix found Oberheim side, you determine the source machine, eg keyboard, aftertouch, pedal, pitch bend, etc. oscillator. okay modulate the destination LFO, envelopes and effects, the possibilities are complex.

SOUNDS

The QuadraSynth is a powerful and very flexible synthesizer capable of creating sounds as acoustic and electronic organs, organs, brass, pianos, strings, guitars, bass, drums, percussion, voice, or more synthetic effects, sound fx etc..

OVERALL OPINION

Pity that the low-pass filter is non-resonant, and a sequencer not yet over, but good otherwise a very good synthesizer versatile, good sound rich, versatile and very expressive, excellent as the master keyboard.
The integrated carrying handle underneath the machine still a very good idea.
I love this machine, Alesis thank you.

The keyboard is well made 7 octave: impcable for improvisation ... It is of course sensitive pressure and aftertouch.
It is 64 voice polyphonic and multibrale of 16 channels. A sound is composed of four layers, is pushing it the multitabralit 64 votes ...
There are 16 MB of waveform extencible card 24 MB
For a synth that has now more than 5 years it is still plutt page, there is also an ADAT output Optonumrique and 4 analog output.
The effect is part of a trs and complte the fawn gnrale paramtrage this synth is pushed asss (and not always simple ... trs)
Hic small table, the filter part is really cheap (no rsonnance)

UTILIZATION

The configuration is a Manir gnrale asss easy when you know the dj synths, otherwise it must be doc. Rn Franais it is clear.
The OS is screwed up when he can and if desired the rglages pousss.
4 assignable knobs Grace can accder lots of paramtres in real time. It can also be an excel keyboard matre.

SOUNDS

There are 128 preset and 128 user sounds and effects for both (normment possible combination of the effects ...). There are also 100 Mix.
The ROM core asss is eclectic, but for the techno must admit that it's not the foot! Should do with Vintage Synth card or Hip Hop ...
Sounds "classic" trs are correct and I find some of the ones I use in trip-hop - Jazzy - Electro! (Bass, sax, guitar, flute ...)

OVERALL OPINION

C'tait an excellent keyboard the era (about 6 years) and trs sincrement is always a good synth in its class. Obviously 16 MB can parraitre a fair bit and again ... and there are extensions. A priori there is little to do same by loading a card with the tools adquate ...
I use it as master keyboard and a supernova complment 2, they are also complmentaire trs. In fact I have a cot vintage sounds, techno ... and I pump the other of the more classic / acoustic. Having started with the piano, j'apprcie beacoup the 7 octaves.