Features on this machine are good. Sampling is easy, and the sampler engine is wonderful. Resampling is another great feature included on the asr-x, which enables it to sample its own main output. The asr-x comes with 40 effects, all of which sound great. Each pad and track can have a reverb assigned to it, but without the x-8 output expansion, you only get one insert effects for all the pads, and tracks. However, this can be overcome by resampling the pad with after assigning an effect, it just takes some time. When thinking of bad features of the asr-x, the first, and pretty much only feature that comes to mind is the sequencer. It is just hard to work with sometimes, but with the newest os installed, it's not too much of a problem. In the back of the machine, you get a midi in, out, and thru; a footswitch input, and a main in(left and right), main out(left and right), and a headphones out. With the x-8 output expander, you get six more outs, bringing your total to eight. SCSI is not standard, so keep in mind if you are looking for an asr-x, its better to get one with the SCSI because it you buy it separate, it will probably cost you more than the actual asr-x. You will also want the SCSI for the fact that working with floppy disks is not a pleasant task.

Price paid: $265 USD

UTILIZATION

Navigating the asr-x is hard to get used to, because of the screen, which is a two-line display. Once you get used to the organization of it though, you will fly through tasks, or not. Navigating is also hampered because of the encoders. The value and parameter knobs, which are your controls for moving around the asr-x, will make you want to kill yourself! They jump from place to place. I'm sure all asr-x's have this problem. Sampling and resampling is easy with the asr-x. Just setup the time you want to sample for, whether you want mono L or R, or stereo, whether you want to sample the input dry, or with effects, and then trigger the stop and start of the sample. Assigning effects is easy also. Overall, it's pretty easy to use, besides the fact of the encoders...but if you go slow and take your time with them, they will not jump that often.

SOUNDS

The sound quality of this machine is great in my opinion. Sampled drums hit hard and the 16-bit sampling sort of gives them that grimy feel. The pre-loaded rom sounds are nothing special, but then again this is mainly a sampler right?

OVERALL OPINION

The asr-x is built like a rock. It's heavy and solid, with a metal outer case. The only thing that I do not like the quality of is the encoders.

I love the effects, the sound, and the sampling very much. However, I hate the encoders, and the fact that I do not have the SCSI, and I hate using floppies. The only reason I will be getting rid of it is the lack of SCSI, and upgrading it, to me is just not worth it because of how expensive the SCSI is now. If that were not the case, I would keep this machine forever.

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: rapmaster_e ( 6-, 2005)