View other reviews for this product:
Audiofanzine FR
Published on 03/17/09 at 07:21
(Originally written by amnesie1/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
UTILIZATION
Easy and intuitive use regarding sound synthesis. In spite of the lack of controls, it's easy to browse through the different menus and you'll quickly find any parameter you want to edit. However, the main problem is that some parameter changes are audible in real time but others only after retriggering! For example, if you edit the filter cutoff the change will affect notes you play afterwards but it will have no effect on the current note. On the other hand, you can edit resonance parameters in real time!!! So don't try to edit the sound in real time, use the modulation matrix. Given this, the modulation matrix should be more comprehensive.
The synthesis engine is very comprehensive. Both methods are rather easy to use and give interesting results although they are not as ergonomic as the other functions of the device.
I haven't used the sampling section so I can't say anything about it.
The biggest turnoff is the storing of data. You need floppy disks, which isn't the most simple nor ergonomic solution. And the floppy disk reader is incredibly slow... I won't create too many presets...
SOUNDS
Here come the most subjective section.
The 12/24 dB analog filter sounds just fabulous and very fat. Processing a digital sound (sample, wave) with this analog circuitry produces it a very strong and interesting character. I love hybrid solutions.
The sound is not well-defined and it could be more refined, but it has the character of the time when it was made. You get a good dose of aliasing, which result very interesting musically speaking . If you like Carpenter's sound this synth is for you!!!
And once again, listen to its fabulous filter!!!
OVERALL OPINION
It's true that it's very bulky and you won't be able to take it with you on stage. It also looks awful. But what a sound!!!
I find it's quite pleasant to use once you've learned the basics (sample and waveform creation). The floppy disk storing solution is not very practical and a ROM would be a great improvement.
But in spite of these disadvantages I love the sound and the versatility of this bulky monster.
UTILIZATION
Easy and intuitive use regarding sound synthesis. In spite of the lack of controls, it's easy to browse through the different menus and you'll quickly find any parameter you want to edit. However, the main problem is that some parameter changes are audible in real time but others only after retriggering! For example, if you edit the filter cutoff the change will affect notes you play afterwards but it will have no effect on the current note. On the other hand, you can edit resonance parameters in real time!!! So don't try to edit the sound in real time, use the modulation matrix. Given this, the modulation matrix should be more comprehensive.
The synthesis engine is very comprehensive. Both methods are rather easy to use and give interesting results although they are not as ergonomic as the other functions of the device.
I haven't used the sampling section so I can't say anything about it.
The biggest turnoff is the storing of data. You need floppy disks, which isn't the most simple nor ergonomic solution. And the floppy disk reader is incredibly slow... I won't create too many presets...
SOUNDS
Here come the most subjective section.
The 12/24 dB analog filter sounds just fabulous and very fat. Processing a digital sound (sample, wave) with this analog circuitry produces it a very strong and interesting character. I love hybrid solutions.
The sound is not well-defined and it could be more refined, but it has the character of the time when it was made. You get a good dose of aliasing, which result very interesting musically speaking . If you like Carpenter's sound this synth is for you!!!
And once again, listen to its fabulous filter!!!
OVERALL OPINION
It's true that it's very bulky and you won't be able to take it with you on stage. It also looks awful. But what a sound!!!
I find it's quite pleasant to use once you've learned the basics (sample and waveform creation). The floppy disk storing solution is not very practical and a ROM would be a great improvement.
But in spite of these disadvantages I love the sound and the versatility of this bulky monster.