Spotlight
Self-contained keyboard synths have an immediacy
that is seldom matched by synth modules or software instruments. There’s
a great variety of them available at the moment, but how do you know
which one is right for you? Here’s a selection of the models we’ve
looked at over the last couple of years, with links to the SOS reviews,
to help you decide.
Arturia MiniBrute $549
Arturia MiniBrute
Newly launched at the recent NAMM show, the MiniBrute
is a genuine all-analogue monophonic synthesizer with an appropriately
approachable set of controls. The MiniBrute can process external audio
signals, and even doubles up as a MIDI controller, and you can read our
exclusive review of it on page 22 of this very issue.
Korg Kronos $4350
Korg Kronos
The Kronos is Korg’s most advanced keyboard
workstation to date, featuring over 30GB of samples stored on its
solid-state disk drive, endowing it with highly realistic acoustic
instrument sounds, in addition to extremely powerful physical modelling
and virtual analogue synthesis engines. With its built-in drum kits and
comprehensive sequencing abilities, there’s not an awful lot it can’t
do! It’s not for the short of arm and deep of pocket, however.
Korg +1 631 390 8737
Roland Gaia $699
Roland Gaia
Although it’s a digital synth, the Gaia’s control
arrangement is very analogue-like, making it convenient for real-time
performance tweaking. Features include Roland’s optical D-Beam
controller, a variety of built-in effects, and a generous 64 notes of
polyphony. Emphasising the Gaia’s performance credentials is the fact
that it can run on batteries!
Roland US +1 323 890 3740
Yamaha MOX $1199/$1999
Yamaha MOX
Available in 61- and 88-note versions, the MOX
employs Yamaha’s Motif synth architecture to generate sounds. Thanks to
its USB port, the MOX can also act as an audio interface, and as a
highly integrated controller for Cubase and Nuendo.
Yamaha +1 714 522 9011
Novation Ultranova $699
Novation Ultranova
The latest in Novation’s popular Nova range, this
analogue-modelling synth includes a vocoder, and can also act as a USB
audio interface. The Ultranova isn’t as knob-laden as some synths
featured here, but employs a system Novation call Touch Animation to
assign to its eight rotary encoders the parameters you’re most likely to
want to tweak.
American Music & Sound +1 800 431 2609
Akai Miniak $499
Akai Miniak
Another vocoder-equipped synth, Akai’s Miniak
combines virtual-analogue synthesis with a built-in drum machine and a
host of effects. It’s not the easiest synth to program, but the sounds
you can coax out of it are top-notch, despite its low cost.
Akai +1 401 658 4032
Moog Voyager XL$4995
Moog Voyager XL
Arguably the Rolls Royce of synthesizers, the Voyager
XL is both highly desirable and very expensive. This visually striking
synth offers a vast range of modulation possibilities, courtesy of its
integrated patch panel.
Moog Music +1 828 251 0090
Roland Jupiter 80$3499
Roland Jupiter 80
Though its name is similar to that of Roland’s
classic analogue Jupiter 8, the Jupiter 80 is a different beast
entirely. It’s digital and boasts a powerful analogue modelling section,
but also offers high-quality acoustic instrument sounds and
incorporates audio recording and playback. Some unusual performance
features make it well suited to live use.
Roland US +1 323 890 3740
Clavia Nord Stage 2 $3599 - $4199
Clavia Nord Stage 2
Available in 73-, 76- and 88-key versions, the Clavia
Nord Stage 2 is something of an all-rounder, combining a synth engine
with realistic organ, piano, harpsichord and clavinet sounds. Allowing
you to load and play your own samples, and with a comprehensive set of
controls for real-time sonic manipulation, it’s not cheap, but it covers
a lot of bases.
American Music & Sound +1 800 431 2609
M-Audio Venom $499
M-Audio Venom
The Venom is an analogue modelling digital synth that
offers tight integration with computers via its USB port, allowing you
to tweak the synth from a PC or Mac. The Venom’s forté is modern,
abrasive sounds, rather than the smoother tones associated with analogue
synthesizers.
Avid +1 650 731 6300
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