amp for ASM-1

[Byron G. Jacquot]

>Just curious if anyone has suggestions for amplifiying an ASM-1.  Let me
know what you think.

If you're working in a home studio sort of situation, a mixer, power amp,
and a small set of  nearfield speakers are probably pretty common.  Most
setups like this will have fairly high fidelity, and will adapt upwards to
recording things, if that's what you're inclined to do.  But it won't be
frighteningly loud, or easily portable.

If you're playing in a band situation (you need volume and portability),
there are some fairly nice "combo" amplifiers around.  Roland, Barbetta,
maybe even Peavey.  They'll offer a small mixer, power amp and speaker in a
single unit.  I've heard the Roland KC-500 a few times recently, and it did
a respectable job.

You might also mix the two methods a bit, maybe using powered speakers like
JBL's Eon or the Mackies, plus an external mixer.  It depends on what parts
of the rig you already have...if you're really desperate to hear your ASM,
there's always the aux inputs on most home stereos...

...but remember to be sensible when using a modular synth with any sort of
speaker system!  A modular is capable of very low frequencies and very high
levels (10V p-p is a LOT louder than your home stereo is expecting to see!),
both of which can fry speakers.  Having something with a meter on it is a
very good idea, so that you can look at the meter and have an idea how loud
things are...if you don't hear anything, and the meter is pegged, it's time
to turn down and troubleshoot!

Byron Jacquot