The Yamaha AN1x Synthesizer mailing list

Rost, Brian schreef:

> Peter Korsten wrote:
>> 	
>> 	Well, you could try an EX5(R), although probably not 
>> for sampling. It's 
>> 	excellent as a synth, but not as a workstation.
> 
> Any comments bout the MIDI timing issues of the EX5? This (and the
> original Motif rack) were supposed to be buggy under heavy MIDI Loading.

Supposedly, this is solved with newer OS versions. If you live in the 
US, they send them to you for free. For other countries, arrangements 
differ, but it will likely cost you money.

>> 	Alternatively, you could get a Motif (ES) with a PLG 
>> board or two.
> 
> The ES with PLG boards is the current way to go but that is a 3 year old
> synth and a daughter card technology that's over 6 years old. There are
> aspects of the ES that are already dated, such as the use of SmartMedia
> storage and USB1.1. It's still a very usable machine, I like mine but
> the technology is nearing end of life.

Yes, but this is a synthesiser, not a computer. You don't need to 
install the latest version of Windows or OS X on it. What's important is 
how it sounds, and from what I understand, the ES sounds good.

Fair enough about the SmartMedia and the USB 1.1, but then again, is it 
really a problem? SmartMedia is widely available, and it's not like 
you're constantly sending data from and to your synth: you're expected 
to play it...

> I suspect that next year Yamaha may introduce a new flagship synth but
> whether it will support PLG cards is anyone's guess.

It's hard to say, what with the trend towards all-software studios. 
Still, I tend to judge any instrument on how it sounds, and for me, the 
EX5 has some of the best sounds ever found in a synth.

That, combined with my dislike for music software, makes that the EX5 
plus the AN1x are an excellent combo. I'd like to get more synths, but 
I'd also like to get more money... :)

- Peter