The Yamaha AN1x Synthesizer mailing list

From: "Bruce Wahler" <bruce@...>

> Slightly OT, I love the look of the Minimoog Voyager, but at $2500US
> ($3000US for the "special" edition) for a 44-key monophonic synthesizer,
> I'm not counting the days until its release.  Yeah, it has Bob Moog
written
> all over it, and it's real analog, but I could almost buy an AN1x, a Virus
> KB, and the small Waldorf for that kind of money.

I'd buy a Boessendorfer before I'd spend any money on something "really"
analogue.

> Even more OT, I also got a chance to audition the Virus KB for about 45
> minutes.  I agree that it is not a replacement for the AN1x, and vice
> versa.  I also can see why those who own both say that if they had to pick
> one, they would lean towards the Virus.  It has a lot of flexibility.
They
> are really two different ways of attacking the same problem.  I liken the
> Virus' smooth, polished sound to a jazz player, while the AN1x's edgy,
> in-your-face tone is more like a rocker.  Or maybe it's more like Fender
> vs. Marshall.  The analogies could go on and on ...

The fun factor of the Virus is extremely high. And it has loads more
features, polyphony and multi-timbrality than the AN1x. So that choice isn't
really too difficult.

> One interesting aside:  I've heard many players on this forum wish that
the
> AN1x had a few more knobs to tweak.  I've often felt the same way.  Be
> careful what you wish for!  The Virus KB clearly has more knobs, but I
> don't think they make for a better UI.  I was very disappointed with the
> interface.

I think the Supernova kicks the Virus in both looks and user interface. But
I'm kind of waiting for a digital output interface for the Virus, and of
course a bucket of money. And I'd buy a rack version: the keyboard of my EX5
is better than the Virus' one.

The AN1x will just stay the second keyboard, to make my set-up look a little
bit cooler. :)

- Peter