The Yamaha AN1x Synthesizer mailing list

CJ,

>Can someone please comment the keyboard of the AN1X?
>61 keys (with velocity & aftertouch)? But what's the
>AN1X like as a master keyboard? Quality keys or less
>quality...

The keyboard has a very nice feel, with a smooth aftertouch.  I have used it both as a controller for my Alesis S4 and Voce V3.  The feel is a bit light for acoustic piano, but good for both organ and Clavinet.

>I also read that the AN1X has a morphing function,
>which makes it possible to morph between two different
>sounds. I can imagine that this function is a source
>of some really weird and nasty sounds. But how
>easy/practical is this function? Is it as exciting as
>it sounds?

It's very easy to use.  If you press both the Scene 1 and Scene 2 buttons, you jump into Morph Mode.  At that point, whatever controller you have set to morphing pans between the two sounds -- actually, "panning" is an oversimplification, as the parameters of the two sounds (envelopes, VCO pitch, waveforms, etc.) also change across the morph.  The default controller is the mod wheel.

>And does anyone here know where the AN1X stands
>compared to other VA-synths? Would it go well together
>with, for example a Nord Modular, Access Virus B or a
>Korg MS-2000, or would it be a bit like getting a
>duplicate of one of the synths?

Yes and no.  All of the VA synths have strengths and weaknesses, and each one sounds a little different than its brethren.  The AN1x has been described as "raw" and "edgy," as compared to a "smoother" VA like the Virus.

>One last thing ... does the AN1X send any "ACTIVE
>SENSING" messages? My DX-7 does that, which can create
>a lot of confusion when it's used as a master keyboard
>with Cubase.

Yes, it does.  :^(

Regards,

-BW

--
Bruce Wahler
Ashby Solutions\ufffd   http://music.ashbysolutions.com
CloneWheel Support Group moderator
978.386.7389  voice/fax
bruce@...