The Yamaha AN1x Synthesizer mailing list

From: "A L" <clubbedto@...>

> 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 quality of the keyboard of the AN1x is quite good for its class, but
using it as a master keyboard may be a bit of a challenge.

Things you want in a master keyboard are different zones, output to several
MIDI channels and preferably MIDI out ports, detaching internal voices from
what happens on the keyboard, easily switching keyboard set-ups between
performances, etc. The AN1x doesn't have all this.

I used to use it as a master for my EX5R, before I changed that one for an
EX5, which has all the functions mentioned above, and a decisively better,
semi-weighted keyboard (same as on the Korg Z1 and Triton - as a matter of
fact, Korg uses Yamaha keyboard for their top-range models).

The difference is quite noticeable, and synthesisers have a way of having
their sound intimately linked to their keyboards. Change the keyboard, and
it's not the same thing anymore.

Having said that, the AN1x is an excellent lead synthesiser, and with the
quality and features of the keyboard, you can get away with using it as a
master controller. But you'll want more in the end.

- Peter