The Yamaha AN1x Synthesizer mailing list

d_freedom wrote:

> WHich is more versitile?  The PLG150-AN put into a Motif ES or a 
> standalone AN-1X?
> 
> I know one advantage that the AN-1X has over the PLG150-AN is 
> polyphoy.  10 voices for the AN-1X versus only 5 voices for the 
> PLG150-AN.
> 
> Other than that I have heard that the PLG150-AN Is a newer board more 
> veritile and sounds a bit better?
> 
> CAn anyone who may have both of these comment on this?

I actually looked up the dictionary definition of 'versatile'. Following 
that definition, the AN1x is obviously the most versatile, given that it 
has a full keyboard, various controllers, knobs and inputs and outputs.

The only thing that I'm aware of that the PLG150-AN does that the AN1x 
doesn't do, is cross modulation between the oscillators. I would hardly 
call that "more versatile", especially given its restrictions.

Moreover, the AN1x has direct control over its parameters with the eight 
knobs, whereas the PLG150-AN gets stuck somewhere in the Motif. I'd 
hazard a guess that the AN1x will the easier to control and program.

As for better sound, I can compare the AN1x to my EX5S, that also does 
AN modelling. If the EX5 sounds better, it's because of its better 
effects section, and this would of course also pertain to the 
Motif/PLG150-AN combo. Both the AN1x and the EX5 are connected to an 01V 
mixer, and listening directly via professional headphones, I can't 
detect more noise coming from the AN1x.

- Peter