The Yamaha AN1x Synthesizer mailing list

--- In AN1x-list@yahoogroups.com, "horymague" <horymague@y...> wrote:
>  Price is the main 
> factor. sound quality and manipulation second unfortuantly. Analog 
> purity is not so important. 

The AN1x is a virtual analog synthesizer which closely emulates the Sequential 
Circuits Prophet-5 approach to substractive synthesis (along with a few extra goodies 
thrown in for good measure.) It's considered a 1st generation V/A (along with the 
Nord Lead and Roland JP8000) and sounds fairly good considering it's age (circa 
1997.) The A/D convertors are of comparable quality to most kit from '97 but there is 
some noticeable stepping in the Filters - on the plus side the Oscillator waveforms 
are continuously variable. Each Voice (Yamaha speak for a Program) can consist of 
two Scene - each containing two oscillators each - so it's quite easy to layer sounds 
or morph between Scenes in a Voice. The internal effects offer a reasonable number 
of parameters for tweaking and each has one parameter that can be modulated in real 
time in addition to the Wet/Drive mix. The Step Sequencer emulates the old analog 
style sequencers and is best approached as a programmable arpeggiator. The AN1x 
Arp/Seq (and some FX ) can be synched to MIDI Clock but its does not transmit MIDI 
Clock at the MID Out. The AN1x boasts an extensive Modulation Matrix which allows 
for 16 sixteen sets of modulators per Scene - that's 32 per scene in addition to the 
physical controllers.

2nd hand prices range between $350-$450; The programming interface is relatively 
easy to navagitate if you're already famailiar with the concepts of substractive 
synthesis - otherwise it might take a bit to sort out; The casing appears to be rather 
flimsy but in practice is quite durable; The Knobs don't have the best, tactile feel 
you'll find but considering the original price point they're acceptable; It has a full size 
61 note heyboard - the keys are ever so slightly narrow compared to some models 
but they have a decent travel - the Aftertouch can be scaled on the internal sounds 
but not at the MIDI Out port - many users find the AT overly sensitive when 
controlling external devices. The Assign Knobs can be easily reprogrammed to 
transmit the MIDI CC's of your choice for controlling external devices. There are 
seperate jacks for Fott Controller, Foot Switch, and Foot Voulme in addition to Stereo 
out and a seperate headphone out. The AN1x has dedicated MIDI In/Out/Thru ports.

IMO, the AN1x remains one of the most cost effective, flexible and good sounding V/
As. There are plenty of other excellent solutions on the market today but the AN1x 
still satisfies all the criteria I use it for.

>      I have no real means (excpept mp3s,yuck!) to test out anything 
> personaly so i'm realy counting on your ears and hands. oh and i have 
> built myself and all around daw, delta 1010 ,vegas , fruity, plugs, 
> softsynths, ect... but no controller. I have logic, sonar and cubase 
> but no working understanding of midi so lean twords .wav sequencing 
> in vegas. Please give me some dirtection. DISCLAIMER:  i feel like a 
> short scifi writer sometimes sorry!

That's an awful lot of money to have tied up in so much software without having 
cracked MIDI yet...

Hope this helps,

Jon