The Yamaha AN1x Synthesizer mailing list

Peter Korsten wrote:

> Bob S. schreef:
>
> > So if I wanted a next path of Yamaha synths with some
> good digital, some sampling, some VA and programmable arps,
> which way might I go ?
>
> Well, you could try an EX5(R), although probably not
> for sampling. It's
> excellent as a synth, but not as a workstation.

Any comments bout the MIDI timing issues of the EX5? This (and the
original Motif rack) were supposed to be buggy under heavy MIDI Loading.

>
> Alternatively, you could get a Motif (ES) with a PLG
> board or two.

The ES with PLG boards is the current way to go but that is a 3 year old
synth and a daughter card technology that's over 6 years old. There are
aspects of the ES that are already dated, such as the use of SmartMedia
storage and USB1.1. It's still a very usable machine, I like mine but
the technology is nearing end of life.

I suspect that next year Yamaha may introduce a new flagship synth but
whether it will support PLG cards is anyone's guess.

--
Brian Rost
Stargen, Inc.

**********************************************************************

Rost, Brian schreef:

> Peter Korsten wrote:
>>
>> Well, you could try an EX5(R), although probably not
>> for sampling. It's
>> excellent as a synth, but not as a workstation.
>
> Any comments bout the MIDI timing issues of the EX5? This (and the
> original Motif rack) were supposed to be buggy under heavy MIDI Loading.

Supposedly, this is solved with newer OS versions. If you live in the
US, they send them to you for free. For other countries, arrangements
differ, but it will likely cost you money.

>> Alternatively, you could get a Motif (ES) with a PLG
>> board or two.
>
> The ES with PLG boards is the current way to go but that is a 3 year old
> synth and a daughter card technology that's over 6 years old. There are
> aspects of the ES that are already dated, such as the use of SmartMedia
> storage and USB1.1. It's still a very usable machine, I like mine but
> the technology is nearing end of life.

Yes, but this is a synthesiser, not a computer. You don't need to
install the latest version of Windows or OS X on it. What's important is
how it sounds, and from what I understand, the ES sounds good.

Fair enough about the SmartMedia and the USB 1.1, but then again, is it
really a problem? SmartMedia is widely available, and it's not like
you're constantly sending data from and to your synth: you're expected
to play it...

> I suspect that next year Yamaha may introduce a new flagship synth but
> whether it will support PLG cards is anyone's guess.

It's hard to say, what with the trend towards all-software studios.
Still, I tend to judge any instrument on how it sounds, and for me, the
EX5 has some of the best sounds ever found in a synth.

That, combined with my dislike for music software, makes that the EX5
plus the AN1x are an excellent combo. I'd like to get more synths, but
I'd also like to get more money... :)

- Peter

Peter Korsten wrote:

> Rost, Brian schreef:
>
> > Peter Korsten wrote:
> >> Alternatively, you could get a Motif (ES) with a PLG
> >> board or two.
> >
> > The ES with PLG boards is the current way to go but that is a 3 year
> old
> > synth and a daughter card technology that's over 6 years old. There
> are
> > aspects of the ES that are already dated, such as the use of
> SmartMedia
> > storage and USB1.1. It's still a very usable machine, I like mine but
> > the technology is nearing end of life.

The original post asked about Yamaha upgrade paths. The point I was
trying to make is that if he wants to buy a synth today ES + PLG is the
right choice but if he is thinking about not buying for at least 6
months, then it might be best to wait to see if Yamaha introduces a
next generation workstation at the winter NAMM show next January.

>
> Yes, but this is a synthesiser, not a computer. You don't need to
> install the latest version of Windows or OS X on it. What's important
> is
> how it sounds, and from what I understand, the ES sounds good.

SM media is getting harder to buy, already some earlier types of SM
used in some Roland synths are impossible to find. The ES requires the
SM card to do any OS updates (admittedly it is unlikely any new OS
versions will be coming) and data storage is 3-4x faster than using the
USB port, a significant difference when loading/saving large amounts of
sample data. I went out and bought 3 extra SM cards just as a hedge
against the future.

The USB 1.1 port is of less concern although if you're loading lots of
samples off CD-ROM it's pretty slow.

Yes, the ES sounds very good that's why I bought it ;)

Brian

hemmer 12000 wrote:

> this is my biggest gripe, if I
> liked a sound but it incorporated an arp or step sequence, I COULD
> ONLY TURN IT OFF THROUGH SOFTWARE! Annoying.

I don't know about using the PLG in other Yamaha synths, but in the
Motif you CAN disable the sequencer and arpeggiator. You can't
reprogram it without the editor but you can disable it. You can also
select whether the arp/sequence is clocked by the tempo programmed into
the voice or by the Motif's tempo. These are "native parameters".

Brian