Wiardgroup

<<Just that, EM should have found someone a bit more impartial. What I saw
was a conflict of interest.>>

Thanks for point that out. Robert was picked to do the Wiard review because
he knows a lot about analog synthesizers,  uses them actively in his work,
and he's a good writer and reviewer that gives a fair and accurate
assessment. At the time of the assignment, he was not on the payroll of
Synthesis Technology, although he did own some MOTM modules (he paid for
them) and also reviewed the MOTM system for EM. Should a reviewer who owns
and uses a Roland keyboard on his records not review an Alesis or Korg
keyboard? 

Product reviewers are not picked because they favor the product (at least in
EM). They are picked because they know the subject matter and can write
well. Some folks in the synth community have asked: why didn't EM assign a
reviewer to the Wiard that was steeped in the tradition of the "West coast"
school of synths? Because there wasn't one available, so the choice was
either a) have a synth expert review it now, or b) wait and perhaps have no
review. EM chose to have it reviewed sooner than later because it's a fine
system that hasn't been fully covered elsewhere.

Robert's review was well researched and I think a positive review. If folks
didn't make this into a big battle between SynthTech and Wiard, they may
have noticed that the ratings were actually quite high (except Ease of
Use). Compare it to the next review in that issue, the Alesis Andromeda. And
when was the last time you saw two major analog synths reviewed in one
issue? :-) 

Sure, Robert made some comments the list doesn't agree with, but based on
the recent string about the Wiard front-panel designs, it looks like we all
have differing views. 

>>I thought Mr. Rich was trying to give the impression that the Wiard system
was gimmicky, and a mere novelty. I'll have to read the two reviews again,
but I get the distinct feeling that my first assumption will stand.>>

Just read the last two paragraphs, where he sums up his opinions. He's
really saying Wiard is not for everyone because of its depth and
flexibility. I think most of us on this list will agree.