Back in 1999, this powerhouse stepped up from the original QS6 with double the sound memory at 16MB of ROM samples, making it a go-to for players chasing expansive, layered tones without breaking the bank.
Its QS synthesis engine layers up to four tones per program—drawing from stereo Bosendorfer grands, organs, vintage synths, strings, loops, and more—routed through digital lowpass filters, three LFOs, and envelope generators, all topped with a modulation matrix for deep controller assignments. A 61-note semi-weighted keyboard responds to velocity and aftertouch, paired with four real-time sliders for hands-on tweaks to volume, pan, effects sends, and mods, plus a larger backlit LCD for easier navigation. The star is its QuadraVerb 2-inspired four-bus effects matrix, delivering simultaneous reverb, chorus, delay, distortion, EQ, rotary sim, and beyond across independent channels—like four FX units in one. With true 64-voice polyphony and 16-part multitimbrality over 16 MIDI channels, it handles massive mixes, 512 presets/128 users programs, and 400 presets/100 user mixes, expandable via PCMCIA cards, all from a sturdy blue chassis with stereo outs.
Players have long praised its vast, sequencer-ready library and performance chops for everything from orchestras to dance tracks, though some note the non-resonant filters limit aggressive sound sculpting. It's a vintage gem that still sparks creativity today.
