Alesis QS7.1

Back in 1999, this synth arrived as an evolution of the QS series, packing a bigger LCD screen and quicker-access buttons that made deep editing way less of a chore compared to its predecessors.

It rocks 64 voices of polyphony across 16 multitimbral parts, drawing from 16MB of ROM samples—think stunning pianos, orchestral swells, vintage synth leads, brass, guitars, and even drum loops—for building full arrangements on its 76 semi-weighted keys with velocity and aftertouch sensitivity. Four programmable sliders let you tweak modulation on the fly, while the QuadraSynth 2 effects engine delivers four independent buses loaded with reverb, chorus, delay, distortion, EQ, rotary sim, and more, routing like mini FX units. Two PCMCIA slots expand the soundset up to 32MB, and RS232/422 ports plus included Sound Bridge software make PC/Mac integration smooth for librarians and sequencing. With 512 preset/128 user programs and 400 preset/100 user mixes, plus zone splits and a stereo main out plus extras, it's a studio workhorse in a sleek black chassis.

Players love its horn and organ tones for live gigs, praising the rich, expandable library and effects flexibility, though some note the menu diving can feel dated without software help.