Andromeda A6

Back in 2000, this beast dropped as one of the few true 16-voice polyphonic analog synths around, packing a pure analog signal path that let players sculpt everything from searing leads to vast pads without any digital emulation getting in the way.

Its two oscillators per voice offer five stackable waveforms—sine, triangle, square, up saw, down saw—plus sub-oscillators, ring mod, noise, FM, hard/soft sync, all tuned with digital precision for rock-solid stability. Dual filters shine: a 2-pole multimode SEM-style (low/high/bandpass/notch) and a 4-pole Moog-inspired lowpass, with post-filter mixing for blending raw osc signals or external audio from three 1/4" inputs. Modulation is endless via a 71-source/92-destination matrix, three LFOs (six shapes, MIDI-syncable), sample & hold, and three loopable 7-stage envelopes; hands-on control comes from 72 knobs, 114 buttons, a 61-note semiweighted velocity/aftertouch keybed, pitch/mod wheels, and ribbon controller. Sequencing and arpeggiation (up/down/up-down, MIDI-sync) join analog distortion plus digital FX like reverb, chorus, delay, flanger; outputs include stereo main/aux, 16 individual voice outs, CV/gate, MIDI, and pedal jacks; 256 presets/128 users expand via PCMCIA card.

Over two decades, players still chase it for that modular-like depth and filter character—community loves the hands-on tweakability and multitimbral power, though some note the interface demands time to master amid its button jungle.