Back in 1992, this workstation hit the scene blending PCM samples from a 6MB ROM wavetable with user-loadable RAM samples, letting you craft everything from vintage analog-style sweeps to crisp modern tones on its velocity-sensitive 61-key weighted action with polyphonic aftertouch.
Dual oscillators per voice deliver dual or crossfade modes for thick layering—detune them for classic synth warmth or velocity-switch samples—paired with two independent 12dB/oct multimode filters (lowpass, highpass, bandpass, presence) that resonate smoothly into self-oscillation, just like the Yamaha CS80's magic. Two LFOs, 10-segment loopable envelopes, and a dedicated pan section with its own envelope add sculpting depth, while dual DSP engines handle reverb, delay, chorus, flanger, phaser, and rotary speaker sim. Hands-on control shines via a bright 240x64 LCD, 86 buttons, pitch/mod wheels, a data wheel, and seven front-panel sliders that mix volumes, tweak attack/release/filters/pan, or send MIDI CCs—programmable per performance for instant tweaks. MIDI is robust with dual In/Out/Thru for 32 channels, sophisticated routing, and a 16-track sequencer holding 250,000 events at 192ppqn resolution, plus 100 performances and 10 songs on floppy or internal memory; audio outs include stereo mains plus four assignable AUX.
Players loved its intuitive OS that feels free-flowing like early computer interfaces, pro-level multitimbrality matching big names, and that rare analog-digital balance—resonant filters and sliders drew praise, though some noted the 16-voice polyphony (expandable to 32 via Turbokit) could limit dense patches. At 1055x350x116mm and 16kg, it's a sturdy centerpiece for any vintage rig.
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