Back in 1992, this workstation dropped V.A.S.T.—Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology—that let you grab any sample from its 8MB ROM library and route it through customizable DSP chains, basically turning a rompler into a modular synth playground long before that was a buzzword.
At its core, it's a 24-voice polyphonic beast with 16-part multitimbrality, pulling from high-quality multisamples like pianos, strings, and waveforms that you process via 31 algorithms packing resonant filters, EQ, distortion, waveshaping, hard sync, and more—all with real-time MIDI tweakability and a deep mod matrix including FUNs for math-based modulation. The five-octave semi-weighted keyboard responds to velocity, release velocity, channel aftertouch, and three-zone splitting, while the front panel's intuitive LCD and buttons make diving into layers, keymaps, and a 32-track sequencer (up to 190,000 events with groove quantize) feel straightforward. Effects shine with a stereo multi-FX unit handling reverb, chorus, delay, flange, and rotary sim in four-stage chains, routable to six polyphonic outs (keyboard model) plus analog/digital ins for sampling up to 64MB RAM. Physically, it's a sturdy 140 x 34 x 10 cm frame at 11.8 kg, with SCSI, MIDI I/O, and footswitch support for stage or studio reliability.
Players still geek out over its organic, evolving sounds—patches that morph from violin to birds or deliver fluid wave sequencing—and call it a benchmark for sample-plus-synthesis depth, though some note the polyphony feels light by modern standards.
