Launched in 1993, this compact analog monosynth punched way above its weight with a design that captured the raw, gritty essence of classic bass machines like the TB-303, all in a portable keyboard format that fit right into early electronic music setups.
At its heart are two DCOs delivering sawtooth and pulse waveforms, which you can mix, detune for thick beats, or modulate via a dedicated envelope or the single LFO for lively movement. The standout filter switches between resonant 12dB/oct and 24dB/oct low-pass modes, perfect for those screaming sweeps and tight low-end sculpting, with controls for cutoff, resonance, envelope amount, and LFO depth all laid out intuitively on the front panel. It rocks a 25-note velocity-sensitive keyboard, pitch and mod wheels, plus a straightforward mixer for osc levels and a simple envelope generator handling amp and filter duties. Audio outs are stereo, MIDI in/thru keeps it connected, and with 7 user patch memories plus a manual mode, tweaking is fast and hands-on in its sturdy, road-ready metal chassis.
Over the years, players have cherished its no-nonsense analog punch for basslines and leads that cut through mixes, though some note the limited polyphony and memory as trade-offs for its vintage purity—still a go-to for producers chasing that authentic '90s vibe.
