Back in 2009, this keyboard hit the scene as a game-changer for solo performers, letting one player conjure full vocal ensembles and harmonies that sound eerily lifelike—no choir required.
Its Vocal Designer shines with 27 programs across vocoder styles like Modern talk-box, Vintage, and WahVox, using formant analysis from a phantom-powered XLR mic input, USB playback, or the built-in Sound Looper (up to 18 seconds of layered loops). The Ensemble section delivers SuperNATURAL brass, strings, choir, jazz scat, pads, and more across 128-voice polyphony, while Bass & Percussion splits the 49 velocity-sensitive keys (with aftertouch) for nine bass tones or vocal percussion in the lower register. Hands-on controls include a D-Beam for pitch/filter/expression, assignable S1/S2 buttons, pitch bend, vibrato knobs, and a single ambience reverb (hall or studio), all housed in a sturdy metal chassis with wood endcheeks that feels pro-grade and weighs in solidly.
Over the years, players have praised its intuitive mic processing—noise suppression, EQ, compressor—and harmony tools like Auto Note and Auto Harmony for spot-on backing vocals tied to your chords. Keyboardists who sing dig the Voice Expression for blending live mic into ensembles, though some note the limited percussion and effects keep it focused rather than a do-all workstation. It's a unique niche piece that still inspires creative live sets.
