Back in 1996, this synth brought analog-style hands-on control to the digital world, giving dance producers instant tweakability with real knobs that feel just like the classics.
It packs a 61-key velocity-sensitive and aftertouch-enabled keyboard into a compact blue chassis measuring 976 x 285 x 103 mm and weighing just 5.7 kg, perfect for stage or studio. The AWM2 engine delivers 480 GM/XG-compatible waveforms across 32-voice polyphony, with up to 4 elements per patch featuring digital resonant low-pass filters, dedicated ADSR envelopes for amp and filter, ADR for pitch, and LFOs with saw, triangle, or random waves. Six dedicated knobs handle attack, release, cutoff, resonance, and two assignable parameters, plus a mod wheel for morphing between two scene memories—great for live sweeps. A standout arpeggiator offers 30 patterns and 10 timings, synced to MIDI clock, alongside three DSP effect blocks: 11 reverbs, 11 choruses, and 43 variations. MIDI In/Out/Thru, sustain and volume pedal inputs, headphone out, and stereo audio outs round it out, with 128 preset and 128 user performances for stacking layers or 16-part multitimbral XG mode.
Over the years, players have praised its thick basses, evolving pads, and techno-ready arps—used by acts like Underworld and Jamiroquai—though some note the limited multitimbrality outside performance mode keeps it focused rather than a full workstation.
