The Yamaha AN1x Synthesizer mailing list

Peter Korsten wrote:

> Rost, Brian schreef:
>
> > Peter Korsten wrote:
> >> Alternatively, you could get a Motif (ES) with a PLG
> >> board or two.
> >
> > The ES with PLG boards is the current way to go but that is a 3 year 
> old
> > synth and a daughter card technology that's over 6 years old. There 
> are
> > aspects of the ES that are already dated, such as the use of 
> SmartMedia
> > storage and USB1.1. It's still a very usable machine, I like mine but
> > the technology is nearing end of life.

The original post asked about Yamaha upgrade paths. The point I was 
trying to make is that if he wants to buy a synth today ES + PLG is the 
right choice but if he is thinking about not buying for at least 6 
months, then it might be best to wait to see if Yamaha introduces a 
next generation workstation at the winter NAMM show next January.

>
> Yes, but this is a synthesiser, not a computer. You don't need to
> install the latest version of Windows or OS X on it. What's important 
> is
> how it sounds, and from what I understand, the ES sounds good.

SM media is getting harder to buy, already some earlier types of SM 
used in some Roland synths are impossible to find.  The ES requires the 
SM card to do any OS updates (admittedly it is unlikely any new OS 
versions will be coming) and data storage is 3-4x faster than using the 
USB port, a significant difference when loading/saving large amounts of 
sample data. I went out and bought 3 extra SM cards just as a hedge 
against the future.

The USB 1.1 port is of less concern although if you're loading lots of 
samples off CD-ROM it's pretty slow.

Yes, the ES sounds very good that's why I bought it ;)

Brian