The Yamaha AN1x Synthesizer mailing list

--- In AN1x-list@yahoogroups.com, "Matt" <xproject_mattx@y...> wrote:
> 
> I am about to buy the yamaha an1x
> I have heard some samples of it an one of my favorite bands(The 
> Faint) use it and get some great sounds out of it
> 
> it would be acting as my main controller to control my ms2000R and 
> tons of soft synths
> 
> I have worked with many synths analog and virtual analog
> I was wondering what the sounds of the an1x are comparable to
> 

The sounds is similar to a Pro-52/53 from NI, a little more full than a FreeAlpha from 
LinPlug.

> also how is the interface? it seems a little tricky

If your comfortable with the basic principals behind subtractive synthessis, than you will 
likely have few problems learning the UI. There are eight Knobs and eight Knob Parameter 
Group buttons - by selecting one of the eight buttons,  the eight knobs become active for 
a group of related fucntions, i.e., VCO1, VCO2, Sync/FM, PEG/LFO, VCF, VCA, Mix/VCF and 
Assign (which is a setting where each of the eight Knobs can be programmed for a custom 
configuration.)

The ControlMatrix allows for sixteen sets of Real Time controllers mapped to any of a 
large selection of parameters, i.e., AT -> Filter Cutoff, or Knob1 -> VCO Edge, etc. They 
can be programmed to offset a set depth amount from the preset value or to control the 
entire depth amout.

> 
> how is the keyboard action? since its going to be my main controller 
> I am concerned about that - I really like the keys on the nord lead 
> 3 and alesis ion are they any thing like that? 

No. They are far less 'srpingy' and somewhat more narrow. For those with a light touch, 
you will find the travel acceptable, but compared to the keyboards you mention this may 
not be true for you. Also, many users find the AT transmission overly senesitive and 
difficult to control the external gear with. If you are mostly softsynth based, this may be 
less of an issue for you as it's easy work to reduce the AT mod depth amounts on most 
softsynths (not that it's difficult to do on hardware either.)

> 
> I hear it has an on board step sequencer 
> that really appeals to me
> how is it to program?

It's a step sequencer, i.e., one note at a time affair. To be fair, it's too difficult but it does 
make a strong argument in favor of using AN1xEdit to program.

> does it send step seq out via midi?
> I really hope it does.

Yes, it does. Be aware the AN1x does not transmit MIDI Clock, it only receive MIDI Clock so 
you will need to use another clock source to sync the AN1x with your other synths, etc.

> 
> is there anything I should be careful of when looking for an an1x?
> 

Check out the FAQ

http://www.geocities.com/jondl_2000/an1x_faq/an1x_faq_toc.htm


> sorry about all the questions
> I hope you guys can answer them
> 
> thank you
> 
> -Matt

Jon