The Yamaha AN1x Synthesizer mailing list

Is there anyone who can tell any difference (capabillyties) 
beetween the an1x and the cs2x synths?  
     
     What can I do with one that can't be done with the other?

Pros and cons of each?

                                             Thanks!

Hi Thanks, ;-)

As far as I know, the CS2x is a four-layer sample+synthesis type synth,
whereas the AN1x uses analogue modeling to form waveforms.

Of course, many of the CS2x's waveform samples may be based directly on the
AN1x's modelled oscillators, meaning the results sometimes may appear
closely similar.

The CS2x can layer four of these samples together in one patch (hence the
term 'four layer') for more complex sounds (whereas the AN1x is two layers,
or bi-timbral), and being sample based, it's raw sounds may have been
sourced with greater variety, thus allowing for tonal differences
unavailable tp the AN1x, including better reproductions of acoustic
instruments, such as pianos and percussion.

On the other hand, at the raw sample level, the samples are fixed in nature,
meaning the animated timbre of the AN1x's synced and PWM (pulse-width
modulation) waveforms, for example, are going to be stagnant representations
in the CS2x's samples. However this is referring to the oscillator/waveform
level. The rest of the synthesis stage (eg. LFOs, envelopes, and filters)
will be closely similar (except for maybe the self-oscillating filter
resonance found on the AN1x).

Unfortunately, in this age of analogue, analogue, analogue...
sample+synthesis (CS2x) has copped a pretty bad name, but I feel this is
much down to ignorance. There is more to a synth than its oscillators (of
which the S+S synths have more anyway). Of course, many S+S style synths are
mounted inside rack modules with poor editing interfaces so they can lack
the immediacy of the virtual analogues sitting next door on the shop shelf.

Still, if you're after pure electronic sounds, the virtual
analogue-modelling abilities of the AN1x is pretty tough to beat. There'll
be times when a S+S patch will appear limited in its ability of sonic
manipulation due to much of its tonal characteristics being tied to to the
sample itself. For example, you can't turn down the apparent resonance of
the filter if the resonance has been recorded that way as part of the
original sample... get my drift? And sure you can sweep filters using the
LFO on the CS2x, but if you want the sound to appear alive through subtle
harmonic timbre shifts (using oscillator sync/PWM) rather than just swinging
from muffled to bright with the filter, then your answer is going to be the
AN1x (or the like).

For the best of both worlds, get both. I have an AN1x for the pure freedom
for the manipulation of electronica-type sounds, plus a fully-maxed E-mu
Proteus 2000 containing 3000 odd oscillator (sample) types the AN1x will
never be able to produce. I also have a Kawai K5000S... but that's another
story.

Hope that helps somewhat and hasn't confused the issue entirely. ;-)

Phil 

From: "cubit0" <killmana0@...>
Reply-To: AN1x-list@yahoogroups.com
Date: Thu, 11 Apr 2002 20:26:11 -0000
To: AN1x-list@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [AN1x] an1x vs. cs2x


       Is there anyone who can tell any difference (capabillyties)
beetween the an1x and the cs2x synths?
     
     What can I do with one that can't be done with the other?

Pros and cons of each?

                                             Thanks!










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> As far as I know, the CS2x is a four-layer sample+synthesis 
> type synth,
> whereas the AN1x uses analogue modeling to form waveforms.

true. In fact, the CS2x is a better CS1x. As far as I know, it just has more
presets (2x 256) and a bit other stuff changed.

> Unfortunately, in this age of analogue, analogue, analogue...
> sample+synthesis (CS2x) has copped a pretty bad name, but I 
> feel this is
> much down to ignorance. There is more to a synth than its 

I have both, the CS1x and the AN1x. And I use the CS1x more often, since
it's more flexible (in the sense of "bread+butter" sounds for me). What's a
bit annoying on it, is the fact that you can hear the tweaking of the knobs,
i.e. there are "steps". Probably just to few steps over the knob-range. Be
sure to check that on the CS2x, dunno if they made anything there. And the
keyboard of the CS1x doesn't feel very stable ;)

Lars