Dave Smith Instruments SYNTHESIZERS

Anu Kirk said  on 8/23/2005 10:37 AM:
> The Ion seems like a great deal at ~$600, even if it's only 8-voice.
> 
> Thoughts?
> 

Ive got one, and have to say it is very unique.  Its not a synth I would 
want as my only synth, but it does have some significant strenghts:

1.  very flexible audio routing.

2.its two filters do sound very good, and its one of the few VA's to 
have more than the basic classic types.  I particularly like using the 
comb filters

3.  It can have a nice solid bass end, but its can be tricky to get. 
you really have to pay attention to your filter type.

4.  the knob layout seems a bit weird at first, but you I think they put 
the right parameters on the panel.

5.  Only two LFO's, but each LFO outputs all waveshapes all the time so 
you can get extra use out of them.

weeknesses:

1.  it can seem a little colorless sometimes

2.  its mod matrix is nice, but lacking in certain areas (i.e. you 
cannot modulate the effect of one modulator with another, no algorithmic 
processing)

3.  its keyboard sucks.   I wish they would put out a rack version.

4.  it has a VERY hot output.  It can sometimes be a problem to tame it 
at your mixer.

5.  The arpegiator is kinda silly.

6.  the envelopes are not nearly as flexible as on the Andromeda


Thats my take on it.  You can also get them used for under $500 if you 
look around.

Tony