The blue analog syle control synth.

Features:

• 32 note polyphony
• 16 part multitimbral
• 4.5 meg ROM
• 6 sound control knobs for directly controling parameters such as cutoff frequency, resonance, attack, etc. Plus, 2 are programmable.
• 480 GM and XG-compatible AWM2 instrument voices
• 11 drum kits
• Performance Mode - layer up to 4 voices, complete with digital effects processing.
• 128 preset performances and 128 user performances
• 3 independent DSP digital effects units (11 reverbs, 11 chorus, 43 variation)
• 30 types of arpeggiators (tempo can be externally controlled by MIDI)
• 1 MIDI in, 1 MIDI out, 1 MIDI thru, 1 to host(pc/Mac)
• (2) 1/4 in. Line outs(L/Mono + R)
• (1) 1/8 in. input
• (1) 1/4 in. headphone
• (3) Foot controller inputs (volume, controller, switch)

A great synth for any type of electronic music. The price on this new was $600.00, and at the time (1996) there really wasn't anything else on the market in the same price range. I'm sure the CS2x, which improves on this model is better, but for what you'll pay for one of these used, they're worth it.

Pros: Price; Kobs; realtime control; gets cool pads/leads/and acid-type sounds. 2 programmable kobs

Cons: Piano and string sounds are poor; Drums are just ok. GM sounds rot. Doesn't send arppegiator messages to MIDI out port. Can't map multiple MIDI channels across the keyboard.

Bottom line: Get one used for the pads and acid sounds. If you are looking for realistic piano and strings, look else where. Great first-synth or controller. I managed to go 4 years with mine before getting the urge to buy a new synth.

Rating: 4/5