Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsSolid Build, Inspirational, Throw(back)forward
Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2018
Maybe it's that I used to play a Korg Polysix, a Juno 106, a Korg Poly Ensemble (anyone remember those?) back in the day and this has me nostalgic for that time, but I REALLY enjoy playing this thing. And, I'll be honest, I no longer want the 106 back (well, maybe, a bit.).
Excellent combination of throwback analog synthesis and modern digital effects processing. I find myself lost in inspiration, tinkering with this in my practice studio. Really fat analog leads, warm rich pads, endless possibilities with the arpeggio, intuitive sliders for sound programming, a mod matrix that is deep and wide, fantastic effects processing, it goes on.
There are some limitations with the oscillators and the waveforms, but at this price, what it offers far outweighs them.
I use it to compliment a modern digital performance synth on stage and for inspiration in my home studio.
Build quality is sturdy, keys are springy but have a decent weight. When you pick it up, it has some heft - does not have a cheap plastic-y feel to it. Has an internal power supply, which is nice. Control layout is intuitive. MASSIVE number of factory patches - some great, some not. If you're familiar with analog synth patch programming, you can find one that's close to what you want and adjust it to your liking. Or start from scratch. And you can do it all, visually, right from the synth - you don't need to go to your PC. OK, there are many parameters that are menu-driven, but they are intuitive and relatively easy to find.
Certainly not deal breakers, but the fans are a bit noisy. Not an issue on stage, but could be in a quiet studio. You can reduce their speed or turn them off if necessary. Also, the return spring on the mod wheel is a bit strong for my taste.
5 stars because nothing else out there can touch it at this price point!
