Yamaha AN1x demo pads
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- Опубліковано 6 жов 2024
- EXODUS patches (featuring these sounds) available here:
www.midera-art...
Mostly just some pads I've come up with. The Blade Runner Main Theme was made without consulting the original - so please bear that in mind - it probably sounds nothing like it!
Absolutely no other effects (except a limiter) was used. All internal FX.
you coax some wonderful stuff out of this. at 05:10 i'm drifting so nicely.
Thanks RMR :) very much appreciated - I’ve been totally disappointed by the rev2, with massive oscillator bleed. This thing, while it feels old and cheap, has such good character - the patch you pointed out is definitely one of my favorites. This synth may be my favorite synth, even above the Virus - but probably not above my Spectralis.
Cheers!
@@MIDERA I agree it sounds beautiful!
@@MIDERA Can you figure out how to make this beautiful sound? I want to try to recreate it on some another synth
@@ВладимирХ-д2ы Delays and reverbs for a start. I'm hearing some panning going on as well, very slowly. If I recall, I used a lot of PWM of all waveforms, so I would guess that I used saw waves PWM. Used a little bit of resonance, had the filter envelope at max and cutoff at min and a slow attack.
One cool thing the AN1x did was added a feedback loop that really beefed up the sound. I may have used that here.
Unfortunately I sold the AN1x, so I can't exactly get the right settings for you.
@@MIDERA You need to buy it back. :)
Guess what!
I got one back! It was a deal I couldn't miss. One guy in Germany was selling for well under what they go today (costed me 460€ total with shipping, crazy)... and it is actually in very decent physical condition, no cracked plastic casing parts, keybed works well, all buttons and knobs work. The ribbon is a bit touchy but it was always touchy and steppy and weird. Even display is in decent condition but I should probably swap the LEDs next year. Just had to plop in a new battery and IT'S A GO!
I am so, so, sooooo happy to have it back. I've been missing it ever since I sold it. And now I finally have space for it. Merry Xmas!
Dang! That’s great. It’s such a good synth. I have so many I’m trying to downsize but don’t even know how. I got mine so dirt cheap, I hardly need the money for it ($250 USD) because it was shipped so poorly, I only paid shipping. I fixed it up as best I could. I remember seeing your posts on GS about selling yours. Nice to hear it’s back.
Best sounding AN1X patches I’ve heard on the tube so far.
Thanks!!! I still think the AN1x is one of the best VAs. I think it sounds better than most polysynths actually…
Man I’ve owned this synth for many years . You definitely brought out some sounds I didn’t know it was capable of. This is the best demo of this synth period
Thanks - the AN1x is for sure one of the best synths out there. I ended up selling it cuz I have so many other digital synths. I may buy it back, it sure did sound amazing.
I think a lot of it is taking the time to add slight modulation and "imperfections" in the sound to bring it that little bit closer to sounding analogue.
I'll never sell mine!
If there was a synthesizer that I really regret selling, it's THIS ONE. I sold mine many years ago when I was upgrading my home studio. I created a lot of lead and bass pads that are Timeless. I might buy it again. Next to the iconic DX-7, Yamaha (IMHO) created one of THE most legendary synthesizers, ever.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Just an amazing intergalactic tone you coax out of this synth. Job well done! 👍
Thanks!
Yeah, straight up dude, these patches are so sick. WOW, you just cranked the value up $500
Hah - I doubt I have that sort of power on the market!
But thank you :)
Totally!
Er. Wow. I love the character of this thing. And that reverb is almost unbelievable for an on-board effect from 20 years ago.
Yeah, I agree. Although, there is also delay going on here too - so a little of both.
Very nice, the AN1X sure has very good internal FX, that reverb sounds so lush. Its an awesome VA synth, sounds very warm and analog.
Yeah - I think the only reason I know it’s not analog is because of the aliasing. But it’s very thick and organic sounding. It reminds me of my jx3p, but easier to edit.
This is the GOAT-Synth for a low price! 🤩
What is a GOAT synth?
@@MIDERA You really don't know? 😁
In US-Sports the very best Sportsman are called GOAT, what means Greatest Of All Times!
I love the AN1X for its warm analog sound and filters, the nearly endless possibilities, the step sequencer, arp, the scenes and free EG, much better than a JP8000, the best digitally Synth i know, for half the price of a JP.
I don't understand, why Yamaha stopped it with the PLG-Cards and never built a new Synth, based on the AN1X.
Ah, yeah, I don’t follow sports so that might explain it.
I was just messing around with the AN1x tonight and just really get bothered by the poor filter cutoff resolution. There’s no way to smoothly adjust that parameter, even assigning it to the mod wheel. Which is a shame because the filter is very nice. I was attempting to determine how close I could get it to sound to my polysix, but gave up in frustration due to the filter know. It just doesn’t have the playability in that sense.
But I agree, why Yamaha hasn’t released the AN2x is beyond me.
Wow, these patches are stunning! I didn't realize VA synths could sound this good. Very nice work.
Thanks... I often regret selling this synth. Probably one of the best synths I’ve ever used.
@@MIDERA You SOLD it!!??? *SLAP*
I sold it, bought it again, and then traded it for a moog matriarch + cash. Zero regrets.
@@MIDERA Ooh, that's a good trade. Nice.
awesome patch! i love so much this synth! one of my best ! so much fun playing with it!
Thanks. The AN1x is amazing :)
Oh man - I've always wanted an AN1X. Great sounds! I think this and the Korg MS-2000 were 2 of the most unique sounding VA's of that era.
It’s amazing how good I’ve always thought the Virus was... but I think it looks nice, but sounds not quite as good.
@@MIDERA I agree. Always lusted for a virus myself but never picked one up because 1.)Everyone else seemed to have one, and 2.)They were really pricey for an all digital machine. I'd love a Virus Indigo one day but with newer stuff that's out these days it's tough to justify it.
Totally agree!! Got both of these, had for ages as few of my 'keepers' collection. Untouchable, even now with all the new resurgence of analogue/digital hybrids, etc. etc. 😎👍🎹🎶🍻
It can emulate a Moog almost perfectly. And i love editing bass patches for pop music, blends nicelly !
It’s incredible. I think it’s better than the Virus actually, though I find the virus to be more well rounded. Both are great.
It really has an amazing lofi sound, i just bought one.
Nice. I agree.
1:03 nice sound - warm and with character; good video congratulations
Thanks! I love that sound (from BOC). I replicate it in as much gear as I can, lol.
what a hidden gem. I have no idea why it's not more sought-after. definitely the best sounding VA in my opinion.
Yeah man - thanks for alerting me to it ;)
shhh! Yamaha might try a cheap remake.
@@mark12011972 well they already sort of did. the Reface CS is based on the AN1x engine
@@kgbinfo I never had the impression it was like the AN1x Thank Heavens they didnt call it the Reface ANx! I got interested in the Reface CS, and lost interest, and now the MicroKorg sounds good. But they don't have all the modulation options, and the feedback and edge knobs... *sigh* there's other options but for some reason Yamaha never followed up with another synth that sounds like the AN1x.
@@mark12011972 definitely check out the Reface CS. it is watered down and doesn't include all of the features of the AN1x, but the raw tone is there and it's got a fader-per-function interface, which is great fun for tweaking. it's a wonderful little synth
The patch at 1:59.... and the filter at 2:08 : Overwhelming !!!!!!! Nice work gentleman !!
Thanks - I regret selling it. Then I had the chance to buy it again and I took too long to decide so I lost my chance.
Damn :/
@@MIDERAWow.... bad move.. but we're not living the same life and i may imagine you have no other way. So, thanks to you to open our minds and let us dream that our An1X can do that and i hope you are safe and pass this pandemic time in good conditions. Take care. Keep Music in your heart. Stay safe.
I prefer Blade Runner from memory anyway.
Edit: This is one of the best digital synth demos I've ever heard by the way. The general tone really reminds me of the Fez soundtrack.
Oh man I love that soundtrack, thanks!
I’ve been pretty blown away by the AN1x. Way better than a lot of stuff in my studio. I do think the virus can pull off a lot of these sounds (I’ve been testing that), but I also know that neither of these synths can get certain ‘analog’ sounds either. Like mimicking my JX3P is a major challenge.
@@MIDERA I'm thinking I could get some similar sounds from my Mopho x4 as well. It can get nice and buzzy. I'm really temped to try a modern digital synth though. Have you spent much time with a Blofeld?
Haven't spent any time with the blofeld - I've heard good things but since I have the Virus I've never felt a need to get the Blofeld.
I have tried to replicate sounds from my REV2 (similar to the Mopho I think) to the AN1x but it's very clear how different they are on many levels. The problem, however, with the REV2 (and all other Curtis filter DSI chips) is the fking oscillator bleed which definitely contributes to the 'buzziness' of the sounds. When the filter is completely open and then completely closed, I have found an open:closed signal ratio of roughly 7:1, meaning that I can hear the oscillators even when the filter is completely closed. 100% of the time, I can hear the oscillators and yes, they are buzzing buzzing buzzing in the background. I thought it was just my unit, but I have done significant testing of this and talked with DSI and they have said everything sounds normal.
Do you not have a Virus? I think the Virus and the AN1x are actually quite similar in sound. I thought the virus wasn't as good, but when I start using unison (just two oscillators) it starts filling up and sounding a LOT like the AN1x, despite what I think other people may say on the internet.
There are tons of cool modern digital synths. I think if I were going to get something new, I'd look into the hydrasynth or the Kyra. But you already make incredible music - you (and me) don't need more!
Actually - I'm probably going to get an Octatrack :facepalm:
@@MIDERA I totally forgot you already have a Virus. I assume that makes the Blofeld look like a toy.
Nah - totally not true. I think they're different and wouldn't claim the virus is better by any means, but never used the blofeld. Only thing I'm saying is that they're similar enough to ensure I would never buy one due to overlap.
I could listen to you play anything, great as always!
Thanks Austin!!!
Stunning sounds! The an1x is a massively underrated synth. I know others have asked, but it would be great to get sysex of these to understand how the patches were constructed!
What's the best way to extract the sysex? Is there a specific patch editor for the AN1x that still works?
I have yet to upload any sounds - I'm sort of protective of the stuff I create because it just feels like a part of me (though I doubt that makes any sense).
If there's a sound you want to know about, I can give you tips about how to make them, that's a lot easier for me to mentally do.
Thanks!
@@MIDERA Apparently the original AN1X editor is usable again! There's a version online that someone made compatible to run on Windows 10. I heard it works well but i haven't tested it myself yet. (And it should run in a VM and perhaps WINE on macOS too..)
R. N. That’s very cool! I never felt like an editor was necessary. The AN1x is pretty easy to use without one. Perhaps there are features you can’t access from the front panel? Still, nice to see people are still making it available.
Yeah, i bought mine for cheap as my first synth in the mid 2000s and i haven't used it in a very long time. I'm just rediscovering it now and i'm delighted/amazed to find it can do a lot more than i knew and sounds even better. I keep getting blown away by impressive patches and demos like yours. I have some learning/exploration to do :)
About the editor i was thinking about the Sysex and patches as people were asking but i just saw you sold it since, so.. :)
You did the right thing. Great sounds!
By purchasing the synth? Yes. Yes I did. Lol
Yep, I have this keyboard also. It can really shine with some deep editing. Sounds like you have a handle on this beloved synth. Great sounds my friend !!!
Thanks! Yeah, it’s an incredible VA synth. Almost sounds analog, to me.
@@MIDERA Wow, bringing in, ushering in the new AN1x awareness. I love 4:20 you got a good ear. When are you going to release some patches? Then sound designers can do some leapfrogging and usher in a new era of sound. Join the FB AN1x group. :)
good stuff man. Nicely played
Thanks Mike :)
Thank you for another excellent demonstration. I have one myself.
Thanks!!! It’s such a good synth. Very unique. I have never used it in my actual music though!
Ce synthétiseur est tout simplement mythique.
He has an aura that we do not come out of unscathed...
I absolutely need one !!!
Excellent demo !
And I subscriber !
I agree - it's really quite something. Awful keybed, but it's a great synth. Sorta wish I hadn't sold it.
@@MIDERA Yes, I know what it's like to have regrets...
At the time, I had the Korg X5DR expandeur, sold it for 3x nothing and bitterly regret it now...
Great photography too!
Thanks :)
Beautiful pads, good.
Thanks iFaber.
4:44 Killer Pad!
Thanks!
Lovely FX.
Yeah, the An1x has really good internal FX.
Back here again!!!?? AMAzing sounds here, beautiful.
Hah - thank you! I actually just bought a THIRD one. Got massively damaged in transit, but I have revived it as best I can. Will hopefully make another video some day soon.
I want one of these since I saw it new in a shop in 1998... Great video!
Yeah, it’s amazing. The only downsides are 1) can’t use LFOs in the mod matrix and 2) terrible resolution for the cutoff.
MIDERA yeah the resolution of the knobs makes me not want to use it live if I want to tweak knobs. Any ways around that?
Someone recommended a secondary controller to access the controls - but I am not sure that'll work because I think the resolution of the parameters is limited to 127 points... but maybe some external controller with higher resolution would be beneficial? I haven't tried it, and I sold my AN1x to a friend so I can't test it either :(
@@MIDERA There are workarounds for the cutoff ... Use a higher res controller or synth & the AN1x smooth out.
The filter cutoff resolution, especially with higher resonance settings, can be “fixed” in some cases by using FEG Depth and FEG Sustain level. In that case FEG Decay will act as a “smoothing amount” (how quick are cutoff changes will occur) and FEG Sustain will control a cutoff. Of course, initial Filter Cutoff and FEG Attack shall be set accordingly. In any case, EGs and LFOs on AN1x are very smooth, but “MIDI” controls are not (which was fixed in later Yamaha synths such as EX5 and related models, FS1R, A-series samplers etc.).
Another request for the patches! Amazing work. Could you also do a patch making guide perhaps?
Thanks - I no longer have the AN1x unfortunately so I'm unable to do either of these things with the AN1x. I do have another video where I was working on creating a patch on the AN1x (along with other synths), but I don't really think I walk you through the patch making process, I just sort of create a sound live.
Thanks!
@Neb6 appreciate this in-depth reply! ✌️
Great sounds! Interesting that you prefer an old VA over the Rev2 :) Many people seem to swear on the An1x. I probably get the Reface CS. I read that it's based on the An1x synth engine. I read many comments that said you can't really make these synths sound bad.
I'm not sure what I prefer - but I find the REV2 frustrating because the oscillator bleed that I get is really really bad and DSI claims it is 100% normal behavior. Whether it's normal or not - it seems pretty unacceptable. I give a little more leeway to the AN1x because it is older, so poor resolution on an VA like this is acceptable.
I've heard the same about the Reface CS - but I think it has fewer parameters, etc.
I don't know about not being able to make these synths sound bad - I think I've come up with lots of bad sounds, I just don't post those if I can help it!
4:52 this pad sounds so cinematic 😮❤
Thanks!
omg. so BOCy.... i'm in love!!
GoDspeedYou! Thanks!
Solid synth. Always kind of wanted one but ended settling for the Reface CS instead (same engine) but later sold that one.
Anyways, nice sounds as usual.
How sure are you about the reface CS? I saw one reference to that - but how do people know that?
It’s really good - I actually quite like the interface. It sure could be better... but I don’t mind it at all.
It’s got FM, sync, two “scenes” that you can morph between, really good FX (someone didn’t believe me that the reverb was internal), Filter feedback, edge (to change the shape of the oscillators). I dunno - it sounds great.
MIDERA
I had one sold it, missed it and bought it again. Nice playing by the way. I always liked the sound of the anx1.
I keep coming up with sounds I love with mine - it's really good.
Positively gorgeous tones.
Damn.
Thanks! I actually sold the An1x and bought it back :/ Whoops.
Yeah, idk if I’ve heard nicer tones out of a VA. That’d certainly be a keeper in my book. 🙂
Agreed. Although when i bought it the second time, it hasn't had the same magical appeal.
@@MIDERA Hi. May I ask you what magic do you miss? Or what other synth/VST would you rather consider instead that has that initial magical appeal today? I am asking because I am considering to buy it again. I sold the first one due to lack of space. And at that time lack of polyphony bothered me ( only 5 notes when using Unisono).
@@starby7043 There in NO vst that can compere old and some modern hardware VA's, sadly :( They all just sound like vst... lifeless and thin. One exclude is some analod models like U-He Diva, but they very feature limited, lacks of extended mod matrix, etc...
Fab! Must spend more time programming up the old '1x' - the absolute best VA that has been produced to date IMHO helped by the excellent FX engine onboard. Wish Yam would revisit this area as they have with the FM side 🤔... 😎🎹👍🎶🍻
I have a chance to repurchase my old AN1x... I'm considering it but... just don't know if I can justify it! Thanks :)
@@MIDERA I guess, like me .... toooo many synths!! Be safe Midera! 🖐😷🎹👍🍻🎆🤢
Is the Yamaha An1x stereo out?
@@bobcatt2294 Indeedy Bobcatt22 !! 🎹🎶🖐😎👍🍻
...and yes. I rebought my AN1x, lol.
That 2nd patch is fantastic, but these are fantastic in general, would love to acquire these patches from you in some way!
Thanks. These patches are all available for purchase.
Thoroughly enjoyed, like you, i'm into sound designing on the AN1x.
Cool! Thanks. I ended up selling the AN1x, not because I disliked it. I loved it, but I have too much gear so it was time to part ways.
sounds great!
Thanks!
4:45 is astonishing! Patch settings?!
I can try to look back and get you started - I’m not by my synth right now.
Thanks!!
Absolutely fabulous, i have two AN1x but never got a sound like this out of it :-o
wow 6:24 is also kind of Bladerunner heaven ! Great patch ! When are you releasing these patches for sale? Willing to pay for these !
Thanks! Yeah, I can’t believe how good this synth is. I haven’t thought about selling any of my patches, but I suppose I could... I’ll let you know. :)
OMG everytime I listen to this in the still of the night, home alone... someone should design a new case that’d fit the original circuit plates and better keys so this dream sound engine cloud met a proper housing and keys and be the king it should.
That would be something! It really is the best VA, but it’s controls are just really lacking. Poor resolution, bad case, keys are ok, but it’s just not that great. Sounds amazing though.
1:03+ = Very BOC-esque
I should hope so! It is from 'Everything you do is a balloon'!
That Boards Of Canada style synth at 1:03 😍 So many great patches. Would be 🔥 if you could share them. I'm certain people would be more than happy to pay for them (myself included).
I was planning to release a set of patches... but I’ve gotten side tracked and haven’t really sat down to make anything. I will try soon!
@@MIDERA keeping my fingers crossed!
Well, I’m actually planning on just selling the synth. I don’t play it at all :(
@@MIDERA try to hold on to it. I think in time you'll come back and rediscover how good it is. Was speaking to a friend yesterday.about how I regret parting with an EMU Proteus 2500.
@@jezgomez I released a sound pack with these sounds, here: www.midera-artist.com/synthesizer-patches/
Lovely.
Thanks!!
Que lindo que suena este sinte, tiene los sonidos de Yamaha CS 80
Thanks :)
9:15 Imma try coping that with my Waldorf Q
I’ve always wanted a Q. Almost traded my poly evolver for a Q… maybe I should if the person is still up for it.
@@MIDERA The Q is really nice, I tried to replace with a Blofeld but they don’t sound t same though they have the same architecture and are from the same family. You could consider the Blofeld an approximation I guess.
The PolyEvolver is a rare unit. I haven’t tried it but I don’t know of any other synth that could be a replacement for it... You might feel sorry if you lose it...
Fantastic, I would like to have the sysex of those patches...
Thanks - I’ll post them here if I do. :)
this sounds great. sounds like it will sit nicely with what you do. I have the an200 which I guess is similar to this?
Thanks - yeah. The AN200 is similar I think. It just doesn’t have as many parameters?
AN200 is basically a case with knobs, step sequencer, AWM (sample playback), and effects with PLG150-AN card fitted in. The PLG150-AN card is like half of AN1x (1 scene IIRC, 5 notes max polyphony, no variation/delay/reverb FX, although Distortion ones are there), BUT it has some additional synthesis capabilities, such as Osc crossMod and MultiSaw Osc waveform (Yamaha’s implementation of supersaw).
Amazing sounds. Now I wish I had mine back. Did you use the software editor? I was thinking about getting the AN200, but you still need the software editor to use the free draw EG.
I wish I had mine back too... sigh.
Almost bought one the other day, but I have too much gear and it seemed a bit silly.
I don't think I ever used that free draw EG though, so that doesn't matter to me, but I'd still rather have the AN1x than AN200.
I did not use the software editor - all front panel editing!
Thanks :)
@@MIDERA the reason I'm interested in the AN200 is space. It also has multi-saw, which is cheesy but I like it. The Reface CS has multi-saw too. Your BOC patch was dead on.
@@thesrabbit Space - the... final frontier.
Yeah, that BOC patch was - but I think I also got it pretty perfect on the Korg Polysix too... I can link it for you, right where I used it: ua-cam.com/video/js0LpBqqFfU/v-deo.html
I think it's actually pretty easy to dial in with a lot of synths.
I looked up the Reface CS and decided it wasn't AN1x enough before.
How would you compare to the Nord 2 or 2x? Not sure I need this AN1X, the nords are my favorites!
I plan to buy one at 300e reamly soon, how much presets can i save presets on this? And how can i upload sysex or other preset format? I m rookie on hardaware synths
That’s a really good price for one. I think you can store 128 sounds. Should be able to do a bulk dump from your computer to the AN1x. The manual should explain how to do this.
@@MIDERA thks! Can t wait to receive it!
that pad at 11:06
Yeah - I don't know why the sound/video is off around there - but it was a pretty sweet pad!
did u happen to ever getting around to making those patch settings? Would pay for them!
Hey Simon - so... I am working on a bank of 128 patches to release at some point soon. I'm only on patch 35 right now, so I guess it'll take a while. I didn't realize how difficult this actually is!
@@MIDERA Where will you release them when you get around to it? Also, this is my favorite synth of all time, thank you so much for pointing me in the right direction. Will make sure to link the album when it drops!
@@simonjames9060 I don't think it'll be an album per se, but just the patches. I'll probably create a video of it, like this one. I'm also creating a website so that I can share all of my stuff in a more compact way. Hopefully it turns out ok!
@@MIDERA sick! Referring to the album I’m making lol
@@MIDERA Please don’t sell it again before you make those patches!
How is that sound around 9 40 made? Is that a DWGS waveform? I can make out the noise and the octave below may be a triangle?
DWGS are korg waves - and this is a Yamaha unit. I am not exactly sure what I did here. But I can check when I pull the AN1x out again since I should theoretically still have these sounds!
Movie Soundtrack...
It actually is, yes!
Do you still have this? There is one cheap near me and I’m very interested. But I have just culled the heard of polys…. So adding another would need to be for something special. Is it? 🫠
I’ve been thinking of selling mine. I don’t use it often. It’s a pretty special synth, but with a virus, it’s hard to justify.
How can I buy these patches>?
Hey, stay tuned. I'm working on finishing the whole set of patches.
Can I have the .AN1x file of your patches?
Maybe...
@@MIDERA Let me know if there is a patch collection I have on my channel that you need.
What audio recording device are you using? Thanks a lot! Nice video nice synth!
Soundcraft MTK22 - but i think it’s junk so don’t waste your time with it.
And thanks!
Just got my AN1x, some tips how to get that wobbly detuned sound like your second patch?!
GoDspeedYou! That’s a good question.... are you talking about the sound from “Everything you do is a balloon”? Or the one after that? I no longer own the AN1x, it was fantastic, but I have too many synths. I’d have to think about what I did for each patch, but if you can direct me to the exact time frame I can think about it.
MIDERA that patch strarts from 1:00 That would be great. Thank you :)
@@MIDERA yeah, it sounds like Everything you do is baloon)
now you got the an1x again, can you help with that patch?)
This is true... I’ll have to review that sound and get back to you.
How complicated is to edit parameters and creature new sounds? I used to own only primitive and intuitive UI synths such as the vintage SKs and it was always fun. Menu diving kills my will to create/improvise, as I love to tweak while playing. Nevertheless I am seriously thinking about buying an AN1x these days as it seems it is the best idea for having a synth for ambient/drone/whatever. Was thinking a while to get a Roland Alpha Juno or a D-50 but AN1x is sooo BoC and who am I to not adore them :)))
So - I now own the AN1x again. Third time. The first time I bought it partly TO sell it to a friend. I felt somewhat obliged to follow through. Then I bought it back after he sold it to someone else! When I got it back, I decided instantly “this isn’t for me.” And then recently I thought that maybe it is great, bought it again, and I’m really enjoying it. That’s the funny thing about perspective, it changes over time. Also - I have a ton of gear and the AN1x pretty much shines above most of it. Synths that stand above it are the prophet 10, Access Virus TI, and Yamaha SY77. Those outclass it. I don’t think many other polys really sit as high to me, although the Matriarch, Polysix, and SH-101 command a different sort of presence.
Anyway - onto your question, and I too have an SK-30: the UI is weird. It is not something that seems intuitive and I do find myself scratching my head a bit with things like the pitch EG, but I’ve been working on a full patch bank (128 patches) and I have to say, I PREFER the AN1x UI to that of the System 8, which has almost everything up front. There’s something really nice and easy about having a matrix editing system. I know to get into VCO1 by pressing the button and editing. It’s really well laid out and doesn’t at all confuse as much as you’d expect. I DO find the FM and sync side to be a bit odd and I can’t say I fully understand it yet. I can use it, which is saying something I guess.
One thing that helps is setting up an assignable knob on the left to change values for the matrix on the right. I’m not exactly sure how to set this up, a friend did it for me. It does help with editing though.
Upsides: the sound the sound the sound. FX are very musical, the stereo panning is great, although I find it can add some weird clicking sounds. If it does - I switch to the auto panning FX. The chorus is VERY Roland esq. However, don’t expect it to crush a JX-3P or other analog. There is some beefiness to real analog that I can’t say the AN1x totally captures. Still - I find the sound of the AN1x top notch.
Downsides? Well, the knob resolution is horrid. You WILL hear stepping as you modulate the filter cutoff, there’s no good way around it and anyone telling you otherwise is selling something. It’s junk and it sucks. In some cases - it actually sounds musical though, very BOC in a sense. So you can use that to your advantage. The casing is shit. The synth was shipped to me and got massively damaged. I spent some time JB welding it back together, and it looks ok. Certainly not ideal. That case will crack. It’s sort of just a matter of time. You’ll do one stupid thing and crack that case. Inevitable I think. That said - I have managed to damage all my synths one way or another. Metal bends and scratches and can look bad. Plastic cracks. Choose your poison I guess? Only wood truly looks decent when damaged.
You can’t sync LFOs to tempo, so that’s out. The free envelope generator is cool. But... it too steps due to knob resolution. Again, this can be musical.
So - if menu diving isn’t your thing, know that only the right hand side has menus - getting through FX and other parameters does take some time. The raw engine has ZERO menus, as I don’t consider pushing a button to reach parameters as menu diving. The left side is not menu divey. And I’ll tell you what, I’d take some menu diving on the right hand side over not having it. The System 8 has very little menu diving, but I just don’t think it sounds as good.
The Yamaha SK30 is wonderful and no menu diving, but it’s far more basic.
In that sense - it’s hard for me to give you a full answer. I HAD a Roland D50, classy synth, awful UI. Horrendous. It’s the worst. I have not played a synth with a worse UI, and I actually LOVE odd synths with odd UI. Not the D50. I hated that.
The AJ would probably be ok, but it’s worse in that it uses keyhole programming. One knob to make edits for everything. That kills creativity far more IMO.
So - one knob per function synths are great, but they’re not everything. You’re required to reach all over the synth to do things. This has sometimes been hard for me. Hands have to go everywhere and that’s great, but it sometimes takes me a while on my P10 and System 8.
Mod matrix synths are cool - but their disadvantages are that you can’t tweak all parameters during live play, but... so? This includes the AN1x, Accelerator, Ambika, etc...
Keyhole programming? Ugh, not really my favorite, but works ok on the JX3P. Some few parameter synths it works. Some others would be rough.
AN1x will be great for drones, although I don’t know if there’s a “hold” function, to keep the notes going. The Polaris, Virus TI, matriarch, P10, and some others do this. For droning, that is best, I think. I’ll have to check on the AN1x for this.
I hope this long narrative helps you. It makes me realize... maybe I should start writing a blog about my thoughts on various synths........
@@MIDERA I would LOVE to read your thoughts on various synths! I’ve bought synths cause of your videos, most recently this and an rs7000! This was such a great read. And interesting that you bought and sold this a few times. I’m loving it and also agree with some of the flaws you described for sure. The sound is really nice!
Hello Doron, I did in fact start my own website to provide detailed reviews of my gear! Only have a few right now, but check them out!
Midera-artist.com
@@MIDERA hell yeah!! Going to now!
Really nice, I'm thinking of getting an an1x, good condition, but bought online, so cant test the keybed. How is the mechanical noise of the keys, are they a bit "clackety" in general? Are all of these patches contained in the Exodus set?
Hi - I don’t think the keys are very noisy, no. They are very light though… which actually isn’t a bad thing. Yea, all of those sounds are included in the exodus set. Good luck with your new synth!
Thanks for your reply :) Last question: Do the keys themselves feel solid enough and not like thin plastic? ( I dont mind a light feel in its weighting) Say compared to an Arturia Keylab Mkii controller.
I don’t know compared to Arturia, but they feel extremely plasticky to me, but they are keys. So I don’t know… they’ve certainly grown on me over the years though.
One is on its way, looking fwd to it! 😄
Good luck!
Great! Does it work also for the cs6x?
Thanks.
Does what work with the cs6x?
Any idea on how to set the LFO destination on the AN1x? I can't figure it out
I think they’re mostly fixed to one of the two LFOs...
Ah thanks, yes makes sense now
@@ivanrobirosa I too was bummed when I first found that out - but I'll be honest, best sounding VA I've heard!
Amazing!!! Do you sell your patches to import o if not, can you share it to download? Thank you.
I do not have any patches to share at the moment. I sold the unit and no longer have it :(
@@MIDERA So it was a fast love..Hopefully you found something you feel better with. Regards!
@@kalintonev I released a sound pack with these sounds, here: www.midera-artist.com/synthesizer-patches/
@@MIDERA Thanks for the heads-up. Definitely will consider at a later moment. Congrats on your great work, you've managed to broaden the limits of this wonderful instrument and at the same time to preserve it' core character.
@@kalintonev thanks :) take care
wow your patches sound amazing. how easy do you think the AN1X is to patch for someone new to hardware synths?
Not the easiest to learn on, no. I would say it’s best to have a pretty good understanding. I think the AN1X is very easy to program, maybe one of the easiest, but to learn, it’s not very user friendly. I think something more straightforward would be better, but would have to know your budget to really give you any ideas.
If you want an AN1x, get it. It’s one of the best sounding synths out there.
@@MIDERA Thanks for the response. I figured most of the 90s synths were harder to patch. I want something that can do trance sounds like supersaws but also nice warm analog pads. My budget is $1500 USD
$1500 budget is pretty good. I would probably recommend something other than the AN1x. I personally think the Virus TI would be better bang for your buck, depending on which version you got. They can or could be had for $1500 or less. But if you’re wanting something modern, you couldn’t go wrong with a hydra synth.
Another synth that has impressed me was the System 8, although I think I’d probably get an AN1x over the S8. With the extra money, you could buy FX pedals which are half the sound basically.
Also - the AN1X does NOT have supersaw waves. The system 8 does and so does the JP-8000.
@@MIDERA AFAIK the an1x has súper saw in Osc 1...
Nice one. Do you plan uploading them to google drive?
Thanks.
I haven’t thought that far ahead yet.
I released a sound pack with these sounds, here: www.midera-artist.com/synthesizer-patches/
Everything you do is a balloon?
Yes, of course :)
Hey man I'd love to send you some cash if you'd share some of these patches with me!
Hmm... I'm not sure I'm keen on making money on these. I think I have about 10-15 scattered patches. Most of them say 'INIT' but I can't remember. I no longer have the unit, but I've got this file that is my sysex dump before I sold it.
How much is this stuff worth to people, do you think?
@@MIDERA at most $25 for a patch bank id say
@@maxgomez9459 But I only modified 10-15 patches, maaaaaybe 20. And they're not well labeled.
If you're on facebook - could you message me via my MIDERA account? I will send you the sysex and you can give me your honest opinion on what it's worth. I wouldn't expect you to pay me anything.
BOC@09:18
Yes :)
Actually - I thought you were talking about everything you do is a balloon earlier - I wrote the part for 9:18.
@@MIDERA lol
Not my cup of tea. I've heard several people talk about how great the an1x sounds but personally it just sounds dated and alias-ey to me, although the original Nord Lead is dated also but for some reason sounds better to my ears.
Thanks for the response - I disagree, but it’s just personal opinions. I find it to be very organic and “analog”. I’d be curious in which way you feel it is dated? I hear aliasing, that’s true, but it’s hardly any worse than any newer VA that I’ve heard. But aliasing in itself doesn’t bother me either.
Thanks!