The Sigma is an interesting bi-timbric synthesizer consisting of two sections: a genuine analog "Synthe" and a Preset "Instrument" section. All together, there are 19 presets on it that give a variety of sounds. There are 11 presets for the "Instrument" section which include fuzz guitar, electric bass, clavi, string, flute, double reed, trumpet, hammered percussion, etc. And there are 8 presets for the "Synthe" section that give variable waveforms (square, pulse, sawtooth) in different pitch ranges (from 32' to 4'). Each preset has its own rotary control to vary its sounds. The Sigma is also unique for its ability to combine the synth and instrument sections for a nicer, layered synth sound or effect. While the synth section is nice, the instrumental sounds (tuba, trumpet, strings, guitar, etc.) are pretty darn bad, and only get interesting when mixed with the "Synthe" section sounds.

Cool joysticks add multi-dimensional control. Use one to control pitch, noise and vibrato and use the second joystick to edit the low-pass and hi-pass voltage controlled filters! There is also an "Effect" section which is for Vibrato, Portamento, Sample and Hold, Noise, Key Hold, Multiple Trigger and Ring Modulator (each with it's own rotary control to vary it's sound). Even though it has a switch labelled "Ring Mod," it's actually a cross-mod. It lets you cross modulate between the instrument and Synth sections.

Ultimately, however, a basic design, limited edit-ability and a pure lack of memory and MIDI leave the Sigma far behind on the evolutionary scale (although it does let you play a quarter-tone scale). The Sigma has a metal music stand that slides out the back to hold your sheet music suggesting it may have been aimed at hobbyists, though it has been used by Jean Michel Jarre, Rick Wakeman and Keith Emerson. One user describes the Sigma as, "An absolutely terrible keyboard, that is utterly fantastic!"

marczellm

April 13, 2011 @ 4:42 pm

I find it funny that the article makes note of the Sigma's sheet music stand to conclude that it may have been aimed at hobbyists. I think hobbyists mostly can't read sheet music. On the other hand I know real pro musicians who play from sheet music. "After Crying", Hungarian prog band, is one example. I think ELP also played from sheet when with the orchestra, and Keith Emerson also had a separate screen with the scores in London 2010.

JK

March 29, 2011 @ 6:44 am

Tried one of these, fun if you can get it for less then $100 and dont mind carrying its too-heavy self home but not flexible enough for any mediocre0ly involved synthesis and I personally would not invest any money into it.some presets sound ok but you cant tweak it to get whatever variety of sweetness you do love. the programability has the appeal that one gets when playing some weird old organ in their grandparents living room...but it gotboring after 3 hours of fooling around.

jimmy

March 12, 2011 @ 4:48 am

I borrowed one from a friend and I must say that this synth can sound pretty fat. Nice to fool around with !

Philip

December 15, 2010 @ 1:13 pm

Only 1000 been made btw

Jeremy

December 7, 2010 @ 6:59 am

Thanks Pepe. And how do you get the sides off? Happily the left side is already off (it was like that when I got it, guv) and I'm sure you're right.

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