The NanoSynth is probably the 'fattest' little Nano-anything in the world! Unlike Alesis's other Nano-modules which offer 256 preset sounds, the NanoSynth doubles that to 512 and adds another 128 of user-programmable patches - a first for the Nano-modules. It also added stereo audio inputs and a built-in serial RS232 jack for direct Mac or PC connections, and full 16-part multitimbral operation.

As it's name suggest's, the NanoSynth is a compact MIDI module designed to give you ready-made 'Synth' sounds that should cover just about every musical style! From the front panel you can call up only the 128 User programs and the 128 General MIDI presets. The other 384 unique NanoSynth presets can only be called up via MIDI or serial link. External MIDI Editor/Librarian software must be used to edit the Presets and create User patches.

The sounds in the NanoSynth are pretty darn good too. They are based on the same synthesis engine as the QS synths. There are even built-in effects, also based on those found in the QS synths. With 64 voices and 16-part multi-timbrality, this tiny box (for less than $200) can do it all - drums, synths, guitars, pianos, organs, strings, pads, leads, etc. It makes a nice 'grab-bag' of sounds but wasn't designed to satisfy those looking to create their own wildly unique or complex synth sounds and textures.

5 VISITOR COMMENTS

Swen

May 10, 2010 @ 5:57 am

This Box is perfect for everybody looking for a synth to add to a rockbands backing tracks. Especially Pads, Strings, Woodwinds and Textures can stand todays needs. Organsounds are also good, and there is one piano that can even be used as a solo-instrument for live purposes. Editing is NO fun at all, even with the provided software, but possible.
The "Synth" sounds are bread and butter, but not unique enough, sounds like any "Rompler" I tried for that. PCM-Resynthesis is not adequate for such sounds.

nick

March 19, 2009 @ 10:45 am

I liked the concept, but really didn't like the sounds. I found the synth sounds to be too jarring to suit my taste. I played and played with this module but just didn't want to go out and buy one. But still it was useable and looking at it brings back memories of sequencing stuff for it.

Randy

March 12, 2009 @ 9:29 pm

The Alesis NanoSynth is a very nice sounding very portable little box! The pianos are very good, the organs are great and it's a 1/3 rack space module! The front panel is logically laid out and makes it easy enough to get to some core voices in each category. To get to all of the sounds you need to access them via the MSB/LSB from a controller. I use an E-Mu X-Board 61 to send bank and patch changes. I run this through an Alesis PicoVerb at 1/4 rack space. The combination is good enough to gig with although I'd probably use my Lexicon reverb if I was going to record with the Nano. All in all a very nice little synth. This could be velcroed to the top of a 61 key controller and you have 500+ really good sounding voices that you can carry under 1 arm!

tt

October 9, 2008 @ 3:09 pm

I've just bought one - it really sounds good (especially pianos, organs, percussions). RCA needs less space than jack so it's justified in this tiny box. Anywas I would be glad to have an additional knob to switch between all 5 banks (only 2 are accesible from the panel - to get to te rest You need to connect to a computer). Manual is a bit uncler for people without experiences with MIDI (like me). But paying around $150 for the module in size of 2 power adapters having over 500 patches I feel I made great busines.

R.L

October 3, 2008 @ 3:58 pm

I picked one of these up a few months back, needless to say 512 voices in a third rack module with a 64 voice polyphony? Thats just insane lol I love this little guy and I use him daily, my only qualm though is it uses RCA Jacks instead of 1/4 outs

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