The QuadraSynth was introduced in 1993 by Alesis, and it was their first major synthesizer. It's a 64-voice, 76-key digital synthesizer that also came in a rack-mountable version: the S4 Sound Module. It had a whopping 16 MB of sample ROM, and was the first synth to offer the ADAT Optical Digital interface. It also featured the same multi-effects processor as the QuadraVerb 2, drum kits based on the D4 drum module, 4 assignable control knobs, one PCMCIA card slot, 48kHz clock input, and 4 audio outputs.

The QuadraSynth is undoubtedly a powerful and flexible synthesizer capable of creating rich sounds - both acoustic and electronic. It uses digital additive/subtractive sample playback synthesis to create high quality stereo grand pianos, organs, strings, drums/percussion, brass, woodwinds, new and classic synth textures, and more.

Released in 1995/1996 came the new and improved QuadraSynth Plus synthesizer. The QuadraSynth Plus has more ROM (24MB expandable to 32), many more program patches (640) and mixes (500). The General MIDI library has been added, as well as an 8MB stereo Grand Piano sample (also found in the stream-lined QS7, QS8, QS6.1, QS7.1, QS8.1 and QSR models), and a PCMCIA expansion slot. For an all around versatile modern synthesizer that isn't focused just on dance or trance, be sure to consider the QuadraSynths.

K2K Koos

March 3, 2010 @ 6:06 am

I've had the original Quadrasynth since it was launched, although for a few years now it has been boxed up due to space constraints. Makes a nice master keyboard, has excellent sounds, and is distinctive, but not a great programming board due to tedious interface. Also the filter has no resonance, but there are resonant samples in there. Great as a scratchpad,but also much more, some sounds can really stand their ground even today.

ben

August 14, 2009 @ 9:12 am

seriously let down by the non-resonant low-pass filter BUT the built-in quadraverb efx almost made up for it.

bill

August 9, 2009 @ 4:27 am

i hate this thing. jumpy knobs. bad display and well just horrible horrible interface.
it is however the toughest best designed big 76 key monster of a keyboard complete with a handy handle to carry it with you can get for under two hundred bucks.
not for twiddlers or slider geeks.
sounds very dark at times and if you sit down and take deep deep breaths this sounds every bit as good as a wave station.
really it does.

Oneki Kai

February 6, 2009 @ 12:23 am

The QS x.1 and x.2 (6, 7, 8) keyboards are sleeper hits. I wouldn't bother with non .1 and .2 boards or the rackmounts unless you can get one for less than $150. The filter is a simple non-resonant low pass, but there are resonant samples in memory.

Sound wise this thing is staggering! While the Roland JV-1080 (same time period) has a much more powerful synthesis and effects engine, the QS has a very well polished and rounded-out set of sounds to provide a basic palette with which to build on. The QS 8.1 makes a killer MIDI controller too.

I don't understand why VSE rates it at three stars...the quality of the sounds and the expansion cards more than makes up for the lack of synthesis options.

http://synthmania.com/qs8.htm

Oneki Kai

February 6, 2009 @ 12:21 am

The QS x.1 and x.2 (6, 7, 8) keyboards are sleeper hits. I wouldn't bother with non .1 and .2 boards or the rackmounts unless you can get one for less than $150. The filter is a simple non-resonant low pass, but there are resonant samples in memory.

Sound wise this thing is staggering! While the Roland JV-1080 (same time period) has a much more powerful synthesis and effects engine, the QS has a very well polished and rounded-out set of outs to provide a basic palette with which to build on. The QS 8.1 makes a killer MIDI controller too.

I don't understand why VSE rates it at three stars...the quality of the sounds and the expansion cards more than makes up for the lack of synthesis options.

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