Yamaha AN1x
The AN1x is a powerful retro-analog synth with a really cool new feature that lets you record real-time editing and filtering and be able to store it as part of the sound! A major contender in the new wave of analog-digital synths using DSP modeling of analog waveforms to recreate the coveted sounds of analog synths with modern digital specifications. It offers truly traditional yet modern methods of analog synthesizing, 10 notes of polyphony, 8 knobs for tweaking, and an arpeggiator with dozens of inspiring patterns!
Although the AN1x is not a follow-up to the CS1x (which has since been followed by the CS2x and the CS6x) it has borrowed many functions and technologies from the CS1x synth. First, it's built in an almost identical case with the same layout of buttons and knobs as the CS1x. However the function of every knob and button has been greatly expanded. The AN1x also has 2 Scene memories for instant recall of any envelope and filter settings and the mod-wheel can be used to morph between the two scenes. On-board effects and a state-of-the-art arpeggiator section also are on-board for giving your sounds life and motion.
The AN1x adds a new Ribbon controller for increased real-time control. It also includes pulse width modulation, ring modulation and oscillator syncing. The AN1x may not be the next evolution of the CS1x but it is basically a more advanced synth capable of increased sound potential and quality. It has a better feeling keyboard than the CS1x as well assuming that the AN1x is for those looking for something more professional than the CS1x. The AN1x is already being used by several artists, film and TV composers world-wide, including Nitin Sawnhey, the Faint, Igor Khoroshev, Yes, Little Tragedies and Phish.
- Demos & Media
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Audio Clip 1 - Stock presets - first one is a Prophet 5 emulation, second one is a panning pad, third one is a flying saucer, and fourth one is a mellow pad (courtesy of OOBE Out Of Body Experience).
Audio Clip 2 - More demo patches from the Future Music CD, issue 59.
Manual - Download the original owner's manual here.
- Specifications
- Polyphony - 10 notes
- Oscillators - 2 osc: saw, variable width pulse, FM
- Effects - Reverb, delay, 3-band EQ, chorus, flanger, phaser, enhancer, compressor, distortion, overdrive, amp simulator.
- Filter - Resonant 12/18/24dB/oct low/band/hi pass filter + 1 more hi pass
- Arpeg/Seq - Arpeg: 1 mon/poly, up, down, up/down, random; MIDI-capable. Seq: 16 steps, 1 track
- Keyboard - 61 keys (with velocity)
- Memory - 128 patches
- Control - MIDI (2 parts)
- Date Produced - 1997
- Websites of Interest
- Resources & Credits
Images from Harmony Central.
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The sound on this thing is phenomenal. I use it as on tour in place of my Jupiter 8, since it's less rare and might easier to lug around than the JP8. I've managed to get authentic Moog, Jupiter 8, DX7, and Prophet 5 sounds out of this board. If Yamaha decides to make an AN2X, the top enhancement would be to double the polyphony from 10 to 20. If they do, I'll be there in line to purchase one.
All in all, a phenomenal board. There's only one virtual analog I'd consider in its place, and that's the Access Virus. Interestingly, the AN1X and the Virus sound very similar.