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.
This is some fantastic and heavily underestimated gear. At first glance it turns off, especially if you have known the CS1X: they share the same casing, but completely different organs plus a brand spanking new heart. Still build-quality is very good.
This synth's capabilities range from angry dnb basses to smooth JP-style pads. You have to take your time editing, but it's well worth it. There's an official editor available, it's dated but works well (tried on XP). Compared to other recent virtual analogs like the Blofeld Yamaha's AN synthesis has its very own sound, which is more direct. The AN1X comes with some bad-ass LP/HP filters (remember, they are digital) too.
The only downside is the 128 memory slots which is hardly enough. Especially when you're into sound programming yourself.
Very, very worth getting.
It's a great performance tool and the keyboard feels just right if unweighted action is your thing. It is at home mimicking vintage gear and providing leads on stage and its capable of extremely convoluted patches but its monotimbrality greatly reduces its usability in working with contemporary electronic music.
In short, if you need a Minimoog on stage but can't afford one, get one of these. If you want a Virus in your studio but can't afford one, buy a MicroQ and a cheap midi keyboard instead.
i have been an analog junkie since the 70s and to my ears, the an1x is just a killer synth. sorry for the blasphemy but it sounds as good as my collection of analog beasts. if you have even a small understanding of analog syntheses and how to create sound on a synth, you can create amazing sounds on this instrument.
it is capable, as they say, of delivering faithful, fat, warm and punchy analog type sounds.
when i purchased this instrument, there were only 2 other brands of analog available. roland and clavia. the roland was too smooth and the nord was too harsh. i got the yamaha and never looked back.
needless to say, it won't be leaving my collection of amazing synths...