Vintage Synth Explorer

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.

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Posting Rules: Please keep your comments relevant! Do not post requests for help, do not use for sales, do not post unless you have something interesting to say about this instrument, or we may delete your post.

 

Beeny

Posted 62 days ago

This one is a real sleeper, from the looks of it this could almost be mistaken for some cheap preset keyboard made by Casio, but I am really impressed with its sound, its classic, clean, crisp and remarkably thick sounding, I better get my hands on one soon before too many realise what a great synth this is and starts raising the price..

Sam

Posted 73 days ago

Having dispensed of my (rather disappointing and brittle) Alesis Ion, I happened to stumble upon a second hand AN-1x. I'd heard good things about these boards and since it was in good nick and $300, I decided to go for it. And I'm glad I did - this is one sweet little [beep] er... I cannot believe how good it sounds; punchy, full and very 'alive'. Some people have pointed out that it sort of resembles the SCI Prophet-5 and I agree with this - it's very warm and musical. The filters are probably an important part of the equation - they are very sweet and creamy. The interface is quite unorthodox but also quite clever once you get the hang of it (although the control matrix is a bit tedious). The cheap-looking plastic casing and knobs rob this board of any sex appeal but, since the keybed is so nice, this is forgivable. Yamaha obviously spent it's money where it mattered when designing this synth.

joe

Posted 92 days ago

ok people that cant program a synth will call the an1x simple and clear
without a doubt its one of the best synths made today in fact i would rate it as my best synth and i have ever had ? and i have synths costing me up to 3grand each ? but the an1x out blast them all
the an1x can make every sound you need and powerful 808 and 909 drums as its really does have the ability to hold full power in every field
of programming analog stuff and digital content this synth will be very sort after in the near future so buy one now i own 5 and i write trance hard house on this beast ? all i can say to people that don't believe in this synth learn how to program analog then work with digital to anolog
with the an1x ````.... my an1x is better then all my old analog equipment
so i sold all my old analog and work with the yam

somedude

Posted 125 days ago

... (cont) And the sound is what it's all about after all. It is NOT ugly and it won't break in your hands, it feels solid and doesn't creak or echo like some 'better built' units from yesteryear so do not let all this superficiality put you off. The AN1x is a monster and frankly I'm glad the case looks this way because it's part of the reason Yamaha sold them so cheap to start with and why they can be picked up cheap today while running rings around the other early VAs (Korg and Roland etc) sound, polyphony, keyboard (full length size) and feature wise.

somedude

Posted 125 days ago

OK far too much is made of the looks and case cheapness of the an1x. Sure it's NOT upto the standards of a pro gigging unit and will suffer if mis-treated. However It really does not look that bad in reality, even next to shiny hardwearing synths... the bontempi comment is a bridge too far as no, it really looks nothing like a bontempi or even any pss/psr style home keyboard. it LOOKS like a nice bit of kit, a serious tool and is laid out well and feels nice to work with. It's by no means the most robust and it's SOUND engine deserved much much better build quality and looks but the only reason people note the looks as a negative is because it sounds so special!

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