Ensoniq Asr 10 Review

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(More customer reviews)Ah... the ASR-10. This was a pivotal sampling synthesizer back in the 90's when it was made. The technology behind this sampler still has musicians, engineers and songwriters still looking for some version of the ASR series (they made an ASR-10, ASR-10m rackmount, ASR-88 and ASR-X). It was a fully blown workstation sampler that gave you the ability to actually record a full song (vocals, effects and all) right out of the box. This machine had it all.
First and foremost it is a sampler. A 16 bit 40kHz sampler to be exact. While sample rates are at 24 bit and 192kHz these days back then 40kHz was the best to be had in samplers, and it's still full CD quality. On top of that you get a whole host of sample editing parameters like looping, crossfading, volume smoothing, time comp, and more. While that's nice and everything the editing really doesn't stop there. Keep in mind this is a sampling SYNTHESIZER. That means you have also all the benefits of having that sample be a wave form that you can edit with a host of parameters including LFO, two digital filters, three envelope generators, and 15 other modulation sources. Want a layered sound? No problem. The ASR-10 can layer up to eight samples together into a single patch.
Each of those patches you create with the samples can have some added juice with an integrated 24 bit effects processor. How many effects? Try 62 effects you can edit fully. These aren't just cheap reverbs and delays. These are the same effects found in the world class DP/4 and DP/2 effects processors. People are still raving about how lush the signal processing is. Choruses, flanges, multi-tap delays, speaker effects, distortion, reverb, phasers... you have it all in one unit.
I did say this is a workstation so you get a 16 track sequencer and 31 voice multi-timbral capabilities on the ASR-10. The sequencer is really easy to use and you can even sample while playing the sequencer. I used to work at a music store back when this baby was out and it was a HUGE seller in the hip hop music genre. While the Akai MPC series was a superior sequencer many artists prefer the sampling and synthesis of Ensoniq for their mixes. Some hip hop artists that used the ASR-10 in their recordings were Kanye West, Alchemist and Pharell Williams.
Remember when I said you can pretty much make your entire song with this one machine? Well you can, but it's tricky with the stock model (having only 2 MB of memory). Some of the "tricks" include things like sampling your vocals in pieces that can be keyed to cut down on sample time. You can also use the tape mode which makes the ASR-10 pretty much a two track digital recorder and record straight to memory or an external SCSI hard drive.
The stock ASR-10 didn't come with a lot of memory, but it can be upgraded to 16MB (I forget the specific kind, but it's was an industry standard a long time ago... check eBay for ASR memory). The stock unit also didn't come with the SCSI interface used for plugging in an external hard drive or Zip drive (100 and 250 MB capacity). I strongly recommend looking for that option as it greatly increases the ASR's capabilities. Other options include an eight output breakout box and digital out.
There is quite a sizable library out for the ASR-10. Many of the samples from that library have ended up in the Proteus X and Emulator X libraries. Again just check out eBay and you should find a ton of samples ready to go. Also you don't have to just settle for editing from the sampler's onboard LCD display. One good editing tool out there is Ensoniq MIDI/Disk Tools by Rubber Chicken Software. It makes sample editing a lot easier.
Does it all sound good? Well it's not. Remember this is a vintage sampler synthesizer. The thing has no internal storage space; which means you have to load the operating system and samples and sequences every time you turn on the machine. Just keep that in mind. If you are looking for a sweet hardware sampler with a ready made library of killer sounds then this may be a nice addition to your collection.

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CAKEWALK Dimension Pro Virtual Synthesizer Win/Mac Review

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(More customer reviews)I started with Dimension LE bundled with Cakewalk Home Studio 6 XL, but upgraded to Pro when they ran an upgrade deal. The more I use Dimension, the more I like it... it's now the primary synth in my virtual rack. Free upgrade sound packs and a software update are available on the Cakewalk web site, be sure to download. The grand piano is particularly striking, as are all the string patches in the Garritan Pocket Orchestra; very realistic sounding.
The manual is pretty weak in terms of describing how to create new sounds beyond the presets (there are whole books available on that topic), however the synth is capable of quite an array of sounds and includes a large number of built-in effects that can be chained together. The envelope generation editors allow envelopes to be applied to just about every facet of the sound module; thus using the included analog waveform samples (saw, square, etc.) you can actually make some pretty interesting analog synth-style sounds; check out some of the presets to see how this is done.
So right in the box you get a very nice sampler synth, that also can be programmed like an analog synth using raw waveform samples and the effects/oscillators, capable of stacking up to four samples at once each with separate envelopes and useful effects, that is even capable of firing MIDI sequences/loops as well, with MIDI controller/note mapping any of the settings in the patch... this is pretty much a "work horse" synth.
As a result I find I reach for Dimension as my first choice when adding a virutal synth. It's simply a great, versatile, all-round synth with a huge library of presets (counting the free downloads something like 8 _Gig_ of samples!) and an amazing amount of control to find that perfect sound. The user interface is indeed a bit daunting, so I would probably recommend getting one of the books available on Amazon if you want to dig deeper than the presets (of which counting the free addons must be around 2000 or so presets).
It may not be the perfect sampler synth, or the perfect analog-sound synth, or the perfect loop player... but it does a very decent job of all three of those with a high degree of controllability for the musician, so it's quite a nice "1-stop shop" once you get to know it.

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Dimension Pro combines real instruments with advanced synthesis. This two-DVD sound library has over 1500 sound programs, with tools that are ideal for preset addicts, while its deep editing and sound generation capabilities should appeal to sound designers. It offers n abundance of sounds that range from pristine realistic acoustic instruments, thumping basses, cutting leads, to complex, evolving atmospheres.Multi-stage effects sections and filters -insert and send effects for each part including -Bit reducer and Decimator 16 filter types; 5 tone drive modes; 3 stackable parametric EQs; 6 delay types; 3 chorus types; LFO filters; Autopan Room simulation and modulation effects Mix and layer up to 4 stereo parts per program Vector Mixer for real-time sound morphing - morph sounds by gliding between the different elements of a program Drag-and-drop MIDI into host applications for groove manipulation

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Behringer UMA25S U-Control 25-Key USB Midi Controller Keyboard Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this Midi Controller when an older controller I owned no longer worked properly. I was also looking for an audio interface and found that this keyboard had both. I had never purchased anything by Behringer before and when doing my research I found that many people consider Behringer a bit of a joke. However, it seems that in recent years that Behringer has really improved the quality of their products. Specifically, I found some great online reviews for this unit that really praised the price versus performance value for this controller.
For starters, you get ALOT for your money. The device comes with a gig bag, straps, cables, a headphone/microphone and the built-in audio interface. The headphone/microphone works just fine but the build quality is a bit cheap. However, the actual Midi Controller is incredibly solid and looks fantastic. There's plenty of control built into the unit. My only real complaint is that the velocity response of the keyboard is a bit shallow. There's not a great deal of range, even though it certainly does transmit velocity information.
What I really like is that the gig bag carries everything. When I travel, I can pack the keyboard, cables, headphone/mic and there's still enough room for my netbook too. What I found frustrating, is that I found I needed to purchase a seperate mixer to really utilize the built in audio interface to its best advantage. Thankfully, there are many inexpensive mixers available that are perfect for the budget musician.
All in all however, I feel this is a really good deal and I'm very happy with it.

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The UMA25S MIDI Controller is an extremely flexible master keyboard with a control section for a wide range of applications from on-stage performance to podcasting. Do you need independent control of computer rack synthesizers? How about control over general MIDI sound modules and effects devices? Maybe you just want to operate sequencing software or computer plug-ins from a convenient remote location? The UMA25S offers total flexibility, tremendous ease of use and allows you to realize your ideas intuitively.

What is a MIDI Controller? Simply put, a MIDI controller gives you the power to take command of any hardware device or software that understands MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). This means that MIDI-addressable effects processors (such as delays, reverbs, etc.) and audio recording and editing software can be controlled with a single piece of hardware, a MIDI controller. This can be very handy indeed when you have lots of devices spread out all over your studio or workstation space. The MIDI controller sends a control message to the device or program you're using that turns notes on and off, adjusts the volume or changes any one of many addressable parameters.
21 assignable controllers and 16 user presets When it comes to remote control, the UMA25S offers more real-time options than the competition. You get 8 knobs, 8 buttons, 2 wheels (Pitch Bend & Modulation), 2 pedal ports (Expression & Sustain) and 1 fader, for a total of 21 assignable controllers--total control of your operating environment. Once you've assigned the parameters for a particular scenario, simply store it in one of the 16 available preset locations.
Here are a few more uses for a UMA25S:
For playing external sound modules, rack synthesizers and virtual instruments
For editing sound parameters of synthesizers, sound samplers and GM/GS/XG sound generators
Controlling parameters on effects devices and software plug-ins, such as eff ects processors, compressors and digital equalizers
Remotely controlling software mixers (functions for volume, pan, mute, etc.)
Remotely controlling transport functions (Play, Fast Forward, Stop, etc., which is also known as MMC, or MIDI Machine Control) on sequencers, hard-disk recorders, drum machines, etc.
Live control of volume and sound parameters of sound modules on stage

Functionality, Functionality, Functionality There are some things that just bear repeating. Besides providing 25 velocity-sensitive keys for the slickest set of glissandos and the snappiest arpeggios, the UMA25S also functions as a full-fledged USB audio interface for recording and podcasting. This powerful interface features a built-in mic preamp with dedicated Gain control, a Phones Output with its own dedicated Volume control and stereo RCA I/O jacks for connecting external devices. The interface is so versatile, it even allows simultaneous recording of the Mic and Line inputs.
Speaking of Recording... Because you'll want to take full advantage of the UMA25S' podcasting and recording potential we've included a massive software package including Audacity, Podifier, Juice, Podnova and Golden Ear.
You're ready to go live on your PC or Mac computer right out of the box! You also get more than 100 virtual instruments and over 50 effects plug-ins, making the UMA25S a complete mobile studio from input to output.
Three Different Power Supply Options Because it needs to be ready for action in a variety of venues, the UMA25S can draw its operating power from any free USB port on your PC or Mac computer, 3 AA batteries or the optional external power supply. No matter what your performance calls for, the UMA25S is the ideal solution.
Accessories MIDI controllers don't typically come with many extras. But the UMA25S is designed to do so much more than turn things on and off , so Behringer provide gadgets galore. In addition to the expansive software package mentioned above, you also get a high-quality headset with built-in mic for podcasting and recording; a soft carry bag with enough pockets for cables, power supply, CDs, etc.; and a guitar-style strap, so you can steal the spotlight from the guitarist and start building your own bevy of fans.
What's in the Box UMA25S MIDI Controller, Shoulder Strap, Behringer HS1000 Stereo Headset, User's Manual, Software CDs, USB Cable, Gig Bag

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