Yamaha AN1x

If you put on the right cap, this thing is actually laid out quite logically. Color coding, matrix editing, knobs, LCD that reflects knob movement, what more could you want? Yeah it dosen't have a seperate knob for every parameter in the engine, but hey! With all these VAs coming out there is a small knob shortage in Japan.

Ok-I think 10 notes of polyphony, 2 part multitimbral, effects sound smashing!!! Full midi spec, arp, on board sequencer is really fun-entering values with the eight knobs-note, velocity, gate, control, values are editable in sequencer-very analog sequencerish. a la` SQ10.

I agree that Yamaha needs to hire a whole new "preset" department. I would urge you not to judge this synth by it's presets. If you want a synth that has tons of sonic possibilities and flex, this is it-and it is so affordable! It is also the kind of synth that everyone can own yet still sound different on. It does have what I would call a character to it though. --plays really well nice rugged keys-velocity sense. it is built well-
good for all kinds of music I would say-just don't go looking for samples or realistic drums, basses, strings,-it's a synth. It synthesizes!

I have owned it for years and nothing has happened-
I have gigged tons of times without another one around-
really stable-no memory problems like the jp-8000 (which by the way sounds like a pile of glass) yuck!

There is a guy named John there-he is really nice.

This is an excellent synth-(I think Yamaha fucked up)
I can't even compare it to most VAs out there because it blows them away-jp-8000, That new Oberheim thingy, etc.
I even think is sounds warmer than the Nords and the Alesis Andromeda!!which is real analog!!!How did they fuck that up????

I think Yamaha have hit on a very good trade off between price and
ease of use. As others have pointed out it doesn't have 1 knob - 1 function,
but likewise it doesn't cost an arm & a leg and they haven't cut corners
where it counts: the sound. Editing patches is relatively straight-forward
if you're familiar with analog synthesis (which I wasn't when I bought the
synth but it helped me learn), but I would recommend that anyone who buys
one also downloads the latest version of the patch editor, AN1x edit. It's
a fantastic piece of software written by an enthusiast and adds 100% to
the value of the synth.

The manual's fine. Quite user-friendly and a hell of a lot better than
some of the Roland manuals I've read in my time (U-20 anyone?).

I think the features are great. I use the AN1x as a control synth
most of the time. The on-board sequencer's fun (especially when editing
via the AN1x edit software) and being able to send the arpegiator via
MIDI can make for a lot of fun with other synths you've become bored with.

Some have griped about the 2 part multi-timbrality, but this was never
meant to be a workstation keyboard. My advice is if you want to have
it play loads of different parts hook it up to a multi-tracker. That's
what I do and it works a treat.

This synth sounds excellent compared with most other virtual analogs. I
didn't like the sound of the JP8000 (it's closest rival) which, to me,
sounded like any other Roland synth with a resonant filter slapped on it.
It has a definite sound of its own. Whereas the AN1x, on the other hand,
does a very good impersonation of most 'classic' analogs.

The AN1x is capable of huge sounds, delicate sounds, chimey FM sounds, the lot.
And by the time you add the FX section in (the quality of FX is incredible)
you can't lose. It's all here. You might have to search for it a bit,
but it's all here.

I've had mine for 3 years and the only problem I've had is with one
of the keys (G2). No matter what velocity you hit it with it always
transmits a 127 value. I'll get round to fixing it sometime but it's
not a big problem at the moment.

Other than that it's been totally reliable, no lock ups or anything
like that.

Never had the need...

If I lost it I'd buy another one immediately. It's a true synth in every
sense of the word. I use mine for all sorts of purposes; electronic
music, progressive rock, sound effects, hell - I even recorded a damn
good 60's organ sound with it once by running it through a Boss SE70.
Buy one, you won't be disappointed.

Before buying it, I didn't notice the nobs work for another parameter instantly by pushing once (as A-*000 sampler). This function may be a bit confused but saved cost and space significantly. It's still easy to play compared to my ancient DX-7 with only one! date entry slider (and a volume).

ROM version 1.02

Touch sensing/after touch keybord and ribbon controler are nice. Scene change is a merit also. Good effects and 16 steps built-in sequencer available.

I bought it through Yahoo! Japan auction, very beautiful condition as if not yet used. Startup sign 'Battery Low' may be no problem as I could lose small screws at the bottom, and change CR2032 lithium button by myself. Yamaha Japan serviceman told me as the newest ROM is version 1.04, and it's available at around US$15 (in Japan). 1.02 ROM is known to show 'Battery Low' if the voltage is still enough to go, and 1.04 recovers this problem etc...

I did read all comments here before made a bid at auction. Today, used JP-8000 is easily available and Nord Lead2 is going to bargain before Lead3 appearance, but these two are 100% popular on many many Trans mixes and a bit bored to my ears. I downloaded many sound samples of them and compared with AN1x's before geting one. If your music is Techno/Trans/Electric, it's a model for you. It sounds badly 'plastic' for other genres. Suitable to mix with real or pseudo analog sound modules - you need at leaset one as AN1x has only two timbres. There're clearly audible filter steps, but it's characteristics of this instrument. Love it or buy true analog model.

No problem.

When I called Yamaha Japan serviceman up on the phone, he told me as he would call me back soon for saving my telephone fee. He taught me battery type and what ROM version was available - both easily changeable by normal user.

Used one is cheap, but the sound is not at all. Sounding very clean and 'electric'. I chose to buy AN1x rather than CS6X with card. If lost or stolen, again I would buy this blue damn plastic garbage with 'bad' sounds.

Equipments:
Macintosh G4/400
Logic Audio Platinum 4
Mark Of The Unicorn MTP2
Yamaha A-4000
Yamaha DX7
Roland JX-305
Roland U-110
Oberheim Matrix-1000
Akai Drum Expander
Ensoniq DP/4

Regardless of what others say, you would have to no absolutly NOTHING to not be able to operate this synth. Its very easy and makes 100% sence. the knobs are color coded with the selection buttons, so all you really need to know is how to program a synth (has nothing to do with knowing anything about computers) and how to match up colors.
I have only peeked on the manual a few times since I got it in 1997.

Its only two parts-multi timbral, but thats ok. Its a good board to ad to an exsisting set up, or even just with a drum machine and a sequencer.The on board effects couldnt be easier to use and tweek to your needs.
Has all the midi capabilities youll need.
The on-board sequencer is 16 steps and very very simple to use, and can produce great dance or ambient patterns, you can also assign sequences all across the keyboard.

This synth is capable of producing massive sounds, that sound great.
Dont let the pre-sets fool you (most of them suck, and dont properly project its abilaties. Trust me, its sounds fat if you know what your doing, same goes for almost any board.

I have been using this since 1997...its now 2001. NEVER not once have I EVER had any problem with this board.....Very very reliable, and well constructed.

Never had to deal with them. I did deal with Yamaha for my EX5, and they were quick to reply and were fairly helpfull, and willing to help.

If I lost it, I would buy a new one. But it wouldnt get lost.
I have been playing since 1996. As of Jan 2001 I own....
Yamaha AN1X
Yamaha EX5
Nord Modular
Korg Triton Rack
E-MU Audity 2000
Yamaha A5000
And more rack mounted effects units, vocoders, guitars and basses, and misc. studio gear than I care to take the time to type here.

This is the HARDEST damn thing to feel at home on, unless you're a computer nerd, and even then it's trouble. I have never gone into a manual so frequently before. The knobs are way too redundant for everything, in short, the controls are confusing in the traditional analog synth sense, still I do love it.

10 note polyphony. Key action is fine. I never have a problem with that on ANY keyboard, anyway. I love the built-in effects, more than anything in it's class or price-range; and WHOA does it give you CONTROL!!! TOO much, actually, and all digital, but it is nice to know it's there. Two different choruses, pitch shift, flanger, phaser, overdrive, amp simulator (guitar amp, that is), rotary, symphonic (my favorite!), umm...what else... OH Yeah: a great digital delay and reverb section, 3 band equalizer (parametric)...
Damn...why didn't they have something like this in the early eighties?

It also has all kinds of split effects, 2 "scenes for each of 128 voices, ALL programmable (they start out as presets), so you can actually have 256 different sounds; you can segue between two in each voice, blend them; unison, split unison, ETC. You have a step-sequencer and arpegiattor, with ALL kinds of variation-options for them, it gets ridiculous. Pretty damn flexible, NOT all that easy to maneuver around on, but some find it so. There is a software editor available on the net, and although I downloaded it, haven't used it yet (guess I have a masochistic streak).

Oh yeah, it has pitch and mod wheels and a ribbon controller, which I love (real retro-analog)

What a monster-toy...

Well call me simple, but it is pretty expressive with all eight knobs, the pitch and mod wheels and ribbon. It seems limited compared to a big ol' XP or Triton or something, but for ME, it is certainly in the right direction: I experiment. This let's you redesign sound; and don't underestimate this machine. As I've read in Synth Zone, I believe, IT'S A NUCLEAR WEAPON.

The effex are very respectable, damn good enough for me: I still can't believe I got all this shit crammed into a blue wonderbox for $500. I do electro-metal-ambient-space music, so it's power, however thick and dense it can get, will still float in delicate waves of bliss...

Apart from blinking lights that initially concerned me, once I called Yamaha, a very nice dude named Dave checked it out in L.A., and said it doesn't seem to be problematic, and he's right.

See above.

I've had a love-hate-love relationship with it, mostly awe.

The AN1X user interface could definatly be improved on. There is no data wheel or controller which means editing patchs is a very unintuitive and slow process at first. As with all yamaha products i've encountered the manual is virtualy useless.
Using the AN1X in conjunction with a pc/mac based editor makes it a much easier machine to work with as every parameter is in front of you instead of having to scroll through multiple menus.

The AN1X has a built in FM synthesis engine alonside its analog modeling ocsilators, as far as i'm aware this is not the case with any other modeling synth.
12 notes polyphony is not all that impressive these days although for the price at which you can pick up an an1x for these days theres no reason to complain.
built in reverb, chorus, delay and a single multi fx processor,and 3 band eq. the effects are not bad at all, obviously not up to the standards of many outboard units but still very usable.

I really can't convey how impressed I am by the sound of the AN1X. I've been using the an1x as my main sound source for about two years and have no intention to change despite having used virtually every other modeling synth.
Many people say the AN1X sounds alalog.....yes it can sound analog but it can also sound very cold and digital if you want it to as it has a built in FM synthesis engine, using analog modeling synthesis in conjuntion with the FM synthesis can produce some very original & distinctive sounds.
My only gripe is that it is very easy to distort the signal from the AN1X, it breaks up at quite a low volume which means you have to be quite concious of the volume when programming patchs.

No problems in two years.

*the presets sound very professional, very warm and fat.
*Once you know how to edit analogue equipment it's easy to edit patches from scratch because of the analogue-synthlike knobs and functions.
*the manual is clear but if you don't know something about editing analogue synths it might be dificult

*the polyphony is-I think-12 voices the keyboard has variable action (you can chose how hard you have to hit the keys before there is any volume in the sound).the keyboard itself is very nice to play with, I use it as my master keyboard in my studio.
*It has a lot of effects (ex. chorus,reverb,phaser,distortion,wah,...)
it has 2 seperate effect generators: one multieffect and one reverb/delay generator.
*it has midi in/trough/out sockets, all the realtime knobs send out midi information.the keyboard sends velocity and aftertouch

the sound of the synth is very warm and fat, the best part is that you can create sounds from scratch.It works best for techno,trance,...

it's a reliabil instrument (it never faled on me)

if it was lost or stolen I don't think I would buy it again because every day appears a better and cheaper product so the competition is very big but I love it because of it's editing possebilleties and it's sound. downpart is the lack of multitimbrality, only 1 part(actually two, but thats a long story)and a mere 12 voice polyphony.
when I bought it I compared it with the roland JP-8000 with is still more expansive but a little bit better.
Bottemline:A very creative and professional synth

Really easy to use, no problem. 8 knobs and clear editing matrix.
If there would be value-dial or similar it would be even faster/easier
to use. When I bought this in summer 1999 I was amazed how good it
sounded. Soon presets started to bore and I got some from the
net (really good sets) and after digging the machine I made my own.
I have that great editor for windows but ever actually made sounds
using it. Manuals are good. Enough info for me.

You know that all: 10-poly, 2-multi, VC01 (Sync, FM), VCO2, VCF
(Ring Modulator, Noise, FEG), VCA (AEG), great filters including
18dbLPF etc. Great effects: variation(ncluding Chorus, Phaser, Auto
Pan, Compressor, Pitch Change, Distortion, and more).+delay+reverb.
and 3-Band Stereo Good keyboard with aftertouch. AN1x is my
masterkeyboard. SEQ is cool, easy to make own bass-lines and Free EG
is great too(4-track). There is six types of layers including Dual
(both Scenes layered), Split (one Scene assigned to each side of a
variable split point), and Unison, which lets you achieve those thick
sounds.

Good engine for dance,trance,ambient,industrial,etc,etc electronic
music. You can make some really cool strings and some e-piano&
organ -stuff too(no sense since samplepb can do better ones.
I'm little disapointed, cause I can't make kicking leads. Basses are
cool anyway and there is some cool Moog -patches in the net.

Locked couple times.. just reboot and that's it.

No problem.

I like it so much that I could buy it again. I tried to get second
one. I have owned it for year. AN1x is good addition to my studio:
Roland JX-8p, Roland JV-1080(+techno exp), Quasimidi Rave-O-Lution 309
(+audio and drum exp), Waldorf MicroWave XT and Waldorf Pulse. This is
on the same line with JP-8000 and Nordlead. JP-8000 has great
interface with tons of knobs/sliders, Nordlead has its own strenghts
and so on. But for the price(discontinued), AN1x kicks ass.

The really good presets are few and far between imo. I do like "Heaven" and "Analog". For editing, I would recommend just to start twisting those knobs. Once you figure out the color matrix, it's not that hard to do what you want. I don't care for those rubber buttons on the right, but I'm sure it kept down the cost of the synth. The lit LCD is smallish, but useable. The AN1X editor from Gary Gregson makes life a bit easier as you can use it to draw your own Free EG's. The manual sucks, but hardly any manual is well-written when it comes to synths.

10 notes is enough for me as I'm using this in conjunction w/ other synths. The keyboard action is decent, but a bit shallow for my taste. I prefer the action on an XP-50 or 80. The effects do a lot for the sounds and are fairly easy to edit. There's no expansion capabilities or ways of storing additional sound other than Gary Gregson's editor/library. I would recommend downloading this immediately after purchasing your AN. It has an onboard step sequencer and arpeggiator, but I don't utilize them very often. They are fun to play with, though. I think my favorite feature is the ribbon controller. I can make my sounds very expressive when using it as well as using the mod wheel to morph sounds. This synth has polyphonic aftertouch as well.

I love the sounds. I wouldn't waste time w/ realistic sounds here as this is a VA coupled w/ FM capabilities. I've been able to program some nice strings, pads, square wave synths, basses, leads, syn choirs, staccato synths, Wurlitzers, sweeps, synth percussion, etc. I find the overall character of the synth to be fat and full, but it really depends on how much you are willing to program. I'm using it for driving new wave w/ my current band and also feel that it would great for synthpop, techno, industrial, darkwave, and even classic/prog rock it can do some monsterous unison leads.

Yammie gear has never given me a bit of trouble. I would not hesitate to use this live as I do so along w/ my XP-50 when playing with my band. It has plasticky casing, so I would be somewhat gentle with it.

Never had a problem.

I would defintely buy another AN if something happened to it. It's very versatile and sounds great. It blends in well with my other gear (Jupiter-8, FS1R, XP-50, DW8000, CZ-101, and TG33). I love the sounds and the ribbon controller, but hate the rubber buttons on the right panel. I compared this w/ the JP8000 and not only liked the sounds more after tweaking them, but felt that it was a better overall value. I only wish it had a slightly larger screen and knobs or sliders compared to those damned rubber buttons. This is an inspiring instrument as I'm utilizing it all the time with the band. Another plus, is that it only weighs 16 lbs. You can tuck it up under your arm and go! I think the portability factor of this synth is all too often overlooked. I also like it's blue color.

I think the preset-sounds are rather nice, but the AN1x can do much better. It's rather easy to edit a patch, but a lot of knobs have multiple functions. All functions are easily accessible though. The manual is rather good, but it could have been done better. It took me about 10 hours before I totally figured out everything (I think).

The AN1x has 10 note poliphony which is enough for me. There are 128 patches. Each of them has 2 `scenes'. You can only use one patch at a time, but it is possible to play one scene on the keyboard and control the other scene using MIDI. Nearly all effects can be synced to MIDI. It has the normal in, out an thru-connectors and it has a nice on-board step sequencer. The sequencer is 16 steps and the tones can be controlled using knobs. This really allows you to make tb303-like sequences very easily.

The sound is very very very nice. I use it in a metal band (which has become an industrial band because I bought this thing) and I use it to make acid-like techno. The sound is much better than I could ever have dreamed. I can do Crystal Method-strings with it, it does tb303-sounds really good but you can also do piano's, organs or whatever you want.

I have the thing for about 3 weeks now and it just crashed when I changed the tempo settings from static to MIDI while playing a sequence and changing the tempo of the MIDI-device controlling the tempo (an MC-303). I had to turn it of and then back on and then it worked again. I DO depend on it and I would definately use it on a gig without backup. I would NOT make too much changes too the settings though... It's made of plastic but it feels like it can handle a lot. I would not drop it, but when I did, it survived :P

I downloaded the free `AN1x-editor' for windows. This allows you too control all settings in a much easier way than directly on the board. If you buy this thing, you should definately download the editor.

I would definately buy this thing again. It's worth a lot more than what I payed for it. I also have an MC-303. I knew what I could expect from it when I bought it, but I wanted to have more control over the sound. Therefore I bought the AN1x. They go really nice together :) I love it's sound but I'd like it to have 1 knob for every voice-parameter. There are 56 voice-parameters but only 8 knobs. You can assign any parameter to the 8 knobs so it's pretty easy to work with.
I did a lot of research before I bought this one. I saw/heard the Roland JP-8000 in a concert of The Gathering and decided I wanted one. When I did some research, I found out that the AN1x is much cheaper and does exactly what I need. This thing is a must-have.