QuadraSynth Messages - Part 4.

QuadraSynth Messages - Part 1 , 2 , 3 Download all in a zip file

#: 463568 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    17-Dec-95  22:16:31
Sb: #QS6/KT88/PC88
Fm: d ananda 103235,3067


I'm looking at the Alesis QS+ as a possible keyboard for my budding interest
in playing piano.  I've read the string of messages on the QS, and I'm
impressed.  I'm also looking at the Ensoniq KT88, but it is much more
expensive and includes a sequencer (though it's a bear to program) and the
Kurzweil PC88.  I'm looking for some quick opinions on these three
synthesizers--sound, feel, durability, flexibility, etc.  If you can, please
convince me to get the cheaper one. 

D 

 2 Replies.

: 463581 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    17-Dec-95  23:19:41
Sb: #463568-QS6/KT88/PC88
Fm: Jeff Winston YC/Kurzweil 76464,215
To: d ananda 103235,3067 (X)

Depends - if you want a fully programmabel synthesizer, the PC-88 wasn't quite
meant for that (check our our new K2500, however).  However, for sounds
(strings, pianos, etc etc) and a REALLY good feeling keyboard, in a unit that
doesn't weigh that much - the PC-88 can't be beat - you can buy the base unit
and add a plypohny-doubler (with General Midi) card later, and it's a heck of
an excellent controller - we've really sold quite a lot of them
/j

#: 463583 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    17-Dec-95  23:36:06
Sb: #463568-QS6/KT88/PC88
Fm: Les 75671,2530
To: d ananda 103235,3067 (X)

D,

You just have to try them yourself. If you need piano-like keyboard action, go
with the PC-88, if you want great sounds, get the QS+. The best of both
worlds:
buy a used PC-88 and a used QS+ module. (around $1500 for both)

Les

#: 464748 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    22-Dec-95  22:38:12
Sb: #463583-QS6/KT88/PC88
Fm: d ananda 103235,3067
To: Les 75671,2530

I'm still looking.  Thanks for the response.  And (to all of you out there
reading this), let me know if you hear of any used equipment.

D

#: 464639 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    22-Dec-95  11:59:53
Sb: #Alesis QS6 - WOW!
Fm: Craig S Hanesworth 71043,1161



I went in the store and test drove the QS6 yesterday, and all I can say is
WOW.  For the price of $799, I don't know if there is a better bargain for the
buck out there.


Craig

 1 Reply.

: 464660 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    22-Dec-95  14:00:20
Sb: #464639-Alesis QS6 - WOW!
Fm: Patrick E. Vaughn 75477,2646
To: Craig S Hanesworth 71043,1161 (X)

I recently bought one, and have nothing but good things to say about it.
Sounds great, well made, expandable, computer-friendly, etc. etc.

Patrick

#: 468010 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    08-Jan-96  16:08:29
Sb: #QuadSynth + banks wanted
Fm: BOB CHADWICK 70411,112


would someone be so kind as to upload the Quadrasynth Plus User banks(mix and
program)? In foooling around with it when I first got it, I didn't realize
that patches sent from the Mac editor (Unisyn) were IMMEDIATELY written to
memory rather than the edit buffer as in most other synths.  Unisyn format
would be most helpful.

Thanks

 1 Reply.

: 468615 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    10-Jan-96  22:02:21
Sb: #468010-QuadSynth + banks wanted
Fm: Les 75671,2530
To: BOB CHADWICK 70411,112

>would someone be so kind as to upload the Quadrasynth Plus User banks(mix and
program)?
>In foooling around with it when I first got it, I didn't realize that patches
sent from the Mac editor
>(Unisyn) were IMMEDIATELY written to memory rather than the edit buffer as in
most other
>synths.  Unisyn format would be most helpful.

 I use a PC, so if  sysex (.syx) or MIDI (.mid) format is ok, I can upload it
for you.

Les

#: 470083 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    16-Jan-96  18:05:31
Sb: #468615-QuadSynth + banks wanted
Fm: DAVID C M. SKELTON 100654,652
To: Les 75671,2530

There is an Alesis Home Page on the Internet - I don't know the URL off hand
but you can find it using the Lycos search engine (http://www.lycos.com). I
used the keywords 'S4 alesis patches' and found it without too much trouble.
These are S4 module patches in .mid format so I am not sure whether they will
work on the Quadrasynth Plus!   There are about half a dozen including the
factory defaults.   Hope this is helpful.

#: 470336 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    17-Jan-96  19:58:54
Sb: #470083-#QuadSynth + banks wanted
Fm: Les 75671,2530
To: DAVID C M. SKELTON 100654,652 (X)

Thanks Dave, but I'm not the one who needs them, I'm the one who uploaded most
of the
available QuadraSynth patches (8 banks) right here to the Library. I have no
knowledge of any
more floating around the Net. Looks like there's already too many sounds
available, so no one
takes the trouble to create new ones.


 1 Reply.

: 470557 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    18-Jan-96  19:02:12
Sb: #470336-#QuadSynth + banks wanted
Fm: DAVID C M. SKELTON 100654,652
To: Les 75671,2530 (X)

Cheers Les.  Judging by info on the Net, Alesis aren't interested inreleasing
any patches.
Incidentally, I have just downloaded Soundbridge which was programmed by
Alesis themselves (libraian/patch editor). However, it is for the Plus series
and I have a plain old S4.
Do you know of a librarian/patch editor for the S4 (other than Alesis
Quadrasynth V1.1 by Paul Swennenhuis (which I already have)?
Thanks.

 1 Reply.

: 470634 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    19-Jan-96  01:53:58
Sb: #470557-#QuadSynth + banks wanted
Fm: Les 75671,2530
To: DAVID C M. SKELTON 100654,652 (X)

Hi David,

The only QuadraSynth Editor I know of is UNISYN, a commercial release
universal editor.
It costs around $200, so I haven't tried it yet. Check the MOTU section of the
vendor
forums, you may find someone who uses it.
You can upgrade your S4 to S4 Plus for a reasonable price. You get more wave
samples,
more banks, more and better sounds, GM, and the use of SoundBridge for
sampling.

Les


 1 Reply.

: 470766 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    19-Jan-96  19:10:40
Sb: #470634-#QuadSynth + banks wanted
Fm: DAVID C M. SKELTON 100654,652
To: Les 75671,2530 (X)

Many thanks!

How do I go about upgrading?

David

 1 Reply.

: 470792 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    19-Jan-96  21:53:12
Sb: #470766-#QuadSynth + banks wanted
Fm: Les 75671,2530
To: DAVID C M. SKELTON 100654,652 (X)

> How do I go about upgrading?

Call your local Alesis dealer (or authorized service center) and ask them
about availability,
then make an appointment and take or send it in. If you don't know any
dealers, email to Alesis
for info ( alecorp@alesis1.usa.com ) The PLUS upgrade for the S4 costs $199,
it includes
installation, (parts and labor) a new Manual, and the SoundBridge software. I
think it's worth
every penny.
Let me know if you need any more info

Les

 1 Reply.

: 470869 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    20-Jan-96  10:24:48
Sb: #470792-QuadSynth + banks wanted
Fm: DAVID C M. SKELTON 100654,652
To: Les 75671,2530 (X)


Many thanks

I'll see what I can do.

David
 
#: 470504 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    18-Jan-96  15:03:51
Sb: #QS6 - worth it's money?
Fm: Wolfgang Kirchhoff 100440,613


The Alesis QS6 is a relatively new synthesizer. It's hard to get information
about it, but so far to me, it seems to have good sounds, a good keyboard, and
it can play samples uplaoded via the PC-interface. But in this forum there is
nearly no discussion about it. So I'd like to know, is it worth buying it or
not?

 4 Replies.

: 470517 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    18-Jan-96  16:08:09
Sb: #470504-#QS6 - worth it's money?
Fm: Frank Marousek -Sysop 75300,2403
To: Wolfgang Kirchhoff 100440,613 (X)

Hi Wolfgang,

I think there has been a lot of discussion recently here about the QS6.  If
you are visiting the forum for the first time, you may have just missed it. I
think some of the "SoundBridge to QS6" thread is still on the forum if you'd
care to try to retrieve it.

In any case, I'm sure the QS6 users here will jump in shortly.

 1 Reply.

: 471663 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    23-Jan-96  18:16:50
Sb: #470517-QS6 - worth it's money?
Fm: Stephen s. Rudolph 74363,2337
To: [F] Wolfgang Kirchhoff 100440,613 (X)

well, i'm jumping in now. just bought one after selling my yamaha sy55. The 64
voice polyphony makes a difference when you are using a sequencer. My first
composition is using 17 tracks. and i still don't get cut off notes... now
only if I could figure out that EFFECT processing. a bit confusing. Adding a
little reverb to a program in a hurry is not suggested. !

#: 470535 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    18-Jan-96  17:04:52
Sb: #470504-#QS6 - worth it's money?
Fm: Les 75671,2530
To: Wolfgang Kirchhoff 100440,613 (X)

Wolfgang,

Alesis synthesizers are in the "Best Buy" category, they offer the most
features for the least
amount of money. If you like the sounds and the feel of the keyboard, there is
no reason not
to buy it. I haven't heard any QS6 owners complaining so far, they are quite
happy with their
synths. I use the 76 key version, (QS+) and I have a lot of fun playing it.
If you need any specific info, just ask

Les

 2 Replies.

: 470892 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    20-Jan-96  12:08:42
Sb: #470535-#QS6 - worth it's money?
Fm: Wolfgang Kirchhoff 100440,613
To: Les 75671,2530 (X)

Hi Les,
thanks for your input
>. I use the 76 key version, (QS+) <
Les, the QS+ seems to be not available over here (Germany). Is the extended
keyboard the only difference?

Wolfgang Kirchhoff

 1 Reply.

: 470928 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    20-Jan-96  15:59:12
Sb: #470892-QS6 - worth it's money?
Fm: Les 75671,2530
To: Wolfgang Kirchhoff 100440,613 (X)

>Les, the QS+ seems to be not available over here (Germany). Is the extended
keyboard the
>only difference?

Hi Wolfgang,

There are more control knobs on the QS+, but I believe it's the same inside
(sounds, FX, etc)
If you can't get the QS+, the QS6 is a good substitute, and a lot cheaper.

Les

#: 470897 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    20-Jan-96  12:19:52
Sb: #470535-#QS6 - worth it's money?
Fm: Wolfgang Kirchhoff 100440,613
To: Les 75671,2530 (X)

Hi Les,
thanks for your input
>. I use the 76 key version, (QS+) <
Les, the QS+ seems to be not available over here (Germany). Is the extended
keyboard the only difference?

Wolfgang Kirchhoff

 1 Reply.

: 471344 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    22-Jan-96  14:39:04
Sb: #470897-QS6 - worth it's money?
Fm: Robert "Robby" Wachtel 100023,2335
To: Wolfgang Kirchhoff 100440,613 (X)

I think the QS+ Les mentioned is the QuadraSynth Plus (Piano). It's also
available here in Germany, of course.

I just bought the QS6 2 weeks ago for home use and it's great to work out
ideas.

Robby

#: 470689 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    19-Jan-96  09:28:34
Sb: #470504-#QS6 - worth it's money?
Fm: Bill Draper 73672,216
To: Wolfgang Kirchhoff 100440,613 (X)

Hey, I'm a QS6 owner & here's my input: You get a lot of keyboard for the
money, the keys have a better than average feel for synths in this price
range, sounds are about as good as any keyboard in this range (some sounds are
better, some not as good - true with all of them), it's expandable (many in
this price range are not), it comes with pretty good software (many do not).

I shopped for keyboards in this range for quite some time and looked/listened
to ALL of them. I bought this one. There is no clear runaway winner in this
price range, however there are several very good keyboards that all have their
strong and weak points. So it really does matter what your
needs/desires/tastes are. While I love music, I'm not an accomplished
musician. I came at my decision from more of a techno-toy standpoint. If this
is your interest, this keyboard is hard to beat. If you're more of a musical
purist, give up some features and consider something else (like a good MIDI

controller,etc.).

Hope this helps. Also, there is a growing number of QS6 owners in this forum.

Bill Draper

 1 Reply.

: 470891 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    20-Jan-96  12:08:37
Sb: #470689-#QS6 - worth it's money?
Fm: Wolfgang Kirchhoff 100440,613
To: Bill Draper 73672,216 (X)

Hi Bill,
thanks for your following statement
>. I came at my decision from more of a techno-toy standpoint. If this is your
interest, this keyboard is hard to beat. If you're more of a musical purist,
give up some features and consider something else (like a good MIDI
controller,etc.).<
In deed techno is not my interest and I'm at least sort of musical purist
rather. So, what's wrong with QS6 and musical purists? - if you might help me
with this?
Wolfgang Kirchhoff

 1 Reply.

: 471282 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    22-Jan-96  09:12:18
Sb: #470891-QS6 - worth it's money?
Fm: Bill Draper 73672,216
To: Wolfgang Kirchhoff 100440,613 (X)

Not being a musician, I may be missing some disadvantages or I just may be off
base altogether, but here's my perception: The keys are not true weighted keys
(they call it semi-weighted, which is better than most!). To get a real piano
feel, I think you have to go to a separate keyboard controller and a separate
synth module. This is true of all the 'integrated' synths in this price range.
The QS6 has a high quantity of sounds and effects, but a more specialized
synth can have better sounds in certain areas (such as string, brass, etc.)
while maybe not having as many sound capabilities. I still think they're all
(in this price range anyway) a trade-off - one may have better piano sounds
but inferior strings, etc. These can be subjective areas though, so you need
to listen to them all very carefully. Overall I don't think there's anything
fundamentally wrong with the QS6 and musical purity, but it seems as though
the QS6 is trying to appeal to more of a broad market rather than to, say
someone looking for the best piano sounds and feel over all else. To say I'm
not a musical purist does not imply I'm not demanding of quality of sound
though, it just means that I'm willing to make tradeoffs in certain areas to
get some features that are important to me and my uses.

Hope some of these ramplings help.

Bill Draper

#: 470692 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    19-Jan-96  09:32:49
Sb: #470504-QS6 - worth it's money?
Fm: Patrick E. Vaughn 75477,2646
To: Wolfgang Kirchhoff 100440,613 (X)


Wolfgang,

I've had my QS6 for about 2 months, and I'm thrilled with it.  Great sounds,
good semi-weighted keyboard, very computer-friendly, expandable via plug-in
cards, 64-voice polyphony, comes with CD-ROM full of useful software, solid
all-metal construction, good user manual, and great price.  I'm sure you'll
hear similar comments from the other QS6 owners that I've seen on this forum
from time to time.  While the Korg X5 is comparable in price and sound quality
(and is a nice synth), it has fewer sounds, no keyboard weighting, 32-voice
polyphony, and is not as solidly constructed (though this makes it a little
more portable).  Highest praise for the QS6!

Patrick

#: 474889 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    06-Feb-96  03:19:03
Sb: #Alesis QS+/QS6/QS8
Fm: Greg White 76116,3717


I was pretty set to dump some change on the QS+ synth, then read about the
*All New* QS8  in a NAMM report.

Does anyone have any details on this great new synth?

It supposedly retails for $1995.00

Greg

 1 Reply.

: 474956 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    06-Feb-96  10:23:28
Sb: #474889-#Alesis QS+/QS6/QS8
Fm: Doug Silvermaster 103433,3233
To: Greg White 76116,3717 (X)

Greg,

I have seen the spec sheet on the QS8 as well as talked to someone who was at
NAMM and saw the board.  They said it is more like the QS6 then the
Quadrasynth Plus. (in features and patch sets)  So if your looking for
something kind of in-between the QS and the QS6, sounds like the QS8 is your
piece.

 1 Reply.

: 475034 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    06-Feb-96  17:06:53
Sb: #474956-#Alesis QS+/QS6/QS8
Fm: Ian Kelk 73750,1307
To: Doug Silvermaster 103433,3233 (X)

>I have seen the spec sheet on the QS8 as well as talked to someone who was
at NAMM and saw the board.  They said it is more like the QS6 then the
Quadrasynth Plus. (in features and patch sets)  So if your looking for
something kind of in-between the QS and the QS6, sounds like the QS8 is your
piece.<

The only differences I understand between the QS+ and the QS6 are the number
of keys, controllers (the four quad knobs), and the size of the rom block of
samples onboard - (24 meg on the QS+, 8 meg on the QS6).  Do these
differences hold true for the new QS8?  (ie, the only difference being the
number of keys on the QS6 v. QS8?)

Ian

 2 Replies.

: 475139 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    07-Feb-96  02:01:56
Sb: #475034-Alesis QS+/QS6/QS8

Fm: Greg White 76116,3717
To: Ian Kelk 73750,1307 (X)

I'm going to visit my local store tomorrow, (probably get *something*) - I'll
let you know if I get any more info on the wide-ranging QS line.

Greg

#: 475276 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    07-Feb-96  17:21:51
Sb: #475034-#Alesis QS+/QS6/QS8
Fm: Doug Silvermaster 103433,3233
To: Ian Kelk 73750,1307 (X)

Ian,

You might be right there.  I have to say tho, when I played the QS6 it didnt
seem to have the "presence" of my QS+.   THe patches didnt feel as warm or
rich.  Could be psychological!  Wouldnt be the first time.  Going to be
talking to Alesis today (about the ADAT), will ask them to list differences
and will post for you if no one has by then.


 1 Reply.

: 475476 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    08-Feb-96  13:45:31
Sb: #475276-#Alesis QS+/QS6/QS8
Fm: Ian Kelk 73750,1307
To: Doug Silvermaster 103433,3233 (X)

> You might be right there.  I have to say tho, when I played the QS6 it
didnt seem to have the "presence" of my QS+.   THe patches didnt feel as warm
or rich.  Could be psychological!  Wouldnt be the first time.  Going to be

The patches probably do not have the same richness - I have not actually
heard the QS6 but I do know it has 8 megs of ROM compared to 24 on the QS+
(although 8 of those 24 megs contain the Stereo Grand Piano).  So as far as
other patches (effects, drums, other instrumments, as well as the synth
sounds) probably sound more "full" than those on the QS6.  I don't know
anything about the QS6's effects, but the QS+ basically contains a quadraverb
2 effect processor (the QS6 may too - I don't know).  In any case, I prefer
the QS+ for the keyboard and controllers, as well as the great piano sound.

Ian

 1 Reply.

: 475495 S2/Synths/Samplers  [MIDIFOR]
    08-Feb-96  15:09:29
Sb: #475476-Alesis QS+/QS6/QS8
Fm: Doug Silvermaster 103433,3233
To: Ian Kelk 73750,1307 (X)

Ian,

For the money, I dont think there is any other choice. (Although my Trinity
has it beat!)  But I still find myself going back to the QA+ for the Piano
and some of the strings and percussion stuff.  Mix mode is wonderful as well!
Question tho:  I havent been able to use the QS+ as a controller for my
Trinity.  I think I have the Trinity set up properly, but I cant seem to
figure out to send on the right channels from the QS+. ANd I have already
RTFM !   It was late last night tho, maybe that was it!