From dpothaar@hotmail.com Thu Aug 16 12:46:19 2001
Subject:Re: Alesis Synthesizers

Hi Robert,
I have a QS8.1 (weighted keyboard) I've had it for 2 and 1/2 years now
and all I can say is that the more I use it the happier I am.

At first I was frustrated because the interface is not user friendly.
However, that said....that is the case with almost 99% of digital keyboards.
Somewhere along the line it became fashionable to hide all the incredible
features in a complex keyboard. The only access to this complexity is
through a small LCD screen and a handfull of numbered buttons. However,
after some looking, I found an editing software from "SoundTower" to edit
almost all every single function. It has really opened up the QS to me.
It makes EVERYTHING a breeze. I can edit and store sounds in minutes AND it
is very helpful for setting up sounds for sequencing in a sequencer like
Logic or Cubase.
As for the QS preset organ sounds. I personally don't like any of
them, but as Bruce confirmed, the Alesis is highly editable. You can edit
the current organ sounds AND you can create your own from scratch.
However, another possibility, is the sampling capabilities. With the
Alesis, you can use flash RAM cards (PCMCIA) to play samples. I have a
card on order and I intend to try it.

Organ samples are always going to be limited of course, and the best
simulation of "B3" is virtual modeling which is used for instruments like
the Roland VK7, Hammond XK 2, and the Korg CX 3. I have a software
called B4 by Native Instruments which is another tonewheel simulator (Played
via a Midi controller keyboard), widely held as the best B3 simulator,
second only to the CX3. (There are even some who consider it better) So
if you are looking for a tonewheel sound that is as close to "dead on" as
possible, you'll want to look into a dedicated virtual modeling keyboard,
module, or software. I've been hearing great things about the new Nord
Electro as well!

As for the other sounds on the Alesis. Very good. The pianos are some of
the best available as far as I'm concerned. Added to that, are the
excellent effects on the QS series. I really like the Rhodes sounds, and
electric piano sounds. The Alesis QS is a very well-engineered board
in my opinion and extremely flexible. It's a purchase well worth the
money. After 2 and 1/2 years on it....I'm thinking I'll probably own
this board as long as I live.

Yes, I'm long winded. But I like talking about my Alesis. :)
Daniel

From: Robert Dye
Reply-To: CloneWheel@yahoogroups.com
To: CloneWheel@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [CWSG] Alesis Synthesizers
Date: Wed, 15 Aug 2001 17:48:58 -0400

Anyone out there tried out the Hammond sounds on the Alesis QS series of
synthesizers? Somebody selling one bragged on its Hammond sounds, but I have
never heard one. Also, what about the other sounds?

Robert

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