Alesis Introduces Andromeda, Real Analog
Synthesizer
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Alesis's New Andomeda
(Click for a close-up) |
February 6, 2000
Alesis Corporation is proud to unveil the Alesis
A6 Andromeda, a real polyphonic analog synthesizer. Designed to uphold
the legacy of classic American synthesizers, Andromeda offers 16 true
analog voices and 16-channel multitimbral functionality with full MIDI
implementation. In contrast to the myriad analog-modeling synths on the
market today, Andromeda offers more voices, a more powerful voice engine,
and the natural variability of real analog sound.
"Our goal, " says David Bryce, Alesis marketing manager - synthesizer
products, "was to build the most powerful polyphonic analog synth to date.
Whether you grew up with analog keyboards or are just getting into pure analog
sound, Andromeda will be a necessary addition to your arsenal."
The keyboard's extensive voice design includes two oscillators per voice with
five waveforms each, and two sub-oscillators. To achieve the rich and resonant
sound so characteristic of analog synths, Andromeda features 2-pole multimode
and 4-pole lowpass classically derived resonance filters.
Andromeda compliments this true analog sound with an intuitive hands-on interface
(72 knobs and 144 buttons) that allows for real-time control during performances.
Andromeda uses custom application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) developed
by Alesis Semiconductor to produce its sound. A team of engineers led by company
president and founder Keith Barr was able to reduce the discrete analog components
used in the early synthesizers to a couple of inexpensive and highly reliable
analog integrated circuits.
"Andromeda represents genuine innovation," said Jim Mack, Alesis
vice president of sales and marketing. "Technology developed at Alesis Semiconductor
generates an analog synth voice on a custom chip the size of a guitar pick, replacing
what would otherwise be a huge array of circuit boards. The customer gets authentic
analog sound with more power than any other analog polysynth has ever achieved."
Andromeda is packed with features designed to appeal to today's musicians,
including MIDI-syncable LFOs, an arpeggiator and an analog-style step-sequencer.
It's 640 x 240 backlit graphic LCD display provides actual rather than relative
values (time, frequency, BPM, etc.) and high-resolution graphics. An extensive
audio input/output array gives the user maximum routing flexibility. The synthesizer
also has high quality digital effects (including reverb, chorus, echo, and more)
and a dedicated analog distortion circuit.
Andromeda's 61-note synth-weighted keyboard features velocity and aftertouch
sensitivity. Andromeda has multiple keyboard modes, portamento with nine slopes,
and legato functions. In addition to the standard pitch and mod wheels, Andromeda
also has a large ribbon controller, which offers multiple, assignable functions,
and allows for greater tactile control of real-time parameters. Internal program
memory features 256 preset and 128 user-defined programs. Andromeda also has a
PCMCIA-format memory card slot to save and recall custom programs and mixes.
For more information, visit Alesis at www.alesis.com. |
