| Alesis airSynth Tabletop Sound Mangler. List: $249
by Marvin Sanders
January 22, 2001
 |
airSynth motion-sensitve synthesizer
(Click for a close-up) |
At last year's summer NAMM show Alesis introduced the airFX -- a
bubble-topped, infrared-controlled effects processor straight out of sci-fi.
Pump some signal through, wave your hand over the magic red sphere, and
you're pulling wild sonic colors from [literally] thin air.
The airSynth takes this concept to the next level by adding 50
manipulation-friendly sounds to the package. The set includes staccato and
percussive patches, continuous pads, drum sounds and more that beg to be
twisted, slapped, gyrated, and stretched by the musically adventurous. You
can't program your own sounds, but this writer heard plenty of fodder for
variations on what's there given the product's control surface.
At the heart of the airSynth is Alesis' Axyz ("ax-is") technology, which
powers the infrared, 3D sphere that allows a user to control up to five sound
variables simultaneously by moving his hand left and right, forward and
backward, or up and down over the product -- complete with velocity
sensitivity. The solitary front-panel knob can select, freeze, and release a
given sound. Audio is handled with 24-bit RCA stereo outs, as well as RCA
inputs that allow pass-through of external signals.
What, no MIDI? Nope, this puppy is a play-as-you-go instrument, perfect for
overdubbing, live performance and DJs, or just plain messing around. A
threaded socket on the base lets you mount it on a mic stand.
Because the airSynth is a unique, compelling product at an attractive $249
list price, it gets an HC Hot Pick. But more important, Alesis gets kudos for
stepping up to the plate and trying something really new in an increasingly
"me-too" market. For more information, visit www.alesis.com. |
