tag: Synthesizers

The Roland Jupiter‑X is one of Roland’s most ambitious synthesizers, combining classic analog-inspired tones with advanced digital synthesis and modern performance features. Designed for musicians, producers, and live performers, it offers the sonic breadth of vintage instruments while providing hands-on control and studio-ready flexibility. As of January 2026 in the UK, the Jupiter‑X typically retails around £2,155 at Andertons Music Co. A Modern Take on a Classic Lineage The Jupiter‑X isn’t a simple reissue of any single classic synth. Instead, it leverages Roland’s ZEN-Core synthesis platform to model multiple legendary instruments, including the JUPITER‑8, JUNO‑106, SH‑101, and classic drum machine sounds. This makes it a complete sound studio in a keyboard, capable of producing everything from vintage leads and pads to complex layered textures and modern synth sounds. ...

Roland Juno‑X Review: A Modern Reinterpretation of a Classic Synth The Roland Juno‑X is Roland’s contemporary take on one of the most iconic synth lines in history. Designed for musicians and producers who love the classic Juno sound but need modern reliability and flexibility, the Juno‑X blends vintage-inspired tones with hands-on control and studio-ready digital features. As of January 2026 in the UK, the Juno‑X typically retails around £1,618 at Andertons Music Co. ...

The Yamaha MODX M and Roland MC-707 make a surprisingly elegant pair when you stop thinking of them as separate instruments and start treating the MC-707 as a MIDI recorder and playback brain for the MODX. In this setup, the MODX becomes your hands and sound engine, while the MC-707 becomes the place where performances are captured, edited, looped, and arranged. It’s a simple idea, but it unlocks a very fluid, performance-first workflow. ...

About The Roland Fantom EX is a series of professional-grade synthesizer workstations aimed at musicians and producers. It’s known for its versatility, high-quality sounds, and powerful features. Here’s a breakdown of its key characteristics: Sounds Diverse sound library with over 7,000 tones covering various musical styles. Roland’s sound engine technologies like ACB (Analog Circuit Behavior) for realistic analog sounds, ZEN-Core for sample-based sounds, V-Piano for superior piano tones, and SuperNATURAL for rich and expressive acoustic instruments. Access to premium sound content through Roland Cloud for further sonic exploration. Hardware and User Interface Comes in three models: Fantom 6 EX, 7 EX, and 8 EX, differing in the number of keys. User-friendly interface with a combination of buttons, knobs, sliders, and a large, dynamic color touchscreen for intuitive control and sound shaping. Option to personalize the interface with custom images. Workflow and Features Onboard sampling and composition tools for creating and arranging musical ideas. TR-REC step sequencer for programming drum beats and rhythmic patterns. Real-time recording with piano roll editing for capturing and editing musical performances. RGB pads for triggering sounds, samples, and launching clips. Various effects processors for adding depth and character to sounds. Here are some additional points to consider ...

About The Yamaha Montage M was released in the UK on 10th October 2023. It is the next-generation flagship synthesizer from Yamaha, building on the success of the original Montage. It boasts several improvements and new features designed to enhance the sound, control, and workflow for professional keyboardists. Here is a summary of the key aspects of the Yamaha Montage M Three Powerful Engines - Like its predecessor, Montage M features three sound engines: AN-X, AWM2, and FM-X. These engines offer a vast sonic palette, allowing you to create warm vintage analog tones, cutting-edge FM sounds, and ultra-realistic acoustic instruments. Increased Polyphony - A significant upgrade is the 400-note total polyphony, a jump from the original Montage’s 256 notes. This allows for more complex and layered sounds without worrying about dropped notes. New AN-X Virtual Analog Engine - This engine offers a fresh take on virtual analog synthesis, providing more detailed control over sound shaping. Improved User Interface - The Montage M features a redesigned user interface with new easy-edit pages and shortcuts, making sound creation and editing more intuitive and efficient. Additional Knobs and Encoders - More physical controls give you more immediate access to tweak parameters and add dynamics to your performance. VCM Rotary Speaker Effect - This new effect accurately emulates the classic sound of a Leslie speaker cabinet, adding warmth and movement to organ and electric piano sounds. Powerful USB Audio Interface - The Montage M functions as a 6-in/32-out USB audio interface, allowing you to record audio directly to your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) for seamless integration into your studio workflow. Overall, the Yamaha Montage M is a premium synthesizer workstation offering a powerful combination of sound quality, versatile sound engines, improved control options, and seamless studio integration. It caters to professional keyboardists who demand the best in performance and production capabilities. ...