E-MU Xmidi 2x2

Advantages: THAT filter, very easy to use, graphical editing, warm sound
Disadvantages: monophonic outputs, not much memory, takes a while to load up disks

...It comes as no surprise that most of the artists on Warp records own an FZ-1 sampler. This sampler only has a passing aquaintance with clean sounds preferring to grind everything up into a mass of Aphex Twin-esque crunching. The FZ-1 has a maximum sample rate of 32Khz and although casio claim 16 bit sampling, rumours have it that it is more like 12 bit sampling with 16 bit processing. This is what gives it the unique sound that is loved by artists such as u-ziq, Global Communications and Underworld. Once you recognise the sound you can hear it all over the Dubnobasswithmyheadman album. It is capable of producing fairly clean samples but this is not the point, if i wanted clean samples i would use my e-mu E6400. The standard FZ-1 comes with 1MB memory although this can be expanded to 4MB if you can find a dealer. 1MB is just enough... Read review

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Advantages: The instruments are of high quality and it is easy to use
Disadvantages: The keyboard sounds are not 100% brilliant

...As part of my GCSE Music course I have to compose three pieces. I can do these on the school’s computer, but also my own. This is where the MU-15 comes in extremely handy. All I have to do is connect it to my computer and I have instant access to all the General MIDI and XG sounds, so I can see what my composition will really sound like. The MU-15 is a small, but highly ingenious sound module that has many features, such as the ability to alter the pitch of or mute instruments and change vibrato. It also has a small keyboard on it which double out as the features. This means that you can input notes into the software you are using, without a keyboard. You can also put the keyboards up or down several octaves, in order to get the full range of the stave. I have only used this module using the RISC OS and PC versions of Sibelius... Read review

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Advantages: As close to a piano as you can possibly get
Disadvantages: Takes up a lot of space, extremely heavy

...amplifier with 4 speakers * Sliding key cover * SPECIFICATIONS ---------------------------- * KEYBOARD - 88-key, AE (Action Effect keyboard. * TOUCH SENSITIVITY - Hard, Medium, Soft. * TONE GENERATOR - Hi-resolution AWM ( Advanced Wave Memory ). * VOICE SELECTORS & CONTROLS - 60 voices: Piano, Clavinova Tone, E. Piano, Harpsi, Vibes, Guitar, Strings, Organ, Choir, Upright Bass, Elec. Bass, Drums, Voice 13~60: Brass, Pop Brass, Trumpet, Mute Trumpet, Horn, Saxophone, Saxophone Soft, Clarinet, Oboe, Flute, Accordion, Harmonica, Strings Soft, Violin, Violin Hard, Full Organ, Jazz Organ, Synth Brass, Synth Wood, Synth Strings, Synth Choir, Piano Bright, Piano Soft, E. Piano DX ( bright ), Synth Crystal, Celesta, Marimba, Folk Guitar, Jazz Guitar 1/2, Rock Guitar 1/2, Mute Guitar, Banjo, Pizzicato, Harp, Upright Bass Soft, Elec. Bass Soft, Elec... Read review

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