[net.music.synth] Korg EX-800 and other synth modules

rokhsar@lasspvax.UUCP (Dan Rokhsar) (01/19/86)

I am just about to buy a Korg EX-800 module ($395) to use with
my Roland EP-50, which is equipped with MIDI.  The local music
store has a rather limited selection, so I though I'd ask the net:
Are there other synth modules that are comparable or better for
a lower price?
Some considerations:
	The Roland is touch sensitive but unweighted (like the PF10
	or the new KX76) with a 76 key keyboard.  I'd like to
	use the touch sensitivity, but the Korg won't pay attention
	to it.  Are there other modules in this ball park?  Will
	there be a TX21 tone generator (the DX21 does take velocity
	data)?

	My controller lacks pitch bend and modulation controls.
	Are there boxes with just these two controls that I
	could plug into the "MIDI Thru" of my keyboard?  Would it
	just be cheaper to buy the Korg Poly 800 with keyboard for
	another 200 bucks (budget is an important factor!)?

	The Korg has neither Split nor Layered keyboard options;
	how much more would these features cost?  I'm mostly interested
	in synth modules because I have a nice keyboard and don't
	need a stand-alone synthesizer; I'd like to be able to
	change the parameters of the sounds, so it should be more
	than just presets.

	Is anyone interested in swapping EX-800 patches?

Sorry if this seems so naive; I'm just getting into this stuff

		Dan Rokhsar
	

	sensitive i

daver@polyob.UUCP (A1 david rubin ) (02/06/86)

> I am just about to buy a Korg EX-800 module ($395) to use with
> my Roland EP-50, which is equipped with MIDI.  The local music
> store has a rather limited selection, so I though I'd ask the net:
> Are there other synth modules that are comparable or better for
> a lower price?

	As far as I know, the EX-800 is the least expensive synthesizer
module available. It is not very fancy, but it does sound pretty good.
Modules which support velocity sensitivity (like the Roland MKS series)
are much more expensive (starting at around $995). However, the EX-800
does have a sequencer (256 events) which can be useful.

	I do not know of any devices which can be used for pitch bend
and modulation (although it is a good idea and someone will probably come
out with it sooner or later), but if pitch bend is important, you may
want to look into the Casio CZ-101, which is an inexpensive digital synth
that has a pitch controller.

	By the way, I have seen the EX-800 for around $300 so you may
want to shop around and get a better price.

-- 

                                        David Rubin
                                        ...!seismo!cmcl2!philabs
                                        !ron1!polyof!polyob!daver