User Reviews for Digital
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By x_bruce
On 21st March 2004
Version: 1.2
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x_bruce
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GUI
Sound
Features
Docs
Presets
Support
VFM
Stability |
What is less appealing that an 4 operator synthesizer? Days of cheesy (in the worst sense) game cards or last gasp Yamaha DX27/100 clones. You name it, it doesn't sound all that good. If nothing else, I hope this review convinces ConcreteFX to change it's marketing strategy and give it a sexy re-write on it's information.
If unike me, you actually had a look at the feature set then you'd know Digital is anything but a throwback to boring FM synthesis. Instead Digital is an exciting synthesizer in all senses. Yes, there is a 4-op FM engine but it goes in directions far beyond a lot of FM synths try to do and this is something that is great about ConcreteFX in general. They make solid synthesizers at reasonable prices with feature sets that make one wonder how they got into that modest sized interface.
Interface:
Everything you need is on the interface or one of it's multiple tabs. Click on a tab and you're at the FM algoithym page, move to another and you're at a 8 track step sequencer. Everything is in one screen and it's easy to learn and easy on the eyes.
Synth Engine:
4 operators with 15 algorithms, phase distortion synthesis and waveshaping, 10 filter options, one per the four oscillators available. 18 waves to run the FM OSC through, 8 envelopes, an extensive modulation matrix, excellent effects and high quality sound. No one can say Digital is lacking for features.
Sound:
Excellent and expansive come to mind. There are multiple synthesis techniques that expand upon another while not getting in the way, simplicity to complexity in ways that make 6-op FM seem almost simple but most important, the sounds are there to get and they are easy to get to. Don't go into Digital expecting to program a masterpiece in 15 minutes, make no mistake this is a programmers synth but also a generous one with 160 patches to learn from. They are good representitives of Digital but it is your sound that will matter once you get the engine down. And the sound engine is pretty easy for such a complex synth.
And So?:
Recommended on all fronts. Moderate learning curve, lots of features, a good amount of presets and of course great sound make Digital a easy to like synth. At $65 it's a whole lot easier to afford as well.
ConcreteFX have created their own interface which has been used successfully in all their synths with some variations as neeeded. Learn Digital and you have a major advantage on other ConcreteFX synths.
This is a winner in a lengthly winning streak for ConcreteFX. If you like digital sounds they are here. If you like the way you can take digital and soften it up and do twisted things normally thought of with samples, it's here. Either two features would make any competent synth worth your purchasing attention. To have so much firepower at your disposal for such a reasonable price is extrodinary.
Try it, learn it, this and most ConcreteFX synths I am familiar with are equally worthwhile, a fact many are starting to realize. |
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