In his latest video, synthesist Alex Ball offers his take on the classic – if sometimes troubled – Alesis Andromeda A6 analog synthesizer.
The Alesis Andromeda A6 is a flagship analog synthesizer, produced by Alesis from 2000 to 2010, and with industrial design by Axel Hartmann. It is considered one of the most ambitious analog polysynths of its era, combining an analog sound engine with extensive digital control and programming capabilities.
The Andromeda was designed as the ultimate digitally controlled analog polysynth, with massive modulation depth, analog sound generation, extensive hands-on control and enough polyphony to function as a complete studio instrument.
While an epic synth, some consider the Andromeda a risky purchase, because of its reliance on custom ASICS chips, a tendency towards encoder ‘jumpiness’ and other issues that can crop up over time.
Features:
- Polyphony: 16 analog voices, 16-part multitimbral.
- Oscillators: Two analog oscillators per voice, plus sub-oscillation.
- Filters: Two resonant analog filters per voice: a 2-pole multimode filter and a 4-pole low-pass filter.
- Modulation: Three LFOs, three complex envelopes per voice, extensive modulation matrix.
- Keyboard: 61 velocity- and aftertouch-sensitive keys.
- Controllers: Pitch and modulation wheels, assignable ribbon controller.
- Effects: Digital reverb, chorus, delay, pitch shifting and analog distortion.
- Connectivity: MIDI, external audio inputs, and up to 16 individual voice outputs.
In his video, Ball shares a history of the Andromeda, his take on the analog beast, and a wide range of audio examples.
Check out the video and share your thoughts on the Alesis Andromeda A6 in the comments!
