This article was also published in Electronic Soundmaker & Computer Music, August 1985, and first available on mu:zines here:-

HS-60 - The Synth With Everything (ES Aug 85)

If you're looking for a serious MIDI synthesizer under £1000 it's worth looking carefully.

Since Roland pioneered the idea of a budget, full-function polyphonic, there have been various contenders in the field. Which is why we've been tempted to compile a shopping list of features for comparing the Roland HS-60 against the low-cost hopefuls. Check any equipment you are considering for these fundamental points.

1. Programmable memories. The HS-60 has 128 in two banks, plus the facility to save on to cassette tape for a potentially infinite collection of sounds.

2. Three MIDI modes. The HS-60 can select between just giving key messages, giving key data and patch shift data, and outputting all the setting information from the audio controls, (MIDI All facility). Make sure your choice has full MIDI.

3. Powerful sound circuitry including six DCO's and six VCF's. One method of cutting a synthesizer's price is to economise on its sound potential. In particular, several brands of inexpensive poly's don't have a full complement of filters, only one or two shared between all the oscillators. But filters play a large part in giving synthesized sound its strength and character.

4. User-friendly controls. If your car had a single control with a means of selecting its function between steering wheel, gear lever, brake, indicators, clutch etc. there'd be a great many more road accidents. In the same way, programming a synthesizer is quicker, simpler, and creatively more effective when the instrument is provided with a full set of mechanical controls like those on the HS-60.

5. 61-note keyboard with full size keys. Roland do not feel it is appropriate to make compromises where it will directly effect your playing technique.

6. Stereo sound with Chorus. Powerful, layered string effects, resonant brass and convincing piano sounds can easily be achieved using the two Chorus modes on the HS-60.

7. Built in 2x10 watt stereo monitor amplifier and speakers. To do justice to a synthesizer with stereo sound you'd need two practise amplifiers. The HS-60 has them already. Naturally, there are also twin outputs for use with stage amplification and recording equipment.