AKAI VX90

A final version of this is yet to be seen, but the VX90 seems as though it will be a slightly upmarket version of the AX80 (see Under £1,500 section) but in modular form — ie without a keyboard. It was originally intended to release an AX90 keyboard version, but these plans have now been scrapped. Strangely there are to be no factory presets but rather 96 user programmable memories which rather puts the onus on the operator. The VX90 incorporates a new sound chip and a keyboard split facility — assuming the controlling keyboard is splittable and has the necessary MIDI capabilities. It'll have to be good for the price.

CHROMA POLARIS (RHODES)

The Polaris was such a long time coming that it almost couldn't help being a bit of a let down when it finally arrived. A slightly unwieldy programmable analogue synth with keyboard split and layer with no extraordinary features to recommend it. In addition to MIDI it features Chroma's own parallel interface for other Chroma synths or expanders, or the Apple II Computer, for increased memory plus greater programming and sequencing power. There are better synths for the money, although it's nice to see a return to conventional programming controls.

ROLAND JUPITER 6

Along with its MIDI-less big brother, the Jupiter 8, the JP6 is something of a classic analogue synth, and so although it isn't current, I've decided to include it here. It still offers a good degree of detailed programming and a range of classic Roland sounds, although it is somewhat eclipsed by the newer JX-8P. Being a couple of years old the MIDI implementation isn't quite as comprehensive as later models which may be a drawback if youTe a systems person.

ROLAND JX-8P

The JX-8P effectively superceded the JX-3P although it would be a mistake to consider it simply a hotted-up version of it — it is undoubtedly more than that.

As with the 3P it comes as standard with digital access programming control, but an optional plug-in PG-800 programmer unit provides full individual controls. The ability to apply different EGs to each of the oscillators and individually adjust their relative volumes give rise to a new range of percussive sounds — probably designed specifically to combat the Yamaha DX-7.

ROLAND MKS MODULAR SERIES

As the next logical step down the MIDI road Roland have produced the beginnings of a range of 2U, 19in rack mounting, keyboardless synths intended for use with Roland Mother keyboard controllers the MKB-300 and MKB-1000 (see Remote Keyboard section). In addition to their own individual controls and features, each device has MIDI channel select buttons and display, volume and brilliance sliders and a tuning control. Currently, there are three on offer, the first two of which fall into the £500 to £1500 bracket.

MKS-80 SUPER JUPITER

This can be loosely seen as a Jupiter 8 with touch sensitivity — a notably powerful proposition. As with the MKS-30 (see £500 to £1500 section), this unit comes as standard with digital access control, but can be augmented with a plugin programming module, the MPG-80, to gain individual control. This is undoubtedly to be advised as the complexity of the 80's facilities makes digital access an exceedingly tedious method of programming. The same complexity, however, gives you great scope for a lot of good sounds.