An analog modeling synthesizer is a synthesizer that generates the sounds of traditional analog synthesizers using DSP components and software algorithms. Analog modeling synthesizers simulate the behavior of the original electric and electronic circuitry in order to digitally replicate their tone.

This method of synthesis is also referred to as Virtual Analog or VA. Analog modeling synthesizers can be more reliable than their true analog counterparts since the oscillator pitch is ultimately maintained by a digital clock, and the digital hardware is typically less susceptible to temperature changes.

Their 1997 virtual analog synthesizer keyboard, the AN1x, modelled many of its features upon the Prophet-5, thanks to Yamaha now having access to its technology. The AN1x went beyond the capabilities of the Prophet-5 with a doubled 10 notes of polyphony and various other features either modelled on other popular analog synths or representing new additions made feasibly only by the underlying digital technology.' Featuring 10-voice polyphony and a wonderfully fat brass synth sound, the AN1x can go toe-to-toe with more well-known virtual analog synths such as the Oberheim OB-12. The AN1x is somewhat rare, and was produced for only two years (1997-98). Despite this, it remains relatively reasonably-priced.&.

While analog synthesizers need an oscillator circuit for each voice of polyphony, analog modeling synthesizers don't face this problem. This means that many of them, especially the more modern models, can produce as many polyphonic voices as the CPU on which they run can handle.

Modeling synths also provide patch storage capabilities and MIDI support not found on most true analog instruments. Analog modeling synthesizers that run entirely within a host computer operating system are typically referred to as analog software synthesizers.

The term was not used until the 1990s when the Nord Lead came out.^[1]

Examples of VA synthesizers include:

Access Virus line of VA synths
AKAI Miniak virtual analog synthesizer from AKAI Professional
AlesisIon, Micron and Fusion
ClaviaNord Lead and Nord Modular series
KorgZ1, Prophecy, MS-2000, microKORG, RADIAS, R3, KingKORG, Electribe
M-Audio Venom
NovationSupernova, Supernova II, Nova, A-Station, K-Station, X-Station, XioSynth, Ultranova, MiniNova
QuasimidiRaven, Rave-O-Lution, Polymorph, Sirius
RolandJP-8000, JP-8080, V-Synth, SH-201, SH-01 Gaia, JU-06, SH-32, Aira System-8, Aira System-1
Studiologic Sledge (see Fatar)
Waldorf Q, Q+ and MicroQ
Yamaha AN1x, Yamaha Reface CS, AN200

Yamaha An1x Virtual Analog Synthesizer Software

References[edit]

Yamaha An1x Virtual Analog Synthesizer Software

^Sound to sense, sense to sound: a state of the art in sound and music computing. Logos Verlag Berlin GmbH. 2008. ISBN978-3-8325-1600-0. '[...]virtual analog synthesis. This term became popular when the Nord Lead 1 synthesizer was introduced in to the market'

Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Analog_modeling_synthesizer&oldid=881665558'

Yamaha An1x Virtual Analog Synthesizer For Sale

Yamaha An1x Virtual Analog Synthesizer System

Sound Quality
Ease of use
Features
Bang for buck
Overall:

I saw this one in an ad a while ago and i remembered there was a review in Future Music between this one and a JP8000 and a Nordlead. But second hand prices of the AN1X are about half of these other 2.
Earlier i owned a CS1X and later a CS2X and that didn't sound very good to me, and as the AN1X looks pretty much the same, i had no idea how it would sound. So i bought it for a nice price and i started programming it.
Well, the presets are mostly drowned in FX as always, so i bypassed the FX to hear the pure oscillators and filters and was pleasantly surprised to hear is actually sounds 'analog like'. 2 saws a bit detuned and a bit of cutoff reminded me a bit of a Juno 60.
The filters sounds suprisingly analog, something i didn't expect in this price range, the only drawback is that the knobs suffer a bit from stepping, but that is only the resolution of the potmeters. Controlling the filter with envelopes/LFO's or velocity is very smooth as it should be.
There are LPF, HPF, BPF and BRF, so enough choice for a nice bit of sound design.
Unfortunately there are not many knobs like there are on a JP8000 or Nordlead, but perhaps that's the reason why these are more expensive. It takes a little time to quickly edit the AN1X, but it's not hard at all...
The arpeggiator and step sequencer are nice starting points for making a track, be it 80s or electro style.
These days, the AN1X is not as popular as the JP or Nord, but the sound is were it shines, especially at the 2nd hand prices nowadays.
And, what not many people know perhaps, the yamaha AN1X is actually modelled after the Prophet 5 :
Quote from wikipedia article on Prophet 5 :
'As noted above, Yamaha purchased Sequential Circuits in the late 1980s. Their 1997 virtual analog synthesizer keyboard, the AN1x, modelled many of its features upon the Prophet-5, thanks to Yamaha now having access to its technology.[4][5] The AN1x went beyond the capabilities of the Prophet-5 with a doubled 10 notes of polyphony and various other features either modelled on other popular analog synths or representing new additions made feasibly only by the underlying digital technology.'