Dasz Instruments "Alex "

Interesting take on a new live instrument.

Thoughts?

Very interesting concept. Seems to have synth and sampling capability, but I could be wrong. Time will show what sound engines will be supported. If they do it right … wow !

Edit: Just got an email (signed in the mailing list an hour ago) …

“Alex is a scalable track based synthesizer, sequencer mixing system for the stage and your studio.”

So no sampling.

Edit 2: Ha! There will be sampling … they updated their website just the other minute

http://dasz.jjdworks.com/products/alex/

and it says …

"Alex is an integrated multitrack synthesizer and sequencer platform. The Alex system is composed of modules. Each module includes 4 tracks – each track contains synthesizer/instrument, effects, looper and sequencer.

Physically, each module includes track buttons, a high resolution TFT screen, 8 RGB push encoders, 8 RGB buttons, a powerful processor and one I/O expansion and one DSP expansion slots.
Currently we are developing virtual analog, sampling, and external control instruments, effect and sequencer models."

Now let’s see this thing become more than a prototype and let’s hear some sounds. This could become an OT on steroids.

seemed a bit unfinished and chaotic at the beginning of the video… must say, if there are one or 2 iterations of their initial presentation and ballablablab … could be “okay” still absolutely not for me tho

The only thing that really interested me was that they are using Sharcs, which means it’s possible to create some really heavy stuff.

/C

In the video they mention “expansion boards” and more DSP power to be added. That would be a nice concept.

Interesting was the view of the back panel - lot’s of inputs and outputs per module.

Sad that there was no demonstration of more sounds or workflow. Seems to need quite some more work to get finished.

looks pretty rad.

there’s your performance mixer right there.

The website was updated:

Saw that. Not really a whole lot more information though.

Last year I remember seeing a new box that was modular a bit like the Gotharman that came in blocks that you connect directly together to make a synth/sampler/sequencer of your own choosing.

It had a main unit, I think with the main engine and sequencer and then you attach smaller expansion blocks, I think each with 4 extra voices or something???

They literally clipped together so you’d have a long row of units all together to form a larger unit.

I think it was touch screen.

Anyway I can’t remember what it was called, but it was on YouTube at one of the music trade shows.

Anyone else remember seeing this - and know what it was?

Thanks

Don’t recall that, only a MIDI controller that you snap together from different blocks.

Sounds like the Little Bits synth kit. Could have been a kickstarter thing that never made target,

Sounds like you’re talking about these: https://roli.com/products/blocks

1 Like

Sounds like it. Don’t think it’s really a synth though.

Ha, no not Roli Blocks or Little Bits - It was a proper serious heavy duty hardware digital synth/sampler/sequencer/FX unit… any ideas?

Think I know what you mean. The design was kind of like alesis micron? In colour/layout. Can’t remember what it was called though…

I’ve tried googling it, but the only way I can think to describe it is ‘modular’ - but then all I get is Euro stuff in the results.

:totes:

4 Likes

Thats’s it! Thanks :smile:

2 Likes

I wonder what happened to this thing. No updates for a year?

1 Like

It looks as though they will be Superbooth 2017 https://www.superbooth.com/en/dasz-instruments-inc.html

1 Like

This thing didn’t interest me when it was first announced. But for some reason, now it’s got my attention.