20 Sample Playback Synths Compared

How to Read this chart

This chart allows you to compare a number of multi timbral keyboard synthesizers on the market that use the sample playback type of synthesis. This type of synthesis has samples stored in a ROM. The samples form the basis for the programs. A multi timbral synthesizer is one that can record and playback tracks on several (usually 16) MIDI channels at the same time on either an onboard or external sequencer. All of the keyboards on this page are multi timbral and can be used with software sequencers.

Approx. Retail Price: This is a approximate price for the keyboard at the time this article was written. It may have changed. Click on the pic to get the current price. Note that you can also click the number of keys to get the prices for keyboards that come in 88, 76 and 61 key formats.

Keys: Specifies the number of keys on the keyboard.

AT: Stands for aftertouch. This is a feature that can modulate the sound by pressing down the keys after the initial strike. It is also called "Channel Pressure". All the keyboards listed respond to velocity.

Voices: This refers to the maximum polyphony available for the keyboard, without any optional boards loaded. The Yamaha PLG boards and the Korg MOSS board increases the number of voices available. This is not to be confused with number of sounds in the keyboard.

ROM: This refers to the size of the block of samples stored internally in the keyboard's Read only Memory. These samples cannot be modified. The samples in this rom, their number, variety, and quality is what gives the synth it's core sound.

Max Sample RAM: Keyboards that have sampling allow you to load your own samples into RAM. You typically have to add RAM modules to achieve the maximum sample RAM for the machine. After you load your samples in RAM, you can use them to create custom programs.

Expansion Cards: These are typically proprietary cards sold as option by the manufacturer. They may contain additional ROM samples, as is the case with the 64 MB Roland SRX cards; may extend functionality, as with the Korg EXB-SAMPL card, or my provide additional types of synthesis, as is the case with the Yamaha PLG and Korg MOSS cards.

Seq: Refers to the presence or absence of an onboard MIDI multi-channel sequencer. If "Yes" the keyboard has its own sequencer. If "no", a computer sequencer has to be used for multi timbral operation.

Arp: Refers to the presence or absence of an onboard arpeggiator.

Outputs: Tells you how many outputs are on the board and what type they are. If the board has digital outputs they will be listed here.

Sample Transfer: This refers to the method the keyboard uses to transfer samples to and from a computer. USB, for example, means that samples can be transferred to the computer over a USB connection.

Ext Storage: This is where the synth stores data externally, often in addition to its internal storage. Please consult the keyboard's manual to get a better idea of how this works as every keyboard is slightly different. CF stands for Compact Flash; SM means Smart Media; "on computer" means that data can be transferred to a computer, typically by USB.

MIDI: This details the methods by which MIDI data is transmitted and received. IN, OUT and THRU means the synth has common 5 pin MIDI jacks. These require that you have 5 pin MIDI ports on your audio interface or soundcard, or that you have a stand alone MIDI interface. USB means that the keyboard can connect directly to the computer via USB.

Software Editor: The more recent keyboards are coming with a plugin that can control the keyboard from within the sequencer. Others have stand alone applications that may be run on the computer to allow you to do patch editing and library functions on the big screen. There may be 3rd party editors available on the internet for your synth. I was not able to list them here.

Demo: If zZounds had demos on their site a linked the first one. Often you will find more at the product's page or at the manufacturers website.

Pic: Self explanatory!

Notes: I dug through countless manuals and product literature to compile this chart. Where you see a blank "--" it means I could not find info on that item. Where you see a "?" it means the manufacturer did not make it sufficiently clear in the documentation. Note also that manufacturers sometimes change their feature set but do not change their documentation. Also note that this chart was constructed by a human being and may contain errors.