Equipment Information
As being one of the synthesizers in my collection, here follows some music production equipment information are mostly from Wikipedia, where you may even find further details.
Overview
- The Alesis S4 Plus is a vintage 64-voice, 1U rackmount MIDI sound module and synthesizer, released in the mid-1990s as an upgraded version of the original S4. It is known for its wide array of 16-bit PCM sounds and robust multi-effects processor.
- Key Features and Specifications
- Polyphony and Multitimbrality: Offers 64 voices of polyphony and 16-part multitimbral operation, allowing for complex arrangements.
- Sound Engine: Uses a combination of subtractive and additive synthesis with 48kHz linear samples.
- Memory: Features 20MB of sample ROM (expandable to 28MB via a PCMCIA card slot), an increase over the original S4’s 16MB. It has 512 preset programs and 400 preset mixes, plus user-programmable memory.
- Effects: Incorporates a high-quality multi-effects processor based on the Alesis QuadraVerb 2 FX processor, which can run up to four simultaneous effects.
- Outputs: Includes four audio outputs and an ADAT optical digital interface for high-quality digital audio output.
- Control Interface: Features four assignable “Quad” knobs on the front panel for real-time parameter control.
Specifications
- Polyphony: 64-Voice
- Wave ROM: 20MB (expandable to 28MB with PCMCIA cards)
- Sounds: 512 Presets, 128 User Programs, 400 Preset Mixes, 100 User Mixes
- Effects: 4 Effects Processors (QuadraVerb-based)
- Multitimbral: 16 Parts
- Keyboard Type: Sample Playback, GM Compatible
- Controllers: Pitch/Mod Wheels, 4 Assignable Knobs, Pedal Inputs
- Connectivity: MIDI In/Out/Thru, 4 Audio Outs, ADAT Digital Out, PCMCIA Slot
- Key Features:
- Expansion: Uses PCMCIA cards for extra sounds (ROM/RAM).
- Digital I/O: Includes ADAT optical digital output for digital recording.
- Control: Supports custom sample loading via PCMCIA cards.
Availability
The Alesis S4 Plus is no longer in production, but can some times be found on Reverb for around $200.