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"This is a true analogue classic: a paraphonic ensemble / string synthesiser with an incredibly lush, warm, rich sound. It's graced a thousand hits and inspired a load of in-the-box computer emulations, but none of them can come close to the real thing. The String Melody 2 offers a split keyboard, with "bass" tones in the left and "treble" in the right. Each has their own set of sliders to control the mix of analogue waveforms that make up the sound. The "Cello", "Viola" and "Violin" tones are actually all the same sound, but transposed up an octave in each case; by mixing these, you can rapidly create very thick ensemble pad sounds which can then be further tweaked with the Attack and Sustain sliders (Sustain here effectively means Release – it controls how long the sound takes to decay to silence after you let go of the keys).
Adding to the three basic tones are Bass and Percussion, both of which are monophonic with lowest-note priority. They operate to the left of the split point only, and can add real weight and extra warmth to low tones and bass parts. Dialing in analogue pads, string ensembles, rich textures and soundscapes, or string leads is an absolute synch.
The String Melody II adds to the basic controls with a set of five "preset" buttons which are actually way more versatile than mere presets. These alter the analogue waveforms used to create the sound, the chorus effect, and the amount of vibrato applied; so that a slider setup will sound totally different depending on whether you have "Organ" engaged or "Orchestra". These buttons offer starting-points from which you can then sculpt the sound to taste, and really add to the versatility of the instrument.The waterfall keyboard is four octaves of real quality: it's a delight to play – a real player's machine! It comes in its own Tolex case to protect it, and is mains wired for the UK."
