Article 40851 of rec.music.synth: Newsgroups: rec.music.synth Path: news.service.uci.edu!usc!sdd.hp.com!wupost!spool.mu.edu!umn.edu!csus.edu!netcom.com!metlay From: metlay@netcom.com (metlay) Subject: Re: Korg DSS1 keyboard/sampler/synthesizer Message-ID: <1992Oct3.170231.19538@netcom.com> Summary: Opinions Organization: Atomic City References: Date: Sat, 3 Oct 1992 17:02:31 GMT Lines: 48 In article wiley@wiley.b11.ingr.com writes: >I have a friend who wants to sell a Korg DSS1. Both he and I were >wondering what a fair market price for this would be today. He thinks >it was about $2000 new (a few years ago). Hmf. Try about five years ago, which is forever in emusic terms. The DSS-1 sells for between $600 and $900 now, depending on its condition and the size of the sound library included with it. If your friend has one of the rare units with the RAM upgrade and built-in SCSI port, it will be worth considerably more. >I am wondering what other people's opinions on this synthesizer are? Is >there a significant difference between 12 bit and 16 bit sampling for >home use? I like the idea of sampler output fed into a synthesizer. Are >there any other sound modules which do this? Many people like the added dynamic range and clarity of 16 bit sampling over 12 bit, not to mention that fact that the newer 16-bit machines have other advantages over the older units besides their resolution, like more RAM and better features. However, the DSS-1 is the only sampler I have ever really been tempted to buy more than once (I came within 24 hours of buying one at least three times over the past three years), and it's likely that I will eventually break down and get one. The reason is the machine's architecture, that of a slightly enhanced DW-8000 with sampling oscillators, is very familiar to me and very easy to learn to use. I have always regarded the DSS-1 as a synthesizer with an expanded set of waveforms rather than a traditional sampler-- it has nice features for creating single-cycle waves for use in synthesis, and has the delightfully retro ability to turn sample resolution down to 8, 7, or even 6 bits, introducing all sorts of lovely cruft into the sound. What stopped me? Well, primarily two things: one is its inability to load sounds from a hard disk, and its paltry onboard memory. The other is its sheer size; it's a big-ass board, and requires a sturdy stand to hold it up. I just don't have the room, alas. >"Sniff. Sniff. Smells like a newbie to me!" > >You're right. The cure for newbiedom is to stick around and contribute. Welcome to r.m.s.! -- metlay | and she's a master of return hitting atomic city | giving rhythm to her posts | so you read her and think hey it sounds good metlay@netcom.com | and wish her posts had a soundtrack too (f. ercolessi)