Korg DSS-1/DSM-1 Your thoughts?

[Hyde]

I'm thinking of looking for one of these. I've read the reviews, watched the videos. I've been intrigued by these machines for a few years now, but haven't laid my hands on one. I'd like to hear from those who've owned one & what their thought are? Is there something else in the price range you'll prefer? Is there anything you hated about it? Anything to watch out for(maintenance issues etc) when buying? Anything else that comes to mind?

[SciNote]

I have no experience with this keyboard, but it is listed in the "browse the gear" section of this site, currently with 117 comments and good reviews. You may want to check it out. Perhaps some of the comments may answer questions you have about this synth.

[commodorejohn]

Upside: it's basically a sampler plugged into the filter and delay stages of the DW-8000, which is awesome. It's got two of the delay units, which is also awesome. In addition, it has oscillator sync (a rarity on vintage samplers!) and switchable filter rolloff. Soundwise, it's very nice.

Downside: the disk drive is hideously slow. Like, Commodore 1541 slow. If you need to switch sample banks, plan on getting a cup of (hot plant/water solution of your choice.) Also, the LFO offers only sine, which is baffling and stupid. Also, it's the size of a ping-pong table.

Sounds fantastic, mildly aggravating to actually use. I didn't keep mine, but I can see reasons why someone would.

[Olaf_Oldschool]

A DSS-1 and a Yamaha TG-100 together with a Commdore 64, a Steinberg MIDI Interface and some sequencer software where the first units we had when a friend of mine and me started with "making music" I would say 30 yrs ago
At that time noone cared about long loading times and very very very limited sample memory we where just glad we've had it.
Compared to today and what I remember is that it was really limited but had a nice keyboard.
From my point of view today is if I was looking for a sampler I would get me a different machine, like an Akai or ESI.
If you're able to get a DSS-1 in good conditions for a very low price it could be worth a look, you'll get at least a good MIDI keyboard and you'll be less dissappointed of it limited sample abilities.

Cheers

Olaf

[Hyde]

I have plenty of Samplers. I just like what I hear on the demonstration videos(youtube). Looking for something new to inspire my next album of music. Feel like I need a new direction. I've been looking at a few different synths/samplers that aren totally deadly on the budget. I guess I fear that I would buy it & find that it is really more of a pain than it's worth. I'm pretty resilient, though. I do own a Mirage

[commodorejohn]

Well, it's definitely a fantastic sound. SSM filters + that Korg delay unit = dark magic.

[Hyde]

Well, it's definitely a fantastic sound. SSM filters + that Korg delay unit = dark magic.

Yes! The sound I hear seems hugely workable. It's surely not a performance keyboard, for live situations(Slow Drive). But, I could see it providing much sound for inspiration.

[madtheory]

Well, it's definitely a fantastic sound. SSM filters + that Korg delay unit = dark magic.

It's not the SSM it's the Korg NJM-2069. Even better

[commodorejohn]

Ah, the more you know...in any case, it sounds gorram great

[Jamiemac]

This was recorded using a Korg T3 and a DSM1. DSM1 was great.
Listen to Jamie McFarland by Jamie #np on #SoundCloud
https://soundcloud.com/user-268120533/s ... cfarland-1

[Hyde]

This was recorded using a Korg T3 and a DSM1. DSM1 was great.
Listen to Jamie McFarland by Jamie #np on #SoundCloud
https://soundcloud.com/user-268120533/s ... cfarland-1

That was pretty intense! Ha! Sounds great, though. Nice work