There's also a nicely spec'd MIDI-syncable arpeggiator with 128 preset styles, (each with 12 motifs) for adding interest to your patch or performance. Section 3 deals with keyboard options, so you'll find a button for keyboard split (one patch left and one right of a user-definable split point), a Dual switch that stacks two sounds, and 'Super Layer' that allows you to stack a single patch up to five times and then detune each patch for creating bigger sounds. The sliders are also used for controlling levels of the parts in section 3 of the panel and the phrase pads transmit velocity and can be assigned MIDI duties.

In addition, the four knobs can be assigned to other functions of your choosing (EQ or FX for example) and you can store 16 sets of controller assignments (like scenes on a Yamaha board). In normal operating mode, they take on various roles depending on the function selected.įor example, you can affect filter cutoff and resonance and the amp's attack and release rates, plus mic reverb and chorus/ delay/reverb levels, all with direct control. Section 2 on the front panel contains four knobs and four sliders and in DAW mode these can be mapped to any MIDI CC of your choice (for using with plug-ins etc). The 88-note 'Ivory G' keyboard is superb - it's almost perfectly balanced, not too stiff and responds well across its range. Unusually for such a big board, the DS88 can also be powered by eight AA batteries, which is handy for busking in particular. This is great if you want to use the DS88 as the centrepiece of your DAW- centric studio. The control panel is cleanly designed and generally intuitive with functionality grouped neatly into logical sections.įirst up is a Mode section that deals with sample import functionality for user samples (a feature that is very welcome indeed, allowing you to use 16-bit 44.1 WAVs for sound creation/ triggering) followed by a DAW control button that puts the DS88 into MIDI control mode, allowing you to control DAWs (Logic, Cubase, Sonar etc) directly from the DS88's panel. The surface is smooth throughout but add a couple of velcro strips/rubber grip-mat for securing your device and voila! Take control

Roland juno