street priceThe Alesis QSR is a compact, rack-mountable 64-voice expandable synthesizer module that represents a refinement of the company's QS8 keyboard synth. Produced in 1996 during an era when sample-and-synthesis (S+S) instruments were facing competition from emerging physical modeling technology, the QSR demonstrates that traditional synthesis approaches still have considerable merit.
The module features a sound engine virtually identical to the QS6/ QS8, housed in a small, lightweight chassis approximately the size of Alesis' Quadraverb units. The conservative but tidy exterior belies the impressive capabilities within. The QSR comes equipped with 16MB of internal ROM containing 649 high-quality 48kHz linear samples, covering everything from traditional bread-and-butter sounds to more experimental material, including wave and drum loops. The sample library can be expanded to 32MB using the two PCMCIA ROM and RAM card slots. The sample library particularly excels in drum sounds, incorporating many favorites from classic Roland CR and TR drum machines.
Programs on the QSR consist of one to four Sounds arranged as Layers, with each Sound drawing from the extensive sample library before passing through filter, amplifier, and effects processing. While the amp and filter processing options are somewhat restricted (notably lacking filter resonance), the exceptional quality of the source samples more than compensates for these limitations. Alesis has cleverly addressed the resonance gap by including a selection of resonant samples in the library.
The unit operates in multiple modes, offering 512 preset Programs plus 128 user Programs, and 400 preset Mixes plus 100 user Mixes in its standard configuration, with further expansion possible via PCMCIA cards. A Program plays on a single MIDI channel, while a Mix can combine up to 16 Programs, each responding to any MIDI channel for 16-part multitimbral applications or Program stacking. General MIDI compatibility is built in and accessible from the global parameter pages, with the GM sound set proving impressively comprehensive.
True to Alesis' reputation as an effects processing specialist, the QSR delivers an exceptional array of four onboard effects based on the Alesis QuadraVerb 2 FX processor. The diversity and quality of sound treatments punch well above the module's price point and are outstanding, though the overdrive effect falls slightly short, producing a somewhat fizzy character that lacks conviction on guitar and drum loops.
The front panel adopts a minimalist approach with a large backlit LCD, an alpha-type value wheel for scrolling and parameter entry, eight rubber navigation buttons for accessing the module's internals and stepping between MIDI channels and Program/Mix banks, plus headphone output and volume control. While navigating play modes is straightforward thanks to dedicated Program and Mix buttons, editing can prove tedious, with parameters for even simple effects sometimes spread across multiple pages.
Connectivity options are particularly impressive for a module in this class. The rear panel features dual stereo audio output pairs (essential for managing 64-voice polyphony), an optical interface for seamless ADAT integration, a 48kHz sample clock input, and standard MIDI IN/OUT/THRU connections supporting 16-part multitimbral operation. Additionally, an RS232/RS422 computer serial port enables direct connection to Macintosh or PC computers without requiring a separate MIDI interface. The computer type and baud rate are selectable from the global parameters. Power comes from an external 9V AC line-lump power supply.
Two Type-1 PCMCIA RAM/ROM card expansion slots provide access to an extensive library of additional sounds and enable custom sample downloads via the bundled Sound Bridge software. The QSR also implements four user-specified global controllers, providing flexible modulation routing to effects processors, pitch, filter, and amplifier parameters—a practical substitute for the QS8's physical slider controls.
In multitimbral operation, the QSR truly shines, delivering clean, rich sounds that hold their own against any contemporary S+S synthesizer. The Program material is solid and immediately useable, making the module an ideal choice for players who prioritize instant access to quality sounds over deep programming capabilities. While it may not generate the excitement of cutting-edge physical modeling technology, the QSR stands as a reliable, professional-grade workhorse synthesizer with genuine class.
Synthesis Engine
Memory & Expansion
Multitimbral Capability
Sound Processing
Sequencer/Arpeggiator
Audio Outputs
Digital Connectivity
MIDI & Computer Interface
Physical Specifications
User Interface
Additional Features
| Usage area | |
|---|---|
| Sound Module/ Tone Generator | |
| Usage Design/ Form Factor | |
| Rackmount, 1U | |
| Archetype | |
| Digital (D) | |
| Polyphony | |
| Voices | 64 |
| Multi Timbral Capacity | 16 part(s) |
| Tone Generator / Sound Synthesis | |
| Synthesis Method | Digital Subtractive |
| Production start | 1995 |
| Production ended | |
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