Akai S1100EX 16 Voice Expansion Unit for the S1100 (part 2)

The other limitation, which like the limitation on the number of voices, applies to other samplers too, is that there are only eight individual outputs for multitimbral operation.

The other limitation, which like the limitation on the number of voices, applies to other samplers too, is that there are only eight individual outputs for multitimbral operation. I’m not a multitimbralist myself particularly but many people are and they would ideally like at least as many outputs as there are voices. Sixteen outputs on an S1100 would be good. But would having thirty-two outputs be even better? Of course it would, but we are taking a flight of fancy now. The absolute ultimate would be to have a separate output for each sample that the unit can store. Maybe I’d better just keep dreaming.

So, assuming that you have a few pounds to spare and you think that a single S1100 isn’t enough to do full justice to your talent, you may have been considering buying a second S1100 and are wondering whether you can save some cash by getting the S1100EX instead. Will it be a compromise? Will you wish you had paid the extra. No, you won’t. You’ll be glad you went for the S1100EX because it actually has more to offer than a second S1100 would. Another S1100 would just be another box that has to be programmed and otherwise cajoled and cosseted, but the S1100 works as part of a team. It communicates with the S1100 and together they do a lot of the donkey work for you. All you have to do is choose whether you want extra voices or extra multitimbrality. After that it’s go-go-go with some serious music making! But try not to think how much better still things would be if you had another S1100EX - the system can accommodate six altogether. Not even Hans Zimmer uses that many!

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