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Average Price: $15

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$500

$1501+

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High-end

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Description

The Alesis QS8 is a versatile synthesizer that seamlessly blends the past with the future, offering a robust platform for musicians who crave expressive soundscapes and versatile performance capabilities. At the heart of this synthesizer is its 88 fully-weighted, hammer-action keys, providing a realistic piano feel that caters to both seasoned pianists and synth enthusiasts. The QS8 stands out with its ability to deliver lush, intricate sounds thanks to its Advanced Digital Architecture, making it a favorite among those who seek a broad palette of sonic possibilities.

Equipped with an extensive range of built-in sounds, the QS8 is perfect for studio sessions or live performances. Its comprehensive MIDI capabilities allow for easy integration into any setup, making it a reliable centerpiece for any music production environment. Whether you're crafting ambient soundscapes or performing dynamic live sets, the QS8's intuitive interface ensures that creativity flows unhindered.

The synthesizer also features multiple onboard effects, offering everything from reverb to chorus, which adds depth and character to your music. Its programmability means you can tailor sounds to your exact specifications, ensuring your music is as unique as you are.

Key Features:

  • 88 fully-weighted, hammer-action keys
  • Advanced Digital Architecture for diverse sound generation
  • Comprehensive MIDI compatibility
  • Wide array of built-in sounds
  • Onboard effects including reverb and chorus
  • Programmable sound options for personalized music creation
  • Intuitive interface for seamless navigation

Product specs

Brand Alesis
Model QS8
Finish Black
Year 1996
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Weighted
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Keys 88 Keys
Polyphony 64 Voices

FAQs

Does the Alesis QS8 have weighted keys?

Yes, the Alesis QS8 features an 88-note, weighted, hammer-action keyboard, providing a realistic piano feel.

What kind of polyphony does the Alesis QS8 offer?

The Alesis QS8 offers 64-voice polyphony, allowing for complex layering and intricate musical passages without note dropouts.

Is the Alesis QS8 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Alesis QS8 is suitable for live performances, featuring robust MIDI capabilities and a full-size, weighted keyboard for expressive playing.

How does the Alesis QS8 connect to other MIDI devices?

The Alesis QS8 includes MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through ports, enabling seamless integration with other MIDI devices and equipment.

What type of synthesis does the Alesis QS8 use?

The Alesis QS8 is a digital synthesizer, known for its high-quality sound engine and versatile sound design capabilities.

Daniel Rodrigues

Daniel Rodrigues

Alesis QS8 - Demo

Video thumbnail for Alesis QS8 - Demo by Daniel Rodrigues

Alesis QS8 - Demo

Daniel Rodrigues

Daniel Rodrigues

Video thumbnail for Alesis QS-8 Tutorial by TheKeyboardChemist

Alesis QS-8 Tutorial

TheKeyboardChemist

TheKeyboardChemist

Video thumbnail for The Alesis QS8 Song by ProckGnosis

The Alesis QS8 Song

ProckGnosis

ProckGnosis

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Alesis QS8.

Features and functionality

  • The Alesis QS8's mechanical touch was considered cutting-edge for its time, offering an authentic feel that some still value for MIDI control.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Technology advancements mean models like the Yamaha P-45 offer more capabilities and longevity compared to the older QS8 for a similar price.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • While sound quality can be replicated with software today, the QS8's action still makes it a useful MIDI controller for those valuing tactile feedback.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Replacing a key pivot involves removing a pivot rod pressed into the steel keybed in 87 places, requiring specific tools and precision.

    Source
  • A mechanical fix for broken key pivots involves using a #4x1/2 inch brass wood screw and careful drilling to restore functionality.

    Source
  • A 3D printed flat piece with a new flange can be superglued to existing parts for a simple fix, though care must be taken during future removals.

    Source

Build quality

  • The plastic key clips used in the QS8 can deteriorate over time, losing strength and leading to frequent breakages.

    Source

Other

  • Individual key clips are available from Syntaur, suggesting replacement is possible but challenging due to the design of the pivot rod.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Alesis QS8

soundonsound.com

The Alesis QS8 impresses with its weighted 88-note keyboard, robust sound engine, and high-quality effects processing reminiscent of Alesis' Quadraverb. It offers a vast array of sounds with 64-note polyphony, making it an excellent choice for musicians seeking rich textures and complex layers. However, its user interface falls short with a small display and buttons lacking tactile feedback. The QS8's fixed resonance filter and limited master keyboard capabilities might deter advanced users, but its solid build, classy sounds, and integrated computer interface are commendable features, making it a strong contender in its class.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
federicovaona

Beautiful Digital Synth and Master Keyboard

This particular and modern synth was very common after 2000, specially for his digital pianos, rich and very realistic (for those years). Very powerful and with a good hammer action 88 keyboard. Now is not exactly the perfect keyboard for me, but still very interesting in sounds and touch for some kind of control with synth softwares and other midi devices. Some lead synth presets are powerful and smooth.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Keith Emerson uses Alesis QS8

Keith Emerson

Keyboardist

Emerson, Lake & Palmer

...
Verified via YouTube

At [36:46] Keith is seen using the Alesis QS8

See how Jesse Carmichael uses Alesis QS8

Jesse Carmichael

Singer, Guitarist

Maroon 5

...
Verified via Photo

“Jesse started with just a lone Alexis QS8, a keyboard he says sounded strangely wonderful on crappy sound systems but didn’t translate to bigger venues.” - except from the January 2005 issue of Keyboard Magazine.

See how Vince Welnick uses Alesis QS8

Vince Welnick

Keyboardist

Grateful Dead

...
Verified via Bonhams

A VINCE WELNICK ALESIS ELECTRONIC KEYBOARD USED ONSTAGE, 1997-2000S A QS8 model, no serial number evident, used by Welnick onstage and in the studio with Missing Man Formation and other bands; housed in a blue flight case with two 'Steal Your Face' stickers (though this instrument post-dates his time with The Grateful Dead).?

See how Mikko Tarmia uses Alesis QS8

Mikko Tarmia

Composer

...
Verified

Shown Mikko synths he used and listed in 2006 from his website.

Current gear:

Apple PowerMac G5 DP running Logic Pro 7 Alesis QS8 master keyboard Roland JP-8000 synthesizer Clavia Nord Rack 2 synthesizer Gibson Les Paul Studio and POD 2.0 Genelec monitoring Collection of acoustic instruments

Some 80's stuff:

Akai MPC-60 sampler/sequencer (fully expanded) Roland D-10 synthesizer Yamaha CX5M music computer with YK-20 keyboard

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Alesis QS8, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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