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Description

The Alesis QSR is a powerhouse in the realm of synthesizers and sound modules. Designed for musicians who crave versatility and depth, this module delivers a vast range of sounds suitable for any musical genre. The QSR is equipped with the same powerful synthesis engine found in Alesis's prestigious QS series, ensuring rich, high-quality audio. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the QSR provides up to 64 voices of polyphony, allowing you to create complex compositions without compromising on sound quality.

This sound module is a boon for performers and producers alike, offering an intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate through its extensive library of sounds. With its robust MIDI capabilities, the QSR seamlessly integrates into any setup, making it a perfect fit for both live performances and studio recordings. The Alesis QSR is not just a tool but a creative partner in your musical journey, giving you the freedom to explore new sonic territories.

Key Features:

  • Synthesis engine with up to 64 voices of polyphony
  • Extensive library of high-quality sounds
  • Comprehensive MIDI functionality
  • Intuitive user interface
  • Compatible with a wide range of musical setups

Product specs

Brand Alesis
Model QSR
Finish Black
Year 2000s
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Rackmount Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Polyphony 64 Voices

FAQs

What type of synthesis does the Alesis QSR use?

The Alesis QSR is a digital synthesizer that utilizes sample-based synthesis, allowing for a wide range of sounds and textures by using digital samples as the basis for sound creation.

How many voices of polyphony does the Alesis QSR support?

The Alesis QSR offers 64 voices of polyphony, enabling complex and layered soundscapes without note dropouts during performance.

What are the MIDI connectivity options for the Alesis QSR?

The Alesis QSR provides MIDI Input, MIDI Output, and MIDI Through connections, facilitating integration into various MIDI setups for both studio and live environments.

Is the Alesis QSR suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Alesis QSR is designed as a rackmount digital synthesizer, making it a compact and versatile choice for live performances, particularly when controlled via an external MIDI controller.

Can the Alesis QSR be expanded with additional sounds?

The Alesis QSR supports expansion via PCMCIA cards, allowing users to load additional sound sets and increase the variety of available patches.

Pedro Castillo

Pedro Castillo

DEMO Synth Rack Alesis QSR - Pedrinsky

Video thumbnail for DEMO Synth Rack Alesis QSR - Pedrinsky by Pedro Castillo

DEMO Synth Rack Alesis QSR - Pedrinsky

Pedro Castillo

Pedro Castillo

Video thumbnail for Alesis QSR by Musicnectar

Alesis QSR

Musicnectar

Musicnectar

Video thumbnail for Звуковой тон-модуль Alesis QSR (синтезатор без клавиш)  | Sounds | Take 1 by Павел Корольчук

Звуковой тон-модуль Alesis QSR (синтезатор без клавиш) | Sounds | Take 1

Павел Корольчук

Павел Корольчук

Reviews

PROS

  • Good selection of quality patches right out of the box

  • Excellent sound quality, loved for its vintagey sounds

  • Great for ambient music with its interesting sound palette

  • Mix mode enables effective layering of sounds

  • Compact, saves space without sacrificing options

  • Exceptional pipe organ samples, especially with the Sanctuary card

  • Offers polytimbric architecture for complex setups

  • Includes auxiliary and four channel digital outputs over ADAT

CONS

  • Lacks newer, cutting-edge features compared to latest models

  • Limited onboard editing capabilities without additional software or hardware

Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners explore bending the Alesis QSR using PCMCIA expansion slots for accessing wave ROM address and data lines.

    Source
  • A circuitbenders.uk R-8 patch box is a referenced inspiration for modifying the QSR.

    Source
  • A compatible socket for the QSR's battery replacement is Digikey part 36-107-ND, allowing a non-soldered installation.

    Source
  • The QSR circuit board has double mounting holes, simplifying battery socket installation with minimal modifications.

    Source
  • Jumper wires may not be necessary as the PCB has built-in tracks connecting the positive terminals.

    Source

User experience

  • Modifications can cause address errors, making the bends unstable, but they produce excellent sounds when functioning properly.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The QSR has built-in error checking, limiting the types of data it can process without errors.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The Alesis QSR uses a BR2325 battery, which is larger than the common 2025, with a unique 3-pin configuration.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Patch cards for the Alesis QSR are also compatible with Alesis QS 6/7/8 & 6.1/6.2 & 7.1/7.2 & 8.1/8.2 keyboards.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners sample QSR sounds into software for more tweakability, freeing up physical space while maintaining sound quality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some find the vintage synthesizer expansion card underwhelming, suggesting similar sounds can be recreated with other synths or romplers.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Alesis QSR

soundonsound.com

Alesis QSR impresses with its clean, rich sounds and excellent effects processing, making it a solid choice for musicians seeking a reliable multitimbral module. The two PCMCIA expansion slots offer versatility, and the direct ADAT connection is a bonus. While the editing can be fiddly due to limited buttons and the lack of filter resonance is noticeable, the extensive modulation options and switchable GM mode elevate its performance. Ideal for players prioritizing instant, high-quality sounds over deep programming, the QSR is a classy act with a few minor drawbacks.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 9 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
I

With Sanctuary card is unbeatable

I've bought it second-hand only for the fabulous pipe organ samples: with the Sanctuary card it has 20 different pipe organ samples, rich and full of realism. The polytimbric architecture allows to have a multiple keyboards setup with several organ registrations.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paul Hardcastle uses Alesis QSR

Paul Hardcastle

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Paul Hardcastle, an accomplished keyboardist, composer, and music producer known for his work in electronic and jazz genres, utilizes the Alesis QSR sound module in his musical setup. In an interview featured in "Paul Hardcastle: King Of The Castle" by Soundonsound, Hardcastle shares his appreciation for the Alesis QSR, noting its unique sample-based sounds that stand out from other synthesizers he uses. He mentions, "Under the table is an Alesis QSR, and though it's really just another sample‑based synth, it has a few sounds that seem different to the others, so I rather like it." This direct statement confirms Hardcastle's use and preference for the Alesis QSR in his production work, providing clear evidence of the gear's role in his musical arsenal.

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 QSR, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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