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Description

Step into the world of sound design with the Quasimidi Sirius, a powerhouse synthesizer that merges classic analog warmth with modern digital precision. This synthesizer is favored by electronic musicians and producers for its distinctive onboard sequencer and robust sound architecture. The Sirius is designed to be as intuitive as it is versatile, featuring a 49-key velocity-sensitive keyboard that ensures expressive playability across any genre.

At its core, the Sirius boasts a hybrid sound engine combining subtractive synthesis with sample-based elements, allowing for a vast array of sonic possibilities. Equipped with 7 onboard effects, including delay and reverb, it offers ample room for creativity and experimentation. The real-time control knobs allow for seamless tweaks and adjustments, granting you the ability to craft and modify sounds on the fly. Additionally, the Sirius includes a built-in vocoder, empowering users to add that iconic robotic voice effect to their tracks effortlessly.

Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the Quasimidi Sirius stands out as a reliable and creative partner, offering a comprehensive suite of features tailored to meet the needs of today's musicians.

Key Features:

  • 49-key velocity-sensitive keyboard
  • Hybrid sound engine: subtractive synthesis with sample-based elements
  • Onboard sequencer for intricate sound design
  • 7 integrated effects including delay and reverb
  • Built-in vocoder for distinctive vocal effects
  • Real-time control knobs for dynamic sound manipulation
  • MIDI compatibility for seamless integration with other gear
Jexus (sounds-for-synths.com)

Jexus (sounds-for-synths.com)

Quasimidi Sirius | demo by Jexus / WC Olo Garb (part 1 of 2)

Video thumbnail for Quasimidi Sirius | demo by Jexus / WC Olo Garb (part 1 of 2) by Jexus (sounds-for-synths.com)

Quasimidi Sirius | demo by Jexus / WC Olo Garb (part 1 of 2)

Jexus (sounds-for-synths.com)

Jexus (sounds-for-synths.com)

Video thumbnail for Bad Gear - Quasimidi Sirius - 90s Techno Machine??? by AudioPilz

Bad Gear - Quasimidi Sirius - 90s Techno Machine???

AudioPilz

AudioPilz

Video thumbnail for Quasimidi Sirius Demo by Perfect Circuit

Quasimidi Sirius Demo

Perfect Circuit

Perfect Circuit

Video thumbnail for Quasimidi Sirius By Elektragen by Elektragen

Quasimidi Sirius By Elektragen

Elektragen

Elektragen

Video thumbnail for QUASIMIDI SIRIUS (1997) synthesizer dance music workstation demo cd from the 90s by RetroSound

QUASIMIDI SIRIUS (1997) synthesizer dance music workstation demo cd from the 90s

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for Quasimidi Sirius - Ultimate Ambient Machine? by LFOstore

Quasimidi Sirius - Ultimate Ambient Machine?

LFOstore

LFOstore

Video thumbnail for Quasimidi Sirius demo CD [1998] by baward

Quasimidi Sirius demo CD [1998]

baward

baward

Video thumbnail for Quasimidi Sirius - Waveform Deep Dive - Episode 1 by Electronisounds Audio

Quasimidi Sirius - Waveform Deep Dive - Episode 1

Electronisounds Audio

Electronisounds Audio

Video thumbnail for Quasimidi Sirius - Why So Sirius? by The Free Radikal

Quasimidi Sirius - Why So Sirius?

The Free Radikal

The Free Radikal

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Sirius uses low-bitrate PCM samples for its audio source, giving it a distinct mid-90s sound with limited sculpting flexibility compared to oscillator-based synths.

    Source
  • It is multitimbral, offering separate synth-voice and drum channels, and is easy to control over MIDI, enhancing its versatility in complex setups.

    Source

Build quality

  • The construction includes a metal chassis but is noted to be plasticky elsewhere, which may affect durability in accidents.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • In the US, prices for a Sirius in excellent condition range from $800-1000, with European prices potentially 200 euros less.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Finding a Sirius with the correct power supply is crucial due to its rarity and potential compatibility issues.

    Source
  • The Sirius can operate on a 12V power supply without issues, offering a solution for those unable to find the original 10.5V PSU.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Both the Sirius and Rave-o-lution 309 utilize the same power supply interchangeably, accommodating live setups with limited gear.

    Source

Other

  • The power supplies for Sirius are unregulated, potentially producing over 12V off load, suggesting flexibility in power input tolerances.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Quasimidi Sirius

soundonsound.com

Quasimidi's Sirius is a standout in the dance workstation market, offering a robust package with three polyphonic synths, a vocoder, and a 7-track sequencer. Its intuitive interface and hands-on design make it a joy for live performance and studio use. The Sirius excels in delivering the gritty, electronic sounds coveted by dance music producers, although its preset library may feel repetitive. Limitations like a fixed 4/4 sequencer and basic effects are offset by features like the randomize function and vocoder with a gooseneck mic. While the beat recognition system could be more reliable, the Sirius remains an attractive option for electronic musicians seeking a versatile, performance-ready instrument.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
patrick_richardson

amazingly flexible quick-and-dirty sound design tool outpaces it's dated heritage

This device was made as a "band in a box" for techno music, a product of the late 1990's "groove synth" craze. All the presets are hilariously dated, but the ROM waveset and simple subtractive synthesis architecture is flexible enough to remain mid-fi fun for keys, drums, vocoding, and more WELL beyond it's rave-y roots.

For more information on tech and features, read my WikiPedia article HERE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quasimidi_Sirius

From Gear Setup

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Martyn Ware uses Quasimidi Sirius

Martyn Ware

Keyboardist

The Human League

...
Verified via Google Books

In Mark Jenkins' book "Analog Synthesizers," Martyn Ware discusses his use of the Quasimidi Sirius synthesizer.

See how JayB uses Quasimidi Sirius

JayB

...
Verified via YouTube

Seen right from the first second on.

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 Quasimidi Sirius, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Roland S-750 Sampler
Roland S-750 Sampler Audio Samplers
1
Apple Logic Pro
Apple Logic Pro DAW Software
1
Nord Lead A1
Nord Lead A1 Synthesizers
1
Roland Juno-106
Roland Juno-106 Synthesizers
1
Casio CT-6000
Casio CT-6000 Portable & Arranger Keyboards
1
Yamaha PSR-36
Yamaha PSR-36 Portable & Arranger Keyboards
1

Community setups

Show yours
editon

editon

Gear IQ 129

luxuszoetic

luxuszoetic

Gear IQ 207

patrick_richardson

patrick_richardson

Gear IQ 833

dkdivedude

dkdivedude

Gear IQ 199

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