hi,I hoped to find a full manual for it,but apparently these guys think that a quick guide is enough to make us spend 2400 euros...
http://www.essound.com/Apps/WebObjects/ESSound.woa/1/wa/viewProduct?id=11&lang=ita

it looks like a very capable machine but I think they should seriously consider uploading a full manual on their site

Nice concept,but it sounds like a 90er keyboard
Look and listen>> http://essound.com/ftpess/clipver2.wmv

Impuls

Looks Like a standard PC with dedicated music software, (Similar to Livestyler) that can play audio, Yamaha styles (In XG Format) and uses Sound fonts for the inbuilt sounds. (A format that was first introduced in the 90s)
As software based keyboards/modules have been around for years (The very late 90s was probably when it first started) there is nothing new bought to the table.
Always good to see what’s out there though?

Bill

Not sure about what you are saying. I didn't see many arranger modules and the only bunch I know is made of three or four of them:

Ketron X4
Gem Geneys XP
Gem WX
Gem wk2

there are 2 or three more but the ones with a proper sequencer are only four or five.

does not seem a big assortment for a 20 year span...

Yes,it looks like a PC just as much as a Ferrari looks like a Kawasaki motorbike

this is a musical instrument,not a PC.
I think it's a big difference. I don't know how good is it,but it does not look like it would be rubbish.
I would trade my PC for it,no problem....

[This message has been edited by arranger_yes_pc_no (edited 07-22-2009).]

[This message has been edited by arranger_yes_pc_no (edited 07-22-2009).]

ah ah, I agree,it sounds like a 90's keyboard,lol

The Software keyboard started about 1999 with a prototype from Creamware (Now taken over by Sonic-Core http://www.sonic-core.net/de/home/home.html ) in Germany; http://www.harmony-central.com/Events/MusikMesse00/CreamWare/CreamWare-StageFrame.html
This was subsequently taken up by Wersi and launched in 2000/1 as the OAS system.
Neko (I Think) and TMS followed later, with Lionstracs coming in about 2003/4.
In addition although not software, Bohm http://www.keyswerk.de/ also produce an arranger module.
http://www.openlabs.com/products.html
http://www.lionstracs.com/store/index.php
http://www.wersi.net/
http://www.tornado-music.de/

Regards

Bill

thanks Bill

I was already aware of the Wersi module....the cost is prohibitive.
Also,the other stuff is really more of a PC than a module as I intend it....I am talking more in the range of 1500 euros

Is it so difficult for companies to do a module version of their keyboards? (korg,yamaha,etc)

No point for me in spending 4000 bucks on a dual core system to use Reaper on....I have already a Centrino laptop that I bought for about 300 dollars from ebay, I have Reaper on it and all the rest.

But I don't deny the fact that if I had the money to spend on something like the Wersi module or the other ones,I would probably buy one of them.

The ESS system sounds really ridicolous,plus I don't even see exact specs,no manual...I wrote to these guys and they told me that a dvd tutorial is better. Sure is,but only for people who already bought the system. Go figure

thanks for the links,though

btw, it was just a coincidence that I mentioned the software-oriented ESS Matrix,but infact,I am more interested toward more affordable desktop arrangers....more like the Korg and Yamaha keyboards in a module format

Have you considered Ketron Midjay? I used one for a year or so, controlling it with an Edirol 61-note or Roland 76-note controller keyboard. I like it a lot. You'd have to try one to see if it's what you want.
DonM