Alesis QS8 (1996)
A flagship 88-key digital synthesizer with weighted hammer-action keys, released by Alesis in 1996.
Overview
The Alesis QS8 is a full-sized digital synthesizer with 88 weighted keys. The hammer-action keyboard is velocity- and aftertouch-sensitive. Alesis released it in 1996 as the flagship of the QS series. Sound generation is PCM sample-based, with 16MB of ROM that can be expanded for additional sounds. It was designed for professional players, and the focus is pianos, keyboards and orchestral instruments. It supports 16 MIDI channels and has standard MIDI input, output and throughput ports.
Specifications
| Polyphony | 64 voices |
| Sound generation | PCM sample ROM (16MB, expandable) |
| Keys | 88, velocity and aftertouch sensitive, weighted, hammer-action |
| MIDI channels | 16 |
| MIDI ports | MIDI In, Out, Through |
| Weight | about 50 pounds |
| Original price | $1999 |
Context
The QS8 sat at the top of the Alesis QS series, the highest tier of the company's synthesizer line when it came out. It was introduced alongside updates to the QS7 and QS8 models. Alesis was pushing into the professional keyboard market with high-quality sampled sounds and premium keybeds.
Market
Used QS8 units show up at varying prices, with listings observed around $500. Some may show cosmetic wear. No widespread electronic failures have been documented.
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