Music workstation

From ArticleWorld

A music workstation is a compound device. Basically, it is all the equipment a musician needs to compose music in just one piece. It includes a sound module (a synthesizer), a music sequencer and, more often than not, a keyboard. The sequencer writes data such as notes and controllers and then transmits it to the player. Today, the best workstations can also include various extension boards and many great special effects.

Designs

The idea of having the two pieces combined isn't new. However, earlier designs didn't have all the features such as preset drums or display screens for example. Korg M1 – one of the first combined designs - was the milestone as it featured a big display screen, an unusually rich sounds palette and many other special effects. It became extremely popular. Later, also a floppy disk was added to the device, making it possible to store the musical data in the form of standard MIDI files.

The three most popular brands – Yamaha, Roland and Korg – now offer the sequencer as the default option. However, the most costly part of a workstation is the display, they are trying to cut back on costs by avoiding high resolution or providing only a touch screen. On the other hand, having the display means getting rid of many extra knobs and buttons. It enhances both the look and the price.

Apart from the classical design, there are also many variations available. For example the so called Walkstations – a portable variant without a keyboard.

Another variation is the groovebox. No keys but still containing the sound source and sequencer. This is more for dancing than composing music, however the newest ones also include samplers.