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Filters

Now it's time for those filters to come into play. The Post Filter Mix module combines the various outputs from the two filters and allows Osc 1 and 2 sine wave outputs to be mixed back into the signal path to reinforce the fundamental pitch.

There's a MOD button adjoining many of the controls on the A6 and you'll discover that nearly everything can be modulated by almost everything else.

The three envelopes are all seven-stage affairs with a dazzling array of customisation parameters, and also offer looping potential that can be pressed into producing audio frequency oscillation.

The manual suggested leaving the synth on for a while before pressing the autotune button. The procedure takes about three minutes but does ensure that the synth is ready for the background and temperature tuning take over.

These can be disabled if you feel that what makes an analogue synth tick is exactly the kind of instability they are designed to negate.

Features

The presets are a little overblown in places and the true power of the unit is only discovered when you begin to program it yourself.

The digital send effects are a welcome addition but nothing special, while the Analogue Distortion is useful but lacks depth or class.

The arpeggiator could have been made more versatile too, but this is partially made up for with the 16-step sequencer, although it's a little fiddly at times.

Special mention should go to the audio inputs that can be processed through the synth engine or used as a modulation source.

Even after weeks spent with the beast we were still discovering cool tricks and foibles – the kind that you just don't get from more 'dependable', straight hardware. The Andromeda will continue to surprise and delight for years to come.

The Modulation Matrix is second to none and is only really bettered by a fully modular system. The semi-weighted keyboard is a delight to play and the front panel (although functionally and graphically alarming at first) becomes intuitive once you understand what's going on under the bonnet.

Teething issues

There were some early comments on internet forums regarding the A6 suffering tuning issues and possible VCO failure.

Alesis have pointed out that analogue chip manufacture is – by its very nature – a difficult process.

Problems such as these are something that you come to expect with true 'vintage' kit from the 70s or 80s, but not from a 'modern' synth. Virtual instruments can at least be upgraded in software, should problems be found. But with hardware that simply isn't an option.

The good news is that we didn't have any such problems with our fresh from the factory Andromeda, even after 24 hours continuous use. Later batches – of which ours was an example – have been firing on all cylinders.

Rumours of the Andromeda's demise have been exaggerated. Alesis has informed us that they'll be in production for as long as customers demand them.

It may not be a vintage Moog, Oberheim, Prophet, Korg or Roland, but the Andromeda can do much more than most of your so-called classics put together. It's a potential studio workhorse and an inspiration to play, and with a UK street price of about £1,500 this synth deserves a closer look.