Alesis NanoPiano

The NanoPiano is a 1/3-rack sized (5.5 inches wide) MIDI-module with 256 instantly accessible Piano sounds. Its sounds are based on the same synthesis engine as the QS-series, using 8 MegaBytes of 48kHz 16-bit digital ROM samples. There's a total of 256 preset Piano programs inside, organized into 16 categories, each with 16 different programs per category. Categories include: Acoustic Piano, Piano/Strings, Piano Layer (w/ clavs, organs, vibes, etc.), Piano FX, Electric Pianos, EP Layer, Chromatic (vibes, marimbas, etc.), Organs, Bass, Strings, Synth Pads, Lead Synths, Piano Splits, Effects, Piano/Pads, and Piano/Vox. The sounds cover every musical style.

None of the sounds are programmable from the front of the module. But with 64 voice polyphony and 16 MIDI channels, the NanoPiano was designed to give you easy access to quality Piano sounds for your MIDI music production system, live or in the studio. And using external MIDI editor/librarian software the NanoPiano's presets can be edited, including a lowpass filter, 3 LFOs and 3 envelope generators. Each program also features built-in Alesis effects that can be controlled from the Effect knob and via MIDI. Unfortunately it is not multi-timbral and can only receive MIDI on one channel at a time. But for very little money you can get a great source of MIDI Piano sounds that sound great! It is used by Richard Barbieri.