Feature:
If you want a modeling synth and you go the HW route you've got to have physical access to the functions from the synth itself - easily. It's what payed you paid for. Access nailed it. Menu functions are well structured, functional layout of synth and effects well-done, and plenty of knobs and bright read-outs in each section to get to what you need. I've used the I2 for a year now. The only features issue I have are niggling (seperate phone level - ouch!) or preferential (more weight on the keys, though velocity and aftertouch are good)
Quality:
1 year, on the road from the US to Europe to the Middle East - no problems, nothing loose, nothing broken. Still as solid as the day I unpacked it. You can't ask for anything more.
Value:
By now you ought to know I feel I got my money's worth. And if you can't afford the 1500-2200 for the Virus C rack to keyboard models buy the SW Virus. I've plugged my I2 into into a friend's home studio and I can hear no difference between stand-alone and mixed sound from my I2 or from his SW VC - believe me, I wanted to :-)
Desirability:
10 on the "I want it" scale. Not from sex appeal but sound appeal. Though it does look awesome in dark club all blue and shiny, I couldn't give it a 10 unless I had the Redback - crankin' sex appeal has to have that dark component of intrigue and the silver & blue of the standard I2 is just a little too angelic and innocent looking to Pump Me Up!
Sound:
I give it a 10 on sound cuz the extreme editing and morphing qualities - it's never failed to give me what I'm looking for or take me to new sound realms. I do techno/electronica and it produces great leads, wide pads and extreme sound bites. I give the presets a 8.5 - good breadth of examples to start with, a little too reverbing in some cases, somewhat weak in the percussion and too many breathy pads. But I bought to build my own unique sounds, not regurgitate presets, and for this its perfect.
Support:
Never needed physical service. I have emailed a couple of times on "how do I" questions related to effects and routing. Each time I got an accurate response within 24 hrs.
Upgrades - a BIG positive point for Access. In 1yr I've added 3 OS upgrades, all easy & w/o issue. Each with some great new features. Access is constantly developing and pushing their product. Eg's - Pure Tuning in OS 6 it cool as hell, Flash to ROM in 5.5 gives more me-developed sound storage - none of which could even be done when I bought it. Add to this new presets, arpeggiator patterns, a *real* active user group sharing sound libs... plus I got to commend Access when first reviewers said the manual was too technical, too geared toward Phd's in Synthology and not the average/new user - they get Howard Scarr to write a 130 pg "Programming Analogue Synths" that is a work of love and art that all skill levels can learn from and they just post it for free on the website. That's class. Check it out even if you don't own Access products.
Overall:
Not The Best, but Of The Best. There is no The Best. The gear I keep is what add uniqueness and draws me into a creative mindset. I don't expect and don't try to produce a whole set on the I2. Still I sit down at the I2, fiddle around, hear something cool and loose an evening but gain fun and a great sound. Great gear delivers this experience repeatedly. The Indigo 2 is one of the great's.
Did you find this review helpful?
Thanks for your opinion!