Just have time to add my two pennies.

The XS-1 is without doubt one of the best buys I have made recently.

Cost me a total of £35 including postage

I used to own the PHm (a non programmable module with 200 of the k1 presets) I used this module mostly for strings and choir and was sad when it went to the big gig in the sky (broken beyond repair)

I thought I was going to have to rely on the multi samples reason K1 refill for the sounds I lost until I came across the XS-1.

The XS-1 has all the choir and strings sounds I had previously lost, with a much clearer cleaner sound.

To add to that the ability to take those sounds and then change them to what you really have in mind is far more than you had with the PHm.

The major down side is the polyphony sucks with only 10 notes with an additional 4 if you include the drums.

Actually the drums are not bad at all, especially if you are running this unit through an Effects rack of some description.

BTW Effects are a MUST!! This unit doesn't sound very good without the added reverb or delays you need to make the most out of this unit.

If you run the drums through a nice plate gate you have rock nirvana.

To conclude.

If you are looking for a very cheap Synth module that offers quality strings and choirs with the ability to tweak then the XS-1 is for you.

However, if you are looking for an all rounder as a central piece of equipment then look at spending more money on a Korg Trinity or Roland JD/XV.

All the best People,

Tim.