Quasimidi Quasar © 1993 Quasimidi Musikelektronik GmbH
The Quasimidi Quasar was a 2U rack-mounted digital synthesizer designed specifically for the emerging techno and dance music scene. It used a ROM-based sample engine enhanced by a proprietary processing system called M.A.S.S. (Multi-Algorithm Sound Synthesis), which applied multiple synthesis methods such as filtering, FM-style modulation, and additive processing to internal samples. The Quasar was 16-part multitimbral, GM-compatible, and included an arpeggiator, making it a powerful performance module for electronic music production of its time.
2U 19-inch rack module
~8 MB ROM sample library (approx.)
64-note polyphony (soundprogramming.net)
16-part multitimbral architecture
General MIDI compatibility (partial stylistic deviation)
Built-in arpeggiator (advanced for 1993)
Extensive onboard effects (reverb, delay, chorus, vocoder-like processing)
MIDI IN / OUT / THRU
Designed for techno / trance / rave production workflows
The Quasar was Quasimidi’s first commercial synthesizer success, establishing their identity in the techno scene.
It intentionally avoided strict General MIDI compliance in sound design, focusing instead on dancefloor-oriented presets.
It includes a very strong MIDI implementation and real-time parameter control, making it suitable for live tweaking.
It is often described as a “techno ROMpler with attitude” rather than a traditional workstation.
It competed indirectly with early Roland JV-series and Yamaha TG/MU modules, but targeted a more aggressive sound aesthetic.
It became a cult instrument in mid-90s European electronic music studios.
The arpeggiator was considered unusually powerful for 1993 hardware.
It helped define Quasimidi’s later groovebox direction (Rave-O-Lution 309, Sirius, etc.).