Published 22/6/09
Performance synthesizer
Just in from Yamaha are the S70XS and S90XS performance keyboards. They both run on the same operating system, the only difference being the size of the key beds: the S70XS has 76 keys, while the S90XS has 88. Both models have weighted, hammer-action keys so, even on the smaller model, users get the feel of a real piano.
On-board controls have been simplified by Yamaha so that only the most commonly used features are available to the user from the button-driven interface. This, the manufacturers say, provdies a less cluttered menu system that lets users access the most important parameters quickly and easily while on stage. “We believe that the synth player can now finally enjoy and be inspired by the performance rather than having to concentrate on modes, menus and multis.”
Despite this streamlining of on-board functionality, there’s still a variety of hands-on control options, and a ‘panel lock’ can be engaged to prevent accidental tampering.
Control over the more intricate parameters is made possible with a computer, and special PC- and Mac-compatible software that features an in-depth graphical user interface comes with the keyboards. You can even use the synth a bit like a VST instrument, thanks to a dedicated VST3 editor.
The keyboards feature sounds from Yamaha’s popular Motif XS range of synths (hence the ‘XS’ in the model numbers), but there’s the added bonus of a sampled Yamaha S6 concert grand piano, which takes up about a third of the on-board ROM. The S70XS and S90XS cost £2613 and £2927 including VAT respectively. More information can be found at www.yamahasynth.com.
Yamaha Music UK +44 (0)1908 366700
www.yamaha-music.co.uk
On-board controls have been simplified by Yamaha so that only the most commonly used features are available to the user from the button-driven interface. This, the manufacturers say, provdies a less cluttered menu system that lets users access the most important parameters quickly and easily while on stage. “We believe that the synth player can now finally enjoy and be inspired by the performance rather than having to concentrate on modes, menus and multis.”
Despite this streamlining of on-board functionality, there’s still a variety of hands-on control options, and a ‘panel lock’ can be engaged to prevent accidental tampering.
Control over the more intricate parameters is made possible with a computer, and special PC- and Mac-compatible software that features an in-depth graphical user interface comes with the keyboards. You can even use the synth a bit like a VST instrument, thanks to a dedicated VST3 editor.
The keyboards feature sounds from Yamaha’s popular Motif XS range of synths (hence the ‘XS’ in the model numbers), but there’s the added bonus of a sampled Yamaha S6 concert grand piano, which takes up about a third of the on-board ROM. The S70XS and S90XS cost £2613 and £2927 including VAT respectively. More information can be found at www.yamahasynth.com.
Yamaha Music UK +44 (0)1908 366700
www.yamaha-music.co.uk
