Yamaha Synthesizer Review

For more than 100 years, the name of the Japanese brand Yamaha has been booming around the world. Back in 1887, a little-known master Thorakus Yamaha managed to repair a reed organ. In the process of repairing, Thorakus drew up a drawing of the instrument, and after a while modified it, and then designed his own model of the organ. Unfortunately, the instrument did not reproduce a very good sound, but the master did not abandon his idea. A few months later, the body began to meet the existing standards at that time. This is how the amazing story of the brand began.

Today the assortment range of the company is represented by various products, which include auto and motor vehicles, boats. Professional musicians choose the represented brand for the high quality of musical instruments, among which synthesizers are in great demand.

The root word for the word "synthesizer" is the concept of "synthesis". In the world of music, this process is a combination of basic sound and overtone, due to which the most unique harmony is created.

In any modern style of music, with the exception of classics and opera compositions, multifunctional synthesizers are used. And interestingly enough, when choosing a keyboard instrument, musicians choose the Yamaha brand. Comparing the synthesizer of a Japanese brand known all over the world, with similar products from other manufacturers, you can immediately feel the sound difference.

Today, the main advantage of Yamaha synthesizers is quality. Almost all representatives of the music industry in Russia and abroad use the equipment of this particular manufacturer.

Sometimes competitors of the Yamaha brand, trying to jump over their heads, tell tales about low-quality materials used in the construction of musical instruments. Indeed, all musical products are made of metal and plastic, but before being designed, the material goes through several stages of technological processing, which also undergoes all elements of auto and motor vehicles.

Yamaha is valued for its quality, strength and durability. Designers can ignore the beauty of the equipment, but they will never miss a single technical detail of the device.

As for the Yamaha synthesizers specifically. They are distinguished by purity of sound, great sounding similar to grand pianos and pianos. It is worth noting the rigor of the keyboard instruments design. They have never been presented to consumers in ridiculous and ridiculous colors. Their work consoles are very comfortable and easy to use, which is especially important for musicians on stage.

The traditional distinctions of the Yamaha brand are design restraint and a minimal set of controllers on the working console of the synthesizer, which is why novice musicians cannot play the instrument and think that it is better to give up the idea. Only professionals are able to understand the intricacies of tuning a keyboard device. But not all models are as complex as they seem at first glance.

As conceived by the Yamaha designers, all developed synthesizers are assigned to specific series. One series can be represented by 2 or 3 instruments, the other is diluted with 5 modifications. And this was done for a reason. Each individual series is a set of functions and capabilities. And the synthesizers that make up the series can be equipped with a partial set of parameters or packed to the maximum. For example, the Montage series represents professional synthesizers, while the PSR series is aimed at aspiring musicians. And the MX BK / BU series synthesizers are compact in size, they are also called shoulder-mounted, and there is no point in explaining why.

If the synthesizer is intended for home use, there is no need to pay attention to its design. And for the professional field, the beauty of a keyboard instrument plays an important role. That is why Yamaha designers offer consumers not only black synthesizers, but also white ones.

A revolutionary series that is a breakthrough in smart workstations. The synthesizers of the MONTAGE line in terms of technical characteristics and functionality surpass their counterparts, which are representatives of other series. They are distinguished by the convenience and comfort of control. And their automation has leaped ahead significantly in comparison with designs manufactured by competitive companies.

The manufacturer Yamaha has managed to combine the best parameters and functionality of the DX and MOTIF synthesizers in the presented series, for which the instruments have received the highest praise from the most famous musicians in the world.

The MONTAGE line is represented by the amazing trio of synthesizers Yamaha MONTAGE 6, Yamaha MONTAGE 7 and Yamaha MONTAGE 8. The only difference between the two is the number of keys. The rest of the instruments are completed according to the highest class. The revolutionary Motion Control Synthesis Engine is built into their design, thanks to which the timbre of acoustics and synthetic sound exceeds all expectations.

Many musicians have probably encountered sound interruptions more than once when switching timbres on synthesizers from other manufacturers. The designers of the Yamaha brand have managed to get rid of this defect, so that during the process of changing the timbre, there is no clipping of the sound.

The MONTAGE series synthesizer library contains a variety of sounds suitable for classical and electric music. The musical polyphony of each individual device is presented in the form of 128 notes, and this is quite enough to perform even very complex compositions.

An outstanding series from the Yamaha brand, featuring a wide variety of timbres and incredible sound possibilities. The sound engine is the same as in the MONTAGE series synthesizers. It features the legendary AWM2 and FM-X tone generators.

The MODX series synthesizers boast 192-note polyphony, of which most of the notes are stereo.

Just like the MONTAGE line of synthesizers, the MODX instruments are equipped with a unique technology that allows you to seamlessly switch between voices. Another distinctive feature of MODX keyboards is the built-in 1TB Flash memory.

Thanks to the unique Motion Sequences system, the musician can sync and change preset parameters.

In this case, the flagship synthesizer model belonging to the MX series is presented. Along with other representatives of this line, the instrument has more than 1000 timbres.

The main distinguishing feature of the described model is the presence of 88 keys and a hammer keyboard, thanks to which the maximum realism of the feeling during the game is provided.

Yamaha MX88 is ready to boast a user-friendly interface, a wide variety of connectivity options, as well as the ability to integrate with different software.

The polyphony of this synthesizer is presented in the form of 128 notes. Thanks to the presence of special controls, the musician can simultaneously control 12 parameters of sounds.

This series is represented by synthesizers, rich in sound palette. The compact body is equipped with a keyboard of 61 keys, which, if desired, can give odds to more advanced models. Thanks to the performance preset mode, the musician can combine multiple voices with just one button on the keyboard. In addition, each performed preset is presented to listeners not only in 3 sounds, but also in 16 parts, which the musician can control simultaneously.

The MX BK / BU series synthesizers provide a convenient audio interface that allows you to connect the instrument via a USB cable to your PC. Thus, the user can create his own recording studio, and listen to the performed compositions through headphones.

What is noteworthy is that the instruments in this series have a minimum weight. They can be carried with one hand and can be played using the shoulder strap.

This series features 4 portable synthesizers, each of which is a direct descendant of vintage Yamaha keyboards. In simple terms, these are synthesizers of the past, once belonging to other existing series. Among their brethren, they became flagships, after which they merged in the Reface line.

Vintage novelties are a sound emulator of instruments from the past. They are distinguished by a high quality dynamic 3-octave keyboard, built-in speakers and the ability to operate on batteries.

What is remarkable These synthesizers are compact and lightweight, so you can take them with you on vacation, but not to live performances.

The main requirement for synthesizers for children is a well-designed interface, thanks to which novice keyboardists can learn the principles of playing. Parents, when buying a tool, pay attention not only to the technical characteristics, not to the cost of the device.

It is unprofitable to purchase an expensive synthesizer for students. Knowing this, Yamaha has developed special keyboard models for children. Their cost is quite acceptable for any average family.

One of these models is the Yamaha E253 synthesizer. It has a simple interface, a sufficient number of functions for beginners, and allows you to play the simplest melodies at high frequencies. After the child has mastered this musical instrument, he can switch to more complex keys.

Another no less popular children's synthesizer is the R300 modelbelonging to the PSR line. The device has quite decent functionality, it is equipped with 32-sound polyphony, 500 timbres and more than a hundred auto accompaniments.

Like any synthesizer, the R300 has a USB connection to a PC. The housing has a microphone or headphone jack.

Another distinctive feature of this model is the presence of a Russified menu. On the one hand, this is very convenient, but teachers in music schools require students to use an interface with an English translation.

Having understood the existing series of Yamaha synthesizers, you need to familiarize yourself with the accessories for these musical instruments. Some extras are included in the kit. Well, you will have to buy something.

First of all, it is a rack. Very comfortable keyboard support. Feet included. They are mostly designed for installing a musical instrument on a concert stage.

Next on the accessory list is the synth pedal. Thanks to its capabilities, it is possible to expand the functionality of the keyboard instrument, emphasizing certain moments of the performed compositions.

Each synthesizer comes with a case made of durable and practical material. The main task of the synthesizer cover is to protect the musical instrument from any factors that can negatively affect the structure.

Also included is an adapter that guarantees the safety of the synthesizer when connected to the network. The charger, which is also an integral part of the synthesizer set, is equipped with a power supply unit that converts the mains electric current to the value required by the synthesizer.

It should be noted that Many synthesizer designs have a built-in music rest that can be detached as needed. For home use, it is recommended to purchase a separate music stand on a tripod so that the musician can place the structure in the most convenient position for viewing the notes.

Everyone understands that most modern musicians are men. And all men are a little children. So when buying a new synthesizer, they first of all run to connect it in order to try all the possibilities of a musical instrument. But before activating the keyboard structure, you need to read the instruction manual, which tells not only how to turn on the device correctly using the power supply, but even how to clean the keyboard contacts.

Only after familiarizing yourself with the basic rules of use can you connect it to a PC. Yes, today the PC is at the forefront of electronic devices that can transform into a huge multimedia center. The main thing is that its sound card is powerful and meets all the requirements of high frequencies.

First of all, you need to figure out how to connect the synthesizer to a computer via USB. In fact, the process of pairing devices is no different from connecting printers, scanners, or graphic tablets. First, you need to connect the instrument via a USB cable. Then install the necessary software. If these actions are performed in the reverse order, it is highly likely that the program will not recognize the connection of a musical instrument.

The classic scheme of connecting a synthesizer and a computer is done via midi. The connectors responsible for this connection are located on the back of the synthesizer and are labeled as midi out, midi in, midi trough. It is enough to connect the cable to the corresponding connectors of the synthesizer and PC.

There are models that do not have a midi connector. Instead, there is a 15-pin D-SUB output. In this case, you must use a cord with different ends. One end will have a circular input or output connector, and the other will have a 15-pin connector. After connecting the synthesizer, the software is installed, the musical equipment is set up, and then you can play music.