S90 (Yamaha)

The Yamaha "Music Synthesizer" S90 is a synthesizer, MIDI controller and sequencer in one unit, released 2002 [ [http://www.sonicstate.com/synth/yamaha_s90.cfm Yamaha S90 - Specifications, pictures, prices, links, reviews and ratings ] ] [ [http://www.sninety.com/about/s90.php SNinety.com ] ] . As such, it is part of the S series [ [http://www.yamahasynth.com/products/synthesizer_electronic_piano.html Synthesizer & Electronic Piano - Products - Yamahasynth.com ] ] together with the S03, S08 and the S90ES. [ [http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/List/ModelSeriesList/0,,CTID%25253D206500%252526CNTYP%25253DPRODUCT,00.html S Series Synthesizer by Yamaha, Synthesizer & Piano Balance ] ] . It is notably one of the few digital 'modular' synthesizers with 88 weigthed keys. To what extent the S90 is modular may be a topic of controversy in comparison to analog modular synthesizers as parts of its modularity is plug-in based and not applicable in real time. However, it is still possible to view it as a hybrid modular type in conjunction with software use (see Modular synthesizer).

Overall Features

Keyboard

The S90 provides 88 fully weigthed keys, the number equivalent to a standard piano, emulating the pianistic mechanism. [ [http://www.yamahasynth.com/products/s90/specifications.html S90 - Products - Yamahasynth.com ] ] The keyboard naturally provides initial touch, but also aftertouch response and has a 64-note polyphony with 16 multitimbral parts providing a maximum of 4 performance parts.

Presets

There are 384 normal (e.g instrumental) presets and 48 drum kits. The S90 also includes standard GM presets. User presets are 128 normal and 16 drum kits. Presets may be expanded through up to three plug-in boards allowing a bank of 64 presets for each plug-in slot. [ [http://www.yamahasynth.com/products/s90/specifications.html S90 - Products - Yamahasynth.com ] ]

Expandability and Memory Slot

The S90 can be expanded through plug-in boards at three plug-in slots, thus providing additional presets, polyphony, effects and synthesizer functionality. Also, a memory slot is included for SmartMedia (3.3V) cards up to 128 MB.

Physical Appearance

Visual Description

The S90 is a large black synthesizer with brown side panels and might give the impression of a digital synthesizer with its green display. 71 push buttons are distributed across the front panel (based on image observation). Pitch bend and modulation wheels are placed above the keyboard aligned to the left.

Measurements

"Metric (SI)"
Dimensions (mm): 1,357 (W) x 386 (D) x 163 (H)
Weigth (kg): 23.0

"Imperial, English, United States customary, etc."
Weigth (lbs.): 51
Dimensions (inches): 53 3 /8" (W) x 15 1 /8" (D) x 6 3 /8" (H)

Panels and Connectors

"Front Panel"
The front panel features a standard setup of a pitch bend wheel, a modulation wheel and a master volume slider. In addition there are four assignable control sliders and one 'rotary encoder'. The display is a 240 x 64 dot graphic backlit LCD.

"Back Panel"
Output: L/mono, R (1 /4" Jacks)
Assignable output: L, R (1 /4" Jacks)
Master Equalizer (5 bands)
Phones (Stereo 1 /4" Jack)
2 x Foot controller
2 x Foot switch: Assignable, Sustain
Breath

MIDI IN
MIDI OUT
MIDI THRU
USB
ACINLET

Sound Generation and Effects

The synthesizer uses AWM2, a "Modular Synthesis Plug-in System" and 21 types of filter. [ [http://www.yamahasynth.com/products/s90/specifications.html S90 - Products - Yamahasynth.com ] ] Table 1 shows an overview of the S90 factory effects.

"Table 1. List of Onboard effects"

¹available for Performance/Song mode

References

Further reading

[http://www2.yamaha.co.jp/manual/pdf/emi/english/synth/S90E1.pdf Offical Manual]
[http://www2.yamaha.co.jp/manual/pdf/emi/english/synth/S90E2.pdf Official Data List]

External links

* [http://www.sninety.com/ SNinety.com]

* [http://www.sninety.com/forums/index.php?Cat=1,3 S90 Forum]