Yamaha S90 88-Key Weighted Action Synthesizer
No longer available at zZounds
Expandable via plug-in boards. SmartMedia playback sequencer.
Overview
If you're looking for a full-size keyboard with great sounds and exceptional touch, the S90 has just what you needÖand nothing you don't. It's perfect for those who simply want all the award-winning MOTIF's high quality sounds and one of the world's most expressive three-layer piano sounds all in an affordable, portable 88-note weighted synthesizer.
Stunning Sounds
The S90 contains the best sounds of Yamaha's flagship MOTIF synthesizerÖplus a new, three-layer sample of a top-of-the-line grand piano! This incredible selection of high quality sounds gives you a complete sonic palette for creating any style of music.
System Expansion
Complete with a USB-MIDI interface, Modular Synthesis Plug-in System expandability, bundled software applications and more, the S90 is ready to meet the needs of any music-making environment, from studio to stage.
Simple Operation
Thanks to Yamaha's Balanced Hammer Effect keyboard, the S90 feels as great as it sounds, providing smooth piano action that's nearly indistinguishable from the real thing.
Superb Action
Whether you want to simply browse and play the voices or control an entire MIDI rig, the S90's large LCD screen and intuitive hands-on user interface make it remarkably easy to use.
The Best Features of the "S" Series: the Great Sounds of MOTIFÖand More!
Over the years, Yamaha S series synthesizers have set new standards for sound quality, features and value. And with the new S90 Music Synthesizer, that tradition continues. Developed… read more to be our most feature-packed S series synth to date, the S90 inherits the best features of the S series lineÖplus the great sounds and user interface of our award-winning MOTIF synthesizer. In addition to superb piano action, a powerful arpeggiator and 24-bit effects, the S90 gives you 110MB* of wave samplesÖmore than any other keyboard in its class. And as if that weren't enough, we generously equipped it with three expansion slots for Modular Synthesis Plug-in System boards, so you can add new and exciting synthesis possibilities according to your musical needs.
* When converted to 16-bit linear format.
110MB of Incredible Sounds!
The S90's huge wave ROM hosts one of the most extensive voice libraries ever available in one keyboard. Here you'll find some of the best piano sounds in the world, including a brand-new grand piano voice featuring three layers of stereo samples that switch dynamically according to how hard you strike the keys, for the ultimate in piano expression. Plus there's an exhaustive selection of bread-and-butter sounds from the amazing MOTIF music workstation, including many of its popular electric piano, strings, bases, synthesizers and drum kits. And for those who want even more synthesis power, the S90 provides three expansion slots to add Modular Synthesis Plug-in System boards.
Powerfully Simple
Although loaded with powerful features, the S90 is surprisingly easy to use. Its intuitive user interface, centered on a 240 x 40 dot LCD screen and rotary encoder, lets you quickly navigate through menus and edit various settings. A Function Control matrix and four physical sliders give you instant access to and realtime control over part volumes, filter cutoff, effects, EQ and other frequently used parameters. And with the S90's convenient Category Search function, pressing a button is all it takes to find the sound you're looking for.
88-Note Keyboard with Exceptional Piano Touch
The S90 uses the same Balanced Hammer Effect (BH) keyboard found in the MOTIF 8. Based on the Graded Hammer Effect keyboard found in Yamaha's best digital pianos, this weighted-action keyboard provides an exceptionally smooth and realistic piano touchÖyet, because it features an even balance from top to bottom, voices such as drums and synth basses will feel more responsive to your playing. And for even more performance expression, it also features aftertouch.
Advanced Master MIDI Control Functions
Not just a great synthesizer, the S90 also makes a wonderful MIDI controller. Equipped with four assignable data sliders, it provides extensive realtime control over external synthesizers. Plus four programmable keyboard zones let you create complex split and layered voice combinations using a mix of internal and external voices. Entire MIDI setups can be stored in User Performance memory and recalled at the touch of a button.
USB-MIDI Interface
Equipped with a USB-to-MIDI interface, the S90 is ready to connect to your USB-equipped Macintosh¬ or Windows¬ computer without the need for any additional hardware.
Interactive Arpeggiator
The S90's realtime performance arpeggiator packs a wide range of patterns and styles, giving you musical inspiration at the flick of a switch. In addition to conventional arpeggio patterns, it's loaded with an impressive array of musical phrases, including guitar strumming, drum grooves, keyboard riffs and more. Instead of trying to clone these performances with computer-generated algorithms, the S90 uses a more musical approach: It uses MIDI data recorded by real musicians. You can even program your own patterns and layer several arpeggiated voices together in a Performance.
SmartMedia Playback Sequencer
The S90's playback sequencer lets you play back standard MIDI files (format 0) directly from a SmartMedia card. Use this function to build up a library of up to 100 songs, any of which can be instantly called up at the touch of a buttonÖgreat for live performance! Chain playback is also possible. The included File Utility software makes it quick and easy to transfer MIDI files from your computer to a SmartMedia card, so you can leave your PC at home the next time you do a gig.
Connect to the Future of MIDI and Audio with mLan
Yamaha's new mLAN interface technology makes it possible to route all your digital audio and MIDI signalsÖboth input and outputÖthrough a single, high-speed IEEE 1394 cable, greatly simplifying the process of connecting and configuring your digital musical equipment. Equipped with an expansion slot for optional mLAN interface boards, the S90 gives you access to this amazing music network technology.
Plug in to the Power of the Modular Synthesizer Plug-in System
With three expansion slots for Modular Synthesizer Plug-in System boards, the S90 is potentially four synthesizers in one! Offering new synthesis capabilities from FM to physical modeling as well as more polyphony, effects and multi-timbral parts, these plug-in boards let you customize the S90 with the exact synthesis power you need, whenever you need it. The voice data for every plug-in board currently available is already stored in the S90's ROM, so you'll have a great selection of new sounds the moment you install a plug-in board.
Expand the capabilities of your S90 with Modular Synthesis Plug-in Boards
PLG150-DR
Drums Plug-in BoardÖUltra realistic stereo-sampled drum kits
PLG150-AN
Analog Physical Modeling Plug-in BoardÖWarm and punchy analog modeling synthesizer
PLG150-PF
Piano Plug-in BoardÖSuperb piano voices with 64 notes of dedicated polyphony
PLG100-XG
XG Plug-in BoardÖHigh-quality XG voices with 16 multi-timbral parts
PLG150-PC
Percussion Plug-in BoardÖAn oasis of world-class Latin percussion
PLG150-DX
Advanced DX/TX Plug-in Board Ö Get the classic sounds of the DX-7 synthesizer
PLG150-VL
Virtual Acoustic Plug-in Board Ö Acoustic modeling synthesizer with expressive realtime control
PLG100-VH
Vocal Harmony Plug-in Board Ö Complement your singing with three-part harmony!
Voice Editor and Sequencing Software Included
For the power user, the S90 comes with voice editing software for Mac and PC, allowing detailed editing of voice parameters with point and click convenience. And if you want to try your hand at music composition, the bundled SQ01 Open Plug-in Technology*Öcompatible sequencing software for Windows¬ gives you everything you need to make full-fledged songs, including an Auto Arranger function for quick and easy song creation. If you access the Internet with your PC, be sure to visit http://www.yamahasynth.com.
*Open Plug-in Technology is a newly developed software format that allows control over MIDI devices from software sequencers and other music software.
Note: The Windows¬ voice editor includes a stand-alone editor and a plug-in editor for Open Plug-in Technology-compatible host applications such as SQ01 or Cakewalk's SONAR 2.
(Features subject to change without notice) read less
Stunning Sounds
The S90 contains the best sounds of Yamaha's flagship MOTIF synthesizerÖplus a new, three-layer sample of a top-of-the-line grand piano! This incredible selection of high quality sounds gives you a complete sonic palette for creating any style of music.
System Expansion
Complete with a USB-MIDI interface, Modular Synthesis Plug-in System expandability, bundled software applications and more, the S90 is ready to meet the needs of any music-making environment, from studio to stage.
Simple Operation
Thanks to Yamaha's Balanced Hammer Effect keyboard, the S90 feels as great as it sounds, providing smooth piano action that's nearly indistinguishable from the real thing.
Superb Action
Whether you want to simply browse and play the voices or control an entire MIDI rig, the S90's large LCD screen and intuitive hands-on user interface make it remarkably easy to use.
The Best Features of the "S" Series: the Great Sounds of MOTIFÖand More!
Over the years, Yamaha S series synthesizers have set new standards for sound quality, features and value. And with the new S90 Music Synthesizer, that tradition continues. Developed… read more to be our most feature-packed S series synth to date, the S90 inherits the best features of the S series lineÖplus the great sounds and user interface of our award-winning MOTIF synthesizer. In addition to superb piano action, a powerful arpeggiator and 24-bit effects, the S90 gives you 110MB* of wave samplesÖmore than any other keyboard in its class. And as if that weren't enough, we generously equipped it with three expansion slots for Modular Synthesis Plug-in System boards, so you can add new and exciting synthesis possibilities according to your musical needs.
* When converted to 16-bit linear format.
110MB of Incredible Sounds!
The S90's huge wave ROM hosts one of the most extensive voice libraries ever available in one keyboard. Here you'll find some of the best piano sounds in the world, including a brand-new grand piano voice featuring three layers of stereo samples that switch dynamically according to how hard you strike the keys, for the ultimate in piano expression. Plus there's an exhaustive selection of bread-and-butter sounds from the amazing MOTIF music workstation, including many of its popular electric piano, strings, bases, synthesizers and drum kits. And for those who want even more synthesis power, the S90 provides three expansion slots to add Modular Synthesis Plug-in System boards.
Powerfully Simple
Although loaded with powerful features, the S90 is surprisingly easy to use. Its intuitive user interface, centered on a 240 x 40 dot LCD screen and rotary encoder, lets you quickly navigate through menus and edit various settings. A Function Control matrix and four physical sliders give you instant access to and realtime control over part volumes, filter cutoff, effects, EQ and other frequently used parameters. And with the S90's convenient Category Search function, pressing a button is all it takes to find the sound you're looking for.
88-Note Keyboard with Exceptional Piano Touch
The S90 uses the same Balanced Hammer Effect (BH) keyboard found in the MOTIF 8. Based on the Graded Hammer Effect keyboard found in Yamaha's best digital pianos, this weighted-action keyboard provides an exceptionally smooth and realistic piano touchÖyet, because it features an even balance from top to bottom, voices such as drums and synth basses will feel more responsive to your playing. And for even more performance expression, it also features aftertouch.
Advanced Master MIDI Control Functions
Not just a great synthesizer, the S90 also makes a wonderful MIDI controller. Equipped with four assignable data sliders, it provides extensive realtime control over external synthesizers. Plus four programmable keyboard zones let you create complex split and layered voice combinations using a mix of internal and external voices. Entire MIDI setups can be stored in User Performance memory and recalled at the touch of a button.
USB-MIDI Interface
Equipped with a USB-to-MIDI interface, the S90 is ready to connect to your USB-equipped Macintosh¬ or Windows¬ computer without the need for any additional hardware.
Interactive Arpeggiator
The S90's realtime performance arpeggiator packs a wide range of patterns and styles, giving you musical inspiration at the flick of a switch. In addition to conventional arpeggio patterns, it's loaded with an impressive array of musical phrases, including guitar strumming, drum grooves, keyboard riffs and more. Instead of trying to clone these performances with computer-generated algorithms, the S90 uses a more musical approach: It uses MIDI data recorded by real musicians. You can even program your own patterns and layer several arpeggiated voices together in a Performance.
SmartMedia Playback Sequencer
The S90's playback sequencer lets you play back standard MIDI files (format 0) directly from a SmartMedia card. Use this function to build up a library of up to 100 songs, any of which can be instantly called up at the touch of a buttonÖgreat for live performance! Chain playback is also possible. The included File Utility software makes it quick and easy to transfer MIDI files from your computer to a SmartMedia card, so you can leave your PC at home the next time you do a gig.
Connect to the Future of MIDI and Audio with mLan
Yamaha's new mLAN interface technology makes it possible to route all your digital audio and MIDI signalsÖboth input and outputÖthrough a single, high-speed IEEE 1394 cable, greatly simplifying the process of connecting and configuring your digital musical equipment. Equipped with an expansion slot for optional mLAN interface boards, the S90 gives you access to this amazing music network technology.
Plug in to the Power of the Modular Synthesizer Plug-in System
With three expansion slots for Modular Synthesizer Plug-in System boards, the S90 is potentially four synthesizers in one! Offering new synthesis capabilities from FM to physical modeling as well as more polyphony, effects and multi-timbral parts, these plug-in boards let you customize the S90 with the exact synthesis power you need, whenever you need it. The voice data for every plug-in board currently available is already stored in the S90's ROM, so you'll have a great selection of new sounds the moment you install a plug-in board.
Expand the capabilities of your S90 with Modular Synthesis Plug-in Boards
PLG150-DR
Drums Plug-in BoardÖUltra realistic stereo-sampled drum kits
PLG150-AN
Analog Physical Modeling Plug-in BoardÖWarm and punchy analog modeling synthesizer
PLG150-PF
Piano Plug-in BoardÖSuperb piano voices with 64 notes of dedicated polyphony
PLG100-XG
XG Plug-in BoardÖHigh-quality XG voices with 16 multi-timbral parts
PLG150-PC
Percussion Plug-in BoardÖAn oasis of world-class Latin percussion
PLG150-DX
Advanced DX/TX Plug-in Board Ö Get the classic sounds of the DX-7 synthesizer
PLG150-VL
Virtual Acoustic Plug-in Board Ö Acoustic modeling synthesizer with expressive realtime control
PLG100-VH
Vocal Harmony Plug-in Board Ö Complement your singing with three-part harmony!
Voice Editor and Sequencing Software Included
For the power user, the S90 comes with voice editing software for Mac and PC, allowing detailed editing of voice parameters with point and click convenience. And if you want to try your hand at music composition, the bundled SQ01 Open Plug-in Technology*Öcompatible sequencing software for Windows¬ gives you everything you need to make full-fledged songs, including an Auto Arranger function for quick and easy song creation. If you access the Internet with your PC, be sure to visit http://www.yamahasynth.com.
*Open Plug-in Technology is a newly developed software format that allows control over MIDI devices from software sequencers and other music software.
Note: The Windows¬ voice editor includes a stand-alone editor and a plug-in editor for Open Plug-in Technology-compatible host applications such as SQ01 or Cakewalk's SONAR 2.
(Features subject to change without notice) read less
Specs
Keyboard: 88 keys, Balanced Hammer Effect Keyboard (Initial Touch/Aftertouch)
Tone Generator: AWM2, Modular Synthesis Plug-in System
Polyphony: 64 Notes (Expandable with Modular Synthesis Plug-in System boards)
Multi-timbres: 16 parts (internal) + 3 or more Plug-in Board parts (1 for each Single Plug-in Board; 16 for Multi Plug-in Boards), A/D Input
Voices:
Preset 384 normal voices + 48 drum kits
GM 128 normal voices + 1 drum kit
User Bank 128 normal voices + 16 drum kits
Plug-in Preset Bank: 64 (for AN, PF, DX, DR, PC), 192 (for VL)
Plug-in User Bank: 64 (for each Plug-in slot)
Performances: User 128 (Up to 4 parts)
Filter: 21 types
Effects:
Reverb x 12 types, Chorus x 25 types, Insertion 1 x 25 types
Insertion 2 x 104 types
Variation x 25 types (available for Performance/Song)
Master Equalizer (5 bands)
Plug-in Insertion (available when the PLG100-VH is installed in slot 1)
Expandability: 3 Slots for Modular Synthesis Plug-in Boards
Arpeggiator:
Preset 1 x 128 types
Preset 2 x 128 types
User x 128 types
MIDI Sync, MIDI Transmit/Receive Channel, Velocity Limit can be set.
Sequencer: SMF Playback (Direct play only)
Master: User 128
Sequencing Software controllable via the Remote Control function
For Windows¬: Cubase VST - V5.1r1, Logic Audio ¬ Platinum Ver. 5, SONAR - 2
Cakewalk Pro Audio - Ver. 9.0, Pro Tools ¬ V5.0, SQ01
For Macintosh¬: Cubase VST - /32, Logic Audio ¬ Platinum Ver. 5, Pro Tools ¬ V5.0
Controllers:
Pitch Bend Wheel x 1
Modulation Wheel x 1
Master Volume Slider x 1
Assignable Control Slider x 4
Rotary Encoder x 1
Display: 240 x 64 dot graphic backlit LCD
External Memory:
SmartMedia: 3.3V
Card capacities: up to 128MB are supported
Connectors:
OUTPUT L/MONO, R (1/4 in. Jack)
ASSIGNABLE OUTPUT L, R (1/4 in. Jack)
PHONES: Stereo (1/4 in. Jack)
FOOT CONTROLLER 1, 2
FOOT SWITCH x 2 (SUSTAIN, ASSIGNABLE)
BREATH
MIDI IN/OUT/THRU
USB
AC INLET
Dimensions:
Width 53 3 /8 in. (1,357mm)
Depth 15 1 /8 in. (386mm)
Height 6 3 /8 in. (163mm)
Weight: 51 lbs. (23.0 kg)
Accessory: TOOLS for S90 CD-ROM
Tone Generator: AWM2, Modular Synthesis Plug-in System
Polyphony: 64 Notes (Expandable with Modular Synthesis Plug-in System boards)
Multi-timbres: 16 parts (internal) + 3 or more Plug-in Board parts (1 for each Single Plug-in Board; 16 for Multi Plug-in Boards), A/D Input
Voices:
Preset 384 normal voices + 48 drum kits
GM 128 normal voices + 1 drum kit
User Bank 128 normal voices + 16 drum kits
Plug-in Preset Bank: 64 (for AN, PF, DX, DR, PC), 192 (for VL)
Plug-in User Bank: 64 (for each Plug-in slot)
Performances: User 128 (Up to 4 parts)
Filter: 21 types
Effects:
Reverb x 12 types, Chorus x 25 types, Insertion 1 x 25 types
Insertion 2 x 104 types
Variation x 25 types (available for Performance/Song)
Master Equalizer (5 bands)
Plug-in Insertion (available when the PLG100-VH is installed in slot 1)
Expandability: 3 Slots for Modular Synthesis Plug-in Boards
Arpeggiator:
Preset 1 x 128 types
Preset 2 x 128 types
User x 128 types
MIDI Sync, MIDI Transmit/Receive Channel, Velocity Limit can be set.
Sequencer: SMF Playback (Direct play only)
Master: User 128
Sequencing Software controllable via the Remote Control function
For Windows¬: Cubase VST - V5.1r1, Logic Audio ¬ Platinum Ver. 5, SONAR - 2
Cakewalk Pro Audio - Ver. 9.0, Pro Tools ¬ V5.0, SQ01
For Macintosh¬: Cubase VST - /32, Logic Audio ¬ Platinum Ver. 5, Pro Tools ¬ V5.0
Controllers:
Pitch Bend Wheel x 1
Modulation Wheel x 1
Master Volume Slider x 1
Assignable Control Slider x 4
Rotary Encoder x 1
Display: 240 x 64 dot graphic backlit LCD
External Memory:
SmartMedia: 3.3V
Card capacities: up to 128MB are supported
Connectors:
OUTPUT L/MONO, R (1/4 in. Jack)
ASSIGNABLE OUTPUT L, R (1/4 in. Jack)
PHONES: Stereo (1/4 in. Jack)
FOOT CONTROLLER 1, 2
FOOT SWITCH x 2 (SUSTAIN, ASSIGNABLE)
BREATH
MIDI IN/OUT/THRU
USB
AC INLET
Dimensions:
Width 53 3 /8 in. (1,357mm)
Depth 15 1 /8 in. (386mm)
Height 6 3 /8 in. (163mm)
Weight: 51 lbs. (23.0 kg)
Accessory: TOOLS for S90 CD-ROM
Documents and Manuals
For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 714-522-9011
Web: https://usa.yamaha.com/support
Phone: 714-522-9011
Web: https://usa.yamaha.com/support
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
(133 ratings)
Submitted June 6, 2003 by a customer from ma.slr.com
"The True Ultimate Keyboard"
This awesome keyboard has and will continue to serve me for a long long time.
Sound
All the sounds are very authentic and useable. Noteworthy are the outstanding piano and organ presets.
Features
The controls are sensibly placed and easy to manipulate.
Quality
It's a Yamaha!
Value
Since I was able to trade in a Yamaha P80 Piano, Korg Karma Synthesizer and a Korg CX-3 Organ towards one keyboard that beats all three, I'd say it was an excellent value.
Manufacturer Support
I haven't had any need to contact Customer Support. The Owner's Manual is very thorough and Yamaha's Internet User's Group Website is outstanding.
The Wow Factor
I wanted the sounds and I wanted the incredibly responsive keyboard. Like the man says, "It has everything I want and nothing I don't want".
Musical Style:
Oldies Rock
3 of 3 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
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