Based on the same architecture as the PSS-470, the 480 offers intimate command of the sound, while sacrificing some playability by comparison. Synth parameters can be edited with precision, but only one at a time. 5 user patches may be saved to memory, which is retained when the unit is powered off. In addition to the fantastic synth section, the 480 offers the type of accompaniment features characteristic of the PortaSound line, offering bassline and chord accompaniment in various styles and patterns. There's just enough control over the accompaniment section, and just enough variety, to make it useful for auditioning ideas or even for recording, as long as the percussion is left out. The bass and chord sections can be balanced against the synth section, and the three parts of the synth function well together to produce a big, beefy, synthy wall of sound. The 1990s was probably Yamaha’s most prolific decade for launching PSR models, with well over 70 released from 1990-99. Two things are worth considering here, though. Firstly, many models had only slight variations between them, sometimes as small as cosmetic coloring, or possibly a few sound or style changes, and so were only nominally considered as different models. That said, secondly, it was clear that the PSR series of keyboards was expanding its range from low to mid or even higher-end models, all under the same PSR branding. Electronic musicians and sound engineers have used these instruments to achieve an authentic lo-fi sound [3] and some modify them with circuit bending to extend their sound palettes. As of 2015, musician Dan Friel continues to use a Portasound that he received as a gift in 1984. [4] Circa 2017, Italian artist Modula released an EP called 780's Chronicles, recorded primarily using a Yamaha PSS780. [5] Cyril Hahn uses a Yamaha PSS380 in his original compositions, and notes its noise profile as an endearing characteristic. [6] Unofficial software and VST plug-ins [ edit ] There is also the "Auto-Bass-Chord" accompaniment section which will play a chord and bass line appropriate to the selected rhythm pattern. Chords are selected from the lower octave-and-a-half of the keyboard, so you can play the melody/lead in the upper octave. The rhythm section also offers "Fill-In" and "Variation" buttons to keep your rhythm pattern from getting too boring. Another nice feature Yamaha added was individual volume controls for the "Auto-Bass-Chord" and Drum sections.

Some of the MIDI-capable PSS models have had software tools written specifically to allow sound patches to be stored and recalled. These include PSS Edit, PSS Wave Editor and CTRLR. PSR-74, PSR-140, PSR-140PC, PSR-240, PSR-248, PSR-340, PSR-540, PSR-540PC, PSR-640, PSR-740, PSR-J20, PSR-J20C (12)

Yamaha PortaSound PSS-125 Keyboard Circuit Bending

An interesting feature of the A50 that we really weren’t expecting is that the motion FX not only work on the internal sounds, they also transmit over MIDI when using the unit as a MIDI controller. Depending on the synth you’re using it with, this can have some really interesting results - we tested it without any expectation that it would work and were pleasantly surprised when it did. Yamaha PSS-A50 review: Verdict Inherited from the Yamaha Reface series of boutique synths, the keyboard itself is definitely one of the most playable mini-key equipped keybeds we’ve come across, and the excellent velocity sensitivity, with four response levels to choose from, is a real bonus, making it one of the best around at this price. Yamaha Portasound electronic musical keyboards were produced by the Yamaha Corporation during the 1980s and 1990s. The name suggests the instruments' portability, with battery operation being a consistent feature across the line. Many of these keyboards were designed for children with small keys and simple preset functions suitable for educational use. [1] In 1982 the line introduced a card reader system which allowed players to learn and play along with sequenced songs. [2] The PSS line features mini keys and the PSR line features full size keys. Some of the higher-end keyboards have advanced features like programmable synthesizer controls, midi capability, and sampler functions.

The VSS-200 was first released in 1988 by the Yamaha Corporation as part of their PortaSound series. This series was made up by the VSS-100, VSS-200, and VSS-30, with all of them being sampling keyboards. It makes use of FM Synthesis for sound generation and features one hundred presets. However, the VSS-200 also has a built-in microphone that can be used to record your own samples. Alternatively, the line in on the rear of the unit can also be used for recording. You can even sample the internal sounds of the VSS-200 if you want to process them with the DSP effects. At first glance, the number of digits in a product’s model number seemed to indicate a different subclass of instrument, with single digit instruments being fairly basic and/or having a smaller keyboard range, two and three digit instruments being of mid-range, with four-digit PSR models becoming increasingly high end (although as we shall see the whole range became more advanced as the decades progressed). Yamaha Portasound keyboard advertisement (1982)". Times Colonist. 1982-08-12. p.9 . Retrieved 2020-05-16. Aside from the arpeggios, the motion FX are one of the more entertaining aspects of the A50. The effects are momentary, meaning that they only operate as long as the button is held down, and each effect exhibits its own behaviour. There are ten types of filter effect, and twelve each of the pitch and modulation effects.Then, at a slower rate, the higher end PSR models which increasingly borrowed tech from Yamaha’s other higher-end instruments, were being pushed out to those with more cash, ability and ambition.

Yamaha Portasound keyboard advertisement (1983)". The Boston Globe. 1983-06-05. p.39 . Retrieved 2020-05-16. The PSS-470 was released by Yamaha in 1987, and was clearly aimed at non-professionals. This is the type of keyboard that would not be surprising to find in the musical instrument section of a major toy store. It's a simple synth built in a plastic case, with built-in stereo speakers, stereo outputs and 49 mini-sized keys. It's designed to be lightweight and portable. Yet at its heart it has inherited Yamaha's DX series digital FM synthesis, which is enough to garner this synth some attention.Has limited "synthesizer" section and 2kb of RAM to store data in addition to preset voices. Has built in sequencer to store custom drum patterns, bass lines and chord progressions.

Yamaha Portasound keyboards include several popular lines of portable electronic musical keyboards produced by the Yamaha Corporation during the 1980s and 1990s. The name suggests the instruments' portability, with battery operation being a consistent feature across the line. Some of the higher-end keyboards had advanced features like programmable synthesizer controls and midi capability. This list is not exhaustive. By now Yamaha had launched some quite advanced synths and keyboards in its other ranges, such as the SY22, SY35 and TG33, and with technology advancing at a rapid pace and prices inevitably dropping, some of that architecture began making its way into the PSR instruments. Into the ’90s The Synth section offers a depth of control that allows for smooth, refined sounds, as well as the glitchy, noisy stuff you'd expect from a strange cheap little digital synth. Although the envelope generator is terribly primitive and there's no real way to control the release, the sounds that come from a well-programmed patch can be surprisingly professional-sounding... or simply bizarre. Fine control over the decay envelope allows for all kinds of percussion sounds, so it's great to pair this synth with a nice percussion sampler.

PortaFM - Plogue Revives The Iconic Yamaha PSS Synthesizers In A New Plugin". SYNTH ANATOMY. 2018-05-15 . Retrieved 2020-05-16. PSR-77, PSR-185, PSR-215, PSR-225, PSR-225GM, PSR-225PC, PSR-320, PSR-420, PSR-520, PSR-620, PSR-4000, PSR-A3 (12)