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Synthesizers

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    Yamaha DX7 team - Dr John Chowning, Dave Bristow, Gary Leuenberger, Manny Fernandez

    Yamaha DX7: The Birth Of FM Synthesis | Podcast

    Celebrating the 40th Anniversary

    In May 1983, the world of synthesizers and electronic music as we knew it would change forever with the launch of the Yamaha DX7.

    People Dec 2023
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    Don Lewis

    Don Lewis - Programming The DX7 | Podcast

    Creating The DX7 Factory Presets

    Back in November 2020 Don Lewis discussed his time programming the Yamaha DX7’s factory sounds. In the wake of Don’s passing, we decided to publish this excerpt and put on record his important contribution to this iconic synth.

    People Feb 2023
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    Vangelis

    The Role Of Synthesizers In Music

    In a rare interview, legendary composer Vangelis shares his thoughts on the role of synthesizers in music — including his beloved Yamaha CS80.

    People Jun 2020
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    Yamaha MODX

    Synthesizer

    Yamaha's seriously capable MODX is a Montage for the masses.

    Reviews Jan 2019
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    Yamaha Montage 7

    Synthesizer

    As its name implies, the Montage combines multiple technologies within a single, powerful instrument. But does it have what it takes to be the market leader Yamaha want it to be?

    Reviews Apr 2017
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    Yamaha Reface Series

    YC / DX / CS / CP Mini Keyboards

    Yamaha’s Reface range recreates four of their classic instruments in miniature form.

    Reviews Nov 2015
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    Yamaha MOX6

    Synthesizer Workstation

    Yamaha’s MOX range offers unusually tight integration with your DAW. Is this the way forward for synthesizer workstations?

    Reviews Jan 2012
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    Yamaha Motif XF7

    Workstation Synthesizer

    Yamaha's long-lived Motif range continues to go from strength to strength. Could the latest model be the best Motif yet?

    Reviews Jan 2011
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    Yamaha Motif Rack XS

    Synthesizer Module

    Yamaha's Motif range has proved to be both popular and enduring — so is the latest incarnation, the Rack XS, your cue to join the Motif party?

    Reviews Oct 2008
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    Yamaha Motif XS7

    Workstation Synthesizer

    The new Motif XS range is top of the pile when it comes to Yamaha synth workstation technology, and thus will be going head-to-head with flagship contenders from other big-name manufacturers. Does the XS have what it takes?

    Reviews Oct 2007
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    Yamaha M06

    Workstation Synth

    Looking to create a more affordable keyboard version of their Motif range of workstations, Yamaha have pared back the spec of the Motif ES a little — though not much — to create the M06 and M08.

    Reviews Jun 2006
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    Yamaha Motif Rack ES

    Workstation Synth Module

    Yamaha's original Motif Rack was a fine-sounding, well-specified synth module, but it suffered from MIDI timing problems when reviewed in SOS. Two years on, we put the follow-up Motif Rack ES to the test...

    Reviews May 2005
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    Yamaha Motif ES

    Music Production Synthesizer

    Two and a half years after the launch of Yamaha's impressive Motif workstation synth, the range has been further enhanced and upgraded. How much better can it get? We find out...

    Reviews Jan 2004
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    Yamaha S90

    Weighted-action Keyboard Synth

    Yamaha have taken a weighted keyboard from their latest digital pianos, added high-quality piano samples and Motif sounds, and thrown in a playback sequencer and arpeggiator, and master-keyboard facilities. Left to simmer, the S90 is the result...

    Reviews Dec 2003
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    Yamaha Motif Rack

    128-voice Rackmount Synth

    It seems simple enough — take the successful Motif workstation, remove the keyboard, and release it as a more affordable rack unit. But there's lots more to the Motif Rack than meets the eye...

    Reviews Jun 2003
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    Yamaha S08

    88-note Weighted-action Synthesizer

    Finding an affordable keyboard with a good weighted action and a healthy selection of sounds suitable for studio and live use isn't as easy as you might think. Could Yamaha's S08 be the Holy Grail?

    Reviews Dec 2002
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    The Yamaha DX1 & Its Successors [Retrozone]

    Sounds Of The '80s: Part 2

    In the second instalment of this two-part retro, Gordon Reid recalls FM's finest hour, and describes the heyday of what was perhaps the most successful family of synthesizers ever developed.

    Reviews Sep 2001
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    Yamaha Motif 7

    Music Production Synth Workstation

    In these days of virtual instruments and fully featured software sequencers, why should you even consider spending £2000 on a cumbersome hardware synth workstation? If the workstation is as well thought-out as Yamaha's new Motif, perhaps you should.

    Reviews Sep 2001
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    Yamaha Motif [Preview]

    Workstation Synthesizer

    Rumours of a new Yamaha synth were circulating at January's NAMM show, but nothing was confirmed until a few weeks later, when SOS were invited to Yamaha's London R&D Centre. Matt Bell meets the Motif...

    Reviews Apr 2001
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    Yamaha GX1 Synthesizer: Part 2

    Retrozone

    In Part 1, author Gordon Reid told us how he found one of the world's rarest synthesizers in Australia, and of the trouble he went to to get it home. In Part 2, he explains what it is about the Yamaha GX1 that made it all worthwhile...

    Reviews Mar 2000
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    Yamaha GX1 Synthesizer: Part 1

    Retrozone

    In Part 1 of a special two-part feature, Gordon Reid tells the amazing story of Yamaha's ultra-rare GX1 analogue megasynth — and how it ended up in his living room!

    Reviews Feb 2000

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