Introduction
The Yamaha S90XS and S70XS are digital synthesizers and music workstations that were introduced in 2009. These instruments were designed for professional musicians and producers who require high-quality piano sounds and expression, as well as advanced features for live performance and music production[4][5]. The S90XS features an 88-key balanced hammer action keyboard, while the S70XS has a 76-key version, both providing a realistic and expressive playing experience[6].
These synthesizers are equipped with the sounds of the flagship MOTIF XS Music Production Synthesizer, including a massive 456 MB of instrument samples, with 142 MB dedicated exclusively to high-quality piano waveforms taken from Yamaha’s world-renowned S6 concert grand piano[4][9]. The S90XS and S70XS also offer comprehensive control, real-time sound tweaking, audio recording to USB memory, and extensive computer music features, making them versatile and powerful tools for both stage and studio use[5].
Designers
The Yamaha S90XS and S70XS synthesizers were developed by a team at Yamaha Corporation. The S90XS and S70XS synthesizers were designed to meet the needs of professional musicians and producers, combining the best features of Yamaha’s flagship MOTIF XS synthesizer with a high-quality, expressive keyboard and advanced performance capabilities.
Impact and Popularity
The Yamaha S90XS and S70XS synthesizers were well-received by musicians and producers for their exceptional sound quality, expressive keyboard action, and advanced features. These instruments were particularly praised for their realistic and expressive piano sounds, which were sampled from Yamaha’s S6 concert grand piano[4][9]. The S90XS and S70XS also offered a wide range of other high-quality instrument sounds, including acoustic and electric pianos, organs, strings, brass, and electronic sounds, making them versatile and suitable for various music genres[5].
These synthesizers were popular among professional musicians and producers, as well as hobbyists and casual players who appreciated their exquisite sounds, advanced features, and superb playability[5]. The S90XS and S70XS were also praised for their streamlined design and intuitive user interface, which made it easy for musicians to access important parameters quickly and easily during live performances[7].
Technical Specifications and Features
The Yamaha S90XS and S70XS synthesizers are based on the AWM2 (Advanced Wave Memory 2) synthesis technology, which uses high-quality samples and advanced processing to create realistic and expressive instrument sounds[13]. The S90XS and S70XS feature a massive 456 MB of instrument samples, with 142 MB dedicated exclusively to high-quality piano waveforms taken from Yamaha’s S6 concert grand piano[4][9].
These synthesizers offer 128 notes of polyphony and 16 parts of timbrality, allowing for complex and layered arrangements[13]. They also include a wide range of effects, such as reverb, chorus, vocoder, and 5-band EQ, as well as 18 filter types for shaping sounds[13].
The S90XS and S70XS feature a balanced hammer action keyboard, with the S90XS having 88 keys and the S70XS having 76 keys[6]. The keyboards provide a realistic and expressive playing experience, simulating the touch and response of a grand piano action.
In addition to their impressive sound capabilities, the S90XS and S70XS offer a range of performance and control features, such as:
– Real-time controls for tweaking sounds on the fly, including 4 knobs, 16 backlit LEDs, and numerous buttons[8]
– Performance Creator for creating splits, layers, and drum performances[8]
– 1/4”/XLR Combo jack A/D input with front panel controls for adding vocals and guitars[8]
– Direct to USB Stereo Audio recording and playback, as well as 18 minutes of internal flash memory[8]
– MIDI In/Out/Thru and USB connectivity for integration with other music production gear and software[6]
Citations:
[1] https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/keyboards/arranger_workstations/psr-s970/index.html
[2] https://www.yamaha.com/US/ceg_sppg/premium_pianos/products/s4.asp
[3] http://forum.pianoworld.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/3134842/1.html
[4] https://usa.yamaha.com/products/music_production/synthesizers/s90_xs_s70_xs/features.html
[5] https://usa.yamaha.com/products/music_production/synthesizers/s90_xs_s70_xs/index.html
[6] https://usa.yamaha.com/products/music_production/synthesizers/s90_xs_s70_xs/specs.html
[7] https://www.synthtopia.com/content/2009/06/22/yamaha-s70-xs/
[8] https://www.zzounds.com/item–YAMS90XS
[9] https://usa.yamaha.com/news_events/2009/20090807_better-than-great-s90xs-and-s70xs-named-best-in-show-at-summer-namm_us.html
[10] https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/keyboards/arranger_workstations/psr-s670/index.html
[11] https://europe.yamaha.com/en/products/musical_instruments/pianos/premium_pianos/s_series/
[12] https://www.pianodreamers.com/digital-piano-brands/
[13] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamaha_S90
[14] https://yamahasynth.com/learn/2010s/s90xs-s70xs-introducing-effects
[15] http://motifator.com/index.php/forum/viewreply/545156/
[16] https://www.synthtopia.com/content/2009/06/11/yamaha-s70xs-s90xs-keyboard-synthesizers/
[17] https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/632518-REG/Yamaha_S90XS_S90_XS_88.html
[18] https://www.barryrudolph.com/newtoys/toys6/yamahas90xs.html
[19] https://www.yamahamusiclondon.com/Keyboards/Workstation-Keyboards/PSR-SX-Series-Keyboards/
[20] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Yamaha_Corporation_products
[21] https://www.digitalpianoreviewguide.com/yamaha-s70xs-review/
[23] https://www.yamaha-keyboard-guide.com/yamaha-s90xs-review-yamaha-s70xs-review.html
[24] https://youtube.com/watch?v=NvShmhN6V9M
[25] http://www.motifator.com/index.php/forum/viewreply/602368/
