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Yamaha S90 ES 88 Key Synthesizer KeyboardThe Yamaha S90 ES combines a stunningly natural acoustic piano sound with all the sonic flexibility of the award winning Motif ES.
A new multi-velocity, stereogrand piano sample, the new sound board simulation and the half-damper capability (when used with the Yamaha FC3) all ensure a rich and realistic acoustic piano sound. The 128 note polyphony tone generator, Studio Connections compatibility, mLAN expansion slot, and PLG expandability give it all the synthesis power and control capabilities of the Yamaha Motif ES line.
Yamaha S90 ES Features
- 88-key balanced hammer action with aftertouch
- Complete MOTIF ES Wave ROM
- 32MB S700 Acoustic Piano with Sound Board Simulation FX
- 128-polyphony, 8 Part-ins effect, reverb, mastering, & master EQ
- MIDI master keyboard functions
- Full function remote control for DAW/VST software
- Half-damper (requires FC3 pedal)
- 3 PLG slots
- Optional mLAN16E card to turn your S90 ES into a multi-channel ASIO soundcard
The Perfect Balance of Synthesizer and Piano
Is the S90 ES an 88-note weighted action digital piano with the sonic flexibility of a synth or a synthesizer with the best sounding piano samples ever available? Actually, it’s the perfect balance of both. The new multi-velocity stereo samples of Yamaha’s hand-built S700 grand piano, the damper reverb effects, and half damper capability all ensure the S90 ES has the most expressive acoustic piano sound Yamaha has ever offered in a synthesizer. The 128-note polyphony tone generator based on the award winning Motif ES (including 8 inserts, 2 system and separate mastering effects) and Studio Connections, mLAN, and PLG expandability give it all the sonic power and control flexibility of our Motif ES workstation lineup.
The new S90 ES, the perfect balance of synthesizer and piano.
The Most Expressive Piano Voice Available in a Synth
In designing the S90 ES’s new grand piano voice, the focus was in creating a voice that produces naturally sounding long tones even when played at a pianissimo level. To realize this goal, a generous 53MB of memory was dedicated to this voice to use longer samples of a specially selected S700 grand piano – a $250,000 acoustic grand handcrafted by Yamaha’s master artisans. Played at normal tempos and dynamic levels the sound of this voice is truly superb, but it’s at the opposite end of the tempo and dynamic range that the results are most stunning. The longer waves give each note a very natural sustain that, when used on ballads and slow, exposed pieces, plays expressively with a full, natural sound.
This voice also features stretch tuning and a damper resonance effect, which bring this voice even closer to reality by simulating the inner workings of an acoustic grand piano. Damper resonance simulates the resonance of the strings and soundboard when the damper pedal is pressed – a factor that contributes to the unique sound of a grand piano. Using the sustain pedal on soft, slow pieces it adds a rich resonance to the piano’s tone and enhances its natural sustain and decay.
Half Damper Capability
Some classic pieces call for a half damper technique, where the damper pedal is pressed half way down raising the felts only partially off the strings. As the sustain function on most synths is a simple on/off operation, such use is normally unavailable. The S90 ES however, is able to respond to small changes in the FC-3 foot controller’s pedal position due to its half damper capability. This gives the performer greater control over the muting by the damper, and expressive freedom to create the subtle nuances required by the music.
Tone Generation Derived From the Motif ES
Using a powerful new tone generator derived from the Motif ES, the S90 ES produces voices with stunning clarity and great response that heightens the musical experience for both you and your listeners. To meet the needs of today’s players its 228MB* of wave memory holds an enormous library of expressive voices and drum kits, many of which come from the Motif ES, that cover everything from acoustic pianos and orchestra to cutting-edge hip-hop and Electronica.
* When converted to 16-bit linear format.
88 Keys That Put You In Touch With Each Voice
An 88-note weighted action keyboard based on our acoustic piano designs offers players a feel that is natural, smooth, and responsive especially on keyboard voices like the acoustic grands and electric grands. For its non-keyboard instruments like basses, drums and percussion, which require slightly varied playing styles, the action is evenly balanced from top to bottom making these instruments feel and play more responsive. Aftertouch is also included so you can gain more expression from every note.
New Signal Processing Effects System
The S90 ES takes great advantage of the processing power inherited from the Motif ES to produce effects like damper resonance, reverb and others with stunning clarity. This power also satisfies users of its multi-timbral capabilities, allowing liberal application of effects without the restraints experienced in lesser designs.
The system is designed with two blocks of insertion effects (117 types) for each voice and two overall system effects that include 20 reverb types and 49 chorus/delay effects. This way you can apply the right type of signal processing where its needed most. Even in song or pattern modes you won’t feel confined since voice insertion effects can be applied on up to eight individual parts simultaneously. Further sound tailoring is available with three-band individual part EQ settings, eight types of mastering effects, and a five-band master EQ.
Seamless System Integration
Compatibility with Studio Connections lets the S90 ES function as if it were a plugin within compatible DAW applications like Cubase and Nuendo. Hardware and software systems integrate seamlessly in this environment where total recall of entire hardware/software systems is possible. In other DAW systems, the S90 ES’s sliders, knobs and data dial can be used to control start/stop of record or playback, track volumes, panning and more to increase system efficiency.
The graphic user interface of the dedicated voice editing application lets you edit and create your own voices with point and click convenience. Up-to-date applications and USB drivers are available for download at www.yamahasynth.com.
If you want to connect the S90 ES to an mLAN network just install an optional mLAN expansion board and start sharing MIDI data and multiple channels of 24-bit/96kHz digital audio with other mLAN equipped devices and computers through an IEEE1394 Firewire cable.
Powerful Arpeggiator Delivers Real-Time Performance with a Human Touch
The S90 ES arpeggiator is a powerful real-time performance tool that can be used in combination with Mega Voices to create remarkably realistic instrumental performances. Call up a guitar voice for example, play a chord and it delivers a performance complete with hammer-ons, pull-offs, harmonics, slides, even fret noise.
A library of 1787 phrases offers everything from popular phrases to the latest cutting edge rhythms. With drum kits it generates innovative rhythm patterns while normal voices and its chord recognition capabilities produce pitched phrases. For fuller accompaniments use a split voice to create two part accompaniments – bass phrases from lower keys and chords or melodies from mid and high range keys – that are great for backing vocals or instrument solos.
Modular Synthesis Plugin Expandability
The S90 ES delivers a lot of impressive features and sound on its own, but if you want to expand its capabilities its Modular Plugin System lets you add the sounds you need with easy to install expansion boards. Add the legendary sounds of the DX7 or the warm punch of an analog synth. Each expansion board has its own dedicated tone generator and polyphony so it’s almost like adding another synthesizer to your system without losing any of the S90 ES’s onboard voices.
Expand the capabilities of your S90 with Modular Synthesis Plug-in Boards
Drums Plug-in Board: PLG150-DR
Ultra realistic stereo-sampled drum kits
Analog Physical Modeling Plug-in Board: PLG150-AN
Warm and punchy analog modeling synthesizer
Piano Plug-in Board: PLG150-PF
Superb piano voices with 64 notes of dedicated polyphony
XG Plug-in Board: PLG100-XG
High-quality XG voices with 16 multitimbral parts
Percussion Plug-in Board: PLG150-PC
An oasis of world-class Latin percussion
Advanced DX/TX Plug-in Board: PLG150-DX
Get the classic sounds of the DX-7 synthesizer
Virtual Acoustic Plug-in Board: PLG150-VL
Acoustic modeling synthesizer with expressive realtime control
Vocal Harmony Plug-in Board: PLG100-VH
Complement your singing with three-part harmony!
Yamaha S90 ES Specifications
Keyboard
- 88-key balanced hammer (BH) action with aftertouch
Tone Generator Block
- Tone Generator: AWM2 (complying with the Modular Synthesis Plug-in System)
- Maximum Polyphony: 128 notes + the polyphony of the Plug-in Board (if installed)
- Multi Timbral Capacity: 16 Internal Parts + 3 Plug-in Boards + Audio Input Part(s) (A/D, mLAN*)
* 4 stereo parts Arpeggio Preset x 1,787 types
- Wave: 228MB (when converted to 16-bit linear format), 1,935 waveforms
- Voice Preset:
- 512 normal voices + 64 drum kits
- GM: 128 normal voices + 1 drum kits
- User: 128 x 2 (Bank 1: Original, Bank 2: copied from Preset bank)
- Normal Voice + 32 drum kits
- Plug-in Voice:
- Preset for the PLG150-AN/DX/PF/DR/PC: 64
- Preset for the PLG-150VL: 192
- User: 64 for each Plug-in slot
- Performance: User: 128 (up to 4 Parts)
- Multi: User: 64
- Filter: 18 types
- Effects
- Reverb x 20 types, Chorus x 49 types, Insertion (A, B) x 117 types x 8 blocks, Master
- Effect x 8 types, Master Equalizer (5 bands), Part EQ (3 bands, stereo), Plug-in
- Insertion (available when the PLG100-VH has been installed to slot 1)
- Expandability: 3 Slots for Modular Synthesis Plug-in Boards
Sequencer Section
- Sequence: Modular Synthesis Play SMF Format 0 (playback only)
- BPM (Tempo): 1 - 300
- Number of Chain Steps: 100
- Arpeggio:
- Preset x 1,787 types
- The S90 ES delivers a lot of impressive features User x 256 types (when loading the User Arpeggio data of MOTIF ES).
* MIDI Sync, MIDI transmit/receive channel, Velocity Limit, and Note Limit can be set.
Other
- Master: User: 128
* 4 Zones (Master keyboard settings), Assignable Slider settings, Program Change Table
- Controllers: Pitch Bend wheel, Modulation wheel, Assignable Control sliders (4), Data dial
- Display: 240 x 64 dot graphic backlit LCD
- Jack and Terminals: OUTPUT L/MONO, R (standard phone jack), ASSIGNABLE OUTPUT L, R (standard phone jack), A/D INPUT L, R (standard phone jack), PHONES (standard stereo phone jack), FOOT CONTROLLER 1, 2, FOOT SWITCH x 2 (SUSTAIN, ASSIGNABLE), BREATH, MIDI IN/OUT/THRU, USB (TO HOST, TO DEVICE), AC INLET
- Power Consumption: 33W
- Dimensions, Weight: 1,472 (W) x 385 (D) x 163 (H) mm, 22.5 kg
- Accessories (included): AC Power cord, Owner’s Manual (this book), Data List, sticker label for optional mLAN16E.
Specifications and descriptions are for information purposes only. Yamaha Corp. reserves the right to change or modify products or specifications at any time without prior notice.
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Rate and Review this Product:
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| | 4 people wrote reviews | |
| | Will-Low from Idyllwild, CA, USA | | Overall Ranking: | | Quality:
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| | | Subject: | Great keyboard | | Quality:
| It's very well made. Of course, I wouldn't want to drop it. DENTS! | | Features:
| The piano sounds are modifiable to almost any sound you want to emulate. There could have been many more sounds though. All saved for the MOTIF | | Ease of Use:
| After a bit of playing around, it becomes pretty self explanitory | | Sound:
| Great sound running through a KC-150. | | Action:
| The best feeling of all | | Value:
| Good value but if you have the money and the need for a large abundance of sounds, go for the Yamaha Motif XS8. | | Do you own this product?:
| Yes. Two of them. | | Date submitted:
| 11-26-08 | |
| | AMS Customer from USA | | Overall Ranking: | | Quality:
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| | | Subject: | Excellent! | | Overall:
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QUALITY:
5 - Piano sounds are superb. The rest of the sounds are not shabby either...
FEATURES:
5 - dedicated eq setting sliders, 128 voice polyphony, mLan connectivity (optional), USB flash drive connectivity
EASE OF USE:
4 - it takes time to really master all its capability
VALUE:
5 - take good care of it.. and it may become a collector item in 15 years. Someone bought my (excellent condition) Korg SG1D for $1250, not bad for 20 year old keyboard.
SOUND:
5 - This is why I bought this baby... oh and the keys action, too. | |
| | Chris from Malvern, PA | | Overall Ranking: | | Quality:
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| | | Subject: | great sound | | Quality:
| Yamaha is first-class in well-made, quality products. Appears top rate in durability, functions well | | Features:
| Best feature is the sound. Honestly, I wish this came with the arpeggiators and sequencer of the Motif XS and I partly regret getting it. The piano sound is amazing. The Motif sounds are there. You get Cubase LE so you can record and it has a *play-back* 16-track sequencer, so you can save the midi info on cubase and play it back on the keyboard. You can even save the midi file on a USB stick so if you were a live performer, you could play your multi-track pieces without any other equipment. And again, this not only has the MOTIF sounds, but it has a better piano sound (to my understanding and from listening to Bert's demos on youtube) than the XS. The reason to get this keyboard over the Motif XS is the piano sound, but in the process you have no on-board sequencer and while it has an arpeggiator it plays one instrument only. You're weighing the piano sound against the on-board sequencer/arpeggiator and again at this point I have very mixed feelings. | | Ease of Use:
| Overall, ease of use is very good. Searchable sound banks make it easy to find a voice or "performance" mix of voices. It takes me a little bit to catch on to the multi and performance features, but not long. | | Sound:
| The piano sound is probably the best I've experienced outside a real piano and again the reason to get this keyboard over an XS. The quality of short notes, sustained notes, tone are all amazing. It lacks a little in the louder dynamics - doesn't quite reach the loudness and tone changes you'd get by playing fortisimo on a piano. The MOTIF sounds are as in XS or MM or MO series also outstanding and great range of drums, synth, guitar, strings, brass, bass and more. | | Action:
| Action is outstanding - a great feel and simulation of a very good quality piano keyboard. | | Value:
| When I look at what Yamaha is putting out there - the S90ES and Motifs are top-rate, loaded, outstanding quality products. I'm paying in 5 payments which is great at AMS, and I couldn't afford it otherwise, but it would be hard to imagine a keyboard of this sound quality costing much less. Again, wish it had the sequencer/arpeggios of the XS. Perhaps they'll make a plug in board sequencer??? | |
| | Criswash from Shreveport, La | | Overall Ranking: | | Quality:
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| | | Subject: | Pound For Pound, Hands Down, Must have!!!!! | | Overall:
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QUALITY:
5 Just purchased it but appears to be well made.....It's a Yammy.....enough said.
FEATURES:
5 Other than the sounds.WOW!!! the interface is very easy to navigate especially on the fly. I love the master function for dialing up your favorite voices/performances live. The MEGA Voices is awesome too. Works well in my studio.
EASE OF USE:
5 It is very easy to use. But I owned a motif 8 before this so I know that Yammy set up. But it is easy to use straight out of the box.
VALUE:
5 Great value for the price. Great live performance main board as well as studio main controller.
SOUND:
5 AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! |
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