AN1x
Yamaha's virtual analog synthesizer from 1997, using DSP modeling to deliver classic analog tones with modern features like scene morphing, knob recording, and a versatile arpeggiator.
Yamaha
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Global manufacturer of musical instruments and audio equipment.
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AN200
A compact desktop physical modeling analog synthesizer from Yamaha featuring a built-in 16-step pattern sequencer and AWM2 drum sounds, designed as an all-in-one groove production tool for dance and electronic music.
CS-10
The Yamaha CS-10 is a single-oscillator analog monophonic synthesizer known for its warm, bubbly bass and lead tones, featuring a versatile multimode filter and external audio input.
CS-15
The Yamaha CS-15 is a monophonic/duophonic analog synthesizer from the late 1970s featuring two voltage-controlled oscillators and a pair of multimode filters. Its dual 12 dB/octave filters with flexible routing and multiple envelope generators deliver a distinctive sound suited for experimental bass, leads, and textural effects. The CS-15 was used by artists including The Human League, Vince Clarke, and Astral Projection.
CS-15D
The Yamaha CS-15D is a monophonic analog synthesizer released in 1979 that combines preset instrument sounds with a manual synthesis section. It features a single VCO with pulse and sawtooth waveforms, a 12dB lowpass filter with dedicated ADSR envelope, and 29 preset sounds split across two mixable channels. Known for its solid, warm sound, it bridges the gap between ease-of-use preset keyboards and fully programmable synthesizers.
CS-20m
The CS-20m is a monophonic analog synthesizer from Yamaha's classic CS-series, featuring dual voltage-controlled oscillators and subtractive synthesis. It delivers rich bass, lead, and percussive sounds with resonant filtering and envelope control. It represents a capable mid-range instrument in Yamaha's analog lineup with eight patch memory locations.
CS-30
The Yamaha CS-30 is a large-format monophonic analog synthesizer with dual oscillators, dual filters, dual amplifiers, three envelopes, a ring modulator, and a built-in 8-step sequencer. Its extensive front-panel controls and modular-style routing make it one of the most versatile monosynths of the late 1970s.
CS-40m
The Yamaha CS-40m is a duophonic analog synthesizer introduced in 1979, offering two-voice polyphony with dual oscillators per voice, a multi-mode filter, and comprehensive hands-on control via 36 knobs and 12 sliders. It occupies a practical middle ground in Yamaha's CS lineup, delivering classic analog sound at a more accessible price point than the flagship CS-80. The 44-key semi-compact keyboard includes 20 patch memory locations and was used by artists such as Duran Duran, Ultravox, and Vangelis.
CS-5
The Yamaha CS-5 is an affordable monophonic analog synthesizer from Yamaha's CS series, offering a single VCO with multimode filtering and an external audio input for vintage bass and synth effects.
CS-50
A four-voice analog polyphonic synthesizer from 1977 that delivers the classic Yamaha CS-series sound in a more portable format than the flagship CS-80.
CS-60
The Yamaha CS-60 is an 8-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer released in 1977 as a more compact and affordable alternative to the flagship CS-80. It features 61 keys with aftertouch, a ribbon controller for pitch bends, and hands-on control via numerous sliders for crafting pads, drones, basses, and other analog sounds.
CS-70m
A 6-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer from Yamaha's acclaimed CS series, featuring 12 VCOs, independent filter envelopes per voice, and a built-in 4-track sequencer.
CS-80
Yamaha's flagship polyphonic analog synthesizer from the late 1970s, celebrated for its extraordinarily expressive keyboard, lush detuned timbres, and iconic role in the Blade Runner soundtrack.
CS01
The Yamaha CS01 is a compact analog monophonic synthesizer released in 1982, originally designed for novice musicians but valued by electronic producers for its fat bass sounds. Despite its toy-like appearance with mini keys, built-in speaker, and battery operation, it delivers authentic analog tones through a single VCO with multiple waveforms and a resonant voltage-controlled filter. Notable users include Dust Brothers, Underworld, and OMD.
CS1x
The Yamaha CS1x is a digital synthesizer designed to emulate analog sounds and controls, targeting electronic and dance music production. It features 61 velocity-sensitive keys, six real-time assignable knobs, scene memories with morphing, and a 30-pattern arpeggiator. Notable users include Underworld, Jamiroquai, and David Bowie.
CS2x
The Yamaha CS2x is a 61-key digital synthesizer and the second generation of Yamaha's popular CS1x, featuring AWM2 synthesis with 64-voice polyphony and 16MB of sampled waveforms. It offers extensive real-time control through semi-dedicated and assignable knobs, scene morphing via the mod wheel, and a 40-pattern arpeggiator. The CS2x was widely used for dance music production and was notably adopted by Depeche Mode.
CS6x
The Yamaha CS6x is a 61-key synthesizer combining AWM2 digital sampling with analog-style subtractive synthesis, designed for dance and electronic music production. It features 64-voice polyphony, 13 filter types, a built-in phrase sampler, and extensive real-time control via six assignable knobs and a ribbon controller. The CS6x is expandable with two slots for Yamaha Plug-In Expansion Boards.
DJX-IIb
The Yamaha DJX-IIb is a desktop groove machine built for dance music production, featuring AWM synthesis, an 8-bit sampler, a massive pattern library, and DJ-oriented controls including a scratch pad and fader.
DX1
Yamaha's flagship FM synthesizer featuring a dual 6-operator engine, essentially two DX7s in a premium wood-paneled case with a 73-note weighted keyboard and greatly improved editing interface.
DX100
The Yamaha DX100 is a compact, portable FM synthesizer featuring four-operator digital synthesis with 192 preset and 24 user patches, known especially for its excellent analog-style bass sound.
DX11
The Yamaha DX11 is a 1988 FM synthesizer featuring 4-operator digital synthesis with 8-part multitimbrality, a significant advancement over the monotimbral DX7. It offers 61 velocity and aftertouch-sensitive keys, 8-voice polyphony, and up to eight different waveforms for FM synthesis. Quick Edit functions make sound design more accessible than earlier DX models.
DX200
The DX200 is a programmable desktop synthesizer combining a 6-operator FM synthesis engine based on the classic DX7 with a 16-step groove-box sequencer. It delivers 16-voice polyphonic FM synth sounds alongside 32 voices of AWM2 sample-playback for drums, percussion, bass, and rhythm sounds. Designed for musicians and DJs, it offers over 120 sounds primarily geared toward dance-oriented electronic music production.
DX21
The Yamaha DX21 is a consumer-level 4-operator digital FM synthesizer released in 1985. It offers keyboard splitting, layering capabilities, and a built-in chorus effect, making it more capable than the DX100 and DX27. Notable users include Vangelis, Hardfloor, Technotronic, and Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim).
DX27
The Yamaha DX27 is a full-sized 61-key FM synthesizer and a keyboard version of the compact DX100. While not as flexible as the DX7, it offers 8-voice polyphony with 4-operator FM synthesis and is particularly renowned for its gritty, analog-quality bass sounds suited to electronic music genres.
DX5
The Yamaha DX5 is a professional digital synthesizer positioned between the legendary DX7 and the flagship DX1. It features dual 6-operator FM synthesis engines, offering capabilities similar to having two DX7 synthesizers in one unit with enhanced performance memory and versatility. Produced from 1985 to 1987, it was designed as Yamaha's mid-range FM synthesis offering for live performance and studio use.
DX7
Yamaha's groundbreaking FM synthesizer that redefined affordable digital synthesis in the 1980s, delivering complex harmonic textures through six-operator frequency modulation.
DX7IID / DX7IIFD
The refined second generation of Yamaha's landmark FM synthesizer, adding dual-timbral operation, expanded memory, and cleaner 16-bit circuitry to the original DX7 formula.
DX9
The Yamaha DX9 is a 4-operator FM synthesis keyboard released in 1983 as a more affordable alternative to the popular DX7. While capable of interesting tonal textures through frequency modulation, it suffered from difficult programming and limited MIDI implementation. As DX7 prices declined over time, the DX9 became less attractive in the market.
FB-01
The Yamaha FB-01 is an inexpensive 8-part multitimbral digital FM synthesizer module released in 1986. It uses a 4-operator FM synthesis architecture with 8-voice polyphony, offering a simpler tonal character than higher-end 6-operator FM instruments like the DX-7. The module includes 240 presets and 96 user patch slots covering organ, piano, brass, bass, guitar, percussion, and lead sounds.
FS1R
The Yamaha FS1R is a rack-mount FM synthesis powerhouse that combines eight-operator FM with Formant Shaping technology, enabling uniquely vocal and speech-like timbres not possible on earlier FM instruments. Despite a notoriously difficult front-panel interface, it has achieved cult status for its extraordinary range of evolving pads, electric pianos, and experimental textures.
GS-1
The Yamaha GS-1 was one of the first commercially produced synthesizers to utilize frequency modulation (FM) synthesis, released in the early 1980s. Designed to bring the sophistication of digital synthesis to musicians without requiring computer expertise, it featured 16-voice polyphony with eight operators per voice. It served as a precursor to the landmark DX7 synthesizer, though fewer than 100 units were sold due to its premium price.
GX-1
Yamaha's first major polyphonic analog synthesizer, featuring a distinctive triple-tiered keyboard design with a pedalboard. Fewer than 10 units were ever manufactured, making it one of the rarest professional synthesizers ever built. Notable owners included Keith Emerson, John Paul Jones, Stevie Wonder, and Hans Zimmer.
MX49/61/88
The Yamaha MX series is a lightweight digital workstation available in 49, 61, and 88-key versions, offering over 1,000 sounds derived from the flagship Motif XS and XF engines with 128-voice polyphony and USB audio/MIDI connectivity.
PortaSound PSS-470
A consumer-oriented portable FM synthesizer from Yamaha with 49 mini keys, built-in speakers, and a Digital Synthesizer editing mode derived from the DX series heritage.
Portasound PSS-480
The Yamaha Portasound PSS-480 is a compact, portable digital synthesizer keyboard featuring a 2-operator FM-like synthesis engine. Based on the PSS-470 architecture, it offers deep sound control through detailed parameter editing, accompanied by built-in drum patterns and accompaniment features. Despite its budget price point, it delivers surprisingly sophisticated sound design possibilities.
S30
The Yamaha S30 is a 61-key control synthesizer sharing its AWM2 sound engine with the CS6x, offering 64-note polyphony, deep real-time control, and a streamlined interface aimed at live performance and studio integration.
SK20
A combo keyboard from Yamaha combining a 7-voice polyphonic synthesizer with FM organ, brass, and string sections in a sturdy 61-key instrument with layerable timbral zones.
SY-1
The Yamaha SY-1 is Yamaha's first compact analog preset synthesizer, a monophonic instrument derived from the flagship GX-1 with 28 preset sounds and editable synthesis parameters.
SY-55
The Yamaha SY-55 is a 16-voice digital workstation built on the AWM2 sample-playback engine, marking one of Yamaha's first rompler workstations to move beyond the DX7-era FM synthesis.
SY20
The Yamaha SY20 was Yamaha's final analog synthesizer before the company shifted entirely to digital FM synthesis with the DX series. This Japan-only monophonic synth from 1982 features a VCO, VCF, and VCA signal path with aftertouch sensitivity, making it an exceptionally rare collector's item.
SY22
The Yamaha SY22 is a digital vector synthesizer that combines FM synthesis operators with ROM-based samples, manipulated via an onboard joystick. It uses a synthesis method similar to the Sequential Prophet VS and Korg Wavestation, enabling complex evolving tones through real-time crossfading between sound sources. The SY22 is well suited for ambient, dub, and industrial styles.
SY35
The Yamaha SY35 is a vector synthesis keyboard combining FM and AWM sample playback voices to create sounds for virtually all musical genres. It represents a transitional instrument between Yamaha's FM synthesis era of the 1980s and their AWM2 synthesis of the 1990s, featuring significantly expanded memory over its predecessor, the SY22.
SY77
The Yamaha SY77 is a hybrid workstation combining a six-operator AFM (Advanced FM) synthesis engine with AWM2 sample playback, a 16-track sequencer, and four independent digital effects processors. It effectively merged the sound design depth of the DX7 with the realistic timbres of sample-based instruments in a single 61-key keyboard.
SY85
The Yamaha SY85 is a 16-part multitimbral synthesizer workstation released in 1992, featuring a 61-note velocity and aftertouch-sensitive keyboard. It uses Yamaha's AWM2 (Advanced Wave Memory) synthesis engine to produce both realistic acoustic and expressive synthetic sounds with comprehensive editing and sequencing capabilities.
SY99
Yamaha's flagship 1991 workstation merging advanced FM synthesis with high-quality sample playback, resonant filters, and a built-in sequencer for comprehensive music production.
TG33
The TG33 is a rack-mount sound module combining Yamaha's FM synthesis with 12-bit AWM ROM sampling for vector synthesis. It serves as the keyless counterpart to the SY22, offering 32-voice polyphony and 16-part multitimbrality. Its joystick-based vector control allows dynamic blending of FM and sample-based waveforms for expressive sound design.
TG500
The Yamaha TG500 is a rack-mounted tone generator based on Yamaha's SY85 synthesizer, featuring the AWM2 (Advanced Wave Memory) synthesis engine. It offers 64-voice polyphony with 16-part multitimbral capability, dual effects processors, and four expansion card slots. Despite its minimal front-panel controls, it provides extensive sound editing capabilities and six individual audio outputs for studio or live use.
TG55
The Yamaha TG55 is a 1U rack-mount tone generator built around Yamaha's AWM2 sample playback technology, offering 16-voice polyphony, 16-part multitimbral operation, and 74 high-quality 16-bit waveforms in a compact module.
TQ5
The Yamaha TQ5 is an entry-level FM workstation in a compact keyboardless desktop unit, combining 4-operator FM synthesis with a built-in 8-track sequencer and digital effects. Featuring 8 voices of polyphony and 8-part multitimbrality, it was designed to make FM synthesis accessible to musicians on a budget. Released in 1988 during the decline of FM synthesis popularity, the TQ5 remains an affordable way to explore Yamaha's FM sound engine.
TX7
The Yamaha TX7 is a desktop FM tone generator module containing the same 6-operator synthesis engine as the legendary DX7, offering authentic DX7 sounds in a compact, affordable non-rack format.
TX802
The Yamaha TX802 is a rack-mount FM tone generator based on the DX7 Mark II sound engine, offering 8-part multi-timbral operation and 16-voice polyphony. It provides six-operator FM synthesis in a compact rack format, making it a studio-friendly alternative to Yamaha's flagship FM keyboard synthesizers.
TX816
The Yamaha TX816 is a massive rack-mount FM synthesis system from 1984 that houses up to eight TF1 modules, each equivalent to a DX7, delivering up to 128 voices of polyphony and 48 operators of FM synthesis power.
TX81Z
The TX81Z is a compact FM synthesizer module from Yamaha, functioning as a keyless rackmount version of the DX-11. It delivers eight-voice polyphonic FM synthesis with multitimbral capabilities in a single rack unit, offering tonal characteristics comparable to the DX-7 at a significantly lower price point.
VL-70m
The VL-70m is a rack-mounted virtual acoustic tone generator released by Yamaha in 1996 that employs physical modeling technology to generate high-quality monophonic sounds. It simulates complex vibrations, resonances, reflections, and other acoustic phenomena that impact the sounds of real wind or string instruments. The unit features extensive editing capabilities along with built-in reverb, chorus, variation, and distortion effects.
YS200
The Yamaha YS200 is a 4-operator digital FM synthesizer released in 1988, featuring 61 velocity and aftertouch-sensitive keys and an 8-track onboard sequencer. It uses the same synthesis engine as the TX81Z, offering 8 waveforms rather than just sine waves, giving it a wide range of possible sounds including deep dance and techno basses, eighties digital synth tones, and new age pads.
Sampler
A3000
The Yamaha A3000 is a professional 2U rack-mount hardware sampler released in 1997, featuring 64-note polyphony and 16-part multitimbrality. Designed as a break-beat machine and phrase sampler for recording and performance, it includes three independent real-time effects blocks and five front-panel editing knobs. Though powerful, its small two-line LED display makes sample editing a challenge.
SU10
The Yamaha SU10 is a compact, portable sampler and sequencer released in 1996, designed as a musical notepad for capturing ideas on the go. It offers up to 4-voice polyphony with sampling rates from 11.64kHz to 44.1kHz, providing between 19 and 54 seconds of sampling time. Notable users include Jimi Tenor, Autechre, and Scanner.
SU200
The Yamaha SU200 is a compact desktop sampler designed for DJs and entry-level musicians, focusing on groove sampling and remix capabilities. It features eight touch pads, a ribbon controller for vinyl-style scratching, and real-time effects processing. Variable sampling rates from 5 to 44.1 kHz provide recording durations ranging from 21 seconds in stereo to over five minutes in mono.
SU700
Yamaha's all-in-one music production studio combining a professional-grade sampler with a versatile sequencer, 64-voice polyphony, and hands-on real-time controls for electronic music.
TX16W
Yamaha's 16-voice rack-mount sampler from the late 1980s with 12-bit sampling, 8-part multitimbral operation, and eight individual outputs, greatly improved by the third-party Typhoon 2000 OS.
VSS-200
The Yamaha VSS-200 is a compact sampling keyboard from 1988, part of the PortaSound series, combining FM synthesis with sampling capabilities. It features a built-in microphone and line-in for recording samples, 100 presets, and a suite of DSP effects for creative sound manipulation. Despite its consumer-oriented design, it has become popular among lo-fi producers and circuit benders.
Workstation
EX5
Yamaha's flagship Extended Synthesis workstation combining AWM2 sample playback, analog physical modeling, FDSP formant synthesis, and VL virtual acoustic synthesis into a single 76-key instrument with onboard sampling and sequencing.
EX7
The Yamaha EX7 is a 61-key synthesizer built around Yamaha's Extended Synthesis system, combining AWM sampling, AN analog physical modeling, and FDSP digital sound processing in a single instrument. It features 64-voice polyphony, an integrated sampler with up to 65 MB of expandable memory, and a built-in 16-track sequencer. The EX7 also includes a 4-track arpeggiator, extensive effects processing, and a rich set of performance controllers including six assignable knobs and a ribbon controller.
Motif
The Yamaha Motif is a music workstation released in 2001 that combines synthesizer, sampler, and sequencer capabilities with extensive sound libraries. It uses Yamaha's AWM2 sample-playback tone generator and features the innovative Megavoice technology for realistic acoustic instrument expression. Available in 61, 76, and 88-key configurations, the Motif became a staple for studio production and live performance.
QS300
A mid-range 32-voice polyphonic workstation from 1995 built on Yamaha's AWM2 synthesis engine, featuring a 16-track sequencer and hundreds of sounds including 22 drum kits.
V50
The Yamaha V50 is a 4-operator FM synthesis workstation released in 1989, combining 16-note polyphony with a built-in sequencer, drum machine, and dual effects processor. It shares its sonic engine with the DX11 and TX81Z, packaged in an all-in-one workstation format with a 3.5-inch floppy disk drive for storage. The DVA function and pitch delay make it particularly capable of generating percussive timbres and experimental ambient textures.
W7
The Yamaha W7 is a professional workstation synthesizer from the mid-1990s featuring Yamaha's AWM2 tone generation system with 8 MB of wave memory and 384 realistic voices. It combines powerful synthesis tools, studio-quality DSP effects, and a 16-track onboard sequencer with 100,000-note capacity in a 61-key velocity and aftertouch-sensitive keyboard.
Drum Machine
ED10
The Yamaha ED10 is an affordable analog drum synthesizer consisting of a velocity-sensitive rubber pad paired with a built-in synthesizer. It generates drum sounds through analog synthesis using a VCO, noise generator, and subsonic oscillator rather than samples. Ten front-panel knobs provide hands-on control over pitch and amplitude envelopes plus a non-resonant lowpass filter for shaping percussion tones.
RX5
The Yamaha RX5 is a flagship digital drum machine released in 1986, offering 24 built-in 12-bit PCM drum sounds with extensive sound customization including envelope controls, pitch bending, and accent functions. It features a powerful sequencer with 100 patterns and flexible time signatures, 12 individual outputs plus stereo, and can be expanded with ROM and RAM cartridges for additional sounds and custom programming.
RX8
The Yamaha RX8 is a digital drum machine released in 1989 as a low-cost alternative to the RX5. It was the first Yamaha drum machine to use 16-bit PCM samples, offering 43 tunable sounds with reverse playback capability. Despite its budget positioning, it features internal memory for 99 patterns and 20 songs, MIDI connectivity, and RAM card storage expansion.
RY30
The Yamaha RY30 is a drum machine featuring advanced synthesizer-like capabilities and sample-based sound generation. It combines 16-bit PCM drum samples with synth-like editing features, digital multimode filtering, and layerable oscillators for creative drum sound design. The RY30 draws its sounds from a ROM synthesis engine derived from Yamaha's SY/TG series of digital synthesizers.
Groovebox
RM1x
Yamaha's pattern-based dance music production machine offering 64-voice polyphony, 654 sounds with 46 drum kits, a 110,000-note sequencer, and extensive real-time filtering and effects control for trance, house, and electronic music production.
RS7000
The Yamaha RS7000 is a groove production workstation that combines sampling, sequencing, and AWM2 synthesis in a single unit. Designed for dance, techno, hip-hop, and ambient music production, it functions similarly to the Akai MPC series but adds an internal synthesizer engine with over 1,000 voices. Its powerful pattern-based sequencer, real-time controls, and extensive effects processing make it a comprehensive production tool.
Keyboard
SS30
A fully polyphonic string synthesizer from Yamaha that used divide-down organ-style architecture to produce lush, layered string and ensemble tones with two oscillators per note.
Sequencer
QY700
The Yamaha QY700 is a high-end sequencer workstation released in 1996, featuring an integrated AWM2 synthesizer, effects processor, and a powerful 32-track MIDI sequencer. It provides approximately 4,000 sounds, 3,876 preset phrases, and a large backlit LCD for editing, serving as a self-contained alternative to computer-based MIDI studios.