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Average rating:
4.3 out of 5
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The Yamaha PSS-680 is indeed an amazing keyboard full of capabilities. I did a lot of experimental work using only the PSS-680, until I decided to add two Ibanez digital processors, the FLL Flanger and the DLL Delayer. By doing this, sound quality, textures and combinations brought me into a completely different world. I also do some work on a GEM WK1 - but the PSS-680 + Ibanez FLL + Ibanez DLL remains as the true core of everything.
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For nearly 20 years, the PSS-680 has been the centre of virtually every setup I've had during that period! It is such a well-designed, ergonomic product in such a wonderfully compact size! Over the years I've used the instrument for live and recorded work, in bands and as a soloist. I've hooked up numerous devices to its MIDI ports which adds more sounds too! The PSS-680 is a one-of-a-kind instrument that has never been bettered. I have frequently used the 680's styles to add more depth to music. I frequently mixed styled and live music to create a very large backdrop for my songs. The ability to turn off bits of the style backing at the push of a button allows you to do things like having a live drummer playing alongside styles. My most recent usage of the Yamaha to its fullest was at an open session at a local pub where I played solo synth with all the backing - people rushed in expecting a full band but instead saw just myseelf and the PSS-680! Unfortunately, age has started to take over and the instrument has become unreliable, and so has recently been retired. It's replacement is the rather quirky Aierke ARK-2171. I also have a number of other instruments in my studio, including the MZ2000 megasynth; but the Yamaha PSS-680 holds a special place in this synthesists affections!
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To be completely honest, this keyboard is far more capable than what a lot of people claim. If one looks at the owners manual for its System Exclusive section, it becomes blatantly apparent that the keyboard actually features the YM-3812 OPL2 synthesizer chip (yeah, the same as the Adlib card for old PCs). This means a full five-step Envelope Generator, FOUR waveforms, vibrato/LFO, Amplitude Modulation, and fine-level detuning. Again, this is only done via MIDI and SysEx messages so one will need to have a controller that can edit this or create an editor for your favorite OS to delve into the full capabilities of the synth. Also, because it uses the YM3812 it's also an 11 or 12-note polyphonic and can auto-allocate notes per channel as needed.
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If you enjoy playing the newer hi-tech keyboards that sound great no matter which keys you press down, this synth is not for you. The PSS-680 requires creative minds only. The sounds are virtually unlimited with the use of parameter variables. The pitch wheel is also great for added expression. Fuzzy distorted sounds are reminiscent of the DX-7 or a Casio CZ-101, awesome! You may like to check out a PSS-380 or PSS-360 as they are very similar, but have sliders on the top interface to really give movement to the sounds you play. I would love to hear an album from a guys basement that is written entirely on this keyboard.
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I bought one of these recently just to add a few touches to my samples and breaks. It's a charming machine and although the sounds aren't as glossy as the modern synths, they have a certain character that feels very authentic and 'eighties'.
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