NAMM2K: Yamaha introduced Synthesizer S30

US 07/02/00

Yamaha introduces the S30 Synthesizer at Winter NAMM 2000. The S30 features a 61-note keyboard with aftertouch and an expandable synthesis engine. The unit will begin shipping in March 2000. The portable 61-key S30 features the identical synthesis architecture and sound banks of the S80, offering full 64-note polyphony, 64 multi-mode resonant filters and 24 MB ROM. On-board voices include 256 presets with stereo-sampled pianos, strings, brass, as well as a complete sonic palette of other high-quality sounds. Users can create their own sounds (including analog-style synth sounds) and store them in any of 128 user-voice memory locations. There are also 128 user-storable performances for layers, splits and multi-timbre sequencer setups. A single plug-in expansion slot allows the S30 to accept Yamaha’s PLG Modular Synthesis Plug-in Expansion boards, which essentially adds new synthesizers and effects processors to the system. By adding a plug-in board, the S30 retains its 64-note polyphony while adding new sounds, effects, additional notes of polyphony and new synthesis technologies. Available boards include: the PLG150-DX, which provides a DX-7 compatible synthesizer on a card; the PLG150-AN, which features the analog physical modeling of the AN1x; and the PLG-150XG, featuring a 32-note polyphony AWM2 engine and full XG compatibility. A TO HOST interface, which supports both PC and Mac platforms, makes it easy to take advantage of the bundled XGWorks 3.0 Lite Sequencing and Editing software. Four assignable data sliders and five assignable data knobs provide real-time control over MIDI parameters. An on-board song sequencer plays back Standard MIDI Files (SMF) from SmartMedia™ cards, which allow storage of up to 100 songs–including keyboard setups and chained playback. Entire MIDI setups can be stored in 128 user-performance memory locations for instant recall, making the S30 a great tool for live performance. For more information on the S30 Synthesizer, visit Yamaha at Winter NAMM 2000, Petree Hall, Los Angeles Convention Center; or write Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Digital Musical Instruments, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011 Submitted by Tom Finegan

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