New S30 61-Key Synthesizer from Yamaha
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February 24, 2000
February 24, 2000 - Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo
Division, Digital Musical Instruments, introduces the S30 Synthesizer
at Winter NAMM 2000. Designed for the contemporary musician who needs
S Series sonic power in a portable package, the S30 features a 61-note
keyboard with aftertouch and an expandable synthesis engine. The unit
has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1295 and will begin
shipping in March 2000.
"The S30’s big brother--the S80--has quickly established itself
as the market leader in the 88-note weighted-action synth market,"
stated Athan Billias, marketing manager, Digital Musical Instruments.
"The S30 fits the needs of budget-conscious customers and users who
already own a weighted-action controller, but want access to the great
sounds of the S Series." 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.
Visit Yamaha on the web at www.yamaha.com. |
