QS300 Music Production Synthesizer
January 18, 1996
At the NAMM Show, Yamaha Corporation of America is showcasing the new QS300 Music Production Synthesizer - the first fully equipped, XG compatible professional synthesizer, tone generator and sequencer in one.
Musicians, sound designers for project studios and recording professionals will now have the opportunity to examine the vast music production potential of this unique development tool. Some of the many sophisticated features of this full-size 61-key synthesizer include initial touch and after touch, studio quality stereo multi-effect processing, and the Yamaha Advanced Wave Memory 2 tone generation system for rich
and expressive sounds - with a total of 932 voices and 22 drum kits - as well as a phrase database of 3,093 drum patterns, bass lines and other instrument parts.
Other high-end features include a powerful 24-track sequencer with maximum 86,000 note and 10-song capacity as well as a massive musical phrase database. 100 preset musical styles (each with eight sections) cover a wide assortment of popular music styles, while 100 user phrases and 100 user pattern locations allow for literally thousands of options to create completely unique musical compositions and arrangements.
"In a market where synthesizers can all start to sound and behave the same, we really are pleased to offer a powerful keyboard with advanced features like the musical phrase database, the realtime play effects and especially the Yamaha XG format," comments Avery Burdette, product manager, Digital Musical Instruments, Yamaha Corporation of America. "When users realize the power this instrument has to create great music we think the QS300 will find a place in production facilities everywhere."
The XG format, which has received acclaim by noted industry sound developers, meticulously maps every subtle nuance for control of sound, resulting in unparalleled lifelike playback. XG goes far beyond delivering the highest level of sonic depth and resonance to existing General MIDI (GM) applications while remaining fully GM-compatible. The QS300 also functions as an ideal development platform for multimedia titles, music soundtracks and computer games, which utilize the XG specification. With full compatibility for all specifications, the QS300 ensures high-quality playback and reproduction of virtually any song data.
Among its comprehensive list of features, the QS300 also offers a high-density disk drive, a powerful Template function for quick and easy voice editing, and a large LCD display and intuitive and informative graphical interface that features a "virtual" mixing console with analog-style faders and knobs. 24 way multi-timbral sequences with massive memory allow for control of all parameters including pan, filter and envelope settings as well as realtime control over the three internal digital effects processors.
When it comes to enhancing the sound of the voices, users can choose from three versatile stereo effect sections including 12 types of Reverb, 11 types of Chorus and 42 different Variation effect types including Delay, Rotary Speaker, Distortion and Auto Wah. All three sections can be used simultaneously to give a polished studio-like quality to the mix. Ideal for use as an all-in-one music production instrument or live performance keyboard, the QS300 offers incredible depth with its versatile editing controls, professional-level effects and comprehensive number of high-quality voices, making it the perfect choice as a centerpiece of any recording or project studio. The QS300 is available immediately at the suggested retail price of $1,895. For more information, visit their web site at www.yamaha.com. |
