Yamaha

Yamaha has been a leader in digital audio technology since the 1980s, creating innovative effects processors used in studios and live sound worldwide. Their first digital reverberator, the REV1 (1984), was followed by the groundbreaking SPX90 in 1985, which made digital effects affordable and accessible. Known for its high-quality sound and ease of use, the SPX90 offered versatile effects like reverb, delay, and modulation. In the 1990s, Yamaha introduced the SPX900 and SPX1000, featuring advanced algorithms, high-quality pitch shifting, and stereo imaging.

Released in 1989 /

Yamaha SY77 Music Synthesiser

The Yamaha SY77 was a music synthesiser that combined Advanced Frequency Modulation (AFM) and second-generation Advanced Wave Memory (AWM2) tone generation systems. Its defining feature was Realtime Convolution and Modulation (RCM), which allowed AWM2 samples to modulate AFM operators, creating a fusion of sample realism and FM expressiveness.

Made In Japan

Released in 1990 /

Yamaha TG77 Tone Generator

The Yamaha TG77 Tone Generator was a rack-mount synthesiser that combined AFM and AWM2 tone generation systems with RCM synthesis to offer advanced sound design capabilities in a compact format. It featured a 16-voice multi-timbre mode, eight individual outputs, and a comprehensive user interface with a backlit LCD display.

Made In Japan

Released in 1990 /

Yamaha FX900 Simul-Effect Processor

The Yamaha FX900 Simul-Effect Processor offers flexible control of up to seven effects with 100 presets and real-time control options. It delivers high-quality sound with advanced A/D and D/A conversion for various applications like guitar, bass, and vocals.

Made In Japan

Released in 1991 /

Yamaha DTR2 Digital Audio Tape Recorder

The Yamaha DTR2 is a professional rack-mounted DAT recorder designed for studio mastering. It offers optical and coaxial digital I/O, balanced and unbalanced analogue connections, and high-quality 1-bit AD/DA conversion. With excellent audio specs, intuitive controls, and a full-function remote, it delivers strong performance but lacks external control ports for integration with automation systems.

Made In Japan

Released in 1992 /

Yamaha DRU8 8-Track Digital Recorder

The Yamaha DRU8 is an eight track PCM digital recorder designed for professional music, broadcast and post production systems, offering 20 bit recording, reliable tape handling, flexible system control and full integration with Yamaha’s digital mixing consoles.

Made In Japan

Released in 1992 /

Yamaha EMP700 Multi-Effect Processor

The Yamaha EMP700 was a stereo multi-effect processor that offered 90 presets and 29 fundamental effects, allowing for flexible serial or parallel configurations. It supported external RAM card storage, assignable function keys, and real-time MIDI parameter control, making it a versatile tool for both studio and stage use.

Made In Japan

Released in 1993 /

Yamaha SPX990 Multi-Effect Processor

The Yamaha SPX990, regardless of the name came after the Yamaha SPX1000 and continued the Yamaha tradition of providing superb quality. The Yamaha SPX990 effect systems offers 80 preset effect programs including accurate simultaneous natural reverberation and early reflections.

Explore the full Yamaha SPX Series Series

Made In Japan

Released in 1993 /

Yamaha FX770 Guitar Effect Processor

The Yamaha FX770 is a compact, all-in-one guitar effects processor offering a wide range of effects, including compressors, WAHs, amp simulations, delays, and modulation, all programmable and controllable via MIDI or foot controller. It replaces bulky setups with a single, flexible unit designed for professional sound customisation.

Made In Japan

Released in 1993 /

Yamaha YDP2006 Digital Parametric Equaliser

The Yamaha YDP2006 Digital Parametric Equaliser offered precise 20-bit digital EQ with up to 12 bands in mono, plus notch, high-pass, and low-pass filters. It featured intuitive rotary controls, a clear LCD display, 40 user presets, and remote control via MIDI or Yamaha’s Y-485 interface, making it ideal for both studio and live sound applications.

Made In Japan

Released in 1993 /

Yamaha YDG2030 Digital Graphic Equaliser

The Yamaha YDG2030 is a dual-channel 30-band digital graphic equaliser with high-resolution 20-bit converters, 110 dB dynamic range, and extensive filtering options including HPF, LPF, and programmable notches. It features channel delay, 40 internal memories, a graphic LCD, MIDI and Y-485 network control, and balanced XLR I/O for professional audio applications.

Made In Japan

Released in 1994 /

Yamaha REV100 Digital Reverb

The Yamaha REV100 was one of Yamaha’s most affordable digital reverbs and it offers reasonable quality for the money too. Reverb is the essential effect for musical instruments, recording, and sound reinforcement. Delay and modulation run a close second and third. The Yamaha REV100 offered all this and is most suitable for live rigs.

Explore the full Yamaha REV Series Series

Made In Japan

Released in 1994 /

Yamaha D5000 Digital Delay

The Yamaha D5000 is something of a rare processor that is very difficult to find for sale, and when they are they are often rather expensive. So what is the magic? With the quote from Bob Clearmountain that it is the best digital delay ever made, the Yamaha seems to have gone underground in home studios or Yamaha simply did not make very many of them.