Yamaha

The Yamaha CS-80 is an eight-note polyphonic analogue synthesiser with two independent synthesis channels, 16 tone generators, a 61-note velocity-sensitive keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch, ribbon pitch controller, four analogue Memory Banks, 22 preset tones, Ring Modulator, Sub Oscillator, Tremolo, Chorus, Sustain, Portamento and Glissando. Developed from Yamaha’s GX-1 technology and closely associated with Vangelis, the Yamaha CS-80 became one of the most historically important expressive polyphonic synthesisers of the analogue era.

The Yamaha NS-10 is the definitive nearfield studio monitor, revered for its brutally honest midrange, exceptional transient accuracy, and unmatched ability to reveal mix problems, earning its place as one of the most influential loudspeakers in recording history.

The Yamaha K-2000 was a three-head stereo cassette deck released in 1982, featuring a two-motor direct-drive transport, Linear EM recording system, automatic α-ORBiT bias and level calibration, dbx and Dolby B noise reduction, monitoring erase, electronic transport functions and a four-digit linear real-time counter.

The Yamaha Rev1 is a professional digital reverberator with 1 in and 2 outs. Various reverberation effects can be added to original sounds by allowing early reflections and subsequent reverberation to be independently controlled and mixed.

The Yamaha YDD-2600 is a digital time delay system for use in a variety of applications from sound reinforcement to film/video production, recording and disc mastering. The system uses advanced LSI technology to maintain wide bandwidth, Iow distortion and low noise for completely natural sound; there is virtually no difference between the input and output, other than an offset in time.

The Yamaha DX7 became one of the defining digital synthesisers of the 1980s. Its six-operator FM synthesis engine provided 32 algorithms, extensive programmable envelopes and scaling, 16-note polyphony and precise digital control of 145 voice parameters. A velocity and aftertouch-sensitive 61-key keyboard, internal and cartridge voice storage, LCD programming interface and early MIDI implementation made the Yamaha DX7 both a sophisticated synthesiser and a practical performance instrument. Its commercial success helped establish digital FM synthesis as a major force in music production and permanently changed the direction of synthesiser design.

After working on delivering a high end digital reverb in the Yamaha REV1, they decided to tackle the other end of the market with the Yamaha R1000 digital reverb. By comparison, the Yamaha R1000 was most definitely not in the same league as it’s more expensive sibling, but it afforded home musicians a taste of digital reverb that delivered pretty good results.

The Yamaha D1500 Digital Delay was a pioneering MIDI controlled delay processor introduced in 1984, offering up to 1023 milliseconds of delay, programmable memory banks, modulation capabilities, and comprehensive MIDI integration for studio and live performance systems.

The Yamaha REV7 was more affordable than the REV1 and found a home in many studios world wide. People seem to either love or hate these old Yamaha reverbs, in fact the Yamaha REV7 would have to be one of the most polarizing reverbs there is, with no in between it seems. But make no mistake, there is much love for this classic 1980s reverb!

The Yamaha SPX90 was released in 1985 as an affordable multi-effects processor for the masses. It remains today a true classic digital effects processor. It is also the most looked at effects processor on the Vintage Digital website.

The Yamaha SPX 90 II was essentially the original SPX 90 with more memory added to improve delay times, and they gave it a new look with green button surrounds. Regardless of the fact that the SPX 90 II is the exact same effect processor as the SPX 90 only with increased memory for longer delay times, it sells for much less. Bargain hunters rejoice!

Released in 1986, the Yamaha RX5 was a flagship 12-bit digital rhythm programmer offering realistic PCM sounds, deep editing, and advanced MIDI integration. It became a key drum machine in late 1980s pop, funk, R&B, and early electronic music, prized for its flexibility and distinctive sound.