In 1998, after several years without producing a single FM synthesizer, Yamaha released a new FM powerhouse...the FS1R. This little beast is far from your average FM synthesizer. Not only is it an eight-Operator variant, as opposed to the six- and four-Operator FM of the DX/TX lines, but it also features a new technology called Formant Shaping Synthesis. Formants are the spectral patterns making up the sounds of human speech. This allows for the creation of vocal like timbres but can also be applied in many different ways to create incredibly unique sounds that you won't find on any other synths.

DX7 aficionados will like the fact that the FS1R has almost complete compatibility with 6-Operator FM synths: you can send, via MIDI, a patch from a DX7, for example, and the FS1R will convert it to an identical-sounding patch in the new synth. A lot of the preset Voices actually come from the DX7's library. It's also possible to program sounds from DX7 sound charts, finding an algorithm that has an equivalent layout to the DX algorithm and turning off the unwanted Operators.

The downside to the FS1R is the complexity of the user interface. With a tiny LCD screen and hundreds if not thousands of menus and sub-menus, editing from the front panel is tedious and nearly impossible. Thankfully, there are now software editors available for both the Mac and PC platforms to make the process quite a bit easier (though still not perfect). All that said, the complexity of working with the synth is far outweighed by the amazing sounds that it's capable of. It truly sounds like nothing else out there. From huge evolving pads, to shimmering EPs, fantastic organs, screaming leads and booming basses.. this synth can sound industrial and cold one minute, and then warm and almost analogue the next. With some time dedicated to learning how to edit the patches, or create your own from scratch, there's really no sound that this synth isn't capable of making.

After an abysmal showing on the market, the FS1R was discontinued after only about one year. These days, more people have discovered what this synth is capable of and it has seen a resurgence in popularity and has reached an almost cult-like status. It is rare to find one for sale these days, and when you do, the prices seem to be climbing.

If you have a short attention span and no patience, this may not be the synth for you. If you're someone who doesn't mind programming a synth to get the most out of it and you're looking for some of the most amazing and unique sounds ever produced by an FM synthesizer, the FS1R is a must have. It has been used by Squarepusher and Sin.

Jonathan

December 1, 2008 @ 7:09 am

This is possibly not just the pinnacle of FM synth design but is about as far as "real" synth design goes. Pads, strings, keys, woodwind, FX, flutes, brass, choirs, basses, I could go on. Shame they never made enough of the formant feature - it could have been a killer (where's the FS-2?). Great filter so analogue emulation is covered, too. If you see one grab it - you'll use it on everything!

jonkull

November 11, 2008 @ 7:16 pm

I had two of these and sold them. Regretted it the second I sealed those boxes. As far as digital goes the FS1R can be quite thick and warm sounding. It's a great synth for strange noises and ambient soundscapes. I've been trying to track down another because I miss it so much but in the last year they've become crazy expensive. I bought mine for $300 in 2007 now they go as high as $1000.

Savo Jr

September 17, 2008 @ 4:32 pm

2nd hand price is incredibly high! A bit similar to Kurzweils in that matter.. i have waited years that price would come down. :D
It tells something about this unit too.

Maxim Korobov

August 17, 2008 @ 4:25 pm

I don't want to say much about this synth - go to harmony-central and read much (33 now) reviews.
But i wanna tell you what i found recently - display and OS of FS1R are similar to Yamaha's MU series! :)
I think that Yamaha make some upgrade of DX-engine and sold its electronic parts of discontinued MU series as a new technology for a good price.

This is ONLY my opinion, maybe it is wrong thought.

---------

Anyway i love it in my setup and don't sell it ever.

<7654321>

 

Post Comment!

Your Name: (Required.)

Email Address: (Required, not published.)

Image verification: (required)

Message:

 

Posting Rules:
Please keep your comments relevant! Do not post requests for help, do not use for sales, do not post unless you have something interesting to say about this instrument, or we may delete your post.

I have read and understand the posting rules.