Yamaha SY-22

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Yamaha SY-22 Image

The SY-22 is one of these digital synthesizers with a thin metallic sound. It uses a synthesis method known as vector synthesis (similar to that on the ProphetVS and Korg Wavestation) in which samples and FM sounds (adapted from Yamaha's DX line) are altered and combined using the on-board joystick to create new and often interesting sounds. Joystick moves can be recorded and repeated too, a feature rarely seen until the JP-8000 came!

There is no filter, no resonance, no ring modulator sand no sign of any arpeggiators or sequencers on-board. Although this is unfortunate, its strengths lie in its ability to record data manipulation in real-time and its multitimbrality - both of which lend themselves to creating some complex and cool sounds perfect for ambient, dub and industrial styles. It also has a drum kit sound set and simple built-in effects. A desktop module version of the SY-22 is the TG-33 which also has increased memory. The SY-22 has been used by Moby, Skinny Puppy and Scanner.



23 VISITOR COMMENTS

u mimi
November 5, 2011 @ 1:26 am
how much for the sy 22 cards?
James
September 13, 2011 @ 12:14 pm
Hi, I know I'm not really allowed to post for sales but really wanted to give you guys first call on the data cards I have..

I have 3 x SY22 data cards. They are new (believe it or not).

I have Vector 2 Studio Selection, Pop House General Voice Set and Vector Project (European Music) General Voice set.

If any one is interested reply here.

I will be putting them up on Ebay in the coming weeks but I figured you guys might want first call :)

Cheers
Claus
September 11, 2011 @ 5:43 am
Found a lot of SysEx-banks on the net, uploaded them to the SY22 with MIDI-OX, and hear, this synth has a lot going for it. Some of the Patches even sound like they were playing from the Ensoniq VFX-SD1.

The FX aren't the best-sounding (bad reverb-tails and very metallic), but can make 'too nice' sounds get that gritty something. The Vector-joystick are sending MIDI-CCs (16+17), so it can be used to control external MIDI gear too. Very nice!

Use Mulitimode, stack a couple of the same sound and Aftertouch/vector-detune all the way to Phat-heaven :)
victor
September 7, 2011 @ 6:43 pm
buy it now on ebay £50 mint condition also downloaded the sy22 editor another best buy of 2011 this is a cool synth able to edit everything in (windows vista) there are plenty of freaky dark sounds very cinema kind of vibe. the vector is a great idea also the detune function is great for creating a bagpipe sounds kind of weird drone's although there is no bagpipe sample to be found in the synth. i found my roland dp2 pedal i have for my (roland mc303) switch work's in the sustainer input so no need to buy one i am so proud of this synth. and so glad i picked one up
bill
April 7, 2011 @ 11:52 pm
its a fun little board for cheap. i mean its not analog sounding and its romplish with fm simplicity. its different and its worth the cheap prices they go for as long as you know why you are buying one. i mean some people expect it to sound like a moog but come on. its a sy22 its great for ambient music and industrial stuff. i would never get rid of mine. its not fun to program but worth the effort
 
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  • Demos & Media
  • YouTube Image
    Video 1
    - See and hear it in this YouTube Demo!

    Manual - Download the original owner's manual here.

  • Specifications
  • Polyphony - 16 notes (8-part multitimbral)
  • Oscillators - 2 digital FM Operators and ROM samples (2 osc per voice)
  • LFO - Amplitude Mod & Pitch Mod with Saw Up, Saw Down, Triangle, Square and Sample&Hold waveshapes
  • Filter - None
  • Effects - 16 Digital Reverbs and Delays
  • Keyboard - 61 keys (with velocity and aftertouch)
  • Memory - 64 preset / 64 user
  • Control - MIDI IN/OUT/THRU (8 channels)
  • Date Produced - 1990
  • Est. Value - $100 - $500

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