The SY22 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 SY22 is the TG33 which also has increased memory. The SY22 has been used by Moby, Skinny Puppy and Scanner.

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August 27, 2008 @ 3:26 pm

Oh yes, I forgot one thing...in the power section of the circuit board there seems to be a faulty transistor in some units (mine had this). Someone in the sy22 yahoo group was nice enough to send me instructions on how to repair it. There is also an exploded view of the keyboard and all the different sections of circuits available on that group.

So if you find an extremely cheap broken one that has the problem of having no sound come out of the main outs (but it still turns on and works etc) you can still salvage it!

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August 26, 2008 @ 10:48 pm

This is a really fun keyboard to have because it is VERY light. So for that reason alone it's a great controller (with aftertouch toot!). The sounds are pretty cool and the interface is fairly straight forward. The real beauty comes from editing the fm sounds with sysex. I've made some fun and useful pads with it (which is very surprising to me considering there is no filter).

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