Yamaha SY22

Yamaha SY22 Image

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.

37 Visitor comments
BeN-HuR
January 17, 2013 @ 6:04 am
SY Synths have their own way to sit perfectly with other instruments on the final mix stage. Original sounds are very 90's like and reminds a lot of the DX. The joystick makes it very nice to control when editing or playing live. Super light weight and easy to program.
Jack
January 16, 2013 @ 2:34 pm
Thin metaliic sound? What have you been smoking? (thick and strong)

FM pads ( even it's 2 OP) alone ( warm and powerful) will eat yur Roland JV/SV or Tritons alive.
AWM /FM sounds doent sound boring unline Sample Playebak alone machines.

Keys are sturdy and great. After touch is well done.

KB looks good, well cut /thin and yet sturdy and resonabley light ( 15Ibs). Cut thru mix live very well. Unlike M50 or Juno Gi.
tim
December 15, 2012 @ 2:37 am
a thin metallic sound? so wrong......nothing thin about this synth.
relic
December 6, 2012 @ 8:40 am
i mean very good team. it did not like my good swear word!..lol try mixing these two together for some killer sound shapes! TG33 and SY22!!! great blend!
relic
December 6, 2012 @ 8:38 am
TG33 and SY22 are a bad [beep] team together....
 
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  • Demos & Media
  • YouTube Thumbnail
    Video 1
    - Yamaha Sy22 Vector Synth (Wavestation Korg - D50 Roland) demostration by S4K

    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

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