The Yamaha SY35 is a bit unique in that it is a Vector Synthesis system, combining FM and AWM sample playback voices to create sounds suitable for virtually all kinds of music. It features significantly expanded memory capabilities over the SY-22. It has an extremely large database of over 128 AWM sampled sounds (you cannot add more) and around 256 FM waves. Waves and samples are combined and edited with a roller/joystick (the vector wheel). At a time when Yamaha was making the switch from FM synthesis, which ruled their synths of the eighties, to AWM and AWM2 synthesis in the nineties, the SY-35 represents a model that was on the cusp, having one foot (or pair of oscillators actually) in each world.

Programming is an extremely tedious affair, as all values are modified via the "-1" and "+1" buttons. But the SY-35's sounds are extremely good, providing high-quality sounds such as those found on the Alpha Juno 2, and the DX-7. The synth also features an 8-part multi-mode, for easy multitimbral setups. Ultimately, while an extremely difficult synth to program, the SY35 offers a huge amount of capability for a relatively low price tag. Use this synth for epic pads, deep basses, screaming leads, and raging hoovers.

21 VISITOR COMMENTS

gridsleep

August 27, 2011 @ 8:54 pm

olof@ You appear to be correct, sir. The Operator Manual has a couple of mentions of "filter EG" in relation to voices #15 "SP Filtr (Filter)" ("Synth pad with filter EG tone change") and #23 "SC sFz< (Sforzando)" ("Comping with filter EG and distinctive attack") and one multi #13 "BellPad" ("Filter sweep synth pad".) Aside from the various uses for the envelope, there is no specific reference to any filter, LowPass or otherwise. The Quick Start Manual does not contain the word "filter" at all, nor does the Operator Manual for the TG33, or for the SY22, for that matter.

zing

March 14, 2011 @ 8:23 pm

I think it's nice for pads, I think it's made for pads really, pads and more pads that hum along nicely if I use the vector controller. Oh, and it's got good metallic bells too. It offers you some good (digital sounding) patches that you can't find these days. It sounds quite end 80s, early 90s in a rather elegant way, without being tacky. I got mine real cheap as well, so I think it's good value. I just don't know if I really want to get into programming it... Due to a complete lack of obvious parameter controls it does not exactly convince me to do so...

paul kench

February 5, 2011 @ 7:27 am

HI I have a SY 35 and have done no programming at all on it.Can you get disks with sounds on eg I am looking for a rhodes piano sound and can't find anything on the machine that I like cheers Paul K

Olof

January 26, 2011 @ 6:49 am

The specs are wrong I think - as far as I know, the SY-35 doesn't have a filter at all, just like the SY-22.

relic

January 16, 2011 @ 11:48 am

wow..this and the SY22...doing more with these synths then i thought could be done! some cool sounds can be made here! now i know how skinny puppy used it! and only for $100. so far the best buy for 2011. perfect for electro-industrial music!..well, i did some tricks with it that i think puppy did as well! if you find one used and your into writing industral, you better GRAB IT!

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