Vintage Synth Explorer

Yamaha • SY-35

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.

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Blacklight

Posted 136 days ago

The Sy35 is the first synth I ever bought and I still use it today. I will agree that occasionally, it can sound a little thin, but the pads are fantastic. The string sections are really nice and the aftertouch along with the vector joystick really add to it. It also has a nice amount of storage memory for patches. This is a good, and physically TOUGH synth as well. I've gigged with it since 1994 or so and I've NEVER had ANY problems with it. This thing is RUGGED ! I highly recommend this synth !

Allister

Posted 180 days ago

Its got that one vital ingredient......character.A very distinctive synth that has a tendency to sound a bit thin, but is very good for playing around on.

AGittins

Posted 268 days ago

Just to correct the first post, this board _does_ have aftertouch in addition to velocity. The low polyphony makes it useful as an additional sound source - it's fairly limiting for using as the sole sound source for anything more than the simpler arrangements. It makes a pretty good controller too. Note, this board is not GM, so bank/patch selection is not as easy as it is with the boards that came out a few months later.

bodhi

Posted 301 days ago

the vector control is the big deal on this instrument.
if you want pianos and other generic samples look elsewhere. although there are some real instrument samples here, this dude excels at atmospheric sounds. a plus is that you can record your
vector motions and store them with the patch. very dynamic.
keeps my interest for much more than a half hour.

planetplayer

Posted 312 days ago

Love this board.
Nice Cheery sounds. Very atmospheric. It sounds great with a Wavestation also.
AWM sounds are smal snippets like D-50 and FM sounds are like DX-11, 100 etc..
Combined, it sounds nice. It is good for filer type sounds or rock music backup or electronica.
Solid quality, more solid then it looks. Keyboard is not flimsy for price. It is very strong. No after touch just has velocity. Multi-tambre mode is week but path playing with vector stick is nice.
It like A Sequential VS in my opinion. Not as sonically loud as Wavestation.
The VS was the original.
Sy-35 turns bad busy day to joy and wonder.

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