Yamaha SY35

Yamaha SY35 Image

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 SY22. 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 SY35 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 SY35's sounds are extremely good, providing high-quality sounds such as those found on the Alpha Juno 2, and the DX7. 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.

24 Visitor comments
Alexander
December 20, 2008 @ 5:00 pm
Whole commercial tracks have been created soley with this instrument. As with all good professional sounding programmable synthesizers, it has a place in any time. It sits beautifully right in there with any good sounding source. A lovely programmable synth.
Jonathan
December 1, 2008 @ 6:41 am
Well, it's not bad if you've got space on you rack and what some pads of "80s" type electric pianos, but it's only 4 op FM so these no bite when you hit the keys harder and the sampled instruments are horribly stretched by today's standards. There's no real programing other than combining sounds and the vector control is interesting for about the first 1/2 an hour!
A Jansik
September 11, 2008 @ 1:38 am
this keyboard is awesome, I own one since 1994, has travel a lot and it fit perfect for actual music, never a problem, also this keyboard has been seen working with the female back keyboardist with "Yanni" live at the acropolis
jan lul
August 21, 2008 @ 7:35 am
You can position the sound between 4 waves ( A,B,C,D )
It is also possible to record the movement of the vector-controller in this synth! ( each time you press a note repeats this movement )
 
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VSE Rating

Excellent

User Rating

Rated 3.93 (222 Votes)

  • Demos & Media
  • YouTube Thumbnail
    Video 1
    - Yamaha SY35 DEMO - custom patches

    YouTube Thumbnail
    Video 2
    - Yamaha SY35 demo (awesome factory patches only)

    Manual - Download the original owner's manual here.

  • Specifications
  • Polyphony - 16 voices, 8-Part Multitimbrality
  • Oscillators - 2 FM Operators & 2 (AWM) Digital Acoustic Sample playback oscillators.
  • LFO - 4 LFOs
  • Filter - None
  • VCA - 4 Volume-Only Envelops
  • Sequencer - None
  • Effects - 16 Digital Effects (Delay, Reverb, Reverb/Dist. Combo, etc.)
  • Keyboard - 61 keys (w/ velocity and aftertouch)
  • Memory - 64 preset and 68 user patches, 16 Performances
  • Control - MIDI In/Out/Thu
  • Date Produced - 1992
  • Resources & Credits
  • Retropolis.

    Reviewed December 2007.

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