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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Posting Rules: Please keep your comments relevant! Do not post requests for help, do not use for sales, do not post unless you have something interesting to say about this instrument, or we may delete your post.

 

Alexander

Posted 336 days ago

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

Posted 355 days ago

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

Posted 437 days ago

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

Posted 457 days ago

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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