The SY99 is like having a super-sized sampling workstation with the synthesis and sounds of a DX-7mkII. Basically the same as the SY77 it features a larger 76 note keyboard with upgraded synthesis, sample memory, sequencer and more! For its synthesizer section it employs a 6 operator AFM synth engine similar to, if not better than, the original DX's. Sampled preset sounds (AWM2) can then be fused with the AFM sounds to create entirely wild new sounds! And these sounds are quite shapeable thanks to the resonant multi stage Time Variant Filters which offer the ability to recreate the warm analog sounds of classic synths, or something entirely new.

There's an enhanced on-board sequencer section for creating your songs right on the SY99. It's got 16 tracks, from which channel 16 belongs to the built-in drum synthesizer. The sequencer can hold up to 27,000 notes, 99 patterns and 10 songs. And since the SY99 features 16 voices of polyphony for the AFM section, and another 16 voices for the sampled sounds, there are 32 voices to go around to build your song. Not to mention there are 2 digital multi-effects processors which include reverb, delay, chorus, panning and more! Professional features for those of you want to really control and shape your sounds using the unique sounds (and complex synthesis) of a Yamaha FM synth with some special features up its sleeve. It has been used by Vangelis and Chick Corea.

Portland

October 11, 2009 @ 3:32 pm

The SY99 and SY77 were used by William Orbit and Rico Conning for the excellent 1995 album 'Toward The Unknown Region' by Torch Song.

A M

October 5, 2009 @ 5:10 pm

Does the SY-99 allow you to set multiple pitch envelopes or does it use one master pitch envelope like the DX-7?
That was my biggest disappointment with the DX-7

PSC

August 20, 2009 @ 2:17 am

Sorry, it is QY-700, not OY-700. Error on typing.

PSC

August 20, 2009 @ 2:15 am

First 2 Unlimited's album, "Get Ready", was made almost entirely on SY-99. Also, Chick Corea has performed an amazing show only on SY-99. Jean-Michel Jarre was one of the brilliant minds that made this awesome synthesizer. In combination with the OY-700, you get the best tool for producing musical masterpieces, no matter the genre. Add an Akai sampler (or a good PC) and you'll have all that you need for generating sounds and rhythms. SY-99 will never die!

PSC

August 20, 2009 @ 2:10 am

First 2 Unlimited's album, "Get Ready", was made almost entirely on SY-99.

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