Yamaha V50

Yamaha V50 Image

Imagine the excellent sonic characteristics of the DX11 synthesizer or TX-81Z sound module. The V50 is the ultimate 4-Operator FM synth workstation comprising 16-note polyphony, a dual effects processor (with distortion), a large dual line, backlit LCD display, a drum machine, a 16,000 note sequencer and a 3.5in floppy drive to save your songs and voices!

The DVA function and built in voice-based pitch delay are two interesting features in this synth. It's great for percussive sounds such as short bass sounds, marimbas, clavinets, etc and should one pitch an operator really high and work with the pitch bender, one gets very cool ambient effects. It's very rare yet cheap in today's 2nd-hand market and coupled with an outboard (analog) filter it makes an unbeatable digital FM synth!

The V50 has been used by Sin.

43 Visitor comments
Peter
January 22, 2009 @ 4:29 pm
I still own one and use it as my midi keyboard! I remember I bought it 2nd hand, and noticed clicking sounds which were very annoying if you're using reverb or echo as well. Went back with it, they ordered a brand new print for it, but the problem was still there.. Turns out that DVA cuts of voices if you're using too many voices, and that produces a click.. Factory error? Still great one, I shall never get rid of it ;) Recently had to replace the back up battery, but other than that it's 100% ok stilL!
Jim
November 21, 2008 @ 1:33 pm
This was my first synth. Brought it new in 1990 and absolutely loved it. Sequencer was a tad maddening to program though. It is great for studio work and has an exceptional build quality so it can cope with the inevitable knocks from life on the road. Came out the same time as the Korg M1 and most people went out and brought that, which is a shame as it really is a nice instrument .
Andrew Beddoes
September 16, 2008 @ 1:27 am
Good FM synth with effects (no chorus, 'though). Very beefy after layering sounds, and unusual alternate tunings and alternative voicings possible. The sequencer is maddening (no pattern/song format), and the drums share the one master effect with the synth. Compatible with TX81Z data.
 
Post Comment!
VSE Rating

It’s Good

User Rating

Rated 3.99 (226 Votes)

  • Demos & Media
  • YouTube Thumbnail
    Video 1
    - 1989 Yamaha V50 Synthesizer Demo Video Part 1 of 2

    Manual - Download the original owner's manual here.

  • Specifications
  • Polyphony - 16 notes
  • Oscillators - 4-Operator Digital FM synthesizer
  • #Instruments - 8 parts
  • Filter - None
  • VCA - 1 DVA env , 1 Pitch Envelope Generator
  • LFO - One
  • Effects - 2 FX Units - 16 different effects
  • Keyboard - 5 octave touch sensitive with pressure sensitivity.
  • Memory - 100 preset / 100 user voices, 100 preset performances / 100 user, 3.5in disk drive.
  • Arpeg/Seq - sequencer: 16000 notes, 8 songs, 32 note polyphonic, punch in/out, real / step programming.
  • Control - MIDI
  • Date Produced - 1989
  • Resources & Credits
  • Images from AudioFanzine.

    Thanks to Edwin Balzan for providing this info.

Errors or Corrections? Send them here.