S90 ES Synthesizer

The Yamaha S90 ES Synthesizer combines a stunningly natural acoustic piano sound with all the sonic flexibility of the award-winning MOTIF ES. The piano keyboard uses a new multi-velocity, stereo grand piano sample with soundboard simulation and half dampening (when used with the FC3 pedal) that is incredibly rich and realistic ” the best Yamaha has ever put into a synthesizer. The 128-note polyphony tone generator, Studio Connections compatibility, mLAN expansion slot, and PLG expandability give it all the synthesis power and control capabilities of the Yamaha MOTIF ES line.

The most expressive piano voice of any synth.

Played at normal tempos and dynamic levels the sound of the Yamaha S90 ES is truly superb, but it's at the opposite end of the tempo and dynamic range that the results are most stunning. The longer waves give each note a very natural sustain that, when used on ballads and slow, exposed pieces, plays expressively with a full, natural sound. This voice also features stretch tuning and a damper resonance effect offering even more realism.

Half-damper capability

Some classic pieces call for a half damper technique where the damper pedal is pressed halfway down raising the felts only partially off the strings. As the sustain function on most synths is a simple on/off operation, such use is normally impossible. The S90 ES, however, is able to respond to small changes in the FC-3 foot controllers pedal position due to its half-damper capability. This gives the performer greater control over the muting by the damper, and expressive freedom to create the subtle nuances required by the music.

Tone generation derived from the MOTIF ES

Using a powerful new tone generator derived from the MOTIF ES, the Yamaha S90 ES produces voices with stunning clarity and great response that heightens the musical experience for both you and your listeners. To meet the needs of todays players its 228MB (when converted to 16-bit linear format) of wave memory holds an enormous library of expressive voices and drum kits, many of which come from the MOTIF ES, that cover everything from acoustic pianos and orchestra to cutting-edge hip-hop and electronica.

88 keys for full piano range

An 88-note weighted action keyboard based on Yamaha's acoustic piano designs offers players a feel that is natural, smooth, and responsive especially on keyboard voices like the acoustic grands and electric grands. For its non-keyboard instruments like basses, drums, and percussion, which require slightly varied playing styles, the action is evenly balanced from top to bottom making these instruments feel and play more responsively. Aftertouch is also included so you can gain more expression from every note.

New signal processing effects system

The S90 ES takes great advantage of the processing power inherited from the Yamaha MOTIF ES to produce effects like damper resonance, reverb, and others with stunning clarity. This power also enhances its multitimbral capabilities.

The system is designed with 2 blocks of insertion effects (117 types) for each voice and 2 overall system effects that include 20 reverb types and 49 chorus/delay effects. This way you can apply the right type of signal processing where it is needed most. Even in song or pattern modes you won't feel confined since voice insertion effects can be applied on up to 8 individual parts simultaneously. Further sound tailoring is available with 3-band individual part EQ settings, 8 types of mastering effects, and a 5-band master EQ.

Seamless system integration

Compatibility with Studio Connections lets the Yamaha S90 ES function as if it were a plug-in within compatible DAW applications such as Cubase and Nuendo. Hardware and software systems integrate seamlessly in this environment where total recall of entire hardware/software systems is possible. In other DAW systems, the S90 ES's sliders, knobs, and data dial can be used to control start/stop of record or playback, track volumes, panning, and more to increase system efficiency.