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Yamaha PSS-680

3.0 (5)

2 Reviews

Find out who is using Yamaha PSS-680

3 community setups

1 wishlisted

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Page last updated Apr 24, 2026

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Description

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The Yamaha PSS-680 is a versatile synthesizer that combines rich sound capabilities with user-friendly features, making it an ideal choice for musicians and producers alike. Packed with 49 full-sized, touch-sensitive keys, this synth offers exceptional playability and expression, enabling you to bring your musical ideas to life with ease. The built-in FM synthesis engine provides a wide range of dynamic sounds that can be further personalized using the onboard editing features.

This compact powerhouse is equipped with a variety of preset voices and rhythms, allowing you to explore different musical styles effortlessly. The Yamaha PSS-680 also includes an auto-accompaniment feature, which is perfect for solo performances or practice sessions. With its MIDI connectivity, you can seamlessly integrate this synthesizer with your existing gear, expanding your creative possibilities. Whether you're crafting complex compositions or experimenting with new sounds, the Yamaha PSS-680 delivers a robust and engaging musical experience.

Key Features:

49 full-sized, touch-sensitive keys for dynamic expression
FM synthesis engine for a wide range of sound creation
Variety of preset voices and rhythms for diverse musical styles
Auto-accompaniment feature for solo performances
MIDI connectivity for integration with other gear
Onboard editing features for sound customization

Videos

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KeyboardKrazy49

Yamaha PSS 680 Keyboard Part 1/2

KeyboardKrazy49

YAMAHA PSS 680 - Review & Demo - Retro Classic From 1988 - HQ Audio

The Sound Test Room

Yamaha Portasound PSS-680 FM keyboard

Alfonse

Yamaha PSS-680 demo

René Didden

Yamaha PSS-680 demo.

SnowMetal

YAMAHA's toy went berzerk! The PSS-680 MUSICSTATION

Gearfacts

1988 Yamaha PSS 680 Unboxing and Review

D.J. Spacedude

YAMAHA PSS-680

Keyboards - review - repair

Yamaha PSS 680 | Yamaha PSS 680 demo

Rockstar Music Store

Yamaha PSS-680

East Coast Music Exchange

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha PSS-680.

Features and functionality

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The PSS-680 includes a 5-track sequencer and 32 sampled drum sounds, offering substantial creative flexibility for a "toy" keyboard.
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Equipped with MIDI in/out/thru and a pitch wheel, the PSS-680 provides expanded connectivity and expressive capabilities uncommon in its class.
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The PSS-680 offers 4 different sounds per drum pad, unlike the PSS-580, which provides similar functionality through buttons or keys.
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The PSS-680's demo mode is highly praised for its impressive sound, reflecting the keyboard's engaging capabilities despite its age.
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Software and compatibility

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Owners appreciate the availability of SysEx editors like PSSEdit for Windows, enhancing programmability for the 2-op FM synthesis.
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User experience

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The PSS-680 is praised for its engaging drum pads, evoking strong nostalgia and enjoyment from users who remember the booming 80s toms.
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Owners describe the PSS-680 as a timeless classic that retains quality and functionality even 35 years after release.
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Some users find the keyboard's 200 voices to be overly similar, with only a few standout sounds, which can limit creative expression.
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Use cases and applications

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The PSS-*80 series is recommended for beginners learning FM synthesis, with its 2-op limitation providing a manageable introduction.
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The PSS-680's brass, church organ, and chime presets have been effectively used in live band settings, though some users desire more expressive control.
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Comparisons

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Some users find the PSS-680's programmability superior within the Portasound range, citing its more extensive editing capabilities compared to other models.
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The PSS-680 is considered "Peak PortaSound" by users, favored over the technically superior PSS-780 due to its ambitious features and design.
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While the PSS-680 is appreciated for its ease of use, some users who transition to more modern synths like the Streichfett or Mininova find them lacking in simplicity and immediate sound quality.
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Value and pricing

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One user managed to purchase a PSS-680 for £5 from a charity shop, highlighting potential for exceptional deals.
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Setup and maintenance

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Issues with sound output through the master and headphone jack have been noted, suggesting potential repair needs for maintaining functionality.
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3.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings

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1 star

nycsynth

186

almost 3 years ago

FM Pro-sumer Sleeper

The Yamaha PSS-680 resided in the fuzzy area between a consumer grade (entry level) toy and a truly professional synthesizer. But don't be fooled by the PSS branding: the PSS-680 (and the similar PSS-780) offer quite a bit of performance and a remarkably good MIDI implementation. Features include:

Programmable 2-operator FM synthesizer
Multitimbral operation
Drum pads (and voices)

The PSS-680 has an EXTENSIVE MIDI implementation that is better than many pro keyboards of the day. It sends and receives parts on fixed MIDI channels, but is capable of multitimbral operation. It has some very interesting built-in patterns that can be used in conjunction with the auto accompaniment features to generate ideas.

The drum sounds are PCM-based and very retro and it would probably be best to sample them, but they are interesting nonetheless and useful in synthwave tracks.

Programming the FM synth is very easy, and there are also some nice sounding presets.

All in all, despite the fact that this has mini keys and was not aimed at the pro market, it is very conceivable that Yamaha could have upscaled the keys and added more preset memories and had an FM winner on their hands with this synth. Given that they are generally available cheaply, provide good retro sounds, and have a downright solid MIDI implementation, I'm definitely rating this a 5 for value and fun factor alone.

Roles:

Music Producer Audio Engineer

Genres:

Electronic Rock Pop

doctorbraindamage

576

over 6 years ago

Super low budget FM synthesis, atleast would be if people wouldn't inflate it's used price

A neat toy keyboard that actually has more features than anything nowadays that's made for the same market. Proper midi support with inputs and outputs and rather easy editing. Just one problem: no internal memory. If you switch off the unit, you lose your custom patches, so you either save everything via sysex or just keep a notebook around.