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Description

Unleash your creativity with the Yamaha RS7000, a powerhouse in the realm of production and groove machines. Seamlessly integrating the worlds of a synthesizer and a sequencer, the RS7000 is designed to meet the needs of modern producers and musicians alike. This versatile instrument offers a rich tapestry of sounds and rhythms, providing a robust platform for both live performances and studio sessions.

At the heart of the RS7000 is its ability to combine sampling, sequencing, and synthesis, giving you the tools to craft complex compositions with ease. With its onboard sampling capabilities, you can capture and manipulate sounds directly, while the advanced sequencer lets you arrange these sounds to perfect your tracks. A comprehensive array of effects and filters enhances your audio palette, allowing for dynamic sound shaping and customization.

The RS7000 stands out with its intuitive user interface, making it accessible for both beginners and seasoned producers. The tactile controls and large display ensure that you can focus on your music without getting bogged down by technicalities. Whether you're creating intricate beats, lush soundscapes, or catchy grooves, this machine provides an inspirational environment for your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Integrated sampler with extensive sound manipulation capabilities
  • Comprehensive sequencer for detailed track arrangement
  • Wide range of onboard effects and filters
  • User-friendly interface with tactile controls
  • Large display for easy navigation and operation
  • Suitable for both live performances and studio production
  • Versatile sound engine combining synthesis and sampling
MIDERA

MIDERA

Downward is darker: Yamaha RS7000 groovebox electronica track

Video thumbnail for Downward is darker: Yamaha RS7000 groovebox electronica track by MIDERA

Downward is darker: Yamaha RS7000 groovebox electronica track

MIDERA

MIDERA

Video thumbnail for Yamaha RS7000 is back! Instant Techno. by Expectaz

Yamaha RS7000 is back! Instant Techno.

Expectaz

Expectaz

Video thumbnail for 21 minutes of Yamaha RS7000 preset patches, no talking by Floyd Steinberg

21 minutes of Yamaha RS7000 preset patches, no talking

Floyd Steinberg

Floyd Steinberg

Video thumbnail for Creating the same track on MPC ONE and RS7000 by Floyd Steinberg

Creating the same track on MPC ONE and RS7000

Floyd Steinberg

Floyd Steinberg

Video thumbnail for YAMAHA RS7000 WHAT HAD HAPPENED WAS.. by DyReck Productions

YAMAHA RS7000 WHAT HAD HAPPENED WAS..

DyReck Productions

DyReck Productions

Video thumbnail for Yamaha RS7000 Tutorial: Starting a Track from Scratch by sonfx

Yamaha RS7000 Tutorial: Starting a Track from Scratch

sonfx

sonfx

Video thumbnail for Classic Sounds on the Yamaha RS7000. by sonfx

Classic Sounds on the Yamaha RS7000.

sonfx

sonfx

Video thumbnail for Yamaha RS7000 Tutorial: Easy way to complex beats by sonfx

Yamaha RS7000 Tutorial: Easy way to complex beats

sonfx

sonfx

Video thumbnail for Yamaha RS7000 by Isobutane

Yamaha RS7000

Isobutane

Isobutane

Video thumbnail for Ambient on the Yamaha RS7000. by sonfx

Ambient on the Yamaha RS7000.

sonfx

sonfx

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha RS7000.

Features and functionality

  • RS7000 offers robust sequencing capabilities, allowing for long freeform tracks and automation tracks unlike many modern sequencers limited to pattern-based composition.

    Source
  • Memory limited to 64MB, impacting sample storage compared to modern devices with gigabyte capacities.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The RS7000 is praised for its ability to handle polyrhythmic compositions and unconventional time signatures, making it suitable for non-standard music styles.

    Source

Comparisons

  • RS7000’s sequencer is considered superior to the Elektron for long sequences, while Elektron excels in single pattern capabilities.

    Source
  • While modern MPCs offer more memory, the RS7000 is preferred for its comprehensive song mode, which supports extended track manipulation and automation.

    Source
  • Users find the RS7000 more capable than the Roland MC-303, highlighting its versatility as a groovebox.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the RS7000's sound quality, particularly its high-quality reverb effects and flexibility in shaping sound with filter and EQ options.

    Source
  • Some users experienced freezing where only the screen would activate, a known issue attributed to faulty capacitors.

    Source

Build quality

  • Considered large for a groovebox, but its size and durability are valued in live performance settings.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners report that replacing bad capacitors resolves freezing issues during boot, effectively restoring the RS7000's functionality.

    Source
  • A repair service in Eindhoven, Netherlands, came recommended for fixing capacitor issues on the RS7000.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Yamaha RS7000

soundonsound.com

Yamaha’s RS7000 is a groovebox powerhouse, blending sequencing, sampling, and synthesis with impressive real-time control. Ideal for electronic musicians, it excels in live performance and creative sampling. Despite its versatility, it lacks dedicated voice memories and non-volatile RAM, meaning edits are lost unless saved externally. While the user interface is intuitive, the absence of a built-in keyboard and some unrecordable knob movements are drawbacks. Still, the RS7000’s comprehensive features, from its vast preset library to its innovative effects, make it a compelling choice for those seeking an all-in-one music production solution.

positive
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 13 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
isobutane

Pure Magic

In terms of sequencing it's pure dominance. The sound sculpting capabilities are massive plus the performance side of this box keeps you constantly thinking about your next move.

michael_leith

Weapon

Serious piece of kit many have tried to replace it and honestly the amount of jobs it does is unreal.

buddycephalus

Very good sequencer/Sampler

I use this to make beats but also to sequence my hardware samplers... Its so easy to work with and the workflow is a lot of fun.

harness

Awesome sequencer

The heart of my setup

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Aphex Twin uses Yamaha RS7000

Aphex Twin

Music Producer

The Tuss

...
Verified via Archive

Richard David James seems to enjoy the usage of this piece of gear, as he mentions the Yamaha RS7000 quite a lot. Notably on his SoundCloud page, with comments like "oh , u gotta check it, the midi feedback, you can do stuff like press one key and get a whole load of cascading notes ascending or descending and u can even have the repeitions increase or decrease, lilke bouncing ball or inverse, sounds a bit like a pitchshifter, top 4 a bloody rs7000" and "yo eod, RS7000 has some cool tricks though, i like the user LFO's and the midi feedback parameters!" (these comments can be found on user18081971's [i.e Richard's SoundCloud page] track called "Love 7"), as well as his own appeal to Yamaha on his now-archived-extremely-lenghty Syro interview: "used fz's on many things ,like the kik & snare drum on isopropophlex! Which got used in some yamaha gear like the rs7000! i was so chuffed when i heard it, i was like yeah yamaha got one of me sounds! they even have a description of it in the manual, rs7000's are dope btw yamaha please release the source code for that ffs you bastards!"

See how Kebu uses Yamaha RS7000

Kebu

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Iheartsynths

"Live I use a relatively modern digital sequencer (Yamaha RS-7000) and a digital Behringer mixer (DDX-3216) for being able to switch settings fast between songs."

See how Frank Delgado uses Yamaha RS7000

Frank Delgado

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Deftones

...
Verified via Keyboardmag

Frank's Nord Lead 2 above his Yamaha RS-7000 groove box.

See how Ceephax Acid Crew uses Yamaha RS7000

Ceephax Acid Crew

Music Producer

Tom Jenkinson & Friends

...
Verified via YouTube

In the Boiler Room Manchester live set video, Ceephax Acid Crew can be seen using a Yamaha RS7000 on his left throughout the performance.

See how Darude uses Yamaha RS7000

Darude

Music Producer

...
Verified via Darude

According to the official gear list on Darude's Website (Click on the studio tab), it says he owns the Yamaha RS7000.

See how Jon Anderson uses Yamaha RS7000

Jon Anderson

Guitarist, Singer

Yes

...
Verified via Yamaha

The official Yamaha site states on its Artist page for Anderson that he uses a Yamaha RS 7000.

See how Orgue Electronique uses Yamaha RS7000

Orgue Electronique

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Sternstudio

Orgue Electronique utilizes the Yamaha RS7000 as a versatile and hands-on live sequencer, according to Sternstudio. While the RS7000's internal sounds may be quirky yet enjoyable, its robust sequencer and capable sampler make it a viable alternative to software like Ableton for live performances.

See how EOD uses Yamaha RS7000

EOD

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In a studio image posted on Facebook, EOD is seen using a Yamaha RS7000.

See how MIDERA uses Yamaha RS7000

MIDERA

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

MIDERA is playing a RS7000 in this video.

D

Dame Grease

Rapper, Music Producer

Ruff Ryders

...
Verified via Photo

in this review, by Dame Grease, from 22 years ago (2025 today) concerning the RS7000 which is hosted on https://sonicstate.com/synth_reviews/yamaha_rs7000/ he talks about the Yamaha RS7000 in studios in NY:

I own just about every MPC series at my studio, and can say the RS7000 is equal to the 2000XL.....But we're not here 2 compare so thats irrelevent... I produce hip hop, and with my Motif the Rs7000 is a good place to start an Idea....I used the Rs and the motif to create 3 of the tracks off my new album (Live at Lennox)

Album Usage

The Yamaha RS7000 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Yamaha RS7000, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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