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Description

Discover the Yamaha S30, a compact powerhouse synthesizer that perfectly balances portability with professional-grade performance. Designed for the versatile musician, this 61-key keyboard merges the dynamic touch response of a digital piano with the rich, expansive capabilities of a high-end synthesizer. Its sleek design houses a treasure trove of features making it an ideal companion for both stage performances and studio sessions.

At the heart of the S30 is its enormous expandability. With a PLG slot for expansion boards, this synth opens a world of sonic possibilities, allowing you to customize and enhance your sound palette. Whether you're layering lush pads, dialing in cutting-edge effects, or crafting intricate melodies, the S30's intuitive interface gets you there effortlessly thanks to its Quick Access buttons and assignable knobs.

The Yamaha S30 doesn't just stop at delivering exceptional sound; it also provides comprehensive MIDI capabilities for seamless integration into any setup. Its 64-note polyphony ensures that even your most complex compositions are rendered with clarity and precision. With 256 preset voices and an additional 256 RAM voices, the S30 offers a vast array of sonic textures to explore.

Key Features:

  • 61-key keyboard with Initial Touch and Aftertouch
  • 64-note polyphony for complex arrangements
  • 16-part multitimbral capability
  • 256 preset voices and 256 RAM voices
  • One PLG slot for modular synthesis expansion boards
  • Comprehensive MIDI capabilities
  • Quick Access buttons and assignable knobs for intuitive control
  • Includes a CD-ROM with Sequencer, editor, and filer
Kebu

Kebu

Kebu - The Lunar Effect (Yamaha S30 demo)

Video thumbnail for Kebu - The Lunar Effect (Yamaha S30 demo) by Kebu

Kebu - The Lunar Effect (Yamaha S30 demo)

Kebu

Kebu

Video thumbnail for YAMAHA S30. Demo of sounds for live + bandsetting by Kaffimusic

YAMAHA S30. Demo of sounds for live + bandsetting

Kaffimusic

Kaffimusic

Video thumbnail for Yamaha S03 VS Yamaha S30 DEMO - TECLAS HOUSE by Tecla's House

Yamaha S03 VS Yamaha S30 DEMO - TECLAS HOUSE

Tecla's House

Tecla's House

Video thumbnail for YAMAHA S30/80 SÉRIES  -  (ANO: 2000)  - FACTORY SOUNDS  - REVIEW by  TIAGO MALLEN #yamaha by Tiago Mallen

YAMAHA S30/80 SÉRIES - (ANO: 2000) - FACTORY SOUNDS - REVIEW by TIAGO MALLEN #yamaha

Tiago Mallen

Tiago Mallen

Video thumbnail for YAMAHA S30 (BANK PERFORMANCE) REVIEW by TIAGO MALLEN #yamaha #timbres #ano2000 by Tiago Mallen

YAMAHA S30 (BANK PERFORMANCE) REVIEW by TIAGO MALLEN #yamaha #timbres #ano2000

Tiago Mallen

Tiago Mallen

Video thumbnail for Back with a vengeance! The Yamaha S-30 synthesizer by Gearfacts

Back with a vengeance! The Yamaha S-30 synthesizer

Gearfacts

Gearfacts

Video thumbnail for Yamaha CS6X/S30 - "Versatility" Soundset 128 Presets by LFOstore

Yamaha CS6X/S30 - "Versatility" Soundset 128 Presets

LFOstore

LFOstore

Video thumbnail for Hysterical first look: at the S30 by Yamaha by JunkSmithWizard

Hysterical first look: at the S30 by Yamaha

JunkSmithWizard

JunkSmithWizard

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha S30.

Comparisons

  • The S08 is a cut-down version of the S30, and shares lineage with the MM6 and MX61, which are simplified versions of the Motif platform.

    Source
  • Owners suggest the JV1080 with the Techno expansion as a preferable alternative for classic dance sounds over the S30 and CS series.

    Source
  • The Yamaha S30 is praised for its retro aesthetic, appealing to those who appreciate a vintage look in their synthesizers.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The CS6X can be expanded with PLG boards like PLG150-AN for analog modeling, enhancing its versatility significantly.

    Source
  • The CS6X's built-in sequencer combined with its 21 factory demo "songs" highlights its capabilities effectively.

    Source
  • The Yamaha S30 offers 61 keys with aftertouch, pitch bend, mod wheels, and four assignable MIDI sliders, providing a versatile performance experience.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The CS1x and CS2x have a unique structure that uses 13 parts, with one performance part leveraging samples from four parts.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners enjoy the Yamaha S30 for its wide range of "cheesy" rompler patches, contributing to its fun and retro appeal.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Yamaha S30 | Vintage Synth Explorer

vintagesynth.com

The Yamaha S30 stands out with its rich sound palette and user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned musicians. Its impressive 64-note polyphony and diverse onboard voices, including lush acoustic pianos and vibrant synth sounds, provide versatile options for music production. However, the S30's workstation capabilities may feel limited compared to more modern competitors, and its reliance on SmartMedia cards for song storage can be a drawback in today's digital landscape. Overall, it’s a solid synth for those seeking classic sounds and straightforward programming without breaking the bank.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
chilliusvgm

Solid.

Very solid workstation with good sounds, comparable to some of the sounds that comes with the HALion VST, except honestly I like this more because the sounds are beefier and sound higher in quality to me.

charliedotexe

Charlie.EXE's only real synthesizer

the Yamaha S30 is great for practicing and performance, as well as use for music production through MIDi

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ryuichi Sakamoto uses Yamaha S30

Ryuichi Sakamoto

Keyboardist, Composer

Yellow Magic Orchestra

...
Verified via Futurestyle

"When I was trying out the Yamaha AW4416, S80 and S30, I kept thinking to myself, 'Wow, musical equipment has sure come a long way in the last 10 years.' But when you stop and think about it, you realize that it's not only the equipment that has changed, but also the environment surrounding the music."

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 S30, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Behringer UMA25S 25 Key MIDI Keyboard
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1
Yamaha S80
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Community setups

Show yours
alexeiparedes

alexeiparedes

Gear IQ 422

1 alternative for Yamaha S30, curated by the Equipboard community.

Yamaha S80

$349.62

high-end alternative

It's the same keyboard but with 88 keys, inputs for using the onboard EFX in processing and is larger/heavier.

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