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Average Price: $900

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$500

$1501+

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Description

Unlock your creative potential with the Yamaha S90XS, a versatile synthesizer that marries performance with production prowess. Designed for musicians who demand excellence both on stage and in the studio, the S90XS combines Yamaha’s legendary sound quality with intuitive controls that make music creation seamless. With an impressive 88-key Balanced Hammer Effect keyboard, it offers the tactile response of an acoustic piano, giving you expressive control over a wide range of sounds.

This powerhouse of a keyboard boasts 1,024 diverse voices, including Yamaha’s exclusive S6 concert grand piano, ensuring you have the perfect sound for any genre. The S90XS is more than just an instrument; it’s a complete music production hub. Plug in your microphone to add vocals to your live performance or record directly to a USB drive to capture your musical ideas on the fly. Its integrated DAW controls allow you to manage your digital audio workstation right from the keyboard, streamlining your workflow.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring artist, the Yamaha S90XS empowers you to deliver inspired performances and create studio-quality tracks with ease.

Key Features:

  • 88-key Balanced Hammer Effect keyboard with Initial Touch and Aftertouch
  • 1,024 voices including Yamaha's exclusive S6 concert grand piano
  • USB recording and playback capabilities
  • Integrated DAW controls for seamless studio integration
  • Microphone input with customizable effects like reverb and chorus
  • 128-note polyphony for complex compositions
  • Includes Cubase AI software for comprehensive music production
  • Assignable control sliders and knobs for personalized sound shaping

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model S90 XS 88-key Master Keyboard
Finish Black
Year 2009 - 2025
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Workstation Keyboards
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Weighted
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through, USB MIDI
Number of Keys 88 Keys
Polyphony 128 Voices

FAQs

What type of keyboard action does the Yamaha S90XS have?

The Yamaha S90XS features a weighted keyboard action, providing a realistic piano feel that is ideal for pianists and keyboardists seeking an authentic playing experience.

Is the Yamaha S90XS suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Yamaha S90XS is well-suited for live performances, offering 128-voice polyphony and high-quality sounds that cater to various musical styles, making it a versatile choice for gigging musicians.

How many keys does the Yamaha S90XS have?

The Yamaha S90XS is equipped with 88 full-size keys, providing a comprehensive range for performing a wide array of musical pieces.

Can the Yamaha S90XS be used as a MIDI controller?

Yes, the Yamaha S90XS functions as a MIDI controller with MIDI Input, Output, and Through, as well as USB MIDI, allowing seamless integration with other MIDI-compatible devices and software.

What is the polyphony capability of the Yamaha S90XS?

The Yamaha S90XS offers 128-voice polyphony, allowing for complex and layered sound performances without note dropouts during intricate passages.

muzykujkropkacom

muzykujkropkacom

Yamaha MX 61 VS Yamaha S90XS Motif

Video thumbnail for Yamaha MX 61 VS Yamaha S90XS Motif by muzykujkropkacom

Yamaha MX 61 VS Yamaha S90XS Motif

muzykujkropkacom

muzykujkropkacom

Video thumbnail for New Yamaha S90XS and S70XS Synthesiser by Mark

New Yamaha S90XS and S70XS Synthesiser

Mark

Mark

Video thumbnail for Yamaha S90 XS [engl.] by Musik Schmidt

Yamaha S90 XS [engl.]

Musik Schmidt

Musik Schmidt

Video thumbnail for 우지이에 카츠노리의 야마하 뮤직 신디사이저 S90XS 소개 by Yamaha Global

우지이에 카츠노리의 야마하 뮤직 신디사이저 S90XS 소개

Yamaha Global

Yamaha Global

Video thumbnail for Yamaha MOXF vs S90XS Comparison piano. by muzykujkropkacom

Yamaha MOXF vs S90XS Comparison piano.

muzykujkropkacom

muzykujkropkacom

Video thumbnail for S90 XS/S70 XS Introduction Movie by Yamaha Global

S90 XS/S70 XS Introduction Movie

Yamaha Global

Yamaha Global

Video thumbnail for The Sociables "Locomotive Breath", "Hymn 43" Jethro Tull Cover by Benny Boswell

The Sociables "Locomotive Breath", "Hymn 43" Jethro Tull Cover

Benny Boswell

Benny Boswell

Video thumbnail for Yamaha S90XS sounds by Trigger Keys

Yamaha S90XS sounds

Trigger Keys

Trigger Keys

Video thumbnail for YAMAHA S90XS и S70XS (Bert Smorenburg) by Melodiya Video

YAMAHA S90XS и S70XS (Bert Smorenburg)

Melodiya Video

Melodiya Video

Reviews

PROS

  • Professional-grade action feels like a real piano, offering an authentic playing experience

  • Excellent integration with Cubase software enhances workflow for DAW users

  • Versatile sound library with impressive piano, organ, and synth voices

  • Onboard controls allow for easy live performance adjustments and layering

  • Sliders and knobs on the surface facilitate practical programming without menu diving

  • Compatible with MIDI setups, enhancing flexibility for church or studio use

  • Rich, tweakable sounds with the ability to customize voices extensively

  • Solid build quality suitable for frequent use in live or studio settings

CONS

  • Steep learning curve and poor documentation for new users

  • Heavy to transport, requiring a travel case for frequent movers

  • Limited end-user sound creation options may not satisfy hardcore synth enthusiasts

  • Some reports of quality issues with keys being stuck upon arrival

  • Requires specific USB 2.0 flash drives for file management, incompatible with some brands

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha S90XS.

Comparisons

  • The Yamaha S90XS shares technology with the Motif XS8, which can be found for significantly less, offering more features for a better price.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The S90XS is praised for its build quality as a 2008 Yamaha model, but newer models like the Juno DS88 offer superior sound quality.

    Source
  • The S90XS allows real-time mixing of four sounds using faders, but cannot simultaneously control internal and external sounds in a performance setup.

    Source
  • In performance mode, controls send internal sysex messages, not external MIDI CC, limiting integration with external MIDI devices.

    Source
  • Assigning the same instrument to different outputs in Multi mode allows routing flexibility, enabling simultaneous use of main and assignable outputs with identical sounds.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The S90XS is considered overpriced at $1.3K compared to alternatives like the Motif XS8, which can be obtained for around 800 euros.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The S90XS can significantly expand sound options compared to basic models like the Thomann SP, offering a more versatile experience for gigging and writing music.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Owners find difficulty quickly switching between internal sounds and external MIDI sounds, such as those on an iPad, with the S90XS.

    Source

User experience

  • Yamaha support confirmed the inability to combine performance capabilities with external control, a limitation highlighted by multiple users.

    Source
  • Users discovering solutions in Multi mode highlight a learning curve; assigning outputs can be confusing initially but rewarding once mastered.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Static issues on the main outputs can worsen when attempting to assign outputs, indicating potential electrical grounding problems with the S90XS.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Short Synth History Lesson: The Yamaha S90XS/S70XS keyboards - The Keyboard Chronicles

keyboardchronicles.com

The Yamaha S90XS and S70XS keyboards shine with their exceptional sound quality, featuring realistic piano samples from Yamaha's S6 concert grand piano. Praised for their expressive keyboard action and intuitive design, they cater to both professionals and hobbyists. With advanced features like real-time sound tweaking and USB audio recording, these synthesizers are versatile for stage and studio use. However, their age might mean missing out on newer innovations. Overall, they remain a solid choice for musicians valuing exquisite sound and playability.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

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mike_pyne

Yamaha S90XS

Yamaha S90XS sounds great! . . . . . . . . . .

From Gear Setup

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paul McCartney uses Yamaha S90XS

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Hog Hill Mill Blog

the Yamaha S90 XS is listed in this blog

See how Sabrina Carpenter uses Yamaha S90XS

Sabrina Carpenter

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via Photo

Sabrina Carpenter is documented using the Yamaha S90XS synthesizer in a photograph taken during the "FOX & Friends" All American Concert Series outside of FOX Studios on June 27, 2014, as provided by Getty Images.

See how Elliot Vernon uses Yamaha S90XS

Elliot Vernon

Singer, Bassist

Alestorm

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video at 0:15, Elliot Vernon can be seen using a Yamaha S90XS.

See how Vitalij Kuprij uses Yamaha S90XS

Vitalij Kuprij

Keyboardist

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

...
Verified via Photo

Vitalij Kuprij was observed using a Yamaha S90XS while performing with the Trans Siberian Orchestra, as evidenced by this image.

See how Jon Oliva uses Yamaha S90XS

Jon Oliva

Singer, Guitarist

Savatage

...
Verified via Photo

Jon Oliva uses a Yamaha S90XS, as evidenced by the picture.

See how Omar Edwards uses Yamaha S90XS

Omar Edwards

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Roots

...
Verified via Yamaha

Article states he uses a S90XS.

See how Kevin Lynch uses Yamaha S90XS

Kevin Lynch

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

Kevin Lynch can be seen using the Yamaha S90XS in his tutorial videos.

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 S90XS, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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Community setups

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mike_pyne

mike_pyne

Gear IQ 165

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