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Average Price: $102

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$501+

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Description

Experience the sonic versatility of the Yamaha SPX90 Digital Multi Effects Processor, a staple in the world of studio recording and live performances. This effects processor is renowned for its legendary reverb algorithms, offering musicians and audio engineers a vast array of soundscapes at their fingertips. Perfect for both digital and analog setups, the SPX90 integrates seamlessly into any audio environment, enhancing the depth and texture of your sound.

The processor is equipped with 30 preset and user-editable effects, including reverb, delay, modulation, and pitch change, providing a comprehensive toolkit for creative sound manipulation. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate through settings, allowing quick adjustments during live performances or recording sessions. This unit is particularly favored for its durability and reliability, ensuring consistent performance in various scenarios.

Ideal for musicians seeking to elevate their sound, the SPX90's advanced modulation capabilities offer unparalleled flexibility, adapting to the needs of any genre. Whether you're crafting ambient soundscapes or adding depth to a live band mix, this effects processor delivers professional-grade quality every time.

Key Features:

  • 30 preset and user-editable effects including reverb, delay, and modulation
  • Legendary reverb algorithms for rich, immersive sound
  • User-friendly interface for easy navigation and adjustments
  • Advanced modulation capabilities for versatile sound design
  • Seamless integration with both digital and analog setups
  • Durable construction for reliable performance in diverse environments

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model SPX90 Digital Sound Processor
Finish Black
Year 1980s
Made In Japan
Categories Multi-Effect

FAQs

What types of effects does the Yamaha SPX90 offer?

The Yamaha SPX90 provides a range of effects including reverb, delay, chorus, flanger, phaser, and pitch change, making it versatile for various audio processing needs.

Is the Yamaha SPX90 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Yamaha SPX90 is suitable for live performances due to its robust build and diverse effect options, which can enhance live sound mixing.

How does the Yamaha SPX90 connect to other audio equipment?

The Yamaha SPX90 connects via standard 1/4" jacks, allowing integration with most audio setups, including mixers and amplifiers.

Can the Yamaha SPX90 be used in a home studio setup?

Yes, the Yamaha SPX90 is well-suited for home studio setups, providing a variety of effects to enhance recordings and mixes.

Does the Yamaha SPX90 have MIDI capabilities?

The Yamaha SPX90 includes MIDI functionality, enabling control and automation of its effects parameters through external MIDI devices.

Robert Baker

Robert Baker

The Most Iconic Gear Of The 80s (1985 Yamaha SPX90) Ep1

Video thumbnail for The Most Iconic Gear Of The 80s (1985 Yamaha SPX90) Ep1 by Robert Baker

The Most Iconic Gear Of The 80s (1985 Yamaha SPX90) Ep1

Robert Baker

Robert Baker

Video thumbnail for Yamaha SPX90 by hovercraft Artifact

Yamaha SPX90

hovercraft Artifact

hovercraft Artifact

Video thumbnail for Yamaha SPX90: The Secret To An 'MBV’ Shoegaze Reverb Sound by These Things Make Noises

Yamaha SPX90: The Secret To An 'MBV’ Shoegaze Reverb Sound

These Things Make Noises

These Things Make Noises

Video thumbnail for Yamaha SPX 90 by Vintage Digital

Yamaha SPX 90

Vintage Digital

Vintage Digital

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique sound capabilities not found in other units

  • Symphonic preset enhances movement in mixes effectively

  • Notable usage on famous albums adds to its appeal

  • Clean up effect for distorted signals when used correctly

  • Offers a wide range of effects including reverb, modulation, and compression

  • MIDI compatibility for advanced control options

  • Direct analog bypass preserves original signal quality

  • Particularly enhances rock snares, drums, and analog synths

  • Affordable price for a versatile multi-effect unit

CONS

  • Requires careful signal chain placement to avoid cleaning out desired distortion

  • Limited by a 16bit, 31kHz DAC/ADC, affecting sound quality

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha SPX90.

Comparisons

  • The Yamaha SPX90 is mentioned alongside Alesis MidiVerb II and IV, suggesting similar price and utility for synth users.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Yamaha SPX90 is highlighted as suitable for non-guitar, line-level applications, making it versatile for synths.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The SPX90 is noted as a budget-friendly option for those seeking multi-effects processors in the $80-$200 range.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Hands On: Yamaha SPX90 (SOS Dec 91)

muzines.co.uk

Despite its age, the Yamaha SPX90 remains a studio staple, offering solid reverb, delay, and pitch change effects that have stood the test of time. While the audio quality may not match modern standards due to its limited sampling rate, it still delivers reliable performance for many applications. The SPX90's ease of use and versatility make it a valuable secondhand find, but its compression and EQ functions are lackluster compared to dedicated units. Overall, it's a classic piece of gear that continues to hold its own in the right hands.

positive

Yamaha SPX90 (SOS Apr 86)

muzines.co.uk

Yamaha's SPX90 is a versatile digital multi-effects processor offering a wide range of quality effects, from natural-sounding reverbs to innovative pitch changes. Its MIDI control capabilities and user memory storage add flexibility, making it a valuable tool for studio or live settings. However, the SPX90 does have limitations, such as restricted delay times and insufficient low-frequency EQ control, leaving room for improvement. Despite these drawbacks, it remains a standout in its price range and promises to educate users on signal processing, solidifying its place as a staple in many setups. A true milestone in accessible music technology.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 33 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
ralphkj

Amazing

Fantastic digital reverbs and modulation. Have used this on a number of records now.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Hall reverb for around 10 seconds.

karl321

It's awesome! ...Trust me

It's awesome and it was used on both of my favorite albums, Loveless and Nevermind. Zakk Wylde used it on No More Tears, which is my favorite Ozzy album, and one of my favorite songs, so this was a no brainer for me.

Personally using it, it seems to clean up almost all the distortion if you put a pedal before it, so you have to put the pedal after it. Strangely, I prefer using it as a chorus for my piano and just playing my guitar with a distortion pedal and no other effects.

luke7fps

An Excellent budget Multi-FX, Good Reverbs, Excellent Chorus, and some pretty intresting creative effects

Bought for less than 80€, its a good multi-effect unit sporting 60Presets, MIDI compatibility, Mono In and Stereo Out, Effects features Reverbs (Hall, Room, Plate and Vocal), Modulation (Chorus A, Chorus B, Symphonic, Phaser and Flanger), Delay, Pitch Change (also with MIDI note control) Freeze, Echo, compression and more! It sports a 16bit, 31kHz DAC/ADC with direct analog bypass, his low sample rate make him very cool sounding on Rock snares and drums (hall, vocal and plate reverbs) and on analog synths (chorus and symphonic) I've also found it very good on Violin and strings with the Symphonic program

kirabir

good for a few things

The early refections are nice and the gated verbs are ok. It does some nice things for bassguitar modulation.

jimmarchi1

I regret selling mine last year. There's a gritty quality to the delays and modulations that has a place even though it doesn't sound 'good' - and as you say, the early reflections on their own still hold up well today.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how David Gilmour uses Yamaha SPX90

David Gilmour

Guitarist

Pink Floyd

...
Verified via Guitar World

In the article it states : "In the studio, David likes to tinker around and get his sound as quickly and as easily as possible. He plugs into a Boss CS-2 compressor, a T.C. 2290 for delay and a Yamaha SPX90 for stereo chorus. Then it's into a Gallien-Krueger 250Ml amplifier at an overdriven setting into a Fender Super Tube amp at a clean setting."

See how Eric Clapton uses Yamaha SPX90

Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Bonhams

As part of his 1988 Soldano/Cornish Guitar Routing System, Eric Clapton used the Furman PL-8 Power Conditioner and Light Module, a SAMSON UR-5D UHF wireless receiver, a SAMSON BR-3 VHF receiver, a Drawmer 1960 tube compressor, a YAMAHA SPX-90 multi-effect processor, a Dyno-My-Piano CS-5 Tri-Stereo Chorus, a TC Electronics 2290 dynamic digital delay, a DYNACORD CLS 222 Leslie simulator, a YAMAHA GEP 50 multi-effect processor, a Roland SDE-3000 digital delay as well as the TC1210 spatial expander with VHS/UHF aerial unit at rear.

See how Paul McCartney uses Yamaha SPX90

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Hog Hill Mill Blog

the Yamaha SPX90 Multi-Effects Processor is listed in this blog

See how Johnny Marr uses Yamaha SPX90

Johnny Marr

Singer, Guitarist

Modest Mouse

...
Verified via Smithsonguitar

July 5th, 1986: Johnny's rack for Euro Tube contained a Yamaha GC2020B on top with a Yamaha SPX90 below it.

See how Steve Vai uses Yamaha SPX90

Steve Vai

Guitarist

Whitesnake

...
Verified via Vai

For the 1988 David Lee Roth and 1990 Whitesnake world tours, Vai used one of these multi-effects units as part of his offstage effects rack.

See how The Edge uses Yamaha SPX90

The Edge

Guitarist

U2

...
Verified via Tripod

Used on the PopMart, as specified by tech Dallas Schoo in this September 1997 Guitar World interview titled "Closer to The Edge".

One irreplaceable effect is the Edge's Korg SDD-3000 digital delay. "That's one of his favorites because it has so much warmth," says Schoo. "Most of the albums were made with that delay." Other processors in the Edge's rack include a Roland SDE-3000 digital delay and Yamaha SPX90, Kolrg A3, Rocktron Repliflex, DigiTech 2112 and Eventide H3000 multi-effectors. He also carries a full array of pedals, indluding a Dunlop Fuzz Face, Dunlop and Bradshaw multiple-wah systems, several Boss distortion units, an Electro-Harmonix Big Muff, and Lovetone's Big Cheese distortion, Doppelganger phaser and Meatball envelope follower.

See how Zakk Wylde uses Yamaha SPX90

Zakk Wylde

Singer, Guitarist

Pantera

...
Verified via Pinterest

Zakk Wylde utilized the Yamaha SPX90 Digital Multi Effects Processor in recording the albums No Rest for the Wicked and No More Tears. A video by Michael Nielsen demonstrates the processor's sound, closely resembling the tones on these albums. An image on Pinterest further associates Zakk Wylde with the SPX90.

See how Kevin Shields uses Yamaha SPX90

Kevin Shields

Singer, Guitarist

My Bloody Valentine

...
Verified via Tapeop

"If I ever had a secret weapon it's the Alesis and the [Yamaha] SPX 90 and again, it's the reverse reverb program."

See how Neil Young uses Yamaha SPX90

Neil Young

Singer, Guitarist

Crazy Horse

...
Verified via Julienslive

Lots #8, #9 and #10 in the second group (#3198) of Julien's Auctions' December 17, 2017 "Neil Young Online Auction".

Lot 8

A rackmount Yamaha SPX90 reverb, serial number 45292, marked with tape "Aux. #1."

19 by 10 1/2 by 2 inches

Lot 9

A rackmount Yamaha SPX90 reverb, serial number 43141.

19 by 10 1/2 by 2 inches

Lot 10

A rackmount Yamaha SPX90 reverb, serial number 26232.

19 by 10 1/2 by 2 inches

See how Brian Eno uses Yamaha SPX90

Brian Eno

Singer, Keyboardist

Roxy Music

...
Verified via Photo

In this article in the December 1995 issue of Future Music magazine, the SPX90 is named in the "Kit List" as being one of Eno's effects.

See how Gary Holt uses Yamaha SPX90

Gary Holt

Guitarist

Slayer

...
Verified via YouTube

Mentioned and shown in this Gear Run at 0:44

See how Jeff Hanneman uses Yamaha SPX90

Jeff Hanneman

Guitarist, Composer

Slayer

...
Verified via GuitarGeek

Jeff used a Yamaha SPX90, according to Guitar Geek's rig diagram, of his 2002 rig.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Yamaha SPX90, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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