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Average Price: $200

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$100

$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 Rhodes uses Yamaha SPX90

David Rhodes

Guitarist

Talk Talk

...
Verified via Davidrhodes-archive

“Onstage,” says Rhodes, “I’ve got a whole rack of my own – a couple of digital delays, including an old MXRDS-2, a Yamaha SPX90 multi-effects processor, and a Roland SDE-1000. I always have the MXR on a very short slap – about 17 milliseconds – just to fatten up the sound a little. I use the SPX90’s stereo delay on the verse of ‘Red Rain’; I have one side of the delay in quarter-note time, and the other side in triplet time. I use the same effect on ‘San Jacinto’, where I play one of the keyboard lines."

See how Ringo Deathstarr uses Yamaha SPX90

Ringo Deathstarr

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this user-uploaded photo, Ringo Deathstarr is shown using a Yamaha SPX90 Digital Multi Effects Processor.

See how Karl Hyde uses Yamaha SPX90

Karl Hyde

Singer, Guitarist

Freur

...
Verified via Archive

In this archived version of a December 2000 article from Sound On Sound, there is a sidebar toward the bottom that lists Hyde's then-current studio gear: ·Access Virus synth. ·Akai S3200 sampler. ·Behringer Composer compressor/limiter. ·Behringer Ultrafex 2 enhancer. ·Clavia Nord Lead synth. ·Joe Meek VC1 voice channel. ·Novation DrumStation drum module. ·Sherman Filterbank. ·Sony MP5 multi-effects. ·Spirit Absolute 4P monitors. ·Waldorf Microwave XT synth. ·Yamaha SPX90 multi-effects.

See how John Ashton uses Yamaha SPX90

John Ashton

Guitarist

The Psychedelic Furs

...
Verified via The-tallyho

A Yamaha SPX90 was part of John Ashton's guitar rig in 1985.

See how Bill Nelson uses Yamaha SPX90

Bill Nelson

Guitarist, Music Producer

Bill Nelson’s Red Noise

...
Verified via Soundonsound

To the left is an effects rack with Signex CP44 patchbay, a custom-made device to make the trigger point of a signal tighter, an MXR 01 reverb, Roland SDE3000 delay, Yamaha SPX90 multi-effects unit, Boss DE20 digital delay, Fostex 3050 digital delay, Fostex 3070 compressor/limiter, Marshall 5002 Time Modulator, JVC cassette deck and Ibanez UE4000 multi-effects unit.

See how Robbin Crosby uses Yamaha SPX90

Robbin Crosby

Guitarist

Ratt

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture from a Japanese Guitar Magazine from 1987, which would be the Dancing Undercover Tour, on Robbin's setup,3rd rack unit from the bottom you can spot the SPX 90. Which he would use for modulation effects,most likely Chorus or Pitch Detune & it would be on ALL the time. Which can also be confirmed on this forum post, 2nd response: https://www.uberproaudio.com/forum/requests-and-research/258-robbin-crosby

See how Graham Massey uses Yamaha SPX90

Graham Massey

Guitarist, Keyboardist

808 State

...
Verified via 808state

"Mostly it's a 303 put through a [Yamaha] SPX-90 pitch changer so that it sounds really ugly."

See how Tomoyasu Hotei uses Yamaha SPX90

Tomoyasu Hotei

Singer, Guitarist

BOØWY

...
Verified via Free The Tone

During the "HOTEI Live in Japan 2019 GUITARHYTHM Tour," Tomoyasu Hotei utilized the Yamaha SPX90 Digital Multi Effects Processor, as noted by Free The Tone.

See how Akira Jimbo uses Yamaha SPX90

Akira Jimbo

Drummer, Music Producer

Casiopea

...
Verified via Photo

The insert from the Casiopea Perfect Live II record lists Akira Jimbo's gear used during the concert, listing the SPX90.

See how Tim Renwick uses Yamaha SPX90

Tim Renwick

Guitarist

Pink Floyd

...
Verified via gilmourish

In an interview on Gilmourish, Tim Renwick confirmed his use of the Yamaha SPX90 Digital Multi Effects Processor during the 1994 tour with Pink Floyd.

See how Paco Huidobro uses Yamaha SPX90

Paco Huidobro

Guitarist, Composer

Fobia

...
Verified via YouTube

In the interview "Tour en El Estudio" with Guitar Gear on YouTube, Paco Huidobro confirms his use of the Yamaha SPX90 during the 1990s.

See how Guy E. Fletcher uses Yamaha SPX90

Guy E. Fletcher

Keyboardist, Composer

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Muzines

"The studio monitoring is via an HH amp which powers a pair of Tannoys and I've got a number of signal processors including two Yamaha SPX90 multi-effects, an Alesis XT digital reverb, Roland and Korg digital delays and a Drawmer gate. And I have the Atari computer with the Steinberg Pro-24 sequencer software as well."

Used With

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

Roland SDE-3000
Roland SDE-3000 Effects Processors
7
Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb
Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb Effects Processors
7
Roland D-50
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6
Drawmer DS201
Drawmer DS201 Effects Processors
5
Akai S1000
Akai S1000 Audio Samplers
5
Yamaha REV-7
Yamaha REV-7 Effects Processors
5
Yamaha DX7
Yamaha DX7 Synthesizers
5
Yamaha TX81Z
Yamaha TX81Z Sound Modules
4

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