Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $200
Standard/Professional
$100
$501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
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.
Videos
Robert Baker
The Most Iconic Gear Of The 80s (1985 Yamaha SPX90) Ep1
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.
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 33 Ratings
344
Amazing
Fantastic digital reverbs and modulation. Have used this on a number of records now.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
Hall reverb for around 10 seconds.
557
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.
900
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
41029
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
Neil Kernon has confirmed the use of the Yamaha SPX90 Digital Multi Effects Processor by stating, "As far as reverbs, I used an Emt 250, Emt 251, several Yamaha Rev 1s, some Rev 5s and also numerous SPX-90s. I mixed the album at Yamaha's own studio in Glendale, CA, hence the proliferation of Yamaha gear." This information is sourced from the Gearspace forum discussion related to the making of Queensryche's "Rage For Order" video.
Eric Chevalier's gear list circa 2003, according to his website:
Mixing Consoles: - Sony DMX-R100 - Yamaha 01V Monitors: - Genelec 1031.A - Genelec 1030.A
Samplers: - Akai s6000 (x2) - Akai CD3000XL - Roland S760 (x4) - Roland SP 700
Synthesizers: - Roland JD800 - Roland JD990 - Roland MKS80 + PG - Roland MKS70 + PG (x2) - Roland XV3080 - Roland D550 - Roland A80 - E-MU Proteus 2000 - Yamaha TX802 - Kurzweil MicroPiano - Korg M1R EX - Korg Wavestation AD - Korg Triton - Alesis DM5 (drum machine) - Access Virus A - Access Virus C - The theremin - Nord Lead
Computer (& Plugins): - PowerMac G4/733 - PowerBook Titanium - Monitors Plasma (x2) - Pro Tools Mix Plus (software) - Logic Audio Platinum (+ eMagic plugins) - Spectrasonics Athmosphere - Spectrasonics Stylus - Mac Five - DD 80 Go + 120 Go + 160 Go LaCie - DD 40 Go Ice - Synchro: "Time Machine" C Lab - Unitor MK2 (x3)
Effects: - Lexicon 480L - PCM80 / LPX15 - Yamaha SPX90 / D1500 (x2) - Tube Tech Compressor LCA 2B - EQ Moog - TC Electronics M5000 - TC Electronic Finalizer 96K - DAT Panasonic SV-3800 - DAT Sony PCM R500
In this photo shared by Dakota on Instagram, a Yamaha SPX90 is clearly visible in his rack set-up.
In a photo shared by Michał Wasyl on his Instagram account, it is evident that he uses two Yamaha SPX90 units in his setup.
In an interview video titled "Ben Grosse Interview and Studio Tour" by Produce Like A Pro, at the 23:20 mark, Ben Grosse confirms using the Yamaha SPX90.
"Own a part of video game history! This SPX-90 was used to rough out much of the music I wrote for early computer games, including Commander Keen, Wolfenstein, Doom, Duke Nukem and many more.
This was probably the most used reverb of its era. It has 30 preset effects, allowing an additional 60 additional effects. The effects are iconic. I also used this unit when playing live on occasion.
For full information, download the manual: bobbyprince dot com slash manuals slash SPX90.pdf (edit, copy and paste since Reverb doesn't appear to allow links in descriptions)."
In the January 1990 issue of "Keyboard Magazine," the right-side column on page 37 mentions that Alan Pasqua used a Yamaha SPX90 Digital Multi Effects Processor as part of his rig with the band Giant. The article was authored by Alan di Perna.
Value for money is clearly a touchstone for Tom:
"I try always to stick to a Policy of 'if it costs over £100, don't buy it.' You get more music for your money that way."
The studio's effect rack bears witness to the theory, for sitting alongside the ubiquitous Drawmer noise gates and Yamaha REV7 reverb, is that same company's budget-priced multi-effects unit, the SPX 90:
"If you could only have one effect, it'd have to be that — as an all-rounder, I much prefer it to the REV7, though there are some effects you can only get on that — the 7's great for really short, ambient things, like bass drum reverb."
One thing conspicuously absent from Robb's studio is a hard disk recording system. Sure he has the standard arsenal of rackmount modules, including Yamaha SPX90, Lexicon LXP-1 and just about the entire E-mu Proteus family, but he's got the hardware and not their plug-in counterparts.
Album Usage
The Yamaha SPX90 has been featured on the following albums:
Gift
The Sisterhood (2022)
Maps and Trails
Sergey Golovin (2016)
Pop
U2 (1997)
My Life
Mary J. Blige (1994)
No More Tears (Expanded Edition)
Ozzy Osbourne & Ozzy Osbourne (1991)
VIVI SECT VI
Skinny Puppy (1988)
No Rest for the Wicked (Expanded Edition)
Ozzy Osbourne & Ozzy Osbourne (1988)
Rage For Order (Remastered) [Expanded Edition]
Queensrÿche (1986)
Hybrid
Michael Brook (1985)
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 SPX90, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursSimilar
Add recommendation2 alternative and related items for Yamaha SPX90, curated by the Equipboard community.
$348.56
More Yamaha Effects Processors
Accessories & Related Items
Most Popular Effects Processors
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
equipboardGear IQ 4934
-