Yamaha PSS-A50 Review - BIG SURPRISES in a TINY Keyboard

[@welshsteve2009]

I recently bought this for my 5yo daughter. She loves it. I'm more than happy with the limited volume. My daughter has a habit of turning the volume up too high on other equipment so the limited volume on this keyboard is fine. When Daddy wants a go then my guitar amp makes an appearance, sweet 👌

[@mattjazzml]

There are many many good things about this keyboard. I've had mine a week and as a professional composer I've had alot of fun with it. The arpeggio and rhythm patters force you to think in new ways and you can often surprise yourself if you experiment. This is what this keyboard is about. Try out all the variations of sound and patterns and see what you come up with. For an ultra portable keyboard on the road you can't ask for much more, and as stated the keybed - my big complaint in the past - is excellent! There are faults it's true. Volume consistency is one. But still - at this price and size. It's a sure hit.

[@hanselxyb5825]

Have you tried using it with Fl Studio ?

[@mattjazzml]

Yes, i have and it worked fine. BUT, I've had two now and both suddenly stopped working. I won't be buying another one.

[@jean-pierresammut6974]

Remove the internal fuse F0001 from the secondary PCB. Bypass it with a simple wire. ​@@mattjazzml

[@izzy1563]

For this who have low sound tap the “shift” and go to the touch response on the keyboard by the 3rd “c” and tap it at same time. You will see a 1 2 or 3 and the word “off”. Tap off and you get full volume. It doesn’t have a great mid range sound without speakers but you get really good volume on the “off” position.

[@davek12]

I can't wait for it to hit the US. Does it take control of audio out when plugged into an iPad? If it really has the Reface keybed, it's a bargain! I think that Yamaha ought to write an app for this type of keyboard that would take control of this and use the screen for more versatile control. Have it operate on its own, but the app and a portable tablet add features.

[@JeremySee]

More info about Yamaha PSS-A50 🔥 amzn.to/2DKDuWd 🎼 Free Time Unlimited App to Learn 8 Songs go.flowkey.com/JeremySee My Recommended Keyboard & Piano 🔥 International amzn.to/2YRQiq3 🔥 UK/EU amzn.to/2ORjdqc 📷Check out what gear I use! amzn.to/2YRQiq3

[@FRADASTIO]

Thanks for your review. I was in the market for a more portable keyboard for simple practice on the go and this fit the bill perfectly. Ordered mine today.

[@yeoldefoxeh254]

Hi, how is it after 2 years?

[@evangriff77]

I think it's cool. For $100, it sounds surprisingly good, records patterns, and runs on batteries. A nice little keyboard for coming up with ideas on the go, or lounging around. I wonder if I could get it to record into my IPhone?! I could make some pretty funky jams. Ok, talked myself into it. Buying one!

[@JeremySee]

Sweet! Do check out my link. www.amazon.com/shop/jeremysee

[@cpasoft]

I've bought one of this, and I love it!!!... It's very useful and give me a lot of fun. Just one problem, the headphone output is very noisy. It has a constant buzzing noise. I wish if I could turn down the volume of the arpeggios as we can do with the phrases, but it is not possible. The sensitivity of the keys are not very precise, but not bad. For the price is a must to have... 100% Recomended!!!

[@JeremySee]

Yes! The headphone output is noisy at high volume. 😬

[@hoodwinkiez]

Stopped in to Sweetwater and picked mine up today.

[@stratcat4461]

Good review, Jeremy. At $100 USD, it's a great deal.

[@JeremySee]

Yes, Yamaha has got thing right.

[@rapidgreek8474]

Im a beginner should i get this one?

[@Alinktome]

i just noticed this new mini yamaha has 3 octaves from C to C. When in 1982, the yamaha portasound ps-300 had 3 octaves from F to F.

[@bird8569]

Can we use it as a MIDI controller using famous DAWs like FL studio, garragaband or BitWig etc?

[@NikolajLepka]

according to their website, that seems to be a yes on the MIDI front

[@rodrigopartida5464]

I can confirm. Even the arpeggios and the recordings are sent through MIDI.

[@LionelN]

What if PSS-A50 had a built-in BossaNova rhythm ?! PSS-A50 has internal arpeggios (part of them are rhythms), while the PSS-F30 has a rhythm+bass accompaniment. PSS-F30 has a BossaNova rhythm but PSS-A50 unfortunately does not have it. I own both PSS-F30 and PSS-A50. I spent a long time to deconstruct the Flash ROM of both keyboards and retro-engineer them. I also modified them to bring back the stereo sound. Now, I'm happy to share I own the first PSS-A50 with a built-in BossaNova arpeggio. To do this, I converted the data (BossaNova section) from the F30 Rom to a format compatible with the A50, and I wrote these data in the A50 flash (I overwrite the last-in-the-list "African" arpeggio). Now, Arpeggio 138 plays BossaNova (only rhythm, no bass accompaniment) ! Have a look on my channel.

[@hcb3636]

Thanks for your review! Now I'm quite serious about getting one - still looks useful despite all the missing pieces. But, the flimsy MICROUSB port can be a major headache!

[@vito_keys]

They should have a Type C like in today's phones

[@willo7979]

thank you Jeremy. I'll continue learning with this, just got mine yesterday!

[@JeremySee]

Have fun!

[@willo7979]

@@JeremySee too bad, it stopped working since yesterday.

[@mushrooms29]

@@willo7979 lol for only 2 months of use?

[@marcosr.guevara2225]

it's a great toy, perfect sound but just 3 octaves and small keys, it's for do things with pc.

[@オールマイト-y1f]

Would have been perfect with a dedicated sustain pedal port.

[@rosswalker1926]

I am going to get this little Keyboard, I wanted something to play around with on my down time at work this is just great to work on Scale and Chords I see it not out yet in the united states I think this is better because I had the Casio SA-76 but I had return it so I was waiting for something else but on a more semi- professional level I was going to get a iRig but that mean I have to carry my iPad around I want to carry less as possible, Thanks Jeremy for Introducing this item I will be buying this when it come in the store.

[@JeremySee]

It is good value at this price.. 👍

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

Its good to see the PSR range still going on, is it the best, No but Yamaha PSR range was always targeting young people as a first keyboard.

[@jdj62464]

Can anyone recommend a good for a portable 32-37 key mini keyboard under $100? I'm looking at this one Yamaha PSS-A50 and the Casino SA-46, I'm mainly wanting it for practicing and learning a little more than just Chopsticks. Have no desire for recording or playing in a band I play the guitar and just want to learn some basic keyboard stuff, if I get better and enjoy it than at a later date I'll get a much better on. Besides the 2 I mentioned are there any others I should be looking at, this Yamaha is twice the price of the Casino, is it worth the twice the money for MY NEEDS?

[@lanadroismail5313]

Hi Jeremy, Its a very good product. Hope Yamaha will consider to produce new version maybe PSS A60: - with full size keys - add in pitch bend n modulation wheel on the top left empty space (with desciption info if any xtra empty space) - standardise volume level for all tone selection - standard headphone/output jack size - add in pedal jack With these upgrade, sell @ usd150, many will grab it!

[@navypti]

Just found out from Yamaha Australia that these models will NOT be released in Australia. Am I upset? You bet your sweet bippy I am!! I left a message for you in the community section Jeremy.

[@JeremySee]

I would be miffed too, buddy! $100 for Reface keybed is value man. 👍🏻

[@navypti]

@@JeremySee Hi!! I just received my PSS A50 from a friend in Alaska of all places who bought it for me. Expensive postage to Australia but I think I have the ONLY one in our country!! YAY!!!

[@UgniusPianist]

Hi, can this be connected to the Zoom H5 or H6 portable recorders and record whatever you play in real time straight into the zoom?

[@maunstermusic]

Yeah, use the line out into the Zoom. Use the Zoom's headport to monitor/hear.

[@Mr.Wu.]

2:14 I hear a continue noise/hiss when you are playing this keyboard. Is this noise a keyboard issue?

[@kandlela716]

this keyboard is actually very good in the creative proccess. i need one of these soon !!!

[@John_Riff]

It is. No power source besides USB-C, built-in speaker, small, Midi-USB and many sounds and effects. Best small midi controller ever tried.

[@hanselxyb5825]

@@John_Riff Really ? I was looking for some low entry level MIDI controller for FL studio. Should I go with this one Instead ? Please lemme know.

[@vbc2059]

Surprised nobody came up with a simple mod to add a sustain port in parallel from the internal switch which has just two pins.

[@LionelN]

Great surprise also ! You''ll be surprised when you'll learn that this keyboard has stereo capabilities ! Have a look on my youtube video "PSS A50 stereo mod explained". I mod the PSS-A50 in order to recreate the RIGHT channel path since only the LEFT channel of the soundengine chip is connected to the left+right jack headphones. Most probably applicable for both PSS-A50, PSS-E30 and PSS-F30 since the hardware is the same.

[@scable-eq7bp]

Is this a good keyboard for a beginner or would the EZ 220 be better?

[@blocktockblock6329]

does yamaha ever do firmware updates for a keyboard like this? to maybe add more recorded phrases?

[@JeremySee]

No

[@antonanker583]

Wow, this thing is neat. I have a Casio SA-46 I usually keep with me when I travel, or really just go out, because it's small and I can keep it in a briefcase. The PSS-A 50 seems so much better at roughly the same size. Although it's twice the price as the SA-46, I think it's well worth it, but doesn't seem available in the USA, yet

[@its_minhle]

how are you enjoying the casio? is it worth it? I'm considering buy the sa 76 (the more keys version)

[@antonanker583]

Minh Le Well, I travel on business a lot and chose the SA-46 because I wanted something I could put in a laptop case and travel with me. The SA-76, I think is larger and won’t fit into a laptop case so that sort of defeats my purpose. Of course, if you want to use both hands, the 76 may be the way to go and I did notice that Jeremy has no problem playing the PSS-A-50 with both hands, of course he’s a professional and I’m not. The sound of the 46, and I assume the 76 as well, is horrible but I didn’t buy it for the sound. I bought it to practice passages that I’m having trouble with while traveling. It works great for that purpose. The PSS-A-50 sounds, at on my computers speakers, a whole lot better than either SA. BTW I play a piano accordion and those are very hard to travel with however, my exposure to the SA-46, and to Jeremys channel on arranger keyboards has sort of gotten me addicted to them to the point of considering purchasing a Korg Ek50, unless Yamaha updates their PSR E series. Note also the SA-46 has only 32 keys while the PSS -A-50 has 37. That’s huge especially if you want to play two handed. I’m going to replace my Casio with this Yahama for my traveling keyboard. I see the PSS-A-50 as a big win for a traveling keyboard. Hopefully it will be available in the USA soon.

[@johnsonjacob3525]

For an affordable keyboard with Reface keys, great sounds and all the rest, it would be a great portable keyboard on the go to sit in the car and go anywhere. Someone gave me a USB A to USB C adapter, so I could use a Micro USB cable for this, or the Casio CT-S300 to hook up to my Samsung Galaxy Note 9 with the FL Studio $15 Android DAW app or others. If I want to spend about $300, I can get the compact portable Roland Boss Micro BR multitrack recorder that can do many amazing things for the price or size, with or without a DAW.

[@goodsound4756]

UI looks like 1990s. Will there be a PSS-A100 with upgraded screen and some sliders and knobs for better usability?

[@rubengavit]

Yamaha psr f 50 vs Yamaha pss a 50 which keyboard is best ?

[@homoeoremedy_drjayanta]

Hi Jeremy..Very good clarification. Will it work with windows and Android ..

[@ifxman]

Thanks Jeremy, awesome review and I just nabbed one, last one seller had haha These are on backorder everywhere. I don't plan on using it as a midi controller or running it on an adaptor so the plug issue isn't a concern for me but I can see where it would be if that is why someone is buying this. Those usb micro plugs are dinky and won't take much abuse. I want it for battery operation and using it as it is with a looper setup and other instruments for live, busking rig. I admit I am a little disappointed in the internal sounds. Could have used more synths and pads but for $99.99 USD I'll make it work haha

[@JeremySee]

Congrats buddy!

[@ifxman]

@@JeremySee Thank You! Love your channel... I'd be broke if I were rich hahaha :)

[@whiskymacable]

Can the headphone socket also be used for a PA + speakers, I'm looking for something portable instead of a bass guitar as I have damaged my wrist.

[@glenesis]

Great review. Gonna snag one of these. Instant new sub here. Nice to meet you!

[@JeremySee]

Thanks bud.

[@haveball]

Please help me in recording phrase and make it loop. Only piano phrase running like a perfect loop but if i try with strings or guitar so extra 4 beat pause co.ming in loop.. why so? I am recording in same timing . Please make a video on it dear

[@navis5284]

My copy is not loud enough, even at 15 (max volume). Needs speaker and power upgrade!

[@FeryAndrianus]

Nice review, Jeremy!

[@GrantJackson70USD]

I ordered mine today. Sweetwater has them available for preorder at $99.99USD. I haven’t been able to find any other stores in the US that offers this yet.

[@JeremySee]

Ridiculous trade war ain't helping you guys. It's about USD$60+ street in Asia..

[@GrantJackson70USD]

Jeremy See I have no argument. Still, I’m looking forward to getting my hands on this little guy.

[@glenesis]

@@JeremySee Not happy about trade war prices. Thanks for the killer review!

[@BudiPrasetyoHarsono]

Hey Jeremy. I'm looking for my first keyboard (mostly) for home use and learn, also for MIDI controller. I don't want to spend too much. Should I get this, Akai MPK mini play, or Casiotone CT-S200?

[@sartajbhullar3782]

this one is not even available anymore. discontinued.

[@homoeoremedy_drjayanta]

And will this work with Fl-Studio?

[@jackcimino8822]

I hope to see something like this except it's a cheaper version of the Reface synths and not a bunch of samples.

[@JeremySee]

Look out for my 2nd video where I list the 10 pros & 10 cons of the PSS-A50

[@akshaysawant7053]

Hi Jeremy, is the keybed of PSS-A50 better than the casiotone keyboards?

[@daviewavie112]

Is it?

[@ddutta78]

nice to see it's made in India

[@carlosluna.produce]

Hey Jeremy, is it possible to use the headphone/output as the main out when using this as a midi controller on a device without headphone jack (Tab S6, iPad Pro, smartphones)?

[@JeremySee]

When using as controller, sound comes from your tablet/phone/computer.

[@ifxman]

@@JeremySee - oh okay that is cool. So it is its own audio interface as well as midi. That is how the MX series works too. Just ordered mine, looking forward to checking it out. :)

[@JustLimAnD]

Hey Jeremy, would you recommend this or the PSS-F30 as a better buy?

[@JeremySee]

Both a completely different product. F30 is arranger. This isn't.

[@JustLimAnD]

@@JeremySee Right, but any insight to which is better as a portable sound bank? Which one has better tones?

[@sanketmohanpatel]

How to use transpose function ? Plz guide Thanks

[@John_Riff]

I purchased one of these and it's great! I even use it more than my regular full-sized keyboard for songwriting. Do you know of another keyboard like this with built-in speakers but full-size 61 keys, which can also feed from a USB-C powersource while used as a Midi Controller? If so, tell me which one and I'll obtain it.

[@andyfin990]

Try the Roland go keys, you can layer sounds ontop of each other to make songs, and also has a looping facility we're the keyboard is split into 5 zone' of drums, bass and 3 keyboard sounds to record together.. Looks decent.

[@Elazarko]

check out the casio cts500

[@bird8569]

Can we add a new tone/voice to this Yamaha PSS A50?

[@ShellyAnderson0624]

These sounds are not bad at all .. would be good for a quick grab-and-play unit for song ideas.. Looks fun and is compact for travel or practice. A sustain pedal receptor would have been nice. That would be something I would want ...

[@bnmuzic1]

Can it be played without arpeggios or portamento? Just piano or elec. piano , jazz organ etc. Is an option? Yes?

[@konradhausmann6359]

Yes sure. You can play it like a normal keyboard

[@joseaguirremcbo]

Hi! I was wondering if the USB power adapter you used is 500mA or more? Because the manual says 500mA but the lowest mA I've found is 1000mA. Would it be okay? Won't my keyboard get fried or something like that? Also, is the touch response of the keys good?

[@JeremySee]

mAh is the storage capacity of the battery. There's a limit to how much output a micro-usb can have. Don't worry.

[@joseaguirremcbo]

@@JeremySee Thank you! So, it's a 1000mA okay? Also, is the touch response good?

[@gisetorres3245]

between casio cts 100 or this which one would you recomended?

[@Bone1996]

While reading up on this before I purchased it as a "put on my desk to work with while reading theory" keyboard, I read it was derived from the ReFace series of keys (CS/DX/YC/CP), would you ever consider reviewing those?

[@johnsonjacob3525]

There are several reviews on the Reface series keyboards, as they have been out for a few years. Unless Jeremy gets a hold of demo units, he would have to purchase them, which may not be a bad thing, but they cost considerably more that most of the keyboards he reviews except for the more serious real digital pianos. They are also in a category of keyboards most of his viewers are not tinkering in, technically being mini, portable battery powered pro keyboards with speakers, the CP being classic electric pianos with effects, the YC having all the classic vintage organs drawbar and controls, the CS being like their early analog synths, and the DX a version of the famous DX7 digital synth. They are more gir professional and aspiring composers and home recording hobbyist who want the small size for space savings and on the go portability. With exceptions, Jeremy usually focuses on traditional keyboard playing with full sized keys...

[@ifxman]

Hi Jeremy, just watched your video 5 secrets for adult beginners. You truly do have a wonderful way to aspire people. Listen, I hope it's not out of line to share with you here but I finally got my Yamaha PSS-A50 and I did a review for it as well on eBay, I am a 5K Reviewer there and I gave it a 4 out of 5. The thing that really makes me think Yamaha didn't plan this out very well and hopefully there will be an update in the future. The Effects and Sustain Buttons are backwards for a short version to explain haha I still enjoy it and use it in my portable busking rig... Here is my KZbin video using it in my little system. I do like it, it offers me drum kits, velocity, arpeggios and is just fun to play. Merry Christmas to YOU and Yours. I also shared your videos on the other children keyboards in this series you did. I think they are great gifts for young minds to get them into music. Ciao, Tone Quality is terrible camera malfunction haha but it's not about me, I'm just the messenger... Hope you comment on the video here, took me a long time to make this work hahaha.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXSpZZ5sebBomrM

[@JeremySee]

Thanks for sharing buddy.

[@ifxman]

@@JeremySee Have the best year yet!!!! :)

[@vito_keys]

Nice design concept for portable toy keyboards, although it would be better with a sustain pedal jack and an inclusion of E263/E363 sounds. The sound library should be improved from F51 Still inferior to the Casiotone, anyways. Casiotone was more playable and plays akin to a normal low-end keyboard However, both keyboards lack one important feature: USB Type C for MIDI, the Micro USB was totally out of date My 9-year old PSR-E333 is still better

[@robertwong2412]

You are correct, if I buy this, it's only for midi interface, for making music on PC for games etc. hehehe.

[@saxonliw9502]

The slow attack voices are not suitable to be used with the arpeggiator. :)

[@JeremySee]

You are right. I just wanted to run through the voices. The woodwind and brass don't do too well with arps

[@saxonliw9502]

@@JeremySee Yeah, can't really hear those voices properly.

[@bird8569]

How to configure to use vst and to get sound out from laptop?

[@shiuligupta6316]

Please make a review of yamaha pss f30

[@beardmanmj2402]

Sir can you make a review about novation launchkey61 keyboard.. Tnx..

[@bhusanpratapminz558]

What is the price of it ....? Indian price...?

[@glenesis]

Are these patches stereo? . . I'd have gladly paid an extra 2 bucks for a USB B port and a line-out on TRS...

[@JeremySee]

Yup patches are stereo.

[@glenesis]

@@JeremySee Thanks! Cool!

[@hanibalkrisna2268]

Review digital piano yamaha p 515 pls

[@x2mars]

Can you set the tempo of the arpeggio to match the rhythm patterns?

[@JeremySee]

Yes.

[@anandrathod9800]

Thank you so much Sir🙏

[@yckss17]

Where to purchase this in sg?

[@michaelchampion7714]

What chord does it take?

[@sartajbhullar3782]

this is discontinued i guess. It is not available anymore.

[@mostaqueahmed4883]

I bought Yamaha p125 after watching your review

[@JeremySee]

Have fun!

[@mostaqueahmed4883]

thanks Jeremy.today i bought the pss_A50.they dont sell the F_30 in Japan.thanks for your revew.I can carry it anywhere for practice❗️

[@samuelcheng2u26]

Those who have bigger fingers feel like slightly difficult to play. But look cute. 😀

[@antonanker583]

Seems many people are nitpicking this keyboard for its sounds, it’s size, the keys size, ports and a host of other things. . Come on folks. You’re entirely missing the point of this neat little keyboard.

[@MrDouglasSawyer]

I tried one. It is a very poor midi controller. I am sending it back. 1. Keys feel good but are too small. 2. Arpeggiator is limited. 3. No transport controls. 4. No style beds.

[@crabbydad8931]

all these perfect playable minikeys and no pitch mod wheel. typical Yamaha brokenness built in when it could have been perfect

[@BenMJay]

Just spend 70 dollars more and get the CT-X700, ammiright?

[@JeremySee]

Absolutely.

[@Alex23092709]

"Due to it's size, it does not have second usb port" -lol, hundreds of usb ports can be placed on the edges of this toy. Greedyness is the cayse )

[@DipTunes]

How was the sustain ?

[@sivaristro1644]

Super super

[@Gainn]

TRS midi output would have made it a no brainer.

[@kombobeats]

14:06

[@SohamWankhede]

Buying keyboard with less than 61 keys is just waste of money If u do not have more budget then u should go for the cheapest 61 keys keyboard which is from Casio

[@antonanker583]

Soham Wankhede I don’t think that’s necessarily true. While at home I can see it but I travel on business quite a bit and dragging a 40” keyboard plus the rest of my luggage through airports and cabs is not easy. Carrying a laptop case with a small keyboard in it is very easy. So I think it all depends on use. Here we have a little keyboard that travels easily and sounds good too. I think there is a market for them.

[@mrityunjaytripathi5588]

Ha ha ha... You are an Indian like me. We are always able to find beauty in cheapness. That's why Casio sells more in India.

[@mrityunjaytripathi5588]

By the way, the purpose of this keyboard is different from 61-key ones.

[@chriswalton720]

61 full size keys will not fit in a backpack or a briefcase, and you can’t play it on your lap on a train or an airliner. Mini keyboards fill a niche.

[@thompi8]

i had just buy it and for 100dollar/aka euro i dont aspect anything. ,my first real keyboard from yamaha pss series vas a pss 30. after this i vas insain when my friend had a pss270 so this till ba a super keyboad when you already had a real synth i had today. roland jdxi yamaha psr s750

[@nishiharach.]

odang! i'm pretty early.

[@chandra27sekhar12]

Made in India

[@pighater951]

Wts the point of this wouldnt even bother buying this

[@zackhartmann]

so don't, lol

[@jadenpina3989]

First? Sorry I had to do it.😅

[@pighater951]

I hate small keys also hate small keyboards no way in hell i could use something that small,🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🙃🙃🤘

[@Donaldbeebi]

k

[@RobBob555]

theses voices sound terrible to me.. no better than a portable keyboard from 1982

[@Happyboymargarine]

That’s a piece of shit sounds like an 80’s Casio

[@valley_robot]

Terrible , just get a midi controller keyboard and use your phone or tablet as a synth brain , no use for junk like this in 2020

[@RobBob555]

made in india ??? yuck... im not buying it then. :O(

[@lynnskaggs9356]

Makes me want to buy it even more