YAMAHA YS200 Digital Synthesizer 1988 | HD DEMO | FM Synthesis

[@timbolam8104]

I count myself as being extremely fortunate that I'm a bit of a hoarder; (or at least I do now). While clearing out some of the junk in my garage, I rediscovered some old synths that I had archived and forgotten about. Among these were an old Minimoog and a Moog Prodigy and also; more relevant to this topic, I found my old Yamaha YS200 and my TQ5, and also a couple of old Korg M1's, neither of which work but it's probably only a battery issue. I can remember teaming up the YS and the TQ via a midi lead and slightly detuning the TQ to create some particularly meaty synth sounds for a live setting. back in the day. I might make a vid and post it using the same setup as then. Your vid has rekindled my interest. Thanks very much

[@jockeyshift4124]

Tim have you figured out these synths? I'm a tech and player specializing in the older analog and digital boards. Was thinkin if you didn't get those old M1's back up,I would trade you one of them or the others for fixin what is needed. Was aimin for the yamaha ys200,but no matter. I'm in atlanta. boards should never be stored in a garage ,not so much the dirt,but the ambient temp changes cause rust and corrosion on key contact and more. I build custom cases for board too.the basic case is $150, and has the same black and chrome covering as a guitar amp or I can trick it up with just about anything you can think of.they are velvet lined,Let me know if I can help

[@machinate]

imagine forgetting about a minimoog and a prodigy in your garage... I'm flabbergasted.

[@ish233]

I love this demo, I keep coming back from time to time, it's so eerie, orchestral, theatrical and surrounding, plus I have this synth, so as I said it before, I'll have to match you here with a small demo of my own.

[@5argetech56]

The Yamaha TQ5 is the sound module of this keyboard Not rack mount, but desktop. I have it. I have created some dope sounds on it. Changed the back up battery in 2017. Used midi-ox to save my custom sounds by sysex and loaded them back into the unit.

[@LALOHERNANDEZPEREZ]

Los archivos sysex del dx7 son compatibles para este modulo ?

[@oupahens9219]

@@LALOHERNANDEZPEREZ No.

[@AlexBallMusic]

You're back! The YS2000 sounds a lot a better than it looks! Guess that's the better than the other way around. Great demo as ever.

[@AnalogAudio1]

thanks! I think it looks great :-) like a spaceship console...

[@AlexBallMusic]

@@AnalogAudio1 True, I can see that. I think it's because it resembles the cheap Yamaha keyboards that were in schools when I was growing up. But obviously it's not a cheap preset keyboard and is actually a proper synth!

[@samthesmartfella]

i think with your performance, it already feels like I'm on a spaceship

[@DarkSideofSynth]

Agreed! Looks are not its forte indeed but it sounds awesome. Now there's another item in my GAS list I have to resist ;)

[@thebbs3531]

The ys 200 Looks unusual, bitte great...

[@MMCEnsemble]

This synth has such a nostalgic sound. Really nice, both pastoral and percussive

[@AnalogAudio1]

yes, I love vintage FM, refreshing sounds beyond analog

[@marsupialmicron]

I’ve always liked this synth. I have no problem with the look of it, in 1988 it was a cool design.

[@mkiswatoo]

The design is still great. The sounds are less ok, imho. But fine.

[@DenisVedernikov]

Обожаю синтезаторы конца восьмидесятых - начала девяностых. Это самый золотой период. Спасибо!

[@yophable]

What a strange coincidence. One of my childhood friends had this at his house, although I forgot the name and the exact look of it (how that’s even possible I don’t know seeing it again now). None of us managed to learn how to program it properly (we were about 12 or 13 years old), but I do remember I liked the sound. Especially a preset called “Moon beam” or something like that. I’ve been trying to find out what synth it was for the last couple of years and I finally found out literally three days ago. And now you publish this. Really brings back a lot of good memories!

[@Robert08010]

My favorite sound was called "Tingule". I owned one of these. The TQ-5 is the exact same tone generator capable of making all the same sounds. I know because while I sold the YS200, I still have the TQ-5.

[@ShallRemainUnknown]

@@Robert08010 Virtually same tone generator as all the 2nd generation Yamaha FM 4-operator/8 waveform multi-timbral synth keyboards/rack modules/tabletop modules, starting with DX11, plus TX81Z, V50, YS100, YS200, TQ5. Plus possibly many home keyboards (although those might not be programmable via either front panel or MIDI system exclusive).

[@themightytitan4157]

This was my first synth. I programmed the hell out of it. Loved it.

[@AnalogAudio1]

Yeah, it has something magic. I still have my TQ-5.

[@NielsJordens]

Underrated little beast. May be only 4 op but built in effects and (albeit limited) sequencer make it a much better pick then earlier 4 op models like the DX 27 or 21. I had a 21 back in the days but have a YS200 now and it tops it effortlessly.

[@LALOHERNANDEZPEREZ]

Se puede poner sonidos de dx7 en ese modulo

[@oupahens9219]

@@LALOHERNANDEZPEREZ No.

[@skrapadelix]

I think we've reached peak reverb with this one

[@AnalogAudio1]

that lofi digital reverb is part of its character...

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

Oh good. Was looking for another FM synth addition to my trusty Yamaha PSS 680, just a little bigger but not TOO big. Thanks for picking the choice for me :D That thing is a late 80s beast. Perfect for abstract and not cheesy sounding FM pads. Holy cow, it's PERFECT!!

[@fotszyrzk79]

It works still with the Tx81z Editor for Atari. You can emulate it under win10 :) Pretty nice!

[@cdwhiley]

that's great. i need to look this up.

[@azurduy117]

that internal reverb sounds really nice

[@Tyrell_Corp2019]

I had this synth. For the price at the time, it really was good. I learned everything about programing my own sounds on this little thing. I managed to get some really scary sounds out it. Wish I still had it. Good times. Thanks for the vid. ✌️

[@ish233]

I petition for another demo, I want hear more of what you can do with it

[@bloodyhell302]

Love this synth. You can teally unleash tbe beast when programmed with an editor such as Edisyn.

[@samueljaros]

Great demo ! My first synth. "Easy edit" was the only edit mode available from the synth, but it was fully compatible with a TX81Z editor (of which there were plenty for the Atari ST, along with a vast library of sounds). To these TX81Z innards the YS200 added an effect chip which was that of the Yamaha FX500, if memory serves. Lastly, New order used a YS100 (ie a sequencer-less YS200) on "Technique".

[@fotszyrzk79]

The tx81z editor still works under win10 with Atari emulator. Pretty impressive what you can do with it.

[@samueljaros]

Definitely, but the world of Atari emulators for the PC is one I've not really been delving into of late lol, due to lack of time probably.

[@TelexToTexel]

There is an ad for YS100 & YS200 in Smash October 19, 1988. So that was the time it was new in the market.

[@algorythmrecord60]

Awesome fm synth,great demo good job

[@AnalogAudio1]

Thank you! :-)

[@andrel4626]

My first synth.

[@danielrobinson9679]

I ha e the B200 which is essentially the same thing but with speakers and a prettier package. Such an amazing little sound creator for the few programmable features avaliable it can create so many diverse sounds. One of my favorites from the 80s!

[@samthesmartfella]

reminds me of Vangelis' work

[@gnarlysoundscapes7210]

4:15 That sounds amazing.

[@thebbs3531]

Dieser Synth ist meine "Big love", einfach umwerfend!!!

[@britainthroughmylens]

My first ever keyboard - all 8 notes of its polyphony, but I loved it to death. 😂🤘

[@QNative2012]

I have a Yamaha YS200 Synth as part of my studio setup right now. It has some of the best sounds from the 80's including some fat Bass Synth sounds that work well on dance numbers. I also use it for lots of other projects, too. I have a 64K RAM sound card with it that I've used to create and add new sound patches. In addition, I'm also using it for live performances in a band situation at present. It's a whole lot lighter and easier to be mobile with than my Generalmusic SX2 Synth (another early 90's classic synth) and I always get compliments on its unique shape and tones. I also pair it with my Dave Smith Synth & a Korg M3R Rackmount as a back-up keyboardist in the band. It's a fun piece of gear to play!

[@jansenwilder1335]

This low end synth was used for keyboard lessons in the Yamaha music school back in the late 80s. It had nice FM + Rom sounds... looks like a PSR type now a days...

[@LaziestKeys]

It is FM only. 4 operator. No samples.

[@otisobl]

The synth with the most enormous volume knob in the history of synth design.

[@Zwopper]

On par with the Alesis Quadrasynth.

[@h3lianthuss]

nice&deep sounds thank you

[@brunoLima-ol1cx]

Tive esse teclado, mas não sabia o propósito pra que estilo de música ele funcionaria melhor, um bom teclado de complemento.

[@thesset3666]

enfin une bonne demo de ce synthé trop sous estimé .

[@mima85]

This is the next budget Yamaha FM keyboard that'll skyrocket in price after this demo xD

[@AnalogAudio1]

haha, we'll see... :-)

[@moogdome2562]

Roland has made some great synths, but many bad ones. I love Yamaha better in some cases. I have six in my collection. I' don't mind digital. those strings sound amazing don't beam me down yet Scottie.Yamaha's 80's 90's synths are so underrated and still cheap. .

[@uvoikimovundutrauerblume3302]

Absolute correct . In a way is it good they are underrated good for Yamaha lovers we can buy our beloved tools for a good price and on this way you see most people don't even program they just following a hype or a brand type .

[@kowa1-everellphotographic306]

in the late 80s early 90s our band had three of these( one was a b200) and a v50 and a tr626 with xr10 great times all gigs sequenced from the internal sequencers, spread across the various synths

[@arpsyntharts5968]

I have now three of them... ;)

[@roysteel1701]

I have one of these and am looking for new sounds ?

[@KurtFuller]

I love the looking of this synth. But if I have to choose a 4 OP FM synth, I stay with the Korg DS-8 all the way.

[@chinossynthesizer705]

True

[@rubyconem]

0:42 PPG, awsome ;)

[@mark12011972]

I get lost in the TX81z and gave up on FM. However, then I got the YS200 and was able to make some nice sounds finally because of the limited and simple programmability. 3:22 sounds fantastic by the way. How about Sandbell with tone (brill=0, wave=0, input=5303)? Or maybe Richstring with tone (brill=0, wave=0, input=227)? Thanks for sharing!

[@AnalogAudio1]

yes, "Sandbell" is a good starting point :-)

[@michaellmay]

YAY!! I think this is the model I had, back in the 80s. It was stolen. But, I remember that distinctive control knob and the breath controller input. I couldn't remember the model number, though. I eventually got a DX100. I want both of them again 😀

[@stupiddoofus]

your pages says ANALOGG audio, but this synth is digimtal. YOU ARE LYAR!

[@AnalogAudio1]

Sorry, no offense intended. I will change my name to DigitalAudio1 as soon as I can

[@oscarvanderburgh9915]

@@AnalogAudio1 hahaha…. Funny… the dac is analog though… all audio when it reaches the ear

[@thebbs5450]

...mein Lieblingssynthie... ❤️

[@squishmusic]

0:35 sounds like an aphex twin pad ....and also a preset on the Yamaha TG33

[@EgoShredder]

I love FM synthesis so am slightly biased, but this sounded great and in no small part to the nice Yamaha FX processor. I already own a Yamaha SY55 with all the wave card sets etc, along with a PLG100-DX so I do not need any more I suppose. Hmmm....that last part left a little room for possibility! ;-)

[@AnalogAudio1]

the SY55 does not have FM synthesis... the SY77 and the SY22 does.

[@EgoShredder]

Yeah I know sorry about that, my brain was saying to me SY55 = the keys and PLG100-DX = the sounds.

[@maninblack9000]

I have Yamaha B200, DS55 and the Korg DS8 4OP FM Synth's, i love it all! Flaggship is my SY77 and SY 99 and lost but not least the FS1r!

[@happydagger1163]

is the sound in the opening a preset or a patch youve created? it sounds amazing!

[@AnalogAudio1]

Thanks. I created ALL patches. No, this time they are not for sale...

[@simonburns1055]

My friend had a B200 which was the same with stereo speakers

[@pcuimac]

The last patch was the best. Sounded like a mix of JMJ and Tangerine Dream 1980.

[@frissonoseye6457]

Where is the transposer

[@boomerhgt]

I had a YS100 the model with no speakers great sounding synth

[@LaziestKeys]

Ys100 was the model with no sequencer. The Ys200 has a sequencer. The one with speakers is called B200.

[@taylorcorker6069]

This is a great synth! would you have any recommendations for a snyth with really realistic vowel and voice sounds? mono or Poly :)

[@simonburns1055]

Thats a lovely sounds not harsh on the ear at all

[@cloudrun654]

Did you ever delve into transferring sysex patches from DX100 or DX20 on to your YS200? Trying to see if I can find a resource for that.

[@gilo7171]

Great SOUNDS !!

[@ironinquisitor3656]

Never head of this FM synthesizer. cool.

[@AnalogAudio1]

it's unknown, it wasn't a big seller in 1988, at times where you could buy a Kawai K1 or Roland D10 for a similar price...

[@boomerhgt]

There was a YS 100 as well that had no on board speakers I had one

[@ish233]

Ha, I should have come out with a video of this before you, I use it mostly as a midi controller for my Yamaha tx802, but I have made some sounds with it. I see you're using the on board effects? I also want to use it as a sequencer controller, it's in the works. This actually is easier programmable FM synthesis, limited programming options, but backed by effects to enhance those sounds which are clearly evident in your video. The sounds are very beautiful. Oh yeah, mines is not in such great condition, internal battery was dead, so got a hold of that memory card too that's connected to the left upper.

[@tavil1296]

can these patches be bought?

[@AnalogAudio1]

No, these are not for sale

[@oscarvanderburgh9915]

@@AnalogAudio1 for free then? 😉 amazing sounds!!! I also hear the distortion right? Sounds really beautiful

[@gackooDuz]

wo ein Synthesizerklang noch nach Synthesizer klang

[@AnalogAudio1]

yeah :-)

[@pepinillosazucarados6743]

3:50 HE LETS THE ANGER FLOW ...

[@B1SCOOP]

Yamaha TQ-5 sounds and programs the same, but looks gorgeous and slick.

[@fotszyrzk79]

Yeah, but you need to place it in odd angle actualy to not hurting your neck. I like big knob more.

[@B1SCOOP]

TQ-5 is safe for your neck, all you need is to place it on left side of your desk.

[@hermeslord]

Is it programmable like other 4 ops like DX9/11/27/100?

[@AnalogAudio1]

it has "easy edit" parameters, but with editor software designed for TX81Z you have access to ALL parameters

[@MardenPio]

sinister tones

[@MarcWeertsMusic]

Great demo... Never heard of this one. Slightly weird design but great sound and the fx add a lot.

[@MaxThompsonMusic]

What's the card you are using with it? I also own a YS200. Thanks!

[@AnalogAudio1]

why has it to be a card? :-) no, all sounds are my own creations.

[@motoboy6666]

Is these patches compable with the TQ-5?

[@AnalogAudio1]

yes, the TQ5 is the desktop version of the YS200

[@federicogoez]

Increíble!!!!!

[@squishmusic]

If only the big circular disk was a jog wheel :)

[@crolodon8024]

Nice demo, but clean those pitch and mod wheels dude!

[@AnalogAudio1]

they are dirty by design! :-) Actually everything is clean, don't know what you see

[@crolodon8024]

@@AnalogAudio1 Oh lol whoops, the wheels looked like they were full of gunk but it must have just been an illusion.

[@pizzagogo6151]

Aside from the cheap price if you wanted a 4op fm keyboard I don’t know why you wouldnt just pay a few bucks more and get the much better v50?

[@AnalogAudio1]

the YS200 is lightweight and has a nicer design ;-)

[@pizzagogo6151]

Lightweight is true I guess- nicer design, hmmm given the better build quality & greater range of access buttons on the v50, I think not...but if you prefer the ys good for you!

[@seamusjr]

Does it have a sequencer like the V50 has?

[@AnalogAudio1]

the YS200 has a sequencer built in. Never used it though, there are more user-friendly sequencers out there

[@heribertogonzalez3863]

V50 good sinth

[@linkmasters535]

I take that it needs a computer to make the synth sound like every other keyboard

[@LE749]

When I was 14 I had one and hated it...got a d50 instead.

[@M1ghty0m3ga]

Spooky..

[@신용식-b8e]

음^^^^

[@FIXTREME]

God, what an ugly machine. It looks like one of those oddly shaped Casio keyboards from the era

[@AnalogAudio1]

I like the shape of this thing... I guess it's a matter of taste.

[@GeorgeKarampatsos]

And very noisy. Trust me. Ugly and noisy. My friend returned this ugly noisy "thing", the next day . He had bought it end of 1988. Awful. I usually love synths. Even the toys. This is not a synth for me. Great disappointment from Yamaha.

[@DanielReidTheEditor0]

Horrible sounding synth that sounds the same whatever sound you make on it. Was glad to sell it. My PSS780 sounds better and makes way more grittier sounds

[@janipashkvan797]

Sounds very good. Looks ugly AF

[@AnalogAudio1]

It looks wonderful and unique :-)

[@fanfanbrasil]

Muito ruim Prefiro o Dx7