Yamaha SY55/TG55 Synthesizer
Patches, MIDI editor and Cakewalk INS files
Text cortesy of Audiogrill
Overall: This is a really nice module. It's used prices is simply amazing. It is the sister rack module of the SY55 keyboard. It has higher resolution waveforms than the AWM used in synths like the SY22/TG33. (16 -vs- 12 bit). The waveform quality is very good and the filters it has are very well implemented. The sounds I found on the web are great. The sound card sets, although rare are very good. They go for about $15 to $50 used if you can find them. The interface is easy to use. In depth programming takes a tad bit of work but with so many sounds, it's not really a critical item. A great module for a nothing less than fabulously low used prices and lots of sounds available. Personally, this is one my favorite bang per buck modules. I have three of them and I keep different banks in each.
Other comments: I've really enjoyed these modules and I do love getting a good deal. I've found that they mix very well with other sounds. With all the different patches available you get a good mix of sound types. Much more full sounding then the TX81Z (but a different beast right?!). I'd say that in general it's not quite as bright as the Roland JV series sounds but as I mentioned that is not a negative, but simply a sound choice. I use my modules in most most every song I do in some way.
From the manual: AWM2 is 16 bit wave data sampled at 32 or 48
Khz, 24-bit internal processing, and high-resolution 22-bit digital to analog
converters. (My comment: Very clean!)
Voices: Each voice
is composed of one, two or four elements.
Programmability: I'll
compare to the Proteus just for argument sake. Proteus samples are excellent
but the programmability is limited. The Yamaha has far more
programmability, but is harder to get your fingers around it. If Yamahas waves
seem slightly behind here it more than makes up for it with all it's filtering
capability and powerful programming. This unit typically goes for half
of what an old proteus goes for and you get tons of sounds.
Original Retail: Approx $995
If you find patches in that big bundle that you really like, please e-mail me and tell me about it. There are sooo many that I haven't had the time to audition them all so I would appreciate any pointers to good ones.
Here are some screen shots. Mostly debugging and re-sync with the latest 1.8-in progress version left to do:
Dominic Richens, 2002. Contact me if you have any difficulties, or have patches to share.
