manual

6
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Yamaha S90 Music Synthesizer. In order to get the most out of your new S90 and its
sophisticated functions, we suggest you read through this manual thoroughly.
Also keep it in a safe, convenient place
so that you can regularly refer to it when necessary.
Package Contents
• AC Power cord • CD-ROM x 2 • Installation Guide
• Owner’s Manual • Data List
About the Included CD-ROM
Application software for your S90 is included on this CD-ROM. The Voice Editor lets you edit the Voices of the S90
with a highly intuitive graphical interface, and a File Utility, which lets you easily transfer data between the memory
card and a computer. With the included sequencing software (Windows only), you can easily create and edit your
own original songs on your computer. For details, refer to the separate Installation Guide or the on-line manual
included with the software.
Never attempt to play back the CD-ROM on an audio CD player. Doing so may result in damage to your hearing as well as
to your CD player/audio speakers.
Main Features
• Wide range of dynamic and authentic voices — over 512 in total, with 49 drum kits (page 25). Use the Category
Search function to quickly call up the sounds you want, based on their instrument type (page 38).
•Performance mode lets you use four different voices together — in layers or in a keyboard split (page 25).
• Extensive effect processing, with Reverb (12 types), Chorus (25 types), two separate Insertion sections (total 104
types), a Variation section (25 types), and a Master 5-band EQ (page 67).
• Comprehensive real-time control with four sliders — letting you adjust filter, levels, effects, EG, and more, while
you play (page 53).
• The built-in Arpeggio feature not only puts a wealth of hip rhythmic sequences at your fingertips, it even has
special “human” patterns — such as guitar strumming and woodwind trills (page 45).
• Master mode for using the S90 as a master keyboard controller (with independent Zones), and for easily
reconfiguring the instrument between Voice/Performance play and Sequence Play in live applications (page 48).
•Exceptionally easy-to-understand interface with two-tiered operation buttons: [F1] - [F6] and [SF1] - [SF5]
(page 32)
•Remote Control — for operating your favorite sequencing software from the panel controls of the S90. Mute
tracks, control transport (Play, Stop, etc.), mix both MIDI and audio tracks (up to 16) with the S90’s sliders, pan
the tracks, control EQ, and tweak effect sends — all without ever touching the mouse (page 57).
• Three Modular Synthesis Plug-in System slots let you upgrade the S90 with a completely new synthesizer or
sound-processing engine. These Plug-in boards give you more voices, more effects, more polyphony and more
instrument parts. Plus, special Plug-in voices have already been programmed and stored to the S90, ready to be
played as soon as you install the proper board (page 25).
• Comprehensive I/O terminals — including assignable outputs, audio inputs, MIDI, USB for multi-port connection
to a computer, and SmartMedia card slot for data storage.
• Expansion bay for optional mLAN — Yamaha’s new mLAN interface technology makes it possible to transfer all
your digital audio and MIDI data via a single broad-band cable.
• Naturally responsive 88-Key Balanced Hammer Effect Keyboard (with Aftertouch), drawing on our extensive
experience and expertise in piano-making.