Rackears IconRackears.io
EX5 - Image 1

EX5

KeyboardDigitalPolyphonic

Back in 1998, this beast introduced Yamaha's Extended Synthesis system, blending four cutting-edge tone generators into one keyboard for sounds that spanned realistic pianos to wild analog-modeled leads and virtual acoustic instruments.

Its four-element voice architecture lets you layer up to four AWM2 waves, mix in AN physical modeling for thick synth tones, FDSP for dynamic note-responsive effects, or VL for lifelike wind and string emulation, all with 128-voice polyphony and built-in sampling at 44.1kHz. The 76 semi-weighted velocity-sensitive keys feel responsive under your fingers, paired with aftertouch for expressive control, while the intuitive front panel offers dedicated knobs, sliders, and buttons for real-time tweaking. A 16-track sequencer holds about 30,000 notes, 4-track arpeggiator with 50 patterns, and robust effects—12 reverbs, 17 choruses, 79 insertions like distortion and auto-wah—route through four stereo outs and dual MIDI ins/outs. At 20kg with dimensions of 1268x407x129mm, it's a sturdy workstation built for stage or studio.

Players still hunt these down on the used market for their unmatched synthesis variety in the late-90s era—praised for versatile, "alive" sounds that hold up today, though some note the learning curve for non-AWM modes and occasional menu diving.

Released

1998

Status

Discontinued

Synthesizer
Format
Keyboard, Workstation
Type
Sample-based, PCM, Physical Modeling, FM, Analog Modeling
Internal Battery
No
Voice
A/D
Digital
Polyphony
Polyphonic
Oscillators
0
Oscillator Type
-
Voices
128
Filter
Yes
Envelopes
-
LFO
-
Effects
Reverb, Chorus, Delay, Distortion, Overdrive, Chorus, Auto Wah, Equalization
Expression
Aftertouch
Monophonic
Velocity
Yes
MPE
No
Additional
-
Software
-
I/O
Audio In
-
Audio Out
4 stereo
Headphone
-
MIDI
In, Out, Thru
MIDI Type
DIN (5-pin)
Ports
Floppy Drive, PCMCIA Card Slot, SIMM Sockets
Wi-Fi
No
Workflow
Arpeggiator
Yes
Sequencer
Yes
Mod Matrix
Yes
Memory
512 preset voices (256 preset+256 internal); 128 performance setups
Measurements
Dimensions
1268 x 407 x 129 mm
Weight
20 kg
Last updated Mar 25, 2026