QS300

Back in 1995, this workstation packed Yamaha's cutting-edge AWM2 sample synthesis into a sleek 61-key package, making pro-level sounds and sequencing accessible without breaking the bank.

Its velocity- and aftertouch-sensitive keyboard drives 32-voice polyphony across 24 multitimbral parts, drawing from 932 voices and 22 drum kits with full GM and XG compatibility. Each of up to four elements per patch features a digital resonant low-pass filter, dedicated four-stage envelopes for amplitude, pitch, and filter, plus LFO modulation. Three parallel 24-bit effects processors deliver over 60 types like reverb, chorus, and variations, while the built-in sequencer offers 10 songs with 86,000-note capacity, 16 tracks plus pattern and chord sections, real- or step-time recording, and SMF compatibility. A large LCD mimics a mixing console with virtual faders and knobs for intuitive control, housed in a metallic black wedge body with grey buttons and yellow accents—compact at around 40 pounds with stereo outs, headphone jack, MIDI, and floppy drive.

Players have long praised its clean, versatile samples for dance and electronic tracks, plus the easy editing templates that speed up sound design—though some note the fixed screen and single filter type limit deeper analog-style tweaks.