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S30 - Image 1

S30

KeyboardDigitalPolyphonic

Back in the late '90s, this synth caught the ear of legends like Herbie Hancock and Ryuichi Sakamoto, who tapped its versatile digital tones for everything from lush pads to crisp leads in their studio sessions.

At its core is Yamaha's AWM2 synthesis engine powered by 24MB of ROM, delivering 256 preset voices including stereo-sampled pianos, strings, and more, with 64-note polyphony across 16 multitimbral parts. It packs 64 multi-mode resonant filters, a single LFO for modulation, and expansive effects like 12 reverbs, 23 choruses, 93 insertion effects, plus support for plug-in boards via two slots. The 61-key velocity-sensitive keyboard with aftertouch feels responsive, paired with four assignable data sliders, five knobs for hands-on MIDI control, a built-in arpeggiator with 128 patterns, and sequencer for quick ideas. Dual stereo audio outs and full MIDI make it a solid standalone or controller in any rig.

Players still hunt these down on the used market for their warm, reliable sounds and modular expandability—though some note the interface feels a bit dated next to modern touchscreens, the build quality and voice depth keep it a go-to for gigging pros chasing that classic Yamaha vibe.

Released

Unknown

Status

Discontinued

Synthesizer
Format
Keyboard
Type
Sample-based
Internal Battery
No
Voice
A/D
Digital
Polyphony
Polyphonic
Oscillators
-
Oscillator Type
-
Voices
64
Filter
Yes
Envelopes
-
LFO
1
Effects
Reverb: 12; Chorus: 23; Insertion Effects: 93; Insertion Effects for Plug-in Boards: 24; Master Equalizer: 4
Expression
Aftertouch
Polyphonic
Velocity
Yes
MPE
No
Additional
-
Software
-
I/O
Audio In
-
Audio Out
2 stereo
Headphone
1x 1/4" TRS
MIDI
In, Out, Thru
MIDI Type
DIN (5-pin)
Ports
USB
Wi-Fi
No
Workflow
Arpeggiator
Yes
Sequencer
Yes
Mod Matrix
-
Memory
-
Measurements
Dimensions
-
Weight
-
Last updated Mar 25, 2026