Back in 1998, this box dropped as Yamaha's bold entry into groove-heavy production, packing pro-level sampling and sequencing into a compact unit that pros like Dr. Dre and Timbaland turned to for instant beats.
At its core is a 16-bit linear (or 8-bit) stereo sampler with analog inputs at 44.1, 22.05, or 11.025 kHz and digital at 48 or 32 kHz, starting with 4MB RAM expandable to 68MB for up to six minutes of 44.1kHz stereo time. It delivers 64-voice polyphony, resonant low-pass, high-pass, bandpass, and band-eliminate filters, plus EQ and LFO shaping, all feeding into 43 effect types running three at once—even on live inputs. The 42-track sequencer (40 sample pads across four banks, plus audio and master tracks) handles 20 songs at 480ppqn resolution and 40-299.9 BPM, with auto beat-matching, time-slicing, and groove quantization for quick loop remixing. Hands-on controls include 12 velocity-sensitive pads (eight touch-sensitive), 12 assignable knobs, a ribbon controller for scratching, and a vacuum fluorescent display, all in a 14.3 x 12.2 x 4.5-inch chassis weighing 13 pounds, with stereo ins/outs, MIDI I/O, MTC sync, and a floppy drive.
Over the years, it's earned a cult following among beatmakers for its intuitive real-time workflow and MPC-like vibe, though some note the base memory feels tight without upgrades and the pads could be more responsive.
