SY99

Back in 1991, this beast pushed boundaries by blending FM synthesis with sample playback in a way no other synth had, letting you use PCM waves to modulate FM operators for sounds that ranged from glassy bells to gritty, evolving textures.

It packs a hybrid RCM engine—Realtime Convolution and Modulation—with up to 6-operator AFM for FM tones and AWM2 sample playback, delivering 16 notes polyphony per section for a total of 32 voices. The 76-key synth-action keyboard responds to velocity and channel aftertouch, with zoning for pitch bend and touch across splits, while dual multi-stage filters per element add resonance and self-oscillation. You'll find a deep mod matrix, three LFOs, and two SPX900-derived effects processors offering 63 types like lush reverbs, flangers, and rotary sims, with real-time control from MIDI, aftertouch, or dedicated LFOs. A 16-track sequencer holds 27,000 notes across 99 patterns and 10 songs, plus 128 preset/user patches, 16 multis, and 512kB RAM for loading your own samples—four stereo outs and full MIDI make it a studio centerpiece in a sleek black chassis with a big LCD for navigation.

Players still hunt these down for the SY77 upgrades like expanded ROM with 267 waveforms, user sample import, and that keyboard heft, praising its sound design depth and sequencer power while noting the learning curve for its menu-diving interface.