Back in 1988, this little FM powerhouse arrived as a compact tone generator, essentially the module version of the YS-200, sharing the same guts as the beloved TX81Z but packing onboard effects and sequencing that made it a rare all-in-one for its era.
At its core, it's a 4-operator FM synth with 8-voice polyphony, drawing from the YM3017 chip for those classic digital waveforms across 8 algorithms, complete with ADSR envelopes per operator, dual LFOs for pitch and amplitude modulation, and an easy-edit mode that simplifies FM tweaking without diving into full parameter hell. You'll find 24 push buttons, a numeric keypad, and a single volume knob clustered around a large orange-backlit LCD for navigation, plus touch sensitivity and aftertouch support via MIDI. It squeezes in 10 effects like reverb, chorus, echo, and distortion, an 8-track sequencer holding up to 999 bars or 10,000 notes across 8 songs, 100 presets, 100 user patches, and room for an extra 100 via memory card—all in a slanted, desktop-friendly chassis measuring just 280x235x70mm and weighing 4.9kg, perfect for stacking left of a master keyboard.
Folks digging into vintage FM gear often praise its punchy, versatile tones and sequencer for quick idea capture, though some note the interface feels dated next to modern touchscreens, and it hit the market just as FM's heyday was fading. Still, at used prices today, it's a budget gem for recapturing that 80s sparkle.
