Yamaha PSR-SX900 Review

The Yamaha SX900 is a feature-packed arranger keyboard that caters to both novice musicians and seasoned performers. With a vast array of sounds, advanced performance features, and an intuitive interface, the SX900 aims to provide everything musicians need, whether they’re gigging, composing, or recording. In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Yamaha SX900, breaking down its key features, performance, and usability.

Key Features of the Yamaha SX900

To give you a quick overview of what the Yamaha SX900 has to offer, here’s a table of its most notable features:

Feature	Details
Sound Library	Over 1,400 voices, including Yamaha’s Super Articulation and Super Expression sounds.
Styles & Accompaniments	500+ styles across genres like pop, jazz, Latin, rock, classical, and more.
Touch Screen	7-inch color touch screen for easy navigation and intuitive control.
Assignable Controls	Customizable buttons, knobs, and sliders for quick access to frequently used settings.
Connectivity	USB audio, MIDI, headphone output, plus compatibility with Yamaha’s Chord Tracker and MusicSoft Manager apps.
Recording	Built-in audio recording and direct saving to USB or computer, ideal for quick demos or full compositions.
Keyboard Action	Semi-weighted keys providing a comfortable feel for both light synth playing and piano-like action.
Built-in Effects	Reverb, chorus, EQ, and more for real-time sound shaping.
Weight	12.5 kg (27.5 lbs), lightweight and portable for gigging musicians.
Price Range	Mid-to-high range, depending on your location and retailer.

Sound Quality: Rich and Expressive

The Yamaha SX900 shines in the sound department, offering some of the most realistic voices available on any arranger keyboard. From acoustic instruments to synths, the sound library is rich and diverse. Let’s break it down:

Sound Type	Details
Piano Sounds	Powered by Yamaha’s Pure CF Sound Engine, providing a full, expressive acoustic piano sound.
Super Articulation	Advanced voices like strings, wind instruments, and guitars that replicate nuances such as breath, slides, and finger movements.
Electronic Sounds	High-quality synths, pads, leads, and basses for modern music genres.
Drums & Percussion	Over 40 drum kits, offering a variety of realistic percussion sounds for any musical style.

Key Features of Yamaha’s Sound Library

Category	Examples of Sounds
Acoustic Instruments	Grand Piano, Electric Piano, Strings, Acoustic Guitar, Organ, Saxophone
Electric & Synth Sounds	Synth Pads, Leads, Bass, Strings, Electric Piano, Organs, Drum Kits
Percussion & Drums	Rock, Pop, Jazz, Latin, Funk, and many more drum kits and percussive sounds

Performance Features

Whether you’re performing live or creating music in the studio, the Yamaha SX900 offers excellent features to ensure versatility and creativity. Here’s a breakdown of its performance capabilities:

Feature	Details
Styles & Auto Accompaniment	500+ styles that range from pop, jazz, and classical to Latin and more. Auto-accompaniment that automatically adjusts the rhythm section to match your playing.
One Touch Setting	This feature automatically adjusts the instrument’s settings to match the selected style, allowing for seamless transitions during performances.
Split & Layer Modes	You can split the keyboard into different regions and layer multiple sounds to create complex compositions.
MIDI Capability	Full MIDI support to connect to external sound modules, computers, and other MIDI devices.
Reverb & Effects	Onboard effects like reverb, chorus, EQ, and more to shape your sound in real-time.

Ease of Use: A User-Friendly Interface

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The Yamaha SX900 is designed with ease of use in mind, even for musicians who are new to arranger keyboards. Its 7-inch color touchscreen and customizable controls make navigation a breeze.

Feature	Details
Touchscreen	Large 7-inch color touchscreen for fast navigation and real-time adjustments.
Control Panel	Customizable control panel with assignable buttons and knobs to quickly access your preferred sounds and settings.
Real-Time Adjustments	Buttons and sliders for real-time sound shaping, giving you tactile control during performances.
Clear Menu Layout	User-friendly layout makes it easy to find sounds, styles, and settings without deep menu diving.

Recording and Connectivity

For musicians who like to record on the go, the Yamaha SX900 offers excellent recording features. It also supports various connectivity options, making it easy to integrate with other gear.

Feature	Details
Recording	Record your performances or compositions directly onto a USB drive or via the computer.
Connectivity	Includes USB audio, MIDI in/out, headphone out, and compatibility with Yamaha’s Chord Tracker and MusicSoft Manager apps.
Audio Output	High-quality audio output for live performances or studio use, ensuring excellent sound reproduction.

Portability and Build Quality

The Yamaha SX900 strikes a good balance between portability and build quality, making it an excellent choice for gigging musicians.

Feature	Details
Weight	Weighs 12.5 kg (27.5 lbs), making it portable yet solid enough for frequent travel.
Build Quality	Built with a robust chassis that can withstand the demands of live performances.
Key Feel	Semi-weighted keys provide a responsive feel that works well for a range of playing styles.

Limitations of the Yamaha SX900

While the SX900 is an exceptional arranger keyboard, there are a few limitations worth considering:

Limitation	Details
No Fully Weighted Keys	Semi-weighted keys may not be ideal for pianists seeking the feel of an acoustic piano.
Complexity for Beginners	The range of features can be overwhelming for new users, requiring some time to master.
Price	It sits at a higher price point, making it less accessible for casual musicians or those on a tight budget.

Conclusion: Is the Yamaha SX900 Right for You?