Yamaha Portasound Explained

Yamaha Portasound electronic musical keyboards were produced by the Yamaha Corporation during the 1980s and 1990s. The name suggests the instruments' portability, with battery operation being a consistent feature across the line. Many of these keyboards were designed for children with small keys and simple preset functions suitable for educational use.[1] In 1982, the line introduced a card reader system which allowed players to learn and play along with sequenced songs.[2] The PSS line features mini keys and the PSR line features full size keys. Some of the higher-end keyboards have advanced features like programmable synthesizer controls, midi capability, and sampler functions.

Contemporary use

Electronic musicians and sound engineers have used these instruments to achieve an authentic lo-fi sound[3] and some modify them with circuit bending to extend their sound palettes. As of 2015, musician Dan Friel continues to use a Portasound that he received as a gift in 1984.[4] Circa 2017, Italian artist Modula released an EP called 780's Chronicles, recorded primarily using a Yamaha PSS780.[5] Cyril Hahn uses a Yamaha PSS380 in his original compositions, and notes its noise profile as an endearing characteristic.[6]

Unofficial software and VST plug-ins

In the 21st century, several independent software developers have produced additional tools to modify and store patches for midi-capable PSS keyboards, such as PSS Edit,[7] PSS Wave Editor and CTRLR.[8] VST plug-in soft-synth versions of some of these keyboards have also been released by various developers, including the Yamaha PSS-170 and PSS-480 by Audio Animals,[9] [10] GSS-370 (based on the PSS370 keyboard)[11] and PortaFM.[12] [13]

References

  1. News: 1982-03-07. Yamaha Portasound keyboard advertisement (1982). 188. The Central New Jersey Home News. 2020-05-16.
  2. News: 1982-09-05. Yamaha Portasound advertisement (1982). 98. Great Falls Tribune. 2020-05-16.
  3. Web site: 7 Cheap Ways to Add Unique Tones to Your Tracks. reverb.com. en. 2019-12-21.
  4. Web site: Dan Friel Is a DIY Renegade Here to Save Us from Ourselves. Cohan. Brad. 2015-11-21. Vice. en. 2019-12-21.
  5. Web site: 5 Excellent Electronic Albums Made With a Single Synthesizer. Pitchfork. en. 2019-12-21.
  6. Web site: Cyril Hahn talks production techniques, the influence of DIY culture and creating ambience. November 2013. Tony Ware 28. MusicRadar. en. 2020-05-21.
  7. Web site: Bobby's place. members.chello.at. 2020-05-16.
  8. Web site: Ctrlr – Control your MIDI life (MIDI editor for all your hardware). en-US. 2020-05-16.
  9. Web site: Yamaha PSS-170. Audio Animals Ltd.. en-GB. 2020-05-16.
  10. Web site: Yamaha PSS-480 - Free VST Instrument Download. 2019-10-18. Audio Animals Ltd.. en-GB. 2020-05-16.
  11. Web site: Download Free PSS-370 emulation plug-in: GSS-370 by SynthIV. www.vst4free.com. 2020-05-16.
  12. Web site: PortaFM - Plogue Revives The Iconic Yamaha PSS Synthesizers In A New Plugin. 2018-05-15. SYNTH ANATOMY. en-US. 2020-05-16.
  13. Web site: Get the sound of your ‘80s PortaSound home keyboard with Plogue’s PortaFM synth plugin. May 2018. Ben Rogerson 16. MusicRadar. en. 2020-05-16.