Yamaha's PSR1000 and PSR2000 Portable Keyboards
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PSR1000
(Click for a close-up) |
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PSR2000
(Click for a close-up) |
July 21, 2001
The Yamaha PSR1000 and PSR2000 represent a new line of portable keyboards
with features and performance characteristics that blur the lines between hobbyists and professionals. One look at
the radically new designs and ergonomics will prove that this is something very new.
"Incredible power and innovation best describe
these keyboards," states Jim Presley, marketing
manager, Portable Keyboards, Pro Audio &
Combo Division. "Every few years, Yamaha
replaces models with new, improved versions
of successful products. The PSR1000 and
PSR2000 represent a departure from their
predecessors, with more than incremental
improvements. Their price points are affordable
for the casual user; but the performance is more
than enough for the most discerning
professional."
A large bit-mapped LCD screen, borrowed
from the professional Yamaha PSR9000,
shows information not previously available on
low-tech displays, including: graphic
representations of functions; computer-like folders showing song, style and function lists; animated help screens;
song lyrics; music notation; and more.
Yamaha's remarkable new Music Finder Function makes operating the PSR1000 and PSR2000 as simple as
knowing a song title. Users may choose from hundreds of song titles, and, with the push of a button, the entire
keyboard automatically adjusts all appropriate settings for that particular song.
Stunning sound quality is due, in part, to
Yamaha's Advanced Wave Memory (AWM)
tone generation, Yamaha's XG MIDI
compatibility, a newly designed bass reflex
sound system with two-way stereo speakers
and enhanced, multi-effect DSP. In addition,
Yamaha's exclusive "Sweet Voices," "Cool"
and "Live" voices have been added from the
legendary PSR9000, resulting in
realistic instrument sounds that imitate natural
timbres.
The PSR2000 contains a flute organ, complete
with eight graphic drawbars that can be
individually manipulated. This classic jazz and
rock organ sound is further enhanced by
programmable tremolo in the DSP. Innovations
in the PSR2000 continue with a microphone
input for vocals which links up with an internal
vocal harmonizer, enabling you to literally sing
harmony with yourself in real time. A built-in multi-effect processor, complete with Yamaha DSP, allows the user
to enhance—or even change the gender—of the voice.
If remembering song lyrics is a problem, both the PSR1000 and PSR2000 have another innovation called "LY"
(Lyrics) that will scroll the words across the display, in time to the music, adding the functions of a
comprehensive Karaoke system. Lyrics can be displayed with music notation on the PSR2000. Auto
accompaniment functions have been enhanced, with four variations per style, three intros and three endings per
song.
A TO HOST port enables the direct connection to the serial port of a PC or Macintosh with a single cable,
eliminating the need for a MIDI interface card or box. This opens a whole world of musical, educational and
creative possibilities to the more than 30 million U.S. households with personal computers, and is an especially
attractive feature for the growing number of laptop users, where the addition of cards may not be an option. For more information, visit their web site at www.yamaha.com. | 
