Back to Keyboards
Original uploaded on 15/05/2015. Last edited on 21/07/2023
The Yamaha PSR 48 was a keyboard released roughly around 1990 and was intended for home use. The original price when new was roughly £400 (£889.54 in today's (2015) inflation).
Features
The PSR 48 features 61 full sized keys, 8 notes of polyphony, 100 preset voices, 100 auto accompaniment styles and Midi in and out. 2 voices can be layered on top of each other using the dual voice feature. This does however reduce the number of notes that can be played to 4 (2 if auto accompaniment styles are enabled).
The keyboard also features an ensamble mode. This creates a wide stereo effect by taking two notes, panning one hard left and the other hard right and adding a short delay between the two. Like the dual voice feature, it reduces the number of notes that can be played by half.
The keyboard also features an ensamble mode. This creates a wide stereo effect by taking two notes, panning one hard left and the other hard right and adding a short delay between the two. Like the dual voice feature, it reduces the number of notes that can be played by half.
A pitch bend wheel is also featured on the PSR 48. Its pitch bend range is fixed to 2 semi tones up and down.
In the middle of the keyboard is a yellow button labeled 'Solo style play'. When this button is pressed the keyboard becomes monophonic and a range of different effects such as stereo delay is applied to the selected voice, depending on the currently select auto accompaniment style. |
Sound Generation
The keyboard can also be split to play two voices, however the split point is fixed. It is possible to use the split keyboard mode to control two MIDI instruments although the lower keyboard MIDI channel is fixed to channel 2.
The PSR 48 uses a sound generation method called 'Dual Architectural Synthesis System (DASS); a hybrid 2 operator Frequency Modulated (FM) and a 12 bit sample based synthesis which Yamaha calls Advanced Wave Memory (AWM).
The Yamaha PSR 48 is a preset only instrument. It is not classed as a synthesizer as the keyboard does not allow the modification of the synth engine parameters. Because of this, I can only guess what synth features are available.
Depending on the selected voice, the PSR 48 can generate sounds using 3 modes;
Sample only, FM only and both FM and sample.
This enables the PSR 48 to create a combination of realistic sounding instruments as well as some nice synthetic sounding FM tones. The PSR 48 actually uses a cut down version of the synthesis engine that is used in the Yamaha TG33 and uses some of the same sound samples.
The Yamaha PSR 48 is a preset only instrument. It is not classed as a synthesizer as the keyboard does not allow the modification of the synth engine parameters. Because of this, I can only guess what synth features are available.
Depending on the selected voice, the PSR 48 can generate sounds using 3 modes;
Sample only, FM only and both FM and sample.
This enables the PSR 48 to create a combination of realistic sounding instruments as well as some nice synthetic sounding FM tones. The PSR 48 actually uses a cut down version of the synthesis engine that is used in the Yamaha TG33 and uses some of the same sound samples.
Custom Drummer
It is possible to create custom drum patterns for the auto accompaniment styles using the custom drummer function. Custom drum patterns can be programed using the green drum pads and only one drum pattern can be stored in memory. Different drum sounds can be selected by pressing the drum bank buttons located to the right of the drum pads.
The two keys at the end of the keyboard have the > symbol and the text ‘Cancel’ above them. When creating custom drum patterns, the key with the text ‘Cancel’ will cancel the drum pattern, and the key with the > symbol above it will add accents (making some drums sound louder) to the drums.
A total of 2 bars can be programmed and the keyboard will automatically quantize drums to 1/16th beat.
The two keys at the end of the keyboard have the > symbol and the text ‘Cancel’ above them. When creating custom drum patterns, the key with the text ‘Cancel’ will cancel the drum pattern, and the key with the > symbol above it will add accents (making some drums sound louder) to the drums.
A total of 2 bars can be programmed and the keyboard will automatically quantize drums to 1/16th beat.
MIDI
The PSR 48 features two midi jacks on the back and can be used as either a MIDI controller or a tone generator.
As the PSR 48 was released before the General MIDI standard came out, playing songs designed for General MIDI would need to be altered slightly in order to sound correctly on the PSR 48. The drums on the PSR 48 are mapped to different keys than the ones assigned in the General MIDI Standard, so playing an unmodified General MIDI track would result in the wrong drum sounds being played.
The drum pads do not transmit MIDI data so they cannot be used to control Digital Audio Workstations (DAW) or other drum machines.
As the PSR 48 was released before the General MIDI standard came out, playing songs designed for General MIDI would need to be altered slightly in order to sound correctly on the PSR 48. The drums on the PSR 48 are mapped to different keys than the ones assigned in the General MIDI Standard, so playing an unmodified General MIDI track would result in the wrong drum sounds being played.
The drum pads do not transmit MIDI data so they cannot be used to control Digital Audio Workstations (DAW) or other drum machines.
MIDI Modes
The keyboard has two modes in which it can respond to MIDI; Remote control and Standard voice mode.
Remote control mode is what the keyboard defaults to when it is switched on. In this mode the keyboard is mono-timbral which means only one part can be played at a time. The keyboard operates the same from an external MIDI controller as if it was being played on its own keys.
All 100 voices can be accessed in this mode and even the auto accompaniment chords can be controlled. The drums cannot be sequenced via MIDI in this mode, however the built in drum patterns can be synced with another MIDI instrument or DAW by setting the MIDI clock to external. The keyboard can receive on a single MIDI channel ranging from channels 1-16. It can also be set to omni mode which allows it to respond on all channels although only one voice can be used.
Standard voice mode was a MIDI specification that Yamaha had used on it’s keyboards in the late 80’s. When the PSR 48 is put in this mode, it becomes multi-timbral which means that it can play multiple parts simultaneously; This mode can be accessed by pressing and holding the grey MIDI button and pressing the number 0 on the voice selection keypad.
The voices are also mapped to Yamaha’s Standard Voice specification, which results in some voices being repeated. Some voices cannot be accessed in this mode such as the mute guitar.
Additional features accessible through MIDI become available in this mode. The keyboard will respond to velocity commands (how hard a key is pressed) when transmitted from an external MIDI controller.
Depending on the selected voice, additional octaves below the range of keys available on the keyboard can be accessed.
The volume of each individual part can also be controlled in this mode.
The drums can be sequenced in Standard Voice Mode and the rhythm receive channel can be changed.
Remote control mode is what the keyboard defaults to when it is switched on. In this mode the keyboard is mono-timbral which means only one part can be played at a time. The keyboard operates the same from an external MIDI controller as if it was being played on its own keys.
All 100 voices can be accessed in this mode and even the auto accompaniment chords can be controlled. The drums cannot be sequenced via MIDI in this mode, however the built in drum patterns can be synced with another MIDI instrument or DAW by setting the MIDI clock to external. The keyboard can receive on a single MIDI channel ranging from channels 1-16. It can also be set to omni mode which allows it to respond on all channels although only one voice can be used.
Standard voice mode was a MIDI specification that Yamaha had used on it’s keyboards in the late 80’s. When the PSR 48 is put in this mode, it becomes multi-timbral which means that it can play multiple parts simultaneously; This mode can be accessed by pressing and holding the grey MIDI button and pressing the number 0 on the voice selection keypad.
The voices are also mapped to Yamaha’s Standard Voice specification, which results in some voices being repeated. Some voices cannot be accessed in this mode such as the mute guitar.
Additional features accessible through MIDI become available in this mode. The keyboard will respond to velocity commands (how hard a key is pressed) when transmitted from an external MIDI controller.
Depending on the selected voice, additional octaves below the range of keys available on the keyboard can be accessed.
The volume of each individual part can also be controlled in this mode.
The drums can be sequenced in Standard Voice Mode and the rhythm receive channel can be changed.
Built in 2-track recorder
The Yamaha PSR 48 features a 2-track recorder called ‘Music Programmer’. This can record both an auto accompaniment style and user created melodies (Orchestra as written on the keyboard). Both tracks can be recorded individually or simultaneously however, the orchestra track is not quantized.
Using the Keyboard in the studio
The PSR 48 lacks line level outputs on the back, so the only way to record the keyboard is using the headphone port. This will disable the built in speakers however, so an audio splitter maybe needed when recording directly.
The keyboard can only play 8 notes at a time so a maximum of 8 parts can be played simultaneously. The drums however are generated separately to the PSR 48’s main voices. This means that when a drum sound is played it does not subtract from the 8-note polyphony. The rhythm channel can play up to 7 drum sounds at a time.
The keyboard has a feature that stops double notes from occurring when it is connected to a sequencer that forwards the midi data received back into the keyboard. I discovered that if I was to hold down a note i.e. C3 and then try to play the same note on an external MIDI instrument connected to the keyboard, the PSR 48 will refuse to play the note unless I let go of the key on the keyboard. It also works the other way round. This is useful for sequencers that do not have the option of disabling the MIDI thru option.
When I sequence the keyboard in real time, I usually only use around 5 to 6 notes. I found that the keyboard starts to sound choppy when the maximum number of notes has been reached. I suspect that this is due to the way that the keyboard handles when the number of notes being sent to it exceeds the max it can play.
With the other keyboards that I own, when the maximum note limit has been reached, the keyboard will stop playing the first note and replace it with the note that exceeded the note limit. The PSR 48 however will simply not play any more notes when the maximum note limit has been exceeded. It will only start playing the notes again once the previous notes have stopped.
For complex projects that require the keyboard to play more than 8 notes, I use a technique called overdubbing.
The PSR 48 does not feature a MIDI Thru port, so a MIDI splitter box will be required when using the keyboard with other synthesizers.
The keyboard can only play 8 notes at a time so a maximum of 8 parts can be played simultaneously. The drums however are generated separately to the PSR 48’s main voices. This means that when a drum sound is played it does not subtract from the 8-note polyphony. The rhythm channel can play up to 7 drum sounds at a time.
The keyboard has a feature that stops double notes from occurring when it is connected to a sequencer that forwards the midi data received back into the keyboard. I discovered that if I was to hold down a note i.e. C3 and then try to play the same note on an external MIDI instrument connected to the keyboard, the PSR 48 will refuse to play the note unless I let go of the key on the keyboard. It also works the other way round. This is useful for sequencers that do not have the option of disabling the MIDI thru option.
When I sequence the keyboard in real time, I usually only use around 5 to 6 notes. I found that the keyboard starts to sound choppy when the maximum number of notes has been reached. I suspect that this is due to the way that the keyboard handles when the number of notes being sent to it exceeds the max it can play.
With the other keyboards that I own, when the maximum note limit has been reached, the keyboard will stop playing the first note and replace it with the note that exceeded the note limit. The PSR 48 however will simply not play any more notes when the maximum note limit has been exceeded. It will only start playing the notes again once the previous notes have stopped.
For complex projects that require the keyboard to play more than 8 notes, I use a technique called overdubbing.
The PSR 48 does not feature a MIDI Thru port, so a MIDI splitter box will be required when using the keyboard with other synthesizers.
Pros
The PSR 48 has a nice variety of voices ranging from realistic sounding strings to gritty FM synthesizers. It is good as a basic MIDI controller as its send and receive channels can be changed individually. In Standard voice mode, individual MIDI channels can be turned on or off, a feature that is rarely used in home keyboards.
Playing the drums will not subtract from the keyboard’s 8-note polyphony as they are generated separately.
Playing the drums will not subtract from the keyboard’s 8-note polyphony as they are generated separately.
Cons
The drum pads do not transmit MIDI data so external drum machines or DAWs cannot be controlled with them.
The keyboard does not feature a synth edit function so the built in voices cannot be altered.
The pitch bend wheel feels flimsy compared to the one on the Casio HT-700/MT-600.
The keyboard does not support general MIDI as it predates it.
The keyboard does not feature a synth edit function so the built in voices cannot be altered.
The pitch bend wheel feels flimsy compared to the one on the Casio HT-700/MT-600.
The keyboard does not support general MIDI as it predates it.
My final thoughts
I like the Yamaha PSR 48 for its FM voices but I was a bit disappointed that it lacked a synth edit feature considering its price when new. It cost more than the Casio HT-700 and that keyboard was fully programmable.
While the Custom Drummer feature is nice, I personally would have preferred the ability to edit the entire auto accompaniment pattern.
I like the fact that the keyboard responds to velocity commands through MIDI as it allows me to create echo effects and emphasize some parts by making them louder than others.
If you are looking to purchase this keyboard, they generally sell for roughly £20-£70 on online auction sites. Most auctions maybe listed as collection only due to the keyboard’s size so keep that in mind when looking.
While the Custom Drummer feature is nice, I personally would have preferred the ability to edit the entire auto accompaniment pattern.
I like the fact that the keyboard responds to velocity commands through MIDI as it allows me to create echo effects and emphasize some parts by making them louder than others.
If you are looking to purchase this keyboard, they generally sell for roughly £20-£70 on online auction sites. Most auctions maybe listed as collection only due to the keyboard’s size so keep that in mind when looking.
Keyboard Specifications
Year released: 1990 roughly
Original selling price: £400
Number of keys: 61
Key size: Full
Velocity Sensitive keys: no
Synthesizer capability: no
Features: Solo voice, 100 built in styles and voices, custom drummer, built in 2 track recorder, Midi in and out, ensamble, sustain 2 modes, pitch bend wheel, dual voice mode, split keyboard mode, 6 drum pads with 5 selectable drum banks.
Sound generation method: Dual Architectural Synthesis System (DASS). Hybrid sample/Frequency modulation synthesis
Written by Stereo Ninja Music. © 2015 Stereo Ninja Music. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer
If you see my keyboard images and blog posts on online auction sites, it’s most likely that the seller has taken my content without my permission. I am not affiliated with any of these sellers and I cannot be held responsible for the items they are selling.
If you would like to provide feedback on this post, feel free to use the contact form on the Contact page.
Original selling price: £400
Number of keys: 61
Key size: Full
Velocity Sensitive keys: no
Synthesizer capability: no
Features: Solo voice, 100 built in styles and voices, custom drummer, built in 2 track recorder, Midi in and out, ensamble, sustain 2 modes, pitch bend wheel, dual voice mode, split keyboard mode, 6 drum pads with 5 selectable drum banks.
Sound generation method: Dual Architectural Synthesis System (DASS). Hybrid sample/Frequency modulation synthesis
Written by Stereo Ninja Music. © 2015 Stereo Ninja Music. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer
If you see my keyboard images and blog posts on online auction sites, it’s most likely that the seller has taken my content without my permission. I am not affiliated with any of these sellers and I cannot be held responsible for the items they are selling.
If you would like to provide feedback on this post, feel free to use the contact form on the Contact page.
Videos I've made using the keyboard
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Stereo Ninja Music does not endorse or sponsor these other videos and cannot be held responsible for their content.
I recommend that mobile viewers watch my videos from my YouTube channel www.youtube.com/user/stereoninjamusic as the interface is better suited for mobile displays.