The Yamaha TG55 is a favorite among fans of late '80s and early '90s digital synths. While it’s not as popular as Yamaha's flagship synths like the DX7, its AWM engine and characteristic sound make it a sought-after piece for those looking to add vintage digital textures to their music.
If you're considering getting one, it's a great tool for nostalgic digital sounds and layering in a studio setup, but be prepared for some programming challenges if you want to tweak its sounds deeply.
This synthesizer module was released in the late 1980s and is part of Yamaha's TG series. It is the rackmount counterpart to the Yamaha SY55 keyboard.
Key Features
Synthesis Engine:
The TG55 uses Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) synthesis, which combines sampled waveforms with digital filtering.
It offers subtractive synthesis capabilities, allowing users to shape sounds with envelopes and filters.
Polyphony:
16-note polyphony
Multitimbrality:
16-part multitimbral, meaning it can play up to 16 different sounds simultaneously, useful for sequencing.
Sound Library:
Comes with 74 preset sounds and 74 user slots for custom patches.
Sounds include a mix of acoustic instrument emulations, synth textures, pads, and more.
Waveforms:
Features a ROM with 74 sampled waveforms, including pianos, strings, brass, and other instruments.
Effects:
Offers built-in digital effects such as reverb, delay, and chorus for added sound shaping.
Connectivity:
MIDI In, Out, and Thru for integration into larger setups.
Stereo audio outputs for left and right channels.
Headphone output for monitoring.
User Interface:
A relatively simple LCD screen and front panel buttons for navigation.
Editing patches can be more intuitive with external software editors.
Strengths
Warm and Characterful Sound: The AWM synthesis delivers a nostalgic and slightly lo-fi digital sound that's still appreciated for its warmth and character.
Multitimbral Capability: Makes it a great choice for layering sounds or using it in a MIDI-based studio setup.
Compact Design: Being a rackmount unit, it saves space in a studio environment.
