GEAR: Yamaha PSS-380 FM Synth w/ Editable FM Voices

The Yamaha PSS-380 is a vintage portable keyboard released in the late 1980s as part of Yamaha's PSS (Portable Sound System) line. It’s known for its compact size, classic FM synthesis engine, and quirky sounds, making it a favorite among enthusiasts of retro music gear. Here’s an overview of its features and characteristics:

Key Features:

1. FM Synthesis:

   • The PSS-380 uses a 2-operator FM synthesis engine, similar to the one found in Yamaha's DX-series synthesizers but in a more simplified form.
   • It has 100 preset voices, ranging from classic synth sounds to more experimental tones.
   • There's a “Custom Voice” feature allowing limited sound tweaking, enabling you to modify aspects like envelope, vibrato, and more.

2. Keyboard:

   • 49 mini-keys, suitable for portability but not ideal for traditional piano playing.
   • Velocity sensitivity is not included, but the keys are responsive enough for casual play.

3. Rhythms and Accompaniment:

   • 16 rhythm patterns with auto-accompaniment, providing backing tracks for practice or performance.
   • Accompaniment includes chord modes like single-finger and fingered chord.

4. Built-In Effects:

   • Features onboard effects such as sustain and vibrato, which add more character to the sounds.
   • A portamento feature for smooth glides between notes.

5. Connectivity:

   • A 3.5mm headphone output for private practice or connecting to external amplification.
   • A DIN-style input for a Yamaha power supply, though it can also run on batteries (6 AA).

6. Other Features:

   • Compact and lightweight, making it highly portable.
   • Onboard stereo speakers, loud enough for small spaces.

Why People Love It:

• Unique Lo-Fi Sound: The FM engine in the PSS-380 produces distinctive tones with a retro, digital vibe, which has become a sought-after sound in lo-fi and experimental music.
• Custom Voice Editing: While limited compared to full-fledged synthesizers, the ability to tweak sounds is a fun and rare feature in this class of keyboard.
• Affordability: When it was first released, the PSS-380 was an affordable entry point into FM synthesis. Today, it remains a budget-friendly option on the secondhand market.

Considerations:

• The mini-keys and lack of velocity sensitivity might be limiting for professional keyboardists.
• The sound engine is more simplistic compared to higher-end Yamaha FM synths like the DX7.
• It lacks modern connectivity options like MIDI or USB, which can limit its integration into modern setups.

Fun Uses:

The Yamaha PSS-380 shines in:

• Retro-style compositions and sound design.
• Sampling its quirky tones for use in DAWs or hardware samplers.
• Teaching beginners about synthesizers in a simple, hands-on way.