Yamaha SPX990 Multi-Effect Processor

The Yamaha SPX990 made a significant impact in the world of sound effects, offering groundbreaking features that set it apart from previous models. One of the most notable innovations was the multi-tap delay, which allowed users to determine each level of time and balance, providing greater control over the effect. The round pan and intelligent pitch effects were also introduced, adding harmony through internal recording based on specific keys and scales, further enhancing the creative possibilities. Additionally, new effects such as the stereo echo and quad echo offered more versatility, enriching the overall sound design of the Yamaha SPX990.

The Yamaha SPX990 was equipped with a 44.1 kHz sampling frequency, providing a full, flat frequency response from 20Hz to 20kHz. This enabled it to deliver exceptionally clean, transparent effect sounds. Unlike its predecessor, the Yamaha SPX90, the SPX990 also featured direct digital interfacing capability, ensuring compatibility with the latest sound systems, and making it a valuable tool for modern audio production.

Preset effect programmes could be edited, re-titled, and stored in one of 80 available RAM memory locations. Each effect programme offered precise control, thanks to the inclusion of individual 3-band parametric EQ and dynamic filter parameters. This feature allowed users to tailor the sound with high precision, providing a more customised experience for sound designers.

In addition to the basic effect and EQ parameters, the Yamaha SPX990 also offered a list of “internal parameters,” allowing for further fine-tuning of the effect sounds. The Yamaha SPX990 was fully MIDI compatible, featuring a MIDI IN terminal for selecting effect programmes, as well as a switchable MIDI THRU/OUT terminal for transmitting data. This feature enabled users to easily store and recall edited programmes, using a MIDI data recorder or other external storage devices. Programmes stored in the internal RAM could be reloaded when necessary through the MIDI IN terminal, streamlining workflow and enhancing usability.

For added convenience, the Yamaha SPX990 offered flexible analogue input and output terminals, which could be switched between -20dBm and +4dBm line levels. This feature made it compatible with a broader range of sound equipment, providing more versatility in different setups. Additionally, the Yamaha SPX990 was equipped with a card slot that accepted optional RAM cards, allowing for the storage of effect programmes externally, which provided an additional layer of convenience for users working in larger, more complex systems.

The Yamaha SPX990 utilised advanced 20-bit analogue-to-digital and digital-to-analogue conversion technology, sampling at 44.1kHz. Its frequency response extended from 20Hz to 20kHz, and it featured an impressive dynamic range of 106dB, with negligible noise and distortion. The stereo configuration of the Yamaha SPX990 offered true 2-in/2-out stereo processing, preserving the original stereo image and ensuring high-quality sound reproduction. Additionally, all stereo inputs and outputs were electronically balanced, with both XLR and TRS phone jack connectors, making the device ideal for professional audio environments.

The Yamaha SPX990 provided 180 memory locations on board, with 80 read-only memory (ROM) locations and 100 writable RAM locations. For even more storage capacity, users could plug in memory cards that held an additional 100 effect programmes each. The unit also included programmable pre and post effects, which allowed users to further refine and shape their sound. With four programmable pre-effects, 36 programmable main effects, and three programmable post-effects, the Yamaha SPX990 offered a comprehensive range of tools for sound design.

Delay time parameters could be programmed in terms of tempo or note length, and users could also input delay time via a footswitch or MIDI clock data. This flexibility made the Yamaha SPX990 suitable for a wide variety of musical styles and performance setups. The unit’s pitch tracking was particularly impressive, thanks to a new dynamic waveform analysis technique that enabled faultless pitch precision. The “intelligent” pitch change function allowed the SPX990 to generate appropriate harmony based on a specified key and scale, offering an easy way to create harmonically rich sounds.

The Yamaha SPX990 also provided external parameter control, allowing two selected parameters from each programme to be assigned to external MIDI controllers. This functionality gave users the ability to control effects in real time, adding an extra level of versatility. MIDI control enabled the selection of any effect programme and allowed for the real-time adjustment of two effect parameters simultaneously, further enhancing its performance capabilities.

In terms of pre-effects, the Yamaha SPX990 offered a variety of options, including 3-band PEQ, compressor, harmonic driver, and combinations of compression, distortion, and EQ. The 36 main effects included a wide range of sound-shaping possibilities, such as reverb, early reflections, delay, echo, modulation, pitch change, pan, complex effects, and the freeze function. These effects could be applied individually or in combination to create unique sound textures. The post-effects available included 3-band PEQ, compressor, and harmonic driver, further refining the sound with more precise control.

The Yamaha SPX990 was designed to be a powerful and flexible tool for sound designers, producers, and engineers. It offered in-depth programming options, superior sound quality, and seamless integration into modern sound systems, making it an indispensable asset in both studio and live settings. Whether for complex sound processing or simple effects manipulation, the Yamaha SPX990 provided the versatility and control needed for any audio production.