Yamaha SU700 user reviews ( 9/10) - 8 user reviews

• 12/13/08

  Audiofanzine FR's review

  Characteristics

  (Originally written by roger2004ien/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
  
  Already detailed (see bellow)
  
  
  
  Mine has the option for separate SCSI outputs
  
  
  
  I didn't install the maximum RAM and it's a pity because the maximum sample length depends on that...
  
  
  
  I can only sample about one minute
  
  
  
  But that's already enough to make loops, isn't it?
  
  
  
  I found a secondhand 4-GB SCSI HDD to save via SCSI (it wasn't easy to get the right cable)
  
  
  
  The separate outs can be assigned in a dedicated menu. It's probably nice to transfer the separate outputs to a computer in order to process each track (EQ, compressor, etc.) but I produce the songs entirely in the SU.
  
  
  
  I bought it a long time ago but I didn't use it a lot. I will update this review as soon as I learn more about it.

  Utilization

  I've already owned similar devices and I have the user's manual, so it wasn't much of a problem...
  
  
  
  Once you learn how it works, the configuration is logical and the small vintage LCD with blue pixels helps you. It displays the track status (on/off, volume, effect intensity, etc.) and much more to make it easy to understand...
  
  
  
  People who work with software sequencers and don't know hardware sequencers must have a strong will. Although you can find the user's manual on the web and the device isn't that complicated. It's even very user friendly, a groove box is almost as difficult.
  
  
  
  And the user's manual is very clear.
  
  
  
  Sound editing is very intuitive (for example, the effect section is similar to the Yamaha RS7000 or RM1X), you must only adjust the different submenus with a rotary control, which makes the unit perfect for live applications where you need to configure effects on the fly.
  
  
  
  The pads are quite responsive.
  
  
  
  The recording section couldn't be easier.
  
  
  
  The ribbon controller is nice: you can assign several cut-off or high-pass filters to it. It's fun!
  
  
  
  This is essentially a device for live applications but it will easily find a place in your studio
  
  
  
  if you want to spend less time with your computer. I know you would be only replacing one machine with another one but this one is more like a toy...
  
  
  
  I'm a big retro fan!
  
  
  
  For me it's a delight.
  
  
  
  Of course it CANNOT replace a modern software sampler with all its functions (forget time stretching for example), but it's great if you combine it with a computer. You just have to prepare your samples on a PC (which is impossible with the SU), transfer them to the hardware, and enjoy more basic parameters (and good ergonomics!) that let you explore your creativity.
  
  
  
  Yes, it can be an amazingly creative tool. Obviously you can't compare it with a software sequencer (not that you can't get creative with software, but it's different...)
  
  
  
  The multi-effects processor is also great because it provides you with everything you need to test ideas.
  
  
  
  I started assigning effect parameters to an UC33E: it's perfect for live applications...

  Sounds

  This unit has a real sound character of its own.
  
  
  
  Compared with my sound card, it's much better!
  
  
  
  The sound is quite warm. You'll notice it as soon as you crank it up a bit.
  
  
  
  It produces a big low-end. The overall sound is round, but I don't have professional monitors or headphones to give you more details.
  
  
  
  The multi-effects is nice (compression, distortion, flanger, phaser, pan effects, etc.)
  
  
  
  and it has enough editable parameters.

  Overall Opinion

  The device is not as heavy as you might think and it is RELIABLE.
  
  
  
  I haven't had any crashes although it sometimes doesn't load songs properly. When that happens I just reboot, reload and everything works fine (but you have to patient, that's all).
  
  
  
  I bought it secondhand for a good price.
  
  
  
  I also bought the 4-GB SCSI HDD.
  
  
  
  I'll give you a couple of tips if you plan to buy such a device:
  
  
  
  Check all rotary controls while playing samples (ask for a demo with sample) and make sure that everything works as it should. Check the in/outs for noise.
  
  
  
  If the unit works without a problem you can have all options for a good price. It's a real delight and a good deal!
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• 10/31/08

  FP User Reviews's review

  Characteristics

  The yam700 had everything. efx time strech er...ribbon hard drive option. Unfortunatly it didnt have any way to sample a sound and play it back picthed, (well it did but it was so bad that you didnt really feel like doing it) in reality it was a very expensive drummachine. With quite possible the worlds most basic (in range) complex (in use) seqencer with no option to hook it up to an external sequencer!!
  
  
  
  Price paid
  
  
  
  $850 usd

  Utilization

  Apart from the sequencer it was very easy to use. I came up with loads of great tunes on mine. It was only when i took off my phones. It was only when i got my sprit absolutes that i felt cheated. The poor su700 just couldnt escape its natural yoghurt sound.
  
  
  
  Well after about 4 years mine fell apart. the jog wheel broke and knobs didnt work. But i did use it a lot so i guess it was ok.

  Sounds

  The sound of the su700 is best decribed like melted marsh mellows. It sounds kind of furry and far away. If you ever try and use the time strech or picth knobs your in deep muff. they completly wank up your sound leaveing you staring out the window in disheartend disbelief that you could have been famous if only for some knoblo at yamaha could bebotherd to spend 5 minutes...........

  Overall Opinion

  I love the su 700 i thought we were going to conquer the world toghether but sadly we grew apart. i remember so many unemployed rainy days we spent in my bedroom trying to find the right combination.
  
  
  
  Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
  
  Posted by: samjuice ( 9-, 2004)
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• 10/31/08

  FP User Reviews's review

  Characteristics

  Features are great but there is one thing-for example you can't increase or decrease compress for each pad,you can do it only for all track.And other thing-you can't select more than one effect for one pad.But it's great in average.Effects are great & i love drum machine style composed loop section
  
  
  
  Price paid
  
  
  
  700$

  Utilization

  I's very easy to use.Sampling is so easy that allmost anybody could do it.
  
  
  
  The quality is ok.It's a tough groove box.

  Sounds

  The sound is in strereo and it's great.I like the EQ section-it makes sound amazing.

  Overall Opinion

  Man,I love that music factory.I work with it allmost every day and I make hiphop on it and it sounds like it should sound-hardknockin beats,powerfull basslines and samples of all kind of sound style.
  
  
  
  Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
  
  Posted by: Unknown (January 2-, 2003)
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• 10/31/08

  FP User Reviews's review

  Characteristics

  Im very happy with it. its missing DECENT missing midi support... nothing else
  
  
  
  Price paid
  
  
  
  £550

  Utilization

  Its pretty easy to use

  Sounds

  Nothing changes sound like it. its ful hands on sound mangeling power !

  Overall Opinion

  Definitly giggable, and rock solid.....
  
  
  
  id buy another one if it broke
  
  
  
  Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
  
  Posted by: Unknown ( 4-, 2002)
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• 03/26/05

  yan64's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  For me the good old hardware (first round 1998) has no equal in the report intuitive / creative. All the features of this sampler (groove machine) can work in the production of pro sample, the sequence and programming. The effects and converters are also a strong point of this machine very accessible.

  Utilization

  The French manual is very didactic. The general issue is easy, but requires an adjustment period as with any grip of a new interface. The only downside to using this machine is on the issue of sample that deserved to be graphic and not cash.

  Sounds

  RAS dynamics allowed me to create many studio and live without is not fault.

  Overall Opinion

  Today, the value for money of the machine is incomparable with other models. For those who want to spend the hardware sampling can acquire their eyes closed (not too much!) This device outside the norm. I use it for 6 years and being careful to always respond knobs, and the sound is there!
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• 09/07/04

  hummer's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  This sampler is a sampler + is a groove machine. it gives me options with + mpc. it good fx, good convertos ...

  Utilization

  A super simple config, a playful mode trs. in 5 min, to capture the BCAN

  Sounds

  No problem at this level it. especially if you compare an mpc ....

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for a year and I am ravi.ce sampler is not enough known ds the world of groove machine & all it's 600 dommage.pour options are not better! I do it again this choice hesitate ss
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• 08/29/03

  Tche's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  No opinion

  Utilization

  No opinion

  Sounds

  No opinion

  Overall Opinion

  Good machine made by the following three points. Fragility of the buttons on a machine that CONTRL prconise work "live". Too bad The systems backups are optional. Too bad also for coatings and inscriptions that wear out much too fast over the most-used commands.
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• 07/08/03

  Anonymous 's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Sampler, 40 tracks squenceur
  
  Poly-64
  
  -A / D 18-bit
  
  -D / A 18-bit
  
  -43 Effects
  
  -4 MB of memory standard extansible 68 mo by the addition of edo ram 72 pin (always identical pair)
  
  -Basic Input / Output Stereo jack, extansible 6 outputs, spdif i / o, optical i / o
  
  In-out noon
  
  Optional SCSI-
  
  
  
  7 / 10 because everything is optional ....

  Utilization

  Ultra easy to grip. A pad are pieces among the 40 available (4 banks of 10) and sample! A button press sampling the machine gun, and ds the signal arrives registration is dclanch. It s'arrte with a new button press. There is a choice between the 8 or 16 bit and between 11, 22 or 44 kHz, knowing that everything is combined (eg 8 or 16 bit/44 k bit/11k etc ...).
  
  The edition of the sample is done thanks to endless pots on top of each pad which is assigned a function by selection in the Left. Everything is done in real time.
  
  The manual is pretty well done (rare yamaha) with a tutorial To create a piece just with the CD. Knowing that it is also a squenceur the emphasis is placed on it.
  
  I will not speak of this function because I do not use (I squence of cubase).
  
  The pad is in diviss plusieusr type: loop, composed loop, and free (I have not grasped the diffrence between "composed loop" and free). Namely a sample affect one of the 8 pads (4 X 2) loop will be required to loop it and same time stretch automatically to the tempo of squenceur.
  
  On the right there is a ribbon controller that can accommodate any function (cut off, lfo speed, effect level, and dedicates a function: the scratch). As against this function is unique and will be the same for all tracks.
  
  The backup SCSI ease. As against the gre su700 not a single scsi PRIF time. SONC must go to the menu and change the SCSI ID of SCSI perif to say on which it is read.
  
  
  
  9 / 10

  Sounds

  The effects are not bad at all for the Intgr (maximum 3 effects simultaneously). The distos and Other imitation trs amp are effective. 43 The effects Grente do not all the same fawn. There are the classic and inserts. On to, no pb, we can assay the level of each track, for against the inserts we must select the tracks that pass in and then the level is done on the master only. It's a shame for some MRIT effects of being in class and not to insert.
  
  The reverb is well made.
  
  Filters (Low Pass Filter, High Pass Filter, Band Pass Filter and Band Eliminate Filter) are quite effective, without being the wrath of war either.
  
  LFO assignable to a single filter, the amlitude, pitch (the 3 if you want both). on the other hand no tempo sync, it's pretty boring for that matter.
  
  The eq is l COD I think too.
  
  The time stretch is easily grace an auto slice.
  
  The ribbon controller: super! The scratch is quite fun and trs raliste sometimes (with a little practice).
  
  Envelopes: I have not yet explored what I will do a ct the update.
  
  
  
  In short, has not sound bad at all. The possibility of sampling and frquence RESOLUTION variables are interesting.
  
  
  
  8 / 10

  Overall Opinion

  He is a little over a month.
  
  I bought used 550 euros (shipped with the SCSI card and spare output, digital i / o.
  
  I've added a zip and a CD player (in a same case, very practical). The zip for backups and CD for imports of the Akai sample su7000 recognized. As against this must not be ct the press! A loop of two measures is about 30 40 seconds to load !!!!!
  
  Otherwise, it is impossible to connect the bte a computer, it recognizes the AIFF sample to be given via the zip (or diskette).
  
  It is first something to live, and of course the possibility of shipping standards are not (well better than on an MPC2000, I feel). In short, I love it for its ergonomics, its endless assignable pots, sampling its ultra easy and intuitive. I had no prior sampler (a esi32 and s3000) and frankly even if ct is in fact less is much more simple. And the days o I vraiemnt limited edition of its possibilities, I always kontakt on the pc.
  
  In short, a machine live primarily, but not its place if only one home studio OPAS is a sound designer.
  
  
  
  Black spot: no tempo sync LFO can!
  
  
  
  8 / 10
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