Yamaha RM1X

The Yamaha RM1X is a step programmable machine interface. The technology used in this unit is the same that is in a lot of samplers on the market today. One thing that is really cool with this is that you can actually purchase a add on piece of hardware for it that will make it rack able! Most Hardware sequencers don’t come or even have that option available. So Yamaha was thinking on their toes when creating this hardware. It was made around 10 years ago, so you can get them pretty cheap online today. I personally don’t have one anymore because I have traded it for another piece of gear years ago. Not to say it wasn’t a good buy, because it was and it served its purpose in my workflow.


UTILIZATION

One thing you will need with this unit is the manual. The manual is pretty lengthy too, not too easy to understand. Well its not hard to understand its just so boring. But once you get the hang of it you wont need the manual unless you forgot how to do something. Most of the menu’s are self explanatory once you figure out how to get to them. The screen is small though, so beware. Most devices with small backlit screens don’t play well on my eyes which was one of the downfalls of this machine for me.


SOUNDS

You will love the sounds and sound quality you will get out of the RM1X. It is second to none, there are a lot of effects and you can have a song up to 256 measures long. Also, with the ability to have 16 different midi inserts going. The memory on this unit isn’t that much though, I think you can only save around 15 or so songs if I remember correctly. So its far from where we are today with computers and saving you whole lifes work for later use.


OVERALL OPINION

Overall, the RM1X does the job you need it to do with out any issues. Minus the learning curve you will love this unit and it will go great in your work flow and make your music a little less stressful because this unit does so much for you. I suggest purchasing this now because its really cheap online and in the music stores locally. Its really a no brainer now because of the cost.

The Yamaha RM1X is a versatile music workstation that is aimed at users making dance and electronic music. The RM1X was made in the 1990's and I'm pretty sure that it is no longer being manufactured. It can be used both on the stage or in the studio as a production tool. While today this has mostly been replaced with DAW (digital audio workstations), there is still a lot that can be done with this. It's easy to compile your own beat or use it as a 16 channel sequencer. It's fully MIDI compatible and also has a now dated floppy drive.

UTILIZATION

Being that there is a whole lot that you can do with the Yamaha RM1X, it definitely will take a while to learn how to use this inside and out. I definitely do not know everything there is to know about the RM1X, as I've only used it a handful of times. I'd say that while it's easy to get some simple tracks going, it will certainly take some effort to learn how to use all of the features on the RM1X. While I haven't seen the manual for this, I would recommend having it around unless you're pretty experienced.

SOUNDS

The sounds possible with the Yamaha RM1X are quite versatile, as there is a serious amount of different sound banks to work with. This includes a variety of presets including different drum patterns and phrases. It also has built in effects and it's easy enough to layer your sounds to get new ones. Most of the sounds on here are pretty realistic considering what the box is, and there's almost an endless room to do what you want with it, but the actually sounds themselves aren't the most impressive. I would probably recommend using this as a supplement and have something with some more sounds like a DAW. If I were doing a serious project with this I would probably bounce everything into a DAW at some point along the way, but this is definitely a self sustaining work station and everything can be done inside of it.

OVERALL OPINION

While most people out there building an electronic music rig will go with something computer based, the Yamaha RM1X is a nice alternative to get started with. It's also just a nice supplement piece of gear to use in tandem with a DAW if you so choose. I must admit that the one that we have at the studio where I work doesn't see much use, but it's kept around as you never know when it might be helpful. If I were putting together a rig I'd be going with a DAW based platform, bu the Yamaha RM1x is a great little device and is an option definitely worth exploring.

Multiple Midi Outs would be sweet. A way to save user patches. A way to hear other tracks while recording in X0X mode.

Price paid

$700

UTILIZATION

The interface can be hard to get used to. There is a lot of sub-menus where certain features hide. It's a very easy machine to use though and it has never crashed or anything similar. The only big glitch is that after a lot of use the keys become worn and unresponsive. The manual is ok and should get you up and ready in little time.

Once again, the only big glitch is that after a lot of use the keys become worn and unresponsive.

SOUNDS

Sound is not where the Rm1x excels in my opinion. It's sequencer might be top notch but it really lacks in the sound dept. If this is your only peice of kit you will want to expand. However, its sounds compliment other synths well.

OVERALL OPINION

Aside from the few things I mentioned the Rm1x oooozes class. It's sequencer is top notch and suits both studio work and live work. While I dont think it's sounds are amazing they still have the ability to inspire and do work well when placed in a composition with other sounds.

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: Unknown ( 4-, 2002)

I like what the box has too offer. Features cool effects that can get very deep if you put the time in. Drum presets are great, something that is kinda unexpected from Yamaha. However alot of the instrument presets totally suck, with exception to some basslines. But who needs presets anyway?! With such an easy to use sequencer, making your own loops and building upon them is what makes this beatbox great. Once you have the loops built you can seriously edit them, you need a creative mind to appreciate what this box can do. Its easy and fast. Comes with a decent size tone generator. But the sounds are kinda cheesy and dated, even the drums are weak. If you edit them and really use those knobs the sounds can be impressive, almost inspiring. The knobs are GREAT and brings life to even the most whack loops. The RM1X has plenty of cool features that will keep you happy, and it is not to mention a great alternative to software sequencers.

Price paid

$700

UTILIZATION

Dead easy to use. Its alot like the QY-70. The manual is very useful and makes a great reference, but some of the unit's features are not explained in the manual.

Built like a tank. The only downside is the small keyboard built on the box. Plastic keys and it may seem that they could easily break with enough abuse. But this will most likely be hooked up to a MIDI keyboard controller, so who cares? The knobs really get broken in after enough twisting, but i like that they slide even smoother than when i bought this item new.

SOUNDS

The sounds seem to be the weakest aspect of the box. However, with decent editing, really cool sounds can be created. Why would anyone use factory sounds anyway? Even with a high quality sound module, you have to edit the sounds a little to get what your looking for. So I can understand that this box gets alot of negative feedback from people because the majority of the people that are doing all the bashing are the ones at SamAsh that just finger through the factory sounds. You have to utilize the effects block and really twist those knobs to appreciate the sound that this box is capable of delivering.

OVERALL OPINION

I love it. This is the heart of my small studio. I use it to control my sampler and sound module. Without this piece, my other gear would be lifeless. Very easy to use and thats a major factor. It seems that Roland and Emu sequencer dont have that ease of use like the Yamaha RM1X, which may lead some to believe that this box is actaully some kind of "toy". It a sense it may be, buts its powerful and FUN TO USE and thats why I enjoy it so much.

Originally posted on FutureProducers.com
Posted by: Unknown ( 4-, 2002)