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phil montp « A Swiss-army knife to take anywhere! »
Published on 02/06/13 at 08:36
Audience:
Beginners
The technical features are described in the previous review.
I only want to emphasize something:
EVOLUTION /
The DSP effects that allow you to get a very flattering sound, the piano sound has gained depth and realism, although it still can't compete with the big names, the distorted guitars gained some grit, the brasses are finally credible (the smooth brass sound is awesome)
The synth and electric piano sounds have improved since the psr s910
The new audio tracks in the styles are stunning, but too rare (you can expect optional paid packs coming soon...)
The vocal harmonizer is very nice (it's a pity that it doesn't have a dedicated effects processor, because when the other parts use effects, you can only adjust the reverb and chorus)
The amplification is better than that of the previous generation and the fact that the line outputs don't mute the internal amp is very good news, because you still have the built-in speakers.
Thank you yamaha for allowing styles of previous generations to still work on the new models.
The audio editor is very powerful, but I still haven't found a use for it, though.
CRITICISMS /
The keyboard is still too soft and not very pleasant for a pianist. When will there be a weighted-key version?
The black finish is nicer than the gray of the s710/910, but less practical because it's harder to read the functions.
The design is flattering, but it's made of a plastic that isn't as nice as that of its eldest (and economic decision, surely...)
UTILIZATION
People who are familiar with the brand will feel at home. Everything evolved, but nothing change it terms of control, which is very nice, it's similar but better.
This keyboard is fine for all sorts of music, the samples aren't as good as on the yamaha motif pro series, but objectively speaking, it does the job.
The S950 is great for a small combo and it's spectacular amplified, with an irreproachable stereo width.
Lightweight, easy to use and to make it sound.
Overall opinion 9/10
I bought my 950 last December.
I'm an experienced musician and I also play with an 88-note MOTIF (very good, but very heavy). I previously had a PSR S710, which I liked for its lightness and programming ease.
I'm thrilled with the 950 whenever I go out and can actually play a keyboard that is just as light but more powerful.
The first review, which is very critical, seems unfair to me. The 950 is a very good arranger but it will never replace a pro piano, it's aimed at the general public and can be used by pros who want to use good-sounding accompaniments for a fair price.
The number of functions can be disconcerting for beginners, even if the internal styles allow you to indulge yourself very quickly.
OVERALL OPINION
I bought my 950 in December.
I am a musician experienced, also playing on a MOTIF 88 notes (very good but very heavy to carry), I had one previously PSR S710 that I appreciated for its lightness and ease of programming.
With the 950 I'm thrilled to go play with a keyboard still lighter and more efficient.
The first opinion seems to me very unfair criticism, the 950 is a great arranger but it will not replace a keyboard pro is the public that can be used by professionals who want a base and accompanying sounds fair price.
For beginners the number of functions can be confusing, even if the internal styles can have fun very quickly.
I only want to emphasize something:
EVOLUTION /
The DSP effects that allow you to get a very flattering sound, the piano sound has gained depth and realism, although it still can't compete with the big names, the distorted guitars gained some grit, the brasses are finally credible (the smooth brass sound is awesome)
The synth and electric piano sounds have improved since the psr s910
The new audio tracks in the styles are stunning, but too rare (you can expect optional paid packs coming soon...)
The vocal harmonizer is very nice (it's a pity that it doesn't have a dedicated effects processor, because when the other parts use effects, you can only adjust the reverb and chorus)
The amplification is better than that of the previous generation and the fact that the line outputs don't mute the internal amp is very good news, because you still have the built-in speakers.
Thank you yamaha for allowing styles of previous generations to still work on the new models.
The audio editor is very powerful, but I still haven't found a use for it, though.
CRITICISMS /
The keyboard is still too soft and not very pleasant for a pianist. When will there be a weighted-key version?
The black finish is nicer than the gray of the s710/910, but less practical because it's harder to read the functions.
The design is flattering, but it's made of a plastic that isn't as nice as that of its eldest (and economic decision, surely...)
UTILIZATION
People who are familiar with the brand will feel at home. Everything evolved, but nothing change it terms of control, which is very nice, it's similar but better.
This keyboard is fine for all sorts of music, the samples aren't as good as on the yamaha motif pro series, but objectively speaking, it does the job.
The S950 is great for a small combo and it's spectacular amplified, with an irreproachable stereo width.
Lightweight, easy to use and to make it sound.
Overall opinion 9/10
I bought my 950 last December.
I'm an experienced musician and I also play with an 88-note MOTIF (very good, but very heavy). I previously had a PSR S710, which I liked for its lightness and programming ease.
I'm thrilled with the 950 whenever I go out and can actually play a keyboard that is just as light but more powerful.
The first review, which is very critical, seems unfair to me. The 950 is a very good arranger but it will never replace a pro piano, it's aimed at the general public and can be used by pros who want to use good-sounding accompaniments for a fair price.
The number of functions can be disconcerting for beginners, even if the internal styles allow you to indulge yourself very quickly.
OVERALL OPINION
I bought my 950 in December.
I am a musician experienced, also playing on a MOTIF 88 notes (very good but very heavy to carry), I had one previously PSR S710 that I appreciated for its lightness and ease of programming.
With the 950 I'm thrilled to go play with a keyboard still lighter and more efficient.
The first opinion seems to me very unfair criticism, the 950 is a great arranger but it will not replace a keyboard pro is the public that can be used by professionals who want a base and accompanying sounds fair price.
For beginners the number of functions can be confusing, even if the internal styles can have fun very quickly.