Yamaha SU700

(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!

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)

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)