Yamaha FB-01

I have this Yamaha FB01 Sound Generator on top of my Technics PR-305 Digital Piano. It was made back in 1985. It has 240 instrumental sounds on it. I have the instruction book to it. It was given to me by a piano tuner, as I had the Technics EX-10 organ that I got rid of, with my mom in the fall of 1998. The Yamaha FB01 has a polyphony of eight notes at the most, I use it to play with when I`m playing some songs, or playing along with some songs that I hear on the radio. The Yamaha FB01 can be tricky to use, and has a polyphony of 8 notes maximum, if you don`t know about it. But anyway it can fun to use. You can look up www.manualslib.com/ on how to operate it.

This unit can be racked but will need a "rack tray" that can hold two 1/2 size units (this being one of the two). Actually, the only way to really do any editing with this guy is with Midiquest or some other midi editor. I have never tried using the buttons on the front for editing, but you might be able to by doing the "hold this button down and click that button" dance. This unit has the typical GM range of sounds (i.e. drums, keys, woodwinds, horns, etc....). I have never heard of any expansions for this unit as I can't see where they would go. This has Stereo 1/4"s out and Midi in/out.

UTILIZATION

With MidiquestXL the sound editing couldn't be easier unless it had dedicated knobs for each parameter on the front, which it doesn't. Again, using MidiQuest is essential with this device. I don't even want to think about trying to use it without a computer editor. With that said, the config is simple for me as I just change the patch and play. I have never read the manual honestly. Everything is accessible through the computer editor.

SOUNDS

No, the sounds are not realistic (with the exception of a few horns actually, not great, but surprising for this time). But I didn't buy it for realistic sounds. This is one of those units that people pick up these days because of its "not realistic" sound. I pair this up with a MAudio Axiom keyboard and it plays quite nice, no latency or clunky notes. I actually only use hardware effects with this unit, I feel they warm up the sonic quality enough so it doesn't sound so brittle. I love just about every sound on this device, but that is because I wanted a synth that sounded like the late 80's early 90's and this thing really does. I did really like the horns though.

OVERALL OPINION

What I like most about this unit is it is a true FM synthesizer and will give you that Early 90's sound if that's what you are after. What I don't like is the inability (or at least the ease) of being able to easily edit sounds from the front of the unit. MidiQuest makes it all better though. I only paid $25 for this guy, so I can't complain at all. I think they sold for close to $1000 back in the day. The quality is spot on for that era in my opinion. I have used several Roland synths from the same Era, and I have to say this guy outperforms the D-5 and D-110 in terms of sound. For that price, I would buy ten of them and have some crazy "Sega Genesis" compositions playing in my house, hahaha. Definitely pick one up if you can.

FM expander half-rack kind. Editable sounds. No utility on your computer. Noon and stereo audio outputs. No "extension
I find it very heavy for its size.

UTILIZATION

Configuration is as simple. Editing is simple if one has already triturate synhthés. Not even need a manual.

SOUNDS

The sounds are very dated and unrealistic. Not much to do with a DX7 and expressiveness is minimal.

OVERALL OPINION

I have 9 years. This is the legacy of my father-in (can not sell it, my wife does not want and more, I do not know how much it sells for 10 euros ... and again). I tried it and since he sleeps in a corner. Really cheap, there is nothing to do with it. I got it without the manual, but there is not need. Editing is minimal and easy. Nothing complicated.
It is rusty but still works fine. A good prop for a piece of furniture.