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Yamaha's PSR2000/1000 Portable Keyboards

July 21, 2001 - The Yamaha PSR1000 and PSR2000 represent a new line of portable keyboards with features and performance characteristics that blur the lines between hobbyists and professionals. One look at the radically new designs and ergonomics will prove that this is something very new.

"Incredible power and innovation best describe these keyboards," states Jim Presley, marketing manager, Portable Keyboards, Pro Audio & Combo Division. "Every few years, Yamaha replaces models with new, improved versions of successful products. The PSR1000 and PSR2000 represent a departure from their predecessors, with more than incremental improvements. Their price points are affordable for the casual user; but the performance is more than enough for the most discerning professional."

A large bit-mapped LCD screen, borrowed from the professional Yamaha PSR9000, shows information not previously available on low-tech displays, including: graphic representations of functions; computer-like folders showing song, style and function lists; animated help screens; song lyrics; music notation; and more.

Yamaha's remarkable new Music Finder Function makes operating the PSR1000 and PSR2000 as simple as knowing a song title. Users may choose from hundreds of song titles, and, with the push of a button, the entire keyboard automatically adjusts all appropriate settings for that particular song.

Stunning sound quality is due, in part, to Yamaha's Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) tone generation, Yamaha's XG MIDI compatibility, a newly designed bass reflex sound system with two-way stereo speakers and enhanced, multi-effect DSP. In addition, Yamaha's exclusive "Sweet Voices," "Cool" and "Live" voices have been added from the legendary PSR9000, resulting in realistic instrument sounds that imitate natural timbres.

The PSR2000 contains a flute organ, complete with eight graphic drawbars that can be individually manipulated. This classic jazz and rock organ sound is further enhanced by programmable tremolo in the DSP. Innovations in the PSR2000 continue with a microphone input for vocals which links up with an internal vocal harmonizer, enabling you to literally sing harmony with yourself in real time. A built-in multi-effect processor, complete with Yamaha DSP, allows the user to enhance—or even change the gender—of the voice.

If remembering song lyrics is a problem, both the PSR1000 and PSR2000 have another innovation called "LY" (Lyrics) that will scroll the words across the display, in time to the music, adding the functions of a comprehensive Karaoke system. Lyrics can be displayed with music notation on the PSR2000. Auto accompaniment functions have been enhanced, with four variations per style, three intros and three endings per song.

A TO HOST port enables the direct connection to the serial port of a PC or Macintosh with a single cable, eliminating the need for a MIDI interface card or box. This opens a whole world of musical, educational and creative possibilities to the more than 30 million U.S. households with personal computers, and is an especially attractive feature for the growing number of laptop users, where the addition of cards may not be an option.