Yamaha PSS-A50 Review | The Good & Bad You Need to Know
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 10. 11. 2019
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I just bought one. I plan on making some songs for Rhiannas next album.
We look forward to hearing this rhianna's debut album
Rhiannas that sounds like walmart version of Rihanna
đ€Ł
I ordered one today,itâll be here this week,looking forward to using it,I donât care about the bad side of it,itâs good enough for me,it has its attributes,Iâve seen enough review videos to convince me itâs worth purchasing.
Thank you, this review is excellent. Just what I needed
Hi Jeremy, I just bought one of these because of your great review/demo. I know synthesizers and pro keyboards pretty well, but your work is a truly great encyclopedia of affordable / beginner / home / portable instruments. When Patricia asked for a small keyboard to use as a pitch reference for music lessons, I knew it had to be good. It needed to be compact. She wanted a decent acoustic piano sound. I instantly remembered your review. I appreciate you. I learn about instruments I'll never get a chance to touch now in the pandemic.
Thank you for your kind words. Great choice and have fun!
I'm definitely considering getting this one. I like it for the reason I like the Casio SA keyboards: It's a powerful portable toy with some well-defined limits, it does not go too deep into professional features(e.g. large format, wheel/joystick, full arranger/workstation functions). That makes it useful for composition and lo-fi recordings. It lets you think a little bit about the direction of the arrangement, but stops you from worrying too much about getting an exact sound or performance. It's good at parties too since everyone can pick it up and get a result. It would be nice if it were more of a synthesizer, but the large voice selection, FX functions and arpeggio already give it a very large palette. One feature that I will miss is no volume slider: on the SA keyboards this is a useful real-time control when sending the signal into an FX pedal, it lets you control the distortion level.
For a non keyboard player like me, looks like something that will ease my way to do things with 1 hand and play drums with the other, as i was looking for. Thanks for the review. You earned a follower
Thank you for such a well though-out and detailed review, Jeremy. The Yamaha PSS series of keyboards evokes a lot of nostalgic feelings in me because the Yamaha PSS 270 keyboard that I got back in 1989 was my 2nd keyboard ever, right after the little Casio PT-1. I never really learned piano proper and never really had much in terms of lessons, at all. I've mostly figured things out by reading, and it was really that Yamaha PSS 270 on which I've learned how to play chords with my left hand and lead melodies with my right. Many years have passed, and I got so excited to see Yamaha resurrecting their PSS series. It's great news for everyone. This time around, I am looking for a mini keyboard that I can use to follow chord progressions and simple melodies while reading music books. Specifically, I have this really great book by Rikky Rooksby called "How to write songs on keyboards...." that I often keep going back to. But it just feels so cumbersome to have to have my Roland Juno DS next to me while I am reading. These little PSS keyboards are so much more practical. And I really originally wanted the PSS-F30, but thought of the PSS-A50 keyboard as perhaps better for my needs, since it's a potentially great MIDI controller, too. Your part of review on the cons of this keyboard makes me however rethink whether I shoud still get the PSS-F30 instead and just keep carrying my Juno DS aroung the house for MIDI connectivity. It's about 11lbs (not too bad), but I am still thinking of the PSS A-50 because of its supreme portability + full-on midi implementation despite its cons. MIDI to me is super important, and I still keep my old Yamaha PSR-510 around just because of its excellent general midi implementation, even though it's really dated today. I often connect 3 of my old keyboards with a MIDI thru box and can get some very good results with fattening the sounds by playing all 3 together along with the MIDI thru box.
Thank you for sharing!
I have one. I would say overall I'm happy with it. I try not to keep my expectations too high; I'm not gigging with this instrument and I'm certainly not going to record with it. Jeremy, you are right about the volume levels between voices, the lack of stereo speakers (come on, Yamaha, there's plenty of space to do it), and that hiss at the audio output. Every keyboard has its pros and cons. The Roland Go Piano and Go Keys are also fairly decent machines in my opinion but there is no splitting or layering, which a lot of people don't like. For me, with this Yamaha, it's the price, the size, the almost zero-weight, and the decent sounding instruments. It's a great little keyboard to take with you to work out ideas on and then play them "for real" later on a better instrument.
Can you store the songs you record on this keyboard?
Good review. After hearing what you just described about this keyboard, I am determined to purchase a Yamaha PSS-A50 to work with my preschool and high school students in the arts class. The first option I had in mind was to buy a folding piano due to portability but the Yamaha PSS-A50 sounds much better than the options I reviewed and it is also easy to take it everywhere so I have already decided and Yamaha never It has failed because all the instruments I own are of that brand.
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I agree with the difference in sound levels. That is the main gripe I have. I can see why Jeremy made this gripe #1.
I am just learning to play so some of the more sophisticated things don't bother me,,,,,yet.
Jeremy is more critical than I am.
When I am worthy I will get a Reface DX.
I need a small keyboard that I can use while camping.
.. Great review đ i do hope Yamaha listen, and can update the issues you raised, as it's a cool little keyboard
At the end of they keys there are two SHIFT controls to raise / lower the level of the phrase recording and metronome, so you can mix it. Also it takes level by midi control change, it also takes the usual 4: filter cutoff, resonance, attack and release.
Thank you Jeremy for the video. Well explained. I am waiting to receive my set in another week timeđ
I really liked this review. I enjoyed watching it even though I don't plan on buying a keyboard. I thought your critiques were intelligent and well spoken. I look forward to watching the next video.
Thank you for your kind words.
Great reviews. Thanks.
Good review . I want one now . Subbed !
Great review, super helpful! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
It's wonderful to have someone so into technical as well as artistic perspectives. Keyboard evaluations should always have the components, along with balanced pros and cons.
Thanks buddy.
@@JeremySee ypll
Excellent succinct critique thanks
I was very interested in this keyboard I normally would ignore in that form factor and price range, but put it mentally on my nice to have, but not a priority list, until I discovered Masataka Kono on CZcams and am continuously amazed with every new song/video he releases, using it. So, I got one.
He can play awesome arrangements and covers of popular songs with preprogramed tracks, and rhythm, taking advantage of all the features. He also sometimes uses 2, 3, and recently 4 PSS-A50s or one with a Casio CT-S1 or the Yamaha Reface CP. It is a perfect match paired with either of those two keyboards to have a compact, affordable rhythm/bass and other voice backup for performances and live recording.
He is the absolute master of this instrument, and has discussed many of the pros and cons, especially the latter.
Yes, great affordable lightweight compact keyboard with great sounds and features, and best as you could imagine key action for the price and mini key format.
Another feature Masataka found is that you can play and hold chords like on strings and switch to a different tone and it will hold the sound until you release the keys. You can hold strings, for example and switch to piano and play phases and constantly switch tones back and forth, as he demonstrates with captions as he plays on one of his videos.
The portamento can also be used to accent strings flute, guitar, bass, brass, etc.
Two speakers would be nice, but one is fine. More about that later. I rather keep the battery compartment, but it's great that you have the micro USB jack to power and connect to a device tonuse DAW or other music software. An A/C charger/power supply, or portable onr. I have an Anker 20,000 mAh portable phone chsrger thst could lsst a long time. I also have a Zagg/Halo portable power supply and auto battery jump starter with 60000+ mAh charge.
The noise on the headphone output jack can be minimized by turning the volume to 15, as the noise level is constant, and dies not get louder with increased volume. From there, use the mixer or powered speaker controls to adjustvthe volume. Noise is not noticeable on the recordings by Masataka Kono.
An audio input jack and sustain pedal jack would be nice. I feel the sound tones are well chosen and utilized by Masataka Kono in his songs, but they could easily come out with another identical model with the tones for the modern dance and other music genres.
If you can master all the features of this keyboard and optimize all the good and deal with the not so good features you can have endless enjoyment, especially if you have mad playing and improvisational skills.
Now, to bring up a concept idea. The PSS-A50 has all these features at a $100 price point. It's drawbacks is minimal...
What if, Yamaha took the basic PSS-A50 we have here, and released another Reface Series model that could be used for backing tracks and rhythm like Masataka Kono uses in tandem with the Reface CP, DX, YC, etc, but at the same $400 price point, and load it up with incredible features, lots of tones, capacity and memory for tracks.
My Roland JD-Xi basically does that, and more, at I believe a $650 price point, but no onboard speakers or portable power capability unless you use one of those portable power supplies that csn hook up to keyboard power input jacks.
At 4 times the price, the solid reface chassis and form factor, same key action, you could have as much voices as the Casio CT-S400 or Yamaha PSR-E373, deal with the noise output ptoblem, have the Reface professional interface jacks, and memory for lots of backing tracks, maybe using a high capacity USB flash drive, microSD card, or internal memory. Imagine what the $200 PSR-E373 can do, with twice the pice in that Reface series mini format?
Yrs, I could use my JD-Xi like the PSS-A50 with my other keyboards, but the forte of the PSS-A50 is the mini, compact form factor, light weight and $100 price to have a simple easy keyboard to take on the go anywhere. And you can afford to have two of them, or more.
Serious minded musicians that like the portable, compact form factor and willing to spend that money
will have a great tool to take on the go.
WAS THINKING ABOUT THIS
Thank you for great channel suggestion đ
Yo tengo el PSR E-373 es una bomba pero muy grande y no tan portåtil ademås necesito conectar micrófono que no sé si la entrada de audio IN me sirve tiene 3,5 mm , necesito otro teclado mås compacto y el PSS A-50 es imbatible en precio sonido y portabilidad.
Great review as usual Jeremy
Thanks buddy.
Great review, thank you. I wish you'd expand on "Con #7" as I am wondering now what sounds you wish it had and doesn't have.
Very interesting pros/cons review ! I will think a little more before buying it ;)
Thanks. Very well informed free lancer review! I just want to make a comment on your con section: On con#5. Check into Midi programming. I think it is a good thing not to give it all away perfectly prefabbed. Learning inspires further inquiry like VJing (Video DJ) with Midi etc. Good luck!
On Con 6 I would suggest picking up a good Wave Editor for your smart phone and time 2 x 2 undsoweiter.
In any case a DI box can fix hisses and hums
For flat boring sounds, use a ReverbFXPedal (pro newb tip to really get the feel for concert rooms)
For the size and money... a fun little board for midi and practice or synth sounds on the go.
Lov your vids
Great review, thank you. Would be nice to have some hints at comparisons with cheaper or more expensive keyboards.
You just earned a new subscriber. Was looking for something primarily for riffing at home without having to lug out my Roland Juno DS88. For that purpose, the PSS-A50's fine. But It seems capable as a secondary lead instrument for live shows, too - yet some of those shortcomings give me pause. For a hundy, I'll probably still give it a shot. Not finding anything else this good in the price range.
Regard to the value for money , this keyboard is amazing !!!
Casio cts-300 has midi too, similar price, best construction, is larger. Pss A50 i Like too.
Good points, Jeremy. With the unique features offered on this keyboard as well as the low price, Yamaha seems to have this market segment locked up. It will be interesting to see if Korg or Roland come out with a competing product.
And 4 years later... Did they?
Thanks Jeremy an best wishes over the globe to you and your fam... I decided now to give it santa for my 10years son, trying to get him more to an Instrument beside the flute with an modern approach...it's yt Generation, funny, he asks me for stylophon what i've seen before and never thought he would like it... I hope i can also connect it to the stylophon to get effects and rythm out there.... A lot to try and learn for me and him... Thanks, all the best from south east germany đđđ
Nice review
Midi is the key feature of the keyboard. I like it, I think it would be fun to play!
Hi. Did you happen to try this with FL studio.
Another great review Jeremy! I just bought this because, amazingly, there are just not any good portable options offering a decent keybed with velocity sensitivity and a phrase recorder that allows you to loop a beat and bassline to play over. I agree with your recommendations - if Yamaha implemented let's say a 4-track sequencer, stereo speakers, and a couple other features like more sounds and a sustain pedal, they would easily take over the market dominated by much more expensive instruments like the Teenage Engineering OP-1. Come on Yamaha!
Cool,congrats !
Excellent video Jeremy!
I received my PSS-A50 today and I love it. However I agree with just about all your points. I have quite a lot of thoughts about this keyboard already so will probably end up making a video myself. I totally agree with you on the lack of stereo speakers. I got this as an upgrade from my Casio SA46. The Casio is a bit smaller but manages to fit in two speakers inside. Even though the keyboard itself is not stereo, the dual speakers give it a much fuller sound. I see from your new apartment video you also have a Casio SA46 so you can (if you ever get time) to compare them for yourself.
Thanks again for the continually great content!
way less modern effects with the Casio SA46 and no looping/recording
The PCB is small. Technically it would have been easy for Yamaha to build the same case size with 2 speakers.
Hey! Awesome video, what backpack is that?
Thanks for a great video Jeremy! Are there any other keyboards this size and price that youâd recommend over this one? Just one something with bass sounds and individual drum hits for live stuff. Thanks!
Awesome review! Would you recommend it for a beginner?
5:44 The keyboard comes out of the box with the keys' velocity sensitivity set to 1.
Try switching the sensitivity to 0 (off) and all the instruments are now the same volume.
6:13 Yes, the noise floor is horrendous but with the gain of an external amp set low the improvement in sound is great.
I'm surprised how good (acceptable) the sound is from the built in speaker.
Does the power source make any difference in the noise floor? Batteries vs USB?
I'm considering purchasing this keyboard, it seems like it would work as a great midi controller. BTW, the way you put compression on the background music is quite distracting, you should just make the music volume lower while you're speaking because its hard to focus on your voice and the music both at once.
4:35 - I don't have a musician's ear, so for me this sounds actually great.
I think Yamaha can do
more with this. using the MM6 engine. With selected quality sound, arpeggios and motion effects and great user interface design like Novation Circuit or Teenage Engineering OP1 and OPZ. Add a multitrack looper. i am happy to pay more for it instead of buying Novation Circuit, MC101 or OPZ. Compliment this with an ecosystem so users can buy and swap sound packs in it with their smartphone using usb interface. It will be a fun pro toy for keyboard player.
I've been wanting a Yamaha Reface CP for some time. One of the biggest reasons I haven't bought one is that there is no acoustic piano sound readily available for use (I know about the Easter Egg). With the lower price, the same Reface key system, and the built-in sounds that I like, I couldn't say no to this one. I'm eager to get my hands on it.
Reface CP (or YC, CS & DX) is a very different instrument to this (apart from what they say about the 37 mini keys themselves) units sounds and functionality
I've just bought one and I am already planning to run a cable from the Motion button to a foot pedal. It should have had a socket for this and I might end up doing it that way.
Can you do that to add a sustain pedal?
I chose to take the jump and buy one of these for its EDM potential. If you have used it with DAW software, I would like to see and example of either loading in new voices or playing it with a VST into the DAW.
We have almost same item in this video, I have Yamaha PSR SX700 & PSS A50. I see you have PSR SX900 behind you. We have same taste maybe same budget,, haha. Thanks btw your review PSS A50. Bravo đ
Touch response / dynamic keyboard for less than 100 euros, this is a miracle.
Thanks for the warning about hiss when recording.
Wow, I would be able to play it right next to my laptop with a USB hooked up to it.
Nice videos, Jeremy, very useful for keyboard freaks like me. I just bought this PSSA50, the con's were not that much of a deal breaker to me. You're right, the hiss from the output is quite annoying for recording audio signal. Otherwise it is very enjoyable. It makes an excellent MIDI controller. Keybed is high quality. I needed an entry level keyboard for quick ideas. I will try processing the signal through my Arturina Minibrute, let's see what happens...
Have fun!
Sorry, I meant geeks (like myself), not freaks!
@@carlosperezbucio6628 were you able to reduce de hiss?
Nice Review as always! Pretty Nice Small Keyboard for the Price..... But, too many Cons Vs. Loves? I Already have a Arranger and Midi Keyboards But, I would use this as a midi keyboard with all my Other Synths and Modules....
or feed it with a power bank, is pretty cool, is posible make the song first and export it to midi after finish it
Thanks, Jeremy, for this unbiased review.
What I'm looking for is a rugged, backpack type keyboard that is designed for the budget conscious travelling songwriter. Something that will fit easy into a backpack, has sd card recording/storage (at least a couple of tracks) three octaves, midi, line in/out/ headphone jacks, excellent power consumption and cost pennies. Lots of my songs are just dust on the road. Any suggestions. Thanks and best wishes.
Good review. That's a sub from me.
Nice demo. I would have liked to see the keyboard connected to a computer featuring some software as Cakerwalk, Cubase, etc.
Hi, love your videos.. Can you make video on PSS A50 vs CTK2550?
Hello, very good review. Is it possible to MIDI connect it to a Yamaha PSR or Tyros keyboard and then use it for playing extra voices in between the melody, so have more variety in sounds? And if so, will the audio recorder of the main keyboard record the sound of this small keyboard together with the sound of the main keyboard?
Does it have Rhodes? Are all the sounds fm based? Would you trust it for recording? The high noise floor seems like it might be an issue? But seems like a much cheaper alternative to the reface cp when you just want a Rhodes n piano to play?
Thanks.
Hello Jeremy.
Can you do a video on korg PA 300 ?
What are your thoughts on that model?
Jeremy what mini keyboard would you buy today?
Looking for a mini keyboard to use with midi capabilities. Be able to have it in my lap (in bed, computerdesk, Travel etc).
Acmp would be nice as a bonus.
Headphone jack is a must.
New review coming on todays market?
Great review đđŒof this thing. Pros&Cons summary at end . I haven't got one but I'd say for the price pretty good ? Any comparable keys in this price range - ÂŁ150 or less ???
Thanks.đđšđšđšđš
i wish this would get released in america! i would love to make my own dark, industrial, new wave tracks.
It's available in the US, just took a little while
will it work with fl-studio?
hi jeremy between , casio ct-s200 vs yamaha pss-a50? on sound and touch sensitivity? thanks so much
Hello.
I always watch your videos to get advice, I am about to buy my first electric piano, it's an used SDP 2 stage piano by gear 4music, I was wondering if it meets all your criteria for a beginner electric piano, it seems to me it does but I want to make sure I won't make a mistake.
Thank you and kind regards
Huge fan of your reviews Jeremy! O e quick question, How have you overcome the "hiss sound" while recording or when connected to big Amps
Hey buddy, that's the result of cheap components and circuitry. Some units are just noisier than others even though it's the same model!
wondering if i can connect my pss-a50 to my roland tr-8s drum machine through the usb port with (usb mini to midi) to midi connection on roland tr-8s?
Which might be better arturia keystep or this pss a50?
Confused on what to buy
Dear Sir kindly please update if you have any update comming soon for this model ..... specially if there will be any chance of them adding the audio input ( to conect mobile phones) thanks very much. Kind regards
just wish there was a pitch wheel! would be perfect for me if so
Which better Yamaha pss A50 or Maudio Keystation 49 MK3???
What do you think about the A50 not having built-in rhythms? I only found out after buying. I like this unit. The sounds are great for its price and size. I was just disappointed that it didn't have rhythm presets.
i hate volumes not being consistent between instruments so hard!
but goddamn.. 100$
for the features it does have i mean it would be an upgrade over my pss270! hehe
think im gonna purchase this next
thanks for review!
hug you
Hi Jeremy, I am looking for a small keyboard to put on too of the right side of my PSR S750 to play extra voices in between. I like organ sounds so I was thinking about the Reface YC, but I think it might be to limited in possibilities. Is this new and cheaper Yamaha PSS-A50 a good alternative? Which mini keyboard would you recommend in my case? Greetings đââïž Erik
You have Casio CT s100 & This yamaha Pss a50,
Can you make a comparison video Between them ?
Hi. Based on my conditions at the moment, will need to practice with headphones on almost constantly. Could you tell me please, based on that, which keyboard will be better for me - PSS A50 or PSS F30 ?
Thank you.
None of these cons bother me I just want a small keyboard to practice on. I was concerned about the sounds. I don't use arpeggios on keyboards anyway
How about yamaha pss-f30?
@@ShoppingBored It seems to have less features and is oriented to children, no?
Hi Jeremy, subscriber here, is it still worth buying or is there a newer version on the horizon? Thanks đ
Thanks for the review! How do you think this compares against the Akai MPK mini play?
Excellent question. I would say bit different, but equal in function, although that is 2 octaves only. What i like the most in mpk mini play, that it can receive midi for 3 instruments. On the other hand it has a strong noise on reverb.
Hi, can we play Reed aka Harmonium on this keyboard. ?
Can we play or add Indian tones, rhythems , add indian songs, on this keyboard?
Thank you
I hope Yamaha plans a PSS A70 or A100 that will have two speakers and a few sliders or knobs to control effects and at least a two line screen for better UI and to address the other cons of your video.
Yes, a successor of PSS-390 with realtime synth sliders would be nice.
Demo review from KEEN ON KEYS CZcamsr on all Yamaha Keyboard similar sizes are fantastic....
I'm a casual so I own both F30 and A50, and keeps going back and forth between them for lap keyboard playing. btw I'd rather keep spare enelong.. err eneloops batteries for it
Sir how can i connect guitar pedal to pss-a50?
A video on yamaha psr s975
Will it work with VST ? I use basic VST instruments some Hammond B3 and other VST instruments?
Is this keyboard good to use to practice singing?
Jereme, which is the recent version for this model?
I am interested in portable portomento feature.
Sir please tell me which keyboard is batter Yamaha PSS e30 or f30
Please tell me sir
Can anyone recommend a good for a portable 32-37 key mini keyboard under $100? I'm looking at this one Yamaha PSS-A50 and the Casino SA-46, I'm mainly wanting it for practicing and learning a little more than just Chopsticks. Have no desire for recording or playing in a band I play the guitar and just want to learn some basic keyboard stuff, if I get better and enjoy it than at a later date I'll get a much better on. Besides the 2 I mentioned are there any others I should be looking at, this Yamaha is twice the price of the Casino, is it worth the twice the money for MY NEEDS?
Do you have midi controller reviews.. especially for mini
Can I use this Keyboard as Midi (for Music production..) & as normal Keyboard...for my musical practice..?
Have you tried connect this to Ipad? Does it work with all music apps?
Hey! I love this review. I want to boy a little piano for begineer. I want MIDI and recording, sensibility keys... This piano seems great but compared with Kurzweil KP30?
The only reason people want this is for the size and money it is excellent especially for synth sounds not so much for piano... but cool for piano practice on the go. But for playing and learning piano on a regular basis you will want a more featured keyboard for sure from $200-$500. I love kurzweil pianos too for their sound and their decent keys and features... take a look at the Kurzweil SP1 or SP6.
How can it be a MIDI controller? Does it have a USB port? Thank you!
Hey Sir I always love your video, want to buy this kb but what's stopping me is that headphone/output jack problem, brobably I would wait for a much better portable keyboard in Jan 2020, thank buddy :)
Theres not gonna be a better one I'd say for this price, maybe just buy a speaker
there's nothing at this price (with touch response keys)
does it support MIDI IN?
Is there any sustain function?