Yamaha SX700 | 61-Key Workstation with ‘Mini Genos’ Pack

Yamaha SX700 | 61-Key Workstation with ‘Mini Genos’ Pack – read our review here

The Yamaha SX700 is the middle-of-the-range arranger keyboard from the Yamaha PSR SX Series, Yamaha’s replacement to the PSR S Series.

Like the S-Series before it, the Yamaha SX range is a compact and modified analog of the flagship keyboard, presently the Yamaha Genos, and as a result (and courtesy of our exclusive ‘Mini Genos’ pack) the Yamaha SX-700 is a performance powerhouse.

Our ‘Mini-Genos’ pack features:

We update the firmware so that your new Yamaha SX700 is running on the latest version	We load in 600 registrations into the SX700 which gives you sound set ups in your 10 registration bank buttons for different genres of music – these include our 8 latest Registration Packs	We also load in 235 extra styles which originated from Tyros 5, but haven’t been included in the SX700
We add all 1825 of the Tyros 5 music finder songs into the SX-700 ‘playlist’, these can be searched to get 4 set-ups for all of these popular songs	Finally we load in 15 new playlists which allow you to scroll through lists of songs that go together in a medley	To make using your new Yamaha SX700 easier to understand we even include a DVD showing where all the key features are, and how to find all the features above.

We update the firmware so that your new Yamaha Genos is running on the latest version	We load in 600 registrations into the Genos which give you sound set ups in your 10 registration bank buttons for different genres of music – these include our 8 latest Registration Packs
We also load in 235 extra styles which originated from Tyros 5, but haven’t been included in the Genos	We add all 1825 of the Tyros 5 music finder songs into the Genos ‘playlist’, these can be searched to get 4 set-ups for all of these popular songs
Finally we load in 15 new playlists which allow you to scroll through lists of songs that go together in a medley	To make using your new Yamaha Genos easier to understand we even include a DVD showing where all the key features are, and how to find all the features above.

SX-700 Voices and Styles

The Yamaha SX700 is fully-equipped to deliver superb sounds and backings, whatever the genre. With over 980 voices, many of which feature Yamaha’s ‘Super Articulation’ technology to offer maximum authenticity, and 400 styles, the SX-700 is ready to tackle any musical scenario you can throw at it – and comfortably.

All of the traditional content that made the S Series the go-to for performers – big band sounds, waltzes, etc – are all still there on the SX-700, enhanced by a new sound engine and speaker system, and these staples are accompanied by a wealth of EDM and dance-oriented content, aligning the SX-700 with more modern musical influences.

Yamaha SX700 | Storage & Interface

With a huge 1GB internal storage – 75 times more than the preceding PSR S975 – you’ll have plenty of room for song storage and expansion packs.

A 7″ colour touchscreen opens up the functionality of the Yamaha SX700 in an intuitive new way, providing direct control over menu items without the need to line up the correct button to the screen icon.

The operating system is taken from the Yamaha Genos, with clarity and efficiency at the center of the design.

Touch & Sound

The Yamaha SX700 boasts Yamaha’s FSB keyboard, offering sensitive touch and keen response. The onboard joystick is also highly responsive and incredibly versatile, giving tactile control over filters, pitch etc. for dynamic live performances.

Rich, well-defined sound comes courtesy of two 15 watt amplifiers, driving a pair of 13cm woofers and 5cm tweeters, ensuring the SX-700 has enough headroom across the frequency range.

Our verdict

The Yamaha SX700, and the SX range in general, is a giant leap forward from the previous S Series. Its parity with the Genos – in terms of interface, control, and sound – makes the SX-700 an absolute steal, even if it does lack a few features found in its bigger brother, the SX900.

Build quality is predictably solid; we imagine decades of life lay ahead for the SX700, even under routine use, and we’ve very few reports of any issues.

All of which makes the SX-700 the perfect, cost-sensitive alternative to both the Yamaha Genos and your aging Yamah aPSR S770/S775, which is really what it sets out to be. You’ll enjoy the familiarity of the onboard backing content, as well as the intuitiveness of the touchscreen, and you’ll certainly enjoy the sound it makes as you perform.