Yamaha PSR SX600 keyboard

Yamaha PSR SX600 keyboard

Key Features

• 61 Touch-Sensitive Keys
• 1373 Sounds, 128-Voice Polyphony
• 415 Auto-Accompaniment Styles
• Multi-Pads, Assignable Knob Controllers
• Microphone Input + Aux Input
• Arpeggio
• Reverb, Chorus, Distortion & DSP Effects
• USB Audio Playback
• Built-In Amplifier and Speakers

The Yamaha PSR-SX600 is an arranger workstation that combines a wide range of sounds together with powerful features great for performers, hobbyists, or budding songwriters. Covering a multitude of styles, the keyboard brings the experience of performing in a band to the solo keyboard player. Two assignable live controller knobs, assignable multi-pads, pitchbend and modulation controls, and two assignable foot-pedal inputs ensure total control over voices, styles, effects, and other functions during live performance.

Over 400 onboard auto-accompaniment Styles give you an instant backing band ready to follow your lead in a wide variety of genres. Smart Chord functionality helps you easily achieve complex chord arrangements by playing just a few keys. And to enhance practicing and performance, the Yamaha Chord Tracker app for iPhone and iPad (available separately) instantly identifies and extracts any chord sequence from an audio track stored on the keyboard. Sound expansion is available using the onboard expansion memory.

Audio data can be recorded and or played back using the USB Audio Player/Recorder, or triggered using the Audio Link Multi-Pad function, providing even more creative options. The unit also has a microphone input, so you can sing over your playing and even add compression and EQ to your voice (mic available separately). The PSR-SX600 features a vast library of onboard effects including reverb, chorus, and distortion to add flavor and polish to your music. In addition, an auxiliary line input jack lets you connect an audio player or mobile device and play along to your favorite music. Finally, the dedicated stereo line output makes it easy to use the keyboard with a PA system or audio interface.

61 touch-sensitive, full-size keys

128-note polyphony

A wide variety of sounds: 850 Voices, 43 Drum/SFX Kits, and 480 XG Voices

Authentic sampled sounds including acoustic and electric pianos, and electronic sounds perfect for today’s dance music

Pitch bend and modulation wheel for instant control over effects and other functions, including filter, arpeggio, and track mute

415 styles, including DJ styles

Arpeggio function for instant access to a library of arpeggiated synthesizer phrases and more

Authentic voices and styles from around the world

30W speaker system

Arpeggiator feature

Chorus, compressor, EQ, and reverb built-in effects

USB audio playback via USB external-memory port

Expansion Memory—add new voices, drum kits, and styles, for extra versatility and enhanced performance

Design and Build Quality

The Yamaha PSR-SX600 boasts a sleek and modern design, with a robust build that feels solid and durable. Its dimensions are approximately 39.5 inches in width, 16.6 inches in depth, and 5.5 inches in height, and it weighs around 18.5 pounds. This makes the keyboard relatively portable, yet substantial enough to provide a stable playing experience.

The control panel is well-organized, featuring a large color LCD screen that provides clear and easy-to-read information. The screen’s interface is intuitive, allowing users to navigate through menus, select voices, styles, and access various functions with ease. The physical buttons and knobs are logically arranged and clearly labeled, making it straightforward for users to understand and operate the keyboard.

The PSR-SX600 comes with a 61-key touch-responsive keyboard, which responds to the player’s touch, providing a more expressive performance. The keys are well-spaced and comfortable to play, making it suitable for extended playing sessions. While the keys are not fully weighted, they still offer a satisfying tactile response that is suitable for a wide range of playing styles.

Sound Quality

One of the standout features of the Yamaha PSR-SX600 is its impressive sound quality. The keyboard utilizes Yamaha’s Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) sampling technology, which delivers high-quality, realistic sounds. This technology captures the nuances of acoustic instruments, providing a rich and authentic tonal experience.

The PSR-SX600 comes with a vast library of 850 voices, including a wide variety of acoustic and electronic instruments. The grand piano sounds are particularly noteworthy, offering a warm and resonant tone that is highly realistic. Other acoustic instruments, such as strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion, are equally impressive, delivering detailed and expressive sounds.

In addition to its acoustic instrument voices, the PSR-SX600 includes a wide range of synthetic sounds, including synthesizers, pads, and electronic instruments. These sounds are perfect for creating contemporary music and experimenting with different genres.

The keyboard also features 43 Drum/SFX kits and 480 XG voices, expanding the range of sounds available to the user. This extensive selection of voices allows musicians to explore various musical styles and genres, from classical and jazz to rock and electronic music.

The PSR-SX600’s built-in effects further enhance its sound quality. The keyboard includes a variety of reverb, chorus, and DSP effects that can be applied to the voices, adding depth and dimension to the sound. The effects are easy to adjust and can be customized to suit individual preferences.

Features and Functions

The Yamaha PSR-SX600 is packed with features and functions that make it a versatile and powerful instrument. One of the key features of this keyboard is its arranger capabilities, which allow users to create full backing tracks with accompaniment styles. The keyboard includes 415 styles, covering a wide range of genres and musical styles. These styles are professionally arranged and provide dynamic accompaniments that respond to the player’s chord changes.

The One Touch Setting (OTS) feature is particularly useful for live performances, as it allows users to instantly recall pre-programmed voice and effects settings that match the selected style. This makes it easy to switch between different sounds and styles during a performance, enhancing the overall musical experience.

The PSR-SX600 also features a powerful Multi Pad system, which allows users to trigger loops, phrases, and sound effects in real-time. The Multi Pads are great for adding extra layers and textures to the music, and they can be synchronized with the accompaniment styles for seamless integration.

Another standout feature of the PSR-SX600 is its Yamaha Expansion Manager (YEM) compatibility. This software allows users to create and import custom voices and styles, expanding the keyboard’s sound library and tailoring it to their specific needs. The YEM software is user-friendly and offers a high degree of customization, making it easy to personalize the keyboard’s sounds and styles.

The PSR-SX600 also includes a comprehensive set of performance features, such as the Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels, which allow for expressive playing. The Assignable Live Control knobs provide real-time control over various parameters, such as filter cutoff, resonance, and effects. These controls enhance the keyboard’s playability and allow for greater expression and creativity during performances.

Playability and Performance

The Yamaha PSR-SX600 is designed to offer an enjoyable and dynamic playing experience. The touch-responsive keys provide a responsive and expressive performance, allowing players to control the dynamics of their playing. This feature is particularly beneficial for beginners, as it helps develop proper finger technique and control.

The keyboard’s arranger capabilities make it a powerful tool for live performances. The accompaniment styles provide a full-band experience, allowing solo musicians to perform with rich and dynamic backing tracks. The OTS feature and Multi Pads further enhance the live performance experience, providing quick access to different sounds and effects.

The PSR-SX600 also includes a range of practice and recording features. The built-in metronome helps players keep time and improve their rhythmic accuracy, while the recording function allows users to capture their performances and compositions for later review and editing. The keyboard can store up to 10 user songs, each with a maximum of 16 tracks, providing ample space for creative projects.

The PSR-SX600’s playback capabilities are also impressive. The keyboard can play back MIDI files, as well as audio files in WAV format. The built-in USB Audio Recorder allows users to record their performances as high-quality audio files, which can be saved to a USB flash drive. This feature is particularly useful for musicians who want to share their recordings or create professional-quality demos.

Connectivity and Integration

The Yamaha PSR-SX600 offers a wide range of connectivity options to accommodate various setups and applications. The keyboard features a USB to Host port, allowing for easy connection to a computer or mobile device. This enables users to integrate the PSR-SX600 with music production software, digital audio workstations (DAWs), and educational apps for enhanced learning and creativity.

The keyboard also includes a USB to Device port, which allows users to connect a USB flash drive for storing and transferring songs, styles, and other data. This feature is particularly useful for sharing compositions and backing tracks with others.

In addition to USB connectivity, the PSR-SX600 offers an auxiliary input, enabling users to connect external audio sources such as MP3 players, smartphones, or tablets. This allows for jamming along with favorite songs or backing tracks, making practice sessions more enjoyable and engaging.

The keyboard’s headphone output is a valuable feature for silent practice, allowing users to play without disturbing others. The line output jacks provide a direct connection to external speakers or amplification systems, making it easy to integrate the PSR-SX600 into a live performance setup.

The PSR-SX600 is compatible with Yamaha’s Rec’n’Share app, which allows users to record audio and video of their performances using a connected smart device. The app also provides access to a variety of practice tools and backing tracks, enhancing the overall learning experience.

Portability and Convenience

The Yamaha PSR-SX600 is designed with portability and convenience in mind. Its lightweight and compact design make it easy to transport, whether you’re heading to a lesson, rehearsal, or gig. The keyboard can be powered by either an AC adapter or six AA batteries, providing flexibility for different performance environments. Battery life is commendable, making it a reliable option for outdoor performances or situations where power outlets are not readily available.

The keyboard’s user-friendly interface and intuitive layout make it easy to navigate and operate, even for beginners. The large color LCD screen provides clear visual feedback, helping users keep track of their settings and make adjustments quickly. The dedicated buttons for essential functions, such as voice selection, style selection, and song playback, ensure that users can access their desired features with minimal effort.

The PSR-SX600’s compact size and lightweight design make it easy to store when not in use. It can fit comfortably in a corner of a room or on a small stand, making it an ideal choice for users with limited space.

Value for Money

The Yamaha PSR-SX600 offers excellent value for money, providing a wide range of high-quality sounds, advanced features, and educational tools at an affordable price. Its comprehensive set of functions and versatile performance capabilities make it a suitable choice for both beginners and intermediate players. The keyboard’s durable build and reliable performance ensure that it will be a valuable instrument for years to come.

When compared to other keyboards in its price range, the PSR-SX600 stands out for its combination of quality, versatility, and user-friendly design. It offers a rich selection of voices and styles, realistic sound quality, and a range of connectivity options that enhance its overall value. Whether you’re looking for a keyboard for practice, performance, or music production, the PSR-SX600 provides a comprehensive solution that meets a variety of needs.