Yamaha - PSR-SX620

The Yamaha PSR-SX620 is the entry-level model in the PSR-SX range, whilst offering a sufficiently comprehensive set of features to cater for much more advanced uses. Its 61-key velocity-sensitive keyboard provides access to 1,002 voices, 51 drum kits/SFX and 450 accompaniment styles, including 137 Super Articulation sounds! designed to reproduce the characteristic nuances of many acoustic instruments.

The instrument places particular emphasis on immediate control. Its Joystick Controller allows you to adjust pitch and modulation, whilst two assignable Live Control knobs provide access to various sound parameters, effects or Styles. These controls let you evolve a performance without interrupting your playing or constantly navigating through menus.

The Chord Looper offers a different approach to accompaniment: a chord progression can be recorded and then repeated automatically, with up to eight sequences storable in each bank. This frees up the left hand to play a melodic line, work on a structure or gradually develop a performance. Smart Chord also simplifies the creation of accompaniments by allowing you to generate full chords from a single root note.

The PSR-SX620 also offers significant potential for expansion. Its 380 MB of memory dedicated to expansion content allows you to add new sounds and new Styles. The EXPANSION EXPLORER app, available on computers and mobile devices, makes it easy to search for and manage this content.

Yamaha has also refined the audio section. The new speaker system utilises an internal Bass Port and an enlarged acoustic chamber to deliver greater bass presence despite the keyboard’s compact size. The line output has also been improved to provide a clearer signal when connected to a PA system or external audio system.

For performances and rehearsals, the PSR-SX620 offers several handy features: Bluetooth Audio for streaming music from a mobile device, a built-in audio recorder, Multi Pads with the ability to use WAV files, a Playlist function to quickly recall settings associated with different tracks, and a MIDI Song to Style function capable of converting a MIDI file into a Style accompaniment that can be played on the keyboard.

The package is rounded off by a microphone input with vocal effects, a USB audio interface, USB Type-C and USB Type-A connections, and a built-in 2 × 15 W amplifier. The PSR-SX620 is therefore a versatile arranger station capable of switching quickly between accompaniment, composition, practice and live performance.