TEST OF YAMAHA 9000 PRO

[♔Chello]

TEST OF YAMAHA 9000 PRO

Intuitive use/Layout:
For those used to Yamaha's later models, the 9000 Pro will be perceived as confusing and different, because nothing is arranged in the same way.

The buttons are different, the menus are different, and everything is positioned differently.

If you are used to Korg Pa, you will recognize the separate buttons for Fills/Break, which in my opinion is a better solution than integrating the functions in Mains without separate buttons.

The buttons for Mains, Fills, Intros, Endings and more are black, with characters recessed into the button, making them very difficult to operate - you can't see what's what.

Hidden among these is the button for TAP - there is no +/- like normal, which makes tempo very difficult to change correctly - the wheel is better suited.

The buttons for Pads are blue and oval, and well placed, in addition there is nearby buttons to change pads directly - especially well thought out.

There is also a direct button for the Mixing Console.

All advanced functions are easily accessed via 3 buttons near the screen.

Something exceptional is that so far I have found all advanced functions quite quickly without looking in the manual.

Certain functions have buttons that are blue or orange, which make operation easier.

The screen is not particularly good, with poor resolution, poor contrast and limited viewing angle, but becomes significantly easier to read when the keyboard is angled in a stand.

The wheels for Pitch Bend and Modulation are angled, which makes operation a lot easier.


Mechanical quality:
The keybed is something in itself - it is exactly the same as the one used on the OASYS - Yamaha FS-E76.
This is probably the best of all keybeds, and is 1 mm narrower than standard, and better noise dampened than the version on OASYS.

This keybed is so-called synth weighted, and easier to press down than anything else.
At the same time, aftertouch is super fast.

All buttons are of a superb quality that surpasses anything else I've tried - they respond to the slightest pressure, and are absolutely precise even after 25 years.
All buttons work 100%, and without any kind of noise.
All lamps work 100%.

Everything I've tested on the back panel works 100%.

So the 9000 Pro is definitely mechanically (and electrically) solid..!


Degree of playing pleasure:
No arranger I've had has given a comparable playing pleasure, and this can largely be attributed to the exceptionally good keybed.

But there are several things that contribute to this:
Consistently good mixing, well-composed pads and OTS should be mentioned.

There aren't that many styles, but they are very well made, and many sounds are also extremely good.
There are many drum kits, and Live! drums have built-in ambience that makes them more authentic than those on the Pa5X..!


Sound quality:
How is the sound experience from a 25-year-old keyboard ?
Many would think that most newer models are better, but this is not the case:
I will use the experience I had with Kronos as an example:
Analogue versus optical gives a sound difference like night and day with Kronos; it's like two different instruments.
I have had many of the best models, and am now used to OASYS, Audya and Pa5X.

Nevertheless:
When I connected the 9000 Pro, the sound was more dynamic and open than ever, much like Kronos at its best.
Drums and bass hit you in the midriff, and the perspective is exactly like a good recording; the sound never comes from the speakers.

Something absolutely outstanding is the amount of expression/velocity for all voices, with a punch never before experienced on an arranger; hardly enough with Kronos.

Also, there are plenty of effects; even Reverb Room (dual reverb) - all effects can be added separately for each track - and no compression problems like with the Pa5X.

There is also a parametric EQ which is better than the one on the Pa5X, because it has Q value steps of 0.1 instead of 0.5.
This makes it easy to find the best width of the filter.



Pros:
* The world's best keybed - Yamaha FS-E76
* Better sound than any other arranger regardless of year of manufacture
* Professionally mixed
* Super sensitive buttons
* The best basic setup for Pads I've tried
* Angled wheels for Pitch Bend and Modulation


Cons:
* Low screen resolution with poor contrast and limited viewing angle
* Only TAP and wheel for adjusting tempo; no +/- buttons
* Special layout that requires getting used to
* Poorly labeled buttons for basic functions


Final conclusion:
Even without any edits, the 9000 Pro appears to be the best I've tried, and not just on one point, but on all.

It gives a playing pleasure like no other, and even though I have both OASYS, Audya and Pa5X, without a doubt I prefer the 9000 Pro to play on.

I can guarantee that I will try to get hold of a 9000 Pro that is in the best possible condition (appearance-wise), as well as all the accessories that are available.

Maybe I'll sell the others..?   

[⚅Graham UK]

Myself being a passed 9KPro owner I acknowledge and agree with your 9kPro findings.
I have already previously stated it was one board that I should have kept.