Yamaha SPX2000 Releases a New Generation of Effects

BUENA PARK, CA (June 30, 2004) — For years, Yamaha's SPX products have been the most common pieces of outboard gear found in personal and professional studios, instrumental and sound reinforcement effects racks. Yamaha Professional Audio continues this tradition of excellence with the SPX2000.

The SPX2000 inherits the user interface and common programs from its predecessors, while bringing a new dimension to sound quality with 96kHz audio DSP and advanced REV-X reverb algorithm – a whole new generation of Yamaha reverb programs with rich reverberation tone and extremely smooth, transparent decay.

A 96kHz audio DSP with 32-bit internal processing (58-bit accumulator) offers incredible processing power for advanced effect algorithms. The 24-bit 128-times over-sampling AD/DA converters deliver 106dB dynamic range and flat response (20Hz to 40kHz at 96kHz sampling rate).

"Yamaha processors are used in virtually every audio application," states Wayne Hrabak, marketing manager, Yamaha Professional Audio. "It was only natural to provide an 'updated' SPX with a more advanced DSP to complete our other 96kHZ product lines."

Three memory banks include PRESET, CLASSIC and USER. The PRESET bank contains 97 programs (17 of which are made with the REV-X reverb algorithm), including REV-X Hall, REV-X ROOM and REV-X PLATE. New parameters include ROOM SIZE and DECAY, producing higher definition and finer nuances. The remaining presets include refinements of popular trademark SPX programs: gate reverbs, delays, pitch, modulation and other special effects. The CLASSIC bank includes 25 programs reminiscent of the original SPX90 presets. The USER bank can store up to 99 user programs.

The rugged aluminum front panel features two sets of the familiar "cross-keys" navigation buttons. Parameters are sorted in 3 groups for quick access – PARAMETER; FINE PARAM; and UTILITY. Other dedicated buttons include UNDO, COMPARE, BANK, MODE, METER, TAP and BYPASS.

An OPERATION LOCK function offers three levels of security, preventing Utility settings from being changed, protecting stored memories, or even prohibiting operational choices altogether.

The SPX2000 LCD offers five back light color variations which may be assigned to user programs. Preset programs are colored by effect type, giving the user instant recognition: CYAN – Reverbs; WHITE – Delays; MAGENTA – Pitch & Modulations; YELLOW – Others; GREEN – CLASSIC Bank. RED is reserved for warning messages.

Rear Panel connections include: XLR-type and ¼-in. I/O analog connectors with cut/boost switches; AES/EBU XLR-type I/O digital connectors; BNC WORDCLOCK IN; MIDI IN/OUT/TROUGH; plus USB and TO HOST connectors for use with remote control, computer, Digital Consoles or MIDI devices. A foot switch connector for effect tempo control is located on the front panel.

SPX2000 Editor management software provides editing, data management, and remote control capability from a computer, using the same interface as STUDIO MANAGER for Yamaha Digital Consoles.

"For over 15 years, the name 'SPX' has been synonymous with professional multi-effect processor products," states John Schauer, product manager, Professional Audio. "With the addition of 96kHz audio and the advanced REV-X reverb algorithm, the SPX2000 will extend the future of this popular line."

Since its introduction, the SPX2000 has garnered rave reviews from end users in the studio and live sound markets, including a recent "road" review in Live Sound magazine.

For more information on the SPX2000 Professional Multi-Effects Processor, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Professional Audio, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com.