Even the latest S90, the S90ES, is now what they call a ‘mature’ product. Mature? Of course all S90 users tend to be mature types; and not necessarily in the age sense. We’re really just talking about a more experienced, reasoned type of guy and gal.

Part of this maturity is understanding exactly what you do and don’t need in order to do a good job with your music gig. You obviously need a great feeling keyboard, and you obviously appreciate top-notch sounds; with a reasonable degree of open-endedness. Indeed some of the most savvy ‘Motif’ sound designers are actually S90 users.

Earlier in the year we produced a programming DVD, Sound Advice, in which all-around Yamaha guru Dave Polich explores every avenue of sound possibility, using the Motif ES as his steed. Motif ES and S90ES are, in synthesis terms, the same animal of course so if you have not yet picked up a copy of Sound Advice, do so. The reviews have been universally excellent and you’ll be in for a real treat.

For the past two years DVDs have been a major focus for Keyfax NewMedia, the people behind SNinety.com. There is a dedicated S90 DVD from (that other Yamaha guru - and Other Dave) Dave Bristow, S90 Under Control, in which Dave uses controllers, on board and external, to enhance the performance potential of the instrument.

In addition to Sound Advice, we have also sourced, and now just released one of our very own, several ‘Cubase’ DVDs. Steinberg has been operating under the Yamaha flag for a couple of years now and it’s beginning to show. And that’s a good thing, by the way. Assuming you do use a DAW, there are ever more compelling reasons to use the Cubase platform – features, tie-ins, and now a fabulous cross-grade price to the lastest versions: Cubase 4 and Cubase Studio 4.

Our own DVD is all about using Cubase in a band situation. Entitled Using Cubase 4 Recording The Band (hey, we like titles that really spell it out for you), this program not only looks at Cubase, but also how the rest of the world interfaces with it. It’s not all computer-geek speak, either. If you’re in a band and either are thinking about upgrading or cross-grading to C4 then you should definitely check this program out.

The sound designing community has also wisely kept the faith with S90ES this year, in spite of occasionally being tempted away by the greener-still pastures of the Motif XS. The Leads and 80s Pop & Rock collections are wonderful breaths of fresh air and so too is Peter Krischker’s Synth Xtreme. Meanwhile, if you’ve been struggling with the problems of creating your own user arpeggios, the Arp Editor will allow you to prepare data on your computer from MIDI files or arps written by your buddies on the Motif platform.

Our e-commerce Shop is always kept stocked with new and interesting items. Recent items include new pro Yamaha headphones, tons of bags and cases, monitors, pedals, and even a desirable new range of ‘techie’ T-shirts. The I Love Synthesizers design would seem particularly appropriate seeing as we’re sure you do.

Keep making the music.