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I understand that E30/F30 do NOT offer velocity sensitivity. My question is about the internals.
I'm looking to build a MIDI Melodica controller. I love the feel of Yamaha PSS/Reface keys and would like to use the keybed in my project.
I read the following article by Paul Drongowski and it seems to imply E30 Remie uses the same exact keybed as other keyboards in the RSS/Reface series. I was unable to find any way to reach Paul directly so I'll leave my question here.
http://sandsoftwaresound.net/inside-yamaha-pss-e30-remie/
Is it confirmed that it's a keybed with two switches per key, that just aren't supported in software?
Posted : 29/08/2021 4:10 pm
Doesn't Paul already cover this here:
The PSS series, the Reface series and the SHS-500 share the same 37-key keybed. The key switch matrices are similar. They all break the key range into groups of six keys. Each keybed is a 6 group by 6 key matrix with a dedicated group to scan the fourth C key. The PSS and Reface/SHS differ in the number of key contacts as the Reface/SHS are velocity sensitive and the PSS is not. The Reface/SHS have two contacts per key and the PSS has one contact per key. The Reface/SHS have a total of twelve sense lines (2 lines per key) while the PSS has only six sense lines.
Although "PSS series" is mentioned - I believe the velocity sensitivity comments only apply to the E30. One of the advantages listed for the A50 is addition of velocity sensitivity ("touch response" ). It's $40 more MSRP.
Current Yamaha Synthesizers: Montage Classic 7, Motif XF6, S90XS, MO6, EX5R
Posted : 29/08/2021 10:34 pm
Hi --
Sorry, I don't get back this way very often ... 😉
Did some checking, and yes, you need to be careful here. There are hardware model differences: E30 and F30 are not velocity sensitive. A50 is velocity sensitive.
Now the nerdy stuff.
There are two different keybed printed circuit boards (PCB). Yamaha part number VAY27800 for F30/E30 and VAY28500 for A50. The A50 PCB has the necessary diodes installed for velocity sense. The F30/E30 PCB does not have the diodes. Further, the A50 board has a 12-pin connector while the F30/E30 board has an 11-pin connector -- perhaps to avoid assembly mistakes.
Is velocity sense worth the extra bucks? There may be other differences, too, but these differences are plainly visible.
And the usual caution/disclaimer -- kiss the warranty good-bye! For the money, the PSS should be good mod-fodder. Korg probably sold a mess o'monotron that way. 😀
All the best -- pj
Posted : 06/09/2021 4:22 pm
