Welcome to Yamaha Synth! Nothing to buy, you already have one of the best software applications for sequencing - it came with your S90 XS!!!

Charles wrote:

This ought to get a laugh from all the savvy, young users: I am a recently retired “Baby Boomer” who last used a Kawai Q-80EX Sequencer (some of you are so young, you probably never heard of this device) for writing and arranging songs through a Yamaha S-80. Could anyone recommend software that is as user-friendly or as effective as that analog unit? I currently have a Yamaha S90XS. Remember it’s for guys like me who came over on the Mayflower. 🙂 Thanks a lot. - cg

I resemble that remark... as a "Baby Boomer" myself, I can tell you your perspective actually gives you an advantage in many of these things (although you don't necessarily see things this way currently). But you remember days when synthesizers were for those who actually could program because they pre-dated the concept of a "preset". So don't let any of this computer-based stuff scare you off. Back when the Kawai Q-80EX was out, your KEYBOARD was separate from your SEQUENCER... this is still the case (you'll see). The SEQUENCER back then was a dedicated computer. It could not do your taxes or allow you to watch videos of adrenaline junkies jumping off of buildings, but it was dedicated to being able to count measures and beats while faithfully documenting your musical performance. It took some doing but today's computers have been taught these very same things... using that 30+ year old technology we refer to as MIDI...

By the way the Kawai Q-80EX is/was not an "analog unit", but a fully digital MIDI sequencer (remember the "D" in MIDI is in fact "digital") 🙂

If you are the original owner of the S90 XS then you received a copy of Cubase AI which is software you can install on a Windows or Macintosh computer. Cubase is what is considered a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) - which can record both MIDI (via a USB cable) and/or Audio (with an additional audio interface).

Cubase AI is a light version of Steinberg's commercially available DAW which is used by hobbyist making music at home through to professionals creating movie and television music productions.

Find your copy of Cubase AI - (well, depending on when you purchased your S90 XS, you either received a DVD with CubaseAI, or you received a DOWNLOAD ACCESS CODE that allows you to download a free copy of CubaseAI) The Download Access Code is on a card that was in the packet with your Owner's Manual... the card has "STOP Don't Throw Away" in the upper left corner, as it is your gateway to the world of computer-based sequencing.

Cubase AI Installation/Registration Video

If you need any help getting up and running, we'd be happy to help you!

Bad Mister,
Thank you for the prompt reply and for the great information. And thanks for offering to help for future issues. I'll try it all out. - cg