Can anyone advise if the extra polyphony, piano sounds and more effects has been worth their extra dough over the mox8?

Can u record vocoder vocals to s90xs internal memory? How would u record vocoder vocals on a mox? Does the vocals with effects signal get sent to the audio line outs?

This is not a simple answer but I want to be clear, because it is not clear from your question what your goal is…

Neither the S90 XS/S70 XS or the MOX6/MOX8 have the ability to Sample audio to the on-board sequencer. Only the Motif--series feature what Yamaha calls its INTEGRATED SAMPLING SEQUENCER… Which allows you as a musician to record (sample) audio data directly into a Pattern or Song. So on a Motif XF, for example, you can overdub vocal tracks to your music tracks, you can plug in an electric guitar and record yourself playing, or a bass, or any source mic or line level and in between… Including recording the Vocoder.

That said, the S-series has a playback only sequencer… i.e., no record
The MOX-series has a record/playback sequencer but no sampling.

Only the Motif-series has a record/playback sequencer that integrates audio recording, via the sampler, as well.

That said, both the S-series and the MOX-series feature the same Vocoder that is found in the Motif-series, and this can be recorded to your favorite DAW when you setup to record audio to your computer. The S-series would require an external audio interface to send its audio to a computer, the MOX has a built-in audio interface and requires a simple USB connection.

The Motif-series requires either an external audio interface or the optional FW16E to record audio to a computer. But it is the only series of Yamaha pro-synths that can record the Vocoder to its own on board sequencer. (See article in the XF Support area: Recording XF Vocoder to the Sequencer)

Finally, both the S-series and Motif XF can record audio directly to a connected USB drive. This allows you to record a “live” playing/singing session direct as a 16-bit/44.1kHz .wav Additionally, the S-series has 192MB of on-board memory to which you can record directly same as to a USB stick.

Hope that helps ... What did you have in mind?

Yes, the Vocoder Effect can be routed to audio outputs. Remember the Vocoder is not an Effect on the microphone, rather it is using the signal coming from the microphone to modify a synth sound. In the case of the synths, the VOICE in PART 1…

Thanks. That does clear up a lot.

If the s90sx can record audio to its internal memory why can’t it record vocoder to internal memory? Does the audio record to USB facility not record signal from mic/ line input at the rear of keyboard? Does it record programmed voices and performances only?

yes you can record the Vocoder direct to either it’s USB or internal 192MB of on board memory. Yes you can record the A/D input ... Apparently I was not clear, sorry.

Also the Vocoder is a programmed Voice.

Thankyou Bad Mister! 2 final questions then I’m ready to buy.

1. Will the s90sx play back any wav audio file I load using USB?
2. Does the mic input take a jack lead or is it cannon only?

Sorry for all the questions. There are no stores where i live that stock this synth and it seems like the s70xs is the one for me. Sometimes reading the manual does not make it all clear up front too, but I must admit I am blonde :-)

Re Q1:

plays back audio file format .wav/.aif file at 44.1kHz/16-bit/stereo.  (Reference Manual p132)

Hi everyone

Seriously considering getting the s70xs. Just wondering what your opinions are on the s90/70xs

In general, the S70 XS is a first cousin to the Motif-series. It has all the synthesis/processing muscle and polyphony of the Motif XS, without the INTEGRATED SAMPLING SEQUENCER. That is, the ability to record MIDI and sample audio.

The S90 XS/S70 XS does have a programmable PLAYBACK sequencer, that plays back a “chain” of commands. These commands can include recalling your Multi (16 Voices laid out for real time access), a .MID file which it can stream from a USB stick or from its own internal 192MB storage, or a .wav file (16-bit/44.1kHz, stereo) that can again, be read directly from the 192MB memory or a connected USB drive.

Designed for the synth performer on stage, it offers the sound engine of the Motif XS. When in your home studio use your favorite DAW software and the S-series integrates as a Remote Control surface for your software, there is also a Standalone/VST Editor for it. If you prefer working with software, the Sequencer found in the Motif and MOX series is not important to you…

You can prepare your sequences in your home studio, using that favorite DAW, either MIXDOWN to a stereo Wav file or carry the compositions as .MID files. While 192MB of on-board memory can be used for any type of S70 XS files, ths amount of memory translates into approximately 18 minutes of stereo audio, or enough MIDI data for most songs that you have ever heard (no really, it’s a ridiculous amount of memory for storing .MID files, ...hundreds, and hundreds… Enough if played one after the other might take weeks to play through

The keybeds of the S90 XS/S70 XS are Yamaha’s Balanced Hammer action, with AfterTouch. The MOX8 features Yamaha’s Graded Hammer action. Action is always personal, recognize that one of the important thing is the action is made by Yamaha and has been QC’d with the soundset… Until you work with the Velocity Curves and response of the sounds that you want to play regularly, you really can’t decide about action until you play it and play with it ( IMHO) so much of our perception of action is the “sound” responding to it.

hope that help