Yamaha VL-1

Using a VL1 Version 2 - the original one used by U2 on their POP album1
I got if for a snitch after they finished with it, barely used.

This is instrument is straightforward to use in that it's not a
workstation and all edits are focused on the sound.

On the other hand, I'm not a wind player, and it took me the
best part of a year (on and off) to learn to use the breadth
controller - but the net result is a total fusion of electronics
with human expression. It is now not only easy but intuitive -
and I love playing it - it's always a challenge in the right way.

For what it does, the features are simply exceptional.

Again, truly outstanding. This is THE virtual acoustic instrument.
No artifical colouring - just the raw natural sound you expect
from actual acoustic instruments (admitedly I'm not a wind player).

But - so strong is this instrument that I continually use it for
TV documentary work where it is THE lead instrument - I simply
do not have to hire musicians for this type of work. Apart for
virtuoso work, this is an amazing sounding instrument.

I am building a virtual orchesrta in the coming months and will get
a bank of VL70M's for the wind section - forget sample libraries
for wind - the time taken to build expression with samples is crazy -
just play a VL70M

No problems at all, ever(I have it about 5 years). VL1 is built
like a Rolls Royce though.

I live in Ireland, but Yamaha Kemble in UK are FANTASTIC. They provide
totally professional support. Same you DANFAY - Irelands YAMAHA distributer.
Excellent for V2 update, lost manual (before manual service),
extra patches etc.

A high point in synthesis invention, design, sound and playability.
Moments like this only happen every so often in life.
I recommend that if you find playing important that you put yourself
out in seeking a VL1, VL7, VL70M, EX5 or VL card in a yamaha
synth (note - I do NOT work for yamaha - I simply love VL technology!!)
:-)

A life long investment.

OS Version 2.

Unfortunately, designing patches from scratch is impossible on the VL1 itself. That's what I miss the most, but it can be understood, as the synthesis method is really complex. For being able to build completely new synthesis models (i.e. Driver, Pipe/String, etc.) you need a MAC and the dedicated YAMAHA expert editor. Nevertheless there are many patch parameters you're still able to tweak; besides, many good patches can be found on the web.

No need to use a manual - just try it out!

Oh yes, one more thing: use of the breath controller BC2 needs a lot of practise, but the results are worth it.

Sound generation method:
Virtual Acoustic synthesis. Note that there are no waveforms (except for some LFOs), it's all based on physical models.

Polyphony:
Monophonic/duophonic. There are two elements that can be played together in order to provide a fatter, more realistic sound. Or, you can play the two voices separately, a bagpipe drone would be an example for that.

Keyboard:
49 keys (4 oct), lightly weighted. Velocity, aftertouch.

Controllers:
3 wheels, 2 sliders.
Connectors for 2 foot controllers, breath controller, 2 foot switches. All fully assignable. The VL1 works as my master keyboard.

Effects:
2 effect processors, which provide high-quality FX (such as the standard reverb, delay, chorus, but also an awesome double pitch shifter as well as some distortion/flanger combi and many others)

Other features:
MIDI In/Out/Thru.
Diskette drive (3,5", HD).
Internal memory: 128 patches (in 16 banks)

And:
VERY EXPENSIVE DESIGN (the VL1 cost around $6.000 when first shipped)
You get a champagne-colored upper with a burl wood panel (real wood or not? I don't know, the imitate, at least, looks fine to me).

Well, what can I say? The sound is simply stunning. Even more if you consider that this device is getting 10 years old in 2003. This one sounds way better than it's successor, the VL70m (which sounds a lot more like plastic). But the big thing about it is the expressiveness. You can control and shape the tone in any way you like, be it via breath, the controller pedals or wheels, or aftertouch. The VL1 can growl, scream, squeek, and blubber. And it's all under your control. Wonderful! ;)

My personal favorite patch is called "Lite Tuba". Played staccato with the breath controller, this sounds exactly like a tuba (eh, what else?). At least as long as you don't leave the low tone range. When playing higher tones, this one morphs into a trombone (pitch wheel!), then into some kind of tenor sax. I love starting with the sax timbre, then seamlessly moving on down to the tuba part.

The preset saxes are... well... kind of okay. There is one called "Old Tenor", and it's suited perfectly to those good ol' standards like "Tequila" ;-). The others didn't convince me as much, but I found lots of more than usable sax patches on the web.

There are lots more "acoustic" presets, such as oboes, bassoons, flutes, violins, guitars and so on. All do sound really good (and, if you know to play them, realistic too). But the "supernatural" patches seem even more interesting to me. Imagine connecting a sax reed to a sheet of metal. The preset patch "Mode-X" does exactly that. You cannot play melodies with that patch, but it's perfectly suited for any kind of strange atmospheric sounds.

The onboard effects are top notch (well, digital reverb got better during the last 10 years ;)).

To get an idea of what I'm talking about, just listen to some of the demos at Ken Barry's page (http://www.kbspace.com/vl1m/audio/index.html). These are in .au format and can be played using the Windows Media Player.

Never got any problems with my VL1. This one seems to be very well built. Okay, to be real, the disk drive sometimes needs some mechanical help. Could be that it simply needs a tour with the cleaning disk.

no idea

If my VL1 were lost, I'd try to find a new one. If stolen, the thief would be buried the same day.

Try to GET ONE! You won't regret it. Maybe you'll find one at eBay. If not - have a look at its little brother, the VL7. It's nearly identical, except half the tone generation capability. One voice only, but no problem about it, as most patches only use one element. Besides, there is the VL1m, which offers the same sound source in a compact rack case.

I mainly use the VL1 as a synth for wind-like sounds, for this is where it excels. As soon as I have some more bucks, I'll try to find a WX series wind controller for even better control. Until then, the BC2 works fine...

My equipment:
Yamaha VL1
Yamaha P80 (digital piano)
KORG Mono/Poly (analog synth)
Mackie 1402-VLZ PRO (compact mixer)
Syrincs M3-220 (loudspeaker system)
Guitars, basses, mikes, and the PC which provides the rest.