Yamaha PSS-A50

UPDATE JUNE 2021
After 18 months of working fine, the keyboard suddenly stopped functioning. It just won't switch on. From what I read across other reviews, this is not an exception.
Sending it back to Thomann for repair (thank God for the warranty), but really disappointed in Yamaha's quality standards...

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You will read it in a lot of reviews: the PSS-A50 is trying so hard to punch above its weight it ends up disappointing.

Granted: Yamaha was full of good intentions with this keyboard but did have to make a few compromises.

Now look at it from the other angle: this is a below 100€ keyboard. For a fraction of the price of a Reface, you notably get:
the same keys than the Reface series with velocity sensors,
a compact but playable format,
tons of voices + some effects (pitch, modulation, etc.),
100+ 'arpeggios' (loops you can play over)
a basic but fun one track recorder
a MIDI connection to use it as a master keyboard,
and a lot more...

So yes, the only speaker doesn't sound great,
yes, the usability of some functions is questionable,
and yes, "overall it could have been better".

However at that level of price, I challenge you to find any competitive keyboard that does better.

Just take the time to learn how to make the most out of it.
Definitely having a ton of fun with mine x Garageband.
Highly recommended as a travelmate or family mini-synth.

This might be the world's best “toy keyboard”. It punches far above its weight for something of its size and cost. It is easy to overlook a few compromises when everything else is so good:

• The keybed is unbelievably good. I have never used a synth-action keyboard that I like more than this one! It is easy to play and very dynamic. It feels better than keyboards found on many far more expensive products, including full-size keyboards with larger keys.
• Its small size and battery power makes it easy to grab and play, no matter where you are or what you are doing. It easily fits in a backpack or sits on your lap. It is irresistible!
• Almost uniquely for such a small and cheap keyboard, it has USB MIDI. You are not limited to the built-in sounds.
• Excellent battery life. It can also be powered by USB.
• It has a really fun set of built-in performance features that foster creativity. Everything is very immediate and direct, and has a dedicated button. You will spend a lot of time playing around with different “arpeggios”, “motion effects”, and the phrase recorder, all of which can be layered together. It is hard not to stumble onto interesting ideas. All of this works with the MIDI output too!
• When inspiration strikes, you can record a short musical idea into the phrase recorder while on battery power. You can then connect to your computer later and capture the MIDI into your DAW or MIDI sequencer.
• The built-in sounds are quite pleasing and have a good variety covering most musical needs.

Compromises:

• The audio output is only in mono, it has limited dynamic range, and there is quite a high noise floor which does not vary with the volume level. So while you *can* record things from it if the mood strikes, you would be better off using the USB MIDI to control an external synth. If you are using sensitive earphones, you may need to use an inline volume control cable (note: Thomann does not seem to sell these unfortunately) to reduce the noise level.
• There are no wheels or knobs of any kind. The “motion effects” feature does allow playing some built-in pre-recorded automation patterns however (filter sweeps, pitch bends, etc).
• There is no sustain pedal input, only a sustain button.

Compact and light with 37 keys, runs on 4xAA batteries or USB power. Built-in speaker. Small selection of voices can seem a little bland. Arpeggiator is a great feature which takes time to master.Basic short phrase recorder is also very handy for sketching ideas. Doubles as a MIDI keyboard so great for travellers. No sustain pedal socket and only a combined headphones/output socket, which can be a little hissy. Everything involves compromise but Yamaha have steered a sensible course with this mini keyboard. Recommended.