Yamaha RX-5
The Yamaha RX-5 is a programmable digital sample-based drum machine built by the Yamaha, beginning in 1986.
Features
The RX-5 has twenty-four digitally sampled drum sounds. The sounds include Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Rimshot, Toms, Hi Hat, Cymbal (Ride or Crash), Hand Clap, Tambourine, Cowbell, and Shaker.
The RX-5 also features "Attack" and "Decay" envelope controls, a pitch envelope, and effects such as reverse, damp, pitch bend, and accent.
The sequencer section can record up to 100 patterns with time signatures ranging from 01/32 to 99/2 in either Real Time or Step Time record modes. Real Time recorded patterns can be quantized to the nearest 1/2 to 1/48 note. Patterns can be arranged in up to 30 songs.
The RX5 features a RAM/ROM cartridge slot for storing custom edited sounds and loading in new sounds as well. The RX5 was shipped by Yamaha with one additional cartridge of sounds—the "RX5 ROM". Three additional Waveform ROM Cartridges were made to suit various genres: WRC-02 "Jazz/Fusion," WRC-03 "Heavy Metal," and WRC-04 "Effects." There were also a few third-party cartridges made, containing TR-808 and TR-909 samples, but they are rather rare.
Notable users
- A-ha
- Blackbird
- Cameo
- Casiopea
- Cocteau Twins
- Disciplina Kičme
- Dave Grusin on Sticks and Stones
- Future Bible Heroes
- Kino on Zvezda po imeni Solntse
- Kombi
- Madonna
- Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark on Sugar Tax
- Pet Shop Boys
- Prince
- Sigh on Imaginary Sonicscape
- The Sisters of Mercy on Floodland
- Stock Aitken Waterman on You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) and many others
- Vangelis
- Virtual Rabbit
- XTC
References
Further reading
- Yamaha RX-5 User's Manual