Yamaha Genos2 – The Band in a Box Just Got Bigger
4,0 / 5,0 | 
Yamaha Genos2 · Source: Yamaha
Yamaha Genos2 Rear · Source: Yamaha
Yamaha Genos2 · Source: Yamaha
Yamaha Genos2 · Source: Yamaha
Yamaha Genos2 Faders · Source: Yamaha
Yamaha Genos2 Chord Looper · Source: Yamaha
Yamaha Genos2 · Source: Yamaha
Yamaha Genos2 Accessories · Source: Yamaha
What would happen if a Yamaha Montage M and a Yamaha PSR went on vacation together and things got steamy? The answer is possibly a Genos2. Welcome to the world of Arranger Workstations!
Okay. I know what you’re thinking, especially if you are a regular visitor to Planet Gearnews. Why on earth are we covering an Arranger Workstation? Surely the Synth Zone is above such generalistic, stand-alone nonsense? I might have agreed with you at one point in time. However, Yamaha’s Genos2 is their new Arranger Workstation flagship and it packs a meaty punch!
Yamaha Genos2 Accessories · Source: Yamaha
What’s an Arranger Workstation?
If you’re unfamiliar with such instruments, let me give you a bit of background. Arranger Workstations are typically a hybrid of powerful synthesis technologies and sequencing. They are primarily aimed at a very specific market of musicians. In many people’s minds, that market is one that consists of a person performing in a bar, lounge or working men’s clubs. It may even be a duo. Sequin-infested tuxedos, big earrings and cheesy grins. That’s the stereotype, anyway.
The truth is that a much wider range of musicians use these tools, whether it is for gigging, at church or just to satisfy their musical needs at home alone. And Yamaha’s Genos2 is how you do that in style! Let’s take a look at what’s on offer.
Yamaha Genos2 · Source: Yamaha
Yamaha Genos2 Specifications
The Genos2 is a 76-note keyboard (FSX, with velocity and aftertouch) and is heavily based on Yamaha’s AWM sample technology that has been around for 30+ years. What’s new with the Genos2 is a dedicated FM engine that replicates the one found in the DX7. Strangely, neither the AWM nor FM engines are listed as AWM2 and FM-X, maybe to reduce cannibalisation of the Montage M market? Either way, these engines deliver a whopping 384-note maximum polyphony.
Yamaha Genos2 Faders · Source: Yamaha
Do not expect to be able to tweak these sounds like you can in a Montage M. Oh no, we are deep into the land of presets here and this contains 1990 voices, 75 drum and FX kits and 800 Styles. Styles are your one-stop shop for accompaniment. Each style comes with various intros, variations, fills and outros to structure your performance at the touch of a button. Genos2 also promises a wide range of ‘Featured Voices’ with powerful articulations.
Things don’t get any lighter in the FX department. Literally hundreds of choices are available, including, but not limited to, vocal harmonizers, vocoders and a plethora of all the usual reverb, chorus and EQ suspects. The Genos2 works with SMF, GM/XG and SFF formats for maximum compatibility with a gazillion files available online. You can also expand the Genos2’s sounds to the tune of around 3GB.
Recording
Genos 2 allows you to record 16 tracks of MIDI as well as audio at 44.1/16bit via its built-in audio interface. Tools such as time stretching and pitch shifting are also available. There’s about 15GB of internal storage and there is a USB port for connecting external drives. Bluetooth and WiFi are fitted as standard and there’s even an HDMI port.
Yamaha Genos2 Rear · Source: Yamaha
In Conclusion
I’m no expert in Arranger Workstations but the Genos2 is a marvel of musical technology. There is so much crammed into this that takes many of the best elements from a number of worlds and puts them into a package where an individual can sound like an entire band. It’s been six years since the last Genos came out so many people will rightly be excited about this new iteration.
More Information
The Yamaha Genos2 is available now for €4990.00
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4 responses to “Yamaha Genos2 – The Band in a Box Just Got Bigger”
This release makes me SOOOO happy! When the Genos 1 came out and flooded youtube with demos I had a grand old time absorbing them all. I vicariously visited many strange locations.. wedding receptions.. bingo halls.. old people’s homes.. but the Genos never failed to disappoint.
On every occasion it would deliver an unstoppable steamroller of absolutely hilarious apocalyptic cheese! Rarely have I laughed so hard at an electronic ivory-haver..
From what I’ve heard of the Genos 2 demos so far, it’s just as suited to turns at working men’s clubs and concerts for the deaf. Magical!
PS: of course, if it turns out there’s some way to cram DX7 SysEx up there to load patches other than the stock ones.. you’ll need to acquire one
Just wondered if i could ask your professional advice.
My opinion of the Genos 1 is not good.
Mine has sat in a box for five years as i could not get any professional help from Yamaha Milton Keynes or the
Seller Thoman
I read rave reviews and wonder how on earth people can write about this much flawed work station
I admit it has great sound but you cannot record with it as it just freezes for various reasons
Switched off as if overloaded.
When you use harmony function the signal breaks down cuts off and on.
There is many more flaws and faults.
£5000 completely wasted.
I doubt anyone would want to take part exchange.
Do you know a Genos expert who make take a look
Kindest Regards
Mr Carr
Return it to Yamaha for a refund. Then use the money to buy a Montage M.
To be honest I doubt anyone wants to debug some obscure firmware/hardware issue in this thing..
You could try asking the Genos gurus @ Allegro Music. Ask for Ben, they’re great and very helpful for the tech stuff.