Comparison Yamaha PSR-E443 vs Yamaha PSR-E433

The number of built-in sounds provided in the synthesizer.

The number of timbres is often described as the number of instruments that a given model can imitate. However, this is not entirely true — rather, this parameter can be called "the number of instruments and sound effects." For example, the same instrument — an electric guitar — with different "gadgets" (distortion, overdrive) will sound differently, and in the synthesizer each such gadget will be considered a separate timbre. The “drums” timbre usually combines different types of drums and other percussion instruments — in other words, it allows you to portray both the “bass drum” and the cymbals without switching settings, just by pressing the desired keys. And some timbres may not have analogues among real instruments at all.

The more built-in timbres, the more extensive the possibilities of the synthesizer, the more diverse the sounds that can be extracted from it. At the same time, in high-end models like workstations (see "Type"), this number can reach 1000 or even more.

The number of auto accompaniment styles (see above) originally provided in the synthesizer, in other words, the number of accompaniment options available to the user.

The more extensive this set, the higher the probability of finding among these melodies suitable options for a particular case. At the same time, the abundance of styles in itself is not yet a 100% guarantee that among them there will be a suitable one, especially since different synthesizer models can differ markedly in a specific set of melodies. So the list does not hurt to clarify before buying. Also note that the situation can be corrected by user styles (see below) — many synthesizers with auto accompaniment support them.

The number of user auto accompaniment styles supported by the synthesizer, in other words, the number of additional styles that can be stored in memory in addition to the built-in ones. Note that styles can have different volumes (depending on the number of notes used), so this parameter often turns out to be not exact, but only an average-approximate one.

Modern synthesizers may have a fairly extensive set of built-in auto accompaniment styles (see above), but even the richest set may not contain the desired melody. Thus, many models allow you to supplement the standard list with custom melodies. The addition methods themselves can be different: in some models, these melodies need to be downloaded from external media, in others they can even be composed manually. Nevertheless, the presence of user styles allows you to expand the range of auto accompaniment melodies, moreover, at the request of the user himself.

— mini-Jack (3.5 mm). Line-level analogue audio input using a 3.5mm mini-jack. The line input itself is used to connect an external analogue audio signal to the synthesizer — for example, from a computer sound card. The use of such a connection can be different: playing accompaniment through the built-in speakers of the instrument, switching the signal to an external amplifier with “mixing” the sound of the synthesizer itself into it, etc. Specifically, the 3.5 mm mini-Jack connector is small in size, it is popular mainly in portable equipment and inexpensive stationary devices — “serious” audio equipment is usually equipped with more reliable connectors, like Jack (see below). As a result, an input with this type of connector is typical mainly for entry-level synthesizers.

— Jack (6.35 mm). Line-level analogue audio input using a 6.35 mm jack. By purpose, such an input is completely similar to the input with a 3.5 mm mini-Jack jack described above, however, the Jack connector is larger, provides a more reliable and high-quality connection and is considered more suitable for stationary audio equipment, especially high-end ones. Therefore, in synthesizers of an average and advanced level, usually, this type of line input is used. At the same time, we note that a 3.5 mm plug can be connected to a 6.35 mm jack using a simple adapter.

— Digital. Input for connecting to a digital audio signal synthesizer. It is similar in purpose to the linear interfaces descri...bed above, but differs both in signal format and in connector type — most often it is a coaxial S / P-DIF interface using an RCA connector, although other options are possible. Digital outputs are quite popular both in professional audio equipment and in home appliances like PCs and even TVs, so such an input may be useful.

— MIDI. MIDI is originally a digital signal format used in electronic musical instruments. Each key pressed on the synthesizer gives just such a signal: it contains data on the duration, force and speed of pressing, as well as the note number, and based on the control signal (MIDI event), the “hardware” of the synthesizer generates the desired sound. Accordingly, the MIDI input allows the synthesizer to receive MIDI events from external electronic musical devices — other synthesizers, MIDI controllers, etc. This connection can be useful, for example, if the external instrument does not have the desired timbre; in addition, many synthesizers are capable of recording received MIDI signals. In some cases, the possibility of switching such a signal via MIDI thru may also be useful (see "Outputs").

— USB (type A). A classic USB connector that allows you to connect various external devices to the synthesizer — primarily flash drives and other drives, other peripherals are rarely supported. The features available when working with a flash drive depend on the general functionality of the synthesizer and may be different in different models. So, some instruments are capable of playing music from such a carrier, which plays the role of accompaniment for the main part — this can be more convenient than using auto accompaniment. Others are able to record music on a flash drive. It may also include updates to the Voice Set and/or Auto Accompaniment Styles (see above), firmware updates, etc.

— Card Reader. A slot for reading memory cards, most often SD: this is a universal format widely used in many types of modern electronics. Like a USB flash drive (see above), the card reader can be used for different purposes — most often for playing musical accompaniment or recording music, but there are other options (loading additional timbres, updating firmware, etc.).

The number of pedals that can be connected to the synthesizer at the same time.

Pedals are additional controls that expand the capabilities of the instrument. One of the most famous pedal functions, familiar to many from classical pianos and grand pianos, is “sustain”, where the sound continues to sound after the key is released, slowly fading out. However, the matter is not limited to this, the purpose of the pedals can be very diverse: enabling or disabling additional effects, switching between octaves or keys, etc. At the same time, in some synthesizers, mostly inexpensive, the assignment of the pedals is fixed, in others it can be reconfigured to fit your goals.

For most instruments, one pedal is sufficient, but high-end models such as workstations (see "Type") may support multiple connections.

Additional items supplied with the synthesizer in addition to the instrument itself.

— Music stand. A stand for musical notations, installed in such a way that the materials on it are constantly in front of the musician's eyes. In modern synthesizers, the music stand can be built-in or removable.

— Pedal. An additional control in the form of a pedal, which can be responsible for a wide variety of functions, depending on the model of the synthesizer. For more information about this, see "Connected pedals", here we note that the presence of a pedal in the kit eliminates the need to look for and select it separately.

— Power Supply. Power supply for connecting the synthesizer to the network. The very possibility of working from the outlet is important for most modern synthesizers. Therefore, the absence of a power supply in the kit means either that it is made internal, or that we have a simple and inexpensive model (usually for children, see "Type"), designed mainly for battery operation and not equipped with a PSU or not providing for it at all connections. An external power supply unit is convenient because it can be disconnected when working from autonomous power sources, saving the tool from unnecessary wires.

— Disk. Optical disk (CD or DVD) with various additional materials on the synthesizer. These can be instructions and other documentation, drivers for connecting to a computer, specialized software for editing music on a PC,...etc.

— Rack. Own stand for installing the synthesizer on the floor — usually folding, in the unfolded state resembling the letter X in shape. With such a stand, the musician does not have to look for a free table, window sill or other similar place to place the instrument — there is enough free space on the floor. Racks for synthesizers are also sold separately, but it is often more convenient or even cheaper to buy such a device along with an instrument.

— Microphone. The microphone can be used both for singing and for creating samples based on external sounds. However it is worth noting that usually relatively inexpensive synthesizers for beginner musicians are equipped with microphones — it is more convenient for a professional to independently choose additional equipment (including a microphone) to suit their own needs and preferences, without relying on the choice of the manufacturer. Accordingly, the complete microphones themselves usually have rather modest characteristics.

Rated power consumed by the tool during operation. Modern synthesizers, even the most powerful and advanced ones like workstations (see "Type"), consume very little energy — up to 100 W, and often noticeably less. Therefore, it is rarely necessary to pay attention to this parameter in fact, mainly in rather specific situations — for example, when working from an autonomous generator, when you need to take into account the entire load connected to such a power supply.