Content area
Full Text
The Yamaha SPX series has long been a workhorse in professional studio and stage applications. The latest in the series, the SPX2000 represents a very well thought out and substantial upgrade, accomplished in a way that shouldn't alienate previous SPX users. It features an improved DSP engine, a new set of reverb algorithms, and a few other nifty additions such as color-coded backlighting on the LCD, which could really be handy for those using the unit in live stage applications. In general, Yamaha is well known for steadily improving and upgrading its products while continuing to support their existing user bases, and with the SPX2000, they have once again accomplished just that.
THE INTERFACE
The SPX2000 comes with most of the connections you'd ever need, including switchable +4/-10 level on the analog input and output connections (both XLR and TRS), AES/EBU digital connections with selectable sample rate from 44.1 to 96kHz, word clock, and MIDI. Unfortunately, no S/PDIF connection is included, which was a disappointment to me, as my Yamaha AW4416 DAW doesn't have AES/EBU I/ O. Fortunately, the SPX2000's converters are quite good, and I was satisfied with the quality through the analog connections.
True to SPX form, the front panel interface is wonderfully easy to use and very well laid out. One set of buttons selects, recalls, and stores presets while another set adjusts the parameters of each effect. Although the unit can be controlled via MIDI, using it the "old-fashioned way" is a breeze. The buttons are solid and sturdy, and Yamaha has done well by making the most used buttons the largest, while those not used as often (such as the bank selector) are smaller and out of the way. The 2-line, 16-character-per-line LCD is easy to read and uncluttered as well. Setting the tempo for delays and other tempo-based effects is simple using the front panel Tap button or an optional foot switch, as well as the usual method of entering numeric delay lengths....