Bad Gear - Yamaha AN-200 

I always miss the first note when I change sequences and I forget phrases longer than 16 steps. I think I've found a kindred spirit.

The weekend doesn't start until Bad Gear drops

Maybe it’s because I’m a slowcoach, but it never fails to amaze me what you manage to include in every episode - even more so when taking into account the amount of time needed to work things out in the first place. Anyway, it sure is fun to watch and quite inspiring … (almost) every time. Thanks a lot!

So many pieces of gear Ive never even heard of... shows me how much I don't know. I love this series.

The Yamaha AN1x architecture is one of the best ever made. It was criminally under-utilised by Yamaha. The world needs an AN2x.

This and your CS1x video made me laugh so much. I worked for almost 18 years for Yamaha's R&D, and did a lot of the sound design on the AN200/DX200/CS1x/6x/Motif/W-series/Motif etc... (many more)... The AN200 we complained to the hardware team at the time about the issues with looping and the sequencer, and after working on the AN1X (which was a dream gig, as we had Prophet V's in the office as a baseline comparison), the AN200 (editor developed by XGEDIT's Gary Gregson) was sonically just as much fun, but yup, you nailed every problem... keep up the great videos..

How do you manage to upload these every week?! The amount of effort it must take to buy and learn a new piece of gear, then record the videos and edit them and also come up with the jams (which are always great) you deserve millions of subs

Oh My God... it's Friday!!! This is hitting home now, I used to be obsessed with Yamaha groove boxes.

I loved my AN 200 for many years. I’ve made a bunch of slamming tracks with it. They sound amazing and are way fun to play with.

Just as I felt the urge to binge all of this series, another one is released! It'll be a good day.

Fun story: A few years ago I met a guy who was trying to get rid of some old stuff he had no more use for. He had a MicroKorg advertised for $25. Once I got there to pick it up, I asked if there was anything else he might want to sell, so he points to a bag in the corner and tells me "Well, there's also these...". Inside the bag were both a DX200 and AN200, so I asked: how much? "60 bucks" he says, to which I asked: "Each?". "No, both" he said. I was mostly interested on the AN200, but obviously I grabbed both. I really don't care for FM synths, so I ended up selling the DX200 for $360 a few weeks later. I still have the AN200 to this day, but rarely ever use it due to the crappy interface and I'm always thinking that one of these days I might find one of those old Yamaha keyboards that can take the PLG board inside for cheap.

AN-200 and DX200 came out at the same time and I played both in the music stores, but I liked the DX200 4X more and it never lost value used. It is a classic to this day. The first thing I used that made me realize FM could be great. Yamaha discontinued it WAY too quickly.

Every day I'm more glad that I bought an AN-200 in, like, 2013. This was a great video! The first I've watched on this channel! That 1st note bug, man...that is indeed the #1 problem with this thing. Very true. I have been learning how to use the an-200 recently, but check this out--I began by playing it attached to a large keyboard, straight away, with a midi cable. _Then_ I began learning the programming stuff. I'm a musician 1st, not a computer programmer or music producer, you see. Right away, I was sounding like Wendy Carlos. And I hadn't even started reading the manual! For me, it is fantastic being able to set a sequence, have it play, and simultaneously play my keyboard at the same time, accompanying it. I can even change the sequence's center pitch on the fly via a control setting on the an-200 keyboard buttons, making my sequence into a chord progression. The sequence will be something like an arpeggio or bassline that I programmed into it. One hand on the an-200, other hand on the keyboard! Also! It turns out, the Song mode isn't completely useless! -The 1st note bug basically disappears in song mode.-

the karateka guy doing the dance was awesome!

This is pound for pound the best electronic music channel on the Toobs. Super high quality all the way, thank you for giving me something to look forward to in a time where it feels like Groundhog Day for the last two years!

I worked at Guitar Center way back in 2002 when they were blowing them out at 299 and 199 USD. I think the Manual for the DX200 is my favorite ever. It was like: "how do we make people learn this thing but also make it like a Junior High School workbook?" I still have the DX200 but I wish the encoder wasn't wonky and skipped values sometimes.

The DX version is sickkkkkk, but I’m a total FM fanboi. Pre 2000s Yamaha is my jam. I love my EX-5, even if it is almost totally broken at this point. My RX-5 with the RX5USB is the rhythm backbone of my studio. It will forever be called YaMAha in my house. Great work as always!

Once again, it looks like we're creeping into good gear territory, not that I'd know. I would like to see the DX version, sounds intriguing. Great work as always!

As an EMX owner, i will forever call it Motion Sequencing

I've owned the AN200 since 2002 I have a love/hate relationship with it. I never use it as a standalone box because like that it is REALLY bad gear, so I use it as a sound module, I programmed a BCR200 to control all of the parameters, including the hidden ones (VCO pitch, VCO tune, LFO2 and LFO Assignments, FM Modes, Pitch Envelope, Equalizer, Pulse Width and modulation, Velocity response for Amp and Filter, etc) and printed a visible layout to have an interface, this way it sounds amazing! Analoggy, digital, smooth and grainy, aliased monster. Also, I read that Dave Smith's team was involved in some of the development of the Virtual Analog part (5 note polyphony wink). After DSI was purchased by Yamaha he developed Vector Synthesis (SY, TG series) and worked on virtual analog / digital synthesis, then he went on to Korg and created the Wavestation (which responds to the same CC controllers for the joystick as the SY series).

Yes. Finally something that I presently own! You can run XGWorks with the AN200 Editor on an M1 Mac running Big Sur with Wine Crossover! If not for that, I’d probably have to let it go. You can’t even do the simplest things like dial in PWM on the front panel. The editor looks ancient but it’s very functional. Free EG is great and super useful. But the sound itself is superb. We need a full fledged CS61 based on the AN engine. Come on Yamaha!!!

Super powerful basic capabilities crippled by the ancillary workhorse features being an obvious afterthought? Yamaha was channelling Roland with this one.

surprised the RM1X hasn't been reviewed yet, drum samples, synth sounds, FX and a full 16 channel midi step sequencer all in one which sends midi out over 16 channels also, that blue box is a beast

Another wonderful video. I can't imagine the amount of work that goes into these videos. Bravo!

I used my AN200 with my rm1x for added punch to my live shows and it worked very well. But I am guilty of removing the card and putting it in my CS6R. Audiopilz is right it shines very well as a synth engine. The jamz are fantastic as always! Great episode!

On top form as always Florian. Despite its quirks, the AN1x / AN200s sound engine still sounds so good. It is a real shame Yamaha have only since put it to use in the Reface CS and - to my knowledge - nothing else.

The "vintage" Yamaha AN-technology still one of the best VA in my ears. I used the AN-200 as a synth expander in a Rockband for years and loved it. Did never really care about the groovy part of the box...

Congrats on 50k subs, this is easily one of the best YT channels ever

Back before manufacturers made affordable gear... this was the type of stuff you had to work with... I bet you could make a whole Ace of Base album with this.

I love this channel. The memes are always great. I particularly enjoyed the Teenage Engineering bubble wrap. Thanks for making Friday the best day of the week again.

I would love to see your take on the DX200. You’re right on their limitations for any deep programming. In 2001, I had a computer that could run the accompanying software. It really opened up the DX200.

I love my an200! So fun and jamable. The dx200 too! Highly recommended for quick jamming fun.

That video and tune at the end was brillaint took me back into the 90's you dont need a flux capacitor to to go back to future just an An-200

I never understood how expensive these were and still are. Good choice for an episode, happy Friday AudioPilz

The AN-200 sounds great, just as the RM1X and AN1x. Yamaha hired the best of the best to create its Virtual Analog engine, and I find that the AN1x is one of the better sounding VA with the Novation Supernova II and nova family, also the Korgs MS-2000 and more "modern" derivatives. But I don't think I will have any space for such big synths as an AN1x or Supernova... I will stick to VST has they use less desktop space. Thank you for making bad Gear so fun with all those jokes !

I love An200 best 16-Step sequencer for making quick 16 step sequencer even with daw 4 midi channels. I like it’s step offset/half-time/cut-time/reverse-time/step-mute/beat-repeat/step-remix all record into midi daw in real-time for mono synth and drum patterns! Access step sequencer remix functions holding shift button with buttons and transport controls and record in daw. Use momentary and toggle sequencer shifts. Try it out! Good for 16-step dubstep beats, hip hop beats, trance beats, and rock beats. Works on external drum sounds just map the midi notes and velocity. Infinite variation of 16-step bars to make beats or bassline on. Good for mangling and recording remixing 16 step beats. Modern sequencers don’t even compare n that regard.

ooooooh, i need more synths that have that "scene" function seamlessly blending between patches is just fucking cool also given that PS1 polygonal graphics are seeing an indie comeback, I need the accompanying music to as well

Thanks for the episode! I believe it was my idea in commentary some weeks ago. I had PLG150-DX in MU128 module, but its so hard to rule the sound only by software, i've searched DX200 without PLG so many years so i finally sold it and now regret it. AN200 is another tool to experiment which i have upgraded to have digital out (i'm a synth addicted engineer), nice and fffaaattt supersaw, you already know ;)

I bought it a couple years back and sold it within a year to get an AN1x. I couldn't be happier. I think the AN200 was my most disappointing gear, but then it was only around 200 Euro. One must be crazy to buy this for 400+ Euro / dollars!

I love the Yamha AN sound so much. And yes, I look forward to an episode with the DX-200 also. And maybe the AN1x....not due to his sound, but the at first glance spartan user interface.

Your music is good, I love it in every single video from the theme song to the hilariously named genres for the demo parts. You are very good at making EDM. Much respect friend.

It might be a sign..but every piece of gear I lookup. This guy covers. Maybe I'm a bad gear magnet

I had no idea this thing even existed! What a crazy little box. This is gonna have me listening to cheesy goa cd rips on youtube all day now XD

I've wanted one of these forever. Now I want it even more!

Maybe I’m just getting old, but I thought this thing was pretty brilliant for the time. Maybe that’s because I remember when a Fostex reel to reel recorder was on the wish list of many, and we still had to sell our souls just for a four track tape.

Great video !! Is funny how some people bought the AN200 to take out the synth card and then sold them without the card.

I looked for one of these for years, but all I ever found were the lifeless husks on eBay after someone removed the PLG150 card. I finally realized at some point I had enough VA and non-VA analog synths and that I don't need an AN200. That's a sign of maturity, right? I have a DX200 that I need to get some more use out of (I have an appropriately old PowerMac to run the software).

Admittedly, I looked at this with pity. It does look like a toy. But once you started demoing all the features, whoa. It packs a lot of power!

Welcome to Bad Gear, the show that makes my weekends bearable

What I think is fascinating, that you allways come up with some cool grooves. No matter what´s on the table. 😁🤙

The DX 200 is a powerful synth I underestimated myself. It is a fully fledged polyphonic FM synth that actually goes back to the hallowed and rare FS1R, although it misses the formant section if I remember correctly. With an editor it is a beast. As far as the AN 200 is concerned the same probably applies. If you want total DAW flexibility buy a DAW and stop moaning. If you a look at it from a more realistic perspective and just take it as it is it will serve you well, my Paduan!

When our relatives come to us for Christmas, we need a video to explain our hobby (our life) to them. If we show this video to our families, they may understand what we do all day and night. Or they'll say we're totally crazy.

DX-200 yes please. Also, karate dancing man was incredible.

You're video are really really good. I mean not only the review but just the art and illustration and everything. I can't imagine how much time you spend looking for all these inserts and making video effects. I'm impressed, really. Keep them coming ! :) Ah and the AN200 does sound really good!

I bought the DX200 back when it came out and i still like it... and tolerate all the quirks. Still, if i did not own one, i would not buy one today.

The Top Gear Ariel Atom clip was sublime.

I bought a DX200 fairly recently... it's much the same story. I'm working on an updated editor for it. The combo of older 6-op + filter etc... it can sound FM-great, but workflow on the device is a bit painful. And you have 6-op, but nowhere near enough control on the device... and the (non-apple-only) software(s) available aren't great. As a groovebox... eh... not what I bought it for, but definitely not surprisingly inspiring

I have it's brother the dx 200. I don't use the cheesy drum samples on it but the synth engine on it is crisp , n bangin! I'll never sell it. Picked it up at a pawn shop n haggled price down to $100. And yes the scene morph is really nice.

Someone has just bought the last one from Reverb. Cannot blame the person. Your videos are quite GAS inducing.

Love these both the Yamaha an 200and sx200 both together are a dance party 🎉🎉!! ❤❤❤

Nice one again, mr Pilz! You would really love the RS7000, it has also some quirky things. For instance, changing patterns will produce a small "hickup" at the start of the new pattern. This is ridiculously annoying performing live, but I still love her.. :)

Oh man. If this thing is wrong, I don't want to be right. This is genuinely bad gear, but it sounds sooooo good.

I picked up a Roland EF-303 not too long ago and I can't decide if it's awesome, or really bad. There would be so much to talk about regarding this machine. It's more than an effects unit, it has an on board bass synth, and monophonic drum sequencer. I would love it if you told me if it was terrible, or actually good.

The Joker reference to the low price Reverb item at the end - well done, scared the cat from actually laughing out loud.

Aren`t Vintage Rompler Sounds just like Old School Memes You can actually play 08:42 😎👍🤩

I have, after 20 odd years, finally sourced both the DX and AN plug in card for my CS6X. no real point to my comment, but I’m not going to miss this opportunity to flex

Vangelis using midi packs.... :)

Perfect timing for bringing the SH-32 back to business!

As you mention, best on it is that PLG150-AN card inside. Now get two, put them into Motif-RACK (classic, or ES), and you will have 10voices (or two parts with 5 of each) with motif effects :-D

I have both AN and DX 200's. I like hooking up a midi keyboard and playing both at once. The AN is in my top 5 pieces of gear.

an1x was my second and much-loved synth back in the 90s - why destroy my nostalgia with this abomination

I have the An and Dx. the worst niggle is that a patch have drums and seq and sound in same slot. So change patch you change all. Want to have the same sound on multiple seq patterns? Then you are eating up patch slots. The best way is to have one unit running the sound and one the seq. Even if the PLG150 card is removed it's a nice drum machine.

_I don't need another 2000's Yamaha groovebox._ _I don't need another 2000's Yamaha groovebox._ _I don't need another 2000's Yamaha groovebox._ *_checks Reverb_*

In 2000 when these were selling out around Europe for £100 I bought 3 AN200s and a DX200 Still have them and continue to use them all the time. Just fantastic sound modules that are easily linkable over midi and drive 4 boxes from one box Not a toy but as much fun as I’ve ever had from a bunch of synths. Love mine absolutely, and I can’t see anything that would replace the dx for sound mangling So many quirks both good and bad Brilliant little light show when powered by ableton patch change and chasing midi notes

how are you not sponsored by jomox yet?

You nailed it in the verdict. Nowhere near as "all in one" as its early 00's groove box peers but the best to use in a modern set up for it's second to none sonic character. Mine is firmly in the 'will not sell even under the threat of eviction' pile of my collection. Easy episode to file under Bad *actually legendary* Gear.

First time I've ever seen someone visualize a ring modulator!

I got given one of these back when I thought hardware was dumb and plugins were all I needed. Gave it away. Deep regret. It’d really fit in well with my growing hardware setup right now. Also love your videos mate - you put in so much work and your stuff is always so entertaining. Hope your channel continues to grow!

I've sold a bunch of classic analog stuff and regret none of it like selling my AN200. Such a fun little box.

I could go on and on about what's great about this thing. I would LOVE one. That chip Yamaha made was insanely GREAT.

Another synth I used to have, and an awesome one at that! Always loved the synth-engine, great for trancy stuff and bizarre noises when the oscillators were synced. Awesome. Made a bunch of tracks with it, including a hardstyle remix of a Kylie Minogue song. Yes. I have no shame. Great stuff maestro, loving the jams as well! Hope to see it’s FM-sibling on here soon.

In my opinion, THE best series on RU-vid, full stop.

HAPPY FRIDAY!!

Boss Dr-5!!!!!!!! - monophonic audio to midi - seamlessly jogwheel through soundbanks during play (Aaaaaapppppphhhhhheeeeeeexxxxxxx) - 30 fretboard-layout pads - pitch, pan, length, volume edit for sounds on respective pads - stereo out - 4 tracks plus rhythm track - looping sequencer - button hold chords - worst sounds ever - batteries - 5 pin in+out MIDI - best outboard hardware sequencer under $200aud

. This is an absolutely brilliant (and accurate) presentation! .

In 1987, Sequential Circuits went out of business and was purchased by Yamaha. So, when Yamaha designed the AN1x, they apparently based its sounds & features on the Sequential Circuits Prophet 5 (Prophet 10). AN200 is essential just a half (5 of 10) of AN1x.

DO NOT CRITICIZE THE AN-200 The hardware is nothing special but the samples, OMG the sample are pure gold. As the presets show. So much variety so so few samples.

Little secret: the DX200 and AN200 are based off of Yamaha's PLG add-in cards. You can swap in just about any one of them except for the Vocal Harmony board and get a whole new instrument. Unfortunately, the side effect of this is that you are more or less to experiment to figure out what the front panel controls do; they didn't sell very well, so Yamaha didn't make any of the other boards available in a groovebox configuration. It also means that at least half of the listings for the 200 series end up being the shell without the actual PLG board.

Oh man, this thing sounds and looks fucking AWESOME. The rich noisy waveforms sound incredible.

Probably the only quipmentl I have sold that I do not miss.

Such an awesome sense of humor.. Thanks goodness for Friday.

I love your/our nerdism. Its like a world wide synth & other nerdstuff supportgroup every friday. I always watch the videos twice and the second time I read through the problems of the other members of the self-help/support group. It really helps a lot. 😉

dude....you need to open a shop selling bad gear. you have the best video sales archive going

Brother you by far the best thing on RU-vid and you’ve inspired me to really deep dive into hands on music making. Thanks for continuing to make great shit!

Magpie's video just reminded me about the Phillips PMC 100. It's totally Bad Gear material!

Cheers Florian, that's my kinda cheese. Excellent culinary skills to bring out the deep yet piquant flavours. Bravo.

...went to rewatch this one. Wanted to play Destruction Derby (Demo-Version).

AudioPilz makes me laugh every time. So creative, and the best delivery! Especially the end summery of this one. "Should you buy something that all your other modern stuff already does"? Most of the time AudioPliz makes me want to go get one of the reviewed pieces of kit. Not this one though. I already have stuff that does the same thing...better.

Piano Reeves :D :D it's amazing how you manage to put in so many little interesting things in your videos, which are so easy to miss. Keep them coming, it's such a treat :)

yes would love to hear the DX200