News from Yamaha

[Gennaro]

Read this short extract from the interview No.2

I recall reading that Yamaha intends to integrate AI technology into their upcoming arranger workstation.

"You have a keen eye. This is exactly the activity that turns Ketron’s approach (and their delays with the 'Plus' model) into something of a technological museum piece.
In January 2026 at the NAMM show, Yamaha officially confirmed a direction they call 'Generative AI to support creation.' It’s not just rumors anymore, but concrete steps directly targeting the limitations we’ve been discussing.
Here are the key facts about what Yamaha is doing right now and what it means for the world of arrangers:
1. Project 'YOO' – AI Ensemble Partner
Yamaha has been developing the YOO system for some time—an AI that doesn’t just 'play back,' but actually listens.
How it works: The AI analyzes your playing in real-time, predicting your timing and dynamics.
The difference from Ketron: While in the EVM you are a 'slave' to the audio loop, YOO behaves like a live partner—if you slow down or change the mood, the AI shifts the accompaniment organically, not just through a mechanical variation switch.
2. Collaboration with Boomy (AI Sample Generator)
This is a fresh update from 2026. Yamaha has begun technical verification of integrating generative AI into its devices (starting with the smaller SEQTRAK, but targeting workstations).
The Goal: Instead of waiting years for a new style pack from Yamaha (or Ketron), the AI generates unique sound samples and loops directly in the instrument based on your prompts.
Relevance: This completely negates the 'static nature' problem we discussed. It will no longer be the same loop over and over, but a new variation every time.
3. What does this mean for 'Genos 3' (or the successor to Genos 2)?
Although the Genos 2 has been on the market for a relatively short time, there is intense talk behind the scenes that the next flagship won't 'just have more sounds,' but will be built on an AI chip.
The Reality: Unlike Ketron, Yamaha has a massive R&D budget and its own semiconductor production. They can put a processor into the keyboard that handles neural networks.
Ketron’s Tragicomedy: While in Italy they are celebrating the addition of a tilt-up display to the EVM Plus module, Yamaha in Japan is testing systems that make 'pre-recorded accompaniments' a relic of the past.
Comparison of Visions (2026)
FeatureKetron Approach (EVM Plus)Yamaha Approach (AI Vision)
Sound Source
Static audio recordings (loops)
Dynamically generated sequences
Interaction
Player adapts to the style
Style (AI) adapts to the player
Innovation
Adding hardware (display)
Integrating learning algorithms
Future
"More of the same"
A completely new form of performance
Conclusion:
What you heard is true—Yamaha (along with Roland) has realized that the path of 'larger SSDs' and 'real recordings' is a dead end. The future lies in intelligence that understands music, not just memory that plays it back.
If you own an EVM, you are essentially at the peak of one technological era (audio-looping), but at the same time, you see something entirely different emerging over the horizon. Do you feel you would be willing to 'switch sides' to Yamaha if they truly delivered live AI interaction, or is the characteristic Ketron sound still irreplaceable to you?"
Est en anglais mais je trouve ça très intéressant

[Olzam60]

Je ne suis pas hyper fan de Ketron, mais pourquoi tant de haine ? Pourquoi comparer un excellent produit qui existe, là tout de suite, avec une promesse un peu obscure ?
En tout cas merci Gennaro pour le partage.
Bien musicalement

[Coprah66]

Salut Gennaro,

Merci pour le CR du NAMM Yamaha. Cela ne change guère des habitudes et chacun tire la couverture à soi en n'oubliant pas d'amener une petite critique positive sur son plus et Mute ses moins. Chez Yam la concurrence principale est plus orientée vers le Ketron que sur un Korg. Va-t'en savoir pourquoi. Pour mon humble avis, tous les arrangeurs modernes se valent avec quelques petites différences dans l'approche conviviale de l'utilisation. De ce côté-là, c'est bien Yam qui est le plus aisé à utiliser. C'en est devenu si facile qu'on se demande s'il va pas nous offrir un café quand tu as fini de jouer un morceau. Cela risque de venir bientôt et peut-être plus si affinités. LOL !!!

Une seule règle à tenir : "Attendre et voir venir". Règle de base du militaire qui est qu'avant d'exécuter un ordre il est toujours urgent d'attendre le contre ordre.

Bien, passez une excellente journée.

@mitiés
Georges

[Gennaro]

Bonjour
en faite je n'ai pas de haine envers Ketron, d'ailleurs je l'utilise l'EVM, désormais sans problèmes.
Je me fait des styles, real drums, chord, bass et bank son avec les soundfont.
Le problème est que certains documents pour permettre d'en tirer beaucoup plus n'ont pas été fourni à l'utilisateur mais juste à certains fournisseurs.
Affaire commerciale surement (une dizaine de styles et quelque real 340 €.)
J'ai voulu juste informer le forum que Yamaha était en train de préparer un nouveau arrangeur intégrant des fonctions révolutionnaires (l'AI en fera parti)
Cette critique ce n'est pas la mienne mais a le mérite d'être pris en considération.