YAMAHA EX5R rack mount version of EX5 keyboard synth. This unit is in excellent cosmetic and functional condition. This was Yamaha's state of the art flagship synth from 1998 until the introduction of the Motif series in 2001 and comes standard with FOUR synth engines, unlike the Motif which only came with one. Yamaha's excellent AWM (Advanced Wave Memory) sample waveform playback synthesis is here (This is the basis of the whole Motif series and is still in use today in the Montage M and MODX-M series), but the EX5R also includes VL Virtual Acoustic synthesis, AN Analog Physical Modeling Synthesis, and FDSP (Formulated Digital Signal Processing.) If you've never tried VL synthesis, it is AMAZING for solo horn parts and even guitar leads--and Yamaha had a very expensive synth called the VL-1 based on this technology--it is NOT sample-based but is based on sophisticated computer modeling of the characteristics of actual acoustic instruments. To get VL or AN synthesis in a Motif, the purchase of an additional PLG150-VL or PLG150-AN daughter card is required, and these are ONLY available for the first two generations. (They are not compatible with Motif XS or XF.) These cards can easily run anywhere from $250-$500 purchased separately. So, when one compares the EX5R to the first or second generation Motif, one can see that it represents an incredible value today, especially if you already have a keyboard to use as a controller for it.

From the owners manual:

The Yamaha EX5 Music Synthesizer and the EX5R Tone Generator, offer more music performance and production power than ever before available in a single keyboard or tone generator unit. All three models feature a unique Extended Synthesis system which incorporates a number of the most advanced tone generator technologies currently available … plus a full-featured sampling system. There’s also a top-quality internal effect system so no extra sound-processing equipment is required. 16-track song and 8-track pattern sequencers provide sophisticated on-board sequence programming and editing capability, while a unique 4-track arpeggiator function adds extended performance and accompaniment capability. The EX-series keyboards and tone generator also offer one of the most versatile and intuitive real-time control systems available, and they’re expandable to suit a wide range of professional systems and requirements.

This EX5R is the standard model without the optional additional RAM or outputs. It is a 3U rack module.