We continue the journey by listening to our customers’ wishes: five years after the launch of the YC61, the models of the YC Series are receiving an OS Update to Version 2.0. This free Update, which is now available for download from Yamaha’s website, includes fresh sounds, a new “old” Chorus Effect and practical functions that prove extremely useful, especially during live performances.
About the YC Series
Designed specifically for live keyboardists, the YC Series provides direct access to the sounds needed on stages around the world. At its heart is an Organ Engine based on Yamaha’s Virtual Circuitry Modelling (VCM) with physical Drawbars. The organ is complemented by an AWM2 Engine and an FM Engine for authentic acoustic pianos, electric pianos, and synth sounds. A multitude of Switches, Buttons, and Knobs provide thoughtful direct access to the key parameters of the sound generation. With a total of three models to choose from – YC61, YC73, and YC88 – there is guaranteed to be the perfect instrument for every stage and every keyboard player.
YC OS v2.0 Update
The update to OS v2.0 brings fresh sounds, smarter functions, and inspiring new Live Sets for live musicians.
• New Voices:
CFX2 – New Yamaha flagship concert grand piano
GS1 FM Voices – New GS1 inspired FM sounds
• New Chorus Effect:
GS1 Ensemble – A lush Effect inspired by the legendary Yamaha GS1
• New Live Sets:
Double the number of Live Set Pages from 20 to 40
24 new updated Live Sets on Pages 1-3
Each Live Set has all Parts ready to go with matched Octaves, Effects, and pedals
• New Functions:
Section SW Mode – Held notes sustain naturally when you turn their Section off until you release the keys – perfect for seamless sound transitions
USB Host Functionality – Connect another keyboard via USB and play the YC Sound Engines directly
Fresh sounds
With the legendary GS1, Yamaha created an 8-Operator FM Tone Generator in 1981 that proved FM’s market readiness before turning the synthesizer world upside down two years later with the DX7. With OS v2.0, eight sounds that replicate the classic sounds of the GS1 are now being added to the YC Series.
To match, the Effects Section has been expanded to include the “GS1 Ensemble” Chorus, which perfectly enhances the vintage FM sounds.
The Piano Section has also been expanded: elaborate Samples of the brand-new CFX2 concert grand piano offer outstanding expression, optimised resonance, and an extended dynamic range.
Thanks to OS v2.0, the YC now offers twice as many Live Set Pages as before, with a total of 40 Pages. Each Page contains eight Slots. The first three Pages are preloaded with new Live Sets, providing welcome inspiration.
The new sounds are presented in this demo video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/niioTAeqQ-E
New Section Switch Mode
OS v2.0 allows you to determine how the Sound Engines should behave when the respective Section is switched off. In “Realtime” Mode, the sounds of the switched-off Section are stopped immediately. In “Next-Key” Mode, on the other hand, the notes of a switched-off Section continue to sound until the corresponding keys are released. Ideal for smooth transitions between sounds.
MIDI Input via USB [TO DEVICE]
Starting with the new OS v2.0, class-compliant MIDI devices such as external keyboards can now be connected to the USB [TO DEVICE] terminal to control the YC’s Tone Generation from additional keyboards — only via USB instead of MIDI.
This Update makes the YC Series even more powerful for live performers. Whether you’re layering pianos with lush pads or organs, diving into FM land, or controlling everything from one keyboard, YC OS v2.0 opens up new creative possibilities.
For more details please visit https://yamahasynth.com/learn/yc-series/blakes-take-yc-os-v2-0/
Prices and availability
The Update can be downloaded for free from the Download section of the Yamaha website starting on the 17th of September 2025:
https://uk.yamaha.com/en/musical-instruments/keyboards/products/stagekeyboards/yc/support.html