Yamaha PSR SX600 for looping, looking for advice/help.. anyone have one?

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Hello All,

New keyboard owner here. I am not a keyboard player/pianist per se, more of a composer/arranger musician.
I was looking for a keyboard with a built in "looper" (sequencer?) so that I could have an easy to use and somewhat portable device for music creation when I am away from my PC/DAW.

I ended up settling on a Yamaha PSR SX600 after seeing good reviews and browsing forums, although most of the input I found was from experienced keyboardists, and not from those using it for what I intended to.

I have been around musical equipment for several decades and find the vast majority of modern hardware to be relatively easy to fire up and get creating right away. For example I also picked up a new electric drum set and had that set up and playing within a few minutes.

However, with this new keyboard I am not having as much luck. I find the interface and settings confusing and difficult to navigate. There are little to no tutorials out there either which I found surprising being that this model has been out for several years.

As far as what I am trying to do, essentially, I am looking to select a voice, jam around until I find something I like, record x number of bars to a metronome, loop it back, select a new voice, record over it, rinse and repeat.

Please tell me this is possible with the machine I purchased! I have not yet found out how to make it do what I want. I have gone into "style creator" but I find it very unintuitive and clunky.
Also, what is a "style" anyways? I'm not sure if thats even the right term for what I am trying to do.
It also has a "song creator" which as far as I can tell is even further away from what I want, as I was unable to find any settings I was expecting to... record on/off? arm track for recording? etc.

I have spent over $1000 on this unit, I will be very disappointed to discover it was the not the right tool for the job. I suppose at worst case scenario I could always purchase an external looper, but would this even be functional for playback thru the integrated speakers?

Any help is much appreciated, thanks in advance!
 
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No, but you could get a pretty good trade-in for a better model like the PSR-SX720, -SX920, or -SX900 in the Yamaha range, to gain the chord looper feature. Some Korgs and older Roland models like the Roland BK-9 also have a "chord sequencer."

Depending on your setup, you could connect your keyboard to a tablet, laptop, or small outboard hardware sequencer like the Yamaha QY-70 or Roland PMA-5 to serve as your looper. These latter devices are quite old, but capable for your purpose. My $.02.
 
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It sounds like you bought it for the sounds, but are unfamiliar with arrangers. It can do what you ask in very roundabout ways: either in style (which is like looping on workstations, but chords change when you change chords, not fixed) or to record a midi, and loop it, but then you can't add layers while looping, only while recording linearly (so you could keep building the layers up until you want to solo on top)

Sounds to me like you wanted a budget workstation?

Oh yeah, TedS is correct, all the other models have chord looper, but that still doesn't sound like what I think you were looking for. I think you were looking for the sequence loop creation like an old TritonLE/Se? Any modern workstation (Roland FA, Modx, Nautilus, Krome,), but it *can* be done on the sx600, but yes you have to play around with style creator.

I could write an insanely long post here, or just point you to youtube tutorials:

This is for the previous model, the s670, but the basic workings of style creator are very similar


Mark
 
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It sounds like you bought it for the sounds, but are unfamiliar with arrangers. It can do what you ask in very roundabout ways: either in style (which is like looping on workstations, but chords change when you change chords, not fixed) or to record a midi, and loop it, but then you can't add layers while looping, only while recording linearly (so you could keep building the layers up until you want to solo on top)

Sounds to me like you wanted a budget workstation?

Oh yeah, TedS is correct, all the other models have chord looper, but that still doesn't sound like what I think you were looking for. I think you were looking for the sequence loop creation like an old TritonLE/Se? Any modern workstation (Roland FA, Modx, Nautilus, Krome,), but it *can* be done on the sx600, but yes you have to play around with style creator.

I could write an insanely long post here, or just point you to youtube tutorials:

This is for the previous model, the s670, but the basic workings of style creator are very similar


Mark
Thanks for your response. Are arrangers and workstations really considered two different things? All the websites I was shopping on combined them into one section arrangers/workstations. I guess I thought the terms were interchangeable.

So yes I would say I'm not very familiar with the differences. Is there a better machine out there that can do what I want as an all-in-one?

I'm not opposed towards trading it in for something better suited to my needs.
 
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Hi! Do you really think that any kinds of PSR are "portable device for music creation"???? o_O
I think the best answer is the answer from TedS - the really portable thing for your tasks is tablet (there are a lot of software for any kind of looping) or... old-good Roland PMA5! By the way! Maybe someone don't know... But it is possible to use the mobile-phone on Android (don't know about iPhone) to save everything from your musical devices and to load back to them. All your job can be saved via MIDI2USB cable and free software "Sys-Lib" and loaded back!!
Yamaha QY is not good for looping because it has a pause between stop and start of any loop.
 
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Be one with dissapointment.

You bought the wrong keyboard.

Return it if you can and buy a better model, alternatively buy a MacBook and a small MIDI keyboard

If you are not a keyboard player what do you play?

If it is guitar then buy a guitar looper and record the phrase, record layer on layer if you want
 
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Lots of options for you, but if you're wanting Yamaha then the PSR SX900 is a very capable arranger with chord looper built in
. The SX600 doesn't have touch screen controls, the SX700 does, but no chord looper.
 
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The Op has a portable music device on his person, their mobile telephone.

Perhaps if he does not have an iPhone then buying one would be the better option.

Garage Band as standard will play Loops and record and playback chord sequences.

There are specific Looper Apps available

That and other DAW type Apps are there on ones person at all times.
 
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Be one with dissapointment.

You bought the wrong keyboard.

Return it if you can and buy a better model, alternatively buy a MacBook and a small MIDI keyboard

If you are not a keyboard player what do you play?

If it is guitar then buy a guitar looper and record the phrase, record layer on layer if you want

If I bought the wrong keyboard, what would the "right" keyboard be?

I would consider myself a multi-instrumentalist/composer.
I was looking for a machine with a wide variety of high-quality sounds I could use to flesh out song ideas (loops)

To clarify for others: I already have a DAW on my PC, that is not what I am looking for.
I am not looking to use a tablet, laptop, or phone.

What I want is to select a voice, record a certain length initial "loop", play it back and be able to write/record over the top of it with a single piece of hardware, the keyboard. Then to continue this process for how ever many layers.

i.e. record a drum loop, add a bass line, add some chords, and then be able to improvise and jam over the arrangement.

The machine has the sounds I need, it has a sequencer, it has the ability to record.. but it cant do those tasks together?

Is this really that uncommon for people to do in 2025?? I honestly thought by now that every keyboard on the market would have this feature by now. I guess that is my own ignorance.

Also when I say portable, I mean I can use it on the couch, move it from room to room etc. I'm not talking about something that fits in my pocket or backpack. I just mean something that is a single self contained unit.
 
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....If I bought the wrong keyboard, what would the "right" keyboard be?

....What I want is to select a voice, record a certain length initial "loop", play it back and be able to write/record over the top of it with a single piece of hardware, the keyboard. Then to continue this process for how ever many layers.

....i.e. record a drum loop, add a bass line, add some chords, and then be able to improvise and jam over the arrangement.

.... The machine has the sounds I need, it has a sequencer, it has the ability to record.. but it cant do those tasks together?
Hi.
Pardon my ignorance, this is something I dont have any much knowhow about, but for me it sounds like you could achieve your goal by use of a arranger keyboard?
Sequenser and Chord Looper would maybe be the tools to do what you want to do? 🤔


Here is a video that shows a tutorial of the Yammaha Arrangers that's equiped with ChordLooper and it's posibilities:


And here is one regarding 16 Tracks Sequencer:

 
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Hi.
Pardon my ignorance, this is something I dont have any much knowhow about, but for me it sounds like you could achieve your goal by use of a arranger keyboard?
Sequenser and Chord Looper would maybe be the tools to do what you want to do? 🤔


Here is a video that shows a tutorial of the Yammaha Arrangers that's equiped with ChordLooper and it's posibilities:


And here is one regarding 16 Tracks Sequencer:

Hello! Yes it was my understanding as well that that an arranger keyboard would be suitable for my needs.
This model SX600 does have a sequencer, but not the chord looper feature.
Thanks for the links to the videos, I will check these out but Im not sure how relevant they are to my specific model.
 
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Please watch this and tell us what you think.

IMO Korg’s Pa series (700/1000/5x) recording features are way better than those on a Yamaha.


Just because a keyboard says it has a Sequencer does not necessarily mean that it is useful, many can be very limited in the number of bars that it can record, others have different track numbers. It is often as clear as mud, but one thing to bear in mind, the cheaper the arranger keyboard the more limited are its onboard capabilities
 
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We gather you want a keyboard with inbuilt Sequencer but you have got what you have and if you are stuck with it then there is an alternative.

Buy a Tascam or Zoom multi track recorder.
 
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Pretty obviously your choice will be determined by your budget
You say
Also when I say portable, I mean I can use it on the couch, move it from room to room etc. I'm not talking about something that fits in my pocket or backpack. I just mean something that is a single self contained unit.

So your other consideration will have to be SIZE.
I think you've already realised that an arranger keyboard is likely your best option.
So now bear in mind that sitting on a couch with an 88 key arranger across your legs isn't going to be too likely. Neither is a 76 or 61 keyboard with all these features. The more professional fully featured keyboards tend to be quite heavy so are best played on a stand .
Also, the more professional the keyboard you'll likely need to buy a speaker system too. Not all keyboards have built in speakers
So do bear cost, size and weight in mind when making your choice .
I can't even get my head round risking playing my £4K keyboard (Pa5x 61 + Paas mk2 Speaker unit) on a couch !! My knees would be screwed forever not to mention the risk of it falling off !!

A keyboard with built in speakers seems a likely choice based on your want list.
The choice of course, is yours
 
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This model SX600 does have a sequencer, but not the chord looper feature.
Hmmm... Really! The small Yamaha QY100 have really the BEST sequencer you ever can imagine in keyboards! You can record on 16 MIDI channels track by track in real time or in step-recording mode, and the Edition possibilities for MIDI data is equal to such DAW as CakeWalk!! Also QY100 has the separate Chord track also with all Edition possibilities! Sure - with loop mode.
When you'll have a time - take a look to the User Manuals for that famous music device
And the sounds - rather good for quick work on the sofa. :)
 
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Pretty obviously your choice will be determined by your budget
You say
Also when I say portable, I mean I can use it on the couch, move it from room to room etc. I'm not talking about something that fits in my pocket or backpack. I just mean something that is a single self contained unit.

So your other consideration will have to be SIZE.
I think you've already realised that an arranger keyboard is likely your best option.
So now bear in mind that sitting on a couch with an 88 key arranger across your legs isn't going to be too likely. Neither is a 76 or 61 keyboard with all these features. The more professional fully featured keyboards tend to be quite heavy so are best played on a stand .
Also, the more professional the keyboard you'll likely need to buy a speaker system too. Not all keyboards have built in speakers
So do bear cost, size and weight in mind when making your choice .
I can't even get my head round risking playing my £4K keyboard (Pa5x 61 + Paas mk2 Speaker unit) on a couch !! My knees would be screwed forever not to mention the risk of it falling off !!

A keyboard with built in speakers seems a likely choice based on your want list.
The choice of course, is yours
Hello! Thanks for the response, I should like to mention that I am perfectly happy with the size and portability level of the SX600.. just not the looping/recording features.

I believe a 61-key such as this to be the sweet spot for me.
Does anyone know of a 61-key unit that would be better suited for my needs?

Basically I'm looking for something very similar to what I have currently but having a better on-board recorder/looper.
As far as those confused as to why I would want that, the possibilities are endless, such as recording a piano part one hand at a time, using it as a composition/arrangement tool, experimenting with different sounds/genres, etc.

I am honestly very surprised to see such responses as "I dont know why you would need that feature", it seems like a no-brainer to include on a machine such as this.
 
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When buying any arranger you need to remember that you get what you pay for.
Saying that including this, that or the other feature should be included as a no-brainer is fine, the player always wants more features, but extra features cost more, and the manufacturers have to make profits .

That's the same with all businesses
That's why you DO get a chord looper on the SX900 but not on the SX600......


So, as always, generally, the more you spend, the better the features.
Several suggestions have now been made to you, and with respect really it's now up to you to evaluate those suggestions and go from there.
 
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Whew so many replies since I got back from my 2 days off!

Workstations and arrangers aren't the same thing, but they get lumped together often. Arrangers are about making (or donwloading, or just using a built-in ) a beat with an accompaniment)

When you're creating your own styles? The looping feature is exactly what you're looking for *but* these are designed to be played back for any chord (which is why the manual tells you to program for CM7 only to start with, that's the default pattern).

Workstations (even 'budget' ones like the Krome/EX, Fantom06/Modx) will let you do the looping you're talking about, but it'll be that chord verbatim. You can always copy and paste and the transpose what you've done, but that's not really 'live'; more designed for recording work. The downside is that workstations don't have built in speakers, one of the attractive things about most arrangers (the top of the line ones, ironically, again lack built in speakers)

But if you're ok with using headphones or have your own speakers, you should look into those;

But if you really enjoy the sounds of the PSRsx600, yes it can do what you need. I told you the loops are designed to work with any chord on playback, but you can actually disable that (but now we're getting into complicated stuff); but basically when you're creating your looping style,

Menu page 2 for style creator, then New Style (1 bar of blank) or Current style (copies the parts of the current style into memory, don't worry you can't edit or erase the actual preset). Let's say you start with new, the default is RHy2 (drums.) AGain, just 1 bar unless you change it with pattern length at the bottom right. You can make up to a 32 bar loop, I'd recommend starting with just 4 to get your feet wet.

If you sync start, as soon as you start typing the drums in, you can quantize your timing before saving.

NOW: under Rec Ch, hold down to select Bass, Chord1, etc. Then push up to select an instrument.

Tab all the way right to parameter: defaults to CM7. If you don't want your loop to respond to chords? You can change NTR "Root Transpose" to Bypass, and it will become a looper like you wanted; but you have to set this on every channel! (like I said, default is always CM7.. to learn how to use an arranger, it might be better to just program in CM7 initially *except* the bass, which, because of music theory, you want to hear a dominant 7 instead of a Major 7. So for now, just do repeating root note or root and fifth basses (don't overcomplicated it at first)

Arrangers *can* do the jobs of workstations in a roundabout way; workstations can't really do an arrangers job per se but can simulate it with arpeggios (not the same thing, no) but are much more efficient at doing the job you describe

Arrangers are typically used as "cover machines" ie covering other songs, although you certainly could create your own beat and song and make stuff from scratch. But they can do stuff live that workstations cannot. Both can record multitrack sequencing, but workstations are definitely better at the latter. Arrangers tend to have "sections" (Main style A,B,C,D, intros, endings, and fill ins)

Check out my youtube channel for examples of what arrangers are for!

Mark
 

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