Yamaha Ensemble Mixer EM-90

Yamaha EM-90 mixer for sale. Hear the drum machine in action below.

NOTE: This mixer is serviced, recapped and sounding great. However the speaker outputs and the headphone out do not work. The line out is unaffected so it can be used as normal as a studio tool. This is because a couple of the internal amps have gone and these are pretty obscure and not easily replaced.

This groundbreaking mixer/beatbox/spring reverb series was used by Mtume to astonishing effect when he played with Miles Davis (who'd been gifted this, along with a YC-45D organ by his Japanese tour sponsors, Yamaha) on the live Agharta, Pangea and Dark Magus recordings. Mtume put it through his Mu-tron Bi-Phase and controlled it with a volume pedal, using the beatbox more for texture ('tapestry' as he put it) than rhythm. Read more about these incredible recordings in this excellent article from The Quietus.

This is the less common version without the later "A" - that one is black, silver and blue with hifi-type knobs, whereas this is an earlier vision in cream and green. While both the EM90 and EM90A sound the same, we suspect it was the slightly later "A" that would've been presented to Miles by Yamaha.

The basic spec is below, but first this original advert unearthed by the always superb Preservation Sound really says it all (and a lot more besides :) ):



Spec:

• Six channels with 1/4'' inputs on the front


• Line, Guitar, Mic switch for each channel


• Treble, Bass, Volume and a reverb switch for each channel as well.


• A, B, Speaker mute button for each channel


• Built in Drum Machine With the following patterns: March, Waltz, Swing, Slow Rock, Jazz Rock, Rhumba, Bosanova, Tango + Tempo and Volume knob for the Drum machine

Condition

Has some low level chips, scuffs and other minor signs of age, but overall this is a great looking piece of kit. Please see photos or get in touch if you require more information on condition.

Voltage Information

100v Japanese model - it will run on North American mains 115/120v without a transformer (we run all our tests using 120v power); however, a step-down transformer is recommended for extended use. A step-down transformer is required in the UK/EU. We do not recommend using cheap generic Chinese mains transformers and can supply a high quality UK-made unit if required.

Tax

For sales in UK the price will include 20% VAT. Buyers elsewhere may incur VAT or other local taxes on import.