Yamaha PSR-SX600From real comments

Verdict distilled from 34 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment67%
PROS 67%
CONS 33%

Rank based on 34 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a budget-friendly arranger keyboard with pro-level styles and features
  • You value physical buttons over a touchscreen, or need a USB audio interface for direct recording
  • You're upgrading from an old entry-level PSR keyboard and want noticeably better sound and styles

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need 5-pin MIDI to integrate with other hardware synths
  • You require an XLR combi mic jack or advanced vocal DSP effects
  • You want a larger touchscreen and faster style navigation like the SX700/SX900

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Moog Subsequent 37~$1,799 · 1.8× pricier
Inspiring and addictive to playWarm, fat analog toneStrong DAW/VST editor integrationHigh price for what it offersLimited versatility outside bass rangeNeeds effects/partner gear to shine
Moog Subsequent 37~$1,799 · 1.8× pricier
Inspiring and addictive to play
Warm, fat analog tone
Strong DAW/VST editor integration
High price for what it offers
Limited versatility outside bass range
Needs effects/partner gear to shine
2Premium
Roland TR-808~$1,195 · 1.2× pricier
Iconic, powerful kick drumWarmer, more alive analog characterCultural and historical influenceExtremely high collector priceAnalog noise and static requiring EQReliability concerns of aging hardware
Roland TR-808~$1,195 · 1.2× pricier
Iconic, powerful kick drum
Warmer, more alive analog character
Cultural and historical influence
Extremely high collector price
Analog noise and static requiring EQ
Reliability concerns of aging hardware
Best value
3Premium
Behringer Poly D~$599 · 1.7× cheaper
Authentic Minimoog-style soundExceptional price-to-value ratioJuno-style stereo chorusEnvelope release click/popEarly MIDI local-off feedback bugParaphonic, not fully polyphonic
Behringer Poly D~$599 · 1.7× cheaper
Authentic Minimoog-style sound
Exceptional price-to-value ratio
Juno-style stereo chorus
Envelope release click/pop
Early MIDI local-off feedback bug
Paraphonic, not fully polyphonic
4Premium
Elektron Machinedrum~$1,399 · 1.4× pricier
Control-All WorkflowDeep Synthesis EnginePunchy, Unique SoundRising Secondhand PricesWorkflow QuirksHard-to-Replace Battery
Elektron Machinedrum~$1,399 · 1.4× pricier
Control-All Workflow
Deep Synthesis Engine
Punchy, Unique Sound
Rising Secondhand Prices
Workflow Quirks
Hard-to-Replace Battery
5Premium
Moog Grandmother~$999 · similar price
Authentic huge Moog soundInspires creativity and experimentationBuilt-in spring reverbFewer features than higher-priced alternativesOnly one LFO and one envelopeLow-end drop-off with high resonance
Moog Grandmother~$999 · similar price
Authentic huge Moog sound
Inspires creativity and experimentation
Built-in spring reverb
Fewer features than higher-priced alternatives
Only one LFO and one envelope
Low-end drop-off with high resonance
You are here
6Premium
Yamaha PSR-SX600~$999
Excellent value for moneyGood sound quality and stylesBuilt-in USB audio interface for recordingSmall, non-touch screenNo 5-pin MIDI portsNo XLR combi mic jack or advanced vocal DSP
Yamaha PSR-SX600~$999
Excellent value for money
Good sound quality and styles
Built-in USB audio interface for recording
Small, non-touch screen
No 5-pin MIDI ports
No XLR combi mic jack or advanced vocal DSP

Who wins on what (similar price)

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Exceptional value for money compared to higher Yamaha models. Multiple commenters note the SX600 shares most functions, styles and voices with the SX700 and SX900 at a lower price, with unique extras like the USB audio interface and Smart Chord/Unison/Accent features that the pricier models lack. Buyers upgrading from old PSR keyboards consistently express satisfaction, calling it possibly the best arranger keyboard at its price point.

Button-based navigation is a mixed bag for live use. Several owners adapted quickly to physical buttons and even preferred them, including one blind musician who chose the SX600 specifically because it avoided a touchscreen. However, others found the arrow-button-plus-ENTER navigation slow and awkward, especially for calling up different styles quickly during live gigs, and wished for a larger screen.

Missing connectivity options frustrate some hardware-focused users. The absence of 5-pin MIDI in/out was called a dealbreaker by an owner of vintage synths, preventing integration with other gear. Others noted no XLR combi mic jack despite being a 'pro series' keyboard, low line-out volume into mixers, and a rear-mounted headphone jack, though most still felt it was decent value under $1,000.

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