Yamaha SU10chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Several users wish it had a real sequencer, finding the built-in song/sequence function inadequate or the sequencer hard to use as intended. This limits it mostly to loop and one-shot triggering rather than full composition.

@chris45627

I have one. Its dope Its easier to chop samples than on MPC 500. The ribbon control for pitch and filters was ahead of its time, Its also good for chopping samples fast. Its also the perfect size for a portable sampler right between the MPC 500 and a PO-33. I think They should make a modern version of the SU10 with a sequencer.launch

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October 11, 2021

@bigkingsha

It was ahead of its time in a cooky way. I have one and it sounds uniquely Lo-Fi. After you get over its quirks, it's a unique piece of gear. Still wished it had a real sequencer - but hey at least you get to record all you F%$#!-up mistakes in high resolution! If Yamaha updated this baby it would be a winner. Live sampling, sequencing, memory expansion, lit screen, battery-powered, effects and filters, and a small synth engine.launch

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March 27, 2021

@thebachelordj

I actually like my little SU10. I was gifted it and still use it in the odd DJ set. I never really got the sequencer to do what I wanted, so just used it for short loops and one shots.launch

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March 26, 2021

@thelo-fidelityarchive597

Damn I literally just picked one of these up the other week! It's a cool little device, but yeah, the lack of ability to tune individual samples or a resample function does make it a lot less versatile than it otherwise could've been (sequencing and quantisation would've been nice, but that seems to be easily worked around thanks to MIDI). I'm likely going to use mine to sketch out rough beats to flesh out on something more capable, like my Zoom Sampletrak (which is something that would be cool to see a video on in the future).\n\nAlso, you should definitely check out the Alesis AirFX! I picked one of those up ages back and it's one of the stranger pieces of gear I've seen.launch

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March 26, 2021

Commenters note you constantly run out of free memory, with max sample time only around 53 seconds, and polyphony limited to as few as 3-4 samples at once, making it feel restrictive during use.

@mikolasstrajt3874

After actually buying this: 4:35 is peak experience of this unit - you constantly run out of free memory. Also saving sampled audio and/or sample edits takes ages, but other than that it's very well thought out machine and actually funny to use.launch

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November 28, 2025

@azy6868

From the Yamaha SU10 manual:\n\nThe SU10 Stereo Digital Sampler is a compact, easy-to-use stereo phrase sampler offering high sound quality, a unique ribbon controller, excellent loop capability,and a host of other distinctive editing and performance features. The SU10 is ideal for up-and-coming DJs, \"desktop musicians\", and all others interested in experiencing the world of electronic digital sampling.\n\nMaximum polyphony: 4 samples (monaural) maximum sampling rate of 44.1 kHz CD quality\nMaximum number of samples: 48 (4 banks of 12 samples)\nPlay modes: Sampler, Real time Scratch, Real time Filter\nSpecial effects: Low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass filters (all with resonance); crossfade; pitch\nSongs: Records up to 4 songs. (Each song is a recorded sequence of pad and button operations.)\n\nMemory capacity: Wave (sample) memory 384KB (Can record up to about 53 seconds of monaural sound at Extra Long sampling grade.)launch

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September 14, 2019

@reedalerise

Ha, this was the first bit of gear I ever bought back in 98! I can confirm it is a bit rubbish, though the ribbon was quite cool for filter sweeps. I think it could only play about 3 samples at one time.launch

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January 14, 2013

Multiple buyers report the non-backlit LCD is nearly invisible when viewed straight-on and only becomes legible when tilted at an angle, which is confusing and impractical, especially for stage use.

@Girru95

I just bought one and the characters are basically invisible if you look at the screen straight on. You have to tip it at an angle to see anything. Is/was yours the same? Looks a bit that way.launch

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October 24, 2024

@secretelitemusic

That non-backlit screen looks like it'd be a ton of fun at a gig. Along with a box of floppies the size of a Junolaunch

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March 26, 2021

@mfny8570

I just got one of these and am noticing that the optimum viewing angle is weird on the LCD in that it is not \"straight on\" and when viewed this way is quite faded but is more clear when viewed off centre/at an angle..launch

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October 6, 2020

Some users couldn't get the ribbon scratch function to work as demonstrated in videos, wondering if their unit was broken or if they were missing a setting, while others got proper filth from the filter but not the scratch.

@djnax0r

This was my first ever sampler, limited but lots of fun, could never get the scratch to sound right but the filter was proper filthy.launch

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January 20, 2023

@markr6070

Love this!\n0:38 I can’t get mine to scratch like this? Am I missing something in the setting or is mine just broken? When I press the scratch button it does something else but not a scratch hahah \n\nNot a scratch..launch

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November 9, 2022

@dustinmoore6643

I got this back in the day for $40. Now its like $150.00. I never got that slider thing to work right though. Sounded like I was skipping through a cd. Idk how he's using it. Must have been a setting 😃 lollaunch

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November 24, 2018

The lack of a resample function and inability to tune individual samples is called out as a real versatility limitation, reducing what the unit could otherwise do.

@bigkingsha

It was ahead of its time in a cooky way. I have one and it sounds uniquely Lo-Fi. After you get over its quirks, it's a unique piece of gear. Still wished it had a real sequencer - but hey at least you get to record all you F%$#!-up mistakes in high resolution! If Yamaha updated this baby it would be a winner. Live sampling, sequencing, memory expansion, lit screen, battery-powered, effects and filters, and a small synth engine.launch

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March 27, 2021

@thelo-fidelityarchive597

Damn I literally just picked one of these up the other week! It's a cool little device, but yeah, the lack of ability to tune individual samples or a resample function does make it a lot less versatile than it otherwise could've been (sequencing and quantisation would've been nice, but that seems to be easily worked around thanks to MIDI). I'm likely going to use mine to sketch out rough beats to flesh out on something more capable, like my Zoom Sampletrak (which is something that would be cool to see a video on in the future).\n\nAlso, you should definitely check out the Alesis AirFX! I picked one of those up ages back and it's one of the stranger pieces of gear I've seen.launch

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March 26, 2021

Original buyers note prices have climbed steeply from bargain purchases (as low as $40) to $150 or more today, making it less of a cheap impulse buy than it once was.

@jessymina

Great stuff! I think this is the first time a Bad Gear episode made me actually want the gear that was featured! But damn those prices already went up...launch

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March 27, 2021

@dustinmoore6643

I got this back in the day for $40. Now its like $150.00. I never got that slider thing to work right though. Sounded like I was skipping through a cd. Idk how he's using it. Must have been a setting 😃 lollaunch

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November 24, 2018

Saving sampled audio or sample edits is described as taking a long time, which disrupts workflow despite the unit otherwise being well thought out.

@mikolasstrajt3874

After actually buying this: 4:35 is peak experience of this unit - you constantly run out of free memory. Also saving sampled audio and/or sample edits takes ages, but other than that it's very well thought out machine and actually funny to use.launch

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November 28, 2025