YAMAHA PORTASOUND VSS-30 Synthesizer and Sampler

via this auction

"Yamaha's competetor to the SK-1. Samples sound a LOT better than SK-1 samples when sampled via the built in condenser mic. Very fun keyboard which can make some wicked cool sounds!
Allows combining/overwriting of samples
ASDR envelope can be applied to sounds/samples
Effects can be applied to sounds/samples including Reverse, Echo, Fuzz, Freq. Modulation, Amp. Modulation, U-Turn, Loop at various levels/values.
Built in arpeggiator with 12 preset rhythms
11 preset sounds (all are fairly lame, but can be tweaked to sound great)
No drums or drum patterns
8 bit sound"

TOY #3 YAMAHA VSS-30 Sampling Keyboard (original, not circuit bent) HQ DEMO

YouTube Uploaded by AnalogAudio1 on Sep 13, 2009

"This little sampling keyboard has a lot to offer. It has 8-bit sampling and synthesizer functions. Samples can be looped with a variable loop point / lenght. Forwards / backwards or both possible. If you want, you can overdub the sample - there is no overdub limit - make your own mellotron choirs! ;-).
It has an ADSR envelope for volume like a synthesizer. LFO and TREMOLO speed is variable. FUZZ and ECHO effects. It has 12 different "arpeggio styles". The samples and the 12 synth sounds can be tweaked as well. It has a little sequencer, which records what you play.

The VSS-30 is the competitor of the famous Casio SK-1, but the VSS has more to offer and the sampling engine sounds better to my ears. Indeed, you can use it for recording, if you like great lofi sounds - which the VSS-30 can deliver. I like the sound, because it sounds less trashier than a Casio.
Also a great advantage is the absence of the "automatic power off" of the Casios. The VSS-30 remains powered on as long as you want.

This one is in original state - not circuit bent."