INTRODUCTION

The Yamaha PSS-A50 is a compact 37-key portable keyboard designed for musicians who want something genuinely creative, responsive and easy to take anywhere.

Unlike many small keyboards, the PSS-A50 uses Yamaha’s HQ mini keyboard with touch response, giving it a much more expressive feel than a simple fixed-velocity mini-key instrument. Its compact size makes it easy to carry, but the playing experience is aimed at musicians who still want proper dynamic control.

With 40 instrument Voices, 2 Drum Kits, 138 Arpeggio types, 34 Motion Effects and a built-in Phrase Recorder, the PSS-A50 is particularly suited to improvisation, beat making, songwriting and electronic music experimentation.

USB-MIDI connectivity also lets it work as a compact controller for compatible computer software, while battery or USB power makes it easy to use almost anywhere.

For beginners, producers, travelling musicians and experienced players who want a compact creative keyboard rather than a conventional arranger, the Yamaha PSS-A50 offers a lot of musical capability in a very small footprint.

KEY FEATURES

• Yamaha compact creative mini keyboard

• 37 HQ mini keys

• Touch-sensitive keyboard

• Soft, Medium, Hard and Fixed touch-response settings

• 40 instrument Voices

• 2 Drum Kits

• 42 sound resources in total

• 32-note maximum polyphony

• 138 Arpeggio types

• 34 Motion Effects

• Phrase Recorder

• Approx. 700-note recording capacity

• Panel Sustain

• Built-in metronome

• Tap Tempo

• Octave shift from -4 to +4

• Transpose from -12 to +12 semitones

• Adjustable tuning

• USB-MIDI connectivity

• USB TO HOST via Micro-B

• Headphone/output connection

• Built-in speaker

• 1.4W amplification

• Four-AA battery operation

• USB bus powered

• USB cable included

• Lightweight 1.2kg design

• Compact 506mm width

• Black finish

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT

The PSS-A50 is small, but it does not feel like a toy.

Its biggest strength is the combination of a touch-sensitive mini keyboard and creative real-time features.

That means you can play expressively, trigger arpeggios, manipulate sounds using Motion Effect and capture musical phrases without needing a full-size workstation.

For a songwriter, it can be an ideas machine.

For a producer, it can double as a compact MIDI controller.

For a travelling musician, it is small enough to put into situations where a standard keyboard would simply be impractical.

And for someone learning, the touch response gives it more musical value than a basic fixed-velocity mini keyboard.

DETAILED FEATURES & BENEFITS

37-Key HQ Mini Keyboard

The Yamaha PSS-A50 features 37 HQ mini keys.

This high-quality mini keyboard design is related to the compact key action used in Yamaha’s reface series.

The smaller keys help keep the instrument extremely compact, but they still provide a responsive and musical playing experience.

This makes the PSS-A50 especially useful for:

• Songwriting

• Music production

• Travel

• Desktop use

• Electronic music

• Practice

• MIDI input

• Quick musical sketching

The 37-key range gives you three octaves of playing space while keeping the keyboard exceptionally portable.

Touch-Sensitive Response

The PSS-A50 is touch sensitive, meaning the sound responds to how firmly you play.

Touch settings include:

• Soft

• Medium

• Hard

• Fixed

This matters because dynamics are a fundamental part of musical expression.

A softer touch can produce a quieter note, while a stronger attack creates greater volume and intensity.

For such a compact keyboard, that gives the PSS-A50 a much more expressive feel than many mini-key alternatives.

40 Voices + 2 Drum Kits

The PSS-A50 provides:

• 40 instrument Voices

• 2 Drum Kits

That gives you 42 sound resources in total.

The Voice library covers a variety of useful musical sounds suitable for:

• Melody

• Chords

• Bass

• Electronic music

• Layered ideas

• Arpeggio patterns

• Rhythm programming

The PSS-A50 is not designed around enormous preset numbers.

Instead, its focus is on giving you a useful collection of sounds and then providing tools to manipulate and perform with them.

32-Note Polyphony

The instrument provides 32-note maximum polyphony.

For a compact 37-key instrument focused on individual Voices, arpeggios and recorded phrases, this gives enough capacity for layered musical ideas and sustained patterns without overwhelming the simple workflow.

138 Arpeggio Types

One of the strongest creative features is the built-in Arpeggiator, offering 138 Arpeggio types.

Hold a note or chord and the PSS-A50 can generate repeating musical patterns automatically.

Arpeggios can be particularly useful for:

• Synth lines

• Bass patterns

• Chord sequences

• Dance music

• Electronic music

• Songwriting

• Improvisation

They can transform a simple chord into a much more rhythmically active musical phrase.

For someone using the PSS-A50 as an idea generator, the Arpeggiator is one of the features most likely to become part of everyday use.

Motion Effect

The PSS-A50 includes 34 Motion Effect types.

Motion Effect lets you change the character of a sound dramatically while you play.

Depending on the selected effect, this can introduce movement through elements such as:

• Pitch

• Filter

• Modulation

• Other sound-processing changes

This makes the PSS-A50 especially enjoyable for electronic music and live experimentation.

Rather than simply selecting a preset and leaving it untouched, Motion Effect encourages you to treat sound manipulation as part of the performance itself.

Phrase Recorder

The built-in Phrase Recorder lets you capture and replay a musical idea directly on the keyboard.

The recorder stores MIDI performance data and supports approximately 700 notes, although the exact capacity can be lower when certain effects such as Motion Effect are used.

This is ideal for:

• Capturing quick ideas

• Creating repeating phrases

• Testing melodies

• Building simple loops

• Practising over a recorded part

The biggest advantage is immediacy.

You do not need to start a computer or recording application every time an idea appears.

Panel Sustain

The PSS-A50 includes Panel Sustain.

This allows notes to continue sounding after the keys are released, giving sustained sounds such as electric piano, pads and lead Voices a smoother character.

For a compact instrument without a traditional sustain-pedal input, Panel Sustain provides a simple way to extend notes when required.

Built-In Metronome

A built-in metronome helps provide a steady pulse while practising or creating musical patterns.

Timing is particularly important when recording phrases or working with arpeggios, so having the metronome available directly on the instrument is useful.

Tap Tempo

Tap Tempo lets you establish a tempo by tapping rather than entering a numerical BPM value manually.

This can be a much more natural way to match the speed of an idea already in your head.

Wide Octave Range

The compact 37-key keyboard can be shifted across a wide range using the Octave function.

Available adjustment extends from:

• -4 octaves

• to +4 octaves

This means the PSS-A50 can access a much wider pitch range than its physical three-octave keyboard might initially suggest.

You can quickly move between:

• Bass

• Chords

• Lead sounds

• High melodic parts

without needing a larger keybed.

Transpose

Transpose can be adjusted from -12 to +12 semitones.

This allows you to shift the sounding key while keeping the same fingering.

It can be useful for playing along with singers, recordings or other instruments.

Adjustable Tuning

The PSS-A50 also supports tuning adjustment from approximately 427Hz to 453Hz, centred around standard A=440Hz.

Most users can simply leave this at the default setting, but it is available where matching another instrument or tuning reference is necessary.

USB-MIDI Connectivity

The PSS-A50 includes USB TO HOST with MIDI connectivity.

This is one of the instrument’s most valuable features for producers and computer-based musicians.

Connect it to a compatible computer and the keyboard can transmit MIDI performance information.

That allows it to be used with:

• Virtual instruments

• Digital audio workstations

• MIDI software

• Music-production applications

• Compatible educational software

This effectively lets the PSS-A50 serve two roles:

standalone mini keyboard and compact MIDI controller.

Compact Production Companion

Because the PSS-A50 is only 506mm wide, it can fit into spaces where a conventional keyboard controller would be impractical.

That makes it particularly useful for:

• Desktop studios

• Laptop-based recording rigs

• Travel setups

• Small workspaces

• Secondary MIDI input

For producers who do not always need 61 or 88 keys, its small footprint can be a real advantage.

Built-In Speaker

The PSS-A50 includes a built-in 8cm speaker powered by 1.4W amplification.

This means you can use the keyboard without connecting external speakers.

For quick practice, songwriting and casual playing, that keeps the setup extremely simple.

Headphone / Output Connection

A stereo mini-jack PHONES/OUTPUT connection is provided.

Connect headphones and the internal speaker is automatically disabled, allowing private practice.

The connection can also function as an audio output for compatible external applications.

Battery Power

The PSS-A50 can operate from four AA batteries.

Supported battery types include:

• Alkaline

• Manganese

• Rechargeable Ni-MH

This means you can use it without having a mains socket nearby.

For musicians who actually want to carry a keyboard around rather than merely describing it as portable, this is an important advantage.

USB Bus Power

The PSS-A50 can also run from USB power.

The included USB cable can connect to a suitable power source, computer or compatible USB power arrangement.

A dedicated USB power adaptor is sold separately.

This flexibility makes the PSS-A50 easy to integrate into portable and computer-based setups.

Ultra-Light 1.2kg Design

The Yamaha PSS-A50 weighs approximately 1.2kg excluding batteries.

Its dimensions are:

• Width: 506mm

• Depth: 201mm

• Height: 54mm

That makes it genuinely portable rather than simply smaller than a stage keyboard.

It is easy to move around the house, take on trips or integrate into a small recording workspace.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The Yamaha PSS-A50 is particularly well suited to:

• Songwriters

• Electronic musicians

• Music producers

• Beginners

• Travelling musicians

• Students

• Bedroom producers

• Laptop musicians

• Keyboard players wanting a portable second instrument

• Musicians needing a compact MIDI controller

• Players interested in arpeggios and sound manipulation

• Anyone short on space

It is less suitable for someone whose priority is traditional piano technique or a large keyboard range.

For that type of player, a 61, 76 or 88-key instrument would make more sense.

PLAYING STYLES & APPLICATIONS

Songwriting – Capture ideas quickly using the Phrase Recorder and Arpeggiator.

Electronic music – Motion Effect and 138 Arpeggio types make the PSS-A50 particularly enjoyable for synth-based music.

Music production – USB-MIDI connectivity lets it control compatible software instruments.

Travel – At only 1.2kg and 506mm wide, it is genuinely easy to carry.

Desktop studios – Its compact footprint makes it suitable for small production spaces.

Improvisation – Arpeggios and Motion Effect encourage experimentation.

Practice – Touch response and headphones make it useful for quiet everyday playing.

Beat and pattern creation – Drum Kits, Arpeggios and Phrase Recorder provide simple ways to build rhythmic ideas.

Learning synthesis-style performance – Motion Effect introduces the idea of changing sound parameters as part of the performance.

HOW IT COMPARES

Yamaha PSS-A50 vs PSS-F30

The PSS-F30 is aimed more directly at younger beginners and home keyboard use.

The PSS-A50 has a more creative and performance-focused specification.

Key PSS-A50 advantages include:

• Touch-sensitive HQ mini keys

• Arpeggiator

• Motion Effect

• Phrase Recorder

• USB-MIDI connectivity

The PSS-F30 instead includes automatic accompaniment Styles and built-in Songs.

Choose the PSS-A50 for creativity, expressive playing and MIDI control.

Choose the PSS-F30 for a more traditional beginner keyboard experience with accompaniment.

Yamaha PSS-A50 vs PSR-F52

The PSR-F52 gives you a much larger 61-key keyboard and automatic accompaniment.

The PSS-A50 is dramatically smaller and offers creative features such as:

• Touch response

• 138 Arpeggios

• Motion Effect

• Phrase Recorder

• USB-MIDI

Choose the PSR-F52 when a conventional 61-key beginner layout and accompaniment are priorities.

Choose the PSS-A50 when portability, expressive mini keys and music-production features matter more.

Yamaha PSS-A50 vs PSR-E383

The PSR-E383 is a much more complete conventional portable keyboard with:

• 61 touch-sensitive keys

• Hundreds of Voices

• Automatic accompaniment

• Built-in Songs

• Lesson functions

• More extensive recording

• USB audio and MIDI

The PSS-A50 is far smaller and more focused on creative experimentation.

Choose the PSR-E383 for structured learning and general home keyboard use.

Choose the PSS-A50 for portability, electronic music, MIDI control and quick idea creation.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Specification	Yamaha PSS-A50
Product Type	Portable Mini Keyboard
Finish	Black
Number of Keys	37
Keyboard Type	HQ Mini
Touch Response	Soft, Medium, Hard, Fixed
Maximum Polyphony	32 notes
Instrument Voices	40
Drum Kits	2
Total Sound Resources	42
Arpeggio Types	138
Motion Effects	34 types
Phrase Recorder	Yes
Recording Capacity	Approx. 700 notes
Panel Sustain	Yes
Metronome	Yes
Tap Tempo	Yes
Tempo Range	11–280 BPM
Octave Shift	-4 to +4
Transpose	-12 to +12 semitones
Tuning	Approx. 427–453Hz
USB TO HOST	Yes
USB Connection	Micro-B
USB-MIDI	Yes
Headphones / Output	Stereo mini jack
Amplification	1.4W
Speaker	8cm x 1
Width	506mm
Depth	201mm
Height	54mm
Weight	1.2kg excluding batteries
Battery Power	4 x AA
USB Power	Yes
Power Consumption	1.5W

POWER REQUIREMENTS

The Yamaha PSS-A50 can be powered using:

• Four AA batteries

• USB bus power

• A suitable 5V / 500mA USB power adaptor, sold separately

Yamaha includes a USB cable with the keyboard.

The dedicated USB power adaptor is not included.

🎵 FAIR DEAL MUSIC EXPERT VERDICT ★★★★★

Best suited for: Songwriters, producers, electronic musicians, students and players wanting an extremely portable touch-sensitive keyboard with creative performance tools.

Customers usually upgrade from: Basic mini keyboards, fixed-velocity portable keyboards or simple MIDI controllers without onboard sounds.

Most commonly paired with: Headphones, a computer running compatible music software and a suitable USB power source.

Our tip: The PSS-A50’s real selling point isn't simply that it is small. The combination of touch-sensitive HQ mini keys, 138 Arpeggios, Motion Effect, Phrase Recorder and USB-MIDI makes it a genuinely useful creative instrument. It is particularly good for catching musical ideas before they disappear.

Showroom feedback: The PSS-A50 appeals most to customers who want something they can leave within reach. Its size encourages spontaneous playing, while the touch-sensitive keybed makes it feel much more musical than many keyboards in the mini-key category.

WHY BUY FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Even a compact keyboard can serve very different purposes.

Some customers want a first instrument. Others want a portable songwriting tool, while producers may simply need a small MIDI keyboard that can also make sounds without a computer.

Our experienced team can help you decide whether the PSS-A50 is the right choice or whether a larger Yamaha model would suit the way you intend to play more effectively.

Fair Deal Music has decades of experience with new and pre-owned keyboards, digital pianos and musical instruments, and we can also help with suitable headphones and other useful accessories.

Already own an instrument you'd like to replace? Ask us about part exchange.

PART EXCHANGE / TRADE-IN

Trade In. Trade Up.

Already own a keyboard, synthesizer or another musical instrument?

Fair Deal Music welcomes part-exchange enquiries on suitable equipment.

Simply provide:

• Make

• Exact model

• Condition

• Included accessories

and our team can provide a no-obligation valuation towards your new Yamaha PSS-A50.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many keys does the Yamaha PSS-A50 have?

The PSS-A50 has 37 HQ mini keys.

Are the keys touch sensitive?

Yes.

Touch Response settings include Soft, Medium, Hard and Fixed.

Are the keys full size?

No.

The PSS-A50 uses Yamaha’s compact HQ mini keyboard.

This is one of the reasons the instrument can remain so small and portable.

How many sounds does it have?

The PSS-A50 provides 40 instrument Voices and 2 Drum Kits.

Does it have automatic accompaniment Styles?

No.

The PSS-A50 is focused on creative playing, arpeggios and phrase recording rather than conventional arranger-style automatic accompaniment.

How many Arpeggio types are included?

There are 138 Arpeggio types.

What is Motion Effect?

Motion Effect changes aspects of the sound in real time to create more dramatic movement and expression.

The PSS-A50 provides 34 Motion Effect types.

Can I record ideas?

Yes.

The Phrase Recorder stores one MIDI phrase with approximately 700 notes of capacity, depending on the effects being used.

Can the PSS-A50 be used as a MIDI controller?

Yes.

It provides USB-MIDI connectivity through its USB TO HOST connection.

Does it send MIDI to music-production software?

Yes, with compatible software and computer equipment.

Does the PSS-A50 have built-in speakers?

Yes.

It has one 8cm speaker driven by a 1.4W amplifier.

Can I use headphones?

Yes.

A stereo mini-jack PHONES/OUTPUT connection is provided.

Does the PSS-A50 have a sustain pedal input?

Yamaha does not specify a sustain-pedal connection on the PSS-A50.

Panel Sustain is provided instead.

Can it run on batteries?

Yes.

It can operate using four AA batteries.

Can it run from USB power?

Yes.

The PSS-A50 supports USB bus power.

Is a mains adaptor included?

No dedicated USB mains power adaptor is specified as included.

Yamaha supplies a USB cable, while a suitable USB power adaptor is sold separately.

How heavy is the PSS-A50?

It weighs approximately 1.2kg excluding batteries.

How small is it?

The PSS-A50 measures approximately:

• 506mm wide

• 201mm deep

• 54mm high

Is the PSS-A50 suitable for beginners?

Yes, particularly for beginners interested in modern, creative keyboard playing.

Its touch-sensitive keys are a major advantage over basic mini keyboards.

For conventional lessons or piano-style learning, however, a larger 61-key model may be more appropriate.

Is the PSS-A50 good for music production?

Yes.

Its small footprint, touch-sensitive keyboard, Arpeggiator and USB-MIDI connection make it particularly useful as a compact production and songwriting keyboard.

WHAT'S IN THE BOX

Yamaha confirms the following included items:

• Yamaha PSS-A50 37-Key Portable Mini Keyboard

• USB cable

• Owner’s Manual

• Online Member Product Registration documentation

A dedicated USB power adaptor is sold separately.

READY TO CREATE ANYWHERE?

The Yamaha PSS-A50 proves that a compact keyboard does not have to be creatively limited.

Its 37 touch-sensitive HQ mini keys, 42 sound resources, 138 Arpeggio types, 34 Motion Effects, Phrase Recorder and USB-MIDI connectivity give musicians plenty of ways to turn a quick idea into something musical.

At only 1.2kg, it is small enough to travel easily, sit permanently on a desk or stay within reach whenever inspiration appears.

Order your Yamaha PSS-A50 from Fair Deal Music today, or speak to our team if you would like help comparing it with Yamaha’s other compact and portable keyboards.