The instrument
The PortaSound PSS-680 from 1988 is an entry-level portable music keyboard. The Portasound PS and PSS synthesiser series were produced in the 1980s and 1990s as mostly low-cost models. The first series, the PS-1, PS-2 and PS-3, was launched in 1980. The name Portasound refers to the portability of the instruments, which are battery-operated. Some were designed for children and are equipped with small buttons and simple preset functions. A card reading system was introduced in 1982, allowing players to learn and play along with sequenced songs. Some higher-end keyboards have advanced features such as programmable synthesiser controls, midi capability and sampler functions.
Details
The digital PSS-680 is polyphonic with a 49-key keyboard. The Orchestra section has 100 voices, a dual voice button and the digital synthesiser function to create your own synthesised sounds. The Rhythm section has 100 rhythms and a custom drummer for creating your own rhythms. The Auto Accompaniment is equipped with a single-finger function for automatic chord and bass accompaniment. There is fill-in, transpose as well as attack, decay, vibrato, sustain, reverb, portamento and stereo chorus. The sequencer allows you to record and save five songs. There is also a MIDI controller and a multitimbral MIDI sound source.