Yamaha Rolls Out Genos 2 Firmware Version 1.20 with Key Enhancements for Live Performers

April 15, 2025 – Hamamatsu, Japan — Yamaha has officially released Firmware Version 1.20 for its flagship Genos 2 digital workstation, bringing with it a trio of refined features designed to enhance the live performance experience and boost expressive control. The update builds on the Genos 2’s strong reputation as a powerhouse for professional musicians, adding thoughtful improvements that further streamline playability.

Sustain Now Retains Notes After Part Deactivation

One of the most notable changes in version 1.20 addresses how the keyboard responds when Sustain is active and parts are turned off mid-performance. Previously, deactivating a part (such as Left or Right 1–3) while using the sustain pedal would cause any held notes in that part to abruptly stop. With the update, those notes will now continue to sound until the sustain is released, ensuring smoother transitions and a more natural feel during live sets or layered studio performances.

This improvement is especially welcome for keyboardists who frequently shift between layered sounds or split keyboard configurations and want seamless continuity in their playing.

New “Slider Mode” Customization for Live Control

Yamaha also introduced a new setting called “Slider Mode”, found under [MENU] -> [Live Control] -> [Menu]. This feature lets users choose between two slider response modes:

• Catch Mode – the default for Genos 2, where sliders only begin adjusting a parameter once they match its current value.
• Jump Mode – mimicking the behavior from the original Genos, this mode allows values to change immediately when a slider is moved.

This addition empowers performers to tailor the Live Control experience to their personal workflow—whether they prefer the precision of Catch mode or the immediacy of Jump mode.

Pitch Bend Now Affects Harmony Vocoder Sound

A third enhancement brings the pitch bend functionality into harmony (pun intended) with the original Genos. Pitch bending will now also affect the Harmony (Vocoder) sound in Vocal Harmony mode, offering a more dynamic and expressive effect when combining keyboard performance with vocal processing. This change gives artists greater control over their harmonized vocals, especially when creating real-time pitch modulation in live or recorded settings.

A Step Forward in Yamaha’s Pro-Level Evolution

Firmware 1.20 marks a carefully considered step forward in the Genos 2’s evolution, demonstrating Yamaha’s commitment to listening to its user base and refining their flagship instrument for maximum performance utility. While the changes may appear incremental on the surface, their impact in live and studio contexts is substantial—especially for artists pushing the limits of expression and control.

The update is available now for download via Yamaha’s official website.

⮆️ Get the update here: https://usa.yamaha.com/support/updates/genos2_firm.html

Yamaha Genos 2: Evolving the future of professional keyboard performance, one update at a time.