PS-48 is a collection of 100 synth patches inspired by the Yamaha PSS-480, a compact keyboard that, despite its modest design, delivers distinctive two-operator FM tones. The PSS-480’s sounds are identical to those of the PSS-580, so this pack also covers the full PSS-580 sound set.
Phoenix are among the best-known users of the PSS-480, featuring it both in live performances and on tracks like Girlfriend, Rome, 1901, and Entertainment.
The pack is built from samples of the original instrument, recreating all 100 factory sounds with the added flexibility to adjust envelopes, vibrato, tremolo, and other parameters.
PS-48 includes patches for Native Instruments Kontakt, one of the most widely used software samplers. The patches feature a custom graphical interface with adjustable settings, modulation controls, and built-in chorus, delay, and reverb effects.
These patches require the full version of Kontakt (version 6 or higher) and will not work with the free Player version.
The pack also contains presets for the free Decent Sampler plugin, compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and iOS. This version mirrors the Kontakt interface but replaces the LFO setting with an Autopan effect.
PS-48 also includes over 100 Instrument Racks for Ableton Live, using the same samples and settings as the Kontakt and Decent Sampler versions but designed to work directly in Live.
The Live 11 or later version is arranged like the Kontakt and Decent Sampler patches, with sounds grouped into categories. Individual patches can be selected using the Macro Variation control on the left side of the rack.
Live 10 does not support Macro Variations, so the Live 10 version includes 100 individual Instrument Racks, one for each sound.
PS-48 is an updated version of my earlier Porta pack, expanding the original 40 Yamaha PSS-480 sounds to all 100 from the keyboard. The samples have been newly recorded for cleaner, lower-noise playback, and envelope controls are now fully adjustable, making it possible to extend or sustain sounds that were originally short and decaying.
All sounds (other than bass guitar and drums) were made with RM-20 patches.
Or get PS-48 in the Ableton Sounds Bundle — 11 packs for $150 (normally $255, save 41%).
View the BundlesThe PS-48 download includes patches for the following DAWs and samplers:
If you previously purchased the older version of this pack, Porta, you're eligible for a free upgrade to the new version. If you haven't yet, create a customer account with the email address used for the original purchase.
After setting up your account, the updated PS-48 pack is available in the Downloads section. For any issues, please contact us with your original order details.
