The 171 sounds are organised in 12 categories: Lead, Pad, String, Bell, Organ, Bass, Dual, Sweep, Noise, SFX, Seq and Arpeggio. The Type knob selects the category. Three knobs adjust parameters of the selected sound, and the display shows their values.

D. Level and E. Level balance the direct signal against the synth sound, and the Variation knob steps through alternate versions of the selected sound. The SY-200 stores 128 memories. A send and return loop lets other pedals blend in alongside the synth voice.

Two footswitches turn the synth on and off and move through memories. Press-and-hold functions include pitch bend and synth hold. External footswitches or an expression pedal can be added, and MIDI in and out use mini TRS jacks.