YAMAHA DIGITAL PROGRAMMABLE ALGORITHM SYNTHESIZER OWNER’S MANUAL
SUPPLEMENTAL MARKING INFORMATION Yamaha Digital Musical Instrument Products will have either a label similar to the graphic shown below or a molded/stamped facsimile of the graphic on its enclosure. The explanation of these graphics appears on this page. Please observe all cautions indicated. The Exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.
Welcome Welcome to the DX7s, the newest member of the growing family of FM digital synthesizers from Yamaha. Using the industry-standard DX7 as its starting point, the DX7s offers a number of important new features, such as improved sound quality, additional FM features, new performance options, and improved controls. Since there is so much material available on the DX7 family of synthesizers (and on the theory of FM digital synthesis), this manual will not be an FM tutorial.
Tips The DX7s has been designed for years of trouhle-free use. In order to ensure that it remains a healthy member of your family of musical instruments, please keep the following tips in mind: Installation: When setting up the DX7s in your home or studio, avoid exposure to direct sunlight or other sources of heat. Environments with excessive dust, cold, dampness, or vibration can also damage your instrument.
AC Power & Down Time: Whenever the DX7s will not be used for an extended period of time, it is best to protect it from potential disaster. Electrical storms and other natural or man-made disasters can give rise to power surges, which may damage the digital circuitry of your DX7s — even if the power is turned off. Either unplug your instrument when not in use, or invest in power strips with surge protectors to safeguard all of your electronic equipment.
Contents 1 3 6 8 12 16 17 Section 1: Playing the DX7s Getting Started Setting the ROM Cartridge Banks Exploring the DX7s Performance Library Exploring the DX7s Voice Library The Play Modes Using Controllers with the DX7s 19 21 26 Section 2: Creating and Storing New Sounds Creating New Sounds Saving New Sounds 29 31 33 36 38 Section 3: Using the New Performance Features Performance Edit Buttons Basic Performance Parameters Performance Controllers Micro Tuning 41 43 52 53 55 57 Section 4: Using the Ne
Playing the DX7s -1-
Contents 3 3 4 5 Getting Started Making Audio Connections Turning on the DX7s Setting the Volume Slider 6 6 7 Setting the ROM Cartridge Banks Inserting the ROM Cartridge Selecting the ROM Banks 8 8 9 10 11 Exploring the DX7s Performance Library Selecting the Internal Performance Memories The Internal Performance Memories Selecting the Cartridge Performance Memories The Cartridge Performance Memories 12 12 13 14 15 Exploring the DX7s Voice Library Selecting the Internal Voice Memories The Internal Vo
Getting Started You can begin to enjoy your DX7s immediately, without poring through a lot of complicated electronic theory. All you have to do is take the instrument out of the box and proceed as follows: Making Audio Connections There are three different ways to connect the DX7s to sound reinforcement equipment. The one you choose will depend on your situation: 1.
Turning on the DX7s After you have made the audio connection of your choice, turn the DX7s on by pressing the power switch located on the right side of the back panel. This is the first display you will see on the main panel: The DX’s “welcome” display. After a few seconds, this display will be replaced by the last Play Mode display selected before the DX7s was turned off: The DX’s next initial display.
Setting the Volume Slider Since the volumes of the various voices differ, start with a setting in the middle of the slider’s range; adjust later to suit your taste, depending on the voice or voices being played.
Setting the ROM Cartridge Banks The ROM Cartridge supplied with your DX7s actually contains several sets of data — called “banks.” These banks can be selected from the front panel. In order to hear all of the Voice and Performance data, you will need to set the Voice/Performance bank to 2. Also, certain voices in the DX7s are created using the new fractional scaling feature. These scalings are stored in bank 3 of the ROM cartridge, so the Fractional Scaling Bank will need to be set to bank 3.
Selecting the ROM Banks This is the Set Bank LCD display with Bank 2 of the ROM cartridge selected for Voice & Performance data. This is the Set Bank LCD display with Bank 3 of the ROM cartridge selected for Fractional Scaling data.
Exploring the DX7s Performance Library The Performance Mode is a completely new feature for the DX7s. It allows a number of useful performance-oriented features to be stored and recalled instantly. These features will be explained in detail in Sections 2 and 3 of this manual. For now, though, just follow the steps below, and explore the richness of the Performance Mode by playing through all of the new sounds available in the Internal and ROM Cartridge memories.
The Internal Performance Memories These are the Performance Memories loaded into the DX7s when it is shipped from the factory. Since these memories can be adjusted, your DX’s Internal Memory may contain different data. If so, reload the Internal Voice & Performance data from bank 4 of the supplied ROM cartridge (see page 70).
Selecting the Cartridge Performance Memories The LCD display will show the number and name of the selected Performance memory.
The Cartridge Performance Memories Bank 4 of the supplied ROM cartridge contains the Voice & Performance Memory loaded into the DXs Internal Memory when it is shipped from the factory. Bank 2 contains an entirely different set of Voice & Performance data.
Exploring the DX7s Voice Library The voices in the DX7s were created using techniques like those used on the original DX7. There are a number of new features available in Voice Mode (most of them extensions of the Function Mode in the original DX7). All of these features will he discussed in detail in Sections 2 and 4 of this manual. For now, though, just follow the steps below: and play through all of the voices available in the Internal and ROM Cartridge memories.
The Internal Voice Memories These are the Voice Memories loaded into the DX7s when it is shipped from the factory. Since these memories can be adjusted, your DX’s Internal Memory may contain different data. If so, reload the Internal Voice & Performance data from bank 1 of the supplied ROM cartridge (see page 70).
Selecting the Cartridge Voice Memories As explained on page 6, the DX7s ROM cartridge contains several banks. To hear the cartridge voices, make sure that the Voice/Performance bank is set to bank 2 of the ROM cartridge (see page 7 for instructions on how to change the cartridge banks). The LCD display will show the number and name of the selected Voice memory.
The Cartridge Voice Memories Bank 4 of the supplied ROM cartridge contains the Voice & Performance Memory loaded into the DX’s Internal Memory when it is shipped from the factory. Bank 2 contains an entirely different set of Voice & Performance data.
The Play Modes Now that you have an idea of some of the sound possibilities of the DX7s, it is time to take a closer look at how the various Play Modes operate. Read on: Voice Mode and Performance Mode The DX7s has two different play modes: Voice Mode and Performance Mode. As you have just seen, the Voice Mode is where you recall the 64 Internal Voice memories and the 64 Cartridge Voice memories. Press Voice and use the 1 ~ 32/33 ~ 64 button and the program number buttons to select specific voices.
Using Controllers with the DX7s The DX7s is designed to operate with many controllers, each of which can be set to perform one of a number of different effects. The settings for these controllers can be different for each Voice memory or Performance memory. To begin your exploration of the expanded musical possibilities available with controllers on the DX7s, try the examples listed below.
Foot Controllers 1 and 2 The Foot Controllers plug into the two Foot Controller plugs on the back panel of the DX7s. They can give you continuous control over a number of aspects of the sounds. Try using Foot Controller 1 with Cartridge Performance #25 or Internal Performance #12 (from bank 2 of the ROM). Foot Controller 2 is most often used as a volume pedal, but other effects are possible. Footswitches 1 and 2 The Footswitches plug into the two Footswitch plugs on the back panel of the DX7s.
Creating and Storing New Sounds - 19 -
Contents 21 21 22 23 23 23 24 Creating New Sounds Editing and Edit Mode Entering Edit Mode Editing Performance and Voice Data Using the Cursor Buttons and the Data Entry Buttons/Slider Edit/Compare Edit Button Quick Reference Guide 26 26 26 26 27 27 Saving New Sounds Memory Protection Turning Memory Protect Off Voice and Performance Memory Storing Performance Data to Internal or Cartridge Memory Storing Voice Data to Internal or Cartridge Memory - 20 -
Creating New Sounds The Voices and Performance setups in the DX7s are stored as digital information in a computer-like memory. And, like computer memory, the memory of the DX7s can be altered for different uses. In other words, voices do not exist as unchangeable presets (as they do in electronic organs), but rather as streams of data. This data can be changed (edited) to create new Voice and Performance setups. To find out how this works, read on.
Entering Edit Mode In the Edit Mode, you can edit both Voice and Performance parameters. In the above procedure, the Edit Mode is entered after the Edit button is pressed in step #1. At that time, you can push any or all of the buttons indicated as many times as necessary to make the desired edits. There is a distinction between editing Performance parameters and editing Voice parameters that you may want to be aware of. In certain cases, (such as using compare) you may not retain all your edits.
Editing Performance and Voice Data After entering one of the Edit Modes, use the number buttons to access the parameter whose value you wish to change. Each number button calls up a variety of parameters, often through the use of multiple LCD screen displays. A complete set of these screen displays will be given at the beginning of Section 3 (for Performance parameters) and Section 4 (for Voice parameters). In most cases, each LCD display gives you access to a number of parameters.
Edit Button Quick Reference Guide Voice parameters are discussed in more detail in Section 4. Voice parameters are discussed in more detail in Section 4.
Performance parameters are discussed in more detail in Section 3. Utility parameters are discussed in more detail in Section 5. MIDI parameters are discussed in more detail in Section 6.
Saving New Sounds Once you have altered a particular Voice or Performance memory to your liking, you will want to save your new data in one of the DX’s memory locations. Voice memories and Performance setups can be saved either to the Internal Memory or to a RAM Cartridge Memory. To do so, proceed as follows: Memory Protection Each time the DX7s is turned on, it automatically powers up with both the Internal and the Cartridge Memory Protect feature turned on.
Storing Performance Data to Internal or Cartridge Memory Storing Voice Data to Internal or Cartridge Memory - 27 -
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Using the New Performance Features - 29 -
Contents 31 31 31 32 Performance Edit Buttons Button 27 LCD Displays Button 28 LCD Displays Button 29 LCD Displays 33 33 33 34 35 35 Basic Performance Parameters Total Volume Key Shift EG Forced Damp Performance Name Voice Number 36 36 36 37 37 Performance Controllers Sustain Footswitch (FS 1) Footswitch 2 (FS 2) Continuous Sliders FM Parameters Assignable to CS1 and CS2 38 38 38 38 Micro Tuning Selecting a Micro Tuning The Micro Tuning Presets Micro Tuning Editing and Storage - 30 -
Performance Edit Buttons All of the Performance Mode parameters are adjusted via the LCD displays called up using buttons 27 ~ 29. All of the these buttons call up multiple LCD displays. The charts below show all of the displays called up by each button, and provide a complete list of parameters and value ranges. In some cases, the first LCD display in a chart may not be the first one you see.
Button 29 LCD Displays - 32 -
Basic Performance Parameters Accessed using buttons 28 and 29, these parameters determine the basic voice relationships in Peformance Mode. Total Volume This parameter allows you to set an overall volume for each Performance memory. If you desire, you can use this setting to balance the levels of your Performance memories, so that constant Volume Slider or mixer adjustments are not necessary. Key Shift This parameter allows you to adjust the transposition of the Performance.
EG Forced Damp Even though the DX7s is a 16-voice synthesizer, these voices can be used up quickly when you use a Sustain Footswitch pedal. When you do exceed the DX’s note capacity, the first notes played will stop sounding to make way for the new notes being played.
Performance Name You can enter a Performance Name of up to ten characters. To do so, follow the instructions below. Since you have a total of ten characters to define your Peformance Memory, make sure that your Performance Name conveys the basic approach of the specific Performance Memory. Using the left and right cursor buttons while holding the Edit/Character button lets you place the cursor over a specific character position. This allows you to easily edit any character within a name.
Performance Controllers The DX7s features a greatly expanded set of controller options. The settings for Footswitches 1 and 2 and Continuous Sliders 1 and 2 are adjusted in Performance Edit Mode, using button 27. (The other controller settings are accessed in voice parameters.) Sustain Footswitch (FS 1) Footswitch 1 is set to operate as a sustain pedal. Footswitch 2 (FS 2) Footswitch 2 is a multipurpose pedal with four selectable functions: Sustain, Portamento, Key Hold, or Soft.
Continuous Sliders The two Continuous Sliders give you access to real-time control of FM voice parameters. There are a total of 103 different possibilities: FM Parameters Assignable to CS 1 and CS2 DATA ENTRY slider The Continuous Sliders provide a new avenue for exploration of real-time timbral control. highest position l OP 6 Total level l OP 6 EG Rate 1 (R1) OP 1 l OP 6 AMP. MOD. SENS OP 1 l OP 6 OSC.
Micro Tuning Micro Tuning is another new feature for the DX7s. It offers the possibility of performing music using tuning and intonation systems other than Equal Temperament (which is the current standard tuning for both pianos and synthesizers). Micro Tuning data is accessed using button 29. New Micro Tunings are created in Micro Tuning Edit Mode, which is accessed using button 14 in conjunction with button 29.
Entering the Micro Tuning Edit Mode Editing Micro Tuning Data Storing Micro Tuning Data - 39 -
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Using the New Voice Features - 41 -
Contents 43 43 44 44 45 46 47 48 48 49 50 51 Voice Edit Buttons Button 7 LCD Display Button 8 LCD Display Button 9 LCD Display Button 10 LCD Displays Button 11 LCD Display Button 12 LCD Display Button 13 LCD Display Button 23 LCD Displays Button 24 LCD Displays Button 25 LCD Displays Button 26 LCD Displays 52 52 52 52 Basic Voice Editing Functions Operator Select Operator On/Off EG Copy 53 53 53 54 New Voice Parameters Pitch Envelope LFO Key Modes 55 55 55 55 56 Voice Controllers Function Data and V
Voice Edit Buttons All of the Voice Mode parameters are adjusted via the LCD displays called up using buttons 7 - 13 and 23 - 26. Many of the these buttons call up multiple LCD displays. The charts below show all of the displays called up by each button, and provide a complete list of parameters and value ranges. In some cases, the first LCD display in a chart may not he the first one you see.
Button 8 LCD Display Oscillator Mode (ratio, fixed) Frequency Coarse (varies Frequency Fine (varies) Oscillator Detune (-7 ~ +7) Button 9 LCD Display Rate Scaling (0 ~ 7) Envelope Generator Rates 1 ~ 4 (0 ~ 99) Envelope Generator Levels 1 ~ 4 (0 ~ 99) - 44 -
Button 10 LCD Displays - 45 -
Button 11 LCD Display Key Velocity (0 ~ 7) Amplitude Modulation Sensitivity (0 ~ 7) Pitch Modulation Sensitivity (0 ~ 7) - 46 -
Button 12 LCD Display LFO Wave (triangle, saw down, saw up, square, sine, s/hold) LFO Speed (0 ~ 99) LFO Delay (0 ~ 99) LFO Mode (single, multi) LFO Pitch Modulation Depth (0 ~ 99) LFO Amplitude Modulation Depth (0 ~ 99) LFO Key Sync (off, on) - 47 -
Button 13 LCD Display Pitch Envelope Octave Range (1/2, 1,2,8) Pitch Envelope Velocity (off, on) Pitch Envelope Rate Scaling (0 ~ 7) Pitch Envelope Rates 1 ~ 4 (0 ~ 99) Pitch Envelope Levels 1 ~ 4 (0 ~ 99) Button 23 LCD Displays Key Mode Assign (polyphonic, monophonic, unison poly, unison mono) Unison Detune (0 ~ 7) (appears only when Key Mode = unison poly or unison mono) -48-
