OWNER’S MANUAL MUSIC PRODUCTION SYNTHESIZER EN
SPECIAL MESSAGE SECTION This product utilizes batteries or an external power supply (adapter). DO NOT connect this product to any power supply or adapter other than one described in the manual, on the name plate, or specifically recommended by Yamaha. WARNING: Do not place this product in a position where anyone could walk on, trip over, or roll anything over power or connecting cords of any kind.
FCC INFORMATION (U.S.A.) 1. IMPORTANT NOTICE: DO NOT MODIFY THIS UNIT! This product, when installed as indicated in the instructions contained in this manual, meets FCC requirements. Modifications not expressly approved by Yamaha may void your authority, granted by the FCC, to use the product. 2. IMPORTANT: When connecting this product to accessories and/ or another product use only high quality shielded cables. Cable/s supplied with this product MUST be used. Follow all installation instructions.
PRECAUTIONS PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING * Please keep this manual in a safe place for future reference. WARNING Always follow the basic precautions listed below to avoid the possibility of serious injury or even death from electrical shock, short-circuiting, damages, fire or other hazards. These precautions include, but are not limited to, the following: Power supply/AC power adaptor Water warning • Only use the voltage specified as correct for the instrument.
Connections Saving data • Before connecting the instrument to other electronic components, turn off the power for all components. Before turning the power on or off for all components, set all volume levels to minimum. Also, be sure to set the volumes of all components at their minimum levels and gradually raise the volume controls while playing the instrument to set the desired listening level. Maintenance • When cleaning the instrument, use a soft, dry cloth.
Introduction Introduction Congratulations and thank you for your purchase of the Yamaha MO Music Production Synthesizer! You now own a fantastic-sounding, highly versatile keyboard—one that combines comprehensive synthesizer soundcrafting controls and powerful performance/recording features in a total music production instrument. Virtually all of our synthesizer technology and music making know-how went into the design of this instrument.
Main Features Main Features ● Wide range of dynamic and authentic voices. Use the Category Search function to quickly call up the sounds you Page 42 want, based on their instrument type. ● Performance mode lets you use four different voices together—in layers or in a keyboard split.
How to use this manual How to use this manual Application Index ................................................................................................................ Page 9 This special index is organized not by single words, but by functions and applications—allowing you to quickly and easily find how to perform a particular operation or explore a topic of interest. The Controls & Connectors ...............................................................................................
Application Index Application Index Listening to the MO • • • • Listening to the Demo Song/Pattern .............................................................................................................................................................. Page 73 Listening to Song Chain playback.................................................................................................................................................................. Page 95 Listening to Pattern Chain playback .....
Application Index Sounding only the specified Part or Voice • Turning each element on or off in the Voice Edit mode.................................................................................................................................Page 55 • Determining whether each Element is used or not in the Voice Edit mode [VOICE] → [EDIT] → Element selection → [F1] OSC → [SF1] WAVE → ElementSw = on/off ........................................................................
Application Index Storing/Saving the created data • Storing an edited Voice to internal memory (Flash ROM) and saving all the Voices in internal memory to a USB storage device .......................... Page 60 • Storing an edited Performance to internal memory (Flash ROM) and saving all the Performances in internal memory to a USB storage device ..................................................................................................................................................................
Application Index Connecting to a computer/external MIDI instrument • Determining which connector (MIDI, USB TO HOST) is used for MIDI input/output [UTILITY] → [F5] MIDI → [SF4] OTHER → MIDI IN/OUT ................................................................................................................................Page 210 • Using the sounds of the MO for Song playback from a MIDI sequencer...................................................................................................
Table of Contents Table of Contents Introduction ...............................................................6 Accessories...............................................................6 Main Features............................................................7 How to use this manual .............................................8 Application Index ................................................... 9 The Controls & Connectors 14 Front Panel ...........................................................
Front Panel The Controls & Connectors Front Panel MO8 3 6 4 PHONES OUTPUT L MONO FOOT CONTROLLER DIGITAL OUT R FOOT SWITCH MIDI OUT IN TO HOST THRU TO DEVICE DAW REMOTE PAGE SELECT USB ASSIGN A PAN SEND ASSIGN TONE ASSIGN B PAN REVERB CUTOFF RESONANCE SWING GATE TIME LOW LOW MID ASSIGN 1 ASSIGN 2 CHORUS TEMPO ATTACK RELEASE VELOCITY UNIT MULTIPLY HIGH MID HIGH 9 ARP FX MEF ) EFFECT ARPEGGIO EQ MASTER EFFECT ARPEGGIO ON OFF EFFECT BYPASS 7 SCENE SEQ TRANSPORT LOCA
The Controls & Connectors Front Panel DC IN º # * ( 8@ ¶ STANDBY ON ¢ CATEGORY SEARCH MODE VOICE SONG DEC NO SF1 SF2 SF3 SF4 SF5 PERFORM MASTER PATTERN F2 F3 F4 F5 PRE 1 PRE 2 PRE 3 PRE 4 GM – A.
Front Panel The Controls & Connectors 1 Keyboard n The MO6 features a 61-key keyboard, while the MO8 has 88 keys. All are equipped with an initial touch feature. With initial touch, the instrument senses how strongly or softly you play the keys, and uses that playing strength to affect the sound in various ways, depending on the selected voice. 2 OCTAVE [UP] and [DOWN] buttons Page 29 Use these buttons to change the note range of the keyboard.
Front Panel Page 37 For calling up a special “help” feature that shows information about the currently selected mode. You can go back to the previous display by pressing this button again or pressing any other button. Depending on the selected display, this button may be used to call up a window for inputting characters, for inputting numbers, for selecting note lengths, or for selecting keys or note names (page 35). * Data dial Page 35 For editing the currently selected parameter.
Rear Panel The Controls & Connectors Rear Panel MO8 DC IN STANDBY ON 1 2 3 MO6 STANDBY ON DC IN THRU TO DEVICE MIDI OUT IN TO HOST USB 1 2 3 4 1 STANDBY/ON switch Page 20 Press to turn power ON or OFF. 2 DC IN terminal Page 20 Connect the AC adaptor to this terminal. WARNING Do not attempt to use an AC adaptor other than the Yamaha PA-5D or an equivalent recommended by Yamaha.
4 5 MIDI USB TO DEVICE 6 TO HOST THRU OUT 7 IN OUTPUT R ) FOOT CONTROLLER DIGITAL OUT OUTPUT R 6 7 ) FOOT CONTROLLER FOOT SWITCH DIGITAL OUT FOOT SWITCH The Controls & Connectors Rear Panel PHONES L MONO 8 9 PHONES L MONO 8 9 6 FOOT SWITCH jack Page 69 For connection of optional FC4 or FC5 Footswitch. 7 FOOT CONTROLLER jack Page 69 For connection of an optional foot controller (FC7, etc.).
Power supply Setting up and Playing Setting up and Playing Power supply Power supply connections Before you connect the power adapter, make sure that the MO [STANDBY/ON] switch is set to STANDBY (Off). 1 2 Connect the plug of the power adapter PA-5D to the DC IN terminal on the rear panel of the MO. Plug in the AC cable to an appropriate AC outlet.
Power supply Turning the power on Setting up and Playing Make sure the volume settings of the MO and external devices are turned down to the minimum. MASTER VOLUME Turn the power on by pressing the [STANDBY/ON] switch on the MO rear panel, then turn the power on the amplifiers. Connecting MIDI devices or a Mixer Make sure that all volume settings are turned down all the way to the minimum.
Playing the keyboard Playing the keyboard Setting up and Playing Playing the sounds Try playing some of the realistic and dynamic MO sounds from the keyboard now. When you turn the power on following the directions in “Power supply connections” (page 20), the display below appears. n In the default settings, the Master mode is selected. For details about the modes, refer to the section “Modes” on page 24. Indicates that the Master mode is selected. Indicates the type of selected program.
Playing the keyboard Selecting and playing the sounds For playing the keyboard Voice This program contains a basic instrument sound, such as a piano, guitar, bass guitar, drum kit, etc. Setting up and Playing The MO provides three different types of programs for playing the sounds: Voices, Performances, Songs, and Patterns. The basic difference among these programs is in their use—for playing the keyboard, or for creating music with multiple parts.
Modes Modes There are several operation modes in the MO, and they can be selected by using the 12 mode buttons.
Basic instructions Basic instructions Voices—the basic building blocks of the MO Selecting a preset Voice Page 40 Creating a new Voice Page 53 Setting up and Playing Voices—created in the Voice mode—are the basic sonic building blocks for the other modes of the MO. The Performance, Song, and Pattern programs are made up of different Voices, used together for specific performance or song recording.
Resetting the User Memory to the Initial Factory Settings Resetting the User Memory to the Initial Factory Settings The original factory setting of this synthesizer’s User Memory can be restored as follows. Setting up and Playing WARNING When the factory settings are restored, all the Voice, Performance, Song, Pattern, and system setting in the Utility mode you created will be erased. Be sure to save all important data to USB storage device before executing this procedure (pages 60, 66 and 98).
Modes Basic Operation In this section, we’ll take a look at the fundamental operating conventions of the MO. Here, you’ll learn the basics—how to select modes, call up the various functions, change settings, and edit parameter values. Before reading further, familiarize yourself with the basic terms used with the MO in the chart below.
Modes Mode table The functions of each mode and how to enter each mode are as follows: Mode Voice mode Basic Operation Performance mode Song mode Pattern mode (Mixing Voice mode) Utility mode Master mode File mode Voice Play mode Function Playing a Voice How to enter the mode [VOICE] Voice Edit mode Editing/Creating a Voice [VOICE] → [EDIT] Voice Job mode Initializing a Voice, etc.
Modes Keyboard octave setting (MO6) Basic Operation Sometimes when playing a voice, you may wish to play in a lower or higher pitch range. For example, you may want to shift the pitch down lower to get extra bass notes, or shift up to get higher notes for leads and solos. The Octave Up/Down controls let you do this quickly and easily. Each time you press the [OCTAVE UP] button on the panel, the overall pitch of the voice goes up by one octave.
About data storage to USB storage devices About data storage to USB storage devices As you make music with this instrument, you’ll create a wide variety of data—such as custom Voice data (including Voices, Performances, etc.), and MIDI sequence data (Songs, Patterns, Arpeggios). Naturally, you’ll want to store this data for safekeeping and future use, and for this reason the instrument is equipped with a USB TO DEVICE connector—letting you save your data to a convenient USB storage device.
About data storage to USB storage devices Using USB storage devices When using USB storage devices, make sure to connect them to the USB TO DEVICE connector, and follow the important precautions below. ■ Compatible USB devices The MO does not necessarily support all commercially available USB storage devices. Yamaha cannot guarantee operation of USB storage devices that you purchase.
About data storage to USB storage devices TIP Backing up your data to a computer ■ Backing up MO data to a computer ■ Loading data from a computer to the MO Once you’ve saved data to a USB storage device, you can copy the data to the hard disk of your computer, then archive and organize the files as desired. Simply reconnect the device as shown below.
Functions and Sub-Functions Functions and Sub-Functions Each mode described above contains various displays, with various functions and parameters. To navigate your way through these displays and select a desired function, use the [F1] – [F6] buttons and the [SF1] – [SF5] buttons. When you select a mode, the available displays or menus appear directly above the buttons at the bottom of the display (as shown below).
Selecting a Program ■ Using the Group buttons and Number buttons As shown below, you can select a program number by pressing any of the Group [A] – [H] buttons and pressing any of the Number [1] – [16] buttons. The explanations here apply when these button indicators are off. Basic Operation PRE 1 PRE 2 PRE 3 PRE 4 USER 1 A.
Moving the Cursor and Setting Parameters Moving the Cursor and Setting Parameters Changing (editing) parameter values Rotating the data dial to the right (clockwise) increases the value, while rotating it to the left (counter-clockwise) decreases it. Moving the cursor DEC/NO INC / YES EXIT ENTER For parameters with large value ranges, you can increase the value by 10 by simultaneously holding down the [INC/YES] button and pressing the [DEC/NO] button.
About the editing functions About the editing functions There are three types of method for creating data—Editing parameters (Voice, Performance, etc.) and Recording MIDI data (Song, Pattern, etc.). In this section, we’ll explain the basic operations for editing the Voice, Performance, Song Mixing, Pattern Mixing, Mixing Voice settings. n For details on recording MIDI data, see page 73.
Confirmation Message Edit Recall Function If you are editing a program and select a different program without storing your edited one, all the edits you’ve made will be erased. However, the edited program is maintained in a backup memory location called the Recall buffer (page 150). To restore the lost data with your latest edits intact, use the Edit Recall function in the Job mode.
Naming Naming You can freely name your created data such as Voices and files saved to the USB storage device. The chart below lists the types of data that can be named along with the operations for calling up the respective naming displays.
Naming ■ Using the character list If you find it difficult to select the desired characters with the above method, you may want to use the following method— selecting the characters from a list. When the cursor is located at the Name, this [LIST] icon appears and you can call up the Character List display by holding the [INFORMATION] button. Release the [INFORMATION] button to return back to the original display.
Voice Play mode Quick Guide Playing the MO Voice Play mode The Voice Play mode is where you select and play the instrument sounds (voices) of this synthesizer. Selecting a Normal Voice Quick Guide Internally, there are two Voice Types: Normal Voices and Drum Voices. Normal Voices are mainly pitched musical instrument type sounds that can be played over the range of the keyboard. Drum Voices are mainly percussion/drum sounds that are assigned to individual notes on the keyboard.
Voice Play mode 2 3 Select a Normal Voice Bank. Select one of the Banks from Preset 1 – 4, User 1 – 2, and GM. PRE 1 PRE 2 PRE 3 PRE 4 USER 1 Group USER 2 Select a Normal Voice Group. Voices in each Bank are divided into Groups [A] – [H]. – GM A B SYN LEAD SYN PAD/ CHOIR C D E DRUM/ SYN COMP CHROMATIC PERCUSSION PERCUSSION F G H SE MUSICAL FX COMBI Voice 4 Select a Normal Voice Number.
Voice Play mode Using the Category Search function You’ll probably have a lot of fun and inspiration going through the Voices one-by-one, listening to each in order—but it will take you a long time to get through all of them, since the MO has so many. This is where the Category Search function comes in handy. It’s a powerful and easy-to-use way to quickly find the Voices you want. Let’s try out the feature below, searching for a Voice in the Pipe Organ category.
Voice Play mode Favorite Category Press the [FAVORITES] button to see the Voices you’ve set to the Favorite Category in step 2. 3 The MO also lets you collect and store your favorite Voices to create your personal “Favorite” Category. By putting your most often-used Voices in the Favorite Category, you can select your favorite Voices quickly and easily. You also can use the [F5] SET/CLR and [F6] CLR ALL buttons in this display to register/remove the voices to/from the Favorite Category.
Performance Play mode Performance Play mode Each Performance can contain up to four different Parts. This lets you play, for example, Flute, Violin, and Timpani Voices in a layer across the keyboard, or split the keyboard according to the bass and melody parts, then play the two different instruments and sound like a duo—even though you’re playing by yourself. Selecting a Performance 256 Performances (2 banks) are provided in internal User memory.
Performance Play mode 2 Performance Part mute/solo Select a Performance Bank. Each performance can contain a maximum of four Parts, each of which can be turned on or off independently. Muting and soloing of Parts is done in the same way as that of tracks in a Song/Pattern. See page 75. Select one of the Banks from User 1 and 2. PRE 1 PRE 2 PRE 3 PRE 4 A.
Performance Play mode Creating a Performance by combining Voices Performances can be made up of a maximum of four Parts, each of which can be assigned a different Voice. In this section, we’ll create a Performance by combining two Voices. Preparing to create a Performance (Initializing the Performance) Playing several Voices together (Layer) 5 1 Select the desired Performance in the Performance Play mode. 2 Press the [JOB] button, and then the [F1] button. Press the [F2] VOICE button.
Performance Play mode Voice Bank 9-2 Voice Number Press a note on the keyboard while holding the [SF5] LIMIT L button down to set the lowest note of Part 2. Note that the dark bar (at “NOTE”) for Part 2 changes as the note range is changed. SCENE F2 Assigns a Voice to the selected Part. SF3 F3 SF4 F4 SF5 F5 INFORMATION F6 Deletes the Voice assignment of the selected Part. SF 5 7 SF 4 Note limit low Play the keyboard.
Using the Arpeggio feature Using the Arpeggio feature The versatile Arpeggio feature allows you to automatically play various rhythms and phrases by simply pressing a key or playing a chord. The MO contains a remarkably wide variety of Arpeggios—a total of 1,787—from conventional, popular phrases to the latest cutting-edge rhythm patterns. In addition, you can assign your favorite Arpeggios to the [SF1] – [SF5] buttons and switch between Arpeggio phrases instantly.
Using the Arpeggio feature Register your favorite Arpeggio types to the [SF1] – [SF5] buttons Controlling Arpeggio playback by using the Knobs. You can change the default settings and assign any Arpeggio types you like to the [SF1] – [SF5] buttons. These four Knobs let you adjust the tempo and volume of Arpeggio playback. If you like the results and want to save them, you can store the changes as a User Voice, Performance, Song, or Pattern. 1 Press the [ARP FX] button to turn the lamp on.
Using the Controllers on the MO Using the Controllers on the MO This section shows you how to change the sounds by using the controllers on the MO. When using the external controllers, see page 69. Pitch Bend Wheel Use the Pitch Bend wheel to bend notes up (roll the wheel away from you) or down (roll the wheel toward you) while playing the keyboard. The Pitch Bend wheel is self-centering and will automatically return to normal pitch when released.
Using the Controllers on the MO Knob Changing the sounds You can change the brightness and tone characteristics of the current Voice, Performance, Song or Pattern in realtime by turning the knobs while you play. Rotating it to the right (clockwise) increases the program number, while rotating it to the left (counter-clockwise) decreases it. You can select the function set assigned to the knobs among the following seven sets by pressing the appropriate Control function button.
Using the Controllers on the MO Control slider Changing the volume You can adjust the volume of the Voice/Performance you play on the keyboard, or the volume of the specified part (track) of the Song/Pattern by using the Control sliders. In the Master mode, various functions as well as the volume can be assigned to the Control sliders when the Zone Switch is set to on (page 215).
Editing a Voice Editing a Program Editing a Voice Each Voice can consist of up to four Elements. An Element is made up of a basic waveform—the basic sound of a musical instrument—plus the various synthesizer processing parameters used to enhance, alter or define the sound, such as pitch, filter, and amplitude controls.
Editing a Voice 3 Call up the Common Edit display or Element Edit display. If you wish to edit the sounds that make up a Voice and the basic parameters that determine the sound—such as Oscillator, Pitch, Filter, Amplitude, and EG (Envelope Generator)—call up the Element Edit display. If you wish to edit more global parameters related to the overall Voice and how it’s processed—such as Arpeggio, Controller, and Effects—call up the Common Edit display.
Editing a Voice TIP Edit Recall 1 In the Normal Voice Edit mode, simultaneously hold down the [MUTE] button and press one of the Number buttons [9] to [12] to solo the corresponding Element. Once you’ve selected an Element for soloing, the [MUTE] button’s lamp flashes, indicating the Solo function is active and only the selected Element can be edited. In this example, only Element 3 is turned on and can be edited. 2 2 3 Press the [JOB] button in the Voice mode to enter the Voice Job mode.
Editing a Voice TIP Editing a Voice by using the Knobs The four knobs at the top left of the instrument are not only for tweaking the sound while you perform—you can also use them to edit a Voice, either in the Voice Play mode or the Voice Edit mode. ● When the [PAN/SEND] indicator is turned on: PAN Determines the stereo pan position of the Voice. [VOICE] → Voice selection → [EDIT] → [COMMON] → [F2] OUTPUT → Pan Page 154 REVERB Determines the amount of Reverb effect that is applied to the Voice.
Editing a Voice Drum Voice Edit 1 Press the [VOICE] button to enter the Voice mode, then select a Drum Voice to be edited. 2 Press the [EDIT] button to enter the Voice Edit mode. EDIT JOB STORE COMPARE 3 Call up the Common Edit display or Key Edit display. Quick Guide If you want to edit the sounds that make up a Drum Voice and the basic parameters that determine the sound, such as Oscillator, Pitch, Filter, Amplitude, and EG (Envelope Generator), call up the Key Edit display.
Editing a Voice TIP Assigning drum/percussion instruments to individual keys [VOICE] ➞ Drum Voice selection ➞ [EDIT] ➞ Key selection ➞ [F1] OSC ➞ [SF1] WAVE In the Drum Voice Edit mode, you can create your own original drum kits by assigning specific instrument sounds to individual keys—in any desired order—and edit detailed parameters for each key’s sound. 1 Call up the Key Edit display in the Voice Edit mode.
Editing a Voice TIP Setting the drum key for independent open and closed hi-hat sounds [VOICE] ➞ Drum Voice selection ➞ [EDIT] ➞ Key selection ➞ [F1] OSC ➞ [SF5] OTHER ➞ AltnateGroup In a real drum kit, some drum sounds cannot physically be played simultaneously, such as open and closed hi-hats. You can prevent drum instruments from playing back simultaneously by assigning them to the same Alternate Group.
Editing a Voice Storing/Saving the created Voice Two steps are necessary in order to store (save) your Voice—storing the edited Voice to internal memory and saving the stored voices to a USB storage device.
Editing a Voice To execute the Store operation, press the [INC/YES] button. 4 3 Set the Type parameter to “All Voice.” After the Voice has been stored, a “Completed” message appears and operation returns to the Voice Play display. DEC NO INC YES The following three file types are available for saving Voice data. Here, select “All Voice.” All When this is selected, execute the Save operation to save all the created data including the User Voices as a single file (extension: M7A).
Editing a Voice ■ Loading Voice data from a USB storage device When Type is set to “Voice”: [FILE] ➞ [F3] LOAD In the previous section, we saved Voice data as an “All Voice” file to a USB storage device. Here, we’ll recall that Voice data and load it to the instrument with the Load operation. 1 When Type is set to “Voice,” you can specify and load a specific Voice from a file (with the extension W7V or M7A). Press the [FILE] button to enter the File mode.
Editing a Performance Editing a Performance The Performance Edit mode ([PERFORM] → [EDIT]) lets you create your own original Performances—containing up to four different Parts (Voices)—by editing the various parameters. After assigning different Voices to separate ranges of the keyboard, edit the detailed parameters in the Performance Edit mode. Press the [PERFORM] button to enter the Performance mode, then select a Performance to be edited (page 44).
Editing a Performance 4 Select the menu you wish to edit by pressing the [F1] – [F6] buttons and [SF1] – [SF5] buttons, then edit the parameters in each display. The following briefly describes the main Performance parameters. ● Parameters for the Voice assigned to each Part Page 174 5 Repeat steps 3 – 4 as desired. 6 Name the edited Performance. Enter a name for the Voice from the NAME display ([COMMON] → [F1] GENERAL → [SF1] NAME). For detailed instructions on naming a Voice, refer to page 38.
Editing a Performance TIP Editing a Performance by using the Knobs The four knobs at the top left of the instrument are not only for tweaking the sound while you perform—you can also use them to edit a Performance, either in the Performance Play mode or the Performance Edit mode. ● When the [PAN/SEND] indicator is turned on: PAN Determines the stereo pan position of the Performance.
Editing a Performance Storing/Saving the created Performance Two steps are necessary in order to store (save) your Performance—storing the edited Performance to internal memory and saving the stored Performances to a USB storage device. Internal memory Store Performance Edit USB storage device User Performance 001 User Performance 002 Save User Performance Bank 1 Storing edited Performances individually All the User Performance data in internal memory can be saved as a single file.
Editing a Performance Saving the edited Performances to a USB storage device [FILE] ➞ [F2] SAVE The basic operations are the same as in the Voice mode (page 61). However, keep in mind that you must set the Type parameter to “All.” When Type is set to “All,” executing the Save operation saves all the created data, including the Performances as well as the Voices assigned to them, as a single file (extension: M7A).
Editing a Performance 4 Select the file ( ) to be loaded. Move the cursor to the file (extension: M7A) saved in the operation explained in the previous instructions. If the desired file was saved in specific folder, enter the folder and select the file. For information on how to select a folder, see page 213. If you have set the Type parameter to “All” in step 3, go on to step 5.
Controllers supported by the MO Using the Controllers—Advanced Course Controllers supported by the MO You can control tone, volume, pitch and other parameters by using the controllers on the front panel, as well as by using external controllers connected to several controller jacks on the rear panel.
Controllers supported by the MO Controlling a Voice with Controller Set [VOICE] ➞ Voice selection ➞ [EDIT] ➞ [COMMON] ➞ [F4] CTL SET (page 155) Each of the Preset Voices of MO is programmed with appropriate Modulation Wheel and Knob assignments, for adjusting the sound and effects in ways that best match the selected Voice. For example, you can use the Modulation Wheel to apply a chorus effect to a piano Voice, or use one of the Knobs to control the decay time parameter of a bass guitar Voice.
Controllers supported by the MO Controlling the overall system with ASSIGN A and B [UTILITY] ➞ [F4] CTL ASN ➞ [SF2] ASSIGN (page 208) The ASSIGN A and B (Knob 1 and 2) settings let you control the functions that affect all Voices, Performances, Song, and Pattern. You can store the ASSIGN A and B settings as the system settings by pressing the [STORE] button. n ASSIGN A and B are common to all Voices/Performances/Songs/Patterns.
Controllers supported by the MO Changing Control Change numbers The functions assigned to the controllers by the Controller Set and ASSIGN A/B functions are applied only to the internal tone generator block. For connected external MIDI instruments, use of the controllers generates MIDI Control Change messages, as assigned in the chart below.
Playing the Demo Songs/Patterns Creating a Song on the MO In this section, we’ll explain how to create a Song by using the built-in sequencer of the MO (Song mode and Pattern mode). There are two ways (or modes) that you can use the music production features of the MO to create your own music: Song mode and Pattern mode. In the Song mode, you can create a Song in order from beginning to end.
Playing the Demo Songs/Patterns 2 Set the LoadType to “All.” Any of following three types can be set. However, for this example, select “All.” All ................ Loads both the Demo Song and Pattern data. Song ............ Loads only the Demo Song data. Pattern ........ Loads only the Demo Pattern data. 3 Press the [ENTER] button to load the Demo data. After the data is loaded, the Song Play display is automatically called up.
Playing the Demo Songs/Patterns Press the [PATTERN] button to enter the Pattern mode. PERFORM MASTER SONG PATTERN MIXING FILE Using Mute/Solo with the Song and Pattern tracks UTILITY Try this with the Demo Songs to hear how the tracks sound both in isolation and in various combinations. DEMO EDIT COMPARE 7 STORE JOB ■ To mute a track SCENE STORE SET LOCATE 1 Press the [MUTE] button (the lamp lights). 2 Press any of the NUMBER [1] – [16] buttons to select the track number to be muted.
Creating a Pattern Creating a Pattern When you create a Song, one of the most essential aspects is the rhythm. It is almost always the first thing you start with, and provides a foundation for the rest of the music. The Pattern mode gives you the tools to create rhythm patterns for the accompaniment of the Song. Here, in brief, are the basic steps in using Patterns to create a Song: 1) In the Pattern mode, create and chain together the phrases that will be used for the accompaniment and the Song.
Creating a Pattern Store the Mixing settings. Press the [STORE] button (the display below appears). Press the [ENTER] button to store the Mixing settings with the Pattern. Mixing Template A total of 32 Mixing settings, each designed for a different music category or genre, have been programmed and stored as convenient Mixing Templates. Each Mixing Template includes the Voices, effects, pan and other settings suitable for the corresponding music genre.
Creating a Pattern TIP Creating Mixing Voices exclusively for Songs/Patterns If you assign User Voices to your Song or Pattern and then edit them (in the Voice Edit mode), the Voices may sound different than expected. This convenient feature lets you create dedicated Mixing Voices for your Songs and Patterns—ensuring that the Voices will play exactly as they were edited for the Song/Pattern. The Mixing Voice can be stored with the Song or Pattern.
Creating a Pattern 3 Set the meter (time signature), tempo, and length. Tempo Meter (time signature) 4 Length of pattern TIP User Phrases In addition to the Preset Phrases, you can store MIDI data you’ve recorded in the Pattern mode as User Phrases. User Phrases have the added benefit of being able to use the sounds of other instruments, letting you record bass, guitar, piano and other parts as well as drums and percussion. For details, see page 81.
Creating a Pattern TIP Type, Loop, and Quantize Type The “replace” setting lets you overwrite an already recorded track with new data. The first recording is lost, and the new one takes its place. The “overdub” setting lets you record (layer) additional data to a track that already contains data. These methods are both realtime recording methods. The “step” setting (Step recording) allows you to compose your performance by “writing” it down one event at a time. For details, see page 82.
Creating a Pattern MIDI data recorded in the Pattern mode is stored as a User Phrase. You can store up to 256 User Phrases to a single Pattern. Next, let’s use the Pattern Copy function and record our User Phrases to Section B. Copying Patterns and Creating a Pattern with User Phrases Copying a Pattern Creating a Pattern with User Phrases In order to assign the drum and bass phrases of section A to section B, we’ll copy the performance of Section A to section B.
Creating a Pattern TIP Copying a User Phrase from another Pattern to the current Pattern The User Phrases that can be assigned with the Patch function are limited to the ones contained in the currently selected Pattern. To copy Phrases from other Patterns for use in the current one, follow the instructions below. 1 2 In the [F4] PATCH display, press the [SF5] COPY button to call up the Copy Phrase display.
Creating a Pattern Creating a Pattern with Step recording Press the [TRACK SELECT] button so that its lamp lights, and select the track for the strings part by pressing the Number [5] button. Press the [REC] button to enter the Pattern Record mode. 7 Set the Type parameter to “step” in the [F1] SETUP display.
Creating a Pattern 3 Select a track, then adjust the Groove settings. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 12 13 14 15 16 TRACK SELECT Select a track. ELEMENT PERF. PART ZONE 9 10 11 MUTE SOLO Set each parameter. Move the cursor to the desired parameter and grid point and set the offset value. Move the cursor... DEC/NO Set the value.
Creating a Pattern Creating a Pattern Chain by changing a Section while playing a Pattern Switching of sections, track muting, scene/mute changes, and tempo changes can all be recorded in real time as a Pattern Chain. 4 Press the [F] button to start recording and play the Pattern as you like. Change the Section at the desired points, as the Pattern plays. SEQ TRANSPORT 1 In the Pattern Play mode, select a Pattern for which data has already been created.
Creating a Pattern Editing a Pattern Chain Converting a Pattern Chain to Song data The Pattern Chain Edit mode makes it possible to edit the order of the Sections in a chain, as well as insert tempo and scene/mute event data. Once you’ve made a Pattern Chain, you can convert the data and create a Song with it. Quick Guide Creating a Song on the MO 1 In the Pattern Play mode, select a Pattern for which data has already been created.
Creating a Song Creating a Song The following chart illustrates the basic procedure for creating a Song, using the various methods and functions described in this tutorial. Now, that you’ve assembled the backing tracks for your Song by converting the Phrases or Pattern Chain to Song data, you can now record melody parts on them. Song track Song track 1 Song track 2 Song track 3 Pattern Chain Song track 4 Convert the Pattern Chain to Song data ([PATTERN] → [F6] CHAIN → [EDIT] → [F3] SONG).
Creating a Song Recording with the keyboard to a Song track Arpeggio, Realtime Recording/Step Recording, Groove function In the Song mode, you can use the Arpeggio, Realtime Recording/Step Recording, and Groove function in the same ways as you did in the Pattern mode. The procedure is basically the same as that of the Pattern mode. 5 Press the [F] (Play) button to start the recording. When Song playback reaches the Punch In point, play the keyboard.
Creating a Song TIP Song Recording using a Performance If you have a favorite Performance or one that would fit the Song to be recorded, you can copy certain settings of up to four Parts of the Performance to the Song Mixing settings currently being edited. 3 4 Press the [F5] PF COPY button to call up the Performance Copy display. Set the parameters as necessary in the [F5] PF COPY display, then press the [ENTER] button to execute the Copy operation.
Creating a Song ■ Recalling a Song Scene and Arpeggio type during recording EDIT ARP1 – ARP5 menus appear also in the [F3] ARP display in the Song Record mode as well as the [F1] PLAY display in the Song Play mode. These indicate that you can change the Song Scene and Arpeggio type simultaneously during Song recording from the [F3] ARP display. ■ Recording Song Scene changes to a Song Each Song contains a Scene track to which you can record Scene changes.
Creating a Song To edit data in the Event List, use the up/down cursor buttons to highlight the specific event you want to edit, and use the left/right cursor buttons to highlight the data type or parameter to be edited. Then, change the value as needed by using the [INC/YES] and [DEC/NO] buttons or the data dial. The entire line of the edited event will flash on the display. Press the [ENTER] button to actually enter the edited data (the entire line of the edited event will stop flashing).
Creating a Song Press the [JOB] button to enter the Song Job mode. 2 As shown below, the Jobs are divided into six main groups, each of which is selected using the [F1] – [F6] buttons. Indicates the Job List. Because all the Jobs cannot be displayed simultaneously, you will need to use the cursor buttons to scroll the display in order to find the desired Job. 6 If you are satisfied with the result of the Job, go to step 7.
Creating a Song TIP Using the Undo/Redo functions If you’re not satisfied with the results of a just-executed Job, or you want to hear the difference of the sound before and after using a Job, you can use the convenient Undo and Redo functions. After changing the data with a particular Job, repeat steps 1 – 4 as desired. 2 Press the [SONG] button to return to the Song Play mode, then press the [F] button to hear the Song as it was changed by the Job. This lets you check the results of the Job.
Creating a Song 4 Call up the Common Edit display or Part Edit display. Use Part Edit to edit the parameters for each Part. Use Common Edit to edit the parameters for all of the Parts. While in the Song Mixing Edit mode, you can switch between the Common Edit display and the Element Edit display as shown below. Calling up the Common Edit display Press the [COMMON] button to call up the Common Edit display. In the Edit mode, the [DRUM KITS] button functions as the [COMMON] button.
Creating a Song TIP Song Chain This function allows Songs to be “chained” together for automatic sequential playback. In this section, try using the Song Chain features with the Demo Songs. 1 Press the [F6] CHAIN button to call up the Song Chain display. From this display you can program and play your own custom Song sequences. 3 Play the Song Chain. Move the cursor to the top of the Song Chain display, and press the [F] (Play) button to start Song playback.
Creating a Song TIP Editing a Mixing by using the Knobs (in the Song mode/Pattern mode) The four knobs at the top left of the instrument can be used to tweak the Song/Pattern Mixing settings as they play (in the Song Play/Pattern Play mode). What’s mode, you can use them to edit the Mixing settings, in the Song Mixing Edit/ Pattern Mixing Edit modes. For details on the parameters edited by the knobs, refer to the descriptions in the Performance mode (page 65).
Creating a Song TIP Editing a Mixing by using Control sliders (in the Song mode/Pattern mode) [SONG] ➞ Song selection ➞ [MIXING] ➞ [EDIT] ➞ Part selection ➞ [F2] OUTPUT ➞ [SF1] VOL/PAN ➞ Volume In the Song/Pattern mode, the four Control sliders let you independently adjust the levels of the Parts (Voices), letting you control the overall balance of the Parts. n Inadvertent use of the sliders may result in no sound. If this occurs, move the sliders upward.
Creating a Song Record the MIDI sequence data to a Song or Pattern track, referring to the previous instructions in this chapter as needed. The examples listed below are used as reference. ● Creating a rhythm pattern (using a Drum Voice) Track 1 Record a basic rhythm pattern using various drum instruments. ➔ Convert via “Fixed.” Track 2 – 4 Record a different rhythm pattern using a specific drum instrument to each track. ➔ Convert via “Normal.
Creating a Song Storing the edited Song Mixing/ Pattern Mixing settings to internal memory [MIXING] ➞ [STORE] 2 Press the [F2] SAVE button to call up the Save display. 3 Set the TYPE parameter to “All.” ■ Storing the Mixing settings as a part of a Song All All data in this synthesizer’s internal User Memory is treated as a single file (extension: M7A), and can be saved to a USB storage device.
Creating a Song Saving a Song or a Pattern Section as a Standard MIDI File After connecting the USB storage device to the instrument, follow the instructions below. 1 Press the [FILE] button to enter the File mode. Then press the [F1] CONFIG button and [SF1] CURRENT button. If the device is divided into several partitions, select the specific partition for use. If the device has several media (e.g., discs) inserted, select a specific Slot number.
Creating a Song 3 Select a file type to be loaded. You can load the file (extension: M7A) saved as “All” by selecting one of the following file types. Voice A specified Voice in a file can be individually selected and loaded to this instrument. Performance A specified Performance in a file can be individually selected and loaded to this instrument. Song A specified Song in a file can be individually selected and loaded to this instrument.
Creating a Song TIP Setting a specific file to load automatically when the power is turned on The MO is very easy to use and you can create Voices, Performances, Patterns and Songs very quickly on it. However, there may be times that creating and editing of data may be spread out over several sessions. In such a case, you may find it convenient to have the instrument automatically load the appropriate files for you when you turn it on, so you can easily resume your editing session.
Connections Connecting the MO to external devices Connections Connecting to External Audio Equipment Since the MO has no built-in speakers, you’ll need an external audio system or a set of stereo headphones to properly monitor it. Alternatively, you could use a pair of headphones. There are several methods of connecting to external audio equipment, as described in the following illustrations.
Connections Connecting External MIDI Instruments Using a standard MIDI cable (optional), you can connect an external MIDI device, and control it from the MO. Likewise, you can use an external MIDI device (such as a keyboard or sequencer) to control the sounds on the MO. This section introduces several different applications of MIDI. n Either of the interfaces—MIDI or USB—can be used for MIDI data transmission/reception. However, they cannot be used at the same time.
Connections TIP Splitting the sound between the MO and an external tone generator by MIDI channel (Part 1) Using the connection example shown above, you can play both instruments and have them separately sound different parts—for example, having your keyboard performance sound the external instrument while the Song/Pattern plays the sounds of the MO. Check the following points.
Connections ■ Controlling another MIDI instrument via MIDI THRU If you have more synthesizers and tone generators than MIDI ports, you can use the MIDI THRU jack to connect and control additional devices. Here, the playback data of a MIDI sequencer is used to play the sounds of another MIDI instrument (connected to the MIDI THRU connector) as well as the MO. The MIDI THRU connector simply redirects any received MIDI data (via MIDI IN) to connected instrument.
Connections ● Controlling an MTR by using MMC transmitted from the MO You can control the start/stop and fast forward/rewind of the MMC-compatible MTR from the SEQ TRANSPORT buttons on the front panel of the MO, outputting MMC messages via MIDI. MIDI cable MIDI IN SEQ TRANSPORT LOCATE 1 MIDI OUT MIDI IN MIDI OUT 2 REC MO MMC (MIDI Machine Control) allows remote control of multitrack recorders, MIDI sequencers, etc.
Connections TIP Thru Port Setting MIDI ports can be used to divide playback among multiple synthesizers, as well as expand the MIDI channel capacity beyond sixteen. In the example below, a separate synthesizer connected to the MO is played by MIDI data via port 5, as set in the ThruPort parameter with the following operation. [UTILITY] ➞ [F5] MIDI ➞ [SF4] OTHER ➞ ThruPort = 5 MIDI cable MIDI IN Only MIDI data over port 5 will be transmitted through the MO to this tone generator.
Connections Local On/Off—when Connected to a Computer When connecting this synthesizer to a computer, the keyboard performance data is generally sent to the computer, and then returned from the computer to play the tone generator block. If the Local Control in the Utility mode is set to “on,” a “double” sound may result, since the tone generator is receiving performance data from both the keyboard directly and the computer.
Using as a Multi-timbral Tone Generator for your DAW/sequencer Using as a Multi-timbral Tone Generator for your DAW/sequencer The MO can serve as a high-quality, 16-part, multi-timbral tone generator for playing back song data from your DAW (digital audio workstation) or sequencer software. By assigning each track in a MIDI song file to a different MIDI channel, you can have each track in the song independently play back a different Voice on the MO.
Using as a Multi-timbral Tone Generator for your DAW/sequencer 5 Record your song data to the sequencer song file. For details, refer to the owner’s manual of your sequencer. 6 Play back the sequencer song file using the sounds of the MO. External keyboard Quick Guide When a Note On message is received, the corresponding Part is played. For example, when you play back tracks on the sequencer, the Part whose Receive Channel is same as the sequencer track’s Transmit Channel is played.
Using the MO with computer software Using the MO with computer software Editing the MO as a “virtual” synthesizer Voice Editor and Multi Part Editor The Voice Editor and Multi Part Editor for MO provide a highly intuitive way to create and edit the Voices and Mixing settings (Multis) completely from your computer display.
Using the MO with computer software Remote-controlling the software This powerful feature lets you control your music/audio software programs by using sliders and buttons on the panel of the MO, rather than your computer’s mouse and keyboard. The MO can be used to control sequencer software and DAW software, such as Cubase SX, Logic, and SONAR. These sequencers or DAWs are already set to respond to specific hardware controllers.
Using the MO with computer software 5 Press the [ENTER] button to execute the settings. 6 Press the [STORE] button to store the settings as the system settings of the Utility mode. CAUTION If you turn the power off without storing, the currently edited settings will be lost. ■ Digital Performer 4.52 1 2 3 4 Pull down the [Setup] menu and select [Control Surface Setup] to call up the “Control Surface” window. Click the [+] button. Select “Mackie Control” in the Driver section.
Using the MO with computer software Using the Remote Control functions 1 To enter the Remote Control mode, press the [DAW REMOTE] button (the lamp flashes). The REMOTE display appears, and the panel controls are enabled for Remote operation of the computer software (their normal functions are disabled). DAW REMOTE FILE UTILITY DEMO 2 Press this button again to exit from the Remote Control mode. Select the software to be remote-controlled (Mode A or Mode B).
Using the MO with computer software ■ Data dial, [INC/YES] and [DEC/NO] buttons When the [DIAL] menu appears at the [SF4] button These controls can be used to set the value for the knob of the DAW controller, for the track/part selected by the cursor. The Knobs can also be used, but these help you make fine adjustments to the value that are difficult to make with the Knobs. When the menu does not appear at the [SF4] button The buttons can be used to move the song position in the DAW.
Using the MO with computer software Remote Control Assignments Checking the Remote Control assignments If you’re unsure as to which software function has been assigned to a particular panel control on the MO, this convenient feature lets you quickly check it from the display. 1 2 SF1 SF2 F1 SF3 F2 SF4 F3 F4 SF5 INFORMATION F5 F6 In the Remote Control mode, press the [INFORMATION] button to call up the information display, indicating the function of the last pressed button.
Using the MO with computer software Button/Controller names on 01X Functions [AUX/BUS] Opens the AUX/BUS window or brings it to the front of the computer screen (when the Audio Mixer is active). [OTHER] Starts the Audio Mixer or brings it to the front of the computer screen. This operation applies to the Effect Module software. (Only PAN is available in the R settings.) [BANK ] Scrolls through the track indication every eight channels.
Using the MO with computer software [RWD] Press to continuously rewind. Press repeatedly to rewind more quickly. When the Marker is turned on, this operation moves the song position to the previous Marker. When Nudge is turned on, this operation moves the current object. [FF] Press to continuously fast-forward. Press repeatedly to fastforward more quickly. When the Marker is turned on, this operation moves the song position to the next Marker.
Using the MO with computer software Button/Controller names on Mackie Control Button/Controller names on Mackie Control Functions Functions SEND mode [DYN] (SELECTED CHANNEL only) [AUX] Assigns an AUX BUS to a Fader. Knobs 1 – 8 [MAIN] Assigns output level adjustment of the Virtual Main Bus to the Faders. For editing parameters. PLUG-IN mode [PLUG-IN] (SELECTED CHANNEL only) Knob 1 Changes the Slot Number (on page 1 only). Knob 2 Turns the Effects on or off (on page 1 only).
