Specifications
EUROPE.YAMAHA.COM
tHe sOunD mODule
This term is mostly used for the keyboard-
less versions of a synthesizer, sampler, or
even a workstation. Only the development
of the MIDI protocol, including its interface,
made it possible to „outsource“ the tone
generation of an electronic instrument into
a separate unit. A good example is the
milestone-synthesizer Yamaha DX7.
Published in 1983, the Yamaha DX7 turned the synthesizer
world upside down and even pushed legends like
Moog synthesizers or Oberheim to the background
Some time after the introduction of the
DX7 in 1983 the TX-816 was introduced,
being a 19“ expander, which could accom-
modate up to eight TF-1 modules. Each of
these modules corresponded to the full
tone generation of a DX7. However, this
system was not available for those with a
small budget. The first expander sound mo-
dules were in their majority determined on
a particular instrument. For example there
were expanders used exclusively for piano,
organ, or drum sounds. Only in the course
of time many keyboard versions were offe-
red in a 19“ rack version, too.
A typical application of sound modules has
been playing back standard MIDI files of
different formats, like GM, GS, and XG. For
Yamaha‘s advanced XG standard, there
were some models of the MU series. The
most current sound module covered with
this guide is the MOTIF-RACK XS.
As already indicated, the diversity of the
electronic musical instruments currently on
the market rarely allows an unambiguous
classification. In some contexts, for example
the term „keyboard“ alone means the ar-
ranger or entertainer keyboard. There are
of course some „hybrids“, like arranger
workstations, stage pianos, performance
synthesizer, home keyboards. There is no
end in sight.
For the instruments with which we want to
deal in this workshop, in any case the term
synthesizer shall fit.
Apart from the MO-
TIF-RACK XS the term
workstation is appli-
cable, too.
COmInG
neXt
In the next part of
this workshop series
we will discuss the
history of the MOTIF
series. In addition to
describing the de-
velopment from the
MOTIF „Classic“ to
the XF, we will also
discuss the compatibility of the devices with
each other and give advice on upgrading.