Precautions ● Do not expose the plug-in board to direct sunlight, excessive humidity, high temperatures, excessive dust or strong vibrations. ● Before handling the plug-in board, be sure to touch a metal surface to discharge any static electricity which may be in your body. ● When holding the plug-in board, do not touch the inside area of the circuit board or apply excessive pressure to the board, and be sure to protect the board from contact with water or other liquids.
Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the Yamaha PLG150-DX Advanced DX/TX Plugin Board! The PLG150-DX features the same 6-operator FM tone generation system that powered the famous DX-series synthesizers. The PLG150-DX can be installed to and integrated with instruments of the Modular Synthesis Plug-in System (such as the CS6x, CS6R, S80, etc.) It can also be used seamlessly with the MU128 Tone Generator (as well as other MU-series instruments and the SW1000XG PCI Audio/MIDI Board).
Overview of the PLG150-DX ■ FM Synthesis The PLG150-DX employs the same FM tone generation system — with 6 operators and 32 algorithms — as made famous by the popular DX-series synthesizers. ■ 912 Preset Voices Built right into the PLG150-DX is a huge total of 912 DX voices. From conventional instrument sounds such as electric piano and bass to wild and unusual sound effects, the PLG150-DX gives you the full range of voices that made the DX-series instruments famous.
Overview of the PLG150-DX About the Modular Synthesis Plug-in System The Yamaha Modular Synthesis Plug-in System offers powerful expansion and upgrade capabilities for Modular Synthesis-Plug-in-compatible synthesizers, tone generators and sound cards. This enables you to easily and effectively take advantage of the latest and most sophisticated synthesizer and effects technology, allowing you to keep pace with the rapid and multi-faceted advances in modern music production.
FM Tone Generation Before actually editing the PLG150-DX voices, let’s get an idea of how the FM tone generator works. Operators In the PLG150-DX, there are six special devices called “operators” that generate sine waves. A sine wave is the fundamental wave of a note, with absolutely no overtones or harmonics added. These six operators are combined in various ways to make up the different voices produced by the PLG150-DX.
FM Tone Generation Combinations of Two Operators Although the six operators can be combined in a wide variety of ways for many different sounds, here we’ll look at the fundamental combinations of just two operators, to help you understand the basics of FM synthesis. Two sine wave operators (labelled “A” and “B” here) can be combined in one of two ways: horizontally or vertically. (1) Horizontal Combination When the two operators are combined horizontally, the sounds of the two are simply mixed together.
FM Tone Generation Carrier and Modulator In FM tone generation, each of the six operators functions as either a carrier or a modulator. The operator doing the modulation is called the modulator; the one being modulated and delivering the actual sound is called the carrier. Referring back to “Vertical Combination” on the previous page, operator A is the carrier and operator B is the modulator. Let’s take a look at some more complex configurations, in which three or more operators are used.
FM Tone Generation Harmonics Most sounds are made up of multiple tones that are different than the pitch (frequency). Within these multiple tones, the one that determines the pitch of the entire sound is called the fundamental tone (fundamental frequency). All the tones besides the fundamental tone are called harmonics or overtones. When all the harmonics that are related to a particular fundamental tone are arranged in order, it is called a harmonic series.
FM Tone Generation Algorithms Although two operators can be combined in only two different ways, six operators can be configured in a wide variety of combinations. These combinations are called “algorithms.” Just as on the original DX7, the PLG150-DX features 32 different algorithms, giving you different levels of harmonic complexity for various applications. Since the function of any given operator depends on the particular algorithm, you should check a voice’s algorithm carefully while editing the voice.
FM Tone Generation Feedback Each algorithm has a special feedback loop, programmed to a fixed location in the algorithm. With feedback, a modulator’s output is connected to its own input, so that it modulates itself. This can be used to increase the harmonic content of the sound, making it more rich and complex. When set to a high level, feedback can generate noise effects — making it useful for percussive voices, metallic sounds, and distortion effects.
FM Tone Generation Voice Editing Essentials There are four main elements that determine the character of a voice: (1) Each operator’s output level. (2) Each operator’s frequency. (3) The feedback level. (4) Each operator’s envelope generator (EG). (1) Operator Output Level The output levels of the operators are the most important parameters in editing a voice. Among these, the output level of the modulator(s) has the greatest effect on the timbre or tonal quality of the voice.
FM Tone Generation If the “F COARSE” for the modulation in this situation is changed to 2.00, the frequency ratio becomes 1:2, and the odd numbered harmonics, the first, third and fifth and following harmonics will be generated. This harmonic configuration is called a rectangular wave, and is used for creating woodwind voices for like clarinet and oboe. Furthermore, if “F FINE” is set so that the frequency ratio is not a whole number, many non-integer overtones will be produced.
Memory Buffer Structure The diagram below shows the memory buffer configuration of the PLG150-DX. Recall Preset Memory (912 Voices) Voice Edit Buffer Compare Edit Recall Store User Voices (64 Voices) Edit Recall Buffer When editing the voices (using the DX Simulator), only the User voices can be fully edited; Preset voices can be edited only as far as the XG and DX Native Part parameters.
Specifications Tone Generator Type : FM tone generator with six operators and 32 algorithms Maximum Simultaneous Polyphony : 16 notes (latest note priority) By using multiple boards in combination, polyphony can be expanded to a maximum of 128 notes (with 8 boards) Filters : Part EQ (two band), low pass filter, high pass filter (effective only when the platform for the PLG150-DX has no filter functions) Interface : Plug-in connector Number of Voices : 912 preset voices, 64 user voices Bulk Informati
About the Included CD-ROM and Floppy Disk On the included CD-ROM, you’ll find special editing software for the PLG150-DX. The included floppy disk contains demonstration songs as well as Voice/Performance data for the “mother” device. To use the editing software and transfer the song/Voice/Performance data to your particular “mother” device, you should have a computer (running Windows 95/98) with a MIDI interface, with the MIDI OUT on the interface connected to the MIDI IN of the “mother” device.
About the Included CD-ROM and Floppy Disk “80’s Pops” (12Pop80.MID) By: Katsumi Nagae of Idecs Inc. For: XG Plug-in System devices (MU128, etc.) This song recalls the pop scene of the 80’s with synth pads and a variety of crisp and bright metallic sounds. “D-Rock” (12DRock.MID) By: Katsumi Nagae of Idecs Inc. For: XG Plug-in System devices (MU128, etc.) This song brings back the digital rock sound and features various digital noise and FM sound effects that are only possible with the DX.
Installing the PLG150-DX For detailed instructions on installing the PLG150-DX, refer to the owner’s manual of the Plug-incompatible “mother” device (e.g., CS6x, MU128, etc.). Included Items The following items have been included in the package of your new PLG150-DX. Please make sure that you have them all before starting to setup and use the instrument. If an item is missing, contact the store or dealer from which you purchased the PLG150-DX.
Required and Recommended Items XGworks or XGworks lite Music Sequencing Software When you use Yamaha’s XGworks(lite) as your sequence software, you can take advantage of the two editing software programs explained below, the “DX Simulator” and the “DX Easy Editor.” These programs make it really easy to edit the voices of your PLG150-DX board. DX Easy Editor The DX Easy Editor is a special plug-in software module for XGworks and XGworks lite.
Installing and Starting the Plug-in Editor Software (Windows 95/98) Installing the Software Double-click the “Setup.exe” file on the CD-ROM to start the installation. Click “Next” or “Yes” and follow the subsequent instructions on the screen to complete the installation. Starting the DX Easy Editor 1 Start XGworks (or XGworks lite). 2 Click the “Plug-in” menu and select “DX Easy Editor.” Alternately, press Alt + P, then D, and ENTER. The “Select DX Part” dialog box appears.
Installing and Starting the Plug-in Editor Software (Windows 95/98) Starting the DX Simulator 1 Start XGworks (or XGworks lite). 2 Click the “Plug-in” menu and select “DX Simulator.” Alternately, press Alt + P, then D, and ENTER. The “Select DX Part” dialog box appears. 3 Set the desired Part number and click “OK.” The DX Simulator window appears.
Selecting DX Voices (Modular Synthesis Plug-in System) When the PLG150-DX is installed to a CS6x Control Synthesizer, the DX voices can be selected in the same way as the internal voices of the synthesizer. The example displays used in the following explanations are all taken from the CS6x. Enabling and Selecting DX Voices 1 Press the VOICE button.
Editing the DX Native Part Parameters (Modular Synthesis Plug-in System) ● ● Keep in mind that the parameter values and settings below represent offsets of the actual voice settings. This means that adjustments made to the parameters may not make much change in the actual sound, depending on the original settings of the voice. For parameter values, a setting of “0” results in no change, while positive and negative values increase and decrease the value respectively.
Selecting/Editing the DX System Parameters (Modular Synthesis Plug-in System) The example displays used in the following explanations are all taken from the CS6x. 1 Press the UTILITY button. The Utility Mode display appears. MSTR TG) Sys 2 Vol 127 NoteShift + 0 + Tune 0.0c Turn the PAGE knob clockwise until “PLG150-DX” is shown at the bottom left of the display. Keep turning the knob to select the different DX System parameters, indicated just above knob C and knob 2.
Selecting DX Voices (XG Plug-in System) The PLG150-DX voices can be selected just like the voices of the XG tone generator. Keep in mind, though, that they can only be selected when the Sound Module Mode is set to XG or Performance. Also, the Part Assign parameter in the Utility mode (see below) must be set to the desired Part. The example displays used in the following explanations are all taken from the MU128. Enabling and Selecting DX Voices 1 Set the Sound Module Mode to “XG” or “PFM” (Performance).
Selecting DX Voices (XG Plug-in System) 4 Select the desired bank number. Move the cursor to the Bank Number parameter with the SELECT buttons and use the VALUE -/+ buttons to select the desired bank. Bank Number parameter 5 Select the desired voice number. Move the cursor to the Voice (Program) Number parameter with the SELECT buttons and use the VALUE -/+ buttons to select the desired voice. Voices (and Voice banks) can also be selected by using the Voice Category buttons.
Editing the DX Native Part Parameters (XG Plug-in System) Any of the DX voices can be freely edited from the front panel with the DX Part parameters. These same parameters can also be edited from a computer using the DX Easy Editor software (in XGworks). Keep in mind that changing the Part parameters does not permanently affect the original voice settings. The edits that you make here temporarily change the settings of the currently selected voice.
Selecting/Editing the DX System Parameters (XG Plug-in System) The parameters that apply to the entire system of the PLG150-DX are included in the Utility mode menu of the XG tone generator. The example displays used in the following explanations are all taken from the MU128. 1 Press the [UTIL] button. The Utility mode menu appears. 2 Select the “PLUGIN” menu. Use the [SELECT >] button to highlight “PLUGIN,” then press the [ENTER] button. 3 Select the PLG150-DX board.
Parameters DX Native Part Parameters Keep in mind that the parameter values and settings represent offsets of the actual voice settings. This means that the actual sound that results from the settings made here depends on the original settings of the voice. Also keep in mind that these are “Part” parameters and as such, are temporary; they simply alter or offset the settings of the currently selected voice. The original voice settings are permanently maintained in memory.
Parameters ■ Feedback Range: -7 — +7 • This determines the level of the feedback loop in the algorithm. Each algorithm provides a feedback operator, in which the output signal of the operator is looped back to its input. As its name implies, Feedback produces harsh noise-like harmonics in the voice. The degree of harshness or amount of noise depends not only on this setting, but also on the level of the feedback operator and its position in the algorithm.
Parameters ■ AC4 CC No. (AC4 Controller Assign) Settings: OFF MOD (Modulation wheel) BC (Breath controller) FC (Foot controller) EXP (Expression pedal) CAT (Channel aftertouch) PB (Pitch bend wheel) • This determines which MIDI controller is to be used for controlling EG Bias (when “AC4CtrPrm1” below is set to “EGbias”). • When the Amplitude Modulation Sensitivity parameter of a carrier is set to a value other than “0,” this lets you use the selected controller to change the volume in real time.
Parameters DX System Parameters ■ Part Assign Settings: 01 — 16, off • This determines the Part to which the PLG150-DX voice is assigned. If a Part is not properly assigned here, none of the PLG150-DX voices can be selected for the Part. (This applies to XG Plug-in System compatible “mother” devices.) The PLG150-DX voices can only be assigned to a single Part.
Parameters ● Soft2 This curve also produces greater volume in the soft velocity range, but is less pronounced than “Soft1” above. Volume Playing strength ● Easy This curve also produces greater volume in the soft velocity range, but results in a more consistent, stable response throughout the entire velocity range than the other “Soft” curves .
Appendix 34 Chart of Algorithms