Specifications

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6. Sampling
At the heart of the SU700 is a high-quality sampler.
The SU700 is based on the same technology used in the
A Series professional samplers. Featuring 16-bit linear
sampling at frequencies up to 44.1 kHz and 18-bit A/D
and D/A converters, the SU700 can be used as a
professional studio sampler. Here, we’ll touch on its
incredibly easy sampling operation.
1. Press the Sampling button located at the upper
right of the unit.
2. Select the pad you want to use for the sample.
3. Set the sampling parameters (sampling rate, etc.).
4. Press the Sampling button to begin sampling.
5. Press the Sampling button again to stop sampling.
To make sampling even easier, the SU700 has a function
that pauses recording whenever it detects silence during
the sampling process. Use this function when recording
consecutive samples off of an audio sampling CD.
The start and end points of each sample will be set
automatically. The SU700 includes all the standard
editing functions such as trimming, normalization,
frequency conversion and bit conversion.
7. Effects
The SU700 features 43 effects that are ideal for loop
creation and live performance. These have been
carefully selected from the A Series samplers, which are
highly rated for their effects quality. Up to three different
effects can be used simultaneously. Effects are divided
into two categories: system effects, which are used for
samples on all tracks; and insertion effects, which are
assigned to individual samples. Precise editing of the
effects is possible. The knobs adjust the send level of
the system effects, and control specific parameters for
insertion effects. Effects can also be applied to the Audio
In Pad. The Audio In knob settings and On/Mute status
can be recorded by the sequencer in real-time.
8. Expandability
The internal memory can be expanded to a maximum of
64MB by installing identical pairs of SIMMs. The
Yamaha AIEB1 expansion I/O board adds both optical
and coaxial digital in/out as well as six assignable audio
outputs. A SCSI interface board can also be installed to
allow connection to external SCSI equipment such as a
hard disk or ZIP drive. By saving samples in AIFF format
onto a floppy disk, you can edit samples on your PC
using Yamaha’s TWE Wave Editor.
The SU700 can be synchronized with external
equipment through MIDI clock or MTC (MIDI Time
Code). Control data from external MIDI devices can be
used to control sample playback and change
parameters. You can also use the SU700 to control
external synthesizers by assigning note numbers to
each of the sample pads and assigning control change
numbers to each of the knobs.
The SU700 is loaded with real-time functions, so using
it is as smooth and easy as mixing on turntables.
Other convenient functions include an Undo function in
case you make a mistake during sequencing or
waveform editing, and Marker Memory, which lets you
store up to eight locations within your sequence and
jump to them at any time. We hope you take full
advantage of the SU700’s powerful features to create
your own unique style of music.
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3. Ribbon Controller
The ribbon controller on the right
side of the operation panel lets you
“scratch” samples by sliding your
finger up and down on it. You can
also assign it a function parameter,
such as filter cutoff, for slider-like
control over the sound. This allows
you to change two parameter
settings simultaneously for a single
sample*; for example, you can
control filter cutoff with the ribbon
controller and resonance with a knob.
All ribbon controller data, including
scratching, can be recorded into the
sequencer.
*Each control knob is assigned to the pad
located directly below it, thus it is not
possible to change more than one
parameter at a time. Using the ribbon
controller, however, you can control two
parameters simultaneously—one with a
knob and another with the ribbon controller.
4. Pad Function
These buttons select how the
sample pads function when
pressed. Use them to get the most
out of your live performances.
Functions can be selected and used
on the fly. The display shows the
currently selected function.
Play:
Sample playback mode. Pressing a pad in this mode
plays back the sample.
On/Mute:
Pressing this pad turns the sample on or off (Mute/
Unmute). For example, you can mute a drum loop for
four measures and then unmute it for the next four.
The measure location where you muted and unmuted
the loop can be recorded by the sequencer for intuitive
music creation in real-time. You can control playback of
each sample loop just like using an audio mixer.
Hint:
There are other mixer-like functions besides Mute/Unmute.
You can freely control the volume and pan position of each track
by selecting the Level and Pan parameters with the Knob
Function keys.
Roll:
This function easily generates rolls, which are
indispensable fill-ins for dance music. Using it is
incredibly easy. Just select the Roll button during
sequence playback and press the sample pad you want
to play back as a roll. For example, pressing a snare
sample recorded in a Composed Loop Pad will give you
a rolled snare drum. The sample will play back as a roll
for long as you hold down the pad. The Composed Loop
Pads and Free Sample Pads are touch-sensitive, which
means you can control the volume depending on how
light or hard you tap the pad.
Loop Restart:
Loop Restart mode re-triggers a sample loop (restarts
playback from the beginning) every time you press the
pad during sequence playback. This technique is often
used in big beat.
Tip:
If you want to re-trigger all your sample loops at once,
select the Master Pad in Loop Restart mode.
5. Scene Memory
Located above the display are Scene Memory buttons,
which let you store the machine’s current mute status
and parameter settings for instant recall at the touch of
a button. Up to 8 different “scenes” can be stored.
Hint:
Scene Memory makes it easy to manage complex settings.
Whenever you come up with a good mix of samples and effect
settings, simply store it as a scene in Scene Memory. You’ll be
able to try out new mix arrangements by calling up different
scenes on the fly.
Part 3 Yamaha Samplers — Sampling Unit SU700
◊ Ribbon Controller ◊ Pad Function ◊ Scene Memory ◊ Sampling ◊ Effects ◊ Expandability