Specifications

Note:
When the Ribbon Controller is not assigned the Scratch function,
it controls the same effect parameter that is assigned to Effect
Control Knob 2. This gives you slider-like control over effect
parameters. Use it with the filter to produce effects not possible
with knob control.
Rhythm Effects
The first two effects in the list, Loop Remix and Slice,
are rhythm effects—they affect the rhythm of the
sample.
• Loop Remix
This innovative effect automatically breaks the sample
loop into 16 pieces and rearranges them in a different
order to create a totally new sample loop. Ten types of
rearrangement patterns are available. Turn Knob 1 to
change the pattern and Knob 2 to change the amount of
reverse effect. Although the SU200 does not allow as
many remix variations as the A4000/5000, it lets you
remix loops as they are playing, which is not possible
with the A4000/5000 (page 14). Using this function
creatively, you can give unique live performances.
Tip: Use 16th note beats as a fill-in.
By turning Knob 1 fully to the right and Knob 2 fully to the left,
you can make a normal drum loop sound like a 16th-note fill.
Try applying these settings during the last measure of a phrase
for an easy fill-in pattern.
• Slice
This effect cuts the sample into various pieces. Knob 1
selects the slice pattern from the 10 available, and Knob
2 adjusts the gate time. The SU200’s appeal lies in its
ability to easily process samples in real-time, a feature
not offered in software samplers.
Sound Effects
The other effects—Tech Mod, Dist/Lo-fi, Delay and
Filter—are called sound effects because they enhance
the sound of the sample.
• Tech Mod
This modulation effect proved popular on the A Series
samplers. It adds a distinctive modulation to give the
sample a metallic tonality. Knob 1 controls the amount
of modulation and Knob 2 the modulation speed.
Tip: Robot voice
Sound effects can be applied to any signal input through the Mic
input jack. Apply Tech Mod to your voice to make it sound like a
robot.
• Dist/Lo-fi
This effect, which is a combination of distortion and a
-12 dB low-pass filter, distorts the sample to give it a
“lo-fi” feel. Knob 1 controls the filter cutoff and Knob 2
the degree of distortion.
• Delay
This effect adds a single delay that is synchronized with
the BPM you have set in Loop Track Play. Knob 1
controls the amount of feedback and Knob 2 selects the
delay time from 7 available types.
• Filter
A filter is a common feature, but the filter on the SU200
is a powerful -24 dB low-pass filter. Hear the difference.
Knob 1 controls resonance and Knob 2 the cutoff.
■ Special Functions for Live Performance
Here are some cool functions made especially for live
use.
• Scratch
Assigning the Scratch function to the Ribbon Controller
lets you “scratch” a sample in real-time. Use your
imagination to create other kinds of effects with the
Ribbon Controller. The Scratch function is easy to use,
even if you don’t have any experience using samplers.
• Time
This function shortens or lengthens a sample’s playback
time in real-time to change the pitch of the sample.
The shorter the time, the higher the pitch; the longer the
time, the lower the pitch. Using this function is just like
changing the pitch of a record on a turntable.
Note: The Time function cannot be used in Loop Track Play mode.
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■ Effect Type List
Parameter 1 Parameter 2
Knob 1 Knob 2 and
Ribbon Controller
Loop Remix Type Variation
Slice Type Gate time
Tech Mod LFO Mod speed
Dist/Lo-fi Lo-fi Drive
Delay Delay level Time
Filter Resonance Cutoff
Part 3 Yamaha Samplers — Sampling Unit SU200
◊ Loop Track Play ◊ Carefully Selected Effects ◊ Effect Type List ◊ Special Functions for Live Performance
The SU200 Loop Factory is an all-in-one phrase sampler
that lets you easily create rhythm tracks and apply
real-time effects with its knobs and ribbon controller.
Just as you might expect from its compact size, it can
run on batteries, so you can take your hip-hop/techno
sounds to the streets, to the beach, to the snowboard
slope—anywhere you want—and use it for up to 8
continuous hours.
Let’s take a look at the features of the SU200, which are
unbelievably advanced for such an affordable unit.
■ Loop Track Play
(Automatic BPM sync of multiple samples)
The main reason why the SU200 is so highly rated as a
powerful break-beat generating machine is its Loop
Track Play function. This function automatically
synchronizes the BPM (tempo) of multiple sample
loops, even if they are sampled at different tempos.
During Loop Track Play, up to 6 sample loops (the
maximum polyphony of the unit) can be played back
simultaneously to any tempo you set. What’s more,
raising or lowering the BPM doesn’t affect the sample’s
pitch! The nature of sampling is that the faster the
waveform is read, the higher the pitch becomes, and the
slower the waveform is read, the lower the pitch
becomes. The SU200, however, divides the samples into
small pieces, which allows it to change the tempo
without affecting the pitch.
The sampler is a dream instrument, which allows you to
capture literally any available sound element and put it
in your music. When sampling break beats, however,
BPM becomes an obstacle because different break beats
can have different BPMs (naturally). There was a time
when artists would say, “If only these samples could be
played back at a slower (or faster) tempo without
changing the pitch...” The Time Stretch function made
this wish a reality. And finally, the SU200 arrived on the
scene, which can automatically perform this function on
the fly. Offering such an advanced feature in a compact,
affordable unit, the SU200 is truly a revolutionary
machine.
Actually, the first hardware sampler in the world that made
automatic synchronization of multiple sample loops a reality was
the SU700 (see page 32). News of this sampler sparked
excitement among break-beat artists around the world. The
SU700 is, so to speak, a dedicated break-beat workstation
combining the functions of a desktop sampler and a mixer with
an ultra powerful effects processor. The SU200, on the other
hand, was designed specifically as a powerful machine for live
performance by taking the features of the SU700 that are most
effective for live use.
■ Carefully Selected Effects
What makes the SU200 so awesome is not only its Loop
Track Play function, but also its built-in effects. These
effects were carefully selected to provide you with the
most sought-after range of sounds. Outstanding effects
for live performance in an easy-to-use unit—this is the
concept behind the SU200.
The SU200 features two types of rhythm effects and
four types of sound effects for a total of six onboard
effects. By applying these to a sample and changing the
parameters assigned to the two effect control knobs,
you’ll be able to create an amazing array of sounds.
Turn the two effect control knobs to change the effect
parameters.
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