Specifications

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Part 2 Yamaha Musical Instruments
◊ History of Yamaha Musical Instruments
[1977]
In this year, Yamaha introduced six new synthesizer
models designed for live performance. Two of these
models are described below.
CS-10 Monophonic Synthesizer
The CS-10 had a straightforward architecture consisting
of a single VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator), a VCF
(Voltage Controlled Filter) and a VCA (Voltage Controlled
Amplifier). Its systematic layout was designed for easy
operation. This model was a long-time best seller.
CS-80 Polyphonic Synthesizer
With its polyphonic sound capability and streamlined
operation for the stage, the CS-80 is said to be the first
polyphonic synthesizer in the world to excel in a live
performance environment.
[1979] CS-15D Dual-Channel Synthesizer
The CS-15D was based on the concept of a monophonic
synthesizer combined with a multitude of preset sounds,
and was specifically designed to provide as much
freedom as possible for live performance. Two of its 29
preset voices or a custom voice could be mixed
together.
[1982] CS-01 Monophonic Synthesizer
This portable synthesizer still has legions of die-hard
fans. It weighed in at only 1.5 kg with a built-in speaker,
and because it was battery powered, it could be played
anywhere. It was equipped with pitch and modulation
wheels, and could also be used with an optional breath
controller.
■ FM Synthesizers
[1981] GS1 Digital Keyboard
The GS1 is an 88-key, 16-voice polyphonic FM keyboard
with initial touch and aftertouch. Each voice consisted of
8 operators, which could function as two separate 4-
operator elements. It is a keyboard legendary for its rich
sound, and was played
by many top
musicians.
[1983]
DX7 Digital Programmable Algorithm Synthesizer
Most musicians today recognize the DX7 simply by its
name. What this FM synthesizer did for the evolution of
music expression is truly revolutionary. The keyboard
was so sensationally popular that the total number of
units manufactured is far greater than any other
synthesizer to date. Yamaha has always striven to
narrow the gap between low cost and high performance.
The most recent example of this is the Yamaha 02R
Digital Mixing Console. However, the DX7 is the most
extreme example of price slashing in Yamaha history.
The DX7 turned out to be the first all-digital synthesizer
that ordinary people could afford. The DX7 is perhaps
the first (and maybe the last) synthesizer ever admired
by so many people. The fact that it had no knobs was
revolutionary at the time. The historical significance of
this synthesizer is truly huge.
DX1 Digital Programmable Algorithm Synthesizer
The DX1 was the flagship model of the DX series FM
synthesizers, which were taking the market by storm.
Its 6-operator, 32-algorithm FM sound generator
allowed users to play two different voice parts at the
same time. This synthesizer was announced just six
months after the debut of the DX7, and was a true
professional’s instrument.
■ VL Synthesizers
[1993] VL1 Virtual Acoustic Synthesizer
Exactly 10 years after the birth of the DX7, the VL1,
the world’s first synthesizer to feature physical modeling
synthesis, made its debut. Physical modeling synthesis
achieves an ultra-realistic sound that cannot be achieved
with analog, FM, or PCM synthesis. The VL1’s internal
sound generator mathematically constructs virtual
instruments having the same physical properties of,
for example, the reed or mouthpiece of a wind
instrument, or the strings and body of a stringed
instrument, and then makes these virtual instruments
resonate. The sounds are derived from the interaction of
these virtual components, and the resulting sound can
emulate the strength of the player’s breath, the shape of
the mouthpiece, or the speed and pressure of a bow.
■ Hybrid Synthesizers
[1991] SY99 Music Synthesizer
Yamaha’s SY99 Music Synthesizer featured hybrid
(AWM2 and AFM [Advanced FM]) synthesis. It was a
professional keyboard workstation seamlessly
integrating a multi-timbral synthesizer, a rhythm
machine, a sequencer and a multi-effects processor.
Many other sample-based synthesizers offering greater
realism were introduced at around the same time, but
they all suffered from a lack of tonal variation based on
the player’s touch. The SY99 solved this problem
brilliantly using a combination of sample realism and FM
expressiveness, demonstrating Yamaha’s technical
prowess to the world. In addition, the SY99 allowed
users to import wave data into its wave RAM from
external sources, making it possible to further enhance
the expressive power by importing vocal material into
songs. Music stores at the time played the SY99’s demo
song over and over, which began with a sampled
greeting from Chick Corea.
[1997]
EX5 Music Synthesizer/Real-time Control/
Extended Synthesis
The EX5 can be described as a complete synthesizing
machine, combining all the sound generating technologies
developed by Yamaha up to that time. It features four tone
generation techniques—AWM2, AN (Analog Physical
Modeling), FDSP (Formulated Digital Sound Processing),
and VL (Virtual Acoustic Physical Modeling). It is the most
powerful tool available for contemporary music making,
combining a full suite of sampling functions, a sequencer
and effects processing. Knob-based real-time control is
also possible.
■ Synthesizer Expansion System:
Modular Synthesis Plug-in System
[1999]
Technological advances have driven down the cost of
memory; but even so, there are still limits to the memory
capacity of synthesizers and sound modules. Various
manufacturers have satisfied users’ desires for voice
expansion by providing sound cards with new PCM waves.
Yamaha, however, came up with an extremely innovative
solution—modularize the actual synthesizer in the form of
plug-in boards. This is a solution that only Yamaha could
have developed based on its more than 100 years of
history and its
continual, insatiable
efforts in challenging
the development of
synthesizer technolo-
gies. With this
technology, low-cost
plug-ins of VL and AN
synthesizers can be
made readily available. The
Modular Synthesis Plug-in System
is like a dream come true,
inconceivable just a decade ago.
You have just seen a part of Yamaha’s history, our
technological strengths developed over many long years as
an integrated manufacturer, and the passion that we bring
to electronic musical instruments. Now let’s take a look at
the features and specifications of our various products.