User manual YAMAHA DX7S

YAMAHA DIGITAL PROGRAMMABLE ALGORITHM SYNTHESIZER OWNER'S MANUAL SUPPLEMENTAL MARKING INFORMATION Yamaha Digital Musical Instrument Products will have either a label similar to the graphic shown below or a molded/stamped facsimile of the graphic on its enclosure. The explanation of these graphics appears on this page. Please observe all cautions indicated. The Exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product. The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL SPECIAL MESSAGE SECTION ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE (RFI): Your Yamaha Digital Musical Instrument Product has been type tested and found to comply with all applicable regulations. However, if it is installed in the immediate proximity of other electronic devices, some form of interference may occur. For additional RFI information see FCC information section located in this manual. IMPORTANT NOTICE: This product has been tested and approved by independent safety testing laboratories in order that you may be sure that when it is properly installed and used in its normal and customary manner, all foreseeable risks have been eliminated. DO NOT modify this unit or commission others to do so unless specifically authorized by Yamaha. Product performance and/or safety standards may be diminished. Claims filed under the expressed warranty may be denied if the unit is/has been modified. Implied warranties may also be affected. SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE: The information contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of printing. Yamaha reserves the right to change or modify specifications at any time without notice or obligation to update existing units. NOTICE: Service charges incurred due to ledge relating to how a function or effect unit is operating as designed), are not manufacturer's warranty. Please study this before requesting service. a lack of knowworks (when the covered by the manual carefully STATIC ELECTRICITY CAUTION: Some Yamaha Digital Musical Instrument products have modules that plug into the unit to perform various functions. The contents of a plug-in module can be altered/damaged by static electricity discharges. Static electricity build-ups are more likely to occur during cold winter months (or in areas with very dry climates) when the natural humidity is low. To avoid possible damage to the plug-in module, touch any metal object (a metal desk lamp, a door knob, etc.) before handling the module. If static electricity is a problem in your area, you may want to have your carpet treated with a substance that reduces static electricity build-up. See your local carpet retailer for professional advice that relates to your specific situation. Model Serial No. Purchase Date This information on safety is provided to comply with U.S.A. laws. but should be observed by users in all countries. Welcome Welcome to the DX7s, the newest member of the growing family of FM digital synthesizers from Yamaha. Using the industry-standard DX7 as its starting point, the DX7s offers a number of important new features, such as improved sound quality, additional FM features, new performance options, and improved controls. Since there is so much material available on the DX7 family of synthesizers (and on the theory of FM digital synthesis), this manual will not be an FM tutorial. Instead, it has been designed to be a "users manual" in the truest sense -- its goal is to help you make music with your new DX7s as quickly as possible. If you are already familiar with the operation of the original DX7, this manual will help you make the transition to the DX7s in short order. On the other hand, if this is your first FM digital instrument, this manual will guide you into the operation of your new synthesizer with easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions and explanations. After you are comfortable with the operation of your new synthesizer, you may want to explore the fascinating world of FM digital voicing. If so, consult the extensive list of reference works on FM synthesis listed in the bibliography at the back of this manual. Tips The DX7s has been designed for years of trouhle-free use. In order to ensure that it remains a healthy member of your family of musical instruments, please keep the following tips in mind: Installation: When setting up the DX7s in your home or studio, avoid exposure to direct sunlight or other sources of heat. Environments with excessive dust, cold, dampness, or vibration can also damage your instrument. Even though the DX7s is electronic, you should treat it with the same kind of care you would lavish on any other musical instrument. Also, since the DX7s is electronic, you should make sure not to set it too close to equipment (such as a television set) that generates electromagnetic fields. Such proximity could cause both malfunctions in the synthesizer's digital circuitry and interference noise in the other unit. Handling: The DX7s is sturdy, but it can do without rough handling. Don't subject it to sudden jolts (such as dropping it), as this can damage the internal circuitry. If you plan to travel with it, be sure to use a road case. Also, make sure not to apply excessive force to any of the keys, buttons, or other controls. Cleaning: To clean or dust your DX7s, use nothing more than a clean, slightly damp cloth. Using chemical solvents will damage the finish, and using too much water may do considerable damage to the internal circuitry. AC Power & Other Equipment: When you are using the DX7s with an amplifier or mixer that has unbalanced outputs, connect both units to the same AC outlet to avoid hum. If you use a number of electronic instruments in your setup, you may want to consult an electrician, who can make sure that your system does not overtax the available power. AC Power & Down Time: Whenever the DX7s will not be used for an extended period of time, it is best to protect it from potential disaster. Electrical storms and other natural or man-made disasters can give rise to power surges, which may damage the digital circuitry of your DX7s -- even if the power is turned off. Either unplug your instrument when not in use, or invest in power strips with surge protectors to safeguard all of your electronic equipment. Service & Your Warranty: The DX7s contains no user-serviceable parts. Opening it up or tampering with it in any way will void the warranty, and may also lead you to experience some nasty electrical shocks. If you have a problem with your instrument, please take it to an authorized Yamaha service center. Modifications & Your Warranty: Unless you are assured to the contrary in writing, you should assume that any modifications made to your DX7s will void the original product warranty. Therefore, you should make sure that you receive a warranty (or some other kind of guarantee) from the person or company that is responsible for the modification. Contents 1 3 6 8 12 16 17 19 21 26 29 31 33 36 38 41 43 52 53 55 57 59 61 64 66 68 69 71 73 75 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 Section 1: Playing the DX7s Getting Started Setting the ROM Cartridge Banks Exploring the DX7s Performance Library Exploring the DX7s Voice Library The Play Modes Using Controllers with the DX7s Section 2: Creating and Storing New Sounds Creating New Sounds Saving New Sounds Section 3: Using the New Performance Features Performance Edit Buttons Basic Performance Parameters Performance Controllers Micro Tuning Section 4: Using the New Voice Features Voice Edit Buttons Basic Voice Editing Functions New Voice Parameters Voice Controllers Fractional Scaling Section 5: Memory Functions Utility Buttons Memory Layout Memory Storage Types Basic Utility Functions Cartridge Memory Functions Section 6: MIDI Functions MIDI Buttons System Setup MIDI System Exclusives Immediate MIDI Program Change Out Appendices Appendix 1: Supplemental Information Appendix 2: Bibliography MIDI Implementation Chart Blank Data Chart Playing the DX7s -1- Contents 3 3 4 5 6 6 7 8 8 9 10 11 12 12 13 14 15 16 16 16 16 16 17 17 17 17 17 18 18 18 Getting Started Making Audio Connections Turning on the DX7s Setting the Volume Slider Setting the ROM Cartridge Banks Inserting the ROM Cartridge Selecting the ROM Banks Exploring the DX7s Performance Library Selecting the Internal Performance Memories The Internal Performance Memories Selecting the Cartridge Performance Memories The Cartridge Performance Memories Exploring the DX7s Voice Library Selecting the Internal Voice Memories The Internal Voice Memories Selecting the Cartridge Voice Memories The Cartridge Voice Memories The Play Modes Voice Mode and Performance Mode Using the 1 ~ 32/33 ~ 64 Button Using the Poly/Mono Button Using the Key Shift Button Using Controllers with the DX7s Pitch Bend Wheel Modulation Wheel After Touch Breath Controller Foot Controllers 1 and 2 Footswitches 1 and 2 Continuous Sliders 1 and 2 -2- Getting Started You can begin to enjoy your DX7s immediately, without poring through a lot of complicated electronic theory. All you have to do is take the instrument out of the box and proceed as follows: Making Audio Connections There are three different ways to connect the DX7s to sound reinforcement equipment. The one you choose will depend on your situation: 1. If you have a monophonic (single input) amplifier such as a guitar amp, connect the DX's output to the amp's input (using a standard ¼" cable). Connecting the DX7s to a single input amplifier. 2. If you are using a multi-channel mixer, connect the DX's back-panel audio output to one of your mixer's inputs (using a ¼" cable). 3. If you are using a set of standard stereo headphones, plug them into the DX's Phones output. Using stereo headphones with the DX7s. -3- Turning on the DX7s After you have made the audio connection of your choice, turn the DX7s on by pressing the power switch located on the right side of the back panel. This is the first display you will see on the main panel: The DX's "welcome" display. After a few seconds, this display will be replaced by the last Play Mode display selected before the DX7s was turned off: The DX's next initial display. The LED's will now display the voice or performance number that was displayed when the DX was turned off. The LCD will now show the voice or performance name which corresponds to the number in the LED. -4- Setting the Volume Slider Since the volumes of the various voices differ, start with a setting in the middle of the slider's range; adjust later to suit your taste, depending on the voice or voices being played. Volume Slider -5- Setting the ROM Cartridge Banks The ROM Cartridge supplied with your DX7s actually contains several sets of data -- called "banks." These banks can be selected from the front panel. In order to hear all of the Voice and Performance data, you will need to set the Voice/Performance bank to 2. Also, certain voices in the DX7s are created using the new fractional scaling feature. These scalings are stored in bank 3 of the ROM cartridge, so the Fractional Scaling Bank will need to be set to bank 3. Look at the diagram on the next page and make the necessary changes before you begin playing. Inserting the ROM Cartridge Before you begin to play your DX7s, insert the supplied ROM cartridge into the cartridge slot: -6- Selecting the ROM Banks This is the Set Bank LCD display with Bank 2 of the ROM cartridge selected for Voice & Performance data. This is the Set Bank LCD display with Bank 3 of the ROM cartridge selected for Fractional Scaling data. -7- Exploring the DX7s Performance Library The Performance Mode is a completely new feature for the DX7s. It allows a number of useful performance-oriented features to be stored and recalled instantly. These features will be explained in detail in Sections 2 and 3 of this manual. For now, though, just follow the steps below, and explore the richness of the Performance Mode by playing through all of the new sounds available in the Internal and ROM Cartridge memories. Selecting the Internal Performance Memories The LCD display will show the number and name of the selected Performance memory. -8- The Internal Performance Memories These are the Performance Memories loaded into the DX7s when it is shipped from the factory. Since these memories can be adjusted, your DX's Internal Memory may contain different data. If so, reload the Internal Voice & Performance data from bank 4 of the supplied ROM cartridge (see page 70). 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 Performance Name SolidStrg Strings GrandOrch Cello LittleStrg ReverbBras BrightBras MildBrass W.Leed SoftFlute PanPipes BlowSax BluesHarp Harp PianoBrite MildPiano Mellow EP Attack EP Crystal EP DX Clavi 1 DX Clavi 2 Clavicord Harpsicord WireString GreatPipes RotaryOrg ConsoleOrg MagicOrgan SoftOrgan SchoolOrg AngelVoice LadyVox Voice No. INT 12 INT 13 INT 15 INT 16 INT 19 INT 3 INT 8 INT 10 INT 20 INT 23 INT 26 INT 26 INT 29 INT 30 INT 32 INT 34 INT 36 INT 37 INT 38 INT 39 INT 40 INT 41 INT 45 INT 46 INT 57 INT 50 INT 51 INT 52 INT 53 INT 58 INT 60 INT 62 Voice Name HallOrch NewOrchest LiveStrg BowedBass Violins ReverbBras SilvaTrmpt FrenchHorn Bassoon Flute PanFloot PanFloot Harmonica Harp PianoBrite Piano 2 RubbaRoad HardRoads FullTines ClaviStuff Clavi Clavecin HarpsiWire WireStrg A APuffOrgan2 TapOrgan BriteOrgan MagicOrgan SoftOrgan Harmonium1 Whisper A LadyVox -9- Selecting the Cartridge Performance Memories The LCD display will show the number and name of the selected Performance memory. -10- The Cartridge Performance Memories Bank 4 of the supplied ROM cartridge contains the Voice & Performance Memory loaded into the DXs Internal Memory when it is shipped from the factory. Bank 2 contains an entirely different set of Voice & Performance data. Performance Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 SuperBass WoodBass TackBass FazzBass PickGuitar FolkGuitar ClipGuitar ChoGuitar HitPad 1 HitPad 2 HitPad 3 AfroConga Woodblock Vibraphone Celeste GrandBells MultiDrums Tomtom MalletBras ClaviBrass Ensemble WarmBrass Synclaria PianoBells St.Elmo's OctiLate EthnicBass Wallop Explosion Thunderon Laboratory Motorcycle Voice No. CRT 1 CRT 2 CRT 3 CRT 6 CRT 9 CRT 10 CRT 13 CRT 14 CRT 17 CRT 19 CRT 20 CRT 25 CRT 29 CRT 21 CRT 22 CRT 30 CRT 23 CRT 24 CRT 37 CRT 42 CRT 36 CRT 46 CRT 40 CRT 49 CRT 50 CRT 55 CRT 52 CRT 60 CRT 61 CRT 63 CRT 64 CRT 62 Voice Name SuperBass StringBass SkweekBass OwlBass GuitarBox PickGuitar YesBunk 12 Strings Maribumba Nu Marimba StonePhone CongaDrum Claves VibraPhone Celeste Bells Swissnare Tom C4 MalletHorn ClaviBrass Ensemble ElecBrass ClariSolo PianoBells St.Elmo's OctiLate Pluk Wallop Explosion Thunderon Science KoikeCycle -11- Exploring the DX7s Voice Library The voices in the DX7s were created using techniques like those used on the original DX7. There are a number of new features available in Voice Mode (most of them extensions of the Function Mode in the original DX7). All of these features will he discussed in detail in Sections 2 and 4 of this manual. For now, though, just follow the steps below: and play through all of the voices available in the Internal and ROM Cartridge memories. Selecting the Internal Voice Memories The LCD display will show the number and name of the selected Voice memory. -12- The Internal Voice Memories These are the Voice Memories loaded into the DX7s when it is shipped from the factory. Since these memories can be adjusted, your DX's Internal Memory may contain different data. If so, reload the Internal Voice & Performance data from bank 1 of the supplied ROM cartridge (see page 70). 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 MellowHorn SilvaBrass ReverbBras Tuba Trombone HardTrumps Trumpet A SilvaTrmpt BC Trumpet FrenchHorn Strings HallOrch NewOrchest Analog-Str LiveStrg BowedBass EleCello A EleCello B Violins Bassoon Clarinet Oboe Flute SongFlute SpitFlute PanFloot Piccolo Sax Harmonica Harp EbonyIvory PianoBrite 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 Piano 1 Piano 2 KnockRoad RubbaRoad HardRoads FullTines ClaviStuff Clavi Clavecin ClaviPluck NasalClav HarpsiBox HarpsiWire WireStrg A WireStrg B TouchOrgan ShOrgan TapOrgan BriteOrgan MajicOrgan SoftOrgan PipeOrgan PuffOrgan1 PuffPipes PuffOrgan2 Harmonium1 Harmonium2 Whisper A Choir LadyVox MaleChoir Whisper B -13- Selecting the Cartridge Voice Memories As explained on page 6, the DX7s ROM cartridge contains several banks. To hear the cartridge voices, make sure that the Voice/Performance bank is set to bank 2 of the ROM cartridge (see page 7 for instructions on how to change the cartridge banks). The LCD display will show the number and name of the selected Voice memory. -14- The Cartridge Voice Memories Bank 4 of the supplied ROM cartridge contains the Voice & Performance Memory loaded into the DX's Internal Memory when it is shipped from the factory. Bank 2 contains an entirely different set of Voice & Performance data. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 SuperBass StringBass SkweekBass SmoothBass BopBass OwlBass JazzBass HardBass GuitarBox PickGuitar FingaPicka LeadaPicka YesBunk 12 Strings Classipika Shami Maribumba DX Marimba Nu Marimba StonePhone VibraPhone Celeste Swissnare Tom C4 CongaDrum Tub Bells Gong Timpani Claves Bells StellCans Handrum 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 Analog-X FMilters Phasers Ensemble MalletHorn FM-Growth ElectoComb ClariSolo PitchaPad ClaviBrass WhapSynth Whasers Fifths ElecBrass ElectroBak HarmoSynth PianoBells St. Elmo's MilkyWays Pluk TingVoice Plukatan OctiLate LateDown Glastine A BellWahh RubberGong Wallop Explosion KoikeCycle Thunderon Science - 15 - The Play Modes Now that you have an idea of some of the sound possibilities of the DX7s, it is time to take a closer look at how the various Play Modes operate. Read on: Voice Mode and Performance Mode The DX7s has two different play modes: Voice Mode and Performance Mode. As you have just seen, the Voice Mode is where you recall the 64 Internal Voice memories and the 64 Cartridge Voice memories. Press Voice and use the 1 ~ 32/33 ~ 64 button and the program number buttons to select specific voices. There are 32 Performance memories that you can access by pressing Performance and the program number buttons. When you are in Performance Mode, the light over the Performance button will be lit. When you choose a Performance, features such as Micro Tune and Key Shift are added to the voice. Using the 1 ~ 32/33 ~ 64 Button The light above the 1 ~ 32/33 ~ 64 button tells you which set of voices can be selected. If the light is off, voices 1 ~ 32 can be selected using the number buttons; if the light is lit, voices 33 ~ 64 can be selected using the number buttons. Using the Poly/Mono Button The light above the Poly/Mono tells you which Key Mode is currently active in Play Mode. If the light is off, the Key Mode is polyphonic; if the light is lit, the Key Mode is monophonic. Key Modes will be explained further in Section 4. Using the Key Shift Button The Key Shift button determines whether the key shift programmed in Performance Mode will be applied when you recall the Performance. If the light above Key Shift is off, no key shift will be applied; if the light is lit, the preprogrammed key shift is applied. - 16 - Using Controllers with the DX7s The DX7s is designed to operate with many controllers, each of which can be set to perform one of a number of different effects. The settings for these controllers can be different for each Voice memory or Performance memory. To begin your exploration of the expanded musical possibilities available with controllers on the DX7s, try the examples listed below. Many of you may already be familiar with the operation of the these controller's; for those who are not, each section below begins with instructions on how to locate or attach the controller in question. Pitch Bend Wheel The Pitch Bend Wheel is located to the far left of the keyboard. To get an idea of some of the effects possible with the Pitch Bend Wheel, use it with Internal Performance #1 or Internal Performance #31. Move the Wheel both quickly and slowly as you play. Modulation Wheel The Modulation Wheel is located to the near left of the keyboard (to the right of the Pitch Bend Wheel). For a taste of the possibilities of the Modulation Wheel, try it with Internal Performance #6 or Internal Performance #13. After Touch After Touch is a keyboard feature that gives you extra control over a voice. It is engaged by pushing down on the keys after they have already been depressed. To try some of the effects available with After Touch, call up Cartridge Performance #4 or Cartridge Performance #5 (from bank 2 of the ROM). After you have played a group of keys, press them down into the key bed and listen to the result. Breath Controller The Breath Controller plugs into the mini-jack to the left of the Phones plug on the front of the DX7s. It allows you a great deal of expressive control over the shape of the sounds you play on the keyboard. Try using the Breath Controller in conjunction with Internal Voice #9. With this voice, you will notice that playing on the keyboard by itself produces no sound. In order to hear the voices, you must hold down keys and blow into the Breath Controller. - 17 - Foot Controllers 1 and 2 The Foot Controllers plug into the two Foot Controller plugs on the back panel of the DX7s. They can give you continuous control over a number of aspects of the sounds. Try using Foot Controller 1 with Cartridge Performance #25 or Internal Performance #12 (from bank 2 of the ROM). Foot Controller 2 is most often used as a volume pedal, but other effects are possible. Footswitches 1 and 2 The Footswitches plug into the two Footswitch plugs on the back panel of the DX7s. Footswitch 1 acts much like a sustain pedal on a piano. Try it with Internal Performance #19 or Cartridge Performance #5 to get an idea of the different effects that are possible. Footswitch 2 can be used to engage a number of effects, including that of the soft pedal on a piano. Try it in conjunction with Internal Performance #4 or Cartridge Performance #8 (from bank 2 of the ROM). Continuous Sliders 1 and 2 The Continuous Sliders are located to the right of the Volume Slider on the left side of the DX's front panel. They can be programmed to give you control over many aspects of the timbre of the sounds, and can even be used to alter parameters of a voice in real time. Try using Continuous Slider 1 with Internal Performance #8 or Cartridge Performance #3. Then listen to the effect that Continuous Slider 2 has on Internal Performance #3 or Cartridge Performance #24. - 18 - Creating and Storing New Sounds - 19 - Contents 21 21 22 23 23 23 24 26 26 26 26 27 27 Creating New Sounds Editing and Edit Mode Entering Edit Mode Editing Performance and Voice Data Using the Cursor Buttons and the Data Entry Buttons/Slider Edit/Compare Edit Button Quick Reference Guide Saving New Sounds Memory Protection Turning Memory Protect Off Voice and Performance Memory Storing Performance Data to Internal or Cartridge Memory Storing Voice Data to Internal or Cartridge Memory - 20 - Creating New Sounds The Voices and Performance setups in the DX7s are stored as digital information in a computer-like memory. And, like computer memory, the memory of the DX7s can be altered for different uses. In other words, voices do not exist as unchangeable presets (as they do in electronic organs), but rather as streams of data. This data can be changed (edited) to create new Voice and Performance setups. To find out how this works, read on. Editing and Edit Mode Editing is the process of changing various settings of a Voice or Performance memory. In the DX7s, this is accomplished in Edit Mode. Usually, you will use Edit Mode to create a new Voice or Performance setup, but you can also use it to find out the parameter values for the factory preset Voices and Performance setups. Most of the buttons on the DX's front panel have multiple functions. You can see this by looking at the way the buttons are labeled on the front panel. For example, the +1 button also functions as YES and ON. In most cases, the buttons will have different functions in different operating modes. The 32 number buttons are no exception: In the Play Modes, they are used to call up various Voice and Performance memories; but, in the Edit Modes, they are used to access the various parameter values that make up a sound. Normally, when you enter the voice play mode (by pressing the voice button), the performance parameters will automatically be initialized. If you then go into the performance play mode (by pressing the performance button) the LCD display will show you this by displaying "INIT PERF". Notice that the number in the LED changes to show which memory number you began editing. When you switch between a voice parameter and a performance parameter, the LED will show the corresponding number. - 21 - Entering Edit Mode In the Edit Mode, you can edit both Voice and Performance parameters. In the above procedure, the Edit Mode is entered after the Edit button is pressed in step #1. At that time, you can push any or all of the buttons indicated as many times as necessary to make the desired edits. There is a distinction between editing Performance parameters and editing Voice parameters that you may want to be aware of. In certain cases, (such as using compare) you may not retain all your edits. It is a good idea to edit Performance and Voice data separately (more on this later). - 22 - Editing Performance and Voice Data After entering one of the Edit Modes, use the number buttons to access the parameter whose value you wish to change. Each number button calls up a variety of parameters, often through the use of multiple LCD screen displays. A complete set of these screen displays will be given at the beginning of Section 3 (for Performance parameters) and Section 4 (for Voice parameters). In most cases, each LCD display gives you access to a number of parameters. Using the Cursor Buttons and the Data Entry Buttons/Slider The cursor buttons and the data entry slider/buttons. In some cases, you will need to use these buttons to position the LCD cursor next to the parameter you wish to edit. Once you have selected the parameter to edit (using the cursor buttons), use the data entry slider or the +1/-1 buttons to change the value of the selected parameter. The new values will appear in the bottom row of the LCD, and you will hear the effect of these new values when you play the keyboard. Edit/Compare The Edit/Compare LED display. Once you have started to edit a voice, you can compare your new sound to the original by pressing the Edit/Compare button: You may use the compare feature for Voice data, Performance data, or Micro Tune data. It is best not to use compare when you are simultaneously editing more than one type of data. For example, if you are editing Voice data, and then start editing Performance data, using compare may cause Voice data to revert to the original. - 23 - Edit Button Quick Reference Guide Voice parameters are discussed in more detail in Section 4. Voice parameters are discussed in more detail in Section 4. - 24 - Performance parameters are discussed in more detail in Section 3. Utility parameters are discussed in more detail in Section 5. MIDI parameters are discussed in more detail in Section 6. -25 - Saving New Sounds Once you have altered a particular Voice or Performance memory to your liking, you will want to save your new data in one of the DX's memory locations. Voice memories and Performance setups can be saved either to the Internal Memory or to a RAM Cartridge Memory. To do so, proceed as follows: Memory Protection Each time the DX7s is turned on, it automatically powers up with both the Internal and the Cartridge Memory Protect feature turned on. Before you can save data, you must turn off this automatic memory protection. Turning Memory Protect Off Voice and Performance Memory If you have edited both Performance data and Voice data, be sure to save the Voice data to a Voice memory and a Performance data to a Performance memory. Both will need to be saved independently. - 26 - Storing Performance Data to Internal or Cartridge Memory Storing Voice Data to Internal or Cartridge Memory - 27 - - 28 - Using the New Performance Features - 29 - Contents 31 31 31 32 33 33 33 34 35 35 36 36 36 37 37 38 38 38 38 Performance Edit Buttons Button 27 LCD Displays Button 28 LCD Displays Button 29 LCD Displays Basic Performance Parameters Total Volume Key Shift EG Forced Damp Performance Name Voice Number Performance Controllers Sustain Footswitch (FS 1) Footswitch 2 (FS 2) Continuous Sliders FM Parameters Assignable to CS1 and CS2 Micro Tuning Selecting a Micro Tuning The Micro Tuning Presets Micro Tuning Editing and Storage - 30 - Performance Edit Buttons All of the Performance Mode parameters are adjusted via the LCD displays called up using buttons 27 ~ 29. All of the these buttons call up multiple LCD displays. The charts below show all of the displays called up by each button, and provide a complete list of parameters and value ranges. In some cases, the first LCD display in a chart may not be the first one you see. You may need to cycle through the displays (by pressing the button repeatedly) until you reach the desired LCD display. Buttons 27 LCD Displays Button 28 LCD Displays - 31 - Button 29 LCD Displays - 32 - Basic Performance Parameters Accessed using buttons 28 and 29, these parameters determine the basic voice relationships in Peformance Mode. Total Volume This parameter allows you to set an overall volume for each Performance memory. If you desire, you can use this setting to balance the levels of your Performance memories, so that constant Volume Slider or mixer adjustments are not necessary. Key Shift This parameter allows you to adjust the transposition of the Performance. The Performance can be adjusted up or down as much as two octaves (in halfsteps). The original transposition of the voice is retained as part of the Voice memory, and the Key Shift value is added to or subtracted from that Voice setting when you are in Performance Mode. The light over the Key Shift button must be lit in order to hear changes made to this parameter. -33 - EG Forced Damp Even though the DX7s is a 16-voice synthesizer, these voices can be used up quickly when you use a Sustain Footswitch pedal. When you do exceed the DX's note capacity, the first notes played will stop sounding to make way for the new notes being played. Under normal operating conditions, the DX7s considers these new notes to be continuations of the first notes; therefore, the initial portions of the attack envelope will not be retriggered: Under normal conditions, the DX's envelope acts this way. If you wish to avoid this effect, turn the Forced Damping function on. It will force the envelope to retrigger for each new note played: Using the EG Forced Damping parameter, the envelope is forced to retrigger itself for each new note played. - 34 - Performance Name You can enter a Performance Name of up to ten characters. To do so, follow the instructions below. Since you have a total of ten characters to define your Peformance Memory, make sure that your Performance Name conveys the basic approach of the specific Performance Memory. Using the left and right cursor buttons while holding the Edit/Character button lets you place the cursor over a specific character position. This allows you to easily edit any character within a name. Using the Data Entry buttons while NOT holding the Edit/Character button lets you switch between Large or small characters. The +1 button selects the Large character mode, the -1 button selects the small character mode. In addition to letting you enter small alpha characters, the small character input mode lets you enter the following symbols as well. Large mode small mode 1 ! 2 @ 3 # 4 $ 5 % 6 ^ 7 & 8 * 9 ( 0 ) + . , Voice Number Each time you select a Performance, one of the 64 Internal or 64 Cartridge Voices is also selected. You determine which voice will be selected via this display. -35 - Performance Controllers The DX7s features a greatly expanded set of controller options. The settings for Footswitches 1 and 2 and Continuous Sliders 1 and 2 are adjusted in Performance Edit Mode, using button 27. (The other controller settings are accessed in voice parameters.) Sustain Footswitch (FS 1) Footswitch 1 is set to operate as a sustain pedal. Footswitch 2 (FS 2) Footswitch 2 is a multipurpose pedal with four selectable functions: Sustain, Portamento, Key Hold, or Soft. If Sustain is selected, FS 2 operates as a sustain pedal (just like FS 1). If Portamento is selected, voice portamento effects will operate only when the pedal is depressed. If Key Hold is selected, only notes that are being held when the pedal is engaged will sustain. This effect is similar to a piano's sostenuto pedal. If Soft is engaged, the pedal will soften the timbre and volume of the sound. You can edit the range of the soft pedal by pressing button 27 again. The range is 1 ~ 7. - 36 - Continuous Sliders The two Continuous Sliders give you access to real-time control of FM voice parameters. There are a total of 103 different possibilities: FM Parameters Assignable to CS 1 and CS2 DATA ENTRY slider The Continuous Sliders provide a new avenue for exploration of real-time timbral control. highest position l OP 6 OP 1 l OP 6 OP 1 l OP 6 OP 1 l OP 6 OP 1 l OP 6 OP 1 l OP6 OP 1 l OP 6 OP 1 l OP 6 OP 1 l OP 6 OP 1 l OP 6 OP 1 Total level AMP. MOD. SENS Key velocity EG Level 4 (L4) EG Level 3 (L3) EG Level 2 (L2) EG Level 1 (L1) EG Rate 4 (R4) EG Rate 3 (R3) EG Rate 2 (R2) lowest position l OP 6 OP 1 l OP 6 OP 1 l OP 6 OPl l OP 6 EG Rate 1 (R1) OSC. detune Frequency fine Frequency coarse OP 1 l Portamento time l Pitch EG Level 4 Level 1 l Pitch EG Rate 4 Rate 1 l LFO AMD PMD PMS Delay Speed Wave l Feedback level l Algorithm l Total volume l No effect - 37 - Micro Tuning Micro Tuning is another new feature for the DX7s. It offers the possibility of performing music using tuning and intonation systems other than Equal Temperament (which is the current standard tuning for both pianos and synthesizers). Micro Tuning data is accessed using button 29. New Micro Tunings are created in Micro Tuning Edit Mode, which is accessed using button 14 in conjunction with button 29. Selecting a Micro Tuning The DX7s is equipped with eleven preset Micro Tunings as part of its permanent memory. The Micro Tuning Presets The new DX7s contains eleven preset Intonations, which provides you with a good introduction to alternate intonation schemes. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Equal Pure (major) Pure (minor) Mean tone Pythagorean Werckmeister Kirnberger Vallotti, yong 1/4 Shift eql 1/4 Tone 1/8 Tone Equal Temperament Pure (Major) Pure (Minor) Mean tone Pythagorean Werckmeister Kirnberger Vallotti & Young 1/4 Shifted equal 1/4 Tone 1/8 Tone In presets 2 ~ 5, the tuning can be adjusted according to the key of the music being played. Micro Tuning Editing and Storage If you are interested in alternate tunings and intonations, you may want to create your own sets of Micro Tuning data. The DX7s provides two memory locations for this purpose: User 1 and User 2. These two sets of data are stored as part of the Internal Memory, and will be stored along with all other Internal data when the Internal Voice & Performance Memory is saved to another storage medium (such as a RAM cartridge). In addition, up to 63 Micro Tunings can be saved to a RAM cartridge that has been properly formatted for that purpose. - 38 - Entering the Micro Tuning Edit Mode Editing Micro Tuning Data Storing Micro Tuning Data - 39 - - 40 - Using the New Voice Features - 41 - Contents 43 43 44 44 45 46 47 48 48 49 50 51 52 52 52 52 53 53 53 54 55 55 55 55 56 57 57 57 Voice Edit Buttons Button 7 LCD Display Button 8 LCD Display Button 9 LCD Display Button 10 LCD Displays Button 11 LCD Display Button 12 LCD Display Button 13 LCD Display Button 23 LCD Displays Button 24 LCD Displays Button 25 LCD Displays Button 26 LCD Displays Basic Voice Editing Functions Operator Select Operator On/Off EG Copy New Voice Parameters Pitch Envelope LFO Key Modes Voice Controllers Function Data and Voice Effect Data Pitch Bend Modes Foot Controller 1 and 2 Pitch Bias Fractional Scaling Fractional Scaling and Level Scaling Fractional Scaling Editing and Storage -42- Voice Edit Buttons All of the Voice Mode parameters are adjusted via the LCD displays called up using buttons 7 - 13 and 23 - 26. Many of the these buttons call up multiple LCD displays. The charts below show all of the displays called up by each button, and provide a complete list of parameters and value ranges. In some cases, the first LCD display in a chart may not he the first one you see. You may need to cycle through the displays (by pressing the button repeatedly) until you reach the desired LCD display. Button 7 LCD Display Algorithm (1 ~ 32) Feedback Level (0 ~ 7) Oscillator Key Sync (off, on) Transpose (mid c = c1 ~ c5) (The 'L' indicates Large or upper case character entry mode) Voice Name (10 characters) (The 's' indicates small or lower case character entry mode) - 43 - Button 8 LCD Display Oscillator Mode (ratio, fixed) Frequency Coarse (varies Frequency Fine (varies) Oscillator Detune (-7 ~ +7) Button 9 LCD Display Rate Scaling (0 ~ 7) Envelope Generator Rates 1 ~ 4 (0 ~ 99) Envelope Generator Levels 1 ~ 4 (0 ~ 99) - 44 -