Yamaha MU50 manual

OWNER'S MANUAL VT10160 504CRIT15.2-01A0 M.D.G., EMI Division, © Yamaha Corporation 1995, Printed in Japan[...]

For details of products, please contact your nearest Yamaha or the authorized distributor listed below. Pour plus de détails sur les produits, veuillez-vous adresser à Yamaha ou au distributeur le plus proche de vous figurant dans la liste suivante. MIDDLE & SOUTH AMERICA MEXICO Yamaha De Mexico S.A. De C.V., Departamento de ventas Javier Roj[...]

ii WELCOME TO THE MU50 Welcome to the MU50 Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the Y amaha MU50 T one Generator! The MU50 is an advanced tone generator providing 737 high-quality V oices , full General MIDI compatibility — including Y amaha’ s new XG- MIDI — plus flexible computer interfacing in a highly compact and portable package.[...]

UNP ACKING iii MU50 Serial No.: PA-1207 AC Power Adaptor* Owner’s Manual Unpacking Y our MU50 package should include the items listed below . Make sure that you have them all. Also, write down the serial number of your MU50 in the box below , for future reference. * Power supply recommendation may vary from country to country . Please check with [...]

iv TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Contents W elcome to the MU50 ............................................................................................................ ii Unpacking .............................................................................................................................. i ii T able of Contents .................[...]

T ABLE OF CONTENTS v GUIDED TOUR REFERENCE APPENDIX Selecting Single Part Control ................................................................................ 36 Editing in Single Part ............................................................................................ 36 All Part Control ................................................[...]

vi HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL How to Use This Manual Y ou are probably eager to try out your new MU50 T one Generator right away and hear what it can do, rather than have to read through a lot of in- structions before you can even get a sound out of it. However , to get the most out of your MU50, we strongly suggest that you read the following sections[...]

PRECAUTIONS vii Precautions Y our MU50 will give you years of reliable service if you follow the simple precautions below: 䡵 LOCA TION Keep the instrument away from locations where it is likely to be exposed to high temperatures (such as direct sunlight) or humidity . Also avoid loca- tions which are subject to excessive dust accumulation or vibr[...]

viii PRECAUTIONS 䡵 ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE A void using the unit near televisions, radios or other equipment generating electromagnetic fields. Proximity to such equipment may cause the unit to malfunction, and may generate interference noise in the other appliance as well. 䡵 DO NOT OPEN THE CASE OR TR Y REP AIRING THE INSTRUMENT YOURSELF [...]

THE CONTROLS OF THE MU50 1 The Controls of the MU50 Front Panel 1 INPUT jack For connection of an external audio source. (Accepts either stereo or mono 1/4" plugs.) 2 INPUT level control For control of the INPUT audio level. 3 PHONES jack For connection to a set of stereo headphones (mini-pin). 4 POWER/VOL control Pressing this turns the power[...]

2 THE CONTROLS OF THE MU50 9 EFFECT button For entering the Ef fect Edit mode. (See page 86.) 10 MUTE/SOLO button Pressing this alternately mutes or solos the selected Part. (See page 23.) 11 ENTER button For calling up menu items in the display and for executing certain functions and operations. Double-clicking this (pressing it twice quickly) cal[...]

THE CONTROLS OF THE MU50 3 Rear Panel 1 MIDI THRU, MIDI OUT and MIDI IN terminals For connection to other MIDI devices, such as a MIDI keyboard, tone genera- tor , sequencer , or to a computer that has a MIDI interface. MIDI IN is for in- put of MIDI data. MIDI OUT is for data dumps to another MIDI device, while MIDI THRU is for “daisy-chain” c[...]

4 THE MU50 — WHA T IT IS AND WHA T IT CAN DO The MU50 — What It Is and What It Can Do What It Is… The MU50 is a compact, highly portable and easy-to-use tone generator . It features full General MIDI Level 1 compatibility with 128 General MIDI V oices and 1 drum kit. It also provides new XG-MIDI compatibility , with a total of 480 V oices and[...]

THE MU50 — WHA T IT IS AND WHA T IT CAN DO 5 What It Can Do… Here are a few ideas on how you can use the MU50. The list below is not comprehensive, but is meant to be a general guide to the possibilities and provide a starting point or springboard for your own creative ideas and ex- plorations. Using With a MIDI Keyboard Use the MU50 as supplem[...]

6 THE MU50 — WHA T IT IS AND WHA T IT CAN DO Sound Module Mode XG TG300B C/M DOC Performance About the Modes of the MU50 The MU50 has two main operating modes: Multi and Performance. In Multi mode, the MU50 is a 16-Part multi-timbral tone generator; in Per - formance mode, the MU50 ef fectively functions as four tone generators controlled over a [...]

THE MU50 — WHA T IT IS AND WHA T IT CAN DO 7 Play Modes and the Part Controls Once the operating mode of the MU50 is set (Multi or Performance), there are two main ways you can use the MU50: playing and editing. In the Play modes, you play the V oices; in the various Edit modes, you change their settings. W ithin the Play modes are the Part contr[...]

8 THE MU50 — WHA T IT IS AND WHA T IT CAN DO EG EG EG EG EG EG Attack Time EG Decay Time EG Release Time Pitch EG Initial Level Pitch EG Attack Time Pitch EG Release Level Pitch EG Release Time Vibrato Vibrato Vibrato Vibrato Vibrato Vibrato Rate Vibrato Depth Vibrato Delay Others Others Others Others Others Detune Part Mode Mono/Poly Mode Elemen[...]

THE MU50 — WHA T IT IS AND WHA T IT CAN DO 9 Performance Edit Mode Part Part Part Part Part Filter Filter Filter Filter Filter Cutoff Frequency Resonance EG EG EG EG EG EG Attack Time EG Decay Time EG Release Time Pitch EG Initial Level Pitch EG Attack Time Pitch EG Release Level Pitch EG Release Time Vibrato Vibrato Vibrato Vibrato Vibrato Vibra[...]

10 THE MU50 — WHA T IT IS AND WHA T IT CAN DO For more information on each of these modes and their menus, see the re- spective sections in the Reference section. Utility Mode The Utility mode lets you set functions related to the overall operation of the MU50, such as Master T une, display Contrast and reception of certain MIDI messages that af [...]

G UIDED T OUR When using your MU50 for the first time, read through this short section of the manual. It guides you step-by-step in us- ing many of the basic operations: setting the instrument up, connecting it properly to other equipment, and — most im- portantly — playing it.[...]

12 GUIDED TOUR Setting Up Your MU50 In this introductory section, you’ll learn how to set up the MU50 for use with a MIDI keyboard. (Setting up for use with a computer is covered on page 25.) What You’ll Need ☛ The MU50 and the included power adaptor . ☛ A MIDI keyboard, electronic piano, or any instrument that can output MIDI data. ☛ An [...]

GUIDED TOUR 13 CAUTION! ● Do not attempt to use an AC adaptor other than the PA-1207. The use of an incompatible adaptor may result in irreparable damage to the MU50, and even pose a serious shock hazard. ● Be sure to disconnect the power adaptor from the outlet when the MU50 is not in use. MIDI Keyboard MIDI OUT MIDI IN MIDI CABLE R Amplifier [...]

14 GUIDED TOUR Powering Up and Playing the Demo Song Once you’ve connected everything properly , you’re ready to turn the MU50 on and start playing it. However , a small word of caution before you begin: Follow the instructions given below to avoid possible damage to your equipment and speakers. Powering Up Operation 1 If you haven’t done so [...]

GUIDED TOUR 15 Playing the Demo Song Now that you’ve set everything up properly , try playing the built-in Demo Song. This showcases the high-quality V oices and the A WM2 tone genera- tion system of the MU50. Operation 1 Press the UTIL UTIL UTIL UTIL UTIL button. 2 Select “DEMO” with the SELECT SELECT SELECT SELECT SELECT w buttons and press[...]

16 GUIDED TOUR Playing Y our MU50 W ith a MIDI Keyboard Operation Play some notes on your MIDI keyboard. If you’ve carefully followed all instructions up to now, one of the “level meter” bars in the display should move — and you should be able to hear the sound of the MU50 as you play. NOTE If your MIDI keyboard is transmitting on channel 1[...]

GUIDED TOUR 17 Selecting Voices In this brief section, you’ll learn how to select other V oices. Y ou can do this directly from the panel of the MU50 or remotely , from your MIDI key- board. Operation 1 First, select a Part. Use the PART PART PART PART PART q buttons to select Part 1. Press the appropriate button until “01” appears in the PAR[...]

18 GUIDED TOUR Play this new V oice from the keyboard. Try selecting other V oices and play them as well. (For a list of all the available V oices, refer to the SOUND LIST & MIDI DA T A booklet. HINT You can rapidly move through the values by holding down one of the VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE q buttons. You can move even more rapidly by hold[...]

GUIDED TOUR 19 2 Use the VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE q buttons to change the Bank number. 3 Finally, use the SELECT SELECT SELECT SELECT SELECT w buttons again to move the arrow cursor back to the right side of the instrument icon — for Voice selection. Selecting Voices From Your MIDI Keyboard You can also select Voices remotely from the connec[...]

20 GUIDED TOUR Changing Some of the Settings — Part Controls Y ou can make changes to each individual Part by using the Part controls. These are always displayed in the Play mode, giving you at-a-glance con- firmation of the various basic settings of the MU50. Let’ s take a look at the Play display again: Each of these settings can be made inde[...]

GUIDED TOUR 21 Operation 1 Use the PART PART PART PART PART q buttons to select Part 2. Part 2. 2 Use the SELECT SELECT SELECT SELECT SELECT w buttons to call up the “Rcv CH” display below. Current MIDI Receive Channel. 3 Use the VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE q buttons to change the MIDI Receive Chan- nel to “01.” 4 Finally, use the SELECT [...]

22 GUIDED TOUR Changing the Volume and Pan settings of a Part Now that you’re playing two V oices at the same time, you may want to ad- just their settings. Here, we’ll change the V olume and Pan settings of one Part’ s V oice. Operation 1 Use the PART PART PART PART PART q buttons to select the desired Part (Part 1 or 2). 2 Use the SELECT SE[...]

GUIDED TOUR 23 Using Mute/Solo The MU50 has convenient Mute and Solo functions for selectively muting or soloing any of the 16 Parts. This is especially useful when playing back several Parts from a connected computer or sequencer . Mute lets you si- lence one Part to hear how all of the other Parts sound without it. Solo lets you isolate a single [...]

24 GUIDED TOUR Using the INPUT Jack The MU50 also features an INPUT function that allows you to connect an external audio source (such as an electric guitar , keyboard or CD player) and mix in those signals with the MU50’ s V oices — without the need for an external mixer . For example, this allows you to play a guitar or keyboard over backing [...]

GUIDED TOUR 25 Setting Up the MU50 in Your Music System As you learned in the section The MU50 — What It Is and What It Can Do on page 4, the MU50 can be integrated into a variety of setups. It would be impossible to cover all connection possibilities in a short manual as this; however , the section below will help in quickly setting up the MU50 [...]

26 GUIDED TOUR Operation 1 Set the HOST SELECT HOST SELECT HOST SELECT HOST SELECT HOST SELECT s w itch to Mac Mac Mac Mac Mac . 2 Connect the MU50 to the host computer, as shown in the illus- tration above. Use a standard Macintosh cable (8-pin Mini DIN on both ends; see page 31). 3 Turn on the the host computer, then the MU50. 4 Start up your mus[...]

GUIDED TOUR 27 Operation 1 Set the HOST SELECT HOST SELECT HOST SELECT HOST SELECT HOST SELECT s w itch to PC-2 PC-2 PC-2 PC-2 PC-2 . 2 Connect the MU50 to the host computer, as shown in the illus- tration above. Use a standard computer cable (8-pin Mini DIN to 9-pin D-SUB; see page 31). 3 Turn on the the host computer, then the MU50. 4 Start up yo[...]

28 GUIDED TOUR MDF2 MIDI IN MIDI IN MIDI OUT MIDI OUT MIDI CABLE MIDI Keyboard MIDI IN MIDI IN MIDI OUT MIDI OUT MIDI CABLE Operation 1 Set the HOST SELECT HOST SELECT HOST SELECT HOST SELECT HOST SELECT switch to MIDI. 2 Connect the MU50 to the appropriate MIDI device, as shown in the illustrations above. Use a standard MIDI cable (see page 31). 3[...]

GUIDED TOUR 29 Using the MU50 with a MIDI Data Storage Device Y ou can also use the MU50 with a MIDI data storage device, such as the Y amaha MDF2 MIDI Data Filer . This lets you save or back up whatever changes you’ve made in the settings of the Utility and Part Edit modes, as well as changes to the built-in effects and Performances. Then, when [...]

30 GUIDED TOUR Data Flow Block Diagram When HOST SELECT switch is set to MIDI (31,250 bps): TO HOST IN OUT THRU Sound Module 1~16CH When HOST SELECT switch is set to PC-1/ PC-2/ Mac: TO HOST IN OUT THRU Sound Module 1~16CH HOST SELECT = PC-1 (31,250bps) PC-2 (38,400bps) Mac (31,250bps)[...]

GUIDED TOUR 31 MIDI/Computer Connecting Cables MIDI Standard MIDI cable. Maximum length 15 meters. DIN 5-PIN DIN 5-PIN 4 2 5 4 2 (GND) 5 Mac Apple Macintosh Peripheral cable (M0197). Maximum length 2 meters. MINI DIN 8-PIN MINI DIN 8-PIN 1 2 3 2 (HSK i) 1 (HSK o) 5 (RxD –) 4 4 (GND) 5 3 (TxD –) 6 8 (RxD +) 7 7 (GP i) 8 6 (TxD +) PC-1 8-pin MINI[...]

32 GUIDED TOUR[...]

R EFERENCE The Reference section of this manual covers in detail all of the functions of the MU50. Refer to it when you need infor- mation about a specific function, feature or operation.[...]

34 MUL TI MODE T o set the Multi mode: 1 Press the MODE MODE MODE MODE MODE b utton. 2 Use theg VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE w buttons to select the desired Multi mode: XG, TG300B, C/M or DOC. 3 Press the EXIT EXIT EXIT EXIT E X I T button or the PLAY PLAY PLAY PLAY PLAY button to return to the Play display. The currently selected mode setting is [...]

MUL TI MODE 35 Multi Play Mode The Play mode (with the main Play display shown below) is the normal op- erating mode of the MU50. T o select the Play mode from any other mode, press the PLA Y button. (The Play mode is also automatically selected when you turn on the MU50.) Part Controls The Part controls in the Play mode give you tools for adjustin[...]

36 MUL TI MODE Single Part Control The Single Part controls include: MIDI Receive Channel, Bank Number , Program Number , V olume, Expression, Pan, Reverb Send, Chorus Send, V ariation Send and Note Shift. Selecting Single Part Control Single Part control is automatically called up when the MU50 is turned on. If All Part is selected, simply press b[...]

MUL TI MODE 37 Bank Number Settings: XG: 000, 001, 003, 006, 008, 012, 014, 016 — 020, 024, 025, 027, 028, 032 — 043, 045, 064 — 072, 096 — 101, SFX TG300B: 000 — 011, 016 — 019, 024 — 026, 032, 033, 040, 126, 127 C/M: Fixed (only one bank) DOC: Fixed (only one bank) This determines the bank number of the selected Part’ s V oice. Ea[...]

38 MUL TI MODE Expression (Expresn) Graphically indicates current Expression setting. Range: 0 — 1 2 7 This determines the Expression setting for the selected Part’ s V oice. Pan Graphically indicates current Pan setting. Settings: Rnd (Random), L63 — C — R63 This determines the stereo position of the selected Part’ s V oice. A setting of[...]

MUL TI MODE 39 Chorus Send (ChoSend) Graphically indicates current Chorus Send setting. Range: 0 — 1 2 7 This determines the level of the selected Part’ s V oice that is sent to the Chorus effect. A value of 0 results in a completely “dry” V oice sound (no Chorus effect). NOTE Keep in mind that the Chorus effect must be properly enabled and[...]

40 MUL TI MODE All Part Control The All Part controls include: Device Number , Master V olume, Reverb Re- turn, Chorus Return, V ariation Return and T ranspose. Keep in mind that these controls affect all Parts equally , and either add to or subtract from their individual values. For example, if Note Shift on one Part is set to –12, and Transpose[...]

MUL TI MODE 41 example, if you are using more than one MU50, set a different De- vice Number for each. This is especially important when using the data dump features. (See page 98.) If you have only one MU50, set this to “all.” Master V olume (M.V olum) Graphically indicates current Master Volume setting. Range: 0 — 1 2 7 This determines the [...]

42 MUL TI MODE V ariation Return (V arRtn) Graphically indicates current Variation Return setting. Range: 0 — 1 2 7 This determines the amount of V ariation return in the overall mix. V ariation Return is only available when the V ariation Connection parameter is set to SYS . (See page 92.) T ranspose (T rans) Graphically indicates current Transp[...]

MUL TI MODE 43 Multi Edit Mode The Multi Edit mode features various parameters for controlling the Filter , the EG (Envelope Generator) and V ibrato. It also features a variety of other miscellaneous controls grouped in the Others parameters. When a Drum Part is selected, Drum-related parameters are also available. T o enter the Multi Edit mode, pr[...]

44 MUL TI MODE Cutoff Fr equency (CutoffFreq) Graphically shows Cutoff Frequency setting for each Part. Selected Part and MIDI channel R a n g e : –64 — +63 Default: 0 This determines the cutof f frequency of the filter, or the frequency point above which other frequencies are filtered out. Lower cutoff values create a deeper , more rounded ton[...]

MUL TI MODE 45 R a n g e : –64 — +63 Default: 0 This determines the amount of filter resonance or emphasis of the Cutoff Frequency parameter above. Higher values increase the em- phasis of the Cutoff Frequency , producing a higher resonant peak, while lower values produce a relatively flat response. Lower Resonance Higher Resonance Level Resona[...]

46 MUL TI MODE EG Parameters 1 ) Short Attack, Decay , Release times: Level Attack Decay Release Time Key is released Key is pressed Min. Max. 2 ) Long Attack, Decay , Release times: Level Attack Decay Release Time Key is released Key is pressed Min. Max. Keep in mind that the EG parameters af fect each other, and are af- fected by how long a note [...]

MUL TI MODE 47 R a n g e : –64 — +63 Default: 0 This determines the Attack T ime of the EG, or how long it takes for the sound to reach full volume when a note is played. For the Filter , this determines how long it takes for the sound to be af fected by the maximum Filter values. EG Decay Time Graphically shows EG Decay Time setting for each P[...]

48 MUL TI MODE Pitch EG Parameters The Pitch EG parameters determine how the pitch of a Part’ s V oice changes over time. This lets you produce subtle or pronounced pitch changes as a note is played. In the example Pitch EG settings below , a played note is gradu- ally bent up to its normal pitch, and kept there as the note is held. When the note[...]

MUL TI MODE 49 Pitch EG Attack Time (PEGAtakT ime) Graphically shows Pitch EG Attack Time setting for each Part. Selected Part and MIDI channel R a n g e : –64 — +63 Default: 0 This determines the Attack T ime of the Pitch EG, or how long it takes for the pitch to return to normal (from the pitch value set in Initial Level above). Pitch EG Rele[...]

50 MUL TI MODE Pitch EG Release T ime (PEGReleT ime) Graphically shows Pitch EG Release Time setting for each Part. Selected Part and MIDI channel R a n g e : –64 — +63 Default: 0 This determines the Release T ime of the Pitch EG, or how long it takes for the pitch to change to the pitch value set in Release Level above. Vibrato V ibrato produc[...]

MUL TI MODE 51 R a n g e : –64 — +63 Default: 0 This determines the speed of the V ibrato effect. Higher values result in a faster V ibrato sound. V ibrato Depth Graphically shows Vibrato Depth setting for each Part. Selected Part and MIDI channel R a n g e : –64 — +63 Default: 0 This determines the depth of the V ibrato effect. Higher valu[...]

52 MUL TI MODE Others The Others section of parameters contains miscellaneous controls, includ- ing those related to tuning, Part Mode, velocity , portamento, note range, etc. Detune Graphically shows Detune setting for each Part. Selected Part and MIDI channel Part Edit Mode Others Others Others Others Others Detune Part Mode Mono/Poly Mode Elemen[...]

MUL TI MODE 53 R a n g e : –12.8 — +12.7 Default: 0 .0 This determines the fine tuning of the Part’ s V oice. HINT Detune could be used to slightly detune a Voice compared to the tuning of the rest of the Voices for a richer sound. It could also be used to detune two different Voices being played in unison. For example if two different Parts [...]

54 MUL TI MODE For TG300B TG300B TG300B TG300B TG300B mode: The settings normal and drumS1, drumS2 are available; drum can- not be selected. When normal is selected, either the basic or the ex- tended set of V oices (for the TG300B mode) can be used for the Part. For C/M C/M C/M C/M C / M mode: The Part Mode settings are fixed in this mode and cann[...]

MUL TI MODE 55 Element Reserve (ElemReserv) Height of bars indicates selected Element Reserve setting for each Part. Selected Part and MIDI channel Range: 0 — 3 2 Default: 2 ( P a rts 1 — 9, 11 — 16) Default: 0 (Part 10) This determines the amount of elements (or notes) that are reserved for the selected Part, ef fectively letting you keep no[...]

56 MUL TI MODE V elocity Sensitivity Offset (V elSensOfs) Graphically shows Velocity Sensitivity Offset setting for each Part. Selected Part and MIDI channel Range: 0 — 1 2 7 Default: 6 4 This determines the volume range over which velocity affects. For lower values, the velocity affects a volume range from minimum to medium-loud. For higher valu[...]

MUL TI MODE 57 Note Limit Parameters The Note Limit Low and High parameters allow you to set the range of notes for a Part’ s V oice. Notes outside the range will not be played. HINT Note Limit can be used to set up keyboard splits. Set two Parts to the same MIDI channel (see page 36), but give them Note Limit settings so that one Part is played [...]

58 MUL TI MODE Portamento Parameters Portamento is a function that creates a smooth pitch glide from one note to another . Portamento Switch (PortamntSw) Height of bars indicates selected Portamento Switch setting for each Part. (A single bar indicates “off” setting, while full height indicates “on.”) Selected Part and MIDI channel Settings[...]

MUL TI MODE 59 HINT Velocity Limit can be used to set up velocity splits. A velocity split allows you to have one Part’s Voice sound when you play the connected keyboard strongly, and a different Voice sound when you play softly. Set two Parts to the same MIDI channel (see page 36), but give them different Veloc- ity Limit settings so that one or[...]

60 MUL TI MODE Dry Level Range: 0 — 1 2 7 Default: 1 27 This determines the level of the unprocessed sound of the V oice (sound with no effect processing). This parameter is only available when the V ariation Connection parameter is set to SYS . (See page 92.) Pitch Bend Control (PitBndCtrl) Graphically shows Pitch Bend Control setting for each P[...]

MUL TI MODE 61 Drum Setup Controls The Drum Setup controls allow you to make a wide variety of settings for the drum sounds in a Drum Part. These settings include Pitch controls, Level, Pan, effect send, filter controls and EG (Envelope Generator), among others. Moreover , these parameters can be set to completely independent values for each of the[...]

62 MUL TI MODE Operation 1 Select the desired note number and its assigned drum sound with the PART PART PART PART PART q buttons. For a list of the available sounds and their note assignments, see the SOUND LIST & MIDI DATA SOUND LIST & MIDI DATA SOUND LIST & MIDI DATA SOUND LIST & MIDI DATA SOUND LIST & MIDI DATA booklet. HINT[...]

MUL TI MODE 63 NOTE Keep in mind that the Reverb effect must be properly enabled and set for this parameter to work as intended. (See page 86.) Also, the parameters Reverb Send in Single Part control (page 38) and Reverb Return in All Part control (page 41) must be set to appropriate values. Chorus Send (Cho Send) Range: 0 — 127 This determines t[...]

64 MUL TI MODE Resonance R a n g e : –64 — +63 This determines the amount of filter resonance or emphasis of the Cutoff Frequency parameter above. Higher values increase the em- phasis of the Cutoff Frequency , producing a higher resonant peak, while lower values produce a relatively flat response. Lower Resonance Higher Resonance Level Resonan[...]

MUL TI MODE 65 Receive Note Of f Settings: o n, of f This determines how the selected drum sound responds to MIDI Note Off messages. When this is set to on, the selected sound will stop in response to the corresponding MIDI Note Off message. An on setting is good for some sustained sounds (like a whistle), or for key-controlled cymbal “chokes.”[...]

66 PERFORMANCE MODE Performance Play Mode T o set the Performance mode and call up Performance Play: 1 Press the MODE MODE MODE MODE MODE b utton. 2 Use the VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE q button to select “PERFORM” (PERFORM- ANCE). 3 Press the EXIT EXIT EXIT EXIT E X I T button or the PLAY PLAY PLAY PLAY PLAY button to return to the Play displ[...]

PERFORMANCE MODE 67 Selecting a Performance and its Individual Parts T o call up a Pr eset or Internal Performance and select individual Parts of that Performance: 1 From the Performance Play mode (see section above), press the PART PART PART PART PART q buttons simultaneously, so that the All Part display is shown. Indicates All Part display. NOTE[...]

68 PERFORMANCE MODE 3 Use the SELECT SELECT SELECT SELECT SELECT w buttons to select the Program Number pa- rameter, then use the VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE q buttons to select the desired Performance number. Performance number 4 From the All Part display, press the PART PART PART PART PART q buttons simulta- neously, so that the Single Part dis[...]

PERFORMANCE MODE 69 Performance Part Control Single Part Bank Number Settings: XG: 000, 001, 003, 006, 008, 012, 014, 016 — 020, 024, 025, 027, 028, 032 — 043, 045, 064 — 072, 096 — 101, SFX This determines the bank number of the selected Part’ s V oice. Each bank contains 128 V oices. (Refer to the SOUND LIST & MIDI DA T A booklet. P[...]

70 PERFORMANCE MODE V olume Graphically indicates current Volume setting. Range: 0 — 1 2 7 This determines the V olume setting for the selected Part’ s V oice. Pan Graphically indicates current Pan setting. Settings: Rnd (Random), L63 — C — R63 This determines the stereo position of the selected Part’ s V oice. A setting of “Rnd” (Ran[...]

PERFORMANCE MODE 71 Chorus Send (Cho Send) Graphically indicates current Chorus Send setting. Range: 0 — 1 2 7 This determines the level of the selected Part’ s V oice that is sent to the Chorus effect. A value of 0 results in a completely “dry” V oice sound (no Chorus effect). NOTE Keep in mind that the Chorus effect must be properly enabl[...]

72 PERFORMANCE MODE All Part System MIDI Channel (Sys CH) Graphically indicates current System MIDI Channel setting. Settings: 1 — 16 , al l This determines the MIDI receive channel for all Parts of the Per - formance. When this is set to “all,” the Performance responds over any incoming MIDI channel. Performance Bank Settings: Pre (Preset), [...]

PERFORMANCE MODE 73 Performance V olume (Pfm V ol) Graphically indicates current Performance Volume setting. Range: 0 — 1 2 7 This determines the overall V olume of the Performance. Performance Pan (Pfm Pan) Graphically indicates current Performance Pan setting. R a n g e : L63 — C — R63 This determines the overall Pan position of the Perform[...]

74 PERFORMANCE MODE Chorus Return (ChoRtn) Graphically indicates current Chorus Return setting. Range: 0 — 1 2 7 This determines the amount of Chorus return for the Performance in the overall mix. V ariation Return (V arRtn) Graphically indicates current Variation Return setting. Range: 0 — 1 2 7 This determines the amount of V ariation return [...]

PERFORMANCE MODE 75 Performance Edit Mode The Performance Edit mode features various functions and parameters, grouped in the following sections: Common (related to the Performance as a whole), Part (related to each of the four Parts), and the Copy and Store operations. T o enter the Performance Edit mode, press the EDIT button (from the Performanc[...]

76 PERFORMANCE MODE Operation 1 From the Performance Name display, press the ENTER ENTER ENTER ENTER ENTER b u t t o n . 2 Use the SELECT SELECT SELECT SELECT SELECT w buttons to select the character position (flashing character) in the name and use the VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE q but- tons to change the character at that position. Up to 12 cha[...]

PERFORMANCE MODE 77 Assignable Controller1 Control Change Number (AC1 CC No.) Graphically indicates Control Change Number setting. Range: 0 — 9 5 This determines which Control Change number will be used for As- signable Controller 1 in the Performance. Assignable Controller 1 can be used to af fect the Filter (page 43), the Amplitude or the V ari[...]

78 PERFORMANCE MODE Part Performance Edit Mode Part Part Part Part Part Filter Filter Filter Filter Filter Cutoff Frequency Resonance EG EG EG EG EG EG Attack Time EG Decay Time EG Release Time Pitch EG Initial Level Pitch EG Attack Time Pitch EG Release Level Pitch EG Release Time Vibrato Vibrato Vibrato Vibrato Vibrato Vibrato Rate Vibrato Depth [...]

PERFORMANCE MODE 79 Others Others Others Others Others Detune Mono/Poly Mode Velocity Sensitivity Depth Velocity Sensitivity Offset Note Limit Low Note Limit High Portamento Switch Portamento Time Velocity Limit Low Velocity Limit High Dry Level (VarConnect=SYS) MW LFO Pitch Moduration Depth MW LFO Filter Moduration Depth Pitch Bend Control Assigna[...]

80 PERFORMANCE MODE Vibrato The V ibrato section of Performance Edit parameters are the same as the corresponding parameters in the Multi Edit mode. (See page 52.) Others The Others section of Performance Edit parameters contains miscellaneous controls, including those related to tuning, velocity , portamento, note range, etc. W ith a few additiona[...]

PERFORMANCE MODE 81 Portamento Time (PortametTm) Same as the corresponding parameter in the Multi Edit mode. (See page 58.) V elocity Limit Low (V elLimitLo) Same as the corresponding parameter in the Multi Edit mode. (See page 59.) V elocity Limit High (V elLimitHi) Same as the corresponding parameter in the Multi Edit mode. (See page 59.) Dry Lev[...]

82 PERFORMANCE MODE Assignable Control 1 Filter Control (AC1FilCtrl) Graphically shows AC1 Filter Control setting for each Part. R a n g e : –64 — +63 This determines the degree to which Assignable Controller 1 af fects the Filter . A setting of 0 results in no control over the Filter . Negative settings af fect the Filter negatively; in other [...]

PERFORMANCE MODE 83 Copy and Store Operations The Copy and Store operations allow you to save and organize the Perform- ances you’ve created. Copy The Copy operation allows you to copy the settings of one Performance program (Preset or Internal) to another Performance number (Internal only). Operation 1 From the Performance Edit menu, use the SEL[...]

84 PERFORMANCE MODE 3 Press the ENTER ENTER ENTER ENTER ENTER button to actually execute the Copy operation. An “Executing…” message flashes in the display during the op- eration. When the data has been copied, the MU50 returns to the Performance Edit menu. To cancel the operation without copying, press the EXIT EXIT EXIT EXIT EXIT b u t t o [...]

PERFORMANCE MODE 85 2 Use the VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE VALUE q buttons to change the destination Perform- ance number. 3 Press the ENTER ENTER ENTER ENTER ENTER button to actually execute the Store operation. An “Executing...” message flashes in the display during the op- eration. When the data has been stored, the MU50 returns to the Performanc[...]

86 EFFECT EDIT MODE Ef fect Edit Mode The MU50 features a built-in multi-effect processor with three independent dig- ital effects: Reverb, Chorus and Variation. These are controlled in the Effect Edit mode. In this section, only the effect Types and the global parameters common to all Types are covered. For descriptions and details on the paramete[...]

EFFECT EDIT MODE 87 Settings: NO EFFECT , HALL 1, HALL 2, ROOM 1, ROOM 2, ROOM 3, ST AGE 1, ST AGE 2, PLA TE, WHITE ROOM, TUNNEL, BASEMENT This determines the Reverb T ype. Each Reverb T ype has dif ferent values for the rest of the Reverb parameters. NOTE When “ NO EFFECT NO EFFECT NO EFFECT NO EFFECT NO EFFECT ” i s selected, Reverb is off an[...]

88 EFFECT EDIT MODE Chorus (CHO) The Chorus section uses pitch modulation to create a variety of rich, spa- cious-sounding ef fects, including Chorus, Celeste and Flanger . Explanations of the Chorus T ype and Chorus Pan parameters are given below . For descriptions and explanations for all other Chorus parameters, refer to the separate SOUND LIST [...]

EFFECT EDIT MODE 89 R a n g e : L63 — C — R63 This determines the Pan position of the Chorus sound, or where it appears in the stereo image. Send Chorus to Reverb (SendCho → Rev) Range: 0 — 1 2 7 This determines the level of the Chorus signal sent to and processed by the Reverb ef fect. A setting of 0 results in none of the Chorus- processe[...]

90 EFFECT EDIT MODE T ype Settings: NO EFFECT ; HALL 1 & 2; ROOM 1 — 3; ST AGE 1 & 2; PLA TE; DELA Y LCR; DELA Y L,R; ECHO; CROSS DELA Y ; EARL Y REFLECTION 1 & 2; GA TE REVERB; REVERSE GA TE; KARAOKE 1 — 3; CHORUS 1 — 4; CELESTE 1 — 4; FLANGER 1 — 3; SYMPHONIC; ROT AR Y SPEAKER; TREMOLO; AUT O P AN; PHASER 1 — 2; DISTOR TIO[...]

EFFECT EDIT MODE 91 Common Parameters (Insertion connection): Dry/W et R a n g e : D63>W — (D=W) — D<W63 Adjusts the level balance of original sound (dry , or D ) and processed sound (wet, or W ). A setting of ( D=W ) results in an equal balance of dry and wet sound. Assignable Contr oller 1 V ariation Contr ol (AC1V arCtrl) Range: 0 — [...]

92 EFFECT EDIT MODE About the Effect Connections — System and Insertion The multi-ef fects of the MU50 provide not only a wide range of sound processing controls, but also a flexible system for connecting them. Unlike simple effect routing schemes on conventional sound modules that process all voices with the same effects, the MU50 allows you to [...]

EFFECT EDIT MODE 93 NOTES ● Even though the System routing applies the selected effect to all Parts, you can control how much the Reverb, Chorus and Variat ion effects are applied to any indi- vidual Part (with the Reverb Send, Chorus Send Reverb Send, Chorus Send Reverb Send, Chorus Send Reverb Send, Chorus Send Reverb Send, Chorus Send and Vari[...]

94 EFFECT EDIT MODE When V ariation is set to Insertion: NOTES ● The Part to which Variation is applied is determined by the Variation Send Variation Send Variation Send Variation Send Variation Send control in the Single Part controls (page 39). ● As with System above, the effects cannot be properly heard unless the Reverb Send, Chorus Send Re[...]

UTILITY MODE 95 System Functions The System functions provide various controls of the overall operation of the MU50, such as Master T une, Mute, some MIDI receive filters and a dis- play Contrast control. Master T une (M.T une) R a n g e : –102.4 — +102.3 cents (approx. +/– 1 semitone) Default: 0 This determines the overall fine tuning of the[...]

96 UTILITY MODE Mute Lock Settings: o f f, on Default: o ff This determines whether or not the Part Mute status of the MU50 is re- set when receiving a GM System On , XG System On or Disk Or ches- tra On message. Generally , this message is automatically transmitted to the MU50 as part of General MIDI song data. When Mute Lock is set to off , this [...]

UTILITY MODE 97 ceived. This should be to On when receiving bulk data from a MIDI data storage device. (See page 102.) Receive Bank Select (RcvBankSel) Settings: o f f, on Default: on This determines whether Bank Select messages are received or not. Bank Select messages can be sent from another MIDI device to change the banks of V oices on the MU50[...]

98 UTILITY MODE Thru Port Range: 1 — 8 Default: 1 Some MIDI devices and sequencers are capable of transmitting data over several MIDI “ports,” ef fectively breaking the 16-channel barrier . When this data is received via the T O HOST terminal on the MU50, this parameter determines which MIDI port’ s data will be routed through the MIDI OUT [...]

UTILITY MODE 99 Operation 1 Make sure that the MU50 is properly connected to the device and that the HOST SELECT HOST SELECT HOST SELECT HOST SELECT HOST SELECT switch is properly set. When using the MIDI terminals, connect the MIDI OUT MIDI OUT MIDI OUT MIDI OUT MIDI OUT o f t h e MU50 to the MIDI IN MIDI IN MIDI IN MIDI IN M I D I I N of the data[...]

100 UTILITY MODE All This transmits all MU50 data (including Part, Performance, sys- tem, and all parameter values) to the connected device. Multi Part This transmits the MU50 Multi Part data (including System and Effect data) to the connected device. (Use the V ALUE q but- tons to select the type/amount of data to be transmitted.) Performance (PER[...]

UTILITY MODE 101 A “Transmitting…” message appears in the display during the op- eration. When the transmission is completed, the MU50 returns to the Dump Out menu. NOTE If you have more than one MU50 connected in your MIDI system and wish to send different sets of data to each, you can specify a different Device Number for each. (See page 40[...]

102 UTILITY MODE 2 From the Initialize menu, select the type of data to be initialized: Factory Settings (FactSet), selected Sound Module mode (XG Init, GM Init, C/MInit, DOCInit, PFMInit) or Drum (DrumInit) Then, press the ENTER ENTER ENTER ENTER ENTER button to call up the selected data dump. Factory Settings (FactSet) This restores the original [...]

UTILITY MODE 103 General MIDI (GM Init) Computer Music (C/MInit) Disk Orchestra (DOCInit) Performance (PFMInit) One of the four parameters above will be available, depending on the currently selected Sound Module mode: XG , TG300B , C/M, DOC or PERFORM . Initializing this parameter restores the original settings for the selected mode. NOTES ● For[...]

104 UTILITY MODE Drum (DrumInit) Sett ing: DrumS1, DrumS2 This restores the original drum settings for the selected Drum SetupS1, SetupS2. (Use the V ALUE q buttons to select the desired Drum Setup.) When C/M or DOC is selected, only DrumS1 can be selected. NOTE This parameter is not available when the MU50 is set to Performance mode. 3 From the ?[...]

UTILITY MODE 105 The Demo Song starts playing immediately and repeats indefinitely until stopped (in step 4 below). Playback of the individual Parts of the song is shown graphically by the “level meter” bars in the display. NOTE During Demo Song playback, no panel controls (with the exception of the EXIT EXIT EXIT EXIT E X I T button and the VO[...]

106 UTILITY MODE About Cable Messages The MU50 can receive Cable messages (F5) when the TO HOST terminal is connected to the serial terminal of a computer . On the MU50, MIDI receive channels 1 — 16 are controlled from Port 1. By connecting another multi-timbral tone generator to the MIDI OUT terminal of the MU50 and setting the Thru Port functio[...]

A PPENDIX The Reference section of this manual covers in detail all of the functions of the MU50. Refer to it when you need infor- mation about a specific function, feature or operation.[...]

108 APPENDIX XG Chapter 0: Format Overview Y amaha introduces a new tone-generator control format designed to meet the requirements of the coming multimedia environment. The new XG format — an extension of the existing GM format — provides broader capabilities suited to the demands of an increasingly sophisticated and diversified computerized e[...]

APPENDIX 109 Basic Concepts The XG format maintains the universality and compatibility of the MIDI and GM standards while significantly increasing the range of expressiveness. It is designed to ensure data conti- nuity , and to provide equipment manufacturers with considerable flexibility in designing ma- chines that satisfy its requirements. Speci[...]

110 APPENDIX 2) Bank-Select MSB adds an SFX bank The Bank-Select LSB method is not useful for extension of distinctive SFX voices that have no meaningful variation. For this reason the XG format supports a full SFX bank of extension effects, which you can select by sending a Bank-Select MSB value of 40H. Bank-Select MSB 7EH or 7FH, in contrast, can[...]

APPENDIX 111 4. System Exclusive Messages Parameter Change System Parameters Effects Parameters Three categories of system effects are supported. One of these categories can be switched with insertion effects. Graphic EQ and multiple insertion effects are supported as options. Part Parameters Filter cutoff and AEG value can be controlled by offset.[...]

112 APPENDIX 4 . Control Change Status: BnH If multipart parameter “Rcv CONTROL CHANGE” is OFF , the part will continue to accept Channel Mode messages but will ignore all other Control Change messages. Bank Select MSB/LSB: 00H/20H Cntrl# Parameter Data Range 0 Bank Select MSB 0:Normal 64:SFX voice 126:SFX kit 127:Drum 32 Bank Select LSB 0 to 1[...]

APPENDIX 113 Note 5: If a Bank Select MSB value of 01H~7EH (SFX voice, or unused MSB) is received and the tone generator does not have a voice corresponding to the last received LSB and Program Change, the tone generator will produce no sound for that channel regardless of subsequent Key On messages. (Commentary) Users employing the XG format to ge[...]

114 APPENDIX Panpot: 0AH Cntrl# Parameter Data Range 10 Panpot 0 to 127 Default: 40H If multipart parameter “Rcv P AN” is OFF , the part ignores this message. Produces relative variations in pan among different installments of the rhythm part. Expression: 0BH Cntrl# Parameter Data Range 11 Expression 0 to 127 Default: 7FH If multipart parameter[...]

APPENDIX 115 Harmonic Content: 47H Cntrl# Parameter Data Range 71 Harmonic Content 0 to 127 (0:-64 64:+0 127:+63) Default: 40H Applies adjustment to the resonance value set by the voice. This parameter specifies relative change, with value 64 producing zero adjustment. As values get higher the sound becomes increasingly eccentric. Note that for som[...]

116 APPENDIX Effects Send Level 1 (reverb): 5BH Cntrl# Parameter Data Range 91 Effect-1 Depth 0 to 127 Default: 28H Adjusts the reverb send level. Effects Send Level 3 (chorus): 5DH Cntrl# Parameter Data Range 93 Effect-3 Depth 0 to 127 Default: 00H Adjusts the chorus send level. Effects Send Level 4 (variation): 5EH Cntrl# Parameter Data Range 94 [...]

APPENDIX 117 The following NRPN values are supported. NRPN Data-entry MSB LSB MSB Parameter Data Range 01H 08H mmH V ibrato Rate mm:00H-40H-7FH(-64-0-+63) 01H 09H mmH V ibrato Depth mm:00H-40H-7FH(-64-0-+63) 01H 0AH mmH V ibrato Delay mm:00H-40H-7FH(-64-0-+63) 01H 20H mmH Filter Cutoff Frequency mm:00H-40H-7FH(-64-0-+63) 01H 21H mmH Filter Resonanc[...]

118 APPENDIX Minimum operational range is 00H00H-0CH00H ( ± octave). 01H 00H mmH Fine T une mm: 00H-40H-7FH (-64-0-+63) Default: 40 00H 02H 00H mmH Coarse T une mm: 00H-40H-7FH (-64-0-+63) Default: 40 00H 7FH 7FH Null — 5. Channel Mode Messages All Sound Off: 78H Cntrl# Parameter Data Range 120 — 0 Switches off sound from all parts. Does not r[...]

APPENDIX 119 OMNI On: 7DH Cntrl# Parameter Data Range 125 — 0 Same processing as for All Notes Off. (“OMNI ON” operation not supported.) MONO: 7EH Cntrl# Parameter Data Range 126 Mono 0 to 16 Generates “All Sound Off” operation. If the value of the third byte (mono number) is 0~16, the channel changes to Mode 4 (m=1). POL Y : 7FH Cntrl# P[...]

120 APPENDIX 8. Exclusive Messages XG System On F0H,43H,1nH,4CH,00H,00H,7EH,00H,F7H 11110000 F0 Exclusive status 01000011 43 Y AMAHA ID 0001nnnn 1n Device Number 01001100 4C Model ID 00000000 00 Address High 00000000 00 Address Mid 01111110 7E Address Low 00000000 00 Data 11110111 F7 End of Exclusive The message switches SOUND MODULE MODE to XG and[...]

APPENDIX 121 Parameter Change 11110000 F0 Exclusive status 01000011 43 Y AMAHA ID 0001nnnn 1n Device Number 01001100 4C Model ID 0aaaaaaa aa Address High 0aaaaaaa aa Address Mid 0aaaaaaa aa Address Low 0ddddddd dd Data | | 0ddddddd dd Data 11110111 F7 End of Exclusive Includes 2 or 4 bytes of data, depending on parameter size. The following eight t[...]

122 APPENDIX Parameter Request 11110000 F0 Exclusive status 01000011 43 Y AMAHA ID 0011nnnn 3n Device Number 01001100 4C Model ID 0aaaaaaa aa Address High 0aaaaaaa aa Address Mid 0aaaaaaa aa Address Low 11110111 F7 End of Exclusive Dump Request 11110000 F0 Exclusive status 01000011 43 Y AMAHA ID 0010nnnn 2n Device Number 01001100 4C Model ID 0aaaaa[...]

APPENDIX 123 Troubleshooting Even though the MU50 is exceptionally easy to use, it may occasionally not function as you expect it to. If that happens, check the possible prob- lems and solutions below before assuming that the instrument is faulty . Possible Cause and Solution If you are using an AC adaptor , check that the adaptor is properly plugg[...]

124 APPENDIX Error Messages Battery Low! The battery voltage (for internal memory backup) may be too low . Bring the unit to your local Y amaha dealer or any other authorized Y amaha service personnel. Illegal Data! A data error resulted during reception of MIDI messages. T ry transmitting the data again, or turn the MU50 off and back on again. MID[...]

APPENDIX 125 Specifications T one Generation Method A WM2 (Advanced W ave Memory 2) Maximum Simultaneous Polyphony 32-note Sound Module Modes XG (Extended General MIDI), TG300B, C/M, DOC, and Performance Multi-timbral Capacity 16-Part (on 16 MIDI channels; with element reserve priority for later notes and dynamic V oice allocation) Internal V oice/[...]

126 APPENDIX Display Custom back-lit LCD Controls INPUT level control; POWER/VOL control; Mode select buttons: PLA Y , UTIL (UTILITY), MODE, EDIT , EFFECT ; other buttons: MUTE/SOLO, ENTER, EXIT , P AR T q , SELECT w , V ALUE q Jacks and T erminals Front panel: INPUT jack (stereo 1/4"), PHONES jack (stereo mini-pin) Rear panel: OUTPUT R, L/MON[...]

APPENDIX 127 Glossary Assignable Controller 1 Certain functions on the MU50 (such as the Filter , V olume or V ariation ef- fect) can be changed in real time by controllers on a connected MIDI instrument. Assignable Control- ler 1 lets you determine which controller (for ex- ample: modulation wheel, breath controller , foot controller , etc.) is us[...]

128 APPENDIX Pitch Bend A function found on virtually all MIDI keyboards (usually controlled with a pitch bend wheel) that allows the pitch to be raised or lowered continously . The Pitch Bend Control parameter on the MU50 allows you to set the range over which the pitch can be changed. polyphony The number of notes that can be sounded simultaneous[...]

APPENDIX 129 Index A All Part control ..................................... 40–42, 72–74 All Part control, selecting ....................................... 40 Alternate Group (Drum Setup) ............................... 64 Assignable Controller 1 .................................... 77, 82 Assignable Controller 1 Amplitude Control ........... [...]

130 APPENDIX Note Shift (Multi mode) ......................................... 39 Note Shift (Performance mode) .............................. 71 O Others parameters ............................................. 52, 80 P Pan (Drum Setup) ................................................... 62 Pan (Multi mode) ........................................[...]

SOUND LIST & MIDI DA T A M.D.G., EMI Division, © Yamaha Corporation 1995, Printed in Japan[...]