1. DL manuals
  2. Yamaha
  3. Synthesizer
  4. DX27
  5. Owner's Manual

Yamaha DX27 Owner's Manual

Manual is about: Yamaha Digital Programmable Algorithm Synthesizer Owner's Manual

Summary of DX27

  • Page 1

    Yamaha authorized product manual ®.

  • Page 2

    Yamaha digital programmable algorithm synthesizer owner’s manual.

  • Page 3: Congratulations!

    Congratulations! Your yamaha dx27 digital programmable algorithm synthesizer incorporates state-of-the-art digital fm tone generation technology, providing extraordinarily vibrant, rich voices and outstanding playability. The dx27 has a programmable 24-voice in- ternal memory (ram) from which any vo...

  • Page 4: Precautions

    Precautions 1. Location 2. Cleaning 3. Service and modifications 4. Relocation 5. Handling 6. Electrical storms (lightning) 7. Eiectromagnetic fields avoid locations exposed to direct sunlight or other sources of heat. Also avoid locations subject to vibration, excessive dust, cold or moisture. Do n...

  • Page 5: Chapter I:

    Chapter i: setting up 1. Audio outputs 2. Optional foot switch 3. Optional bc-1 breath controller 4. Headphones 5. Midi terminals 6. Cassette 7. Ac power adaptor the dx27 has a single mono audio output for its tone generator channel. This is labelled output. It permits sending a mono signal to eithe...

  • Page 6

    Note: when setting up your system, be sure to turn the dx27 and any effects units used on before turning the main amplifier system on. This will prevent the initial power-on shock surge from possibly damaging your amplifier and speaker system. 8. Music stand installation the music stand supplied wit...

  • Page 7

    Dx27 connections 5.

  • Page 8: Chapter

    Chapter ii: playing the dx27 1. Dx27 voice memory configuration the dx27 has three different voice memories which serve different purposes. They are: the 24-voice internal memory this voice memory is used for quick selection of voices for performance, and it is in this memory that original voices yo...

  • Page 9

    Mode, while the second group is accessed in the shift mode (these modes will be described below. These voices may be selected and stored in the bank or internal memories as desired. They can also be directly accessed and played using the preset search function. The chart below shows the overall dx27...

  • Page 10

    3. The bank play mode in this mode, you can play any of the voices currently in the dx27’s 24-voice internal memory individually. The bank play mode enables you to access the 96 bank memory locations. These initially contain the first group of 96 voices from the 192-voice preset rom. Using the shift...

  • Page 11

    The dx27 comes with 192 different pre-programmed voices in an internal rom 4. The 192-voice (read only memory). These voices can be loaded singly into the dx27’s selectable preset memory 24-voice memory, or into any location in the dx27 bank memory. The 192 preset rom voice normal mode voices the pr...

  • Page 12

    Preset search this function allows you to directly access the voices in the preset memory, in the order they appear in the preset memory. Preset search is accessed in the function mode. To enter the function mode press the function button. Then press any of the preset search se- lectors to access th...

  • Page 13: Chapter Iii:

    Chapter iii: the function mode the function mode permits access to four groups of functions: tuning functions, midi functions, memory management functions, and performance functions. In this chapter we’ll describe each of these functions; what they do and how they are programmed. The function mode i...

  • Page 14

    * note that performance parameters 13 through 24 can be individually stored for each voice. They must therefore be stored in the appropriate internal voice memory location after editing using the store function (see chapter iv: voice programming, 4. Storing voice data). 13: poly/mono this function s...

  • Page 15

    15: portamento mode two different portamento modes are available: full time portamento and fingered portamento. When the poly/mono function is set to poly (button 13), only the full time portamento mode is accessible. In the mono mode, you have a choice between the full time and fingered portamento ...

  • Page 16

    As you move the dx27 modulation wheel away from you, an increasing amount of lfo (low frequency oscillator) modulation is applied to the selected voice. Lfo modulation can be made to modulate the pitch of the voice, producing a range of vibrato type effects. This function is used to set the maximum ...

  • Page 17

    The four breath parameters listed below determine just how the breath controller will affect the dx27’s sound. These parameters may be set individually, or combined for more complex effects. 20 : breath range, pitch this function is used to set the maximum depth of lfo pitch modulation that can be a...

  • Page 18

    23: breath range, eg bias this function permits breath pressure applied to the bc-1 breath controller to directly control the amplitude or timbre of the voice, according to settings of the corre- sponding voice parameters which will be covered in chapter iv. The lfo has no effect-only your breath pr...

  • Page 19

    Be used once after this function is called. Subsequent changes must be made using the data entry slider and -1/+1 buttons after the internal play mode and key shift function have been entered in succession. Note: the key set function can not be individually programmed for each voice. This section in...

  • Page 20

    7: init volce this function sets all voice parameters in the voice edit buffer to their “initialized” values, permitting voice programming from an effectively neutral set of values—a “clean slate.” when this function is called, the lcd will read “init. Voice?” confirm your intention to initialize th...

  • Page 21

    For convenience and ease of selection during a performance, you would use the edit bank function to place your 10 required voices in locations 1—10 in bank a. There are 4 entire banks in the bank memory. This means you can have 4 per- sonally-arranged 24-voice groups to choose from, i.E., separate b...

  • Page 22

    Before using this function, make sure that an appropriate data cassette recorder is properly connected to the dx27, as described in chapter i: setting up. When this function is initially called, the lcd will read “save to tape ?” confirm your intention to save the contents of the 24 voices to casset...

  • Page 23

    Memory (remember, this will erase any voices previously in the internal voice memory) by pressing the +1 button. The lcd will now read “load all ready ?” at this point, make sure the appropriate cassette tape is loaded into the recorder and is rewound to the beginning of the desired voice file. To e...

  • Page 24: 6. Midi Functions

    Dx21 cassette load note: if you have a voice set programmed on a yamaha dx21 digital programmable algorithm synthesizer, these voices can be transferred from data cassette into the dx27. Of course, since the dx27 has 24 voice memories while the dx21 has 32, using the dx27 cassette load operation wil...

  • Page 25

    3: channel the dx27 is capable of receiving or transmitting data on any of the 16 available midi channels, or receiving in the omni mode which enables reception on all channels simultaneously. This function is used to set the desired midi receive or transmit channel or activate the omni receive mode...

  • Page 26

    5: sys info this function turns transmission and reception of midi system exclusive information data on or off. The -1/+1 buttons are used to turn this function on or off. When this function is on, voice parameter changes made in the dx27’s edit or function modes are transmitted in real time. If the...

  • Page 27: Chapter Iv:

    Chapter iv: voice programming before you begin actually programming or editing your own voices, a basic un- 1. The basics of fm derstanding of how digital fm synthesis works will be necessary. In the following synthesis explanation, we will learn how the dx27’s fm voice generator produces complex vo...

  • Page 28

    Operators do not have to be connected “vertically” in a modulator-carrier re- lationship, as shown above. The outputs of two operators can also be mixed-just as the stops in an organ are mixed. In this case the sounds are simply added together with no modulation effect. Algorithms we have seen two d...

  • Page 29

    Most algorithms have multiple modulators and carriers. In one algorithm a given operator may be a carrier, while in the next it might function as a modulator—the only difference being how it is connected. In algorithm number 5 for example, there are two vertical stacks of two operators, and the outp...

  • Page 30

    Still more variations can be achieved by changing the relative output levels between operators; the greater the level of the modulating operator, the more harmonics are present. Feedback note that every algorithm’ has one operator with a “feedback loop”-represented by a line from the output of the o...

  • Page 31

    Content of the note changes (the timbre changes) from the time the note is initiated to the time it decays. Each of the 4 operators available in dx27 can be programmed with its own envelope. The envelope applied to a carrier will, generally, contribute to the overall volume envelope of the note, whi...

  • Page 32

    To actually program or edit a voice, you need to enter the edit mode. This is done 2. The edit and by pressing the edit/compare button. Compare modes when the edit mode is activated, the lcd will indicate the operator on/off status (the group of four 1s or 0s), the currently selected voice parameter...

  • Page 33

    3. The voice parameters the following is a brief description of each available voice parameter, how it is programmed, and its effect. These parameters are selected by pressing the appro- priately labelled (purple labels indicate voice parameters) button while the dx27 is in the edit mode. Pb mode: o...

  • Page 34

    2: feedback feedback can be applied to one operator in each algorithm. Pressing this button permits setting the amount (level) of feedback which will be applied. The feedback level range is from 0 to 7. At 0, feedback is off, and at 7 maximum feedback is applied. Data is entered via the data entry s...

  • Page 35

    5: lfo delay permits setting a delay of between 0 and approximately 10.7 seconds before the lfo modulation effect begins after a key is played. This is particularly useful for simulating brass instruments, human voice, etc., in which a vibrato effect is gradually applied after the note has been init...

  • Page 36

    The beginning of the lfo cycle is normally synchronized with key-on timing. This parameter permits turning this synchronization on or off. All operators are affected simultaneously. When this parameter is on, the lfo cycle always begins from the peak of a positive half-cycle (90 degrees phase angle)...

  • Page 37

    Effects can be applied to the selected operators. A setting of 7 produces maximum sensitivity and therefore maximum effect depth. 12: key velocity while the dx27 has no key velocity sensitivity of its own, its voice generators will accept key velocity data from an external midi controller keyboard w...

  • Page 38

    Ratio at a low operator level with even-ratio operators to add bite to a string sound and many other effects. The standard dx27 keyboard pitch is 8’; therefore, in terms of footage: 0.50 = 16’, 1.00 = 8’, and 2.00 = 4’. 14: detune this parameter permits slight detuning of the selected operator in re...

  • Page 39

    The following eg curves show the parameters for some common instruments. 20: operator out level permits setting the output level of the selected operator. The data range is from 0 to 99. At 0, the operator is off. A setting of 99 produces maximum output level from the selected operator. Varying the ...

  • Page 40

    The data range is from 0 to 3. At 0 rate scaling is off, and at 3 the greatest, variation in envelope length is produced. Keyboard rate scaling r s these values are added to ar, dir, d2r ac- cording to the rate scaling setting. Only 1/2 of these values are ad- ded to rr. 22: level scaling this param...

  • Page 41

    4. Storing voice data if you have edited any of the above voice parameters and wish to store the new voice, you must use the store function before pressing any voice button after exiting the edit or function modes, and store the new data in one of the 24 internal memories. For this reason it is a go...

  • Page 42

    If you choose to program a voice from scratch, you’ll need to have a clear memory location (or one containing a voice that you either don’t want or have already backed up on cassette tape, so that when you’ve completed programming the voice, you can save it). Since all editing is done in the separat...

  • Page 43

    Chapter v: voice programming example in this section we’ll go through the steps in creating a fairly percussive electric piano voice from scratch. This simple example should help you understand the programming process. Step 1: initialize a voice enter the function mode (press function button) and ca...

  • Page 44

    Since the voice has been initialized, the output level of operator 1 will be set at 90 and that of operator 2 will be 0, so at the moment we only hear the sound from operator 1. Step 4: set the op1 (carrier) eg select the envelope generator ar parameter, and select operator 1 by pressing the operato...

  • Page 45

    Step 8: step 9: step 10: step 11: step 12: set op3 (carrier) eg before we actually set the op3 eg parameters, select op3 using the operator select button, call the operator output level parameter and set it to 99. Now enter the following eg parameters: ar = 31 dir = 13 d1l = 0 d2r = 0 rr = 10 copy o...

  • Page 46

    Step 14: set keyboard level scaling play a few notes or chords across the range of the keyboard. At this point the upper-range notes are a little to loud and tinny for proper overall keyboard balance. Select the keyboard level scaling parameter, select op1 and set to 20. Next, select op2 and set to ...

  • Page 47: General Specifications

    General specifications keyboard ....................................................... 61 keys sound source ................................................ Fm tone generator (4 operators, 8 algorithms) simultaneous note output ................................. 8 notes, reverse priority internal me...

  • Page 48: Midi Data Format

    Midi data format 1. Transmission conditions active sensing note on/off sustain swltch pitch bender poly mode mono mode modulation wheel breath controler data entry slider volume (data entry slider: play mode) portamento switch program change parameter change i voice bulk 32 voice bulk 46.

  • Page 49: 2. Transmission Data

    All midi data is transmitted when the midi on/off function is on, the midi 2. Transmission data transmission channel is determined by the setting of the midi t ch function. 2-1. Channel information 2-1-1 channel voice message (1) key on/off status 1001 nnnn(9n) n=channel no. Note. No. 0kkkkkkk k=36(...

  • Page 50

    2-2 system lnformafion 2-2-1 system real-time message active sensing status 11111110(fe) transmitted once approximately every 200 milliseconds 2-2-2 system exclusive message transmitted only when midi sys info is on (1) parameter change status 11110000(f0) id no. 01000011(43) substatus/ch. No. 0001n...

  • Page 51

    Byte count 00000000(00) data 0ddddddd 4096 bytes 0ddddddd checksum 0eeeeeee eox 11110111(f7) the data of 32 voices, including the 24 voices in ram memory, will be transmitted if the yes key is pressed in response to the “midi transmit?” display which appears when the sys info key is pressed twice in...

  • Page 52: Conditions

    3. Reception conditions 50

  • Page 53

    All midi data is received when the midi on/off function is on. When a specific 4. Reception data midi receive channel has been selected using the midi r ch function, and the omni mode is off, midi data will be received only on the specified channel. Midi data will be received on all channels when th...

  • Page 54

    Functions only on msb data: msb 00000000 lowest value 01000000 center value 01111111 highest value 4-1-2 channel mode message status 1011nnnn n=channel no. 0 c c c c c c c 0 v v v v v v v received whether midi ch info is on or off c=123 v = 0 all notes off c=126 v = 1 mono mode on c=127 v = 0 poly m...

  • Page 55

    (3) 1 voice bulk data received only when midi sys info is on. The format is the same as for the transmitted 1 voice bulk data. The 93 voice data bytes are read into the voice edit buffer, replacing the current voice data. The 93 received data bytes are shown in voice parameter table 5-2. Chorus, foo...

  • Page 56

    5-1. Voice data (vmem format) 5. System exclusive data parameter no. P parameter 0 attack rate 1 decay 1 rate 2 decay 2 rate 3 release rate 4 decay 1 level op4 5 keyboard scaling level 6 amplitude modulation enable/eg bias sensitivity/key velocity 7 output level 8 oscillator frequency 9 keyboard sca...

  • Page 57

    5-2. Voice parameters (vced format) parameter no. P parameter lcd display data note 0 attack rate a r 0 ~ 31 1 decay 1 rate d1r 0 ~ 31 2 decay 2 rate d2r 0 ~ 31 3 release rate r r 0 ~ 15 4 decay 1 level d1l 0 ~ 15 5 keyboard scaling level ls 0 ~ 99 6 keyboard scaling rate op4 rs 0 ~ 3 7 eg bias sens...

  • Page 58

    5-3. Function parameters parameter no. P parameter 93 operator enable/disable 94 opetator select 95 edit mode 1 = on 96 function mode 1 = on 97 store mode 1 = on 98 99 100 play mode 1 = on 101 102 103 master tune 64 = center 104 midi switch 1 = on 105 midi ch info 106 omni 0=off 1=on 107 midi trans ...

  • Page 59

    [ digital programmable algorithm synthesizer ] date model dx27 : 5/10, 1985 midi implementation chart version : 1.0 transmitted recognized remarks function ... Basic default l - 1 6 l - 1 6 memorized channel changed 1 - 1 6 1 - 16 mode default 3 - 1, 2, 3, 4 memorized messages x poly, mono(m=l) alte...

  • Page 60

    Yamaha data name : date : number : programmer : ame op 4 3 2 1 algorithm feedback wave speed delay pmd amd sync pitch amplitude eg bias key lfo modulation sensitivity velocity 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 op 4 3 2 1 freq ratio detune ar d1r d1l d2r rr out level rate level oscillator envelope generator...

  • Page 61

    Date : programmer : no. V o i c e n a m e r e m a r k s 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0 11 12 13 14 1 5 1 6 17 18 1 9 20 21 22 23 24 59.

  • Page 62

    Date: programmer : a b no. V o i c e n a m e r e m a r k s n o . V o i c e n a m e r e m a r k s 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 1 0 1 1 11 1 2 1 2 13 13 14 1 4 1 5 1 5 1 6 1 6 17 17 18 18 1 9 1 9 20 20 2 1 21 22 22 23 23 24 24 60

  • Page 63

    C d no. Voice name remarks no. Voice name r e m a r k s 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 1 6 1 6 17 17 18 18 19 19 20 20 21 21 22 22 23 23 24 24 61.

  • Page 64

    Fcc information (usa) while the following statements are provided to comply with fcc regulations in the united states, the corrective measures listed below are applicable worldwide. This series of yamaha professional music equipment uses frequencies that appear in the radio frequency range and if in...

  • Page 65: Yamaha

    Since 1887 yamaha nippon gakki co., ltd. Hamamatsu. Japan 85 09 0.2 cr printed in japan.

  • Page 66: Yamaha

    Yamaha dx27 om dx27 om 9/20/98 198001 yamaha corporation of america 6600 orangethorpe avenue, p.O. Box 6600, buena park, ca 90622-6600