Yamaha FX500 User manual

YAMAHA
SIMUL-EFFECT PROCESSOR
PROCESSEUR D'EFFECT MULTIPLE
SIMUL-EFFECT PROCESSOR
Operation Manual
Manuel d’utilisation
Bedienungsanleitung

Congratulations!
You are the proud owner of a Yamaha FX500 SIMUL-EFFECT
PROCESSOR. The FX500 is a high-performance digital effect device
which provides a chain of up to 5 different effects, and extensive
programming capability so you can create "custom" effect chains to suit
your own specific musical requirements. With programmable compressor,
distortion, equalizer, modulation and reverbldelay effect stages, the
FX500 gives you a complete state-of-the-art signal-processing system in
one compact package. 60 superlative preset effect programs are provided
that you can simply select and use right away, while 30 RAM memory
locations can be used to store your original signal-processing creations.
Furthermore, the effects are all created using leading-edge Yamaha
digital signal processing technology, so the sound is nothing less than
superb.
Please read through this operation manual thoroughly while teaming to
use your FX500, in order to take full advantage of all the sophisticated
capabilities it provides — and keep the manual in a safe place for later
reference!

CONTENTS
1. Precautions .3
2. The FX500: What It Is and What It Does.4
■ Effects . 4
■ Memory Configuration. 4
■ MIDI-Control.4
3. Connections: Basic System Setup...5
4. The Controls: A Quick Operation Guide.7
5. The MEMORY Mode:
Selecting Effect Programs.9
6. Effect Processor Selection ..10
■ Reversing the Order of the Modulation &
Reverb Stages.10
7. The Parameter Mode:
Editing the Effect Programs.11
■ Editing Parameter Data.11
• Assigning MIDI CONTROLLERS
to Effect Parameters .11
• Memory Store Operation.12
■ COMPRESSOR ..12
■ DISTORTION . 1 3
■ EQUALIZER .13
■ MODULATION .14
• Chorus ..14
• Flanger.14
• Symphonic .15
• Tremolo.15
■ REVERB/DELAY . 1 5
• Reverb Group.16
• Reverb Hall • Reverb Room
• Reverb Vocal • Reverb Plate .16
• Early Reflection Group.16
• E/R Hall • E/R Random
• E/R Reverse • E/R Plate.16
• Delay Group . 1 7
• Delay.17
• Echo.17
• Reverb and Delay Group (Parallel).17
• Reverb + Delay.17
• Reverb and Delay Group (Serial).18
• Delay -* Reverb
• Reverb -* Delay...18
8. The Utility Mode . 1 9
■ Program Title Edit.19
■ MIDI Program Selection: MIDI Setup
and Program Change Table Edit.19
• MIDI Setup. 2 0
• Program Change Table Edit.20
■ MIDI Parameter Control: Control Change 1
Table Edit and Control Change 2 Table Edit .... 20
• Control Change 1 Table Edit.21
• Control Change 2 Table Edit.21
• Assigning CONTROLLER 1 and
CONTROLLER 2 to Specific Effects.21
■ Footswitch Function Select. 2 2
• Using Tap Tempo Delay.22
■ Footswitch Memory Recall Range Edit .23
9. Specifications.24
10. MIDI Data Format .77
11. Block Diagram.80
12. FX500 Parameter Chart .81
13. Preset Program Parameters.82
r
CANADA
THIS APPARATUS COMPLIES WITH THE "CLASS B" CET APPAREIL EST CONFORME AUX NORMES
LIMITS FOR RADIO NOISE EMISSIONS SET OUT IN "CLASSE B", POUR BRUITS RADIOELECTRIQUES.
RADIO INTERFERENCE REGULATIONS. TEL QUE SPECIFIER DANS LE REGLEMENT SUR LE
BROUILLAGE RADIOELECTRIQUE.
J
2

1. Precautions !! PLEASE read this before PROCEEDING !!
1. AVOID EXCESSIVE HEAT, HUMIDITY, DUST AND
VIBRATION
Keep the unit away from locations where it is likely to be
• exposed to high temperatures or humidity — such as
near radiators, stoves, etc. Also avoid locations which
are subject to excessive dust accumulation or vibration
which could cause mechanical damage.
2. AVOID PHYSICAL SHOCKS
Strong physical shocks to the unit can cause damage.
Handle it with care.
3. DO NOT OPEN THE CASE OR ATTEMPT REPAIRS
OR MODIFICATIONS YOURSELF
This product contains no user-serviceable parts. Refer
all maintenance to qualified Yamaha service personnel.
Opening the case and/or tampering with the internal
circuitry will void the warranty.
4. MAKE SURE POWER IS OFF BEFORE MAKING OR
REMOVING CONNECTIONS
Always turn the power OFF prior to connecting or
disconnecting cables.
5. HANDLE CABLES CAREFULLY
Always plug and unplug cables — including the cord of
the power supply — by gripping the connector, not the
cord.
6. CLEAN WITH A SOFT DRY CLOTH
Never use solvents such as benzine or thinner to clean
the unit. Wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth.
7. ALWAYS USE THE CORRECT POWER SUPPLY
Always use the supplied AC Adaptor to power your
FX500 or, if the original adaptor is lost or broken, a
replacement or equivalent type obtained from your
Yamaha dealer. Also, make sure that the adaptor you
have is appropriate for the AC mains supply voltage in
the area where you intend to use the FX500 (the correct
INPUT voltage is marked on the adaptor).
8. ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE
Since the FX500 contains digital circuitry, it may cause
interference and noise if placed too close to TV sets,
radios or similar equipment. If such a problem does
occur, move the FX500 further away from the affected
equipment.
9. MEMORY BACKUP
The FX500 contains a special long-life battery that
retains the contents of its internal RAM memory even
when the power is turned OFF. The backup battery
should last for approximately 5 years. When the battery
voltage drops to a level that is too low to maintain the
memory contents, the following message will appear on
the FX500 display when the power is turned ON:
• ** WARNING **
MEMORY DATA
If this display appears, have the backup battery replaced
by qualified Yamaha service personnel. DO NOT
ATTEMPT TO REPLACE THE BACKUP BATTERY
YOURSELF!
FCC CERTIFICATION (USA)
This equipment generates and uses radio
frequency energy and if not installed and used
property, that is, in strict accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions, may cause
interference to radio and television reception. It
has been type tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class B computing device in
accordance with the specifications in Subpart J
of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to
provide reasonable protection against such
interference in a residential installation.
However,there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
Reorient the receiving antenna.
Relocate the equipment with respect to the
receiver.
Move the equipment away from the receiver.
Plug the equipment into a different AC power
outlet so that it and the receiver are on different
branch circuits.
If necessary, the user should consult the dealer
or an experienced radio/television technician for
additional suggestions. The user may find the
following booklet prepared by the Federal
Communications Commission helpful:
"How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV
Interference Problems".
This booklet is available from the U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, DC
20402, Stock No. 004-000-00345-4.
J
3

2. The FX500: What It Is and What It Does
m Effects
The FX500 SIMUL-EFFECT PROCESSOR is a high-
performance digital signal processor intended for use with
electric guitars, electronic keyboards or other instruments.
It employs leading-edge Yamaha digital signal processing
technology to provide a "chain" of up to six independent
effects thafcan be independently controlled to produce
precisely the required overall sound. As shown below, the
FX500 includes five effect (compressor, distortion,
equalizer, modulation and reverb) stages. Stages can be
turned on or off as required, and the order of the
modulation and reverb stages can be reversed. The
compressor, distortion and equalizer stages are basically
single-function processors. The modulation and reverb
stages each incorporate a number of separate effects
which can be selected and used as required. Several of
the reverb effects actually combine both delay and reverb,
effectively giving you a total of six effects in the chain!
Each effect has a number of parameters which can be
adjusted to tailor its sound to your specific musical needs.
• CHORUS
• FLANGER
• SYMPHONIC
• TREMOLO
REVERB
REVERB
Hall, Room,
Vocal, Plate
. EARLY REF.
Hall, Random,
Reverse, Plate
• DELAY
• ECHO
• REVERB*DELAY
• REVERB-DELAY
• DELAY-REVERB
COMPRESSOR II DISTORTION
■ Memory Configuration
The FX500 has a total of 91 memory locations. Memory
locations 1 through 60 are ROM (Read Only Memory)
containing 60 pre-programmed effects that you can simply
select and use. Memory locations 61 through 90 are RAM
(Random Access Memory), and can be used to store
original effect programs that you create by editing the
presets. The 30 RAM memory locations (61 — 90)
originally contain a selected group of the preset programs.
The last memory location — memory location number 0 —
contains "initialized data" that can be used as a basis for
creating your own original effects programs from scratch.
ROM MEMORY
RAM MEMORY
ROM MEMORY
1 — 60
61 — 90
0
• Preset effect • User-edited
• Initial Data
programs programs
Program Title
Program
Program Title
im
Broad Dist.
mem
Clisp Chords
Warm Strings
ws&m
Sharp Chops
ws&r
Standard Jazz
wmm
Tremolo
Soft Echo
sums
Sweet Flange
Power Pan
Chord-Clouds
Trad. Dist.
mmm
Light Symphonic
mm®
Dark Dist.
IS SI if
Clean Acoustic
Ring Dist.
sssiil
Acoustic Soto
isrll
Metal Overdrive
mom
Lush Strings
isasiBii'
Echo Dist.
Soft Focus
BUI
Tight Dist.
Brass Room
mwmm WWW
Brass Burst
hehi
USUI
Trumpet Flange
HRS
Brass Energizer
Echo Rhythm
R ” 1 , ’
Chasing Leads
Symphonic Hall
KISBSfB
Horror House
Symphonic Dist.
M&M
Sitar
mm. i
Turbo Drive
Slllil
Staccato Vibe
... .. •
Chasing Rhythm ■ P&M
Sweep Gate
msm
Stereo Dist.
Monk Akka!
Fusion Dist.
Straight Bass
Boogie Room
H «s
Slap Bass
Buzz Backer
iSSfll
Fretless Bass
Hint!
Liquid Dist.
BBS?
Trad. Bass
HHHI
Electric Chords
: : :-m
Sax Solo
Clean Repeat
«i
Vocal Reverb
mmi
Sweet Swirl
Mi
Drum Gate/Rev
mmm
Mild Motion
\ y .
Tight Snare
iiiill
Pearly Chords
mmm
Rock Drums
S 61-.9®
User Programs
HU
Initial Data
■ MIDI Control
For further versatility and smooth integration with MIDI-
based music systems, the FX500 offers broad MIDI control
capabilities. Any of its 90 memory locations may be
directly selected from a remote MIDI device such as a
keyboard or MIDI foot controller *. It is also possible to
directly control up to two different effect parameters
simultaneously in real time. This means that two MIDI
controllers (a MODULATION WHEEL and DATA ENTRY
slider on a keyboard, for example) could be used to
control, say, the modulation depth of the flanger effects
and the reverb time of a reverb effect in real time as you
play! Any two MIDI controllers can be assigned to any two
effect parameters (See "MIDI Parameter Control: Control
Change 1 Table Edit and Control Change 2 Table Edit" on
page 20 for operational details).
* Extensive MIDI control is also possible with the MFC1
MIDI Foot Controller. Consult the MFC1 operation
Manual for details.
4

3. Connections: Basic System Setup
O DC 12V IN Jack and Cable Clip
The DC output cable from the supplied AC Adaptor
should be connected here. When connecting the power
supply, make sure that the FX500 POWER switch is in
the OFF position (extended).
Plug the AC adaptor output cable into the DC 12V IN
jack, and finally the adaptor's AC plug into a convenient
AC wall outlet. The cable clip located immediately
below the DC 12V IN jack helps to prevent accidental
unplugging of the power supply during use. Wrap the
DC cable firmly around the clip a few centimeters from
the plug end.
CAUTION!
Do not attempt to use a different AC adaptor to power
the FX500. The use of an incompatible adaptor may
cause irreparable damage to the FX500, and might
pose a serious shock hazard!
0 INPUT Jack
This jack duplicates the function of the front-panel
INPUT jack described in the following section. It is
important to note, however, that only one of the INPUT
jacks can be used at a time. If plugs are inserted into
both the front and rear-panel inputs, the front-panel
input jack takes priority.
0 OUTPUT LEVEL Selector
This switch is used to match the output level of the
FX500 to the input sensitivity of the amplifier, mixing
console or other device it is feeding. For compatibility
with standard line-level inputs the -10 dB setting
should be appropriate, while the -20 dB setting should
be used when the FX500 is connected to a high-
sensitivity input — the input of a guitar amplifier, for
example.
o OUTPUT R and OUTPUT L Jacks
These are the main stereo outputs from the FX500. We
recommend using both outputs and connecting them to
the corresponding right and left channels of a stereo
sound system, since the full impact of many of the
FX500 effects can only be appreciated in stereo. If,
however, only a mono sound system is available, use
either the OUTPUT R or OUTPUT L jack.
Q PHONES LEVEL Control and PHONES Jack
For private listening or practice when an external
sound system cannot be used, a pair of standard
stereo headphones (with a 1/4" stereo phone plug or
appropriate adaptor plug) can be plugged into the
PHONES jack. The PHONES LEVEL control adjusts
the headphone listening level.
0 MIDI IN Connector
The MIDI IN connector accepts MIDI signals from an
external MIDI device such as a MIDI foot controller,
keyboard, etc. The FX500 will accept MIDI PROGRAM
CHANGE messages to directly select effect programs,
or MIDI CONTROL CHANGE messages to control
individual effect parameters.
[See page 19 for further details]
O MEMORY INC/DEC, TRIGGER (TAP TEMPO DELAY)
Jack
An optional Yamaha FC4 or FC5 Footswitch may be
connected here for convenient foot-controlled selection
of effect programs or "tap tempo delay" control which is
used to set delay time for the delay effects. The
function of the footswitch is determined by the UTILITY
mode Foot Switch Function Select function (page 22).
The range of effect programs that can be selected
when the footswitch is assigned to memory selection is
determined by the UTILITY mode Footswitch Memory
Recall Range Edit function (page 23).
0 BYPASS Jack
An optional Yamaha FC4 or FC5 Footswitch connected
here performs exactly the same function as the front-
panel BYPASS key. Press the footswitch once to
activate the bypass mode, and again to turn bypass off.
5

Basic System Configuration
HEADPHONES
For foot bypass control.
FC4 or FC5
FooTswrrcH
For memory recall or
tap tempo delay control.
Effects for Multitrack Recording
Multitrack recorder or mixer
ELECTRIC GUITAR
OR
OTHER SOURCE
TO AC WALL
SOCKET

4 . The Controls: A Quick Operation Guide
O Power Switch
Press once to turn the FX500 on, and a second time to
turn the power off. When the power is turned on, a title
and copyright notice will appear on the display panel for
a few seconds before operation actually begins.
© Input Jack
Plug your guitar, keyboard or other signal source in
here or into the duplicate INPUT jack provided on the
rear panel (see "©INPUT Jack" in the "3. Connec¬
tions: Basic System Setup" section). Both jacks are
standard monaural 1/4" phone jacks.
© INPUT LEVEL Control with SIGNAL and PEAK
Indicators
For the optimum input level setting, play your source at
the highest level it will be played in actual use. Adjust
the INPUT LEVEL control so that the SIGNAL Indicator
lights most of the time but the PEAK indicator does not
light, or lights only occasionally on brief high-level
peaks.
INPUT LEVEL
•Should flash only
occasionally or not at all.
■ Should light most of the time
an input signal is present.
© Liquid Crystal Display Panel
This is the FX500's main "information center", providing
all information necessary for effect program selection,
programming and utility control.
Program number. •
"L
Appears when BYPASS -
key is pressed to bypass
all effects.
Broad Dist.
Fig Dly
Currently selected effect, parameters —I
being programmed, or utility function.
© COMP, DIST, EQ, MOD and REV Effect Keys
These keys function differently in the MEMORY and
PARAM modes.
• When the MEMORY mode is selected (i.e. when the
MEMORY key indicator is lit — see "©MEMORY
Mode Key"), these keys are used to turn the
corresponding effect stage ON (indicator lit) or OFF
(indicator out).
[See page 10 for further details]
• When the PARAM mode is selected (i.e. when the
PARAM key indicator is lit — see "©PARAM Mode
Key"), these keys select the various parameters
available for editing in the corresponding effect
stage.
[See page 11 for further details]
© Arrow (Aand ▼ ) keys
The Aand Tkeys function differently in the MEMORY,
PARAM and UTILITY modes.
• When the MEMORY mode is selected (i.e. when the
MEMORY key indicator is lit — see "©MEMORY
Mode Key"), the Aand Tkeys are used to select
the desired effect program.
[See page 9 for further details]
• When the PARAM mode is selected (i.e. when the
PARAM key indicator is lit — see "©PARAM Mode
Key"), they are used to "edit” the selected effect
parameter.
[See page 11 for further details]
• When the UTILITY mode is selected (i.e. when the
UTILITY key indicator is lit — see "©UTILITY Mode
Key"), the Aand Tkeys are used to program the
selected utility function.
[See page 19 for further details]
7

o SEL/ASN Key
The SEL/ASN key functions differently in the MEMORY
and PARAM modes.
• When the MEMORY mode is active this key
reverses the order of the MOD and REV processing
stages.
[See page 10 for further details]
• In the PARAM mode, the SEL/ASN key is used to
assign effect parameters for control via external
MIDI controllers.
[See page 21 for further details]
o BYPASS Key
When the BYPASS key is pressed and "BYPASS"
appears on the display panel, all FX500 effect stages
are completely bypassed and the input signal is fed
directly to the output. Press the BYPASS key a second
time to turn the bypass function off. The rear-panel
BYPASS footswitch jack can also be used for bypass
control (see"® BYPASS Jack" on page 5).
Q MEMORY Mode Key and Indicator
When the MEMORY key indicator is lit, the FX500
MEMORY mode is active and effect programs (1 — 90)
can be selected and recalled using the ▲ and Y keys
and RECALL key. In the MEMORY mode it is also
possible to turn effect stages ON or OFF using the
COMP, DIST, EQ, MOD and REV keys. The MEMORY
mode can be activated while the PARAM mode is
selected by pressing the MEMORY key. The MEMORY
mode can not be directly selected from the UTILITY
mode by pressing the MEMORY key. The UTILITY
mode must first be exited by pressing the UTILITY key
several times or holding it down (approximately 1
second) until the UTILITY key indicator goes out.
[See page 9 for further details)
© RECALL Key
After using the ▲ and Y keys to select a desired effect
program while in the MEMORY mode, the RECALL key
is pressed to actually recall and activate the selected
program.
[See page 9 for further details)
© STORE Key
After editing any of the effect programs, the new
program can be stored in any of the FX500’s RAM
memory locations (61 through 90) for later recall and
use. The STORE key is used to store edited data to a
RAM memory location.
[See page 12 for further details]
_ ■
© PARAM Mode Key and Indicator
The PARAM key selects the PARAM (parameter) mode
in which the individual parameters for each effect stage
can be edited as required. The PARAM key indicator
lights when the PARAM mode is active. The PARAM
mode can not be directly selected from the UTILITY
mode by pressing the PARAM key. The UTILITY mode
must first be exited by pressing the UTILITY key
several times or holding it down (approximately 1
second) until the UTILITY key indicator goes out.
[See page 11 for further details]
© UTILITY Mode Key and Indicator
Pressing this key activates the UTILITY mode, allowing
access to 7 different utility functions:
• Program Title Edit [Page 191
• MIDI Setup [Page 20)
• Program Change Table Edit [Page 20]
• Control Change 1 Table Edit [Page 21]
• Control Change 2 Table Edit [Page 21]
• Foot Switch Function Select [Page 221
• Foot Switch Memory Recall Range Edit [Page 231
The UTILITY key LED lights when the UTILITY mode is
active. Each time the UTILITY key is pressed the next
function on the utility "list" is selected. The mode that
was active before the UTILITY key was pressed
(MEMORY or PARAM) is selected following the last
function on the utility list. The UTILITY mode can also
be exited by pressing the UTILITY key several times or
holding it down (approximately 1 second) until the
UTILITY key indicator goes out.
8

5. The MEMORY_ Mode: Selecting Effect Programs
Irt the FX500 MEMORY mode, the A and ▼ k eys can be
used to select individual effect programs. When a new
program number is selected, its number will flash on the
. display and its title will appear on the upper line. Press the
RECALL key to actually recall and activate the selected
program.
(3) The number of the selected effect program should now
be flashing on the display, indicating that the program
has been selected but has not yet been recalled (the
previous effect program is still active). Press the
RECALL key to actually recall and activate the selected
program. The program number will stop flashing.
jU Echo Dist.
Fig ■ » Ech
(D If ths MEMORY mode is not already selected (i.e. if the
MEMORY key indicator is nol lit), press the MEMORY
key to select the MEMORY mode.
j Broad Dist.
Fig •» Dly
The MEMORY mode can not be directly selected from
the UTILITY mode by pressing the MEMORY key. The
UTILITY mode must first be exited by pressing several
times or holding (about one second) the UTILITY key
until the UTILITY key indicator goes out.
(2) Use the A and/or Vkeys to select the number of the
desired effect program (in this example we go to
program number 10 from number 1, so only the Akey
is used). Press the Aor Vkey briefly to select the next
highest or lowest numbered program, or hold either key
down for continuous scrolling in the corresponding
direction. Faster scrolling is achieved by pressing the
opposite arrow key while holding the arrow key
corresponding to the direction of scrolling.
|-V- A -V- : -
? 10 *" E c h o Dist>
A „ A Fig -> Ech
Flashing