Yamaha RY20 User manual

YAMAHA
®
AUTHORIZED
PRODUCT MANUAL
RHYTHM PROGRAMMER

OWNER’S MANUAL
YAMAHA

SPECIAL MESSAGE SECTION
This product utilizes batteries or an external power supply
(adapter). DO NOT connect this product to any power supply or
adapter other than one described in the manual, on the name
plate, or specifically recommended by Yamaha.
WARNING: Do not place this product in a position where any-
one could walk on, trip over, or roll anything over power or con-
necting cords of any kind. The use of an extension cord is not
recommended! If you must use an extension cord, the minimum
wire size for a 25' cord (or less ) is 18 AWG. NOTE: The smaller
the AWG number, the larger the current handling capacity. For
longer extension cords, consult a local electrician.
This Product should be used only with the components supplied
or: a cart, rack, or stand that is recommended by Yamaha. If a
cart, etc., is used, please observe all safety markings and instruc-
tions that accompany the accessory product.
SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE: The informa-
tion contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time
of printing. However, Yamaha reserves the right to change or
modify any of the specifications without notice or obligation to
update existing units.
This product, either alone or in combination with an amplifier
and headphones or speaker/s, may be capable of producing
sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. DO NOT
operate for long periods of time at a high volume level or at a
level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss or
ringing in the ears, you should consult an audiologist. IMPOR-
TANT: The louder the sound, the shorter the time period before
damage occurs.
Some Yamaha products may have benches and/or accessory
mounting fixtures that are either supplied with the product or as
optional accessories. Some of these items are designed to be
dealer assembled or installed. Please make sure that benches are
stable and any optional fixtures (where applicable) are well
secured BEFORE using. Benches supplied by Yamaha are
designed for seating only. No other uses are recommended.
NOTICE: Service charges incurred due to lack of knowledge
relating to how a function or effect works (when the unit is oper-
ating as designed) are not covered by the manufacturer's war-
ranty, and are therefore the owners responsibility. Please study
this manual carefully and consult your dealer before requesting
service.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: Yamaha strives to produce
products that are both user safe and environmentally friendly. We
sincerely believe that our products and the production methods
used to produce them, meet these goals. In keeping with both the
letter and the spirit of the law, we want you to be aware of the
following:
Battery Notice: This product MAY contain a small non-
rechargeable battery which (if applicable) is soldered in place.
The average life span of this type of battery is approximately five
years. When replacement becomes necessary, contact a qualified
service representative to perform the replacement.
This Product may also use “household” type batteries. Some of
these may be rechargeable. Make sure that the battery being
charged is a rechargeable type and that the charger is intended
for the battery being charged.
When installing batteries, do not mix old batteries with new, or
with batteries of a different type. Batteries MUST be installed
correctly. Mismatches or incorrect installation may result in
overheating and battery case rupture.
Warning: Do not attempt to disassemble, or incinerate any bat-
tery. Keep all batteries away from children. Dispose of used bat-
teries promptly and as regulated by the laws in your area.
Note: Check with any retailer of household type batteries in your
area for battery disposal information.
Disposal Notice: Should this Product become damaged beyond
repair, or for some reason its useful life is considered to be at an
end, please observe all local, state, and federal regulations that
relate to the disposal of products that contain lead, batteries,
plastics, etc. If your dealer is unable to assist you. Please contact
Yamaha directly.
NAME PLATE LOCATION: The name Plate is located on the
bottom of the product. The model number, serial number, power
requirements, etc., are located on this plate. You should record
the model number, serial number, and the date of purchase in the
spaces provided below and retain this manual as a permanent
record of your purchase.
Model
Serial No.
Purchase Date
PLEASE KEEP THIS MANUAL
92-BP

FCC INFORMATION (U.S.A.)
1. IMPORTANT NOTICE: DO NOT MODIFY THIS UNIT!
This product, when installed as indicated in the instructions contained in this manual, meets FCC requirements. Modifications not expressly approved by Yamaha
may void your authority, granted by the FCC, to use the product.
2. IMPORTANT: When connecting this product to accessories and/or another product use only high quality shielded cables. Cable/s supplied
with this product MUST be used. Follow all installation instructions. Failure to follow instructions could void your FCC authorization to use
this product in the USA.
3. NOTE: This product has been tested and found to comply with the requirements listed in FCC Regulations, Part 15 for Class “B” digital
devices. Compliance with these requirements provides a reasonable level of assurance that your use of this product in a residential environment
will not result in harmful interference with other electronic devices. This equipment generates/uses radio frequencies and, if not installed and
used according to the instructions found in the users manual, may cause interference harmful to the operation of other electronic devices. Com-
pliance with FCC regulations does not guarantee that interference will not occur in all installations. If this product is found to be the source of
interference, which can be determined by turning the unit “OFF” and “ON”, please try to eliminate the problem by using one of the following
measures:
Relocate either this product or the device that is being affected by the interference
Utilize power outlets that are on different branch (circuit breaker of fuse) circuits or install AC line filter/s.
In the case of radio or TV interference, relocate/reorient the antenna. If the antenna lead-in is 300 ohm ribbon lead, change the lead-in to co-axial type cable.
If these corrective measures do not produce satisfactory results, please contact the local retailer authorized to distribute this type of product. If you can not locate
the appropriate retailer, please contact Yamaha Corporation of America, Electronic Service Division, 6600 Orangethorpe Ave, Buena Park, CA 90620
*This applies only to products distributed by YAMAHA CORPORATION OF AMERICA
CANADA
THIS DIGITAL APPARATUS DOES NOT EXCEED THE “CLASS B”
LIMITS FOR RADIO NOISE EMISSIONS
FROM DIGITAL APPARATUS SET OUT IN THE RADIO INTERFER-
ENDE REGULATION OF THE CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF COM-
MUNICATIONS.
This applies only to products distributed by YAMAHA CANADA
MUSIC LTD.
This product complies with the radio frequency interference require-
ments of the Council Directive 82/499EEC and/or 87/308/EEC.
YAMAHA CORPORATION

Precautions
Your RY20 will give you years of reliable service if you follow the simple rules given below:
Location
Do not expose the instrument to the following conditions, to avoid deformation,
discoloration, or more serious damage.
Direct sunlight, such as near a window.
High temperatures, for example, near a heat source, outdoors, or in a car during the
daytime.
Excessive humidity.
Excessive dust.
Strong vibrations.
Power Supply
Always use the supplied Yamaha AC Adaptor to power your RY20. Other adaptors may cause
damage to the RY20. 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 RY20.
NOTE
The correct INPUT voltage is marked on the top of the adaptor.
Turn the power OFF and unplug the AC adaptor when the instrument is not in use.
Unplug the AC adaptor during electrical storms.
Avoid plugging the AC adaptor used with the RY20 into the same AC mains outlet as
appliances with high power consumption, such as electric heaters or ovens. Also avoid using
multi-plug adaptors since these can result in reduced sound quality and possibly damage.
Turn off the power before making or breaking connections.
To avoid damage to the instrument and other devices to which it is connected (a sound
system, for example), always turn the power switches of all related devices OFF before
connecting or disconnecting audio and MIDI cables.
Handling and Transport
Never apply excessive force to the controls, connectors, or other parts of the instrument.
Always plug and unplug any cables by gripping the connector,
not the cord itself. Disconnect
all cables before moving the instrument.
Dropping the RY20 or otherwise subjecting it to strong physical shocks can damage it. Handle
it with care.
i

Cleaning
Clean the cabinet and panel with a soft dry cloth. A slightly damp cloth may be used to
remove stubborn grime and dirt.
Do not use solvents such alcohol, benzine, or thinner to clean the cabinet or panel.
Avoid placing vinyl objects on top of the instrument. Vinyl can stick to and discolor the
surface.
Electrical Interference
The RY20 contains digital circuitry and may cause interference or noise if placed too close to
TV sets, radios, or similar equipment. If such a problem does occur, move the RY20 further
away from the affected equipment.
Memory Back-up
The RY20 contains a special long-life battery that retains the contents of its internal RAM
memory even when the power is turned OFF. The back-up battery should last for several
years. When the back-up battery needs to be replaced, the message “ BATT LOW ” will
momentarily appear on the display when you turn the power ON. When this happens, have
the back-up battery replaced by qualified Yamaha service personnel.
WARNING
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPLACE THE BACK-UP BATTERY YOURSELF.
Transfer important data from your RY20 to a MIDI data recorder such as the Yamaha MDF2
MIDI Data Filer for safe long-term storage. Yamaha cannot be held responsible for data loss
caused by battery failure or improper operation of the RY20.
Service and Modification
The RY20 contains no user-serviceable parts. Opening the case and/or tampering with the
internal circuitry can lead to irreparable damage and will void the warranty. Refer all
maintenance to qualified Yamaha service personnel.
Third-party Software
Yamaha cannot take any responsibility for software produced for this product by third-party
manufacturers. Please direct any comments about such software to the manufacturer or their
agents.
YAMAHA is not responsible for damage caused by improper handling
or operation.
ii

Introduction
With its wide collection of voices and easy-to-use controls, the Yamaha RY20 is the perfect musical
partner for guitarists, bassists, keyboard players, and many other instrumentalists. It offers the
features and capability required for recording applications, rehearsals and practice sessions, and live
performance.
The RY20 uses Yamaha’s AWM (Advanced Wave Memory) tone generator system to create 300
realistic tunable voices including drums, effected drums, percussion of all kinds, and basses. You can
add effects to the voices, either reverb or delay, using the built-in DSP (Digital Signal Processor).
Using one of the 20 user drum kits, you can assign any voice to one of the pads.
The RY20 has 50 professionally-programmed preset patterns. You can also create and store 50 user
patterns of your own, and combine tracks from different patterns and store them for an additional 50
“combination” patterns. Each pattern has six sections (“INTRO”, “MAIN A”, “MAIN B”, “FILL AB”,
“FILL BA”, and “ENDING”) and each section has four tracks (bass drum, snare drum, hi-hat and other
instruments).
Patterns can be combined to create complete songs. The RY20 can store 50 songs in its user song
memory.
It features easy-to-use controls with a large, useful LCD display. Change values quickly using the
Shuttle dial, then fine-tune them using the Jog dial. Create patterns in real-time or step record mode
using the velocity-sensitive pads. Make up “kits” of commonly-used drum and bass sounds. Make your
patterns reflect your musical ideas and escape from the “mechanical feel” common to conventional
rhythm machines by using the built-in swing and groove functions.
The RY20 includes full MIDI capabilities (including General MIDI compatible drum mapping) to
allow full communication with the rest of your MIDI set-up.
Please read this owner’s manual carefully in order to familiarize yourself with the RY20 and its
features – and keep the manual in a safe place for later reference.
iii

iv

v

Contents
The Controls and Connections............ 2
Front Panel ...........................................
2
Rear Panel ..............................................
8
Making Connections.............................
9
Turn
on the RY20 ...............................
11
Playing the
Demo Song........................ 12
Playing the Preset Patterns................ 14
Changing Pattern Numbers During
Playback.............................................. 16
Selecting the Sections .......................... 16
Setting the Tempo ................................ 19
Muting
a Track ................................... 20
Playing the Pads...................................... 21
Selecting a Drum Kit .......................... 22
Selecting a Pad Bank...........................
23
Playing the
Bass Voices ......................24
Recording a User Pattern .................... 28
Recording
Modes ............................. 28
Step
Record Mode............................... 29
Real-time Record Mode ........................ 35
Combination Patterns ........................ 38
Editing
Patterns
.................................
39
Quantization......................................
44
Gate
Time ............................................ 45
Changing
the Meter ............................. 46
Adjusting
the Click............................. 47
Other Pattern Functions ....................
49
Swing................................................... 49
Groove
................................................... 50
Velocity
Modify .................................. 54
Clearing
a Pattern.............................. 55
Copying a Pattern ................................ 57
Setting
the Pattern Name.................... 60
Recording a Song .................................... 62
Step Record Mode
............................... 62
Real-Time
Record Mode
.................... 67
Setting the Tempo ................................ 69
Deleting
a Part ..................................... 69
Inserting
a Part
.................................. 70
Adjusting
the Click............................. 72
Playing the Songs
................................. 73
Playing a Song...................................... 73
Chain and Repeat ...............................
75
Clearing a Song....................................
77
Copying a Song......................................
79
Name that Song ....................................
81
Modifying the Drum Kits ......................
82
Assigning Voices to Each Pad .............
83
Volume Level.........................................
86
Stereo Pan .............................................
87
Pitch.......................................................
88
Decay .....................................................
89
Sensitivities ...........................................
90
Voice Polyphony ...................................
95
Alternate
Group ...................................
96
Note/Trigger Driven..............................
97
Pad Sensitivity......................................
98
Chase .....................................................
99
Copy ..................................................
100
Name.................................................... 101
Changing the Effects............................. 102
Enabling
Effects ...............................
102
Select the Effect Type ........................ 103
Send
Level ..........................................
104
Return Level........................................ 105
Reverb Time ........................................ 106
Feedback Gain..................................... 107
Delay Time ......................................... 108
MIDI Functions ..................................... 110
MIDI Sync ........................................... 110
Drum Instruments MIDI Channel.....
Bass Instrument MIDI Channel .....112
Program Change MIDI Channel.....
113
MIDI Note Assignment ....................
114
Volume and Expression ................... 116
Bulk Dump ......................................... 118
Receiving Bulk Data ...........................118
Appendix.................................................. 120
Total Reset Procedure.........................
120
Pattern List ......................................... 121
Drum Kit List...................................... 122
Voice List............................................. 124
Troubleshooting ................................. 126
LCD Messages.................................. 127
Specifications .....................................
128
MIDI Data Format..............................
129
MIDI
Implementation
Chart ........... 130
Index ...................................................... 131
111
1

The Controls and
Connections
Front Panel
LCD Panel
This large multi-function LCD panel shows all the prompts and
parameters needed to operate the RY20 with ease and efficiency.
Each screen full of information is known as a display “page.” The various
display pages in each mode are accessed using the
buttons described below.
and
Within a display page, there are various “focus” areas. A focus area is a
parameter you can adjust, identified by a flashing prompt. Use the
cursor buttons to change the focus area.
and
Volume Control
The volume control adjusts the volume of sound output from the
rear-panel PHONES jack or the OUTPUT (R and L/MONO) jacks.
2

The Controls and Connections
CAUTION
Set the volume control to MIN when connecting the RY20 to a sound system or
headphone for the first time. Gradually raise the volume level until a comfortable
listening level is reached.
This simple precaution can prevent unexpectedly high volume levels from
damaging your sound system, headphones, or most important, your ears.
Jog and Shuttle Dials
The Jog and Shuttle Dials allow rapid control over the various features of
the RY20.
The Jog Dial is a continuously rotating control. By rotating it you can
quickly change the current value. You use it to select patterns or songs, to
change the tempo, or to modify any of a number of other parameters.
The Shuttle Dial is a center detented, spring-loaded control. It allows you
even more rapid access to the current value. The further you rotate the
Shuttle Dial from its center detent, the faster the parameter will scroll.
For fine single-step adjustments, you may want to use the
buttons, described below.
and
Track Select/Mute Buttons
and
These buttons allow you to mute tracks. The buttons are
When you press one of these buttons, the corresponding
mute indicator lights up next to the track name on the LCD.
When you are copying or clearing pattern data from the RY20, these
buttons allow you to select the track or tracks you wish to copy or clear.
Pattern Button
The button switches the RY20 to Pattern Mode. In this mode you
can select a pattern to play, record, or modify.
Song Button
The
button switches the RY20 to Song Mode. This mode allows
you to select a song which you can then play, record, or modify.
Tempo Button
The
button switches to the tempo function. You can change the
tempo with the Jog dial or the and
buttons.
3

The Controls and Connections
The
The
The
MIDI Button
button switches the RY20 to MIDI Mode. In this mode you can
set or modify the MIDI control functions.
The RY20 can both receive and transmit MIDI data.
Drum Kit Button
button switches the RY20 to Drum Kit Mode. In this mode
you can select another drum kit or modify the parameters of the current
drum kit.
Effect Button
button switches the RY20 to Effect Mode. In this mode you
can change the current effect or modify the effect parameters.
The
Page+ and Page- Buttons
and
buttons select the display pages within the
various modes.
Pad Bank Button
The button is used to select “DRUM" or "BASS" mode. In drum
mode, it is used to select one of the five banks in each drum kit. In bass
mode, it is used to select one of the five octaves of the bass bank.
4

The Controls and Connections
The
Enter Button
button is used to confirm special operations that will change
data in the internal memory, for example, clearing a pattern or song.
The (increment) and
+1 and -1 Buttons
(decrement) buttons are used along with
the Jog Dial or the Shuttle Dial to select patterns or songs, to change
tempo values, or to modify other parameters.
Use these buttons when you require a fine degree of control rather than
the speed and convenience of the Jog Dial or the Shuttle Dial.
The
and
Cursor Buttons
cursor buttons change the focus within a display page,
selecting the various parameters that are available for editing.
NOTE
The focus is always indicated by the flashing prompt or symbol.
Record Button and Record LED
button switches the RY20 into Record Mode in either Pattern
Mode or Song Mode. The red Record LED lights up and the Rhythm
Programmer is ready for you to begin creating.
The
NOTE
The default Record Mode for either a pattern or a song is Step Record Mode. Press
button for Real-time Record Mode.
the
Press the button again to cancel Record Mode. The red Record
LED switches off and the RY20 returns to either Pattern Mode or Song
Mode.
Stop Button
The
button stops playback or turns off Real-time Record Mode.
The
Play Button and Play LED
button starts playback of a pattern or song. You also use it to
begin real-time recording of a pattern or song.
The green Play LED will flash in time with the current tempo setting.
5

The Controls and Connections
The
Top Button
button resets the current position to the beginning of the
pattern or song. This button performs the same function in Record Mode.
Backward Button
The button steps backwards through a song or pattern.
Forward Button
The button steps forwards through a song or pattern.
Clear/Delete Button
button is used to clear all the data in the selected pattern or
song in Pattern or Song Mode. In Record Mode, it is used to delete
individual parts, such as an incorrect or unwanted note in a pattern, or an
unwanted part in a song.
The
Copy/Insert Button
button is used to copy the current song or pattern to another
location. In Song Record Mode, it is used to insert new data into a song.
The
6

The Controls and Connections
Audition Button
The
The
button allows you to listen to a voice without actually
recording it when the RY20 is in Pattern Record Mode.
Section Button
button is used with one of the lower row Drum Pads to select
another section in a pattern.
Drum Pads
The RY20 has 12 velocity-sensitive drum pads that you play to record
pattern data.
NOTE
through and also have a drum name printed
The voices of the RY20 are fully programmable and can be assigned to any pad.
The drum pads are labeled
on them. The voice assigned to the pad may not correspond to the name printed on
the pad. See page 83 for further details.
The lower row Drum Pads are used to select the pattern sections. Each
pad has a section label printed below it.
7

The Controls and Connections
Rear Panel
MIDI IN and OUT Connectors
The MIDI IN connector receives data from a sequencer or other MIDI
device used to control the RY20.
The MIDI OUT connector transmits MIDI data to other MIDI devices. The
RY20 can control other instruments with note and timing messages. It
also uses MIDI to transmit the contents of its internal memory. See
page 110 for further details.
OUTPUT L/MONO and R Jacks
These phone jacks are the main stereo outputs from the RY20. If a plug is
inserted into the L/MONO jack only, the left and right-channel signals are
combined and delivered via this jack (which can be used for connecting to
a mono sound system).
The Volume control adjusts the level of the signal sent to these jacks.
PHONES Jack
Accepts a pair of stereo headphones with a miniature stereo phone plug
for headphone monitoring of the RY20.
DC IN Jack
The DC output cable from the supplied AC Adaptor should be connected
here.
CAUTION
Always use the supplied Yamaha AC Adaptor to power your RY20. The use of an
incompatible adaptor may cause irreparable damage to the RY20, and might pose a
serious shock hazard.
8
Power Switch
Press this switch to turn the RY20 power ON or OFF.

The Controls and Connections
Making Connections
Using the Supplied Power Adaptor
When connecting the power supply, make sure the RY20 Power switch is
in the OFF position (extended), then plug the AC Adaptor cable into the
DC IN Jack, and finally the adaptor’s AC plug into a convenient AC mains
outlet.
Audio Connections
The simplest way to monitor your RY20 is through a set of stereo
headphones (miniature stereo phone plug type). Connect them to the
PHONES jack on the rear panel of the instrument.
CAUTION
It is possible to produce sounds with the RY20 that are loud enough to cause
hearing damage. Set the volume control to MIN when connecting the RY20 to
headphones for the first time. Gradually raise the volume level until a comfortable
listening level is reached.
9

The Controls and Connections
Use the OUTPUT L/MONO and R jacks to connect the audio outputs of
the RY20 to an external stereo sound system, as shown below.
If your sound system is monophonic, connect only the L/MONO jack.
CAUTION
Make sure that both the RY20 and your sound system are turned OFF when
making connections. Failure to do so may result in damage to the sound system.
MIDI Connections
If you intend to use other MIDI instruments with your RY20, you must
connect them properly.
The following diagram shows a simple connection.
For further details on MIDI and MIDI connections, see page 110.
10

The Controls and Connections
Turn on the RY20
To turn on the RY20, first make all the required connections. When
connecting the power supply, make sure the RY20 Power switch is in the
OFF position (extended), then plug the AC Adaptor cable into the DC IN
Jack, and finally the adaptor’s AC plug into a convenient AC mains outlet.
CAUTION
Always use the Yamaha PA-3 AC Adaptor to power your RY20. The use of an
incompatible adaptor may cause irreparable damage to the RY20, and might pose a
serious shock hazard.
Be sure to unplug the AC Adaptor from the AC mains outlet when the RY20 is not
in use.
Once you have completed the connections, turn the RY20 on by pressing in
the Power switch. The following display will momentarily appear:
The RY20 will then switch to Pattern Mode.
See page 14 for details of the RY20 patterns and instructions for playing
the preset patterns.
NOTE
The pattern numbers “ 050 ” through “ 149 ” are user and combination patterns, and
currently have no data. For information about recording and playing these
patterns, read the information starting on page 28.
11