Yamaha TX-7 User manual

YAMAHA
TONE GENERATOR
GENERATEUR DE SON
TONGENERATOR
OWNER'S MANUAL
MODE D'EMPLOl
BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG

INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of aYamaha TX7 FM Expander! The Yamaha TX7
FM Expander is aMIDI controllable digital FM tone generator system which can dra-
matically expand the potential of the Yamaha DX7 Digital Programmable Algorithm
Synthesizer. It also functions with other Yamaha DX series synthesizers. The TX7 in-
corporates a32 voice memory as well as 32 programmable function memories containing
the effect data for all 32 voices. There are also 32 function memories available primarily
for use with the Yamaha DX7 digital FM synthesizer. Voices and function parameters
can be transferred to and from other MIDI equipment via the MIDI interface. The TX7
also incorporates acassette data interface that offers convenient mass storage and retrieval
of FM voices as well as functions.
IMPORTANT
This manual is organized in tutorial form. Therefore, in order to fully understand all aspects
of operating the TX7, we urge you to go through the manual and try out each operation
as it is described.
1

CONTENTS
PRECAUTIONS 3
CONNECTIONS &PANEL 5
SYSTEM/MEMORY CONFIGURATION 6
USING THE TX7 VOICES
Volume Control/Programming 9
The Combined Voice Mode 10
The Individual Voice Mode 11
THE TX7 AND OX FUNCTION MEMORIES
Function Memory Parameters 12
Editing Function Memory Parameters 1*3
Direct Functions 13
Real-Time Control Functions 15
More About the Shift and Normal Modes 18
Function Editing via the DX7 Data Entry Control 18
Transferring the DX7 Functions to the TX7
Function Edit Buffer 18
Storing TX7 &DX Function Parameters 19
Monitoring DX Function Memory Changes 20
CASSETTE OPERATIONS
Save/Verify 21
Load 22
Using the TX7 Cassette Interface to Save
and Load 0X7 Voices 22
MIDI OPERATIONS
MIDI MODE Functions 25
MIDI DUMP/INIT Functions 26
SPECIFICATIONS 30
ABOUT MIDI
Channel Information 31
System Information 31
MIDI DATA FORMAT
Reception Conditions 32
Reception Data 33
Transmission Data 36
System Exclusive Data Format 38
2

PRECAUTIONS
•Avoid placing the TX7 in locations exposed to direct sunlight or high temperatures, excessively high or low
humidity, high dust concentrations, or vibration.
•Be sure to connect the TX7 to an AC power supply that meets the power supply specifications listed on the
rear of the unit.
•If there Is any danger of lightning occurring nearby, remove the power plug from the wall socket in advance.
•Be sure to make all connections properly, as described in the "CONNECTIONS" section below.
•To avoid damaging your speakers and other playback equipment, turn off the power of all related equipment
before making connections.
•Do not use excessive force in handling control switches and knobs.
•To avoid broken cords and short circuits, be sure to unplug all connectors by grasping the respective plugs
—NOT the cords.
•Remove the power plug from the AC mains socket if the unit is not to be used for an extended period of time.
•Remove all plugs and connections if the unit is to be transported, to prevent damage to the cords and jacks.
•Do not use solvents such as benzene or paint thinner to clean the unit. Do not use insecticidesor other pressurized
spray products in proximity to the unit. Wipe off the exterior with soft cloth.
EFFECTS ON OTHER ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
•Since this unit incorporates digital circuitry, simultaneous use of other equip-
ment such as TVs, radios, etc. in close proximity may cause noise and erroneous
operation. If this occurs, separate the affected units sufficiently to eliminate
the problem. It is also agood idea to use separate line filters on each piece
of equipment.
FOR USERS WHO WISH TO CONNECT THEIR TX7 TO THE DX7,
DX9. OR KX1:
•The TX7 will not operate properly when connected to KX1 and DX7 manu-
factured before the standardization of MIDI specification- -AFTER TOUCH
will not operate. The serial numbers of the instruments concerned are:
DX7 serial numbers: 1001 --24880,251 25--26005
KX1 serial numbers: 1001--1105
In addition, if the TX7 is connected to DX7 or DX9 manufactured before the
specifications were changed, the DX7 or DX9 will not be able to receive the
contents of the DX function memory in the TX7. The serial numbers of the
instruments concerned are:
DX7 serial numbers: 1001--24880, 25125--26005
DX9 serial numbers: 1001 -2450
If you wish to connect your TX7 to one of the above-numbered instruments,
ask your dealer to replace the DX7, DX9, or KX1 system ROM.

BACKUP BATTERY
•The TX7 incorporates aspecial lithium backup battery system so that data in
memory is returned even when power is switched OFF.
•Do not attempt to replace the battery yourself. Refer this job to your dealer.
•The backup battery should last for approximately 5years. We recommend
replacing the battery early.
•All data in the TX7 memory will be lost when the battery is changed. Be sure
to save data you wish to keep onto cassette tape prior to replacing battery.
•When the battery voltage drops below 2. 3volts, the TX7's LCD display will
read "CHANGE BATTERY" when the power is turned ON.
4

CONNECTIONS &PANEL
Control Panel
YAMAHA
PHESei VOLUME PfOGRAM CHANGE STORE FUdtCTION MOOC DATA
LOW HtGH COMBINED INOVIOUAL TX PEHF OX FUNC ~^ NO(»»AL NO -1 YES +1
f—iW oil III! iiail nil III! 1III! (II Tl
S*VE/WEPrf LOAD/PROT MODE DUMP/INIT SHFT
TONE GENERATOR
CASSETTE MIW
Rear Panel
5

SYSTEMIMEMORY CONFIGURATION
The TX7 incorporates the same FM tone generation system found in Yamaha DX series Digital Programmable
Algorithm synthesizers and the Yamaha TX21 6and TX81 6tone generator systems. This is a6-operator, 32-algorithm
FM system which is programmable via the DX series synthesizers having the corresponding tone generators --The
DX7 and DX1 ,for example. Since the TX7 does not permit direct voice programming, we refer you to the doc-
umentation provided with the respective DX synthesizers for details on the FM tone generator system and pro-
gramming procedures. The Voices programmed in aDX synthesizer can be loaded into the TX7 via the MIDI interface,
however, and voices residing in the TX7 voice memory can be sent to aDX synthesizer. The TX7 does permit direct
programming of its function memories (described below) via the front panel. The TX7 also has adata cassette
interface which can be used to store and load the entire contents of the TX7 memory. The TX7 has 32 voice memories,
each of which contains the data for one complete 6-operator FM voice. Each of these voice memories also has
afunction memory which contains the data for the function and control parameters of that voice. The programmable
function parameters are given in the following chart:
MASTER TUNE
PLAY MODE, POLY/MONO ~
PITCH WHEEL RANGE
PITCH WHEEL STEP
PORTAMENTO MODE
PORTAMENTO/GLISSANDO SWITCH
PORTAMENTO TIME
MODULATION WHEEL RANGE
MODULATION WHEEL PITCH
MODULATION WHEEL AMPLITUDE
MODULATION WHEEL EG BIAS
FOOT CONTROL RANGE
FOOT CONTROL PITCH
FOOT CONTROL AMPLITUDE
FOOT CONTROL EG BIAS
BREATH CONTROL RANGE
BREATH CONTROL PITCH
BREATH CONTROL AMPLITUDE
BREATH CONTROL EG BIAS
AFTER TOUCH RANGE
AFTER TOUCH PITCH
AFTER TOUCH AMPLITUDE
AFTER TOUCH EG BIAS
LIMIT KEY LOWEST
LIMIT KEY HIGHEST
ATTENUATION
Thus, each TX7 voice can be independently programmed with its own real-time performance effects parameters
-- pitch wheel, modulation wheel, foot controller, after touch response, breath controller, etc. When aspecific
voice is selected, its function parameters are automatically selected as well. These function parameters are directly
programmable via the TX7 panel controls, or they can be sent to the TX7 from aDX synthesizer, via the MIDI interface.
The TX7 also contains asecond set of 32 function memories which is independent from that for the TX7 voice
memories. This second function memory set is intended to be used with the voice memories in the DX7 synthesizer.
6

The DX7 itself also has 32 voice memories, but only asingle function memory. Thus, if anew voice is selected
which requires adifferent set of function parameters, these must be re-programmed via the DX7 panel controls.
The TX7 supplies the DX7 with acomplete set of 32 function memories corresponding to each voice. In the case
of the DX9, which only has 20 voice memories, the TX7's first 20 (1 through 20) DX function memories apply,
and only those functions which the DX9 incorporates can be used. In the basic system connection configuration
given in the previous section, each time anew voice is selected on the DX synthesizer, the corresponding function
memory in the TX7 is called, and the parameters it contains are automatically sent to the synthesizer via the MIDI
interface.
The TX7 also has voice and function edit buffer memories, which contain the voice and function data in use.
(TX7 memory configuration diagram)
SERIES
DATA ENTRY SLIDER PROGRAM CHArWE /R^RAMETER EDIT
MIDI IN/OUT
DX DATA ENTRY VOLUME PERFORMANCE
—Ts;
—
FUNCTION
CASSETTE IN/OUT
PRESET VOLUME ]IPROGRAM CHANGE STORE IIFUNCTION ||MODE |\_
7

USING THE TX7 VOICES
As shipped, the TX7 voice memories contain the following pre-programmed voices with the corresponding function
parameters:
1. Acoustic Piano
2. High Strings
3. Trumpet B
4. Female Choir
5. Electric Piano B
6. Electric Organ B
7. Power Synthesizer B
8. Fat Synthesizer B
9. Spanish Guitar
10- Cello B
11. African Mallet B
12. Electric Piano &Breath Control Brass B
13. Pipe Organ B
14. Synth Rise B
15. Clav B
16. String Pad
17. Foot Control String Bell
18. Horn Section B
19. Double Harp B
20. Electric Guitar B
21. Electric Bass B
22. Harpsichord B
23. Vibraphone B
24. Foot Control Brass
25. FM Piano B
26. Orchestra
27. Bell Voice
28. Tube Rise B
29. Violins B
30. Kalimba B
31. Harmonic Synthesizer
32. Touch Trumpet
TX7 owners will also be provided with adata cassette tape containing the above voice/function set (Voice set B
on the tape), and asecond voice/function set (Voice set A) which Is as follows:
1. Acoustic Piano
2. High Strings
3. Trumpet A
4. Male Choir
5. Electric Piano A
6. Electric Organ A
7. Power Synthesizer A
8. Fat Synthesizer A
9. Jazz Guitar
10. Cello A
11. African Mallet B
12. Electric Piano &Breath Control Brass A
13. Pipe Organ A
8

14. Synth Rise A
15. Clav A
16. Tine Electric Piano
17. Breath Control Flute
18. Horn Section A
19. Double Harp A
20. Electric Guitar A
21
.
Electric Bass A
22. Harpsichord A
23. Vibraphone A
24. Breath Control Saxophone
25. FM Piano A
26. Modulation Wheel Timpani
27. Time Warp
28. Tube Rise A
29. Violins A
30. Katimba A
31. Harmonic Synthesizer
32. Orchestral
The pre-programmed internal voices can be accessed immediately, so we'll use them to become familiar with the
TX7 and its operating procedures. Later we'll find out how to load voice set Ainto the DX7 and voice set Binto
the TX7 for combined use (voice sets Aand Bare designed primarily to be used together —see the "CASSETTE
OPERATIONS" section, beginning on page 21).
Begin by turning the TX7 ON- -after connecting it to your DX7 as illustrated on the "CONNECTIONS" page. You
will be greeted by the <<YAMAHA TX7>> display which will appear on the LCD panel for afew seconds, and
then the LCD panel will read "CMB 1ACC. PIANO", indicating that voice number 1(acoustic piano) is selected
in the combined mode- -but we'll find out what that means alittle later. First we'll need to know how to set the
TX7's OUTPUT and PHONES volume level.
"CMB 1ACC. PIANO"
Combined voice
mode J] Voice
Voice
number name
Volume Control I
Programming
The four buttons on the TX7 panel under the PRESET VOLUME group label are
used to set volume level and program the TX7's preset volume function. First, try
pressing and holding either of the PRESET VOLUME arrow buttons. The LCD
panel will show ablack horizontal bar which will soon begin to shorten or lengthen
depending on which arrow button you have pressed. The volume bar will disappear
as soon as the arrow buttons are released. Simply, the longer the bar, the higher
the volume. Thus, the arrow buttons can be used to manually set any volume level
(the length of the bar at the instant the arrow button is released corresponds to
the volume set). Pressing either arrow button quickly, once, and then releasing it
causes the volume to be increased or decreased one increment in the specified
direction. The entire length of the bar corresponds to 80 increments (16 LCD
character x5segments per character).