Yamaha DX7 II FD User manual

YAMAHA
AUTHORIZED
PRODUCTMANUAL
DIGITALPROGRAMMABLEALGORITHMSYNTHESIZER

YAMAHA
DIGITALPROGRAMMABLEALGORITHMSYNTHESIZER
OWNER'S MANUAL

Welcome
Welcome to the DX7 IIFD/D,the newest members ofthe growing family ofFM digital
synthesizers from Yamaha. Using the industry-standard DX7 asits starting point, the DX
II offers a number ofimportant new features, such asimproved sound quality, two-layer
voice programming, additional FM features, new performance options, an expanded
front-panel LCD display, and on-board disk storage (onthe DX7IIFD).
Sincethere issomuch material available onthe DX7 family ofsynthesizers (and on the
theory ofFMdigital synthesis), this manual willnot be an FM tutorial. Instead, it has
been designed to bea “usersmanual” in the truest sense — it's goalistohelp you make
music withyour new DX7IIFD asquickly aspossible.
Ifyou arealready familiar with the operation ofthe original DX7, this manual will help
you make the transition tothe DX7IIFD in short order.On the other hand, ifthis isyour
first FMdigital instrument, this manual will guide you into the operation ofyour new
synthesizer with easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions and explanations.
After you arecomfortable with the operation ofyour new synthesizer, you may want to
e
xplore the fascinating world of FM digital voicing. Ifso, consult the extensivelistof
reference works onFMsynthesis listedin the bibliography atthe back ofthis manual.

The DX7 IIFD/D has been designedfor years of trouble-free use. In order to ensure that
it remains a healthy member ofyour family of musical instruments, please keep the
following tips in mind:
Installation:
When settingup the DX in your home orstudio, avoid exposure todirect sunlight orother
sourcesofheat.Environments with excessive dust, cold, dampness, orvibration can also
damage your instrument. Even though the DX iselectronic, you should treat it with the
samekind ofcare you would lavish onany other musical instrument.
Also, sincethe DX iselectronic, you should make sure not tosetit too closetoequipment
(such asa television set)that generates electromagnetic fields. Such proximity could
cause both malfunctions in the synthesizer's digital circuitry and interference noise in the
other unit.
Moving:
When you move your DX, make sure to insert the head protection sheetinto the disk drive
—the magnetic head ofthe drive isvery sensitive tovibration, and needs this protection
ifit isto survive road work.
Handling:
TheDX issturdy, but itcan do without rough handling. Don't subject ittosudden jolts
(such asdropping it), asthis can damage the internal circuitry. Ifyou plan totravel with it,
be sure touse a roadcase.Also, make surenot to apply excessiveforce toany ofthe keys,
buttons, orother controls.
Cleaning:
Toclean ordust your DX, use nothing more than a clean, slightly damp cloth. Using
chemical solvents will damage the finish, and using too much water may do considerable
damage to the internal circuitry.
AC Power& OtherEquipment:
When you areusing the DX with an amplifier ormixer that has unbalanced outputs,
connect both units to the sameAC outlet to avoid hum.
Ifyou use a number ofelectronic instruments in your setup, you may want to consult an
electrician, who can make sure that your system doesnot overtax the available power.
Tips

AC Power& Down Time:
Whenever the DX will not be used for an extended period oftime, it isbest to protect it
from potential disaster. Electrical storms and other natural orman-made disasters can give
rise to power surges,which may damage the digital circuitry ofyour DX — even ifthe
power isturned off. Either unplug your instrument when not in use,orinvest in power
strips with surge protectors to safeguard all ofyour electronic equipment.
Service & Your Warranty:
The DX contains no user-serviceable parts. Opening it up or tampering withit in any way
will void the warranty, and may also leadyou to experience some nasty electrical shocks.
Ifyou have a problem with your instrument, please take it to ah authorized Yamaha
servicecenter.
Modifications & YourWarranty:
Unless you areassured to the contrary in writing, you should assume that any
modifications made toyour DX will void the original product warranty. Therefore,you
should make sure that you receive a warranty (orsomeother kind ofguarantee) from the
person orcompany that isresponsible for the modification.

Playing theDX7 IIFD/D
-1-

Contents
3 GettingStarted
3Making Audio Connections
4Turning On the DX
5Setting the Volume Slider
5Setting the Pan and Poly/Mono Buttons
6Exploring TheNew Performance Library
6Selecting the Internal Performance Memories
7The Internal Performance Memories
8Selecting the Cartridge Performance Memories
9TheCartridge Performance Memories
10Exploring TheNew VoiceLibrary
10Selectingthe Internal Voice Memories
11TheInternal Voice Memories
12Selecting the Cartridge Voice Memories
13TheCartridge VoiceMemories
14ThePlay Modes
14Voice Modes and Performance Mode
14Using the 1 ~ 32/33~ 64Button
14Using the A/B Button
14Using the Poly/Mono Button
15 UsingControllerswiththeDX
15Pitch Bend Wheel
15Modulation Wheel
15Aftertouch
15Breath Controller
16FootControllers 1 and 2
16Footswitches 1 and 2
16Continuous Sliders1 and 2
-2-

Contents
1Section 1:Playing the DX7 II FD/D
3Getting Started
6Exploring The New Performance Library
10Exploring TheNew Voice Library
14ThePlay Modes
15Using Controllers withthe DX
17Section 2:Creating and Storing New Sounds
19Creating New Sounds
24Saving New Sounds
27Section 3:Using theNew Performance Features
29Performance Edit Buttons
32Basic Performance Parameters
36 Pan
38Controllers
40 Micro Tuning
43Section4:Using the New Voice Features
45VoiceEdit Buttons
50Basic VoiceEditing Functions
51New VoiceParameters
53Controllers
54FractionalScaling
57Section 5:Memory Functions
59Utility Buttons
62Memory Layout
63Memory Types
65Memory StorageTypes
67Basic Utility Functions
68Cartridge Memory Functions
71 Disk Memory Functions (FDOnly)
75Section 6:MIDI Functions
77MIDI Buttons
79System Setup
81MIDI Data Communications
82Appendix 1:Supplemental Information
83Appendix 2:Bibliography
84Appendix 3:MIDI Implementation Chart
85Blank Voice Data Chart
86BlankPerformance Data Chart

Getting
Started
Connecting the DX
to a single input
amplifier.
Using stereo headphones
withtheDX.
You can begin to enjoy your new DX immediately, without poring through a lot of
complicated electronic theory. All you have to do is take the instrument out of it's box and
proceed as follows:
Making Audio Connections
There arethree different ways to connect the DX to sound reinforcement equipment. The
one you choosewilldepend on your situation:
1.Ifyou have a monophonic (single input)amplifier such asa guitar amp, connect the
DX's A/Mixoutput to the amp's input (using a standard 1/4"cable).
2.Ifyou areusing a multi-channel mixer, connect the DX's two back-panel audio outputs
(A/Mix and B) to two ofyour mixer's inputs (using two 1/4"cables).
3.Ifyou are using a setofstandard stereoheadphones, plugthem into the DX's Phones
output.
-3-

The DX's next
initial display.
TurningOn theDX
After you have made the audio connection ofyour choice,turn the DX onby pressing the
Power switch locatedonthe right side ofthe back panel. This isthe first display you will
seeonthe main panel:
The DX's "welcome" display.
After a few seconds,this “welcome”display will be replacedby the last Play Mode
display selectedbefore the DX was turned off:
-4-

Poly/Mono
and Pan Buttons
Setting the VolumeSlider
Since the volumes ofthe various voices differ, start witha setting in the middle ofthe
slider'srange; adjust later tosuit your taste, depending onthe voiceorvoicesbeing
played.
Volume Slider
VOLUME
SettingthePanand Poly/Mono Buttons
Before you begin toplay your new DX, make sure that the settings ofthe Pan and
Poly/Mono buttons arecorrectfor your situation:
To ensure that you are listening to the voices just as they were created,
make sure thatthis light is OFF. If it is ON, press the POLY/MONO button to
turn the light OFF. (The reasons for this will be explained later in this manual.)
Ifyouare using stereo outputs or headphones,
make sure that this light is lit.
If it is not, press the PAN button to turn the light ON.
If you are using a single (mono} output,
make sure that this tight is not lit.
If it is, press the PAN button to turn the light OFF.
-5-

Exploring
TheNew
Performance
Library
The Performance Mode is a completely new feature for the DX7. It allows you to play two
different voices at once, and offers a number of other useful performance-oriented
features. These features will be explained in detail in Sections 2 and 3 of this manual. For
now, though,justfollow the steps below, and explore the richness of the Performance
Mode by playing through all of the new sounds available in the Internal and ROM
Cartridge memories.
Selecting the InternalPerformance Memories
7 7
This portion of the LCD
displays the name and number
of the selected Performance memory.
This portion of the LCD
displays the location and number
of the voice or voices used to create
the selected Performance memory.
-6-

Each Performance Name
can consist of up to
20 characters;
eachVoice Name
can consist of up to
10 characters.
TheInternal Performance Memories
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
PerformanceName
Warm StringSection
Mallet Brass
Strinq Bass-Guitar
DualClavinette
Rich GrandPiano
Stereo EletricPiano
TubularBellWah
Electric Rock Organ
Jamaica Mallet Band
Mono PolySynth
Dual Octave Trumpets
Angels
Acoustic PickGuitar
Multi BrassEnsemble
St.Elmos StringBell
PhasarWhasars
Bass PianoSplit
Grand Harpsichord
Sea Songs
FM WireStrungPiano
Cello Quarte
t
Touch JazzOrgan
DoubleHarp-SongFlute
SynthBrass Ensemble
OrchestralViolins
Stereo TinePiano
PianoBell Ensemble
MultiPercussionSplit
Temple Gong - Shami
DualPiano
Stereo Vibraphone
Orchestral Whallop
INT 1
INT 63
INT 27
INT 22
INT 9
INT 50
INT 43
INT 32
INT 28
INT 7
INT 14
INT 10
INT 3
INT 46
INT 1
INT 7
INT
39
INT 64
INT 34
INT 31
INT 44
INT 12
INT 11
INT 4
INT 61
INT 5
INT 19
INT 23
INT 38
INT 36
INT 18
INT 47
Voice A
Warm Stg A
XyloBrass
StringBass
ClaviStuff
Ebonylvory
KnockRoad
BellWahh A
Shorgan
SteelCans
FMilters
Trumpet A
Whisper A
PickGuitar
SilvaTrmpt
Warm Stg A
FMilters
SkweekBass
Harpsiwire
ElectoComb
WireStrung
EleCello A
TouchOrgan
HarpStrum
Analog-X
HallOrch B
FullTines
Ensemble
MultiPerc
TempleGong
PianoBrite
Vibraphone
Wallop A
INT 49
INT
25
INT 57
INT 48
INT 62
INT 56
INT 41
INT 21
INT 35
INT 24
INT 53
INT 40
INT 54
INT 20
INT 17
INT 62
INT 52
INT 51
INT 5
INT 60
INT
16
INT 42
INT 58
INT 15
INT 23
INT 29
INT 45
INT 18
INT 55
Voice B
Warm Stg B
MalletHorn
GuitarBox
Clavinette
HardRoads
BellWahhB
TapOrgan
EchoMallet
ClariSolo
Trumpet B
Whisper B
Titeguitar
SilvaBrass
ST.Elmo's
Phasers
HardRoads
HarpsiBox
LateDown
FullTines
EleCello B
SongFlute
PitchaPad
HallOrchA
PianoBells
MultiPerc
Koto
PianoForte
Vibraphone
Wallop B
-7-

Selecting the Cartridge Performance Memories
TheLCDshouldshowthisdisplay,withthecursorblinkingonthearrow
nexttothewordBANK.Ifnot,pressbutton15untilthisdisplayappears.
-8-

TheCartridge Performance Memories
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
PerformanceName
Double French Horns
Pipe Organ
Full Electric Piano
PickGuitar-SpitFlute
RotaryElectro Organ
SuperBass-BrightClav
MariBUMba
CS 80 Brass
Organ Choir
Church Choir
Celeste and Strings
FatBass-HeavyMetal
Old School Harmonium
Octave MultiDowns
Classical Strings
ThunderStorm
UnisonBass
Piano withBC Brass
FunkyFingaPicka
-In theLaboratory-
PluckSyn-UniSynth
Good Licks
Dingle Bongs
StringPad-Englishorn
SnareDrum-Piccolos
Inside the VLSI
Rubber ElectricPiano
Old Upright Piano
Tap ElectronicOrgan
PizziStringSection
YamahaMotorCycle
InitializedMemory
INT 2
CRT 3
INT 5
INT 3
INT 12
INT 6
INT
13
CRT 15
CRT 3
CRT 10
INT 58
CRT 43
INT 59
INT 51
CRT 8
CRT 23
INT 6
INT 9
INT 33
CRT 60
INT 8
CRT 4
CRT 9
INT 49
CRT 20
CRT 14
CRT 44
INT
45
INT 41
CRT 45
CRT 32
CRT 64
Voice A
MellowHorn
PipeOrgan
FullTines
PickGuitar
TouchOrgan
SuperBass
Maribuinba
HardBones
PipeOrgan
LadyVox
HallOrch A
OwlBass
HarmoniumA
LateDown
Violins
Thunderon
SuperBass
EbonyIvory
FingaPicka
Science
Pluk
ClaviPluck
TingVoice
Warm Stg B
Swissnare
Glastine A
RubbaRoad
Pianoforte
TapOrgan
PizzReverb
KoikeCycle
INITVOICE
CRT 37
CRT 47
CRT 7
CRT 12
CRT 21
CRT 1
CRT 38
CRT 34
CRT 52
CRT 57
CRT 62
CRT 55
CRT 53
CRT 16
CRT 26
CRT 61
CRT 13
CRT 27
CRT 22
CRT 31
CRT 42
CRT 25
CRT 36
CRT 33
CRT 45
CRT 64
Voice B
FrenchHorn
PuffOrgan
HardTines
SpitFlute
BriteOrgan
Clavecin
StonePhone
HardTrumps
FC Choir
MaleChoir
Celeste
YesBunk
HarmoniumB
OctiLate
NewOrchest
Explosion
BopBass
BC Trumpet
WhapSynth
Plukatan
RubberGong
Englishorn
Piccolo
GlastineB
PizzReverb
INITVOICE
-9-

Exploring
The New
Voice
Library
The Voices in the new DX were created using techniques like those used on the original
DX7. The new Performance Mode opens up a number of exciting possibilities—many of
the Voices in the new DX were created specifically to be used in combinations of two. In
addition, there are a number of new features available in Voice mode (most of them
extensions of the Function mode in the original DX7). All of these features will he
discussed in detail in Sections 2 and 4 of this manual. For now, though, justfollow the
steps below, and play through all of the Voices available in the Internal and ROM
Cartridge memories.
Selecting the Internal VoiceMemories
*The1~32/33~64lightwillbeoff,indicatingthatvoices1~32arecurrentlyselectable.
Toselectvoices33~64,pressthe1~32/33~64button.
Thelightwillgoon,indicatingthatvoices33-64arecurrentlyselectable.
-10-

These are the Voice Memories
loaded into the DX when it is
shippedfrom the factory.
Since these memories
can be adjusted,
your DX'sInternal Memory
may contain different data.
If so, reload the InternalVoice
&Performance
datafrom Bank 1 of the
supplied ROM cartridge.
TheInternal Voice Memories
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Warm Stg A
MellowHorn
PickGuitar
Analog-X
FullTines
SuperBass
FMilters
Pluk
Ebonylvory
Whisper A
HarpStrum
TouchOrgan
Maribumba
Trumpet A
PianoBells
SongFlute
Phasers
Vibraphone
Ensemble
St.Elmo's
EchoMallet
ClaviStuff
MultiPerc
Trumpet B
MalletHorn
CongaDrum
StringBass
SteelCans
Koto
FM-Growth
Wire Strung
Shorgan
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
FingaPicka
ElectoComb
ClariSolo
PianoBrite
Choir
TempleGong
SkweekBass
Titeguitar
TapOrgan
PitchaPad
BellWahh A
EleCello A
PianoForte
SilvaTrmpt
Wallop A
Clavinette
Warm Stg B
KnockRoad
LateDown
HarpsiBox
Whisper B
SilvaBrass
Wallop B
BellWahh B
GuitarBox
HallOrchA
HarmoniumA
EleCello B
HallOrchB
HardRoads
Xylo-Brass
HarpsiWire
-11-

Selecting the Cartridge Voice Memories
TheLCDshouldshowthisdisplay,withthecursorblinkingonthearrow
nexttothewordBANK.Ifnot,pressbutton15untilthisdisplayappears.
*The1~32/33~64 lightwillbeoff, indicatingthatvoices1-32 arecurrently
selectable.Toselectvoices33~64,pressthe1~32/33~64 button.The
lightwillgoon,indicatingthatvoices33~64arecurrentlyselectable.
-12-

Bank 1 of the supplied
ROM cartridge contains the
Voice & Performance Memory
loaded into the DX's Internal
Memory when it is shipped
fromthefactory.
Bank 2 contains an entirely
different set ofVoice &
Performance data.
TheCartridgeVoiceMemories
Bank1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
WarmStgA
MellowHorn
PickGuitar
Analog-X
FullTines
SuperBass
FMilters
Pluk
EbonyIvory
WhisperA
HarpStrum
TouchOrgan
Maribumba
TrumpetA
PianoBells
SongFlute
Phasers
Vibraphone
Ensemble
St.Elmo's
EchoMallet
ClaviStuff
MultiPerc
TrumpetB
MalletHorn
CongaDrum
StringBass
SteelCans
Koto
FM-Growth
WireStrung
Shorgan
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
FingaPicka
ElectoComb
ClariSolo
PianoBrite
Choir
TempleGong
SkweekBass
Titeguitar
TapOrgan
PitchaPad
BellWahhA
EleCelloA
PianoForte
SilvaTrmpt
WallopA
Clavinette
WarmStgB
KnockRoad
LateDown
HarpsiBox
WhisperB
SilvaBrass
WallopB
BellWahhB
GuitarBox
HallOrchA
HarmoniumA
EleCelloB
HallOrchB
HardRoads
Xylo-Brass
HarpsiWire
Bank2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Clavecin
SmoohBass
PipeOrgan
ClaviPluck
RaspySax
MilkyWays
HardTines
Violins
TingVoice
LadyVox
Harmonica
SpitFlute
BopBass
GlastineA
HardBones
OctiLate
PuffPipes
BCSax
ClaviBrass
Swissnare
BriteOrgan
WhapSynth
Thunderon
PanFloot
Englishorn
NewOrchest
BCTrumpet
LeadaPicka
Handrum
Tuba
Plukatan
KoikeCycle
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
GlastineB
HardTrumps
Timpani
Piccolo
FrenchHorn
StonePhone
Whasers
Fifths
CongoClave
RubberGong
OwlBass
RubbaRoad
PizzReverb
PizzEcho
PuffOrgan
ElecBrass
SpaceVox
JazzBass
FCStrings
FCChoir
HarinoniumB
Bells
YesBunk
ElectroBak
MaleChoir
HardBass
LongGong
Science
Explosion
Celeste
HarmoSvnth
INITVOICE
-13-