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DIGITAL PROGRAMMABLE ALGORITHM SYNTHESIZER
Operating Manual
CONGRATULATIONS
Thank you for choosing the Yamaha DX9 Digital Programmable Algorithm Synthesizer.
The DX9 employs unique and sophisticated FM digital tone generation technology
combined with microcomputer control to permit creation of voices that are more "live"
than voices available with any other system available.
We urge you to read this owner's manual thoroughly to ensure proper operation and
maximum performance of the instrument.
Features
•The DX9 has a20-voice internal memory, while
external cassette tape can be used to store and
load other voices. The DX9 is provided with a
voice tape containing 120 pre-programmed voices.
•Extensive microcomputer programming control
makes it possible to edit existing voices to change
their character, or produce entirely new voices.
New voices can also be created "from scratch."
•Edited or new voices can be stored either in the
instrument's internal memory, or on an external
cassette tape, so sounds you create can be saved
for future use.
CONTENTS
PRECAUTIONS 1
DX9 OUTLINE 2
CONNECTIONS 4
PLAY MODE 5
FUNCTION MODE 6
FM TONE GENERATION 9
EDIT MODE 12
KEY TRANSPOSE 16
STORE /SAVE /LOAD 17
MIDI 21
LET'S ACTUALLY CREATE AVOICE 23
LFO BLOCKDIAGRAM 26
SPECIFICATIONS 27
VOICE DATA LIST 28
^
PRECAUTIONS
LOCATION
Avoid placing your synthesizer In direct sunlight or close to
asource of heat. It is also important to avoid locations in
which the instrument is likely to be subjected to vibration,
excessive dust, cold or moisture.
HANDLING
Avoid applying excessive force to the instruments's knobs
and switches.
POWER CORD
Always grip the power plug directly when unplugging.
Removing the power plug from the wall socket by pulling
on the power cord can result in damage to or shorting of
the power cord.
Be sure to unplug your synthesizer if you will not be using
it for an extended period of time.
RELOCATION
When moving the synthesizer once it has been set up, be sure
to disconnect all cords that connect to other equipment.
This will help prevent accidental damage to or shorting of
interconnection cables.
<I>
CONNECTION
Carefully follow the "CONNECTION" instructions given
in this manual when setting up your synthesizer.
Connection errors can lead to serious damage to the instru-
ment, amplifier, and speakers.
CLEANING
Do not use solvents such as benzine or thinner to clean
your synthesizer as these may cause discoloration or
staining of the instrument's exterior. Use asoft, dry cloth.
SAVE THIS MANUAL
After studying this manual thoroughly, it should be stored
in asafe place for future reference.
LIGHTNING
In the event of an electrical storm, the instrument's power
cord should be unplugged to eliminate the possibility of
serious damage.
OTHER APPLIANCES
Use your synthesizer where its digital circuitry cannot
be influenced by electromagnetic radiation from appliances
such as televisions, radios, etc.
^
DX9 OUTLINE
As stated in the feature summary on page 1,the DX9 can be used to play pre-programmed voices, pre-programmed
voices can be edited to alter their character, or completely new voices can be created from scratch. Newly created
voices can be memorized for future use,
To accomplish all this, the DX9 has four main operating modes:
•PLAY-MEMORY SELECT Mode
This Is the normal performance mode, and the mode in which pre-programmed voices can be selected.
•FUNCTION Mode
This mode permits setting parameters pertaining to the effect of the controllers (thumbwheel, breath controller)
and is also used for loading and saving data.
•EDIT Mode
This mode permits setting parameters that determine the character of the voices, and is used for editing existing
voices or creating entirely new voices.
•STORE Mode
Edited or newly created voices can be programmed into the memory in this mode.
All functions of the DX9 are performed in one of the above modes. Proper understanding of the functions of each
mode is the key to successful operation of and performance with the DX9.
I.Votume
Connector jacks
2. DATA ENTRY section
3. Mode Select key section
4. Display pane!
5. Voice/Parameter
Select key section
Power switch
7. Modulation wheel
6Pitch bend wheel
Headphone, breath controller connector jacks 8. Keyboard
1VOLUME
This controls the output level of the DX9 and at the same
time controls the volume of the headphones.
2DATA ENTRY
This combination of keys and linear control is used to enter
and modify data.
DATA ENTRY
MAX.
MIN. ^These keys are for increasing or
decreasing the values by 1,for
turning afunction on or off.
NO YES
-1 <1„i
This control is used for coarse value adjustment.
This slide controller covers the entire range for
each paranneter from minimum to maximum.
<2>
3MODE SELECT KEY
Selects four operating modes of the DX9 (PLAY, EDIT,
FUNCTION, STORE).
6PITCH BEND WHEEL
The pitch bend range is set in the FUNCTION mode. The
pitch bend wheel then permits upward and downward
pitch bend throughout the set range.
STORE FUNCTION
This key sets the
STORE mode.
This l<ey sets the
FUNCTION mode.
EDIT/
COMPARE MEMORY
SELECT
This l<ey sets the
EDIT mode.
"piiyr This key sets the
PLAY mode.
4DISPLAY PANEL
This Liquid Crystal Display panel displays the parameters
in each mode.
MEMORV SELECT
riPSTER TUNE PDJ
Preset voice number display
Display the current state of the system.
7MODULATION WHEEL
The modulation depth range is set in the FUNCTION mode.
The modulation wheel then permits variation of modu-
lation depth throughout the set range,
8KEYBOARD
The DX9 has a61-key keyboard with 16-voice polyphonic
capability (a monophonic mode is also selectable).
•CASSETTE INTERFACE
An inexpensive cassette recorder can be connected to the
cassette interface terminals, permitting saving and loading
voices to and from standard compact cassette tapes. The
DX9 is supplied with avoice cassette containing 120
voices in 6groups of 20 voices each.
"^^
5VOICE/PARAMETER SELECT KEY
These keys select the voices in the instrument's internal
memory. The same keys are also used to select parameters
in the FUNCTION or EDIT modes. One key can have a
maximum of four different functions.
The function of these keys is determined by the Mode
Select key.
Voice Parameter^
OPERATOR ON-OFF/EG COPY
MASTER
TUNE ADJ POLY/MONO /PITCH BEND MODE
/RANGE
ALGORITHM LFO
1234/FEEDBACK WAVE
12P456
TIME
PORTAMENTO
Voice Number Function Parameter
<3>
CONNECTIONS
•Setting Up and Applying Power
The DX9 does not have an internal power amplifier, therefore either headphones or an
external amplifier/speaker system are required. Ahigh-quality keyboard amplifier system
is recommended.
Hook up your DX9 as shown in the diagram below.
Connections For details concerning the
CASSETTE connectors
refer to page 18.
AC wall outlet
Foot switch
(portamento) Foot switch Foot controller Mixer
(sustain) (volume)
Headphones
(8 -150 ohms}
Breath controller
(BCD
Speaker system with
built-in amplifier
Music stand
Attach the music stand
as shown in the figure
•Turn POWER ON
The DX9 power switch is located to the right of the rear
panel (viewed from keyboard side). Turn the POWER
switch ON only after all connections to other equipment
(and to the AC supply) have been properly made. The
display pane! will appear as in the illustration below im-
mediately after power is switched on.
After afew seconds, the same mode that was engaged
before power was turned off is re-engaged. For example, if
the PLAY mode was previously engaged, the PLAY mode
will be re-engaged and the previously selected voice will be
ready for performance. The same applies to the EDIT and
FUNCTION modes.
+VflMflHR D;K9 +
*SVNTHESIZER +
<4>
PLAY MODE
•Playing the Internal Voices
The DX9 has 20 internal voices, any one of which can be
selected simply by pressing the |MEMORY SELECfl l<ey,
and then by pressing the appropriate Voice Select key.
Each Voice Select key has alarge numeral that corresponds
to the voice number at its ieft edge.
Select and play each voice to get afeel for the kind of
sounds that are available.
_] Press the Memory Select key,
V] set to the Play mode.
voice number
Display at the Play mode
MEMORV
MfiSTER SELECT
TUHE flDJ
Display shows the last parameter
at the Function mode.
•Set the desired VOLUME level
With power to the DX9 and your amplifier system ON,
gradually raise the volume control while playing anote on
the keyboard until the desired volume level is reached. Set
the volume control on your amplifier so the optimum
volume is attained with the DX9 volume control set at
about "8"
•Playing the External Voices
The voice data contained on the voice data cassette must be
loaded into the instrument before it can be played. Refer to
the "LOAD" section on page 19 for loading instructions.
When data entry is initiated while in the PLAY mode,
the parameter selected at the end of the FUNCTION
mode can be controlled.
Fine adjustment of volume while playing can be
achieved using an optional FC-3A foot controller
plugged into the VOLUME jack on the DX9 rear
panel. Remember that the DX9 and amplifier volume
controls should be set high enough that adequate
volume control range is available using the foot
controller.
<5>
FUNCTION MODE
•FUNCTION Mode .... Applying Effects
The FUNCTION mode permits tuning, pitcli bend, modu-
lation, and application of other effects while playing, as
well as voice data load/save operations.
Press the IFUNCTIONI key to enter the FUNCTION mode.
Setting controller range parameters, etc., is carried out
using the DATA ENTRY controls.
•Function parameters are memorized and maintained
even when power to the DX9 Is cut off. Unlike voice
data, however, function parameters cannot be saved In
internal or external memory.
OPERATOR ON-OFF/EG COPY ALGORI'
123 4 /FEEDB/
12345
MASTER
TUNE ADJ POLY/MONO PITCH BEND MODE
RANGE PORTAMENTO
OSCILLATOR EG
OPERATOR
SELECT FREQUENCY
COARSE FREQUENCY
FINE DETUNE/
SYNC RATE
11 12 13\ 14 15
RANGE PITCH AMPLITUDE EG BIAS RANGE
MODULATION WHEEL-
•MASTER TUNE
Function Parameter
MASTtR
TUNE ADJ
MASTER TUNE adjusts the overall tuning of the DX9 to
match Its pitch with other instruments. Pitch is variable
over a150 cent range. Press |MASTERT
U
NE] and then use
the linear DATA ENTRY control for tuning.
DATA ENTRY
Only the linear control in
the DATA ENTRY sec-
tion functions for
MASTER TUNE. Fine
adjustments using the +1
,
—1 keys is not possible.
-1 +1
POLY/MONO
POLY/MONO
Determines whether the DX9 will function in the poly-
phonic or monophonic mode. Press the DATA ENTRY
I—1 Ikey for polyphonic operation, and the I+1
1
key for
monophonic operation.
•The range of the portamento effect is different in the
polyphonic and monophonic modes. Refer to the
PORTAMENTO section below.
#PITCH BEND RAMGE
PITCH BEND
RANGE
The range of pitch bend can be set from to 12. range
is equivalent to no pitch bend. Asetting of 12 permits
pitch bend over a±1200 cent (2 octave) range. If the range
is set at 7, then pitch bend will be possible over a±700
cent range (i.e. plus or minus one fifth}.
Pitch bend wheel
Add pitch bend effects
PORTAMENTO
45
TIME
PORTAMENTO
The portamento effect varies according to whether the DX9
is in the polyphonic or monophonic mode.
MONOPHONIC MODE:
In this mode press the DATA ENTRY [TT] key to activate
"FINGERED PORTA". In this mode the legato effect Is
applied only when asecond note is played while aprevi-
ously played note is still held.
Press the DATA ENTRY pi] key to activate "FULL TIME
PORTA". In this mode portamento is always applied.
POLYPHONIC MODE:
In the polyphonic mode "FULL TIME PORTA" is always
activated.
TIME:
Adjusts the speed of the portamento effect from to 99.
Asetting results in no effect, while asetting of 99 pro-
duces the longest (slowest) portamento.
<6>
•The portamento effect can also be turned ON or OFF
using an optional FC-4 or FC-5 foot pedal once the
portamento function has been turned on in the "FULL
TIME PORTA" mode. Pressing the foot pedal turns the
effect ON. The effect is OFF when the foot pedal is
released.
The portamento effect cannot be turned ON or OFF
in the "FINGERED PORTA" mode.
•An FC-4 or FC-5 foot pedal can also be connected for
sustain pedal control, In the monophonic mode, akey
pressed while another key is held will take priority, and
the sustain effect will apply to the new key.
Releasing the pedal turns the sustain effect OFF.
•CASSETTE
•MODULATIONWHEEL /BREATH CONTROLLER
78910
SAVE /VERIFY LOAD LOAD SINGLE REMOTE
CASSETTE
These keys permit saving all 20 interna) memory voices to
an external cassette tape, or loading 20 voices or aspecified
single voice from an external cassette tape.
SAVE/VERIFY, LOAD, LOAD SINGLE, and REMOTE
keys are provided. Refer to the STORE/SAVE/LOAD
instructions on page 17.
SAVE/VERIFY:
The SAVE function saves all 20 voices in the internal
memory to an external cassette tape, while the VERIFY
function checks to make sure that all the voices were prop-
erly saved.
Pressing the |SAVE/VERIFY |key repeatedly alternates
between the "SAVE TO TAPE?" and "VERIFY TAPE?"
displays.
LOAD:
This key permits loading 20 voices at atime from an
external cassette tape into the internal memory.
LOAD SINGLE:
This key permits loading aspecified single voice from a
group of voices previously saved on acassette tape. The
number of the voice in the group from which the desired
voice wilt be loaded must be specified (1 —20).
REMOTE:
This key permits remote control of cassette recorders that
have aREMOTE terminal. Normally when the cassette
recorder's remote terminal is connected to the DX9, the
tape will not run until! either the LOAD or SAVE function
is initiated even if the Play or Record controls are engaged.
The REMOTE function makes it possible to start or stop
the tape to facilitate locating the beginning of voice groupes,
etc.
11 12 13 14
RANGE PITCH AMPLITUDE EG BIAS
MC«>ULATKDN WHEEL
15 16 17 18
RANGE PITCH AMPLITUDE EG BIAS
BREATH CONTROL
The modulation wheel or breath controller can be used to
control LEO modulation depth applied to pitch, amplitude
or envelope producing controllable tremolo or vibrato
effects while playing. Setting the RANGE, PITCH, AM-
PLITUDE and ENVELOPE GENERATOR BIAS para-
meters for each controller is basically the same process, so
we'll concentrate mainly on the MODULATION wheel.
Since LFO modulation is the effect in question, the voice
used must have non-zero set for PITCH and/or AMPLI-
TUDE MODULATION SENSITIVITY parameters in the
EDIT mode.
Refer to the MODULATION SENSITIVITY section on
page 13 for details.
1. MODULATIONWHEEL
To add modulation effects
RANGE:
Range can be set from to 99. No effect is produced with
asetting, and asetting of 99 produces maximum effect.
PITCH:
Determines whether LFO modulation Is applied to pitch.
Pitch is modulated if ON, and not modulated if OFF.
AMPLITUDE:
Determines whether LFO modulation is applied to ampli-
tude. Amplitude is modulated If ON, and not modulated
if OFF.
^
T
<7>
EG (ENVELOPE GENERATOR} BIAS:
When EG BIAS is ON, volume or brilliance (wow) variation
effects can be added with the controllers by varying the
level of each operator's envelope generator. MOD. SENSI-
TIVITY (AMPLITUDE) is used to set the sensitivity
(refer to page 13.)
Applying EG BIAS to amodulator results in brilliance
effects, while applied to acarrier it results in volume
variation effects. In some cases, if the carrier sensitivity
is maximum and the controller is set to its minimum, no
sound will be produced.
As for "modulator" and "carrier", refer to the FM TONE
GENERATION section on page 9.
2. BREATH CONTROL
The LFO modulation effect programmed can be controlled
using an optional BC1 breath controller. The effect is
controlled by blowing into the BCl mouthpiece. The
effect will not be audible unless breath Is applied to the
controller.
VOICE INIT (Voice Initialize):
This function sets up the basic voice data for creating new
voices. Press the lVOICE INITl key and the display panel
will read "VOICE INIT?" Press the |YES| key and the
DX9 will respond with "ARE YOU SURE?" Verify by
pressing the lYESi key second time. This sets up the basic
voice data and activates the DX9 EDIT mode.
•BATTERY CHECK
Abackup battery power supply is built into the DX9 so
that voice data will be maintained even when power to
the instrument is off. The state of the backup system can
be checked by pressing the IEDIT RECALL/VOICE INITl
key. The operational battery voltage range is from 2.2 volts
to 3.3 volts. If the backup battery voltage drops below 2.2
volts, replacement of the backup system is necessary. The
backup system consists of special batteries which can be
replaced only by aYamaha dealer. Contact your nearest
Yamaha dealer when replacement becomes necessary.
•MEMORY PROTECT
20
MEMORY
PROTECT
The DX9's internal MEMORY PROTECTION function will
prevent any accidental erasure of the internal voice data.
You will first have to turn the MEMORY PROTECT OFF
in order to STORE or LOAD the voice data. Also, do not
forget to turn the MEMORY PROTECT function back ON
after storing or loading operation.
(Please refer to page 17
)
•EDIT RECALL /VOICE INIT
Pressing this key alternately switches to EDIT RECALL
and VOICE INIT.
19
EOrr RECALL
/VOICE INIT
EDIT RECALL:
This function makes it possible to recall avoice that was
previously being edited or created.
If, for example, the PLAY mode is accidentally or pur-
posely entered while editing, the voice that was being
edited can be recalled with this function,
If the IEDIT RECALL |key is pressed, the display shows
"EDIT RECALL?". Pressing the DATA ENTRY [YES]
key then causes the "ARE YOU SURE?" display. Verify
by pressing the [YES Ikey again, and the voice previously
being edited will be restored.
<8>
FM TONE GENERATION
FM Tone Generation .... Understanding the Basics
The DX9 is an entirely new type of synthesizer employing
an entirely new FM digital tone generation system. This
unique Yamaha system permits finer control over subtle
musical nuances and vastly expanded voice creation poten-
tial compared to conventional synthesizers.
1. The Meaning of FM
FM stands for Frequency Modulation. FM radio broadcasts
use the same principle. One signal-the modulator-modu-
lates asecond signal—the carrier.
In FM radio the carrier is an extremely high "ratio" fre-
quency and the modulator is the music signal to be braod-
cast. In effect, the carrier "carries" the modulator signal
through the atmosphere to your receiving antenna.
FM broadcasting
Carrier wave
Sound signal
(signal to be modulated)
(modulator signal)
Extremely high carrier/
FM signal (modulated signal) modulator frequency
ratio. The "density" of
the transmitted carrier
waveform varies accord-
ing to the modulating
signal.
~r
2. FM Tone Generation In the DX9
In the DX9, the carrier signal determines the pitch of the
note produced and modulator determines the shape of the
waveform produced and therefore its timbre. This explana-
tion may make it look like the carrier and modulator are
two entirely separate things. In fact, they are one and the
same. Aspecial oscillator unit called an "operator" can be
used as either acarrier or modulator in the DX9.
Pitch
frequency data
Operator
ata II
Modulation data\Y
osc AMP -m!)—^
EG
Output
The frequency data and
modulation data are
combined here
Envelope data
Loose wave Dense wave
1
)
Pitch Frequency Data
Pitch frequency data from the DX9's microcomputer sys-
tem determines the operator's oscillation frequency. When
the operator is used as acarrier, this frequency is equivalent
to the pitch of the note produced. When the operator is
being used as amodulator, the ratio of its frequency to that
of the carrier determines the timbre of the note produced.
2) Modulation Data
This is the modulation data received from the previous
operator's (modulator) output.
The FM tone generator system is similar in principle, but in
this case both the carrier and modulator are audible signals,
and their frequencies can be almost equal.
FM tone generation
Carrier
(sound to be modulated)
Modulator
(modulator signal)
FM sound (modulated sound)
Close carrier/modulator
frequency ratio results
In FM sound.
3) Envelope Data
When the operator Is used as acarrier the envelope data de-
termines the volume envelope of the note produced. When
the operator is used as amodulator the envelope data de-
termines the timbre envelope of the note produced.
For example, the pitch frequency data applied to an oper-
ator used as acarrier determines the frequency of the sine
wave output from the operator. Inputting envelope data
results in an output waveform similar to that shown in the
figure.
Numerical
value —M^
Operator Wmj Sine wave
J—
^
+
,
PITCH
^*-
—OSC —
^
AMP
,i
MOD.c EG
/"^ Envelope data
^
<9>