Yamaha SY99 User manual

YAMAHA
MUSICSYNTHESIZER

FCCINFORMATION (U.S.A.)
1.IMPORTANTNOTICE:DO NOTMODIFYTHISUNIT!
Thisproduct, when installedasindicated in theinstructions containedin thismanual, meets FCCrequirements.Modifications not expresslyapproved by
Yamaha may voidyour authority, grantedby theFCC,touse the product.
2.IMPORTANT:When connecting thisproduct to accessoriesand/oranother product use onlyhigh quality shieldedcables.Cable/ssuppliedwith this
product MUST beused. Followallinstallationinstructions.Failuretofollow instructions couldvoid your FCCauthorization to use thisproduct in the
USA
3.NOTE:Thisproduct hasbeen testedand found tocomply with therequirements listedin FCCRegulations, Part 15for Class“B”digitaldevices.
Compliance with these requirements provides a reasonablelevelofassurancethat your use ofthis product in a residentialenvironment willnot resultin
harmful interference with other electronicdevices.Thisequipment generates/usesradio frequencies and, ifnot installedand used according to the
instructionsfound in the usersmanual, may causeinterferenceharmful totheoperation ofotherelectronicdevices.Compliancewith FCCregulationsdoes
not guarantee that interference will not occur in allinstallations. Ifthisproduct isfound to bethesourceofinterference, which canbedetermined by
turning the unit “OFF”and “ON”,pleasetry to eliminatetheproblemby using one ofthe following measures:
Relocateeitherthisproduct orthedevicethat isbeingaffected by the interference.
Utilizepower outlets that areon different branch (circuitbreakerorfuse) circuitsorinstallAC linefilter/s.
Inthecaseofradio orTVinterference, relocate/reorientthe antenna. Ifthe antenna lead-inis300ohm ribbon lead,change the lead-intoco-axialtype
cable.
Ifthese correctivemeasures do notproduce satisfactory results,pleasecontact thelocalretailerauthorized todistribute this type ofproduct Ifyou can
notlocatethe appropriate retailer,pleasecontactYamaha CorporationofAmerica,Electronic ServiceDivision,6600OrangethorpeAve,Buena Park,CA
90620
ThisappliesonlytoproductsdistributedbyYAMAHA CORPORATION OFAMERICA.
SUPPLEMENTAL MARKING INFORMATION
Yamaha DigitalMusical Instrument Products will have eithera labelsimilarto the graphic shown below ora
molded/stamped facsimileofthegraphic onitsenclosure.Theexplanationofthese graphics appears onthis page.
Pleaseobserve allcautions indicated.
Theexclamation point within an equilat-
eraltriangle isintendedtoalerttheuser to
the presence ofimportant operating and
maintenance (servicing)instructions inthe
literatureaccompanying the product.
Thelightning flash with arrowhead sym-
bol, within an equilateral triangle, is
intendedtoalertthe user to thepresenceof
uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within
theproduct's enclosurethat may be ofsuf-
ficient magnitude to constitute a riskof
electricshockto persons.
ThisappliesonlytoproductsdistributedbyYAMAHA CORPORATIONOFAMERICA.

WARNING: CHEMICAL CONTENT NOTICE!
Thesolderused in the manufacture ofthisproduct contains LEAD. Inaddition, the electrical/electronicand/orplastic (where applicable)
components may alsocontain tracesofchemicalsfound by the California Healthand Welfare Agency (andpossibly other entities)tocause
cancer and/or birth defects orotherreproductive harm.
DO NOT REMOVE ANY ENCLOSURE COMPONENTS! There areno user serviceableparts inside.All serviceshould beperformed by
aservicerepresentative authorized by Yamaha toperform suchservice.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE: Yamaha strives to produce products that are both user safe and environmentally “friendly”.We sincerely
believethat our products meet these goals.However,in keeping with both the spiritand theletter ofvarious statutes we have included the
messagesshown aboveand others in various locations inthis manual.
*Thisappliesonlyto productsdistributedbyYAMAHA CORPORATION OFAMERICA.
IMPORTANTNOTICEFOR
THEUNITEDKINGDOM
As the coloursofthe wires in the mains lead ofthis
apparatus may not correspond with the coloured
markings identifying the terminals in your plug proceed
asfollows:
Thewire which iscolouredBLUE must be connected to
the terminal which ismarked with the letter N or
colouredBLACK.
Thewire which iscolouredBROWN must be connected
tothe terminal which ismarked with the letterL or
colouredRED.
Making sure that neither coreisconnected to theearth
terminalofthethree pin plug.
Thisapplies only to products distributedbyYAMAHA-
KEMBLEMUSIC(U.K.)LTD.
ConnectingthePlugandCord
IMPORTANT: The wires in this mains leadare
colouredinaccordancewith the following code:
BLUE
BROWN
NEUTRAL
LIVE
CANADA
THISDIGITALAPPARATUS DOES NOTEXCEED THE
“CLASS B” LIMITSFORRADIO NOISE EMISSIONS
FROM DIGITALAPPARATUS SET OUTINTHE RADIO
INTERFERENCE REGULATION OF THE CANADIAN
DEPARTMENTOFCOMMUNICATIONS.
Thisappliesonly to products distributedbyYAMAHA
CANADA MUSICLTD.

SPECIAL MESSAGE SECTION
ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE (RFI):Your
Yamaha Digital Musical Instrument Product has been type
tested and found to comply with allapplicableregu-
lations. However, ifitisinstalled in the immediate
proximity ofotherelectronicdevices,someform ofinter-
ference may occur. Foradditional RFI information see
FCCInformation section locatedinthis manual.
IMPORTANTNOTICE:Thisproduct has been testedand
approved by independent safety testing laboratories in
orderthat you may be sure that when itisproperly
installedand used initsnormal and customary manner, all
foreseeableriskshave been eliminated. DO NOT modify
this unit or commissionothersto dosounlessspecifically
authorized by Yamaha. Product performance and/or safety
standards may be diminished. Claimsfiled under the
expressedwarranty may be deniediftheunit is/hasbeen
modified. Impliedwarranties may alsobe affected.
SPECIFICATIONSSUBJECTTOCHANGE: Theinfor-
mation containedinthis manual isbelievedtobe correctat
thetimeofprinting.Yamahareservestherighttochange
or modify specifications atany time without notice or
obligationtoupdate existingunits.
NOTICE:Servicechargesincurred due toa lack ofknowl-
edgerelating tohow a function oreffect works (when the
unit isoperating asdesigned),arenot coveredby themanu-
facturer's warranty. Pleasestudy this manual carefully
before requesting service.
NAMEPLATE LOCATION: The following graphic indi-
catesthe location ofthe Name Plateon your Yamaha
DigitalMusical Instrument. TheModel,SerialNumber,
Powerrequirements, etc.,areindicated onthis plate.
You shouldnote the model,serialnumber and the date of
purchase in the spaces provided below and retain this
manual asa permanent recordofyour purchase.
Model
SerialNo.
Purchase Date
STATIC ELECTRICITY CAUTION: Some Yamaha
Digital Musical Instrument products have modules that
plug intotheunit to perform various functions. Thecon-
tents ofa plug-inmodule can be altered/damaged by static
electricitydischarges.Staticelectricitybuild-ups aremore
likelyto occur during coldwinter months (orin areas
with very dry climates)when the natural humidity islow.
Toavoidpossibledamage totheplug-in module, touch any
metalobject(ametal desklamp, a doorknob, etc.)before
handling the module. Ifstatic electricity isa problemin
your area,you may want to have your carpettreated with a
substance that reducesstatic electricitybuild-up. Seeyour
localcarpet retailerfor professional advice that relatesto
your specific situation.
*Thisappliesonlyto productsdistributedbyYAMAHA CORPORATION OFAMERICA.

IMPORTANT
SAFETY AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
INFORMATIONRELATINGTOPOSSIBLEPERSONALINJURY,ELECTRICSHOCK,AND
FIREHAZARD POSSIBILITIESHASBEENINCLUDEDINTHISLIST.
WARNING — When using electronicproducts,basicpre-
cautions should always be followed, including the
following:
1.ReadallSafety andInstallation Instructions, Supple-
mental Marking andSpecialMessageSectiondata,and
any applicableassemblyinstructions BEFOREusing
this product.
2.Check unit weight specifications BEFORE you
attempt tomove thisproduct.
3.Main power supply verification. Yamaha Digital
Musical Instrument products are manufactured
specificallyfor usewith themain supply voltageused
intheareawhere they aretobe sold.Themain supply
voltagerequired by these products isprinted onthe
name plate.Forname platelocationpleaserefer tothe
graphic inthe SpecialMessagesection.Ifany doubt
exists pleasecontact the nearest Yamaha Digital
Musical Instrument retailer.
4.SomeYamaha Digital Musical Instrument products
utilize externalpower supplies oradapters.Do NOT
connectproducts ofthis type to any power supplyor
adapter other than the type describedintheowners
manual orasmarked ontheunit.
5.Thisproduct may be equippedwith a plughaving three
prongs ora polarizedline plug (onebladewider than
theother).Ifyou areunable toinsert theplug into the
outlet,contactan electriciantohave the obsoleteout-
letreplaced.Do NOT defeatthe safety purpose ofthe
plug. Yamaha products not having three prong or
polarized line plugs incorporateconstructionmethods
anddesignsthat donotrequire lineplug polarization.
6.WARNING — Do NOT place objects onthe power
cordorplacethe unit inaposition where any onecould
walk on,trip over,orrollanything overcordsofany
kind.An improperinstallationofthis type can create
the possibilityofa fire hazard and/or personalinjury.
7.Environment: Your Yamaha Digital MusicalInstru-
mentshouldbe installedaway from heat sourcessuch
asheatregisters and/or other products that produce
heat.
8.Ventilation:Thisproduct shouldbe installedor posi-
tionedina way that its placementorlocationdoesnot
interfere with proper ventilation.
9.Yamaha Digital Musical Instrument products are
frequently incorporated into “Systems” which are
assembledoncarts,stands,orinracks.Utilize only
thosecarts,stands,orracks that have been designed for
this purpose and observe allsafety precautions sup-
pliedwith the products. Pay specialattention tocau-
tions that relateto proper assembly, heavier units
being mountedatthelowerlevels,loadlimits, mov-
ing instructions, maximum usable height and
ventilation.
10.Yamaha DigitalMusical Instrument products, either
aloneorin combination with amplification, head-
phones,orspeakers,may be capableofproducing sound
levelsthat couldcause permanent hearing loss.Do
NOT operateathigh volumelevelsorata levelthat is
uncomfortable.Ifyou experienceany discomfort, ring-
ing intheears,orsuspectany hearing loss,you should
consultan audiologist.
11.Do NOT use this product near water orin wet
environments. Forexample,near a swimming pool,
spa,inthe rain,orina wetbasement.
12.Careshould be taken sothat objectsdo not fall, and
liquids arenot spilledinto the enclosure.
13.Yamaha Digital MusicalInstrument products should
be servicedby a qualified servicepersonwhen:
a.Thepower supply/power adaptercordorplug has been
damaged;or
b.Objectshave fallen,orliquidhas beenspilledinto the
product; or
c.Theunithasbeen exposedtorain;or
d.Theproduct doesnotoperate,exhibitsa marked change
inperformance; or
e.Theproduct has been dropped,orthe enclosureofthe
producthasbeendamaged.
14.When not inuse,always turn your Yamaha Digital
Musical Instrument equipment “OFF”.The power
supply cordshould be unplugged from the outlet
when the equipment isto be left unused for a long
period oftime.NOTE:In this case,someunits may
losesomeuserprogrammed data.Factoryprogrammed
memorieswillnotbe affected.
15.Electromagnetic Interference (RPI).Yamaha Digital
Musical Instruments utilize digital (high frequency
pulse)technologythat may adverselyaffect Radio/TV
reception.Pleaseread FCCInformation (insidefront
cover)for additionalinformation.
16.Do NOT attempt to servicethis product beyond that
describedinthe user maintenance sectionoftheowners
manual. Allother servicing should be referred to
qualified servicepersonnel.
PLEASE KEEP THISMANUAL
FORFUTUREREFERENCE!
*ThisappliesonlytoproductsdistributedbyYAMAHA CORPORATION OFAMERICA.

SY99 BASIC CONFIGURATION
TheSY99iscomposed ofa tone generator,a sequencer,and a keyboard. Thetone generator isalways ineitherVOICE
node orMULTImode. Thesequencerisalways ineitherSONG mode orPATTERN mode.
INTRODUCINGTHE SY99
HOWTOUSETHE SEQUENCER
HOWTOEDITA VOICE
REFERENCE SECTION
VOICE PLAY MODE
VOICE EDITMODE
MULTIPLAY MODE
MULTIEDITMODE
SONGMODE
PATTERN MODE
UTILITYMODE
APPENDIX

Thank you for purchasing the Yamaha SY99digital synthesizer. The SY99 represents a new generation of
Yamaha synthesizers featuring the new Realtime Convolution and Modulation (RCM) hybrid tone generation
system, which uses Advanced FM(AFM)tone generationand Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) tone genera-
tion inconjunction with realtime digitalfiltering.
TheSY99can function asup to 16independent synthesizerswith dynamically allocated voices, and includes
an on-board 16-track99-pattern sequencer which can containup to tensongs ata time. Italso features an en-
hanced effect system, zoned aftertouch, powerful master keyboard functions, a MIDI data recorder function, and
the abilitytoacceptMIDIsample dumps.
Totake full advantageofthe SY99 and enjoy longand trouble-free use, pleaseread this manual carefully.
How to usethis manual
Thismanual isdivided intothree sections; an introductory section, a reference
section,and an appendix.
Introductory section: Thissectioncontainsthe information you need to start
using your SY99 right away. (Ifyou arealreadyfamiliar with the SY77, an
earliermember ofthe Yamaha SY series,you may wish to read How the
SY99 differs from the SY77 onpage308.)
Introducing the SY99:Pleasebe sureto readthis section. Itwill tellyou
how to play thesounds, about the main features ofthe SY99, and about
basicoperation.
How to use the sequencer: Thisexplains how to use the built-in
sequencer to record your own songs, eachhaving asmany as 16parts,
with the SY99functioning asup to sixteenindependentinstruments.
How toedita voice:Read this when you want tomodify a voice orcreate
acompletelynew voice.
Reference section: Thissection contains a full explanation of allthe SY99's
functions. Once you have worked through the introductory section and are
comfortablewith basicoperation,glance through this section to getan idea
ofthe SY99's capabilities.Refer to the details when necessary.
Appendix:Thissectioncontainstechnical information that may be ofinterestto
advanced users orprogrammers.
Conventionsinthismanual
Inorderto present information asclearlyaspossible,the following conventions
are used inthis manual.
Thenames offront panel buttons and controls aresetin smallcapital type;
e.g.,press theEDITbutton.
Italicsareused mainly when referring to a sectioninthis manual; e.g.,for
detailsrefer to AFM element job 5. AFM sensitivity.
Mostofthe LCDsinthe SY99have a unique PageJump number towhich you
canjump by pressing JUMP and enteringthe number. Thesenumbers will be
prefixed bya “#” sign;e.g,JUMP #312.
Function names willbe capitalized when they first occur orwhen necessary
for emphasis, but will be uncapitalized insubsequent occurrences; e.g.,adjust
the LFOSpeed...after adjusting the LFO speed,...
Thebeginning ofeachtwo-page subsection inthe introductory section con-
tains a short abstract orsummary ofthe entire subsection, printed in bold
type.
Threeperiods between two numbers are used to indicate that a parameter
can be setto any value inthis range; e.g.,Velocity Sensitivity (-7...+7).
Sincesomeparameters canbe setto negative values, this avoids the possi-
bilityofconfusing a dashwith a minus sign.

PRECAUTIONS
Location
Avoidplacingthe SY99 indirectsunlight, orinlocationswhere itwill be subjectedto temperature extremes,
moisture, excessivedust, orheavy vibration.
Databackup
Itispossiblefor data ininternalmemory to be lostasa resultofinappropriateoperationorotherreasons.We
recommend that you keepbackups ofimportant voice,multi, system, sequencer,sample,MDR dataona floppy
disk ormemory card(MCD64).Itisalsopossiblefor thedata ina floppy diskormemory card to be lostasa
resultofstaticelectricity,magneticfields, orothercauses. Forvery important data itisalways a good ideato
make doublebackups.
MultiPlaymode
Ifmany multi-elementvoicesareplayedsimultaneouslywhen inMulti Playmode, notetimingmay sometimes
be slightlydelayed. Insuchcases,selectvoicesthat use fewer elements,orreduce thenumber ofnotes.
Backupbattery
TheSY99containsa backup battery which preservessettingssuchasfor voiceandmulti data when thepower
isturned off. Thelife ofthis batteryisapproximately5 years.However dependingonthe date ofpurchase, battery
lifemay be shorterthan this.
Ifthe backup battery runs low,a message“Change internal Battery!” will appear inthe displaywhen the
power isturned on.Ifthe backup battery runs down completely,the voiceand multi data willbe lost,sowhen this
displayappears,immediatelystoreyour data to a floppy diskormemory cardand contactthe dealerwhere you
purchased theSY99oryour nearby Yamaha servicecentertohave thebattery replaced.Again, when thebattery
isreplaced,allinternalvoicedata, multi data, and data containedinthe MDR/sample RAM area will be lost.Be
sureto savethe data to a floppy disk ormemory cardbefore having the battery replaced.
Third-partySoftware
Yamaha can not take any responsibility for software produced for this product by third-party manufacturers.
Pleasedirect any questions orcomments about suchsoftware tothe manufacturer or theiragents.

CONTENTS
INTRODUCTORY SECTION
3
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
33
34
36
38
INTRODUCING THE SY99.....................................
How to setup and play
............................................
How to loadand play thedisk demosongs...........
How torecord a song...............................................
About the SY99: RCM hybrid synthesis .............
About theSY99:AFM and AWM voices...........
About theSY99:pan, effects, andoutput.............
About the SY99:multi-timbral sequencing
..........
Frontpanel:left side..............................................
Front panel: right side ...........................................
Rear panel ..............................................................
How to move around: job directories....................
How tomove around: thejump function...............
How to enterdata..................................................
How to use the numeric key pad ..........................
HOW TOUSE THE SEQUENCER.......................
How the sequencercontrolsthetone
generator...........................................................
Setupamulti.........................................................
Createrhythm patterns and editthe pattern
track...................................................................
Realtimerecording.................................................
Punch-inrecording.................................................
Songediting...........................................................
Usinga songeditjob.............................................
Saving your sequence to disk...............................
HOW TO EDITA VOICE ......................................
What is
a voice? ....................................................
What isan AWM element?..................................
Thebasics of FM synthesis .................................
What isan AFM element?...................................
Theprocessofvoice editing.................................
How voice editmode isorganized........................
Simpleediting:reverb (Effect).............................
Simple
editing: tone (Filter) .................................
Simpleediting:vibrato (LFO)..............................
Simpleediting: using a controller.........................
Simpleediting: attack (EG)..................................
How to name andstoreyour new voice...............
How to edit a drum voice ......................................
How to createa splitand layeredvoice...............
40
42
44
46
48
51
52
54
56
58
60
62
64
66
68
70
72
74
76
78
REFERENCE SECTION
VOICE PLAY MODE...............................................
Voice
select ......................................................
Voice directory..................................................
Copy voice.........................................................
Controllerview .................................................
Sendbank selectand program change ............
Master control select.......................................
VOICE EDITMODE...............................................
Compare............................................................
Storevoice........................................................
Elementon/off...................................................
Element select..................................................
Voicemode select..................................................
Common data.........................................................
85
86
86
87
87
88
89
91
93
93
94
94
95
96
Common data
job directory ..............................
1.Elementlevel...............................................
2.Element detune............................................
3.Elementnote shift........................................
4.Elementnote limit........................................
5.Elementvelocity limit..................................
6.Elementdynamic pan..................................
6.0Dynamic pan edit.....................................
6.0.1Copy pan data........................................
6.1Pansource................................................
6.2PanEG.....................................................
6.3Panname..................................................
7. Output group select ....................................
8.Random pitch..............................................
9.Portamento.................................................
96
96
97
97
98
98
99
100
101
101
102
103
103
103
104
i

10.Effect set104
105
106
107
108
122
123
124
125
126
126
127
127
127
128
130
130
131
132
133
134
134
135
135
135
136
136
138
139
139
142
143
144
145
145
146
147
148
148
149
150
150
152
153
154
155
156
156
156
157
160
10.0.1Copy voice effect
10.1Effect mode select
10.2Effect send
10.3Effect 1 parameter
10.4Effect 2 parameter
10.5Effect control
11.Micro tuning set
11.0Microtuning edit
11.0.1Copy microtuning
11.1Micro tuning data
11.2Microtuning name
12.(F1)Controller set(Pitchbend)
12.(F2)Controller set(Aftertouch)
12.(F3)Controller set(Modulation)
12.(F4)Controller set(Pan)
12.(F5)Controller set(Other)
13.Voice name
15.Initialize voice
16.Recall voice,
AFM element data
AFM elementjob directory
Operator on/off
AFM algorithm
Copy element
Copy operator
1.(F1)AFM algorithm (Form),
1.(F2)AFM algorithm (External input)
1.(F3)AFM algorithm (Input level)
2.AFM oscillator.
3.(F1)AFM operator EG
(Each operator)
3.(F2)AFM operator EG
(All operators)
4.(Fl) AFM operator output (Each)
4.(F2)AFM operator output (All)
5.AFM sensitivity
6.(Fl)AFM LFO(Main)
6. (F2)AFM LFO(Sub)
7.(F1) AFM pitch EG (Switch)
7.(F2)AFM pitch EG (EGsettings)
8.AFM filter
8.0Copy filter
8.1Cutoff frequency
8.2Cutoff scaling
8.3Cutoff EG
15.Initialize AFM element
16.Recall voice
AWM element data
AWM element job directory
Copy element
2.AWM waveform set
2.0Waveform edit
ii
161
161
161
163
165
166
167
168
168
169
170
171
172
172
172
173
174
174
175
176
176
177
177
179
181
181
182
182
183
185
187
187
187
188
189
190
190
191
191
192
193
193
194
194
195
197
198
199
201
2.(F5)Initializewaveform
2.(F7)Waveform name
2.(F8)Sample assign
3. AWM EG
4.AWM output
5.AWM sensitivity
6.AWM LFO
7.(F1) AWM pitch EG (Data)
7.(F2)AWM pitchEG (EGsettings)
8.AWM filter.
15.Initialize AWM element
16.Recallvoice
Drum setdata
Drum setjob directory
1.Voice volume
2.Wave data set
3.Effect set
3.1Effect mode select
3.2Effect send
4.Controller set
5.Voice name
7.Initializevoice
8.Recall voice
MULTI PLAY MODE
Multi select
Multi directory
Copymulti
Sendbank selectand program change
Mastercontrol select,
MULTI EDITMODE
Compare
Storemulti
Multi editjob directory
1.Voice select
2.Voicevolume
3.Voicetuning
4.Voice note shift
5.Voicestaticpan
6.Voiceoutput group select
7.Effect set
7.1Effect mode select
7.2Effect send
8.Multi name
15.Initializemulti
16.RecallMulti
SONG MODE
Song mode (sequencer) and
Multi mode (tonegenerator)
How songmode isorganized
Songplay