Yamaha DX7SE User Manual

YAMAHA

DIGITAL PROGRAMMABLE ALGORITHM SYNTHESIZER

OWNER’S MANUAL

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Welcome

Welcome to the DX7s, the newest member of the growing family of FM digital
synthesizers from Yamaha. Using the industry-standard DX7 as its starting point, the
DX7s offers a number of important new features, such as improved sound quality,
additional FM features, new performance options, and improved controls.

Since there is so much material available on the DX7 family of synthesizers (and on the
theory of FM digital synthesis), this manual will not be an FM tutorial. Instead, it has
been designed to be a “users manual” in the truest sense — its goal is to help you make
music with your new DX7s as quickly as possible.

If you are already familiar with the operation of the original DX7, this manual will help
you make the transition to the DX7s in short order. On the other hand, if this is your first
FM digital instrument, this manual will guide you into the operation of your new
synthesizer with easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions and explanations.

After you are comfortable with the operation of your new synthesizer, you may want to
explore the fascinating world of FM digital voicing. If so, consult the extensive list of
reference works on FM synthesis listed in the bibliography at the back of this manual.

Tips

The DX7s has been designed for years of trouhle-free use. In order to ensure that it
remains a healthy member of your family

following tips in mind:

of

musical instruments, please keep the

Installation:

When setting up the DX7s in your home or studio, avoid exposure to direct sunlight or
other sources of heat. Environments with excessive dust, cold, dampness, or vibration can
also damage your instrument. Even though the DX7s is electronic, you should treat it with
the same kind of care you would lavish on any other musical instrument.

Also, since the DX7s is electronic, you should make sure not to set it too close to
equipment (such as a 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.

Handling:

The DX7s is sturdy, but it can do without rough handling. Don’t subject it to sudden jolts
(such as dropping it), as this can damage the internal circuitry. If you plan to travel with it,
be sure to use a road case. Also, make sure not to apply excessive force to any of the keys,
buttons, or other controls.

Cleaning:

To clean or dust your DX7s, 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 & Other Equipment:

When you are using the DX7s with an amplifier or mixer that has unbalanced outputs,
connect both units to the same AC outlet to avoid hum.

If you use a number of electronic instruments in your setup, you may want to consult an
electrician, who can make sure that your system does not overtax the available power.

AC Power & Down Time:

Whenever the DX7s will not be used for an extended period of time, it is best to protect it
from potential disaster. Electrical storms and other natural or man-made disasters can give
rise to power surges, which may damage the digital circuitry of your DX7s — even if the
power is turned off. Either unplug your instrument when not in use, or invest in power
strips with surge protectors to safeguard all of your electronic equipment.

Service & Your Warranty:

The DX7s contains no user-serviceable parts. Opening it up or tampering with it in any
way will void the warranty, and may also lead you to experience some nasty electrical
shocks. If you have a problem with your instrument, please take it to an authorized

Yamaha service center.

Modifications & Your Warranty:

Unless you are assured to the contrary in writing, you should assume that any

modifications made to your DX7s will void the original product warranty. Therefore, you

should make sure that you receive a warranty (or some other kind of guarantee) from the

person or company that is responsible for the modification.

Contents

1

Section 1: Playing the DX7s

3

Getting Started

6

Setting the ROM Cartridge Banks

8

Exploring the DX7s Performance Library

12

Exploring the DX7s Voice Library

16

The Play Modes

17

Using Controllers with the DX7s

19

Section 2: Creating and Storing New Sounds

Creating New Sounds

21
26

Saving New Sounds

29

Section 3: Using the New Performance Features

Performance Edit Buttons

31
33 Basic Performance Parameters
36 Performance Controllers
38

Micro Tuning

41

Section 4: Using the New Voice Features

43

Voice Edit Buttons

52

Basic Voice Editing Functions

53

New Voice Parameters

55

Voice Controllers

57

Fractional Scaling

59

Section 5: Memory

61

Utility Buttons

64

Memory Layout
66 Memory Storage Types
68

Basic Utility Functions

69

Cartridge Memory Functions

71

Section 6: MIDI

73

MIDI Buttons

75

System Setup

77

MIDI System Exclusives
Immediate MIDI Program Change Out

78

79

Appendices

80

Appendix 1:

81

Appendix 2: Bibliography

82

MIDI Implementation Chart

83

Blank Data Chart

Functions

Functions

Supplemental

Information

Playing the DX7s

-1-

Contents

3

Getting Started

3

Making Audio Connections

4

Turning on the DX7s
Setting the Volume Slider

5

Setting the ROM Cartridge Banks

6

Inserting the ROM Cartridge

6

Selecting the ROM Banks

7

Exploring the DX7s Performance Library

8

Selecting the Internal Performance Memories

8

The Internal Performance Memories

9

Selecting the Cartridge Performance Memories

10

The Cartridge Performance Memories

11

Exploring the DX7s Voice Library

12

Selecting the Internal Voice Memories

12

The Internal Voice Memories

13

Selecting the Cartridge Voice Memories

14

The Cartridge Voice Memories

15

The Play Modes

16

Voice Mode and Performance Mode

16

Using the 1 ~ 32/33 ~ 64 Button

16

Using the Poly/Mono Button

16

Using the Key Shift Button

16

Using Controllers with the DX7s

17

Pitch Bend Wheel

17

Modulation Wheel

17
17

After Touch

17

Breath Controller
Foot Controllers 1 and 2

18

Footswitches 1 and 2

18

Continuous Sliders 1 and 2

18

-2-

Getting

Started

Connecting the DX7s

to a single input

amplifier.

You can begin to enjoy your DX7s immediately, without poring through a lot of
complicated electronic theory. All you have to do is take the instrument out of the box and

proceed as follows:

Making Audio Connections

There are three different ways to connect the DX7s to sound reinforcement equipment.
The one you choose will depend on your situation:

you

1. If

have a monophonic (single input) amplifier such as a guitar amp, connect the

DX's output to the amp’s input (using a standard ¼” cable).

Using stereo headphones

with the DX7s.

2. If you are using a multi-channel mixer, connect the DX’s back-panel audio output to
one of your mixer’s inputs (using a ¼” cable).

3. If you are using a set of standard stereo headphones, plug them into the DX’s Phones

output.

-3-

The DX’s “welcome” display.

Turning on the DX7s

After you have made the audio connection of your choice, turn the DX7s on by pressing
the power switch located on the right side of the back panel. This is the first display you

will see on the main panel:

After a few seconds, this display will be replaced by the last Play Mode display selected
before the DX7s was turned off:

The DX’s next

initial display.

The LED’s will now display the voice or

performance number that was displayed

when the DX was turned off.

The LCD will now show the voice or

performance name which corresponds to

the number in the LED.

-4-

Volume Slider

Setting the Volume Slider

Since the volumes of the various voices differ, start with a setting in the middle of the
slider’s range; adjust later to suit your taste, depending on the voice or voices being
played.

-5-

Setting the

ROM Cartridge

Banks

The ROM Cartridge supplied with your DX7s actually contains several sets of data —
called “banks.” These banks can be selected from the front panel. In order to hear all of
the Voice and Performance data, you will need to set the Voice/Performance bank to 2.
Also, certain voices in the DX7s are created using the new fractional scaling feature.
These scalings are stored in bank 3 of the ROM cartridge, so the Fractional Scaling Bank
will need to be set to bank 3. Look at the diagram on the next page and make the
necessary changes before you begin playing.

Inserting the ROM Cartridge

Before you begin to play your DX7s, insert the supplied ROM cartridge into the cartridge
slot:

-6-

Selecting the ROM Banks

This is the Set Bank LCD display

with Bank 2 of the ROM cartridge

selected for Voice & Performance data.

This is the Set Bank LCD display
with Bank 3 of the ROM cartridge

selected for Fractional Scaling data.

-7-

Exploring

the DX7s

Performance

Library

The Performance Mode is a completely new feature for the DX7s. It allows a number of
useful performance-oriented features to be stored and recalled instantly. These features
will be explained in detail in Sections 2 and
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 Internal Performance Memories

3

of this manual. For now, though, just follow

-8-

The LCD display will show

the number and name of

the selected Performance

memory.

The Internal Performance Memories

These are the

Performance Memories

loaded into the DX7s when it is

shipped from the factory.

Since these memories

can be adjusted,

your DX’s Internal Memory

may contain different data.

If so, reload the Internal Voice

& Performance

data from bank 4 of the

supplied ROM cartridge

(see page 70).

Performance

Name

1

SolidStrg

2

Strings

3

GrandOrch

4

Cello

5

LittleStrg

6

ReverbBras

7

BrightBras

8

MildBrass

9

W.Leed

10

SoftFlute

11

PanPipes

12

BlowSax

13

BluesHarp

14 Harp
15 PianoBrite
16 MildPiano
17 Mellow EP

18 Attack EP
19 Crystal EP
20 DX Clavi 1
21 DX Clavi 2
22 Clavicord
23 Harpsicord
24 WireString
25 GreatPipes
26 RotaryOrg
27 ConsoleOrg
28 MagicOrgan
29 SoftOrgan

30 SchoolOrg
31 AngelVoice

32 LadyVox

No.

Voice

12

INT

13

INT

15

INT

16

INT

19

INT

3

INT

8

INT

10

INT

20

INT

23

INT

26

INT

26

INT

29

INT
INT 30 Harp
INT 32 PianoBrite

INT 34 Piano 2
INT 36 RubbaRoad

INT 37 HardRoads
INT 38 FullTines
INT 39 ClaviStuff

INT 40 Clavi
INT 41 Clavecin

INT 45 HarpsiWire

INT 46 WireStrg A
INT 57 APuffOrgan2
INT 50 TapOrgan

INT 51 BriteOrgan
INT 52 MagicOrgan

INT 53 SoftOrgan
INT 58 Harmonium1
INT 60 Whisper A

INT 62 LadyVox

Voice

Name

HallOrch
NewOrchest
LiveStrg
BowedBass
Violins
ReverbBras
SilvaTrmpt
FrenchHorn
Bassoon
Flute
PanFloot
PanFloot
Harmonica

-9-

Selecting the Cartridge Performance Memories

The LCD display will show

the number and name of

the selected Performance

memory.

-10-

The Cartridge Performance Memories

Bank 4 of the supplied

ROM cartridge contains the

Voice & Performance Memory

loaded into the DXs Internal

Memory when it is shipped

from the factory.

Bank 2 contains an entirely

different set of Voice &

Performance data.

Performance

Name

1 SuperBass
2 WoodBass

3 TackBass

4 FazzBass

5 PickGuitar

6 FolkGuitar
7 ClipGuitar
8 ChoGuitar

9 HitPad 1

10 HitPad 2
11 HitPad 3
12 AfroConga
13 Woodblock

14 Vibraphone
15 Celeste CRT 22 Celeste
16 GrandBells
17 MultiDrums
18 Tomtom

19 MalletBras
20 ClaviBrass

21 Ensemble
22 WarmBrass

23 Synclaria
24 PianoBells
25 St.Elmo's

26 OctiLate
27 EthnicBass
28 Wallop

29 Explosion
30 Thunderon
31 Laboratory
32 Motorcycle

Voice

No.

CRT 1 SuperBass

CRT 2 StringBass
CRT 3 SkweekBass

CRT 6 OwlBass
CRT 9 GuitarBox
CRT 10 PickGuitar
CRT 13 YesBunk
CRT 14 12 Strings
CRT 17 Maribumba
CRT 19 Nu Marimba
CRT 20 StonePhone
CRT 25 CongaDrum
CRT 29 Claves
CRT 21 VibraPhone

CRT 30 Bells

CRT 23 Swissnare
CRT 24 Tom C4
CRT 37 MalletHorn

CRT 42 ClaviBrass
CRT 36 Ensemble
CRT 46 ElecBrass
CRT 40 ClariSolo
CRT 49 PianoBells

CRT 50 St.Elmo's
CRT 55 OctiLate

CRT 52 Pluk

CRT 60 Wallop

CRT 61 Explosion

CRT 63 Thunderon

CRT 64 Science

CRT 62 KoikeCycle

Voice

Name

-11-

Exploring

the DX7s

Voice

Library

The voices in the DX7s were created using techniques like those used on the original

DX7. There are a number of new features available in Voice Mode (most

extensions

discussed in detail in Sections 2 and 4

steps below: and play through all of the voices available in the Internal and ROM
Cartridge memories.

Selecting the Internal Voice Memories

of the Function Mode in the original DX7). All of these features will he

of this manual. For now, though, just follow the

of

them

-12-

The LCD display will show
the number and name of
the selected Voice memory.

The Internal Voice Memories

These are the Voice Memories

loaded into the DX7s when it is

shipped from the factory.

Since these memories

can be adjusted,

your DX’s Internal Memory

may contain different data.

If so, reload the Internal Voice

& Performance

data from bank 1 of the

supplied ROM cartridge

(see page 70).

1 MellowHorn
2 SilvaBrass
3 ReverbBras35 KnockRoad

4 Tuba

5 Trombone
6 HardTrumps

7 Trumpet A

8 SilvaTrmpt

9 BC Trumpet

10 FrenchHorn
11 Strings

12 HallOrch
13 NewOrchest

14 Analog-Str
15 LiveStrg
16 BowedBass
17 EleCello A

18 EleCello B

19 Violins
20 Bassoon
21 Clarinet
22 Oboe

23 Flute

24 SongFlute
25 SpitFlute

26 PanFloot

27 Piccolo

28 Sax

29 Harmonica

30 Harp

31 EbonyIvory

32 PianoBrite

33 Piano 1

34 Piano 2
36 RubbaRoad

37 HardRoads
38 FullTines
39 ClaviStuff
40 Clavi

41 Clavecin
42 ClaviPluck
43 NasalClav
44 HarpsiBox
45 HarpsiWire
46 WireStrg A

47 WireStrg B
48 TouchOrgan
49 ShOrgan

50 TapOrgan
51 BriteOrgan
52 MajicOrgan

53 SoftOrgan
54 PipeOrgan

55 PuffOrgan1
56 PuffPipes
57 PuffOrgan2

58 Harmonium1
59 Harmonium2
60 Whisper A
61 Choir

62 LadyVox
63 MaleChoir
64 Whisper B

-13-

Selecting the Cartridge Voice Memories

As explained on page 6, the DX7s ROM cartridge contains several banks. To hear the
cartridge voices, make sure that the Voice/Performance bank is set to bank 2 of the ROM
cartridge (see page 7 for instructions on how to change the cartridge banks).

-14-

The LCD display will show

the number and name of

the selected Voice memory.

The Cartridge Voice Memories

Bank 4 of the supplied

ROM cartridge contains the

Voice & Performance Memory

loaded into the DX’s Internal

Memory when it is shipped

from the factory.

Bank 2 contains an entirely

different set of Voice &

Performance data.

1

SuperBass

2

StringBass

3

SkweekBass 35

SmoothBass

4
5BopBass
6

OwlBass
7JazzBass 39
8HardBass
9GuitarBox

10

PickGuitar 42ClaviBrass

11

FingaPicka

12

LeadaPicka

13

YesBunk

14

12 Strings

Classipika

15
16

Shami

Maribumba

17

18

DX Marimba

19

Nu Marimba

20

StonePhone 52 Pluk

21

VibraPhone

22

Celeste

Swissnare

23

24Tom C4 56
25

CongaDrum

26

Tub Bells

27

Gong

28

Timpani

29

Claves
Bells

30

StellCans

31

32

Handrum

33

Analog-X

34

Phasers

36

MalletHorn

37
38

FM-Growth
ElectoComb

40

ClariSolo

41

43WhapSynth

44

Whasers
45Fifths
46ElecBrass

ElectroBak

47

48

HarmoSynth

49

PianoBells

50

51

MilkyWays

TingVoice

53

Plukatan

54

OctiLate

55

LateDown

Glastine A

57

BellWahh

58
59

RubberGong

Wallop

60

Explosion

61
62

KoikeCycle
63

Thunderon
64

Science

FMilters
Ensemble

PitchaPad

St. Elmo's

- 15 -

The Play Modes

Now that you have an idea of some
a closer look at how the various Play Modes operate. Read on:

Voice Mode and Performance Mode

The DX7s has two different play modes: Voice Mode and Performance Mode. As you
have just seen, the Voice Mode is where you recall the 64 Internal Voice memories and
the 64 Cartridge Voice memories. Press Voice and use the 1 ~ 32/33 ~ 64 button and the
program number buttons to select specific voices. There are 32 Performance memories
that you can access by pressing Performance and the program number buttons. When you
are in Performance Mode, the light over the Performance button will be lit. When you
choose a Performance, features such as Micro Tune and Key Shift are added to the voice.

Using the 1 ~ 32/33 ~ 64 Button

The light above the 1 ~ 32/33 ~ 64 button tells you which set of voices can be selected. If
the light is off, voices 1 ~ 32 can be selected using the number buttons; if the light is lit,
voices 33 ~ 64 can be selected using the number buttons.

Using the Poly/Mono Button

The light above the Poly/Mono tells you which Key Mode is currently active in Play
Mode. If the light is off, the Key Mode is polyphonic; if the light is lit, the Key Mode is
monophonic. Key Modes will be explained further in Section 4.

of

the sound possibilities

of

the DX7s, it is time to take

Using the Key Shift Button

The Key Shift button determines whether the key shift programmed in Performance Mode
will be applied when you recall the Performance. If the light above Key Shift is off, no
key shift will be applied; if the light is lit, the preprogrammed key shift is applied.

- 16 -

Using

perform one of a number of different effects. The settings for these controllers can be

Controllers

with the DX7s

The Pitch Bend Wheel is located to the far left of the keyboard. To get an idea of some of
the effects possible with the Pitch Bend Wheel, use it with Internal Performance #1 or
Internal Performance #31. Move the Wheel both quickly and slowly as you play.

Modulation Wheel

The Modulation Wheel is located to the near left of the keyboard (to the right of the Pitch
Bend Wheel). For a taste of the possibilities of the Modulation Wheel, try it with Internal
Performance #6 or Internal Performance #13.

After Touch

The DX7s is designed to operate with many controllers, each of which can be set to
different for each Voice memory or Performance memory. To begin your exploration of

the expanded musical possibilities available with controllers on the DX7s, try the
examples listed below. Many of you may already be familiar with the operation of the
these controller’s; for those who are not, each section below begins with instructions on
how to locate or attach the controller in question.

Pitch Bend Wheel

After Touch is a keyboard feature that gives you extra control over a voice. It is engaged
by pushing down on the keys after they have already been depressed. To try some of the
effects available with After Touch, call up Cartridge Performance #4 or Cartridge
Performance #5 (from bank 2 of the ROM). After you have played a group of keys, press
them down into the key bed and listen to the result.

Breath Controller

The Breath Controller plugs into the mini-jack to the left of the Phones plug on the front
of the DX7s. It allows you a great deal of expressive control over the shape of the sounds
you play on the keyboard. Try using the Breath Controller in conjunction with Internal

Voice #9. With this voice, you will notice that playing on the keyboard by itself produces
no sound. In order to hear the voices, you must hold down keys and blow into the Breath
Controller.

- 17 -

Foot Controllers 1 and 2

The Foot Controllers plug into the two Foot Controller plugs on the back panel of the
DX7s. They can give you continuous control over a number of aspects of the sounds. Try
using Foot Controller 1 with Cartridge Performance #25 or Internal Performance #12
(from bank 2 of the ROM). Foot Controller 2 is most often used as a volume pedal, but
other effects are possible.

Footswitches 1 and 2

The Footswitches plug into the two Footswitch plugs on the back panel of the DX7s.
Footswitch 1 acts much like a sustain pedal on a piano. Try it with Internal Performance

#19 or Cartridge Performance #5 to get an idea of the different effects that are possible.

Footswitch 2 can be used to engage a number of effects, including that of the soft pedal on
a piano. Try it in conjunction with Internal Performance #4 or Cartridge Performance #8
(from bank 2 of the ROM).

Continuous Sliders 1 and 2

The Continuous Sliders are located to the right of the Volume Slider on the left side of the
DX’s front panel. They can be programmed to give you control over many aspects of the
timbre of the sounds, and can even be used to alter parameters of a voice in real time. Try
using Continuous Slider 1 with Internal Performance #8 or Cartridge Performance #3.

Then listen to the effect that Continuous Slider 2 has on Internal Performance #3 or

Cartridge Performance #24.

- 18 -

Creating and Storing

New Sounds

- 19 -

Contents

Creating New Sounds

21

21

Editing and Edit Mode
Entering Edit Mode

22

Editing Performance and Voice Data

23

Using the Cursor Buttons and the Data Entry Buttons/Slider

23
23

Edit/Compare
Edit Button Quick Reference Guide

24

Saving New Sounds

26

Memory Protection

26

Turning Memory Protect Off

26

Voice and Performance Memory

26

Storing Performance Data to Internal or Cartridge Memory

27

Storing Voice Data to Internal or Cartridge Memory

27

- 20 -

Creating

New Sounds

The Voices and Performance setups in the DX7s are stored as digital information in a
computer-like memory. And, like computer memory, the memory
altered
they do in electronic organs), but rather as streams
(edited) to create new Voice and Performance setups. To find out how this works, read on.

Editing and Edit Mode

Editing is the process of changing various settings of a Voice or Performance memory. In
the DX7s, this is accomplished in Edit Mode. Usually, you will use Edit Mode to create a
new Voice or Performance setup, but you can also use it to find out the parameter values
for the factory preset Voices and Performance setups.

Most of the buttons on the DX’s front panel have multiple functions. You can see this by
looking at the way the buttons are labeled on the front panel. For example, the +1 button
also functions as YES and ON. In most cases, the buttons will have different functions in
different operating modes.

The 32 number buttons are no exception: In the Play Modes, they are used to call up

various Voice and Performance memories; but, in the Edit Modes, they are used to access
the various parameter values that make up a sound.

Normally, when you enter the voice play mode (by pressing the voice button), the
performance parameters will automatically be initialized. If you then go into the
performance play mode (by pressing the performance button) the LCD display will show
you this by displaying “INIT PERF”.

of

the DX7s can be

for

different uses. In other words, voices do not exist as unchangeable presets (as

of

data. This data can be changed

Notice that the number in the LED changes to show which memory number you began
editing. When you switch between a voice parameter and a performance parameter, the
LED will show the corresponding number.

- 21 -

In the Edit Mode, you can edit

both Voice and Performance

parameters.

Entering Edit Mode

In the above procedure, the Edit Mode is entered after the Edit button is pressed in step

#1. At that time, you can push any or all of the buttons indicated as many times as

necessary to make the desired edits.
There is a distinction between editing Performance parameters and editing Voice

parameters that you may want to be aware of. In certain cases, (such as using compare)
you may not retain all your edits. It is a good idea to edit Performance and Voice data
separately (more on this later).

- 22 -

The cursor buttons

and the data entry

slider/buttons.

Editing Performance and Voice Data

After entering one of the Edit Modes, use the number buttons to access the parameter
whose value you wish to change. Each number button calls up a variety of parameters,
often through the use of multiple LCD screen displays. A complete set of these screen
displays will be given at the beginning of Section 3 (for Performance parameters) and
Section 4 (for Voice parameters). In most cases, each LCD display gives you access to a
number of parameters.

Using the Cursor Buttons and the Data Entry Buttons/Slider

In some cases, you will need to use these buttons to position the LCD cursor
next to the parameter you wish to edit.

Once you have selected the parameter

to edit (using the cursor buttons),

use the data entry slider or the
+1/-1 buttons to change the value of the
selected parameter.

The new values will appear in the

bottom row of the LCD,
and you will hear the effect
of these new values when you
play the keyboard.

The Edit/Compare

LED display.

Edit/Compare

Once you have started to edit a voice, you can compare your new sound to the original by
pressing the Edit/Compare button:

You may use the compare feature for Voice data, Performance data, or Micro Tune data. It
is best not to use compare when you are simultaneously editing more than one type of
data. For example, if you are editing Voice data, and then start editing Performance data,
using compare may cause Voice data to revert to the original.

- 23 -

Voice parameters

are discussed in

more detail

in Section 4.

Voice parameters

are discussed in

more detail

in Section 4.

Edit Button Quick Reference Guide

-

24

-

Performance parameters

are discussed in

more detail

in Section 3.

Utility parameters

are discussed in

more detail

in Section 5.

MIDI parameters

are

discussed in

more detail

in Section 6.

-25 -

Saving

New Sounds

want to save your new data in one of the DX’s memory locations. Voice memories and
Performance setups can be saved either to the Internal Memory or to a RAM Cartridge
Memory. To do so, proceed as follows:

Memory Protection

Each time the DX7s is turned on, it automatically powers up with both the Internal and
the Cartridge Memory Protect feature turned on. Before you can save data, you must turn
off this automatic memory protection.

Turning Memory Protect Off

Once you have altered a particular Voice or Performance memory to your liking, you will

Voice and Performance Memory

If you have edited both Performance data and Voice data, be sure to save the Voice data to
a Voice memory and a Performance data to a Performance memory. Both will need to be
saved independently.

-

26

-

Storing Performance Data to Internal or Cartridge Memory

Storing Voice Data to Internal or Cartridge Memory

- 27

-

-

28

-

Using the New

Performance Features

-

29

-

Contents

Performance Edit Buttons

31

Button 27 LCD Displays

31

Button 28 LCD Displays

31

Button 29 LCD Displays

32

Basic Performance Parameters

33

Total Volume

33

Key Shift

33

EG Forced Damp

34

Performance Name

35

Voice Number

35

Performance Controllers

36

Sustain Footswitch (FS 1)

36

Footswitch 2 (FS 2)

36

Continuous Sliders

37

FM Parameters Assignable to CS1 and

37

Micro Tuning

38

Selecting a Micro Tuning

38

The Micro Tuning Presets

38

Micro Tuning Editing and Storage

38

CS2

- 30 -

Performance

Edit Buttons

All of the Performance Mode parameters are adjusted via the LCD displays called up

using buttons 27 ~ 29. All of the these buttons call up multiple LCD displays. The charts

below show all of the displays called up by each button, and provide a complete list of

parameters and value ranges. In some cases, the first LCD display in a chart may not be

the first one you see. You may need to cycle through the displays (by pressing the button
repeatedly) until you reach the desired LCD display.

Buttons 27 LCD Displays

Button 28 LCD Displays

- 31 -

Button 29 LCD Displays

-

32 -

Basic

Performance

Accessed using buttons 28 and 29, these parameters determine the basic voice
relationships in Peformance Mode.

Parameters

Total Volume

This parameter allows you to set an overall volume for each Performance memory. If you
desire, you can use this setting to balance the levels of your Performance memories, so
that constant Volume Slider or mixer adjustments are not necessary.

Key Shift

This parameter allows you to adjust the transposition of the Performance. The
Performance can be adjusted up or down as much as two octaves (in halfsteps). The
original transposition of the voice is retained as part of the Voice memory, and the Key
Shift value is added to or subtracted from that Voice setting when you are in Performance
Mode. The light over the Key Shift button must be lit in order to hear changes made to
this parameter.

-33 -

Under normal conditions,

the DX’s envelope

acts this way.

EG Forced Damp

Even though the DX7s is a 16-voice synthesizer, these voices can be used up quickly
when you use a Sustain Footswitch pedal. When you do exceed the DX’s note capacity,
the first notes played will stop sounding to make way for the new notes being played.

Under normal operating conditions, the DX7s considers these new notes to be
continuations of the first notes; therefore, the initial portions of the attack envelope will
not be retriggered:

If you wish to avoid this effect, turn the Forced Damping function on. It will force the
envelope to retrigger for each new note played:

Using the EG Forced Damping

parameter, the envelope is

forced to retrigger itself for

each new note played.

- 34 -

Since you have a total of

ten characters to define

your Peformance Memory,

make sure that your

Performance Name conveys

the basic approach of the

specific Performance Memory.

Performance Name

You can enter a Performance Name of up to ten characters. To do so, follow the
instructions below.

Using the left and right cursor buttons while holding the

Edit/Character button lets you place the cursor over a

specific character position. This allows you to easily

edit any character within a name.

Using the Data Entry buttons while NOT holding the
Edit/Character button lets you switch between Large
or small characters. The +1 button selects the Large
character mode, the -1 button selects the small character

mode.

In addition to letting you enter small alpha characters, the small character input
mode lets you enter the following symbols as well.

Large mode

small mode

1 2 3 4 5 6

@

!

#

$ % ^ & * ( ) + ,

7

8

9

0

.

-

Voice Number

Each time you select a Performance, one of the 64 Internal or 64 Cartridge Voices is also
selected. You determine which voice will be selected via this display.

-35 -

Performance

Controllers

The DX7s features a greatly expanded set of controller options. The settings for
Footswitches 1 and 2 and Continuous Sliders 1 and 2 are adjusted in Performance Edit
Mode, using button 27. (The other controller settings are accessed in voice parameters.)

Sustain Footswitch (FS 1)

Footswitch 1 is set to operate as a sustain pedal.

Footswitch 2 (FS 2)

Footswitch 2 is a multipurpose pedal with four selectable functions: Sustain, Portamento,
Key Hold, or Soft.

If Sustain is selected, FS 2 operates as a sustain pedal (just like FS 1).
If Portamento is selected, voice portamento effects will operate only when the pedal is

depressed.
If Key Hold is selected, only notes that are being held when the pedal is engaged will

sustain. This effect is similar to a piano’s sostenuto pedal.
If Soft is engaged, the pedal will soften the timbre and volume of the sound. You can edit

the range of the soft pedal by pressing button 27 again. The range is 1 ~ 7.

- 36 -

Continuous Sliders

The two Continuous Sliders give you access to real-time control of FM voice parameters.
There are a total of 103 different possibilities:

FM Parameters Assignable to CS 1 and CS2

DATA ENTRY slider

The Continuous Sliders provide

a new avenue for exploration

of real-time timbral control.

highest position

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

l

Total level

OP 6

OP 1

AMP. MOD. SENS

OP 6

OP 1

Key velocity

OP 6

OP 1

EG Level 4 (L4)

OP 6

OP 1

EG Level 3 (L3)

OP 6

OP 1

EG Level 2 (L2)

O P 6

OP 1

EG Level 1 (L1)

OP 6

OP 1

EG Rate 4 (R4)

OP 6

OP 1

EG Rate 3 (R3)

OP 6

OP 1

EG Rate 2 (R2)

OP 6

OP 1

lowest
position

l

OP 6

EG Rate 1 (R1)

OP 1

l

OP 6

OSC. detune

OP 1

l

OP 6

Frequency fine

OPl

l

OP 6

Frequency coarse

OP 1

l

Portamento time

l

Pitch EG Level 4

l

l

l

l
l
l

No effect

Level 1

Pitch EG Rate 4

Rate 1

LFO AMD

PMD
PMS
Delay
Speed
Wave

Feedback level
Algorithm
Total volume

- 37 -

Micro Tuning

The new DX7s contains eleven

preset Intonations, which
provides you with a good

introduction to alternate

intonation schemes.

Micro Tuning is another new feature for the DX7s. It offers the possibility of performing
music using tuning and intonation systems other than Equal Temperament (which is the
current standard tuning for both pianos and synthesizers). Micro Tuning data is accessed
using button 29. New Micro Tunings are created in Micro Tuning Edit Mode, which is
accessed using button 14 in conjunction with button 29.

Selecting a Micro Tuning

The DX7s is equipped with eleven preset Micro Tunings as part of its permanent memory.

The Micro Tuning Presets

1
2

3
4
5
6

7
8

9
10
11

Equal
Pure (major)

Pure (minor)
Mean tone
Pythagorean

Werckmeister

Kirnberger
Vallotti, yong

1/4 Shift eql

1/4 Tone
1/8 Tone 1/8 Tone

Equal Temperament
Pure (Major)

Pure (Minor)
Mean tone
Pythagorean
Werckmeister
Kirnberger
Vallotti & Young

1/4 Shifted equal
1/4 Tone

In presets 2 ~ 5, the tuning can be adjusted according to the key of the music being
played.

Micro Tuning Editing and Storage

If you are interested in alternate tunings and intonations, you may want to create your
own sets of Micro Tuning data. The DX7s provides two memory locations for this
purpose: User 1 and User 2. These two sets of data are stored as part of the Internal
Memory, and will be stored along with all other Internal data when the Internal Voice &
Performance Memory is saved to another storage medium (such as a RAM cartridge). In
addition, up to 63 Micro Tunings can be saved to a RAM cartridge that has been properly
formatted for that purpose.

- 38 -

Entering the

Micro Tuning

Edit Mode

Editing

Micro Tuning

Data

Storing

Micro Tuning

Data

- 39 -

- 40 -

Using the New

Voice Features

- 41 -

Contents

Voice Edit Buttons

43

Button 7 LCD Display

43

Button 8 LCD Display

44

Button 9 LCD Display

44

Button 10 LCD Displays

45

Button 11 LCD Display

46

Button 12 LCD Display

47

Button 13 LCD Display

48

Button 23 LCD Displays

48

Button 24 LCD Displays

49

Button 25 LCD Displays

50

Button 26 LCD Displays

51

Basic Voice Editing Functions

52

Operator Select

52
52

Operator On/Off

52

EG Copy

New Voice Parameters

53

Pitch Envelope

53
53

LFO

54

Key Modes

Voice Controllers

55

Function Data and Voice Effect Data

55

Pitch Bend Modes

55

Foot Controller 1 and

55

Pitch Bias

56

Fractional Scaling

57

Fractional Scaling and Level Scaling

57

Fractional Scaling Editing and Storage

57

2

-42-

Voice

Edit Buttons

All of the Voice Mode parameters are adjusted via the LCD displays called up using
buttons 7 - 13 and 23 - 26. Many of the these buttons call up multiple LCD displays. The
charts below show all of the displays called up by each button, and provide a complete
list of parameters and value ranges. In some cases, the first LCD display in a chart may
not he the first one you see. You may need to cycle through the displays (by pressing the
button repeatedly) until you reach the desired LCD display.

Button 7 LCD Display

Algorithm

(1 ~ 32)

Feedback Level

(0 ~ 7)

Oscillator Key Sync
(off, on)

- 43 -

Transpose

(mid c = c1 ~ c5)

(The 'L' indicates Large or upper case

character entry mode)

Voice Name
(10 characters)

(The 's' indicates small or lower case

character entry mode)

Button 8 LCD Display

Oscillator Mode
(ratio, fixed)

Frequency Coarse
(varies

Frequency Fine

(varies)

Oscillator Detune
(-7 ~ +7)

Button 9 LCD Display

- 44 -

Rate Scaling
(0 ~ 7)

Envelope Generator Rates 1 ~ 4

(0 ~ 99)

Envelope Generator Levels 1 ~ 4
(0 ~ 99)

Button 10 LCD Displays

- 45 -

Button 11 LCD Display

Key Velocity
(0 ~ 7)

Amplitude Modulation Sensitivity

(0 ~ 7)

Pitch Modulation Sensitivity
(0 ~ 7)

- 46 -

Button 12 LCD Display

LFO Wave
(triangle, saw down, saw up,

square, sine, s/hold)

LFO Speed
(0 ~ 99)

LFO Delay

(0 ~ 99)

LFO Mode
(single, multi)

- 47 -

LFO Pitch Modulation Depth

(0 ~ 99)

LFO Amplitude Modulation Depth
(0 ~ 99)

LFO Key Sync
(off, on)

Button 13 LCD Display

Pitch Envelope Octave Range

(1/2, 1,2,8)

Pitch Envelope Velocity
(off, on)

Pitch Envelope Rate Scaling
(0 ~ 7)

Pitch Envelope Rates 1 ~ 4

(0 ~ 99)

Button 23 LCD Displays

Pitch Envelope Levels 1 ~ 4

(0 ~ 99)

Key Mode Assign
(polyphonic, monophonic,

unison poly, unison mono)

Unison Detune
(0 ~ 7)

(appears only when Key Mode
= unison poly or unison mono)

-48-