Yamaha MU15E User Manual
Owner’s Manual
Bedienungsanleitung
Mode d’emploi
SPECIAL MESSAGE SECTION
This product utilizes batteries or an external power
supply (adapter). DO NOT connect this product to
any power supply or adapter other than one described in the manual, on the name plate, or specifically recommended by Yamaha.
WARNING: Do not place this product in a position
where anyone could walk on, trip over ,or roll
anything over power or connecting cords of any kind.
The use of an extension cord is not recommended!
IF you must use an extension cord, the minimum
wire size for a 25' cord (or less ) is 18 AWG. NOTE:
The smaller the AWG number ,the larger the current
handling capacity. For longer extension cords,
consult a local electrician.
This product should be used only with the components supplied or; a cart, rack, or stand that is
recommended by Yamaha. If a cart, etc., is used,
please observe all safety markings and instructions
that accompany the accessory product.
SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE:
The information contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of printing. However,
Yamaha reserves the right to change or modify any
of the specifications without notice or obligation to
update existing units.
This product, either alone or in combination with an
amplifier and headphones or speaker/s, may be
capable of producing sound levels that could cause
permanent hearing loss. DO NOT operate for long
periods of time at a high volume level or at a level
that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult
an audiologist.
IMPORTANT: The louder the sound, the shorter
the time period before damage occurs.
Some Yamaha products may have benches and / or
accessory mounting fixtures that are either supplied
with the product or as optional accessories. Some of
these items are designed to be dealer assembled or
installed. Please make sure that benches are stable
and any optional fixtures (where applicable) are well
secured BEFORE using.
Benches supplied by Yamaha are designed for
seating only. No other uses are recommended.
NOTICE:
Service charges incurred due to a lack of knowledge relating to how a function or effect works
(when the unit is operating as designed) are not
covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, and are
therefore the owners responsibility. Please study
this manual carefully and consult your dealer
before requesting service.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES:
Yamaha strives to produce products that are both
user safe and environmentally friendly. We sin-
cerely believe that our products and the production
methods used to produce them, meet these goals.
In keeping with both the letter and the spirit of the
law, we want you to be aware of the following:
Battery Notice:
This product MAY contain a small non-rechargeable battery which (if applicable) is soldered in
place. The average life span of this type of battery
is approximately five years. When replacement
becomes necessary, contact a qualified service
representative to perform the replacement.
This product may also use “household” type batteries. Some of these may be rechargeable. Make
sure that the battery being charged is a rechargeable type and that the charger is intended for the
battery being charged.
When installing batteries, do not mix batteries with
new, or with batteries of a different type. Batteries
MUST be installed correctly. Mismatches or incorrect installation may result in overheating and
battery case rupture.
Warning:
Do not attempt to disassemble, or incinerate any
battery. Keep all batteries away from children.
Dispose of used batteries promptly and as regulated by the laws in your area. Note: Check with
any retailer of household type batteries in your area
for battery disposal information.
Disposal Notice:
Should this product become damaged beyond
repair, or for some reason its useful life is considered to be at an end, please observe all local,
state, and federal regulations that relate to the
disposal of products that contain lead, batteries,
plastics, etc. If your dealer is unable to assist you,
please contact Yamaha directly.
NAME PLATE LOCATION:
The name plate is located on the bottom of the
product. The model number, serial number, power
requirements, etc., are located on this plate. You
should record the model number, serial number,
and the date of purchase in the spaces provided
below and retain this manual as a permanent
record of your purchase.
Model
Serial No.
Purchase Date
2
92-BP (bottom)
PLEASE KEEP THIS MANUAL
PRECAUTIONS
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING
* Please keep these precautions in a safe place for future reference.
WARNING
Always follow the basic precautions listed below to avoid the possibility of serious injury or even death from
electrical shock, short-circuiting, damages, fire or other hazards. These precautions include, but are not limited
to, the following:
• Do not open the instrument or attempt to disassemble the
internal parts or modify them in any way. The instrument
contains no user-serviceable parts. If it should appear to be
malfunctioning, discontinue use immediately and have it
inspected by qualified Yamaha service personnel.
• Do not expose the instrument to rain, use it near water or in
damp or wet conditions, or place containers on it containing
liquids which might spill into any openings.
• If the AC adaptor cord or plug becomes frayed or damaged, or
if there is a sudden loss of sound during use of the instrument,
or if any unusual smells or smoke should appear to be caused
CAUTION
Always follow the basic precautions listed below to avoid the possibility of physical injury to you or others, or
damage to the instrument or other property. These precautions include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Do not place the AC adaptor cord near heat sources such as
heaters or radiators, and do not excessively bend or otherwise
damage the cord, place heavy objects on it, or place it in a
position where anyone could walk on, trip over, or roll anything
over it.
• When removing the electric plug from the instrument or an
outlet, always hold the plug itself and not the cord.
• Do not connect the instrument to an electrical outlet using a
multiple-connector. Doing so can result in lower sound quality,
or possibly cause overheating in the outlet.
• Unplug the AC power adaptor when not using the instrument,
or during electrical storms.
• Always make sure all batteries are inserted in conformity with
the +/- polarity markings. Failure to do so might result in
overheating, fire, or battery fluid leakage.
• Always replace all batteries at the same time. Do not use new
batteries together with old ones. Also, do not mix battery types,
such as alkaline batteries with manganese batteries, or
batteries from different makers, or different types of batteries
from the same maker, since this can cause overheating, fire,
or battery fluid leakage.
• Do not dispose of batteries in fire.
• Do not attempt to recharge batteries that are not intended to
be charged.
• If the instrument is not to be in use for a long time, remove the
batteries from it, in order to prevent possible fluid leakage from
the battery.
• Keep batteries away from children.
• Before connecting the instrument to other electronic
components, turn off the power for all components. Before
turning the power on or off for all components, set all volume
levels to minimum.
• Do not expose the instrument to excessive dust or vibrations,
(4)-3
by it, immediately turn off the power switch, disconnect the
adaptor plug from the outlet, and have the instrument inspected
by qualified Yamaha service personnel.
• Use the specified adaptor (PA-3B or an equivalent
recommended by Yamaha) only. Using the wrong adaptor can
result in damage to the instrument or overheating.
• Before cleaning the instrument, always remove the electric
plug from the outlet. Never insert or remove an electric plug
with wet hands.
• Check the electric plug periodically and remove any dirt or dust
which may have accumulated on it.
or extreme cold or heat (such as in direct sunlight, near a heater,
or in a car during the day) to prevent the possibility of panel
disfiguration or damage to the internal components.
• Do not use the instrument near other electrical products such
as televisions, radios, or speakers, since this might cause
interference which can affect proper operation of the other
products.
• Do not place the instrument in an unstable position where it
might accidentally fall over.
• Before moving the instrument, remove all connected adaptor
and other cables.
• When cleaning the instrument, use a soft, dry cloth. Do not
use paint thinners, solvents, cleaning fluids, or chemicalimpregnated wiping cloths. Also, do not place vinyl, plastic or
rubber objects on the instrument, since this might discolor the
panel or keyboard.
• Do not rest your weight on, or place heavy objects on the
instrument, and do not use excessive force on the buttons,
switches or connectors.
• Do not operate the instrument for a long period of time at a
high or uncomfortable volume level, since this can cause
permanent hearing loss. If you experience any hearing loss or
ringing in the ears, consult a physician.
■SAVING USER DATA
• Save all data to an external device such as the Yamaha MIDI
Data Filer MDF3, in order to help prevent the loss of important
data due to a malfunction or user operating error.
Yamaha cannot be held responsible for damage caused by
improper use or modifications to the instrument, or data that is
lost or destroyed.
Always turn the power off when the instrument is not in use.
Make sure to discard used batteries according to local regulations.
English
3
Welcome to the MU15
Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the Yamaha MU15 Tone Generator!
The MU15 an advanced, yet easy-to-use tone generator providing exceptionally
high-quality Voices, built-in effects, XG format and General MIDI (GM) compatibility, plus direct connection to computer — all in a highly compact and
portable package.
With the built-in host computer interface and MIDI terminals, the MU15 is ideal
for any computer music system — from connection to a simple laptop to
integration in a complete MIDI studio. It even features a two-octave keyboard
(with adjustable ten-octave range), allowing you to play the internal Voices and
enter notes to a connected sequencer. Since it’s compatible with Yamaha’s
powerful XG format, it lets you faithfully and easily playback any XG or GM
song data.
The MU15 also features 16-Part multi-timbral capacity and full 32-note polyphony for playback of even very sophisticated, multi-part song data. Three
independent digital effect sections give you enormous versatility in “sweetening” the sound. What’s more, the MU15 provides a host of comprehensive
editing tools for getting just the sound you need.
4
GM System Level 1
“GM System Level 1” is a standard specification that
defines the arrangement of voices in a tone generator
and its MIDI functionality, ensuring that data can be
played back with substantially the same sounds on any
GM-compatible tone generator, regardless of its manufacturer or model.
Tone generators and song data that meet the “GM
System Level 1” bear this GM logo.
XG
“XG” is a tone generator format that expands the voice
arrangement of the “GM System Level 1” specification
to meet the ever-increasing demands of today’s computer peripheral environment, providing richer expressive power while maintaining upward compatibility of
data. “XG” greatly expands “GM System Level 1” by
defining the ways in which voices are expanded or
edited and the structure and type of effects.
When commercially available song data bearing the XG
logo is played back on a tone generator which bears the
XG logo, you will enjoy a full musical experience that
includes unlimited expansion voices and effect functions.
English
Your MU15 package should include the items listed below. Make sure that you
have them all.
• MU15
• Owner’s Manual
5
Table of Contents
How to Use This Manual .......................................................................................... 8
The MU15 — What It Is and What It Can Do ........................................................ 10
What It Is... ................................................................................................... 10
What It Can Do... .......................................................................................... 10
About General MIDI (GM) ............................................................................. 12
About XG ...................................................................................................... 12
Panel Controls and Terminals ................................................................................ 13
Guided Tour 17
Setting Up Your MU15............................................................................................ 17
What You’ll Need .......................................................................................... 17
Power Supply ............................................................................................... 18
Using a Power Adaptor .................................................................... 18
Using Batteries ................................................................................ 19
When to Replace the Batteries ........................................................ 19
Making the Connections ............................................................................... 20
Powering Up ................................................................................................. 21
Playing the MU15 .................................................................................................... 22
Playing the Keyboard .................................................................................... 22
Playing the Demo Song ................................................................................ 22
Selecting Voices ........................................................................................... 24
About Parts, Voices, and Banks .................................................................... 24
Selecting Parts .............................................................................................. 26
Selecting Banks ............................................................................................ 27
Playing Drum Voices ..................................................................................... 28
Changing the Octave Setting ........................................................................ 29
Editing a Part ................................................................................................ 30
Changing the Note Shift and Volume Settings ................................ 30
Soloing and Muting Parts ............................................................................. 31
Using the Effects .......................................................................................... 32
Using Reverb and Chorus ................................................................ 32
Using the Variation Effects .............................................................. 33
Using the MU15 with a Computer/Sequencer ..................................................... 36
Setting Up ..................................................................................................... 36
Playing Song Data ......................................................................................... 40
MIDI/Computer Connecting Cables .............................................................. 41
Reference 42
Function Tree ........................................................................................................... 42
Play Mode ................................................................................................................ 43
Sound Module Mode .................................................................................... 43
Edit Mode ................................................................................................................. 44
Part Controls ................................................................................................. 45
Volume ............................................................................................. 46
Pan ................................................................................................... 47
Note Shift ......................................................................................... 47
Solo .................................................................................................. 48
Mute ................................................................................................ 49
6
Table of Contents
• Filter Parameters — Cutoff Frequency and Resonance ............. 50
Cutoff Frequency ............................................................................. 50
Resonance ....................................................................................... 51
• EG (Envelope Generator) Parameters — Attack Time and
Release Time .................................................................................. 52
Attack Time ...................................................................................... 53
Release Time ................................................................................... 53
• Vibrato Parameters — Rate, Depth, and Delay ........................... 54
Vibrato Rate ..................................................................................... 54
Vibrato Depth ................................................................................... 54
Vibrato Delay .................................................................................... 55
Effect Controls .............................................................................................. 56
• Reverb Parameters ........................................................................ 56
Reverb Send Level ........................................................................... 57
Reverb Type ..................................................................................... 57
• Chorus Parameters ........................................................................ 58
Chorus Type ..................................................................................... 58
Chorus Send Level ........................................................................... 59
• Variation Parameters ..................................................................... 59
Variation Connection ........................................................................ 60
Variation Type ................................................................................... 60
Variation Send Level ........................................................................ 61
Dry Level .......................................................................................... 62
Utility Controls .............................................................................................. 63
Master Tune..................................................................................... 63
Velocity ............................................................................................ 64
Local Control .................................................................................... 64
Dump Out ........................................................................................ 65
Initialize All ....................................................................................... 68
English
Appendix 69
Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................... 69
Error Messages ........................................................................................................ 71
Specifications .......................................................................................................... 72
Index ......................................................................................................................... 73
Sound List & MIDI Data 75
XG Normal Voice List .............................................................................................. 76
TG300B Normal Voice List ...................................................................................... 78
XG Drum Voice List (Drum Map) ........................................................................... 80
TG300B Drum Voice List (Drum Map) ................................................................... 82
Effect Type List ........................................................................................................ 84
Effect Parameter List............................................................................................... 85
Effect Data Assign Table ......................................................................................... 90
MIDI Data Format .................................................................................................... 91
MIDI Implementation Chart .................................................................................. 108
7
How to Use This Manual
How to Use This Manual
You are probably eager to try out your new MU15 Tone Generator right away
and hear what it can do, rather than have to read through a lot of instructions
before you can even get a sound out of it. Since the MU15 is so easy to use,
you could play it right “out of the box” without even having to glance at the
manual. However, to get the most out of your MU15 and to avoid damaging it,
we strongly suggest that you take time to read the sections introduced below.
The structure of the manual is very straightforward. You can approach it in a
linear manner, reading through from beginning to end, or on an “on-demand”
basis, going directly to the information as you need it.
1) Precautions
Read this section very carefully for important information on how to
care for your new MU15, how to avoid damaging it, and how to
ensure long-term, reliable operation.
2) The MU15 — What It Is and What It Can Do
This briefly provides an overview of the functions and features of the
MU15 and offers some important hints on how you can use it
effectively.
3) Panel Controls and Terminals
This section introduces you to the panel controls and terminals of the
MU15, and where applicable provides convenient page references
for more information.
4) Guided Tour
This is perhaps the most important and valuable section of the
manual. It gets you started using your new MU15, helping you set
up the instrument, integrate it into your music system, and play it. It
also introduces you to virtually all of the important functions and
features. The hands-on experience that you gain in this section will
help you quickly master the instrument and aid you in navigating the
more detailed sections of the manual.
8
How to Use This Manual
5) Reference
Once you’re familiar with everything above, lightly go over this
comprehensive guide to all editing functions. You won’t need (or
want) to read everything at once, but it is there for you to refer to
when you need information about a certain feature or function.
6) Appendix
Use the sections in the Appendix as necessary. For example, the
Index will come in handy when you need to quickly find information
on a specific topic. Other sections, such as Troubleshooting and
Error Messages, provide additional useful information.
7) Sound List & MIDI Data
This section features lists of the Voices, drum sounds, effect types
and parameters, as well as details on all relevant MIDI messages and
data.
NOTE
• The illustrations and LCD screens as shown in this owner’s manual are
for instructional purposes only, and may appear somewhat different
from those on your instrument.
English
9
The MU15 — What It Is and What It Can Do
The MU15 — What It Is and
What It Can Do
What It Is...
The MU15 is a compact, highly portable and easy-to-use tone
generator. It features XG compatibility with a stunning variety of 480
XG Voices (including 128 GM Voices) and 11 Drum Voices (with
Drum and SFX kits).* The MU15 has 32-Voice polyphony and is 16Part multi-timbral. In other words, the MU15 has 16 different Parts,
each with its own Voice, so that up to 16 different Voices can be
sounded simultaneously.
With the built-in two-octave keyboard, you can play any of the Voices
directly from the MU15 itself. Or you can play them from a connected MIDI keyboard. In addition, the MU15 also has a TO HOST
terminal for easy interfacing with a computer, allowing you to play
the Voices using your favorite music software. This is where the
advanced multi-timbral capabilities come in, letting you play up to 16
different Voices at the same time.
10
* The MU15 has a total of 676 different Voices. A separate
TG300B mode (page 43) features 579 Voices, some of which are
diiferent than the XG set.
What It Can Do...
Here are a few ideas on how you can use the MU15. The list below
is not comprehensive, but is meant to be a general guide to the
possibilities and provide a starting point or springboard for your own
creative ideas and explorations.
Carry It With You
If you have a laptop computer (and sequencing software), simply
connect the MU15, plug in some headphones and you’ve got a
complete music making system that’s ready to go wherever you go.
The MU15 — What It Is and What It Can Do
Use it for composing, arranging, practicing or making/playing demos
for your band.
Perform With It
Bring it with you to a gig — as long as there’s a MIDI keyboard on
stage, you can use the high-quality sounds of MU15 in your performance.
Multimedia
Since it’s portable and compatible with General MIDI, the MU15 is a
natural for multimedia applications. Bring it with you to a presentation — since the computer interface is built-in to the MU15, it hooks
up instantly and easily to the computer’s serial port without the need
for any other equipment.
Using With MIDI Keyboard
Use the MU15 as supplementary tone generator with your MIDI
keyboard and play the Voices of both instruments in a layer together.
Or, if your keyboard has the capability, program a “split” so that the
notes you play on the right side of the keyboard play only the Voices
of the MU15.
English
Using With Other MIDI Controllers
Even if you’re not a keyboard player, you can still play the MU15 with
other types of MIDI controllers. For example, use a MIDI percussion
controller to play the drum and percussion sounds of the MU15.
Guitar controllers (such as the Yamaha G50) or wind controllers (such
as the Yamaha WX5) are also available for players of those instruments.
Home Studio Setup
The MU15 integrates easily into any existing setup. If you have a
MIDI keyboard, computer and sequencing software, the MU15 with
its high-quality Voices and multi-timbral capabilities can expand your
home studio system.
11
The MU15 — What It Is and What It Can Do
About General MIDI (GM)
General MIDI (GM) is a new addition to the worldwide MIDI standard. MIDI, as you know, stands for Musical Instrument Digital
Interface, and makes it possible for various electronic musical
instruments and other devices to “communicate” with each other.
For example, by connecting a sequencer to the MU15’s MIDI IN
terminal, you could play back a song on the sequencer using the
Voices of the MU15.
So, where does GM fit in all of this? One of the most important
features of General MIDI is in the standardization of Voices. This
means that a song recorded in the GM standard can be played back
on any GM-compatible tone generator and sound just as the composer intended. For example, if there is an alto sax solo in the song,
it will be played by an alto sax Voice on the General MIDI tone
generator (and not by a tuba or harpsichord!). Since the MU15 is
fully GM-compatible, you can take advantage of the vast wealth of
musical material recorded in that format.
About XG
The Yamaha XG format is an extension of General MIDI, and provides a number of significant improvements and enhancements. XGcompatible song data takes advantage of the expanded Voice set,
extensive MIDI control and built-in effects of the MU15 (as well as
other MU-series instruments).
12
To get the most out of XG and your MU15, we recommend using
XG-compatible instruments and software. For example, the Yamaha
CBX-K2 keyboard lets you dynamically control a variety of parameters in real time while you play. The XGworks sequencer software
not only lets you playback GM- or XG-compatible song data, it lets
you record your own songs — and gives you enormously powerful
and easy-to-use editing tools for adjusting detailed settings of the
MU15 that are unavailable with the panel controls.
Panel Controls and Terminals
Panel Controls and Terminals
Front Panel
q w e r t
GrandPno
y u
English
q Display
In the Play mode, this shows the Part number, the currently selected
program number and Voice name for the Part. It also shows the
octave setting (when set to a value other than normal) and acts as a
“level meter,” showing the volume for each Part as it is played.
When the XG BANK button is held down, it shows the currently
selected Bank number and Voice name.
In the Edit mode, this shows the relevant values and, where applicable, a graphic display of the set values.
13
Panel Controls and Terminals
w PART buttons ( , )
For selecting the desired Part. (In some of the Edit functions, these
may not be available.) Hold down either button to rapidly advance
through the values.
e VALUE buttons ( /NO, /YES)
For changing the value of the selected function or parameter. In the
Play mode, these are used to change the Voice number (or Bank
number) at the selected Part. In the Edit mode, these are used to
change the current function’s value. Hold down either button to
rapidly advance through the values. For even faster editing, simultaneously hold down one button, and then press (or hold down) the
other. For example, to rapidly decrease the value, simultaneously
hold down the
/NO button and press the /YES button.
r XG BANK button
For selecting or confirming the desired Voice Bank (pages 26, 27).
To select Banks, simultaneously hold down this button and press
one of the VALUE buttons. To confirm the currently selected Bank,
simply press this button.
14
t PLAY/EDIT button
For switching between the Play and Edit modes, and (when held
down) for selecting the desired Edit mode parameter. (Page 30.)
y OCTAVE DOWN and OCTAVE UP buttons
For changing the octave transposition of the MU15’s keyboard.
(Page 29.)
u Keyboard
This two-octave keyboard is used to play the Voices of the MU15. It
can also be used to enter notes to a connected sequencer or
computer. (Page 22.)
The keys are also used to select Edit mode parameters (the names
of which are printed on the buttons). (Page 44.)
Rear Panel
Panel Controls and Terminals
English
q w e r t
q MIDI OUT and MIDI IN terminals
For connection to other MIDI devices, such as a MIDI keyboard, tone
generator, sequencer, or to a computer that has a MIDI interface.
(Pages 20, 39.)
w HOST SELECT switch
For selecting the type of connected device (computer or MIDI
device). (Page 37.)
e TO HOST terminal
For connection to a host computer that does not have a MIDI
interface. (Page 37.)
r DC IN jack
For connection to the AC power adaptor (PA-3B).
t ON/ STANDBY switch
For turning the power on and off.
15
Side Panel
Panel Controls and Terminals
q w
q VOLUME control
For adjusting the overall level of the MU15.
w LINE OUT/PHONES jack
For connection to an amplifier/speaker system or a set of stereo
headphones.
16
Guided Tour
Guided Tour
When using your MU15 for the first time, read
through this short section of the manual. It guides you
step-by-step in using many of the basic operations: setting
the instrument up, connecting it properly to other equipment, and — most importantly — playing it. It also introduces you to most of the other, advanced features and
operations of the instrument — enabling you to quickly
and effectively get the most out of your new MU15.
Setting Up Your MU15
Since the MU15 has a built-in keyboard, you could use it with nothing more
than a set of batteries and a proper set of stereo headphones. It can also be
used effectively with a computer in a “desktop music” system.
English
In this section, however, you’ll learn how to connect the MU15 in a basic
system with a MIDI keyboard and an external amplifier/speaker system. (For
basic information on MIDI and its applications, see page 91.)
What You’ll Need
• The MU15 and a proper power supply (either an AC adaptor or
batteries).
• A MIDI keyboard, electronic piano, or any instrument that can
output MIDI data.
• An amplifier speaker system, preferably stereo. Alternately, you
can use a set of stereo headphones.
• Audio connecting cables.
• A MIDI cable.
17
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