Yamaha PLG100DXE, PLG100-DX User Manual
Precautions
● Do not expose the plug-in board to direct sunlight, ex-
cessive humidity, high temperatures, excessive dust or
strong vibrations.
● Before handling the plug-in board, be sure to touch a
metal surface to discharge any static electricity which
may be in your body.
● When holding the plug-in board, do not touch the in-
side area of the circuit board or apply excessive pressure to the board, and be sure to protect the board from
● Before connecting the computer to other devices, turn
off the power switches of all devices.
● Y amaha is not responsible for loss of data through com-
puter malfunctions or operator actions.
● The plug-in board contains no user-serviceable parts,
so never touch the inside area of the circuit board or
tamper with the electronic circuitry in any way. Doing
so may result in electrical shock or damage to the plugin board.
contact with water or other liquids.
● Before installing the plug-in board onto a tone genera-
tor/sound card, unplug the power connector of your computer.
* The company names and product names in this Owner’s Manual are the trademarks or regis-
tered trademarks of their respective companies.
* The screens as illustrated in this owner’s manual are for instructional purposes only, and may
appear somewhat different from the ones of your instrument.
FCC INFORMATION (U.S.A.)
1. IMPORTANT NOTICE: DO NOT MODIFY THIS UNIT!
This product, when installed as indicated in the instructions contained in this manual, meets FCC requirements. Modifications
not expressly approved by Yamaha may void your authority, granted by the FCC, to use the product.
2. IMPORTANT: When connecting this product to accessories and/or another product use only high quality shielded cables.
Cable/s supplied with this product MUST be used. Follow all installation instructions. Failure to follow instructions could void
your FCC authorization to use this product in the USA.
3. NOTE: This product has been tested and found to comply with the requirements listed in FCC Regulations, Part 15 for Class
”B” digital devices. Compliance with these requirements provides a reasonable level of assurance that your use of this product
in a residential environment will not result in harmful interference with other electronic devices. This equipment generates/
uses radio frequencies and, if not installed and used according to the instructions found in the users manual, may cause
interference harmful to the operation of other electronic devices. Compliance with FCC regulations does not guarantee that
interference will not occur in all installations. If this product is found to be the source of interference, which can be determined
by turning the unit ”OFF” and ”ON”, please try to eliminate the problem by using one of the following measures:
Relocate either this product or the device that is being affected by the interference.
Utilize power outlets that are on different branch (circuit breaker or fuse) circuits or install AC line filter/s.
In the case of radio or TV interference, relocate/reorient the antenna. If the antenna lead-in is 300 ohm ribbon lead, change
the lead-in to co-axial type cable.
If these corrective measures do not produce satisfactory results, please contact the local retailer authorized to distribute this
type of product. If you can not locate the appropriate, please contact Yamaha Corporation of America, Electronic Service
Division, 6600 Orangethorpe Ave, Buena Park, CA 90620
Y AMAHA CANNO T BE HELD RESPONSIBLE
FOR DAMAGE CAUSED BY IMPROPER
CARE AND USE OF THE PLUG-IN BOARD.
* This applies only to products distributed by YAMAHA CORPORATION OF AMERICA.
CANADA
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
• This applies only to products distributed by Yamaha Canada Music Ltd.
• Ceci ne s’applique qu’aux produits distribués par Yamaha Canada Musique Ltée.
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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Yamaha XG Plug-in board PLG100-DX.
The PLG100-DX is a plug-in board that offers a six-operator FM generator equivalent to the one that
made the DX7 series so famous. The PLG100-DX is compatible with the XG plug-in system, and you
can install it into the MU128 or any other tone generator or sequencer that supports XG plug-ins. Once
it’s installed, the unique FM tone generator voices that built the reputation of the DX series will be right
at your fingertips, ready to play. The PLG100-DX has 912 preset DX series voices built right in, and
you can send the DX7 and DX7II voice data through MIDI.
To install your PLG100-DX correctly, and to ensure full enjoyment of its outstanding functions, be sure
to read this manual very carefully. After you finish reading your owner’s manual, be sure to keep it
someplace safe, where you can refer to it whenever you have a question about your PLG100-DX.
Table of Contents
About the PLG100-DX ......................................... 4
Features of the PLG100-DX ..................................... 4
Installing the PLG100-DX ......................................... 4
Included Items .......................................................... 5
Necessary Items that Are Not Included .................. 5
Specifications ........................................................... 6
About the CD-ROM ................................................... 7
Installing and Starting the Plug-in Software .......... 8
FM Tone Generation ........................................... 10
Operators ................................................................ 10
Combinations of Two Operators ........................... 11
Carrier and Modulator ............................................ 12
Harmonics ............................................................... 13
Algorithms............................................................... 14
Feedback ................................................................. 14
Essentials for Determining Voices ....................... 15
Memory Buffer Configuration........................ 18
About the XG Plug-in System
With the Yamaha XG Plug-in System, you can expand your tone generation system by simply
mounting an optional board onto the “mother” tone generator/sound card. For example, you will
be able to use extra voices from a different sound synthesis such as Virtual Acoustic Synthesis,
apply a completely new dimension to your music, and/or add the latest technology to your music.
DX Voice Selection................................................ 19
Choosing the Voices to be Used........................... 19
Specifying Part/Performance Layers .................... 20
Editing DX Part Parameters............................ 21
PLG100-DX Part Parameters ................................. 22
PLG100-DX System Parameters.................... 26
System Parameters ................................................ 27
Appendix ................................................................... 28
Chart of Algorithms ................................................ 28
Voice List................................................................. 30
Performance List .................................................... 38
MIDI Data Format .................................................... 39
MIDI Implementation Chart .................................... 50
Glossary .................................................................. 52
When Your PLG100-DX Seems to Have a Problem..
Conditions for Using the Software........................ 61
Guide to User Support Services ........................... 62
59
About DX-XG
The DX Extension for XG (“DX Extension for XG” is abbreviated to DX-XG) included in the
PLG100-DX significantly enhances and expands the musical capabilities of the XG format with
the superior sound and expressive potential of Yamaha FM synthesis. The PLG100-DX supports
the same powerful FM synthesis voices as Yamaha’s legendary DX7. Plug this board into your
tone generator/sound card for 912 unbelievable FM voices with up to 16-note polyphony.
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About the PLG100-DX
Features of the PLG100-DX
• Features the same FM tone generator that has won acclaim in the DX
series synthesizers.
The PLG100-DX employs an FM tone generator system, with six operators and 32
algorithms, that has been a favorite of musicians in DX series synthesizers like the
DX7 and the DX7II.
• Maximum 16 voice simultaneous polyphony
Ensures maximum 16 voice simultaneous polyphony equal to the DX7 and DX7II.
Furthermore, by installing multiple PLG100-DX boards, the maximum polyphony can
be increased to 128 voices (when eight boards are installed). By installing, for example, three PLG100-DX boards in the MU128 tone generator, maximum polyphony
will be 48 voices.
• 912 preset voices
The PLG100-DX already has 912 preset voices built right in. From electric piano to
bass, and reaching all the way to effect sounds, the preset voices have been selected for
usability centering on the sounds that made the DX series famous.
• Voice data can be exchanged in bulk between the DX7 and the DX7II
Because the PLG100-DX is compatible with the DX series, it can be used for bulk
transfer of voice parameters between the DX7 and the DX7I I. The DX7 and DX7II can
be used as editors for the PLG100-DX. By using the edit software for the DX7 and the
DX7I I, editing can be done for the PLG100-DX. Voice parameters for the DX1, DX7S,
TF1 (such as the TX816) TX7 and the TX802 are also supported.
• Some voices may sound slightly different than the voices of the devices mentioned above.
• Comes equipped with a low pass filter, a high pass filter and a two-band
equalizer.
A low pass filter, a high pass filter and a two-band equalizer have been installed in the
PLG100-DX. These features can be used together with the voice editing parameters for
the FM tone generator to create new voices. Even if you install the PLG100-DX in a
platform that doesn’t have these functions, the filters and EQ built into the PLG100DX will work.
• Compatible with the XG Plug-In system
Because the PLG100-DX is an XG plug-in board, it can be installed in any XG plug-in
tone generator, like the MU128.
Installing the PLG100-DX
To install your PLG100-DX board, see the manual that came with the “mother” tone generator (such as the MU128 or SW1000XG) or synthesizer.
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Included Items
The items below are packaged together with your new PLG100-DX. Before using your
board, be sure to check that everything has been included. In the rare event that some item
is missing, please contact the store where you bought your PLG100-DX as soon as possible.
● PLG100-DX Board
● PLG100-DX Owner’s Manual
● CD-ROM “XGtools”
Necessary Items that Are Not Included
XG tone generator or synthesizer
To use your PLG100-DX, you will need an XG tone generator or synthesizer equipped
with an XG Plug-in platform function that is compatible with the XG Plug-in system,
such as the MU128 or SW1000XG.
About the PLG100-DX
The MU128 and SW1000XG are equipped with each of the XG Plug-in platform functions, and can be used for installing the PLG100-DX.
The software programs explained below will put the functions of the PLG100-DX right
at your fingertips, helping you get the most enjoyment out of it.
XGworks(lite)
When you use Yamaha’s XGworks(lite) as your sequence software, you can take advantage of the two editing software programs explained below, the “DX Simulator”
and the “DX Easy Editor.” These programs make it really easy to edit the voices of
your PLG100-DX board.
DX Easy Editor
The DX Easy Editor lets you indirectly change the PLG100-DX voices by changing the
part parameters. It’s not for directly editing the voice parameters. Using this software,
you can edit both the XG part parameters (XG parameters) that are shared by all the
parts, and the native part parameters that are specially for the PLG100-DX (DX parameters). The changed parameters can be either inserted into the song as events, or saved
as a DX parameter file.
Because the DX Easy Editor is plug-in software for XGworks(lite), you must have
XGworks(lite) in order to use it.
The DX Easy Editor is included on the CD-ROM that was packaged with your PLG100DX board.
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About the PLG100-DX
DX Simulator
The DX Simulator is special software for editing the custom voices of the PLG100DX. When you start up the program, an image of the DX7 front panel is displayed on
your computer screen. Using your mouse to operate the buttons and sliders, you can
edit voices just like using a real DX7. You can also display an edit list where you can
edit voices while checking all the parameters in a table on the screen. The edited voice
data can be either saved in memory or to a file, or can be inserted into a track as bulk
data.
Because the DX Simulator is plug-in software for XGworks(lite), you must have
XGworks(lite) in order to use it.
The DX Simulator is included on the CD-ROM that was packaged with your PLG100DX board.
Specifications
Tone Generator Type:
FM tone generator with six operators and 32 algorithms
Maximum Simultaneous Polyphony:
16 notes (latest note priority)
By using multiple boards in combination, polyphony can be expanded to a maximum of 128 notes (with 8
boards)
Filters:
Part EQ (two band), low pass filter, high pass filter (effective only when the platform for the PLG100-DX
has no filter functions)
Interface:
XG Plug-in connector
Number of Voices:
912 preset voices, 64 custom voices
Bulk Information that Can Be Received from Other Devices:
DX7 Voice Edit Buffer, Packed 32 Voice
DX7II Voice Edit Buffer, Packed 32 voice, a portion of the Additional Edit Buffer, a portion of the
Packed 32 Additional (Pitch EG range, rs, velocity switch, Unison detune, AMS, Random pitch,
Poly/Mono, Unison Sw, Pitch bend range, step, Portamento mode, step, time)
Parameter Changes that Can Be Received from Other Devices:
DX7 VCED, a portion of ACED (Pitch EG range, rs, velocity switch, Unison detune, AMS, Random
pitch, Poly/Mono, Unison Sw, Pitch bend range, step, Portamento mode, step, time)
Dimensions:
138.5mm (W) x 89.0mm (D) x 8.5mm (H)
Weight 63g
Included Items:
Owner’s Manual, CD-ROM x 1
*Specifications or dimensions may change without notice due to improvements in this product.
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About the CD-ROM
In addition to the two plug-in software programs, DX Simulator and DX Easy Editor, the
CD-ROM that was packaged with your board also contains several demonstration songs
that showcase the special features of the PLG100-DX, and also performance data (voice
settings) for use in the platform where you have installed your PLG100-DX. The demonstration songs can be enjoyed by playing them with sequence software like XGworks
V2.0 or XGworks(lite), or with a QY700. (A platform for connecting the PLG100-DX is
also necessary.) Use the same sequence software or device to send the performance data
as bulk data to the platform for the PLG100-DX.
● Demonstration Songs
“Ie Kia Bara Hein” (IeKiaBar.MID) by Noritaka Ubukata (Shofuku)
The title of the song means “What kind of spell is this?” in the Hindi language. It
features the voice that simulates a santur (hammer dulcimer) together with a sitar.
About the PLG100-DX
“DX VOICE” (DXVoice.MID) by Noritaka Ubukata (Shofuku)
Starting with the electric piano, this song features a series of the sounds of DX7
Shofuku. Unlike sampling, this music offers the listener subtle variation in the sound
caused by changes in velocity. Another special feature is the FM choir, where a more
realistic sound is created by combining FM synthesis with sampled human voices.
“Vel&EffectWorks1” (V1_EfWk1.MID)
“Vel&EffectWorks2” (V1_EfWk2.MID)
“DX Short Demo” (DxShtDM.MID) by Yasuhiko Fukuda (Shofuku)
These songs showcase a unique feature of FM: the violent changes in sound that are
caused by velocity.
“80’s Pops” (80Pop.MID) by Katsumi Nagae (Idecs Inc.)
Recalls the pop scene of the 80’s with synpads and metallic sounds like dum bells.
“D-Rock” (D-Rock.MID) by Katsumi Nagae (Idecs Inc.)
This song brings back the digital rock sound using the noise and SE system voices
that only DX has.
If you want to use digital noise, there is nothing that works like DX!
“EP Ballade” (EP.MID) by Katsumi Nagae (Idecs Inc.)
If it’s ballads you want—well, there is nothing like DX electric piano.
The voice in the electric piano part will also work with different electric pianos. Try
playing the song with different piano voices.
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About the PLG100-DX
“House” (HOUSE.MID) by Katsumi Nagae (Idecs Inc.)
The typical house music sound is simulated in this song, which experiments with
reproducing sampling phrases using the DX Voice system. In addition, the second
half of the song features the metalic sound that is a strong point of the DX.
“Jungle” (DXJungle.MID) by Katsumi Nagae (Idecs Inc.)
This song adds a touch of Chinese feeling to the Jungle. The Oriental image is underscored by the “CHINA_S&” and “IMAGE9” plug-in SE voices.
If no sounds are played, or if you experience other problems with playback, see Appendix “When Your PLG100-DX Seems to Have a Problem” (→P. 59).
Installing and Starting the Plug-in Software (Windows95 only)
■ Installing the Plug-in Software.......................................................
Double-click on the Setup.exe file in the Plug_ folder on the CD-ROM to start the
installation.
Click on “Next” or “Yes” as these words appear on the screen to complete the installation.
■ Starting the DX Easy Editor............................................................
1. Start XGworks(lite).
2. Select “DX Easy Editor” from the XGworks(lite) plug-in menu.
The “Select DX Part” dialog will open.
3. Set the part numbers to be assigned to the PLG100-DX, then click on the [OK]
button. If there is DX bulk data in the sequence data, the DX mark will be displayed under the part number.
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