Digital Sound Processor
Processeur d'effets sonores numérique
Digital-Klangprozessor
Operation Manual
Manuel d'utilisation
Bedienungsanleitung
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POWER INPUT LEVEL
YAMAHA
DOITAL SOWO PROCESSOR
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MEMORY STORE
PARAM*
RECALL
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Congratulations on your acquisition of a Yamaha SPX50D Digital Sound Processor! The
SPX50D is a remarkably versatile digital sound processor that can be used by guitarists,
keyboard players, home recording enthusiasts, mixing engineers — anyone involved with
music. It offers a selection of 50 top-quality effects including digital reverberation, gated
reverb, echo, flange, phase and a group of superb distortion effects. The distortion effects
actually combine distortion with other effects (reverb, flange, etc.) for extraordinary sound
processing versatility. In addition to the 50 preprogrammed memory locations, there are 50
“user memory locations” which can be used to store your own edited versions of the preset
effect programs, so you can recall your own effect creations anytime they are necessary.
There's even an INSERT loop that allows you to switch a second signal processor unit into
and out of the SPX50D signal path by simply pressing a button. The SPX50D is also MIDI
compatible so you can select effects via remote MIDI control.
In order to fully take advantage of all the capability offered by the SPX50D, we urge you to
Keep the unit away from locations where it is likely to be
exposed to high temperatures or humidity — such as near
radiators, stoves, etc. Also avoid locations which are subject
to excessive dust accumulation or vibration which could
cause mechanical damage.
2. AVOID PHYSICAL SHOCKS
Strong physical shocks to the unit can cause damage.
Handle it with care.
3. DO NOT OPEN THE CASE OR ATTEMPT
REPAIRS OR MODIFICATIONS YOURSELF
This product contains no user-serviceable parts. Refer all
maintenance to qualified Yamaha service personnel. Open
ing the case and/or tampering with the internal circuitry will
void the warranty.
4. MAKE SURE POWER IS OFF BEFORE MAKING
OR REMOVING CONNECTIONS
Always turn the power OFF prior to connecting or discon
necting cables. This is important to prevent damage to the
unit itself as well as other connected equipment.
5. HANDLE CABLES CAREFULLY
Always plug and unplug cables — including the AC cord —
by gripping the connector, not the cord.
6. CLEAN WITH A SOFT DRY CLOTH
Never use solvents such as benzine or thinner to clean the
unit. Wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth.
7. ALWAYS USE THE CORRECT POWER SUPPLY
Make sure that the power supply voltage specified on the
rear panel matches your local AC mains supply.
8. ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE
Since the SPX50D contains digital circuitry, it may cause
interference and noise if placed too close to TV sets, radios
or similar equipment. If such a problem does occur, move
the SPX50D further away from the affected equipment.
9. BACKUP, BATTERY
The SPX50D contains a long-life lithium battery which main
tains the contents of the buffer and user memory locations
even when the unit is turned OFF. With normal use the
battery should last for approximately 5 years. If the battery
voltage falls below the safe level, however, the "*** WARN
ING *** LOW BATTERY” display will appear on the LCD
when the power is first turned ON. If this occurs, have the
battery replaced by a qualified Yamaha service center. Do
not attempt to replace the battery yourself!
1: CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS
/ THE FRONT PANEL /
O POWER Switch
Press the POWER switch once to turn power ON, a second
time to turn power OFF
O INPUT LEVEL Control
This control should be used in conjunction with the INPUT
LEVEL meter (see below) to set the optimum input level for
the source used.
0 INPUT LEVEL Meter
The input level meter consists of seven LEDs corresponding
to -30 dB, -20 dB, -15 dB. -10 dB -6 dB. -3 dB and 0 dB Input
level. When the source (instrument or other) is connected to
the SPXSOD’s inputs, it should be played at the loudest level
It will be played during actual use and the INPUT LEVEL
control adjusted so that the maximum reading is about -3 dB.
O LED MEMORY Number Display
This 2-digit numeric display shows the number of the' cur
rently selected memory location (1 — 00). When the LED
display Is continuously lit the effect corresponding to the
number displayed is active. When the LED display Is flash
ing, this indicates that a new memory location has been
selected but has not yet been recalled, leaving the previ
ously selected effect active.
O LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
This 16-character x 2-line liquid crystal display panel nor
mally displays the title of the selected effect on the top line
and a selected parameter and Its value on the bottom line.
One or both lines may also be used to display error mes
sages or warnings.
e PARAMETER Button
This button is pressed to access the various parameters
which can be edited within each effect. Each press on the
PARAMETER button selects the next parameter on the "list”
for the selected effect. When the parameter mode Is se
lected, the parameter button LED will light.
0 Increment/Decrement Buttons
These buttons are used to select memory locations when the
memory selection mode is active (after the MEMORY button
has been pressed), or to change parameter values when
parameters are selected for editing (after the PARAMETER
button has been pressed). The A and V buttons are also
used to program several UTILITY functions.
0 STORE Button
This button is used to store edited effect parameters into one
of the user memory locations between 51 and 00.
0 RECALL Button
When a new memory location number has been selected
using the A and V buttons, the RECALL button must be
pressed to activate the selected effect.
0 COMPARE Button
The COMPARE button Is used In the PARAMETER mode to
compare the sound of an edited parameter with that of the
parameter before it was changed. When the COMPARE
button is pressed, the pre-edit parameter value is temporarily
recalled and the COMPARE button LED will light. Press the
COMPARE button again to return to the edited parameter
value.
@ MEMORY Button
Pressing this button engages the memory selection mode,
allowing a new memory location to be selected using
the and V buttons. When the memory mode is selected,
the memory button LED will light.
0 INSERT Button
The INSERT button activates the SPX50D INSERT IN/OUT
loop, adding a second signal processor connected to the
INSERT IN and OUT jacks to the effect chain. The INSERT
ON/OFF status for each memory location can be memorized
and recalled whenever that memory location Is selected. The
INSERT loop is active when the INSERT button LED Is lit.
® UTILITY Button
This button accesses a list of utility functions allowing editing
of effect titles, MIDI control programming and increment
footswitch recall range programming.
Direct Recall Buttons (REV/DLY Group, MOD & OTHERS,
DIST Group)
These buttons provide fast direct access to the SPXSOD’s
three major effect groups.
® BYPASS Button
The BYPASS button switches the selected effect ON or
OFF, leaving the direct signal only when BYPASS is active.
® TUNER OUT Jack
The TUNER OUT jack can be connected directly to an elec
tronic guitar tuner allowing convenient tuning without the
need to unplug your instrument from the SPX50D input and
connect it to the tuner.
® TRIGGER Button
When the TRIGGER button is pressed and its LED indicator
is lit, a footswitch plugged into the rear-panel MEM./TRG.
FOOT SW jack can be used to trigger three of the SPXSOD’s
effects: ADR-Noise Gate, Reverb & Gate, and Triggered
Pan. Press the TRIGGER button a second time to restore
the foot switch’s normal memory selection function.
® INPUT Jack
Your instrument or other audio-signal source can be con
nected here or to the duplicate INPUT jack provided on the
rear panel. The front-panel INPUT jack takes priority, so if
sources are plugged into both the front- and rear-panel IN
PUTS, only the front-panel INPUT will be active. The INPUT
accepts a mono 1/4” phone plug, and is unbalanced.
/ THE CONNECTOR PANEL?
O MIDI IN Connector
MIDI signals from external MIDI devices can be fed to this
terminal to remotely select effects, set the pitch shift of the
PITCH CHANGE A effect, and trigger some other effects.
0 MIDI THRU Connector
The MIDI THRU connector simply re-transmits any data re
ceived at the MIDI IN connector, permitting convenient
“chaining” of MIDI devices.
@ BYPASS FOOT SW Jack
An optional Yamaha FC5 footswitch or equivalent connected
to this jack can be used for foot control of the BYPASS
function.
o MEM./TRG. FOOT SW Jack
An optional Yamaha FC5 footswitch or equivalent can be
used to sequentially select any group of effects from the 100
available memory locations, permitting a sequence of effects
to be set up to match the flow of a live performance. When
the TRIGGER button is pressed and its LED indicator is lit,
the footswitch can be used to trigger three of the SPXSOD’s
effects; ADR-Noise Gate, Reverb & Gate, and Triggered
Pan.
o R & L OUTPUT Jacks
These two rhonayral 1/4" phone jacks deliver the stereo out
put signal from the SPX50D to subsequent amplification or
mixing equipment. These jacks can be connected directly to
the inputs of guitar amplifiers, keyboard amplifiers, recording
equipment or mixing consoles. Since many of the SPX50D
effects are true stereo effects, we recommend connecting
both output jacks to the corresponding inputs of a stereo or
two-channel sound system in order to get the best possible
sound. If this is not possible, connect either of the OUTPUT
jacks (L or R) to the amplification equipment used.
@ INSERT IN and OUT Jacks
The INSERT IN and OUT jacks allow connection of a second
signal processor to the SPX50D which can be activated or
bypassed by using the INSERT button.
e INPUT Jack
The rear-panel INPUT jack duplicates the function of the
front-panel INPUT jack. Either — but not both — can be
used to receive the signal from your instrument or other
audio signal source. The front-panel INPUT jack takes prior
ity, so if sources are plugged into both the front- and rearpanel INPUTS, only the front-panel INPUT will be active.
2: GENERAL OPERATION
/MEMORY CONFIGURATION /
The SPX50D has a total of 100 internal memory locations. Lo
cations 1 through 50 are READ-ONLY MEMORY containing the
50 preset effect programs. These locations cannot be written to
or changed in any way. The effect programs contained in
22Chorus A
23Chorus B
24Chorus C49Phase Dist.
25Stereo Phasing
Mem.
Program Name
No.
26Tremolo
27Symphonic
28ADR-Noise Gate
Compressor
Reverb & Gate
30
31Pitch A
32Pitch B
33Pitch C
Triggered Pan
35Parametric EQ
36Mid-Band Drive
37Heavy Metal
38Light Dist.
Chunky Rhythm
Smooth Drive
41Overdrive Hall
42Distortion Room
46Dist. Filter
47Flange Dist.
48Chorus Dist.
50Symphonic Dist.
that although a new location has been selected, its con
tents have not yet been recalled.
When the desired memory location/effect has been se
lected, press the RECALL button. The LED memory
number display will stop flashing and the selected effect
will be engaged.
A complete description of each effect program and its parame
ters is given in “3: DESCRIPTIONS OF THE EFFECT PRO
GRAMS & THEIR PARAMETERS” ON PAGE 13. Locations 51
through 00 are READA/VRITE MEMORY which can be used to
store your own edited versions of the preset programs.
/ SELECTING AN EFFECT/MEMORY
U^OCMIQN
® Press the MEMORY button to engage the memory selection
mode. This is not necessary if the memory selection mode
is already active, but it’s a good habit to get into to ensure
smooth operation.
(2) Press the A or V button to increment or decrement the
memory location number shown on the LED display. Hold
either of these buttons down for continuous incrementing or
decrementing. The name of the program corresponding to
the currently selected memory location will be shown on the
LCD, or “ *** NO DatasHs}:* ” win be displayed if a mem
ory location between 51 and 00 is selected into which an
edited effect program has not been stored. Note that at this
stage the LED memory number display is flashing, indicating
__________________________________
/
/USING THE DIRECT RECALL BUTTON^ / USING THE INSERT LOO^
The three direct recall buttons — REV/DLY Group, MOD &
OTHERS, DIST Group — provide fast, easy access to pro
grams in the SPXSOD’s major effect groups from either the
MEMORY or PARAMETER modes.
REV/DLY Group:
MOD & OTHERS:
DIST Group:
To directiy recaii one of these groups, simpiy press the appro
priate direct recaii button. Each subsequent press on that direct
recaii button wiii recaii the next program in that group. If the
direct recaii button is pressed again when the last program in
the group is reached, the first program in the group is recalied.
Any programs that you edit from a specific group and store in
the RAM memory area are included in the group, and can be
seiected using the appropriate direct recaii button.
When a group is first seiected using one of the direct recall
buttons, the last program selected in that group is automati
cally recalled.
Programs 1 through 20 and useredited programs from this group.
Programs 21 through 35 and useredited programs from this group.
Programs 36 through 50 and useredited programs from this group.
An external signal processor — a foot-pedal type guitar effect
unit, for examplp — can be connected to the SPX50D INSERT
IN and OUT jacks, and switched into the SPX50D signal path
by pressing the INSERT button.
The INSERT OUT jack should be connected to the input of the
external signal processor, and the signal processor’s output
should be connected back to the INSERT IN jack.
When the INSERT button is pressed and its LED lights, the
external signal processor is switched into the SPX50D signal
path, allowing both the SPX50D and the external signal proces
sor to function simultaneously. Pressing the INSERT button a
second time (causing its LED to go out) deactivates the external
effect. ,
The ON/OFF statué of the INSERT loop can be stored in any of
the RAM memory locations (50 — 00) simply by pressing the
STORE button when the desired RAM memory location is se
lected. When this is done, the INSERT loop will be turned ON
or OFF automatically whenever that memory location is se
lected.
■f In the MEMORY mode, the increment and decrement but
tons can be used to select a new memory location from one
that was recalled using the direct recall buttons, but the
RECALL button must be pressed to activate the selected
memory location.
/BYPASSING THE effect/
There are two ways to switch the selected effect in and
out: ® with the control panel BYPASS switch and ® with a
footswitch connected to the connector-panel BYPASS
footswitch jack. An optional Yamaha FC5 Footswitch can be
used for foot-bypass control. In either case — when the controlpanel BYPASS button or BYPASS footswitch is pressed — a
bold, flashing letter “B” will appear in the upper right-hand
corner of the LCD. While the "B” is visible the SPX50D effect is
bypassed and the input signal is directly routed to the output
terminals (i.e. the effect is OFF). Press the BYPASS button or
footswitch a second time to turn the effect back ON.
NOTE: If you attempt to STORE the INSERT status in a ROM
memory location, the “ ¡k* READ ONLY ** MEM NO.
1-50 ” error message will appear on the display. Press
any panel key to clear the error message.
10
ACCESSING & EDITING
l^[HE^ARAME]ERS^
Each of the SPX50D effects has a number of internal parame
ters which may be edited by you to create a sound that is
ideally suited to your own specific musical requirements. A
complete description of each effect and its parameters is given
in “3. DESCRIPTIONS OF THE EFFECTS & THEIR PARAME
TERS” ON PAGE 13. Using effect 01 (REV 1 HALL) as an
example, here’s how to access and edit effect parameters;
® Select and recall the effect to be edited (REV 1 HALL for this
example).
@ Press the PARAMETER button and the first of the selected
effect’s parameters will appear on the bottom line of the
LCD. Each time the PARAMETER button is pressed, the
next parameter on the selected effect’s “parameter list” will
be called. With REV 1 HALL, for example, the following
parameters are called in sequence:
Note that the first parameter in the list is returned to if the
PARAMETER button is pressed after the last parameter
(OUT LVL in this example) has been called.
Once the desired parameter has been called, its value is
edited by using the A and/or V buttons. The A button
increases (increments) the value while the V button de
creases (decrements) the value. Either button can be held
down for continuous incrementing or decrementing.
New value
In this way you can go through and edit any number of the
parameters to create the sound you want. If, however, you
select and recall a new effect without first storing your ed
ited parameters in a memory location between 51 and 00,
any changes you have made will be lost and will have to be
re-programmed. If you want to keep an edited effect, use
the STORE operation described beiow.
11
USING THE COMPARE FUNCTION /
ie COMPARE button is used while editing parameters in the
ftRAMETER mode to compare the sound of an edited paimeter with that of the parameter before it was changed.
then the COMPARE button is pressed, the pre-edit parameter
jiue is temporarily recalled and the COMPARE button LED
ill light. Press the COMPARE button again to return to the
dited parameter value.
STORING EFFECTS /
1 order to store an edited effect for later recall you need to do
le following:
) After editing the effect, select a memory location between 51
and 00 by first pressing the MEMORY button and then using
the A and V buttons. Do not recall the selected memory
location. If no data has been previously stored in the se
lected memory location the LCD will read “ *** NO
DATA *** . ” If an edited program has previously be stored
in the selected memory location, its title will be displayed on
the LCD.
® Press the STORE button to store the edited effect in the
selected memory location. The title of the effect stored will
appear on the LCD (this may later be edited to create your
own effect title using the UTILITY mode EDIT TITLE func
tion). The LED memory number display will stop flashing and
the stored memory location will become the active effect.
NOTE: You CANNOT store edited data to memory locations 1
through 50. If you attempt to do this the LCD will show
"*** READ ONLY*** MEM NO. 1—50”.
NOTE: Once an effect has been stored in an memory location
between 51 and 00, its parameters can be further ed
ited in the new memory location. Such changes will be
lost if a different effect is selected and recalled, how
ever, unless the STORE function is used to store the
changes. Changes may be stored to the current mem
ory location number (51 — 00) simply by pressing the
STORE button.
12
3: DESCRIPTIONS OF THE EFFECT PROGRAMS
& THEIR PARAMETERS
/THE BALANCE AND OUTPUT /
/ LEVEL PARAMETERS /
Since all of the SPX50D effects have the same BALANCE and
OUT LVL (Output Level) parameters, we’ll describe them here
and leave them out of the descriptions of each effect that
follow. BALANCE and OUT LVL are normally the last two para
meters called in an effect’s parameter list.
Effect/Direct Signal Balance (BALANCE): 0 — 100%
This parameter adjusts the balance between the direct
sound of your instrument (or other source) and the effect
signal. At 100% only the effect sound is delivered from the
SPX50D outputs, while at 0% only the direct sound is output.
At a setting of 50%, the direct and effect sounds are output
in approximately equal proportions.
Effect Output Level (OUT LVL): 0 —100%
This parameter sets the output level of the effect. This is
particularly handy for matching the levels between effects
when setting up an effect sequence for a live performance.
Rev 1 Hall
1.
Rev 2 Hall
2.
Rev
3.
Rev 4
4.
Rev
5.
Rev
6.
7. Rev
Rev
8.
Rev
9.
3
5
6
7
8
9
Hall
Room
Room
Vocal
Vocal
Vocal
Plate
-(TIME)
Reverb Time (REV TIME): 0.3 — 99 seconds
The length of time it takes for the level of reverberation at 1
kHz to decrease by 60 dB — virtually to silence. In a live
setting, this depends on several factors: room size, room
shape, type of reflective surfaces, and others.
High Frequency Reverb Time Ratio (HIGH): x0.1 — x1.0
Natural reverberation varies according to the frequency of
the sound. The higher the frequency, the more sound tends
to be absorbed by walls, furnishings and even air. This
parameter allows alteration of the high-frequency reverb time
in reiation to the overall reverb time.
Initial Delay (DELAY): 0.1 — 50 milliseconds
This parameter represents the delay between the direct
sound of an instrument and the first of the many reflections
that together form reverberation.
High-pass Filter (HPF): THRU, 32 Hz --1000 Hz
Permits rolling off the the low-frequency content of the
reverb signal below the set frequency. The HPF is OFF
when set to THRU.
Rev 10 Plate
10.
Reverberation is the warm musical “ambience" you experience
when listening to music in a hall or other properly-designed
acoustic environment. The SPX50D offers ten different reverb
effects, simulating types of reverberation you would experience
in various halls (1 — 3), in smaller rooms (4 — 5), reverb effects
ideally suited to vocals (6 — 8), and the type of reverberation
produced artificially by a plate reverberator (9 — 10).
13
Low-pass Filter (LPF): 1 kHz —11 kHz, THRU
Permits rolling off the high-frequency content of the reverb
signal above the set frequency. The LPF is OFF when set to
THRU.
11. Early Ref. 1
16. Delay L, R
12. Early Ref. 2
13. Percussion E/R
14. Gate Reverb
15. Reverse Gate
These effects are created using different groupings of “eariy
refiections” — the first ciuster of refiections that occurs after the
direct sound but before the dense refiections that are known as
reverberation begin.
Early Reflection Pattern (TYPE): HALL/RANDOM/REVERSE/
PLATE
The TYPE parameter selects one of four different patterns of
early reflections. HALL produces a typical grouping of early
reflections that would occur in a performing environment
such as a hall. RANDOM produces an irregular series of
reflections that could not occur naturally. PLATE produces a
typical grouping of refiections that would occur in a plate
reverb unit. REVERSE generates a series of reflections that
increase in level — like the effect produced by playing a
recorded reverberation sound backwards.
The stereo delay effect offers independently variable left and
right channel delays.
Left Channel Delay (Lch DLY): 0.1 — 500 milliseconds
17. Delay Short
18. Delay Long
DIRECT
(dB)
SIGNAL
L R
L C R
L C C R
(TIIVIEI
Lch
DLY
Rch
DLY
Lch F.B
EFFECT
INPUT
Rch F.B
Sets the time between the direct sound of the instrument and
the first repeat heard from the left channel.
Room Size (ROOM SIZE): 0.1 — 20
This parameter sets the time intervals between the early re
flections — a feature of natural early reflections which is
directly proportional to the size of the room.
Liveness (LIVENESS): 0 — 10
Tiveness” refers to the rate at which the reflected sounds
fade. An acoustically “dead” room is simulated by setting this
parameter to zero. Increasing the value of this parameter
creates an increasingly “live” sound, simulating an increas
ing area of reflective surfaces in the room.
Delay (DELAY): 0.1 — 400 milliseconds
The time delay between the direct sound of the instrument
and the first of the early reflections.
Low-pass Filter (LPF): 1 kHz — 11 kHz, THRU
Permits rolling off the high-frequency content of the early
reflection signal above the set frequency. The LPF is OFF
when set to THRU.
Left Channel Feedback Gain (Lch F.B): -99% — +99%
Sets the amount of the left-channel delay signal fed back to
the input of the processor. The higher the feedback gain
setting, the greater the number of delayed repeats pro
duced.
Right Channel Delay (Rch DLY): 0.1 — 500 milliseconds
Sets the time between the direct sound of the instrument and
the first repeat heard from the right channel.
Right Channel Feedback Gain (Rch F.B): -99% — +99%
Sets the amount of the right-channel delay signal fed back
to the input of the processor. The higher the feedback gain
setting, the greater the number of delayed repeats produced.
High Frequency Feedback (HIGH): xO.1 — xl.O
Controls feedback in the high-frequency range. The high-
frequency feedback is reduced as the value of this parame
ter is decreased.
14
19. Echo Short
20. Echo Long
This effect can be used to create expansive echo effects -- with
independentiy variable ieft and right channei echo delays and
feedback.
(dB)
DIRECT SIGNAL
L R
L R
21. Stereo Flange
This effect produces a pleasant “swirling” sound which can ef
fectively thicken and add warmth to the sound of an instrument.
The flanging effect is produced by varying the delay between
two identical signals, thus producing a complex varying "comb
filter” effect.
(dB)
DIRECT
SIGNAL
MOD. DEPTH
L(R)7 R(L)
-(TIME)
Lc)i
DLV
Rch DLY
EFFECT
INPUT
Left Channel Delay (Lch DLY): 0.1 — 250 milliseconds
After the delay set by this parameter, the first left-channel
echo will appear, Subsequent echoes will appear at the
same time interval, the number of echoes depending on the
setting of the feedback gain setting for the corresponding
channel.
Left Channel Feedback Gain (Lch F.B): -99% — -f99%
Adjusts the number of echoes that follow the direct signal from zero to a virtually infinite number of echoes at the
maximum setting.
MbD. DLY
■(TIME)
Modulation Frequency (MOD. FRQ): 0.1 Hz — 20 Hz
Sets the speed of modulation, and hence the rate at which
the effect varies.
Modulation Depth (MOD. DEPTH): 0% —100%
Sets the amount of delay time variation, thus adjusting the
depth of the effect.
This sets the basic delay time from the initial direct sound to
the beginning of the flange effect.
Feedback Gain (F.B. GAIN): 0% — 99%
Determines the amount of flange signal which is fed back to
the input of the processor for further modulation. More feed
back increases the overall complexity, “strength” and decay
time of the effect.
Right Channel Delay (Rch DLY): 0.1 — 250 milliseconds
Same as Left Channel Delay, but affects the right channel
only.
Right Channel Feedback Gain (Rch F.B): -99% — .f99%
Same as Left Channel Feedback Gain, but affects the right
channel only.
High Frequency Feedback (HIGH): x0.1 —x1.0
Controls feedback in the high-frequency range. The highfrequency feedback is reduced as the value of this parame
ter is decreasxed.
15
22. Chorus A
23. Chorus B
24. Chorus C
Like flanging, chorus serves to thicken the sound of an instru
ment, creating the effect of several instruments playing at
once. The A and B chorus effects split the incoming signal into
three signals placed at the center left and right of the stereo
image. The delay time and level of the three signals are then
modulated by the LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator). The Chorus
C effect sends the direct sound to the left channel and the
processed sound to the right channel.
IdB)
DIRECT SIGNAL
25. Stereo Phasing
Phasing is basically a “gentler” version of the flange effect, lend
ing a smooth, animated quality to the originai sound.
• (TIME)
AM DEPTH
. (TIME)
DM DEPTH
Modulation Frequency (MOD. FRQ): 0.1 Hz — 20 Hz
Sets the speed at which the effect varies.
Delay Modulation Depth (DM DEPTH): 0% —100%
This sets the amount by which the delay time of one delay
signal is varied in relation to the other, and thus the depth of
the CHORUS effect.
Amplitude Modulation Depth (AM DEPTH): 0% — 100%
Sets the amount by which the amplitude (level) of the input
signai is varied.
Modulation Frequency (MOD. FRQ): 0.1 Hz — 20 Hz
Sets the speed at which the phasing effect varies.
Modulation Depth (MOD. DEPTH): 0% —100%
Sets the amount of delay time variation, thus adjusting the
depth of the effect.
Modulation Delay (MOD. PLY): 0.1 — 8 milliseconds
This sets the delay time from the initial direct sound to the
beginning of the phasing effect.
26. Tremolo
27. Symphonic
The tremolo effect is produced in the same way as the flange
effect, but has a “bigger,” more sweeping sound. The sym
phonic effect adds richness and life to the sound.
Modulation Frequency (MOD. FRQ): 0.1 Hz — 20 Hz
Sets the speed of the effect variation.
Modulation Depth (MOD. DEPTH): 0% —100%
Sets the depth of the effect.
16
28. ADR-Noise Gate
This program uses a “gate” to pass or shut off the input signal
in a number of ways. It can be used to pass just a short seg
ment of a longer input signal, or it can be set up to pass only
signals that exceed a specified level. In the latter case this
program functions as a “noise gate.” It is also possible to cre
ate reverse gate type effects in which the gain increases
gradually after the effect is triggered.
100%
(TIME)
Trigger Level (TRG. LEVEL): 1—100
Determines the level of the input signal required to trigger
“opening” of the gate. At 100 only very high-level input sig
nals will trigger the gate, while at 1 even the tiniest input
signal will trigger the gate.
Hold Time (HOLD): 1 — 30,000 milliseconds
Determines how long the gate stays open, allowing the sig
nal to pass at the DECAY LEVEL, after the first decay and
prior to beginning of the RELEASE TIME.
Release Time (RELEASE): 5 — 32,000 milliseconds
Determines how long it takes for the gate to close fully after
the HOLD TIME has ended.
MIDI Trigger (MIDI TRG.): OFF, ON
When this parameter is turned ON, a KEY ON EVENT mes
sage .from an external MIDI keyboard can be used to trigger
the gate. A KEY ON EVENT message is transmitted when
ever a note on a MIDI keyboard is played.
NOTE: This effect can also be triggered by a footswitch
plugged into the rear-panel MEM./TRG. FOOT SW
jack if the front-panel TRIGGER button LED is lit
(press the TRIGGER button to activate or de-activate
the footswitch trigger function).
Produces a delay between the time at which the gate is
triggered and that at which it actually opens. If a minus value
is programmed, the input signal is delayed so that, effec
tively, the gate opens before the signal appears.
Trigger Mask (TRG. MSK): 5 — 32,000 milliseconds
This parameter makes it impossible to re-trigger the gate
function until the programmed time has elapsed.
Attack Time (ATTACK): 5 — 32,000 milliseconds
Determines how long it takes for the gate to open fully from
the time it begins to open.
Decay Time (DECAY): 5 — 32,000 milliseconds
Determines the length of time it takes for the gate envelope
to fall to DECAY LEVEL after it is fully open.
Decay Level (DECAY LVL): 0 — 100%
Determines the level at which the gate remains open for the
HOLD TIME. The lower the value, the lower the HOLD gate
level.
17
29. Compressor
This extremely versatile compressor program allows creation of
a wide range of compression and limiting effects. It can simply
be used to reduce the dynamic range of a signal, to smooth out
the sound of an electric bass or add sustain to an electric guitar.
It can help to reduce volume fluctuations as a vocalist moves
closer to or away from a microphone, or limit the maximum level
of a signal to prevent overloading certain types of amplification
of recording equipment.
Attack Time (ATTACK): 1 — 40 milliseconds
Determines how long it takes for full compression to be
reached after the effect is triggered (i.e. the THRESHOLD
level is exceeded). The right ATTACK setting is essential to
preserve the natural initial attack sound of the instrument
used — or modify it as desired.
Release Time (RELEASE): 10 — 2,000 milliseconds
Determines how long it takes for compression to be released
after the input signal drops below the THRESHOLD level.
The RELEASE setting is important to preserve the natural
release sound of the instrument used. Too short a RE
LEASE setting will cause the sound to be cut off unnaturally.
Threshold Level (THRESHOLD): -48 — -6 dB
Determines the level of the input signal at which the com
pression effect begins. Set at a low level (-48 dB) all input
signals will be compressed. At a higher level, only those
signals exceeding the THRESHOLD level will be com
pressed, thus producing a limiting effect. The THRESHOLD
level must be set to match the level and characteristics of
the instrument being used, as well as the desired effect.
Delay Time (DELAY): 0.1 — 400 milliseconds
Determines the time delay between the direct sound and the
compressed effect sound.
Compression Ratio (RATIO): 1 — 20
This parameter sets the "amount” of compression applied to
the input signal. A setting of 1.0 produces no compression,
while a setting of 20 produces maximum compression.
Detect Delay (PET. PLY): -50 — +50 milliseconds
This parameter sets an initial delay between the time the
input signal begins (the time the THRESHOLD level is ex
ceeded) and the time the compression effect begins. This
delay can be used to allow the initial attack of an instrument
to come through completely unaffected while the rest of the
signal is compressed. A minus DET DLY setting causes the
compressed sound to appear before the direct instrument
sound.
18
30. Reverb & Gate
This effect combines a reverb program with a gate program,
making it possibie to output only a segment of a ionger reverb
sound.
-(TIME)
Reverb Time (REV TIME): 0.3 — 99 seconds
The length of time it takes for the level of reverberation at 1
kHz to decrease by 60 dB.
High Frequency Reverb Time Ratio (HIGH): x0.1 — xO.1
This parameter allows alteration of the high-frequency
reverb time in reiation to the overall reverb time.
Initial Delay (DELAY): 0.1 — 50 milliseconds
This parameter represents the delay between the direct
sound of an instrument and the first of the many reflections
that together form reverberation.
High-pass Filter (HPF): THRU, 32 Hz —1000 Hz
Permits roiiing off the the low-frequency content of the
reverb signal below the set frequency. The HPF is OFF
when set to THRU.
Release Time (RELEASE): 5 — 32,000 milliseconds
This parameter determines the time it takes for the gate to
close completely after the HOLD time has elapsed.
MIDI Trigger (MIDI TRG.): OFF, ON
When ON, a KEY ON EVENT message from a MIDI key
board can be used to trigger the effect.
NOTE; This effect can also be triggered by a footswitch
plugged into the rear-panel MEM./TRG. FOOT SW
jack if the front-panel TRIGGER button LED is lit
(press the TRIGGER utton to activate or de-activate
thei footswitch trigger function).
31. Pitch A
This program can actually change the pitch of an input signal
over a 2-octave range. The shifted pitch can be combined with
the direct sound (by an appropriate setting of the BALANCE
parameter) to create automatic harmonies.
Pitch Shift (PITCH): -12 — +12
Sets the degree of pitch change in semitone steps. +12 cor
responds to an output pitch one octave higher than the input
pitch, and -12 produces an output pitch one octave lower
than the input pitch. An external MIDI keyboard can even be
used to select the desired degree of pitch shift.
Fine Tuning (FINE): -100 — +100
Permits extremely fine pitch adjustment in one-cent steps.
Low-pass Filter (LPF): 1 kHz — 11 kHz, THRU
Permits roiiing off the high-frequency content of the reverb
signal above the set frequency. The LPF is OFF when set to
THRU.
Trigger Level (TRG. LEVEL): 1 — 100
Determines the amplitude of the input signal required to trig
ger opening of the gate. At 100 only high-level input signáis
will trigger the gate, whiie at 1 even the siightest input signai
wiii trigger the gate.
Hold Time (HOLD): 1 — 30,000 milliseconds
This parameter sets the amount of time the gate is “open,”
aiiowing the reverb sound to come through.
19
Delay Time (DELAY): 0.1 — 400 milliseconds
Sets the delay between the direct sound (input signal) and
the pitch-shifted output signal.
Feedback Gain (F.B. GAIN): 0 — 99%
When this parameter is set to 0, only a single pitch-shifted
sound is produced after the DELAY time has elapsed. As the
value of this parameter is increased, however, more and
more delayed repeats are produced, each pitch-shifted up
or down from the previous repeat according to the setting of
the PITCH parameter.
32. Pitch B
Base Key (BASE KEY): OFF, C1 — C6
This parameter sets the “BASE KEY” for an external MIDI
synthesizer used to control the PITCH parameter (the MIDI
OUT terminal of the synthesizer must be connected to the
SPX50D MIDI IN terminal, and the SPX50D must be set to
receive on the MIDI channel on which the synthesizer is
transmitting). If, for example, the BASE KEY parameter is
set to C4, pressing the C3 key on the synthesizer (C3 is one
octave lower than C4) will set the pitch change value to -12.
Pressing D4 on the keyboard would produce a pitch in
crease of one whole-tone (+2). If a key more than an octave
higher or lower than the BASE KEY is pressed, the resultant
pitch change setting will still be within the -12 to +12 range,
as shown in the illustration below. If the BASE KEY parame
ter is set OFF, pitch cannot be controlled via the MIDI IN
terminal.
+ 3
+ I
- 2
- 4
- 6
- 9
- I I
F 5
E 5
D 5
0 5
B 4
A 4
G 4
F 4
E 4
D 4
G 4
B 3
A 3
G 3
F 3
E 3
D 3
G 3
B 2
A 2
PITCH
+ 5
f 4
+ 2 -
+ 12 -
+ I I
+ 9
f 7
+ 5
+ 4
F 2
0
- I
- 3
- 5
- 7
~ 8
- 10
-- 12 -
- I —
- 3
+ 1 —(-12 range is
repeated
Pitch can be changed
over a ± 12 range with
the BASE KEY in
the center.
- 1 — 12 range is
repeated
PITCH CHANGE B makes it possible to produce two independ
ently pitch-shifted output notes in addition to the direct signal,
so you can actually create three-part harmonies with a single
input note. Both pitch-shifted notes appear at the center of the
stereo sound field (i.e. they are output equally to the L and R
OUTPUT jacks).
1st Pitch Shift (1 PITCH): -12 — +12
Sets the pitch of the first pitch-shifted note between one
octave below (-12) and one octave above (+12) the input
note.
1st Fine Tuning M FINE): -100 — +100
Permits fine tuning of the first pitch-shifted note in 1-cent
steps.
1st Delay Time (1 PLY): 0.1 — 400 milliseconds
Determines the time delay between input of the original note
and output of the first pitch-shifted note.
2nd Pitch Shift (2 PITCH): -12 — +12
Sets the pitch of the second pitch-shifted note between one
octave below (-12) and one octave above (+12) the input
note.
2nd Fine Tuning (2 FINE): -100 — +100
Permits fine tuning of the second pitch-shifted note in 1-cent
steps.
2nd Delay Time (2 PLY): 0.1 — 400 milliseconds
Determines the time delay between input of the original note
and output of the second pitch-shifted note.
2C
33. Pitch C
34. Triggered Pan
Like the PITCH CHANGE B program, PITCH CHANGE C pro
duces 2 pitch-shifted notes in addition to the original input note.
In this program, however, the two pitch-shifted notes are inde
pendently fed to the left and right channel outputs (the direct
sound is positioned at the center of the stereo sound field) for a
true stereo harmony effect.
Left Pitch Shift (L PITCH): -12 — +12
Sets the pitch of the left-channel pitch-shifted note between
one octave below (-12) and one octave above (+12) the
input note.
Left Fine Tuning (L FINE): -100 — +100
Permits fine tuning of the left-channel pitch-shifted note in 1-
cent steps.
Left Delay Time (L PLY): 0.1 — 200 milliseconds
Determines the time delay between input of the original note
and output of the left-channel pitch-shifted note.
Right Pitch Shift (R PITCH): -12 — +12
Sets the pitch of the right-channel pitch-shifted note between
one octave below (-12) and one octave above (+12) the
input note.
Right Fine Tuning (R FINE): -100 — +100
Permits fine tuning of the right-channel pitch-shifted note
in
1 -cent steps.
Right Delay Time (R PLY): 0.1 — 200 milliseconds
Determines the time delay between input of the original note
and output of the right-channel pitch-shifted note.
When triggered, this program automatically pans the sound
image between left and right or right and left in the stereo sound
field — with programmable attack, pan and release rates.
Trigger Level (TRG. LEVEL): 1—100
Determines the level of the input signal required to trigger
the panning effect. At 100 only very high-level input signals
will trigger the pan, while at 1 even the tiniest input signal
will trigger the pan.
Produces a delay between the time at which the effect is
triggered and that at which it actually begins. If a minus
value is programmed, the input signal is delayed so that,
effectively, the effect begins before the signal appears.
Trigger Mask (TRG. MSK): 5 — 32,000 milliseconds
This parameter makes it impossible to re-trigger the effect
until the programmed time has elapsed.
Attack Time (ATTACK): 5 — 32,000 milliseconds
Determines how rapidly the panning effect begins.
Panning Time (PANNING): 5 — 32,000 milliseconds
Determines how long it takes to complete the main portion of
the pan.
Release Time (RELEASE): 5 — 32,000 milliseconds
Determines the speed of the end of the pan.
Pan Direction (DIRECTION): L -+ R, L R
Determines the direction in which the sound
sweeps across
the stereo sound field.
PROGRAMPITCH CHANGE
Pitch A1TONEYESYES
Pitch B
Pitch C2 TONES
2 TONES
(CENTER)
(1 EACH IN
L&R CH.)
FEEDBACK
NONO
NONO
>1
MIDI PITCH
CONTROL
Left/RIght Channel Balance (L/R BALANCE): 0 —100%
Determines the maximum extent of the pan sweep. For ex
ample, a setting of 100% produce a full pan from the ex
treme left to right or vice versa, while a setting of 50% a pan
that is more restricted in its width across the stereo sound
field.
MIDI Trigger (MIDI TRG.): OFF, ON
When this parameter is turned ON, a KEY ON EVENT mes
sage from an external MIDI keyboard can be used to trigger
the pan. A KEY ON EVENT message is transmitted when
ever a note on a MIDI keyboard is played.
NOTE; This effect can also be triggered by a footswitch
plugged into the rear-panel MEM./TRG. FOOT SW
jack if the front-panel TRIGGER button LED is lit
(press the TRIGGER button to activate or de-activate
the footswitch trigger function).
35. Parametric EQ
This versatile parametric equaiization program offers precise
sound-shaping controi so you can create preciseiy a required
tonai effect.
(dBl 20
- 10
50 100500 Ik5K 10K 20K
IHz)
High-pass Filter (HPF): THRU, 32 Hz —1000 Hz
Permits roiiing off the the low-frequencies below the set fre
quency. The HPF is OFF when set to THRU.
Midrange EQ Frequency (MID FRQ.): 315 — 4,000 Hz
Sets the mid-frequency range to be boosted or cut using the
next parameter: MID GAIN.
Midrange EQ Gain (MID GAIN): -15 — +15 dB
Boosts or cuts response in the frequency range set by the
MID FRQ parameter (above). A setting of 0 produces no
boost or cut. Minus settings (e.g: -6 dB) cut response in the
selected frequency range, while plus settings (e.g: +12 dB)
boost response.
EQ Delay Time (DELAY): 0.1 — 400 milliseconds
Determines the time it takes for the equalizer to actualiy take
effect after a note is piayed.
The distortion programs are capabie of producing an extremeiy
broad range of distortion sounds that are ideai for virtuaiiy ali
guitar styles. The various presets provide a range of immedi
ately useful distortion sounds.
Distortion (DISTORTION): 0 —100%
This parameter sets the “degree” of distortion produced. A
setting of 0 produces a perfectly clean sound, while a setting
of 100 produces the most heavily distorted sound.
Treble Boost/Cut (TREBLE): -12 — +12 dB
Permits boosting or cutting the high-frequency range. Minus
settings (e.g: -6 dB) reduce the high-frequency content of the
sound, while plus settings (e.g: +6 dB) emphasize the high-
frequencies.
Midrange Bandwidth (MID Q): 0.32 — 10
Sets the bandwidth of the range of frequencies to be
boosted or cut using the MID GAIN parameter. The higher
the vaiue, the narrower the range of frequencies affected.
High EQ Frequency (HI FRQ.): 800 — 8,000 Hz
Sets the high-frequency range to be boosted or cut using the
next parameter: HI GAIN.
High EQ Gain (HI GAIN): -15 — +15 dB
Boosts or cuts response in the frequency range set by the
HI FRQ parameter (above). A setting of 0 produces no boost
or cut. Minus settings (e.g: -6 dB) cut response in the se-
iected frequency range, whiie pius settings (e.g: +12 dB)
boost response.
High-frequency Bandwidth (HI Q): 0.32 —10
Sets the bandwidth of the range of frequencies to be
boosted or cut using the HI GAIN parameter. The higher the
value, the narrower the range of frequencies affected.
Low-pass Filter (LPF): 1 kHz —11 kHz, THRU
Permits roiiing off the high-frequencies above the set fre
quency. The LPF is QFF when set to THRU.
Midrange EQ Frequency (MID FRQ.): 500 — 4,000 Hz
Sets the mid-frequency range to be boosted or cut using the
next parameter: MID GAIN.
Midrange EQ Gain (MID GAIN): -12 — +12 dB
Boosts or cuts response in the frequency range set by the
MID FRQ parameter (above). A setting of 0 produces no
boost or cut. Minus settings (e.g: -6 dB) cut response in the
selected frequency range, while plus settings (e.g: +12 dB)
boost response.
Bass Boost/Cut (BASS): -12 — +12 dB
Permits boosting or cutting the low-frequency range. Minus
settings (e.g: -6 dB) reduce the low-frequency content of the
sound, while plus settings (e.g: +6 dB) emphasize the low-
frequencies.
Trigger Level (TRG. LEVEL): 1—100
Determines the amplitude of the input signal required to trig
ger the distortion effect. This parameter, in conjunction with
the RELEASE parameter below, functions effectively as a
noise gate to cut out hiss and noise when an input signal is
not present. TRG LEVEL should be set so that the effect is
activated only when a note is played on the instrument
used.
22
43. E/R Distortion
Release Time (RELEASE): 5 — 32000 milliseconds
Determines the amount of time it takes for the distortion
gate to close after the input signal drops below the trigger
level. Proper setting of the RELEASE parameter is essential
to allow a natural decay of t.he source instrument sound.
41. Overdrive Hall
42. Distortion Room
These programs combine reverberation with the distortion ef
fect.
Distortion Level (DISTORTION): 0 — 100%
Sets the "degree” or “depth” of the distortion portion of the
effect.
Reverb Balance (REV BAL): 0 —100%
Determines the amount of reverb applied to the distortion
This parameter produces a delay between the arrival of the
input signal and the beginning of the reverb effect.
44. Slide Gate
These programs combine early reflections with the distortion
effect.
Distortion Level (DISTORTION): 0 —100%
Sets the “degree” or “depth” of the distortion portion of the
effect.
EIR Balance (REV BAL): 0 —100%
Determines the amount of gate reverb or reverse gate effect
applied to the distortion sound.
a
Tone (TONE)": 500‘— 4000 Hz
This parameter produces a tonal emphasis in the selected
frequency range.
Early Reflection Pattern (TYPE):HALL/RANDOM/REVERSB
PLATE
The TYPE parameter selects one of four different patterns of
early reflections.
Room Size (ROOM SIZE): 0.1 — 20
This parameter sets the time intervals between the early
reflections.
Reverb Time (REV TIME): 0.3 — 99 seconds
The length of time it takes for the level of reverberation at 1
kHz to decrease by 60 dB.
High Frequency Reverb Time Ratio (HIGH): xO.1 — xl.O
This parameter allows alteration of the high-frequency
reverb time in relation to the overall reverb time.
Trigger Level (TRG. LEVEL): 1—100
Determines the amplitude of the input signal required to trig
ger the effect. This parameter, in conjunction with the RE
LEASE parameter below, functions effectively as a noise
gate to cut out hiss and noise when an input signal Is not
present. TRG LEVEL should be set so that the effect is
activated only when a note is played on the instrument
used.
Release Time (RELEASE): 5 — 32000 milliseconds
Determines the amount of time it takes for the distortion
gate to close after the input signal drops below the trigger
level. Proper setting of the RELEASE parameter Is essential
to allow a natural decay of the source instrument sound.
Liveness (LtVENESS): 0 — 10
increasing the value of this parameter creates an increas
ingly “live” sound, simulating an increasing area of reflective
surfaces in a room.
Delay (DELAY): 0.1 — 400 milliseconds
The time«delay between the direct sound of the instrument
and the first of the early reflections.
Trigger Level (TRG. LEVEL); 1—100
Determines the amplitude of the input signal required to trig
ger the effect. This parameter, in conjunction with the RE
LEASE parameter below, functions effectively as a noise
gate to cut out hiss and noise when an input signal is not
present. TRG LEVEL should be set so that the effect is
activated only when a note is played on the instrument
used.
Release Time (RELEASE): 5 — 32000 milliseconds
Determines the amount of time it takes for the distortion
gate to close after the Input signal drops below the trigger
level. Proper setting of the RELEASE parameter is essential
to allow a natural decay of the source instrument sound.
23
45. Delay Dist.
46. Dist. Filter
Distortion Level (DISTORTION): 0 —100%
Sets the “degree” or "depth” of the distortion portion of
effect.
Delay Balance (DELAY BAL): 0 —100%
Determines the amount of delay or echo effect applied to the
distortion sound.
Left Channel Delay (Lch DELAY): 0.1 — 500 milliseconds
Sets the time between the direct sound of the instrument and
the first repeat heard from the left channel.
Left Channel Feedback Gain (Lch F.B): -99% — +99%
Sets the amount of the left-channel delay signal fed back to
the input of the processor. The higher the feedback gain
setting, the greater the number of delayed repeats pro
duced.
Right Channel Delay (Rch DELAY): 0.1 — 500 milliseconds
Sets the time between the direct sound of the instrument and
the first repeat heard from the right channel.
Right Channel Feedback Gain (Rch F.B): -99% — +99%
Sets the amount of the right-channel delay signal fed back
to the input of the processor. The higher the feedback gain
setting, the greater the number of delayed repeats produced.
the Sets the “degree” or “depth” of the distortion portion of the
Distortion Level (DISTORTION): 0 —100%
effect.
Echo Balance (ECHO BAL): 0 —100%
Determines the amount of delay or echo effect applied to the
distortion sound.
Left Channel Delay (Lch DELAY): 0.1 — 250 milliseconds
Sets the time between the direct sound of the instrument and
the first repeat heard from the left channel.
Left ChanrfeljFeedback Gain (Lch F.B): -99% — +99%
Sets the amount of the left-channel delay signal fed back to
the input of the processor. The higher the feedback gain
setting, the greater the number of delayed repeats pro
duced.
Right Channel Delay (Rch DELAY): 0.1 — 250 milliseconds
Sets the time between the direct sound of the instrument and
the first repeat heard from the right channel.
Right Channel Feedback Gain (Rch F.B): -99% — +99%
Sets the amount of the right-channel delay signal fed back
to the input of the processor. The higher the feedback gain
setting, the greater the number of delayed repeats produced.
High Frequency Feedback (HIGH): x0.1 —x1.0
Controls feedback in the high-frequency range. The high-
frequency feedback is reduced as the value of this parame
ter is decreased.
Midrange EQ Frequency (MID FRQ.): 500 — 4000 Hz
Sets the mid-frequency range to be boosted or cut using the
next parameter: MID GAIN.
Midrange EQ Gain (MID GAIN): -12 — +12 dB
Boosts or cuts response in the frequency range set by the
MID FRQ parameter (above). A setting of 0 produces no
boost or cut. Minus settings (e.g: -6 dB) cut response in the
selected frequency range, while plus settings (e.g: +12 dB)
boost response.
Trigger Level (TRG. LEVEL): 1—100
Determines the amplitude of the input signal required to trig
ger the effect. This parameter functions effectively as a
noise gate to cut out hiss and noise when an input signal is
not present. TRG LEVEL should be set so that the effect is
activated only when a note is played on the instrument
used.
High Frequency Feedback (HIGH): x0.1 — x1.0
Controls feedback in the high-frequency range. The high-
frequency feedback is reduced as the value of this parame
ter is decreased.
Midrange EQ Frequency (MID FRQ.): 500 — 4000 Hz
Sets the mid-frequency range to be boosted or cut using the
next parameter: MID GAIN.
Midrange EQ Gain (MID GAIN): -12 — +12 dB
Boosts or cuts response in the frequency range set by the
MID FRQ parameter (above). A setting of 0 produces no
boost or cut. Minus settings (e.g: -6 dB) cut response in the
selected frequency range, while plus settings (e.g: +12 dB)
boost response.
Trigger Level (TRG. LEVEL): 1—100
Determines the amplitude of the input signal required to trig
ger the effect. This parameter functions effectively as a
noise gate to cut out hiss and noise when an input signal is
not present. TRG LEVEL should be set so that the effect is
activated only when a note is played on the instrument
used.
24
47. Flange Dist.
48. Chorus Dist.
Flange plus distortion.
Distortion Level (DISTORTION): 0 — 100%
Sets the "degree” or “depth” of the distortion portion of the
effect.
Flange Balance (FLANGE BAL): 0 —100%
Determines the amount of flange effect applied to the distor
tion sound.
Modulation Frequency (MOD. FRQ): 0.1 Hz — 20 Hz
Sets the speed of modulation, and hence the rate at which
the effect varies.
Modulation Depth (MOD. DEPTH): 0% — 100%
Sets the amount of delay time variation, thus adjusting the
depth of the effect.
Modulation Delay (MOD. PLY): 0.1 ms —100 milliseconds
This sets the basic delay time from the initial direct sound to
the beginning of the flange effect.
Feedback Gain (F.B. GAIN): 0% — 99%
Determines the amount of flange signal which is fed back to
the input of the processor for further modulation. More feed
back increases the overall complexity, “strength” and decay
time of the effect.
Chorus plus distortion.
Distortion Level (DISTORTION): 0 — 100%
Sets the “degree” or “depth” of the distortion portion of the
effect.
Chorus Balance (CHORUS BAL): 0 —100%
Determines the amount of chorus effect applied to the distortion
sound.
Modulation Frequency (MOD. FRQ): 0.1 Hz — 20 Hz
Sets the speed of chorus effect variation.
Delay Modulation Depth (PM DEPTH): 0% —100%
This sets the depth or “strength” of the chorus effect.
Amplitude Modulation Depth (AM DEPTH): 0% —100%
Sets the amount by which the amplitude (level) of the input
signal is varied.
Trigger Level (TRG. LEVEL): 1 —100
Determines the amplitude of the input signal required to trigger
the effect. This parameter, in conjunction with the RELEASE
parameter below, functions effectively as a noise gate to cut out
hiss and noisewhen an input signal is not present. TRG LEVEL
should be set so that the effect is activated only when a note
is played on the instrument used.
Trigger Level (TRG. LEVEL): 1—100
Determines the amplitude of the input signal required to trig
ger the effect. This parameter, in conjunction with the RE
LEASE parameter below, functions effectively as a noise
gate to cut out hiss and noise when an input signal is not
present. TRG LEVEL should be set so that the effect is
activated only when a note is piayed on the instrument
used.
Release Time (RELEASE): 5 — 32000 milliseconds
Determines the amount of time it takes for the distortion
gate to close after the input signal drops below the trigger
level. Proper setting of the RELEASE parameter is essential
to allow a natural decay of the source instrument sound.
Release Time (RELEASE): 5 — 32000 milliseconds
Determines the amount of time it takes for the distortion gate
to close after the input signal drops below the trigger level.
Proper setting of the RELEASE parameter is essential to allow
a natural decay of the source instrument sound.
25
49. Phase DIst.
50. Symphonic DIst.
Phasing plus distortion.
Distortion Level (DISTORTION): 0 —100%
Sets the "degree” or “depth” of the distortion portion of the
effect.
Phase Balance (SYMPHO BAL): 0 —100%
Determines the amount of phase effect applied to the distortion
sound.
Modulation Frequency (MOD FREQ): 0.1 Hz — 20 Hz
Sets the speed of the effect variation.
Modulation Depth (MOD DEPTH): 0% — 100%
Sets the depth of the effect.
Modulation Delay (MOD PLY): 0.1 — 8 milliseconds
This sets the basic delay time from the initial direct sound to the
beginning of the phase effect.
Trigger Level (TRG. LEVEL): 1—100
Determines the amplitude of the input signal required to trigger
the effect. This parameter, in conjunction with the RELEASE
parameter below, functions effectively as a noise gate to cut out
hiss and noise when an input signal is not present. TRG LEVEL
should be set so that the effect is activated only when a note
is played on the instrument used.
Release Time (RELEASE): 5 — 32000 milliseconds
Determines the amount of time it takes for the distortion gate
to close after the input signal drops below the trigger level.
Proper setting of the RELEASE parameter is essential to allow
a natural decay of the source instrument sound.
Symphonic plus distortion.
Distortion Level (DISTORTION): 0 —100%
Sets the “degree” or “depth” of the distortion portion of the
effect.
Symphonic Balance (SYMPHO BAL): 0 —100%
Determines the amount of symphonic effect applied to the
distortion sound.
Modulation Frequency (MOD FREQ): 0.1 Hz — 20 Hz
Sets the, speed of the effect variation.
i
Modulation Depth (MOD DEPTH): 0% —100%
Sets the depth of the effect.
Trigger Level (TRG. LEVEL): 1—100
Determines the amplitude of the input signal required to trig
ger the effect. This parameter, in conjunction with the RE
LEASE parameter below, functions effectively as a noise
gate to cut out hiss and noise when an input signal is not
present. TRG LEVEL should be set so that the effect is
activated only when a note is played on the instrument
used.
Release Time (RELEASE): 5 — 32000 milliseconds
Determines the amount of time it takes for the distortion
gate to close after the input signal drops below the trigger
level. Proper setting of the RELEASE parameter is essential
to allow a natural decay of the source instrument sound.
26
4: UTILITY FUNCTIONS
The SPX50D UTILITY button provides access to a number of
important functions. Each press on the UTILITY button ad
vances to the next function until the UTILITY mode is exited:
TITLE EDIT - MIDI CONTROL -» MIDI PRO
CHANGE F.SW MEMORY RCL - exit UTILITY
mode.
/ TITLE EDIT /
This function makes it possible to create original titles for pro
grams you edit and store in memory locations 51 through 00.
The TITLE EDIT function is the first one to appear when the
UTILITY button is pressed. The "TITLE EDIT” function name
appears on the bottom line of the LCD, and an underline cursor
appears at the first character position on the top line. The
MEMORY and STORE buttons are used to move the cursor
back and forth, while the A and V buttons are used to select
a new character for the current cursor position. Simply move
the cursor to each character position in turn, selecting the ap
propriate characters at each position.
The available characters are as follows;
r
J
"ir
V-
/\
t
y
□
y y
A
B c D E F G H I J K L M N 0 P
R
S T u V W X ,Y
h i
X
’
y
%
k I m n
i
Z
! ?
—
y
[
--
T
T
-tr
V
>
]
<
y
V
y- y
y
A
y
5
0 I2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
#
z
0 b
p
< >
X
"y
■T’ F
i-
—
3.
3.
b
c d e f
=
-
3
&
■V
a a
r S t u u V W
q
*
-F
iZ
y
y
3
IJ
Q
g
/
y
/MIDI BANK & CHANNEL ASSIGNMEt^
The SPX50D makes it possible to select specific programs via
external MIDI control. You can set up the SPX50D, for example,
so that when you select a voice on your synthesizer the most
appropriate effect for that voice is automatically selected. This
is accomplished because each time you select a voice on your
MIDI synthesizer it transmits the corresponding MIDI PRO
GRAM CHANGE NUMBER. The SPX50D receives this PRO
GRAM CHANGE NUMBER and selects the effect program that
you have assigned to it using the MIDI PROG CHANGE func
tion which will be described below. The SPX50D also accepts
MIDI KEY ON EVENT messages to trigger some of the gate
effects, and MIDI KEY ON NUMBERS to set the PITCH pa
rameter of the Pitch A effect. The SPX50D actually can be
programmed with four completely independent sets of MIDI
PROGRAM CHANGE NUMBER/MEMORY NUMBER assign
ments. Each of these is contained in a different “bank”: A, B, C
or D. Each BANK may also be programmed to receive on a
different MIDI channel. An example of the way the four banks
may be programmed with different receive channels and pro
gram number/memory number assignments is given below:
-Receive channel
BANK: A
^ PH 1
PGM 1 = MEM 1
PGM 2 = MEM 4PGM 2 = MEM 7
PGM 3 = MEM 8PGM 3 = MEM 16
PGMJ28 = MEM,40
Voice PGM
number
Memory number of SPX50D
BANK: C
CH = 15
PGM 1 = MEM 90PGM 1 = MEM 1
PGM 2 = MEM 89PGM 2 = MEM 2
PGM 3 = MEM 88PGM 3 = MEM 3
BANK: B
CH = 2
PGM 1 = MEM 6
PGM 128 = MEM 1
BANK: D
CH = OMNI
27
PGM 128 = MEM 40
PGM 128 = MEM 38
[]] Bank Selection and MIDI Channel Programming
Assigning Effects to MIDI Program Change Numbers
® Press the UTILITY button until the MIDI CONTROL func
tion appears (MIDI CONTROL is the second function on
the UTILITY “list”).
(D Select the bank to program using the A and V buttons.
CD Press the STORE button to move the cursor to the channel
(ch) parameter.
® Use the A and V buttons to set the receive MIDI channel
(1 — 16), the OMNI mode (all channels can be received),
or turn MIDI reception OFF for the selected bank.
(D Press the MEMORY button to return to the BANK parame
ter if you wish to select a different bank for programming.
® Press the UTILITY button until the MIDI PROG CHANGE
function appears (MIDI PROG CHANGE is the third func
tion on the UTILITY “list”).
® Use the A and ▼ buttons to select the program change
number to which a new SPXSOD memory location number
is to be assigned. The range of available program change
numbers is from 1 to 128.
@ Press the STORE button to move the cursor to the MEM
(memory number) parameter.
® Use the A and V buttons to select the memory location
number containing the effect which is to be assigned to the
currently selected program change number.
Press the MEMORY button to return the cursor to the PGM
(program number) parameter in order to select a new pro
gram change number for effect assignment.
MEM number
28
/FOOTSWITCH MEMORY RECALL RANGE /
NOTE: The program number/memory number assignments
made are stored in the BANK selected in the previous
MIDI CONTROL function. To program the program
change/memory number assignments for a different
BANK, return to the MIDI CONTROL mode, select the
desired BANK, then program the required assign
ments.
The SPX50D permits memory selection via an optional Yamaha
FC4 or FC5 footswitch connected to the rear-panel MEMORY
footswitch jack. The fourth function accessed by the UTILITY
button — F.SW MEMORY RCL — permits setting the range of
memory location numbers that will be selected when the
footswitch is pressed.
F.SWMEMORY
RANGE51 TO
If, for example, the RANGE parameter is set to “51 TO 55” as
shown in the LCD illustration above, each time the footswitch is
pressed the next highest memory location will be selected until
the last number in the specified range is reached. After the last
number in the specified range, the first (lowest) number is se
lected and the process repeated. Reverse sequences can be
programmed by entering the highest number in the range be
fore the lowest, as shown below.
F.SW
MEMORYRCL
RANGE5 5 TO
RCL
55
51
In this case the selection sequence is : 55 “► 54 "■» 53 52 ■
51 “♦ 55, etc.
29
5: MIDI DATA FORMAT
1. Reception Conditions
MIDI TRG. (BASE KEY)
OOFF(OFF)
2. Reception Data
2-1. Channel Information
1) Channel Voice Message
O noteon
Can be received on the MIDI channel set in the
currently active bank.
In the case of effect 28 (ADR-Noise Gate) and
effect 30 (Reverb & Gate), if the MIDI TRG para
meter is ON a NOTE ON message received will
trigger the effect.
If effect 31 (Pitch A) is selected, the received NO
TE ON data is used to set the pitch shift of the
effect. NOTE ON data will be ignored, however,
if the BASE KEY parameter is set to OFF.
STATUS
NOTE NO.
VELOCITY
i NOTE OFF
Although this message causes no direct action in
the SPX50D, it is essential to signal the end of
a NOTE ON message. The conditions for NOTE
OFF message reception are the same as for NO
TE ON reception, as described above.
00 I nnnn (9nH) n = 0 (channel no.1 )-
1 5 (channel no.16)
Okkkkkkk
0VvvvVvv
k = 0 (C-2)-127 (G8)
v = 0-127
I PROGRAM CHANGE
Can be received on the MIDI channel set in the
currently active bank.
The effect assigned to the received program
number in the program assignment table will be
selected.
STATUS I lOOnnnn (CnH) n = 0 (channel no.1) —
1 5 (channel no.16)
PROGRAM OPPPPPPP p = 0-127
NO.
STATUS I 000nnnn (8nH) n = 0 (channel no.1) —
NOTE NO. Okkkkkkk
VELOCITY Ovvvvvvv
1 5 (channel no.16)
k = 0 (C-21-127 (G8)
v = 0-127
30
6: SPECIFICATIONS & DATA
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Frequency Responce
Dynamic Range
THDLess than 0.1% @DELAY, 1kHz, max.
INPUT
Number of Channels
Nominal level
Impedance
A/D, D/A CONVERSION
Number of Channels
Sampling Frequency
Quantization
OUTPUT
Number of Channels
Norm Inal level
Impedance
MEMORY
Presets (ROM)
User Memory (RAM) 51 -100
MIDI CONTROL
20 Hz-12 kHz
Delay: More than 80 dB
Others: More than 74 dB
■
Unbalanced x 1 (phone jack)
- 20 dBm
More than 500 k-ohms
1
31.25kHz
16 bits
Unbalanced x 2 (phone jack)
- 20dBm
1 k-ohm
1 -50
Program Number
Note ON/OFF
FRONT PANEL
Keys(T). (i), MEMORY.
Display16 char, X 2 lines, LCD
Input Level Monitor 7-segment LED
KnobInput Level Volume