Yamaha SY85E1 User Manual

YAMAHA

SY85 Music Synthesizer

Owner’s Manual 1

- Getting Started -

The SY85 Music Synthesizer delivers the incredible Yamaha AWM sound
with improved quality and performance power. In addition to superior sound,
the SY85 features “Quick Edit” modes that provide fast, easy access to the
most important voice and performance editing jobs so you can customize the
sound without having to deal with the details. Of course, you still have full
programming power when you want to do some serious voicing. For unmatched
on-stage expression the SY85 also features a sophisticated real-time control
system that lets you modify up to 8 different parameters as you play — in
addition to the traditional pitch and modulation wheels. There’s even a full­featured sequencer that allows the SY85 to function as a complete music
workstation. In terms of sound, real-time control, and total production power,
the SY85 offers unprecedented levels of quality and performance.

We urge you to read the owner’s manuals thoroughly in order to realize the
full potential of the SY85 (see “About the Manuals” on page 7), and keep the
manuals in a safe place for future reference.

MAIN FEATURES

● AWM2 Tone Generator System

2nd-generation Advanced Wave Memory (AWM2) technology delivers
dazzling, true-to-life sound with 30-note polyphony.

● Large-capacity Waveform ROM

A large 6-megabyte waveform ROM provides plenty of capacity for top­quality samples.

● Expandable Waveform RAM

The SY85 comes supplied with 512 kilobytes of waveform RAM that can
be used to load extra waveforms from a supplied waveform disk or disks from
other sources. Up to 3-megabytes additional RAM can be installed for dramati­cally increased capacity.

● 256 Voices and 128 Performance Combinations

4 internal memory banks hold 256 individual voices. Voices can be played
individually, or up to four voices can be combined and “layered” to form as
many as 128 performance combinations.

● Advanced Digital Filters

Programmable digital filters allow the SY85 sound to be tailored as re­quired. The filters also feature a resonance parameter equivalent to that found
on the SY77 and SY99.

● Top-quality Effects

The basic quality of the SY85 voices is further enhanced by a range of
programmable effects offering quality rivalling some of the finest separate
signal processing systems — these are essentially the same effects that enhance
the musical impact of the SY99.

● Extensive Real-time Control

In addition to the pitch and modulation wheels, and dual output level con­trols, the SY85 has 8 slide controls that can be used to control a range of
parameters while performing for unmatched expressive power.

● Easy Editing Interface

8 function keys and slide controls below the large 40-character x 2-line
LCD display allow direct selection and control of the parameters appearing
directly above them in the display for efficient, intuitive editing. A 5x5 mode
selection matrix further enhances operation by allowing fast, easy access to any
of the SY85 modes.

● 9-track 10-song Sequencer

Full-function sequencer with 8 standard tracks and 1 dedicated rhythm
track. Each sequencer “song” has its own 16-part multi-instrument setup.
Rhythm parts can be recorded as “patterns” and then chained to form the com­plete rhythm track. The SY85 also includes 100 rhythm patterns that you can
simply select and use.

● Other Features

• 3.5” floppy disk drive for versatile data management and storage.

• External memory card slots.

• Quick and in-depth editing modes.

• Function select matrix enhances operating ease.

• 61-key initial and after-touch sensitive keyboard.

• 2 assignable stereo outputs.

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Contents

Precautions ............................................................................4

About the Manuals

■ The Getting Started Manual (this manual)................................................................ 7

■ Icons................................................................................................................................. 8

■ The Feature Reference Manual.................................................................................. 9

The Controls & Connectors

■ Front Panel.................................................................................................................... 10

■ Rear Panel ....................................................................................................................15

1. Setting Up Your System

■ Connections................................................................................................................... 1 7

■ Power-on Procedure ....................................................................................................18

■ Load & Play the Sequencer Demo............................................................................ 18

■ Load the Pre-programmed Voice, Performance, & Pattern Data.......................... 20

2. Selecting And Playing Voices

■ Play the Internal Voices..............................................................................................21

■ CARD Voice Memory...................................................................................................26

■ Real-time Control.......................................................................................................... 27

• PITCH BEND WHEEL .............................................................................................. 27

• MODULATION WHEEL.............................................................................................27

• CONTINUOUS SLIDERS..........................................................................................28

• FOOT CONTROLLER ............................................................................................... 29

• KEYBOARD AFTERTOUCH..................................................................................... 29

3. The Performance Mode

■ Play the Internal Performance Combinations ........................................................... 30

■ CARD Performance Memory....................................................................................... 32

■ Programming Your Own Performance Combinations .............................................. 33

■ Further Possibilities … ................................................................................................ 39

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4. Voice Editing & Effects.................................................40

■ Further Possibilities … ................................................................................................ 46

5. The Sequencer

■ Real-time Recording (Tracks 1 … 8) ........................................................................47

■ Step Recording (Tracks 1 … 8)................................................................................. 52

■ Creating A Rhythm Track............................................................................................ 55

• LISTEN TO THE INTERNAL PATTERNS.............................................................. 55

• RECORDING AN ORIGINAL PATTERN — REAL TIME.....................................56

• RECORDING AN ORIGINAL PATTERN — STEP RECORD.............................. 58

• BUILDING A RHYTHM TRACK...............................................................................60

• [F5]: “INS” = Rhythm Track Insert .......................................................................... 62

• [F6]: “DEL” = Rhythm Track Delete ....................................................................... 62

• [F7]: “CPY” = Rhythm Track Copy.........................................................................63

• [F8]: “SCH” = Rhythm Track Search ...................................................................... 63

6. Data Management

■ Cards or Disks?............................................................................................................ 64

• MCD64 RAM Cards .................................................................................................. 64

• Floppy Disks .............................................................................................................. 64

■ Create a Well-organized Data Library.......................................................................65

■ Make Separate Performance Disks or Cards ........................................................... 65

■ MIDI Data Recorder Capabilities................................................................................ 66

INDEX ...................................................................................67

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Precautions

■ Location

Do not expose the instrument to the following conditions to avoid deforma­tion, discoloration, or more serious damage.

• Direct sunlight (e.g. near a window).

• High temperatures (e.g. near a heat source, outside, or in a car during the

daytime).

• Excessive humidity.

• Excessive dust.

• Strong vibration.

■ Power Supply

• Turn the power switch OFF when the instrument is not in use.

• The power supply cord should be unplugged from the AC outlet if the

instrument is not to be used for an extended period of time. (Reconnecting
AC power will re-initialize all settings. As a result, user memory will be
erased.)

• Unplug the instrument during electric storms.

• Avoid plugging the instrument into the same AC outlet as appliances with

high power consumption, such as electric heaters or ovens. Also avoid using
multi-plug adapters since these can result in reduced sound quality and
possibly damage.

!! PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE PROCEEDING !!

■ Turn Power OFF When Making Connections

• To avoid damage to the instrument and other devices to which it is con-

nected (a sound system, for example), turn the power switches of all related
devices OFF prior to connecting or disconnecting audio and MIDI cables.

■ MIDI Connections

• When connecting the SY85 to MIDI equipment, be sure to use high-quality

cables made especially for MIDI data transmission.

• Avoid MIDI cables longer than about 15 meters. Longer cables can pick up

electrical noise that can causes data errors.

■ Handling and Transport

• Never apply excessive force to the controls, connectors or other parts of the

instrument.

• Always unplug cables by gripping the plug firmly,

cable.

• Disconnect all cables before moving the instrument.

• Physcal shocks caused by dropping, bumping, or placing heavy objects on

the instrument can result in scratches and more seious damage.

not by pulling on the

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■ Cleaning

• Clean the cabinet and panel with a dry soft cloth.

• A slightly damp cloth may be used to remove stubborn grime and dirt.

• Never use cleaners such as alcohol or thinner.

• Avoid placing vinyl objects on top of the instrument (vinyl can stick to and

discolor the surface).

■ Electrical Interference

• This instrument contains digital circuitry and may cause interference if

placed too close to radio or television receivers. If this occurs, move the
instrument further away from the affected equipment.

■ Data Backup

• The SY85 contains a special long-life battery that retains the contents of its

internal voice, performance, song, and non-volatile wave memory even when
the power is turned OFF. The backup battery should last for several years.
When the backup battery needs to be replaced “Change internal battery !”
will appear on the display when the power is turned on. When this happens,
have the backup battery replaced by qualified Yamaha service personnel. DO
NOT ATTEMPT TO REPLACE THE BACKUP BATTERY YOURSELF!

• Internal memory data can be corrupted due to incorrect operation. Be sure to

“save” important data to a floppy disk frequently so you have a backup to
revert to if something happens to damage the data in memory. Also note
that magnetic fields can damage data on the disk, so it is advisable to make
a second back-up copy of disks that contain very important data, and keep
backup disks in a safe place away from stray magnetic fields (i.e. away
from speakers, appliances containing motors, etc.).

■ Handle Floppy Disks and the Disk Drive With Care

• Use only 3.5” 2DD type floppy disks.

• Do not bend or apply pressure to the floppy disk. Do not open the shutter

and touch the surface of the floppy disk inside.

• Do not expose the disk to high temperatures. (e.g. direct sunlight)

• Do not expose the disk to magnetic fields. Magnetic fields can partially or

totally erase data on the disk, rendering the disk unreadable.

• To eject a floppy disk, press the eject button slowly as far as it will go

then, when the disk is fully ejected, remove it by hand.
The disk may not be ejected properly if the eject button is pressed too
quickly, or it is not pressed in as far as it will go (the eject button may
become stuck in a half-pressed position and the disk extends from the drive
slot by only a few millimeters). If this happens, do not attempt to pull out
the partially ejected disk. Using force in this situation can damage the disk­drive mechanism or the floppy disk. To remove a partially ejected disk, try
pressing the eject button once again, or push the disk back into the slot and
then repeat the eject procedure carefully.

• Do not insert anything but floppy disks into the disk drive. Other objects

may cause damage to the disk drive or the floppy disk.

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■ Data Card and Wave Card

• Never attempt to force a voice card into the waveform slot, or vice versa.

Doing so can cause serious damage to the card connectors.

■ Service and Modification

• The SY85 contains no user serviceable parts. Opening it or tampering with

it in anyway can lead to irreparable damage and possibly electric shock.
Refer all servicing to qualified YAMAHA personnel.

■ Third-party Software

• Yamaha can not take any responsibility for software produced for this prod-

uct by third-party manufacturers. Please direct any questions or comments
about such software to the manufacturer or their agents.

YAMAHA is not responsible for damage caused by improper handling
or operation.

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About the Manuals

The SY85 comes with two manuals — Getting Started and Feature Refer­ence.

■ The Getting Started Manual (this manual)

In addition to an overview of the SY85 controls and connectors (page 10),
the Getting Started manual contains six chapters that take you through the
main procedures you will need to know to become familiar with your SY85:

1. Setting Up Your System [Page 17]

Basic system connections, powering up, loading and playing the demo,
and loading the pre-programmed voice and performance data.

2. Selecting And Playing Voices [Page 21]

Selecting and playing voices from the INTERNAL 1, INTERNAL 2 and
CARD memories, and using the real-time controls.

3. The Performance Mode [Page 30]

Selecting and playing performance combinations from the INTERNAL 1,
INTERNAL 2 and CARD memories, and programming original perform­ance combinations.

4. Voice Editing & Effects [Page 40]

Fast, easy voice editing and effect setup using the VOICE QUICK EDIT
mode.

5. The Sequencer [Page 47]

Recording and playing sequences and patterns.

6. Data Management [Page 64]

Some ideas on how to efficiently manage your SY85 data.

We recommend that you go through the tutorials in sequence while actually
carrying out procedures on your SY85. Once you’ve gone through the entire
TUTORIALS section in this way, you should be familiar enough with the SY85
to need only the Feature Reference manual in future.

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■ Icons

The following simple icons are used throughout the Getting Started manual
to draw attention to important points and information where necessary. The
icons also make it easier to differentiate between information that you should
read immediately and information that can be skipped until later, hopefully
helping you to become familiar with the SY85 in the quickest, most efficient
manner possible.

This icon warns of possible hardware damage, software mal­function, or any other serious problem that may occur due to

CAUTION

IMPORTANT

DETAIL

HINT

improper operation or set up.

This icon marks information that you must read — i.e. impor­tant steps or procedures that are essential for proper, efficient,
or easy operation.

The magnifying-glass icon indicates information that may not
be essential for general operation, but is a more detailed
explanation of a feature, a description of the principle involved,
etc. You can skip this information if full details are not required
immediately.

Hints or ideas that are not specifically musical but may make
operation easier or more interesting are marked by the light­bulb icon.

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■ The Feature Reference Manual

The Feature Reference manual is the “nuts and bolts” reference for the
SY85, individually describing its many functions in detail. The Feature Refer­ence manual is divided into 7 main sections, each describing the various func­tions within a particular SY85 edit or utility mode.

1. Performance Edit Mode ...... [Page 13]

2. Voice Edit Mode ................... [Page 57]

3. Drum Voice Edit Mode........ [Page 119]

4. Song Edit Mode .................... [Page 147]

5. Pattern Edit Mode ................ [Page 201]

6. Utility Mode............................ [Page 209]

7. Wave Edit Mode.................... [Page 237]

Once you have become familiar with the way the SY85 works by going
through the Getting Started manual, you should only need to refer to the Fea­ture Reference manual from time to time to get details on functions you’ve
never used before, or refresh your memory about functions that you don’t use
very often.

Each section of the Feature Reference manual has its own table of contents,
so you should be able to locate any particular function quickly and easily.
Functions and references can also be located by referring to the index at the
back of the manual.

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