Yamaha WX5 User Manual
SPECIAL MESSAGE SECTION
This product utilizes batteries or an external power supply (adapter). DO NOT
connect this product to any power supply or adapter other than one described
in the manual, on the name plate, or specifically recommended by Yamaha.
WARNING: Do not place this product in a position where anyone could walk on,
trip over ,or roll anything over power or connecting cords of any kind. The use of
an extension cord is not recommended! IF you must use an extension cord, the
minimum wire size for a 25' cord (or less ) is 18 AWG. NOTE: The smaller the AWG
number ,the larger the current handling capacity. For longer extension cords,
consult a local electrician.
This product should be used only with the components supplied or; a cart, rack,
or stand that is recommended by Yamaha. If a cart, etc., is used, please observe
all safety markings and instructions that accompany the accessory product.
SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE:
The information contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of
printing. However, Yamaha reserves the right to change or modify any of the
specifications without notice or obligation to update existing units.
This product, either alone or in combination with an amplifier and headphones
or speaker/s, may be capable of producing sound levels that could cause
permanent hearing loss. DO NOT operate for long periods of time at a high
volume level or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing
loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an audiologist.
IMPORTANT: The louder the sound, the shorter the time period before damage
occurs.
Some Yamaha products may have benches and / or accessory mounting fixtures
that are either supplied with the product or as optional accessories. Some of these
items are designed to be dealer assembled or installed. Please make sure that
benches are stable and any optional fixtures (where applicable) are well secured
BEFORE using.
Benches supplied by Yamaha are designed for seating only. No other uses are
recommended.
NOTICE:
Service charges incurred due to a lack of knowledge relating to how a function
or effect works (when the unit is operating as designed) are not covered by the
manufacturer’s warranty, and are therefore the owners responsibility. Please
study this manual carefully and consult your dealer before requesting service.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES:
Yamaha strives to produce products that are both user safe and environmentally
friendly. We sincerely believe that our products and the production methods
used to produce them, meet these goals. In keeping with both the letter and
the spirit of the law, we want you to be aware of the following:
Battery Notice:
This product MAY contain a small non-rechargeable battery which (if applicable)
is soldered in place. The average life span of this type of battery is approximately
five years. When replacement becomes necessary, contact a qualified service
representative to perform the replacement.
This product may also use “household” type batteries. Some of these may be
rechargeable. Make sure that the battery being charged is a rechargeable type
and that the charger is intended for the battery being charged.
When installing batteries, do not mix batteries with new, or with batteries of a
different type. Batteries MUST be installed correctly. Mismatches or incorrect
installation may result in overheating and battery case rupture.
Warning:
Do not attempt to disassemble, or incinerate any battery. Keep all batteries
away from children. Dispose of used batteries promptly and as regulated by
the laws in your area. Note: Check with any retailer of household type batteries
in your area for battery disposal information.
Disposal Notice:
Should this product become damaged beyond repair, or for some reason its
useful life is considered to be at an end, please observe all local, state, and
federal regulations that relate to the disposal of products that contain lead,
batteries, plastics, etc. If your dealer is unable to assist you, please contact
Yamaha directly.
NAME PLATE LOCATION:
The name plate is located on the instrument body inside the battery cover. The
name plate lists the product’s model number, power requirements, and other
information. The serial number is located on the instrument body inside the
battery cover. Please record the model number, serial number, and date of
purchase in the spaces provided below, and keep this manual as a permanent
record of your purchase.
Model
Serial No.
Purchase Date
92-BP
PLEASE KEEP THIS MANUAL
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:
* This applies only to products distributed by YAMAHA CORPORATION OF AMERICA.
CANADA
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur 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.
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 retailer, please contact Yamaha
Corporation of America, Electronic Service Division, 6600 Orangethorpe
Ave, Buena Park, CA90620
The above statements apply ONLY to those products distributed by
Yamaha Corporation of America or its subsidiaries.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
2
PRECAUTIONS
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING
* Please keep these precautions in a safe place for future reference.
WARNING
Always follow the basic precautions listed below to avoid the possibility of serious injury or even death from electrical shock, shortcircuiting, damages, fire or other hazards. These precautions include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Do not open the instrument or attempt to disassemble the internal parts or modify
them in any way. The instrument contains no user-serviceable parts. If it should
appear to be malfunctioning, discontinue use immediately and have it inspected
by qualified Yamaha service personnel.
• Do not expose the instrument to rain, use it near water or in damp or wet conditions, or place containers on it containing liquids which might spill into any openings.
• If the AC adaptor cord or plug becomes frayed or damaged, or if there is a sudden
loss of sound during use of the instrument, or if any unusual smells or smoke
should appear to be caused by it, immediately turn off the power switch, disconnect the adaptor plug from the outlet, and have the instrument inspected by qualified Yamaha service personnel.
• Use the specified adaptor (PA-3B or an equivalent recommended by Yamaha) only.
Using the wrong adaptor can result in damage to the instrument or overheating.
• Before cleaning the instrument, always remove the electric plug from the outlet.
Never insert or remove an electric plug with wet hands.
• Check the electric plug periodically and remove any dirt or dust which may have
accumulated on it.
CAUTION
Always follow the basic precautions listed below to avoid the possibility of physical injury to you or others, or damage to the instrument
or other property. These precautions include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Do not place the AC adaptor cord near heat sources such as heaters or radiators,
and do not excessively bend or otherwise damage the cord, place heavy objects on
it, or place it in a position where anyone could walk on, trip over, or roll anything
over it.
• When removing the electric plug from the instrument or an outlet, always hold the
plug itself and not the cord.
• Do not connect the instrument to an electrical outlet using a multiple-connector.
Doing so can result in lower sound quality, or possibly cause overheating in the
outlet.
• Unplug the AC power adaptor when not using the instrument, or during electrical
storms.
• Always make sure all batteries are inserted in conformity with the +/- polarity markings. Failure to do so might result in overheating, fire, or battery fluid leakage.
• Always replace all batteries at the same time. Do not use new batteries together
with old ones. Also, do not mix battery types, such as alkaline batteries with manganese batteries, or batteries from different makers, or different types of batteries
from the same maker, since this can cause overheating, fire, or battery fluid leakage.
• Do not dispose of batteries in fire.
• Do not attempt to recharge batteries that are not intended to be charged.
• If the instrument is not to be in use for a long time, remove the batteries from it, in
order to prevent possible fluid leakage from the battery.
• Keep batteries away from children.
• Before connecting the instrument to other electronic components, turn off the power
for all components. Before turning the power on or off for all components, set all
volume levels to minimum.
• Do not expose the instrument to excessive dust or vibrations, or extreme cold or
heat (such as in direct sunlight, near a heater, or in a car during the day) to prevent
the possibility of panel disfiguration or damage to the internal components.
• Do not use the instrument near other electrical products such as televisions, radios, or speakers, since this might cause interference which can affect proper operation of the other products.
• Do not place the instrument in an unstable position where it might accidentally fall
over.
• Before moving the instrument, remove all connected adaptor and other cables.
• When cleaning the instrument, use a soft, dry cloth. Do not use paint thinners,
solvents, cleaning fluids, or chemical-impregnated wiping cloths. Also, do not
place vinyl or plastic objects on the instrument, since this might discolor the panel
or keyboard.
• Do not rest your weight on, or place heavy objects on the instrument, and do not
use excessive force on the buttons, switches or connectors.
• Do not operate the instrument for a long period of time at a high or uncomfortable
volume level, since this can cause permanent hearing loss. If you experience any
hearing loss or ringing in the ears, consult a physician.
Yamaha cannot be held responsible for damage caused by improper use or modifications
to the instrument, or data that is lost or destroyed.
Always turn the power off when the instrument is not in use.
Make sure to discard used batteries according to local regulations.
(4)
3
Congratulations!
Your Yamaha WX5 is a state-of-the-art Wind MIDI Controller which takes wind MIDI control to
new levels of performance and playability. With precise, responsive wind and lip sensors, a choice of
single-reed or recorder type mouthpieces, and a range of fingering modes, the WX5 makes expressive
wind control more accessible than ever before. While it gives experienced wind players a new medium
and vastly expanded sonic possibilities in a familiar format, it is playable enough that beginners can
become proficient in a relatively short time. The WX5 also provides expressive control and nuances that
are simply not available with keyboards or other MIDI controllers. Although it is ideal for use with just
about any MIDI tone generator or synthesizer, combined with a state-of-the-art tone generator such as
the Yamaha VL70-m V irtual Acoustic Tone Generator, the WX5 is capable of expressive depth and tonal
subtlety that rival the finest acoustic instruments.
Refer to this owner’s manual while becoming familiar with the many functions and features provided by the WX5, and keep it in a safe place for later reference.
Contents
The WX5 Controls & Connectors ...................................... 6
Setting Up ............................................................................... 8
Power Suppl y...................................................................... 8
AC Adaptor ..................................................................... 8
Batteries.......................................................................... 8
Connecting to a Tone Generator ................................... 9
Connecting to a Tone Generator with a WX Connector .. 9
Connecting to a Standard MIDI Tone Generator............. 9
Preparing to Play ................................................................ 10
Turning the Power On ................................................... 10
Selecting a Mouthpiece ................................................ 10
Selecting a Lip Mode: Tight Lip or Loose Lip ................ 10
About the Wind and Lip Sensors .................................. 11
Basic Playing Techniques................................................. 12
Fingering Modes ........................................................... 12
Octave Shift .................................................................. 13
Pitch Bend Wheel ......................................................... 13
Key Hold ....................................................................... 14
Using the Setup Button ..................................................... 20
Sensitivity (Software Wind Gain) .................................. 20
Octave Transpose ......................................................... 21
Audition Function On/Off .............................................. 21
Setup Switch Settings ....................................................... 22
Wind and Lip Sensor Adjustment ................................... 25
Wind Zero & Wind Gain Ajustment ............................... 25
Lip Zero & Lip Gain Adjustment.................................... 26
Tuning .................................................................................... 27
● Tone Generator Setting ........................................................ 27
Maintenance ........................................................................ 28
MIDI System Setup Examples........................................... 29
Foot Control .................................................................. 29
Sequencer Recording & Playback ................................ 29
Troubleshooting .................................................................. 30
Program Change Control .................................................. 16
Changing V oices ........................................................... 16
Bank Number Transmission .......................................... 17
Changing the MIDI Transmit Channel ........................... 18
Parameter Reset........................................................... 18
Mono/Poly & Portamento Switching.............................. 19
4
Index ....................................................................................... 31
WX5 Fingering .......................................................................... 32
MIDI Data Format ...................................................................... 38
WX5 Specifications.................................................................. 40
Key Operation Chart / MIDI Message Assignments ................. 41
Main WX5 Features
Realistic wind-instrument type response and playability
offers unprecedented expressive control.
A 16-key layout similar to the standard saxophone layout, and a choice of four fingering modes, make the WX5
easily accessible to most wind players. Beginners can
select the fingering mode that they find easiest to play.
With a WX5, a tone generator , and a pair of headphones,
you can play anytime , anywhere, without worrying about
disturbing neighbors.
Dedicated connector and cable provides direct connection to Yamaha WX-series tone generators such as the
VL70-m Virtual Acoustic Tone Generator.
Built-in MIDI output connector means the WX5 can be
directly connected to any standard MIDI tone generator
or synthesizer without the need for an external MIDI interface.
High-resolution wind sensor achieves precise breath response for smooth, natural v elocity/volume control. 5 sensitivity settings provide optimum response for all pla y ers.
Responsive lip sensor allows lip control of pitch and other
parameters when used with the reed (saxophone type)
mouthpiece.
Thumb-controlled pitch-bend wheel allows convenient
pitch bend control when either the reed (saxophone type)
or recorder type mouthpiece is used.
Octave keys allow pitch to be shifted over a ±3-octave
range.
MIDI program change transmission means that voices
can be switched directly from the WX5.
Four ke y-hold button modes - normal, follow , portamento,
and sustain - provide a range of expressive control options.
Built-in LED display facilitates lip-zero adjustment.
Stable, precise response eliminates false triggering and
transient tones.
The illustrations in this owner’s manual are for instructional purposes only, and may be different from the ones on your instrument.
❖ Packing List
After opening the WX5 package, make sure that it includes all of the items listed below.
Mouthpiece Cap (attached)
* Remove the mouthpiece cap before
playing the WX5.
Mouthpiece (attached)
Reed (saxophone) type.
WX5
Owner’s Manual
Mouthpiece
No reed (recorder) type.
Recorder Cream
WX Cable
Strap
Soft Case
5
The WX5 Controls & Connectors
1 Mouthpiece
The WX5 is supplied with two mouthpieces: a saxophone-type
mouthpiece with a reed, and a recorder-type mouthpiece with no
reed. The WX5 is initially shipped with the saxophone-type mouthpiece attached. To remove and replace the mouthpiece see the
“Maintenance” section on page 28.
1
2 LED 1 Indicators
3 LED 2 Indicators
Viewed from the key side of the instrument (as in the illustration), the LED indicator on the right shows lip sensor status, and
the LED indicator on the left shows wind sensor status. Details on
page 11.
4 Keys
These are the keys used to play the WX5. The actual fingering
used will depend on the fingering type selected via the setup
switches (page 12, 30).
33
3
33
2
WIND GAIN
WIND ZERO
Vel
Win
Win
LIP
LIP
LIP
LIP+
nrm fix
B/C EXP
nrm hrd
tht loos
nrm wide
P/B M/W
off on
LIP GAIN
LIP ZERO
VOL
A C
B Fl
off on
off on
PB gen
MW filt
6
Trns
Fing
Fast
Hi ct
7
Whl
5
4
@
OFF
+ –
MIDI OUT
WX OUT
POWER
ON DC IN 12V
8
9
0
!
#
$
%
&
*
(
^
)
5 Battery Cover
Batteries can be installed or removed after removing this cover
(page 8).
6 Sensor Gain Controls
These four controls adjust the gain and zero point of the wind
and lip sensors. The upper three controls can be adjusted using a
small “minus” screwdriver, while the LIP ZERO control can be
adjusted using a finger. Adjustment details on page 25.
7 Setup Switches
The DIP switches below the switch cover determine many of
the WX5’ s basic functions - e.g. fingering, breath and lip response,
the instrument’s base key, and more. Details on page 22.
8 Octave Keys
These keys allow you to shift the pitch of the instrument up or
down by one, two, or three octaves while playing. Details on page
13.
9 Strap Ring
The supplied neck strap attaches to this ring. See “Attaching
the Strap”, below .
0 Setup Button
Used in conjunction with other WX5 control buttons, the Setup
Button allows software wind gain, octave transpose, and other settings to be changed while playing. Details on page 20.
! Thumb Hook
This hook allows the instrument to be supported by the righthand thumb while playing. See “Positioning the Thumb Hook”,
below.
6
The WX5 Controls & Connectors
@ Pitch Bend Wheel
Like the pitch bend wheel on keyboard synthesizers, the WX5
pitch bend wheel can be used to produce smooth upward or downward pitch bends. Details on page 13.
# Key Hold Button
The Key Hold button controls any of four assignable key hold
functions including sustain. Details on page 14.
$ Program Change Button
Used in conjunction with the instrument’s keys, the Program
Change button can be used to transmit MIDI program change numbers to the connected tone generator in order to change voices directly from the WX5. Details on page 16.
% Power Switch
Turns the WX5 power on or of f.
^ DC IN 12V Connector
When using a Yamaha PA-3B AC Adaptor to power the WX5,
the adaptor’s output cable should be connected here. Details on
page 8.
& MIDI OUT Connector
When not using the WX cable (below), use this connector to
connect the WX5 to a MIDI tone generator or synthesizer via a
standard MIDI cable. Details on page 9.
* WX OUT Connector
This connector allows the WX5 to be directly connected to
compatible Yamaha tone generators (such as the VL70-m) which
have a WX IN connector via the supplied WX cable. Details on
page 9.
❖ Attaching the Strap
When using the supplied neck strap with the
WX5, attack the strap hook to the strap ring as shown
in the illustration.
❖ Positioning the Thumb Hook
The thumb hook rests on the right-hand thumb
while playing, supporting and steadying the instrument. For maximum comfort and playability, the
thumb hook can be positioned as required by loosening the screw using a small “plus” screwdriver, as
shown in the illustration, positioning the thumb hook
as required, and then tightening the screw. Do not
use excessive force when tightening the thumb-hook
screw .
( Cable Holder
Supports the AC adaptor output cable and the MIDI or WX
cable connected to the WX5, preventing accidental disconnection.
) Water Drain
Breath and built-up water escape from this aperture - do not
block this aperture.
7
Setting Up
Since the WX5 is a MIDI controller, it must be used with a MIDI tone generator to produce sound. Yamaha recommends the
VL70-m or an MU-series XG tone generator, but just about any MIDI tone generator can be used.
WX-Compatible T one Generators
When the WX5 is connected to a WX-compatible tone generator such as the VL70-m via the supplied WX cable (the tone
generator must have a WX IN connector) po wer is supplied to the WX5 via the WX cable and no other pow er supply is required.
This means that you don’t have an extra cable connected to the instrument, or the extra weight of batteries inside the instrument.
Standard MIDI Tone Generators
When using the WX5 with a standard MIDI tone generator or synthesizer, connection must be made via an optional MIDI cable
(see your music instrument dealer). In this case pow er must be supplied to the WX5 either from an optional Yamaha PA-3B AC
Adaptor, or a set of six SUM-4 batteries installed in the instrument. See “Power Supply”, below.
Power Supply
The power supply connection or battery installation described in this section is only necessary if you will be
connecting the WX5 to a standard MIDI tone generator via a MIDI cable.
AC Adaptor
Use only a Yamaha PA-3B AC Adaptor to power the
WX5 from a household AC outlet.
1
Connect the DC output cable from the PA-3B to the
DC IN 12V connector on the WX5.
2
Plug the PA-3B into a convenient AC wall outlet.
POWER
OFF
ON DC IN 12V
+ –
MIDI OUT
WX OUT
3
Clip the AC adaptor’ s output cable into the cable holder
on the WX5 before clipping a MIDI cable in to the
cable holder.
DC IN 12V
MIDI cable
AC adaptor’s cable
Batteries
1
Use a coin to unlock the battery cover, then remove
the cover as shown in the illustration.
2
Install a complete set of six new SUM-4 batteries, being sure to orient the polarity of the batteries properly
as in the illustration.
3
Replace and lock the battery cover.
• When the batteries are almost depleted the LED indicators will flash and the sound may become distorted
or reduced in volume. Be sure to replace the batteries
early to minimize sound quality degradation.
• When an AC adaptor is plugged into the WX5 the internal batteries are automatically disconnected.
• Always replace all six batteries with new ones at the
same time. Ne ver mix new batteries with old ones, and
• Use only a Yamaha PA-3B AC Adaptor to power the
WX5 from a household AC outlet. The use of other A C
adaptors will void the warranty, and possibly damage
the WX5.
don’t mix different types of batteries (i.e. standard and
alkaline), or different brands of batteries.
8
Connecting to a Tone Generator
Setting Up
Connecting to a Tone Generator with a WX Connector
The Yamaha VL70-m Virtual Acoustic T one Generator was designed for optimum matching with Yamaha
WX-series Wind MIDI Controllers, and is recommended
for use with the WX5 to make the most of the WX5’s
expressive capabilities.
To connect the WX5 to the VL70-m, simply connect
the supplied WX cable to the WX5’s WX OUT connector, and to the WX IN connector on the VL70-m. No other
connections are required (the VL70-m supplies power to
the WX5 via the WX cable).
WX5
VL70-m WX IN connector
WX OUT
WX cable
WX IN BREATH
PHONES
VIRTUAL ACOUSTIC TONE GENERATOR
POWER/VOL
PART MIDI BANK/PGM# VOL EXP PAN REV CHO VAR KEY
PUSH ON/OFF
HOST SLECT switch “MIDI”
WX5 Connection
Connect the end of the WX cable with the screw
ring to the WX5. Insert the connector with the arrow on
the cable connector facing upward, then tighten the screw
ring to ensure a solid connection. Finally, clip the cable
into the cable holder for extra security .
MIDI/
PART
PLAY EDIT
ALL
WX
UTIL
EFFECT
ENTER
SELECT
BC/WX
VELOCITY
TOUCH EG
BREATH
MODE
EXIT
VALUE
VOICE
VL-XG
Connecting to a Standard MIDI Tone Generator
In addition to connecting an AC adaptor or installing
batteries as described on page 8, connect the MIDI OUT
connector of the WX5 to the MIDI IN connector of the
tone generator or synthesizer to be used via a standard
MIDI cable (sold separately).
WX5
MIDI cable
MIDI OUT
Before using the WX5 to control a standard MIDI tone
generator, it may be necessary to make several settings
on the tone generator side. Refer to your tone generator’s
owner’s manual for details, as well as the “Tone Generator Settings” section of this manual (page 27).
Also be sure to set the SW1-1(V el), SW1-2(W in), and
SW1-3(Win) DIP switches (page 22) as shown below to
ensure smooth breath volume and timbre control.
Switch Setting
SW1-1(Vel) ON
SW1-2(Win) ON
SW1-3(Win) OFF
MIDI tone generator
VL70-m Connection
Align the protrusion on the VL70-m end of the cable
with the groove in the VL70-m WX IN connector, and
plug in firmly. Also be sure to set the HOST SELECT
switch on the VL70-m rear panel to “MIDI”, and set the
VL70-m breath mode to BC/WX (refer to the VL70-m
owner’s manual for details).
• The WX5 can also be directly connected to the Yamaha
WT11 Wind Tone Generator via the WX cable.
• In order to make the most of the WX5’s expressive
capabilities, it is recommended that you use a tone
generator which is capable of receiving MIDI Breath
Controller control change data (control change number 2). Breath control is ideally suited to controlling
volume and timbre via breath pressure, as well as applying a range of other effects.
• When using an XG tone generator, the tone generator’ s
Assignable Controller parameter is set to allow reception of breath controller data, but setting the WX5’s
“Wind Controller to MIDI Data” setup switches to “Expression” (page 22) can produce better results f or volume control in some cases.
• The WX5 can also be connected to a MIDI tone generator via the WX cable and an optional Yamaha BT7
Power Box.
9
Preparing to Play
Turning the Power On
Whether you are powering the WX5 via the WX cable
connected to a VL70-m tone generator, or via an AC adaptor or batteries, the WX5 power is switched on by sliding
the POWER switch to the “ON” position. Turn the power
off by sliding the POWER switch to the “OFF” position.
POWER
OFF
ON DC IN 12V
+ –
MIDI OUT
WX OUT
• Depending on the setup switch settings (page 10) and
sensor adjustment (page 25), the LED indicators may
not light when the power is turned on.
Selecting a Mouthpiece
The WX5 is supplied with two different mouthpieces. Select the type that best suits your playing style
and/or the type of music you intend to play.
Selecting a Lip Mode: Tight Lip or Loose Lip
The WX5 has two basic playing modes: Tight Lip
and Loose Lip, described below. Select the mode which
best suits your playing style.
• The Tight Lip or Loose Lip mode is set via the setup
switches, as described on page 22.
• The WX5 is initially shipped with the Tight Lip mode
selected.
■ Tight Lip
The tight lip mode, which is the way most acoustic singlereed instruments are played, simply means that a certain
amount of bite (lip pressure) is applied to the reed when
playing at normal pitch. Increased pressure on the reed
raises pitch, and decreased pressure on the reed (and/or
moving the bite towards the tip of the mouthpiece) lowers pitch. The Tight Lip mode means that accurate pitch
must be determined by the player’s ear, but is probably
the best choice for players who have experience with
single-reed instruments.
Bend Down Normal Pitch Bend Up
• When changing mouthpieces, be careful not to bend
or otherwise damage the cantilever inside the mouthpiece cavity.
Reed Mouthpiece (Saxophone Type)
This mouthpiece features a reed which can be used to
control pitch according to your “bite”. This mouthpiece
provides playability and expressive control essentially
equivalent to a saxophone or clarinet.
Reedless Mouthpiece (Recorder Type)
This mouthpiece has no reed and thus does not allow lip
control. Playing the reedless mouthpiece is similar to playing a recorder.
When using the reedless mouthpiece, set the lip mode to
“Loose Lip” via the setup switches, as described on page 22.
Downward Pitch Bend
• The lip range (the amount of variation caused by a
given change in lip- pressure), and the type of effect
produced by lip pressure (pitch or modulation) can be
adjusted via the Lip Range and Lip Data setup
switches, as described on page 22, 23.
Upward Pitch Bend
10
• The WX5 is initially shipped with the Reed Mouthpiece
attached.
Preparing to Play
■ Loose Lip
In the loose lip mode no pressure (or very slight pressure)
is applied to the reed when playing normally. Pressure
applied to the reed causes an increase in pitch. Thus, in
the loose lip mode only upward pitch bend can be applied, but the amount of upward pitch bend that can be
applied is greater than that available in the tight lip mode.
Normal Pitch
• Always select the Loose Lip mode when using the
reedless mouthpiece.
• The lip range (the amount of variation caused by a
given change in lip- pressure), and the type of effect
produced by lip pressure (pitch or modulation) can be
adjusted via the Lip Range and Lip Data setup
switches, as described on page 22,23.
Bend Up
Upward Pitch Bend
About the Wind and Lip Sensors
The WX5 has two sensors - wind and lip - which may
have to be adjusted for optimum playability (page 25).
• When the WX5 is initially shipped, the Tight Lip mode
is selected, and both sensors are adjusted for “average” playing conditions.
● LED1 (Lip Sensor Data)
LED 1 responds as follows in the Tight Lip mode, and
with the initially factory settings:
LED On : Reed open (bend down).
LED Off : Reed at center (no bend).
LED On : Reed closed (bend up).
In the Loose Lip mode LED 1 responds as follows:
LED Off :
LED On : Reed closed (bend up).
Reed completely open (pitch bend data “0”).
When flute fingering is selected (page 12), LED 1 responds as follows (in this mode the Tight/Loose Lip setting is ignored):
LED Off : Reed completely open (pitch as fingered).
LED On : Reed closed (pitch one octave above fingered
pitch).
● LED 2 (Wind Sensor Data)
LED On : Breath applied (sound will be produced if the
WX5 is connected to a tone generator).
LED Off : No breath pressure (no sound will be produced
by the tone generator connected to the WX5)
• Both LED indicators will flash when the batteries (if
used) are almost depleted. If this happens, replace all
six batteries with new ones as soon as possible.
■ The LED Indicators
The WX5 has two LED indicators which indicate the status of the wind and lip sensors. Viewing the instrument
from the front (the key side) the indicator on the right is
“LED 1”, and the indicator on the left is “LED 2”.
LED 2 LED 1
❖ About Tonguing
“Tonguing” is a technique which is used to add attack to
notes, and to rapidly repeat notes. Rather than simply blowing into the mouthpiece, the tip of the tongue is used as if
saying “tu” at the beginning of a note. A little practice is
required, but the extra expressive capability is well worth
the effort. Refer to a recorder or flute or saxophone method
book for details on tonguing technique.
All other playing techniques which can be used with the
WX5 -breath and lip control - are essentially the same as
those used with acoustic wind instruments, so referring to
appropriate wind instrument method books can be of great
value.
11
Basic Playing Techniques
WIND GAIN
WIND ZERO
LIP GAIN
LIP ZERO
Vel
Trns
Win
Fing
Win
LIP
Fast
LIP
Hi ct
LIP
Whl
LIP+
nrm fix
B/C EXP
VOL
A C
B Fl
nrm hrd
off on
tht loos
off on
nrm wide
PB gen
High D# Key
High D Key
[Up 2] Octave key
[Up 1] Octave key
P/B M/W
MW filt
off on
Fingering Modes
The WX5 offers a choice of four fingering modes. Refer to the explanations of each mode, below , and the fingering charts on page 32, to determine which fingering
mode is best for you.
* The fingering mode is set via the setup switches, as de-
scribed on page 23.
* The WX5 is initially shipped with the Saxophone(a) finger-
ing mode selected.
■ Saxophone(a)
Basically the same as saxophone fingering, except that
the fingering remains the same in all octaves (you only
need to use the octave keys to change octaves), and thus
is easy to learn.
■ Saxophone(b)
This mode is similar to Saxophone(a), but with additional
trill key functions to facilitate rapid passages. This mode
is ideal for players who are experienced with the WX11.
B
A#
A
G
G#
LOW B
Whole-tone T rill
Semitone T rill
F
E
F#
D
D#
C
[Down 1] Octave key
[Down 2] Octave key
Playing Keys
Pitch Bend Wheel
Setup Button
OFF
+ –
MIDI OUT
WX OUT
POWER
ON DC IN 12V
■ Saxophone(c)
A variation of the Saxophone(a) fingering mode, this
mode allows saxophone-type alternate fingerings. Although alternate fingerings produce the same note, they
produce slight variations in pitch and timbre which can
be used for musical effect. The Saxophone(c) fingering
mode simulates these effects.
* When using the Saxophone(c) mode, set the tone genera-
tor pitch bend range to “2” (±200 cents).
■ Flute
Similar to flute fingering, this mode is ideal for players
who are familiar with flute fingering. Rather than continuous pitch bend in response to lip pressure, the pitch
jumps up one octave when lip pressure is applied. The
Lip Mode setting (page 11) is ignored when Flute fingering is selected.
12
❖ The Whole-tone and Semitone Trill Keys
Pressing the whole-tone trill key raises the pitch a whole
tone above the current fingering.
Pressing the semitone trill key raises the pitch a semitone
above the current fingering.
Octave Shift
The octave keys can be used to shift the pitch up or
down by one, two, or three octaves while playing, as follows:
[Up 2] Octave Key 3 octaves up
[Up 1] + [Up 2] Octave Keys 2 octaves up
[Up 1] Octave Key 1 octave up
[Down 1] Octave Key 1 octave down
[Down 1] + [Down 2] Octave Keys 2 octaves down
[Down 2] Octave Key 3 octaves down
Pitch Bend Wheel
The WX5 pitch bend wheel makes it possible to produce smooth upward and downward bends over a greater
range than is possible via lip control. Rolling the wheel
upward (towards the mouthpiece end of the instrument)
produces an upward pitch bend, and rolling the wheel
downward produces a downward pitch bend.
Basic Playing Techniques
■
Changing the Pitch Bend Wheel Function
The function of the pitch bend in the upward and downward directions (i.e. the MIDI data it generates when
rolled upward or downward) can be changed by using
the Setup and Octave buttons while the pitch bend wheel
is rolled all the way up or down, as listed below:
Pitch bend wheel + Setup Button + Octave Key
Fing
Win
Fast
LIP
LIP
Hi ct
LIP
Whl
LIP+
nrm fix
B/C EXP
VOL
A C
B Fl
nrm hrd
off on
tht loos
off on
nrm wide
PB gen
P/B M/W
MW filt
off on
Octave key
[Up 2], [Up 1],
[Down 1], [Down 2]
Pitch Bend Wheel + Setup Button + [Up 2] Octa ve Key
Pitch bend up data
Pitch bend down data
Pitch Bend Wheel + Setup Button + [Up 1] Octa ve Key
Modulation wheel data
Bend Up
Bend Down
• Using the neck strap and thumb hook provides maximum instrument stability, making it easier to produce
accurate pitch bends using the pitch bend wheel.
• Set the required pitch bend range via the corresponding parameter on your tone generator.
• Don’t turn the WX5 power on while moving the pitch
bend wheel. Doing so will cause the center wheel position to shift, thereby causing the instrument to play
out of tune.
• Be careful not to accidentally press the Key Hold b utton while operating the Pitch Bend Wheel.
Pitch bend down data
Pitch Bend Wheel + Setup Button + [Down 1] Octave Ke y
Control change #16 (0 … 127) data
Control change #17 (0 … 127) data
Pitch Bend Wheel + Setup Button + [Down 2] Octave Ke y
Brightness up (control change #74) data
Brightness down (control change #74) data
• When brightness control is selected, the wheel transmits control change #74 value 64 at its center position, value 127 in the maximum upward position, and
value 0 in the maximum downward position.
• According to GM (General MIDI) specifications, control change numbers #16 and #17 are non-reserved
and available for general use. If your tone generator
allows parameters to be assigned to MIDI control numbers, you can use the pitch bend wheel to control any
available parameter. With the VL70-m, for example,
you might want to assign the scream, growl, or other
expressive parameters to control change n umbers #16
and #17, so that they can be controlled via the WX5
pitch control wheel.
13
Basic Playing Techniques
WIND GAIN
WIND ZERO
LIP GAIN
LIP ZERO
Vel
Trns
Win
Fing
Win
LIP
Fast
LIP
Hi ct
LIP
Whl
LIP+
nrm fix
B/C EXP
VOL
A C
B Fl
nrm hrd
off on
tht loos
off on
nrm wide
PB gen
P/B M/W
MW filt
[Up 2] Octave key
[Down 2] Octave key
off on
[Up 1] Octave key
[Down 1] Octave key
Key Hold
The Key Hold function can be used to hold a specified note while playing other notes, thus allowing more
than one note to be played at the same time. You actually
have a choice of four different Key Hold functions - Normal Hold, Follow Hold, Sustain, and Portamento - selected by holding the Key Hold button and pressing one
of the Octave keys.
• When using a monophonic tone generator such as the
VL70-m, the Normal Hold and Follow Hold functions
cannot be used.
■ Normal Hold
Select the Normal Hold mode by pressing the [Down 1]
Octave key while holding the Key Hold button.
Normal Hold allows a specified note to be held while other
notes are played.
Applying Normal Hold
1
Play a note on the WX5.
Key Hold button
OFF + –
POWER
MIDI OUT
WX OUT
ON DC IN 12V
2
While playing the note, rapidly press and release the
Key Hold button. The note will be held.
3
Any subsequently played notes will sound simultaneously with the held note.
Changing the Held Note
1
Play a different note than the held note.
2
While playing the new note, rapidly press and release
the Key Hold button. The note will be held in place of
the previous held note.
3
Any subsequently played notes will sound simultaneously with the held note.
14
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