Yamaha Audio DX200 Editor User Manual

DX200 Editor

Manual

Important Notices

The DX200 Editor is a comprehensive editing software program specially designed for the DX200 Desktop Control Synthesizer - providing an easy, intuitive way to edit and create your own original DX200 patterns for the DX200 Desktop Control Synthesizer.

IMPORTANT:

• Do not use any of the panel controls on an external synthesizer while editing the Patterns with the DX200 Editor, since this may inadvertently change the settings of the DX200.

• The software and this owner's manual are the exclusive copyrights of Yamaha Corporation.

• Copying of the software or reproduction of this manual in whole or in part by any means is expressly forbidden without the written consent of the manufacturer.

• Copying of the commercially available music sequence data and/or digital audio ﬁles is strictly prohibited except for your personal use.

Trade Marks and Registered Trade Marks

• OMS® and are trademarks of Opcode Systems, Inc.

• The company names and product names in this Owner's Manual are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Notices

• Yamaha makes no representations or warranties with regard to the use of the software and documentation and cannot be held responsible for the results of the use of this manual and the software.

• The windows and illustrations in this manual are for instructional purposes only, and may be slightly different from the ones shown on your software.

About the DX200 Editor

The DX200 Editor is a full-featured editing software program for the DX200 Desktop Control Synthesizer, providing an exceptionally simple and convenient way to edit and control all of the parameters on the DX200 Desktop Control Synthesizer --- even providing the same control format as used on the original DX7.

DX200 Editor lets you store your edits as an original pattern and save up to 64 patterns directly to the DX200. Naturally, you can save additional sets of 128 patterns to ﬂoppy disks or your hard disk drive as DX200 Files. The DX200 Editor also features a convenient, easy-to-use DX Librarian that lets you organize your patterns.

Generally, editing on the DX200 Editor is done from the Main window (the window that automatically appears when you call up the Editor). However, you can also use a second window (the DX7 Edit Panel) to edit the Patterns. This lets you perform all edits just as if you were using an actual DX7 synthesizer.

For general instructions and explanations on how to use the DX200 Editor, see Setting

and Changing Parameter Values and Toolbar. For information on speciﬁc, commonly

used operations, see Operations.

Operations

Selecting a DX200 Pattern

Selecting a DX200 pattern is the important ﬁrst step in editing. Once you've edited a pattern you can store it to the DX200 or save it to a ﬂopp y disk/hard disk drive with other patterns as a DX200 File.

• Make sure to store your edits to a pattern before selecting another pattern. If you've edited the DX200 Editor parameters and then select a different pattern, all your edited parameters will be replaced by those of the newly selected pattern.

z Select "DX200 Pattern List."

Click "Edit" on the menu bar, then select "DX200 Pattern List."

You can also quickly call up this dialog box by clicking any inactive part of the window pressing control key and clicking "DX200 Pattern List" in the pop-up menu. Or, you can click "Edit" on the menu bar, then select "DX200 Pattern List."

x Select the desired pattern.

Click on the desired pattern, then close the dialog box (click the close button) to return to the DX200 Editor window.

• You can play the currently selected pattern by clic king on the keys of the keyboard in the DX7

Simulator window.

Opening the V arious Windows

DX200 Editor Main Window

Operations / Opening the Various Windows

This window provides a comprehensive, at-a-glance display of all DX200 pattern parameters, and allows you to easily change any desired parameter. (For more

information, see

Alternately, click "Edit" on the menu bar, then select "DX7 Simulator." You can also call it up from the

Editing a DX Pattern.)

toolbar.

Operations / Opening the Various Windows

• About the [<= DETAIL] button

Clicking this button lets you toggle between the full editing display (with all parameters shown) and a smaller editing display (with a limited parameter set). The smaller display leaves out many of the more detailed parameters, making the editing display less clut-

tered and easier to handle.

Free EG Window

This window contains the versatile Free EG function, which gives you f our tracks for recording complex real-time parameter changes. To call up the window, click the "FREE EG" button at the top of the Main window.

Step Sequencer Window

Operations / Opening the Various Windows

This window contains the convenient Step Sequencer function, which allows you to quickly and easily create sophisticated looped Sequences. To call up the window, click the "STEP SEQ." button at the top of the Main window.

DX7 Simulator Panel Window

Select this window by clicking "Edit" on the menu bar, then selecting "DX7 Simulator." You can also call it up from the toolbar. No editing functions are directly available from the DX7 Simulator window. However, from this window you can:

• Audition the currently selected pattern by clicking on the keys of the keyboard.

• Open a DX200 File by clicking on the cartridge or cartridge slot.

• Open the Edit Panel windows (below).

Operations / Opening the Various Windows

DX7 Edit Panel Window

This window provides a "virtual" DX7 panel, and lets you edit the patterns much as you would if you were oper ating the panel controls of an actual DX7 k eyboard. (For more information, DX7 Edit Panel Window.)

To call up this window, click anywhere on the panel control area of the DX7 Simulator Panel window.

Operations / Opening the Various Windows

Selecting a Mode – Play, Edit or Function

In the Edit Panel window, you can select from among the three main modes: Play, Edit and Function.

• Play Mode

In the play mode, you can:

• Select one of the 128 patterns.

• Play the selected pattern (from the DX200's keyboard or from the keys in the DX7 Simulator window).

To select the Play mode:

Click one of the [MEMORY SELECT] buttons: [1-32] or [33-64].

•Edit Mode

In the Edit mode, you can:

• Edit the pattern, using the ton).

Edit parameters (printed in lavender above each but-

To select the Edit mode:

Click the [EDIT] button.

• Function Mode

In the Function mode, you can:

• Edit the appropriate buttons). These include other miscellaneous Function parameters as well, such as Edit Recall and Pattern Initialize.

To select the Function mode:

Click the [FUNCTION] button.

Function (global) parameters of the pattern (printed in yellow below the

Operations / Editing a DX200 Pattern

Editing a DX200 Pattern

z Select the desired pattern.

Refer to Selecting a DX200 Pattern.

x Edit the pattern parameters as desired.

c Store the edited settings as a pattern, then save it with other

edited patterns as a DX200 File.

Use the Store operation to store your newly edited pattern. Then use the Save operation to save that edited pattern with other User Patterns to a DX200 File.

Both the Store and Save operations are necessary to ensure that your pattern is saved properly. Failing to do so would be roughly similar to writing a letter but not putting it in an envelope. Make sure to execute both operations when you wish to keep a pattern you've edited.

Operations / Compare

Compare

This function lets you switch back and forth between the current edited condition of the pattern and its original un-edited condition. This allows you to easily hear and compare the changes you make to a pattern with its original condition.

z Edit the pattern as desired.

x Select "DX200 Compare."

Click "Edit" on the menu bar, then select "DX200 Compare." You can also quickly use Compare by clicking any inactive part of the window

pressing control key and clicking "DX Compare" in the pop-up menu.

In the Compare condition, a check appears beside "DX200 Compare" in the menu. All parameter values are ghosted (in gray) and cannot be edited. Play the connected MIDI keyboard (or click the keys in the DX7 Simulator window) to hear the original un-edited pattern.

c Select "DX200 Compare" again to return to the edited condition.

Do this as often as you wish to go back and forth between the two conditions.

• "DX200 Compare" is ghosted (gray) and cannot be selected if the pattern has not yet been edited.

• The Compare function can be used with the parameter in the Main Window and with Tempo and Swing in the Step Sequencer window.

Operations / Initializing a DX200 Pattern to the Default Settings

Initializing a DX200 Pattern to the Default Settings

This function allows you to reset all the parameters of the selected pattern to the factory

"initial pattern default values". This gives you a "blank slate" from which you can create

your own pattern. Keep in mind that this operation automatically erases all the settings of the selected pat-

tern. If you wish to save the pattern for future recall, use the Store and Save functions.

z Select "DX200 Pattern List."

Click "Edit" on the menu bar, then select "DX200 Pattern List." You can also quickly call up this dialog box by clicking any inactive part of the win-

dow pressing control key and clicking "DX200 Pattern List" in the pop-up menu.

x Select the desired pattern to be initialized.

Click on the desired pattern.

c Initialize the pattern.

Click the "Pattern Init." button in the dialog box. The speciﬁed pattern is initialized and automatically selected for editing.

To return to the DX200 Editor window, close the dialog box (click the close button).

Operations / Storing a DX200 Pattern

Storing a DX200 Pattern

This operation lets you store your pattern edits as a User pattern.

• To ensure that your new pattern is available for future recall, make sure to also save the pattern (with other patterns) to a DX200 File.

z Select "DX200 Store."

Click "Edit" on the menu bar, then select "DX200 Store." You can also quickly call up this dialog box by clicking any inactive part of the win-

dow pressing control key and clicking "DX200 Store" in the pop-up menu.

x Select the destination pattern.

Click on the desired pattern in the dialog box.

c Store the pattern.

Click the "Store" button in the dialog bo x. The speciﬁed pattern is replaced with the newly edited pattern.

• This operation deletes the original pattern data at the destination.

Operations / Saving Patterns to a DX200 File

Saving Patterns to a DX200 File

Once you've edited a DX200 pattern to your satisf action you can sa v e it to a DX200 File . Each DX200 File can contain up to 64 patterns, and these can be called up at any time with the Open command. (Also see Calling Up Patterns from a DX200 File.)

Additional DX200 Files of 128 patterns each can be saved to ﬂoppy disks or your hard disk drive as DX200 Files --- giving you unlimited storage for your original patterns. For organizing the patterns in the DX200 Files, use the convenient DX200 Librarian function.

z Select "Save DX200 File."

Click "File" on the menu bar, then select "Save DX200 File."

• "Save DX200 File" can also be selected from the toolbar.

x Select the desired folder, type in the ﬁle name, and click "Save."

Operations / Calling Up Patterns from a DX200 File (Open)

Calling Up Patterns from a DX200 File (Open)

Once you've saved a set of User patterns to one or more DX200 Files (see Saving Pat-

terns), you can instantly call up the desired patterns with this command.

To create a new DX200 File, use the New DX200 File command.

z Select "Open DX200 File."

Click "File" on the menu bar, then select "Open DX200 File."

x Select the desired folder and ﬁle name, then click "Open."

• "Open DX200 File" can also be selected by clicking on the cartridge slot in the DX7 Simulator window. (When a DX200 File has been opened, a cartridge is shown in the slot.)

Operations / Receiving Pattern/Voice Data from a DX200/DX7 Series Instrument

Receiving Pattern/Voice Data from a DX200/DX7 Series Instrument

This operation lets you transfer pattern data from an instrument of the DX7 Ser ies. A single pattern or 128 patterns can be received. (See Receive DX200 Bulk Dump Data).

z Select "Receive DX200 Bulk Dump Data" from the Setup menu. x Select the desired Receive Method ("1 Voice/Pattern" or "All Pat-

terns/Voices") and Machine (DX200 or DX7 Series).

c Click "Start." The "Start" button changes to "Stop" and the

operation is set to standby (waiting for incoming data).

v Transmit the data from the DX200 or other instrument. (See the

owner's manual of the instrument for instructions.)

• Make sure that the MIDI connections and settings are appropriate. (This includes the "DX200 Editor Setup.")

b As soon as the DX200 Editor starts receiving data, the progress

bar moves, indicating the amount of data received. When the bar is completely ﬁlled, the operation is complete. To cancel the operation, click "Stop."

n Click "OK" to exit the operation.

Parameters

Virtually all of the DX200 Editor parameters for editing the DX200 patterns are contained in the Main control panel window. From this main panel, you can also jump to other windows for controlling additional DX200 functions (such as the Free EG, Step

Sequencer, and DX7 Simulator).

DX200 Editor Main Window

This is the primary editing window for the DX200 Editor. Virtually all editing functions and operations are done from this window.

To change any of the parameter values, click on the desired parameter so it is highlighted, then type in the value from the keyboard and press [ENTER].

You can also use the mouse to change the values or settings. Click on the desired parameter, move the cursor to the top or bottom of the box (to select the "up" arrow or the "down" arrow, respectively), then click the mouse button to increase or decrease the value. (Clicking with the "up" arrow increases the value; clicking with the "down" arrow decreases it.)

Alternately, drag the mouse to continuously change values. Click on the parameter and drag horizontally or vertically as desired. Dragging to the left or down decreases the value, and dragging right or up increases it. The parameter value changes accordingly. Any parameter changes are output as MIDI data, to the DX200.

Parameters / DX200 Editor Main Window

• About the EG combo box and EG window

Also contained in the Main window is a special EG window, from which you can use the mouse to "draw" envelopes for each Operator's EG, as well as the Pitch EG and Filter EG.

To use this, click on the down arrow above the window, and select the EG you wish to edit. Then, click on one of the box "joints" and drag it to change the EG settings. The current relevant EG values appear at the cursor as you drag it.

• About the DX200 Copy Tool

This convenient function lets you cop y the various settings (including EG) from one Operator to another Operator. Click on any inactive part of the panel in the Main window pressing control key and select "DX Copy Tool" from the pop-up menu. Then, from the Copy Tool window, click and drag the Operator or EG you want to copy to the destination Operator or EG. (For more information, see

[DX200 Copy Tool] dialog.)

• The Pitch EG is displayed in the DX200 Copy Tool window only for viewing the EG shape. It cannot be copied to an Operator, nor can an Operator EG be copied to it.

• About the [<= DETAIL] button

Parameters / DX200 Editor Main Window

• T oolbar

The toolbar gives you quick access to some important functions and controls. These buttons let you easily execute the desired function without having to select a menu.

Open DX200 Editor File

This is the same as the corresponding command in the File menu. It lets you select and open an existing DX200 File. (See File Menus, Open DX200 File.)

Save DX200 Editor File

This is the same as the corresponding command in the File menu. It lets you save the current set of User patterns as a DX200 Editor File for future recall. (See File Menus,

Save DX200 File.)

DX200 Editor Setup

This is the same as the corresponding command in the Setup menu. It lets you make various important settings for conﬁguring the DX200 Editor with the DX200. (See Setup Menus, DX200 Editor Setup.)

Transmit DX200 Bulk Dump Data

This is the same as the corresponding command in the Setup menu. It lets you transmit the current DX200 Editor settings as MIDI data to the DX200. (See Setup Menus, Trans-

mit DX200 Bulk Dump Data

Receive DX200 Bulk Dump Data

This is the same as the corresponding command in the Setup menu. It lets you receive the current DX200 Editor settings as MIDI data from a DX7, DX7II or other DX-compatible instrument. (See Setup Menus,

ing Pattern/Voice Data from a DX200/DX7 Series Instrument)

Receive DX200 Bulk Dump Data. Also see Receiv-

Open DX7 Simulator

This is the same as the corresponding command in the Edit menu. It lets you open the DX7 Simulator. (See Edit Menus,

Open DX7 Simulator.)

Parameters / DX200 Editor Main Window

■ Setting and Changing Parameter Values ...................

• The conventions described here pertain primarily to the DX200 Editor Main Window. For information on the controls in the Edit Panel window, see Edit Panel Window / Play and Edit

Modes.

• Combo boxes

For combo boxes (such as the EG select box in Main, or Track Parameter in Free EG), click the down arrow to expand the box, then highlight the desired setting.

• Parameter sliders

For parameter sliders, click and hold the slider, then drag as desired. Alternately, click and hold any position along the slider path; the slider automatically snaps to the new position.

Parameters / DX200 Editor Main Window

• Incrementing/decrementing values

Values and settings in the Main windo w can be changed b y clic king on the v alue bo x, and then dragging the cursor up or down (or right/left), in the direction of the desired change. To increment or decrement a value, click on the desired parameter, move the cursor to the top or bottom of the box (to select the "up" arrow or the "down" arrow, respectively), then click the mouse button to increase or decrease the value. (Clicking with the "up" arrow increases the value; clicking with the "down" arrow decreases it.) The cursor keys on the keyboard can be used to move around the parameter grid of the DX200 Editor window.

• Typing values directly

Most parameters in the Main Window can also be set by typing the value directly in the value box. Click on the box, then type the desired value and press [enter]. Once a value box has been selected, you can also use the mouse to change the value (as described above).

• The [enter] key have no effect in the Pattern Name parameter.

Parameters / DX200 Editor Main Window

■ DX200 Parameters .......................................................

Pattern Name

Settings: 1 ... 0, A ... Z, -, ., space, (ASCII 20H ... 7FH)

This determines the name of the pattern being edited. Up to ten characters can be entered. (In the DX200 Editor window, both uppercase and lowercase letters can be entered.)

1) Click on the PATTERN NAME box.

2) At the cursor position, type the desired name. Up to ten characters (uppercase or lowercase) can be entered.

3) Store the pattern, if desired.

FM Level

Range: 0 ... 127

This determines the level of FM signal.

Noise Parameter

• Noise level Range: 0 ... 127

This determines the level of the Noise. The higher the value, the greater the Noise Level. When not using Noise, set the value to "0."

• Noise OSC Type Settings: White, Pink, UpSlow, UpMid, UpHigh, DownSlow, DownMid, DownHigh, PitchScale1...4, Variation1...4

This is used to select the type of Noise signal. For detail of types, refer to the DX200 Editor Owner's Manual.

Algorithm

Range: 1 ... 32

This determines the algorithm used for the pattern. The algorithm determines how the operators are conﬁgured for the pattern. The FM synthesis system of the DX200 has 32 of these conﬁgurations, called "algorithms." (Refer to the

This section displays the signal path, showing which operators are "carriers" and which are "modulators." The carriers are in the bottom row of the algorithm and are the actual sound producers for the pattern. Modulators are stacked above the carriers and alter the timbre or tonal quality of the carriers. A modulator stacked on top of another modulator alters the timbre even further. Simply put, the carr iers produce the sound, and the modulators change the character of the sound.

Parameters / DX200 Editor Main Window

Algorithm List.)

• Changing the algorithm may result in drastic changes to the pattern, and could pr oduce une xpectedly loud and noisy sounds.

Feedback

Range: 0 ... 7

This determines the level of feedback. Each algorithm provides a feedback operator, in which the output signal of the operator is looped back to its input. As its name implies, Feedback produces harsh noise-like harmonics in the pattern. The degree of harshness or amount of noise depends not only on this setting, but also on the level of the feedback operator and its position in the algorithm.

Free EG button

[Free EG] window.

Open

Step Sequencer button

Open [Step Sequencer] window.

Filter Parameters

The Filter parameters are a special addition to the DX200, not found on the original DXseries synthesizers. The Filter lets you control the tone in various ways, using the same ﬁlter types, functions and parameters as found on analog synthesizers.

The DX200 also features a Filter EG, letting you control the ﬁlter operation over time.

Filter EG Parameters.)

(See

Parameters / DX200 Editor Main Window

• Filter Type

Determines the ﬁlter type used for the VCF section. The ﬁlter passes only a speciﬁed range of frequencies while cutting off the rest. There are several completely different types, as well as a variety of ﬁlter slopes (see below).

Settings: LPF24 (Low Pass Filter 24dB/octave), LPF18 (LPF 18dB/octave), LPF12

(LPF 12dB/octave), BPF (Band Pass Filter), HPF12 (High Pass Filter 12dB/octave), BEF (Band Eliminate Filter)

LPF24, LPF18, LPF12

The Low Pass Filter passes only those frequencies below the speciﬁed cutoff point. Cutoff curves of 24dB/octave, 18dB/octave and 12dB/octave can be selected.

BPF

The Band Pass Filter passes only those frequencies in the speciﬁed range, with a cutoff curve of 12dB/octave.

HPF12

The High Pass Filter passes only those frequencies above the speciﬁed cutoff point, with a cutoff curve of 12dB/octave.

Parameters / DX200 Editor Main Window

BEF

The Band Eliminate Filter passes only those frequencies outside the speciﬁed frequency range. The Resonance setting (below) determines the eliminate range.

• Filter Cutoff Range: 0 ... 127

Determines the frequency at which the Filter effect starts. The higher the value, the higher the frequency.

• Filter Resonance (res) Range: -16 ... 100

Determines the emphasis of the resonant peak of the Filter (at the Cutoff frequency).

Parameters / DX200 Editor Main Window

• Filter Cutoff Scailing Range: -64 ... 63

This determines how the Filter Cutoff Frequency follows the keyboard. For a setting of "0," the particular notes played on the keyboard have no effect on the Filter.

• Filter Input Gain Range: -12 ... 12 (dB)

Determines the level of the signal sent to the Filter. If the Filter doesn't seem to have much effect on the sound, try increasing this parameter. If the Filter effect seems too boomy, loud or harsh, try decreasing this.

Distortion Parameters

Distortion lets you apply a wide variety of distortion and overdrive effects to the sound, and simulate the effect of various guitar ampliﬁers and speakers.

• Distortion Switch Range: On, Off

This turns the Distortion effect on or off.

• Distortion Drive Range: 0 ... 100

This determines the amount of distortion "dr ive" for the guitar ampliﬁer simulation effect block. The higher the value, the greater the degree of distortion in the sound.

• Distortion Dry/Wet Range: D63>W ... D=W ... D<W63

This determines the level balance of the unprocessed (dry) original sound of the pattern, and the distortion processed (wet) sound. A setting of D=W results in an equal balance of dry and wet sound. (In the display, "D" indicates "dry," and "W" indicates "wet.")

• Distortion Guitar Amp. Type Settings: Off, Stack, Combo, Tube

This determines the type of guitar ampliﬁer simulated by the Distortion effect. Each produces a slightly different distortion sound, recreating the characteristics of an actual ampliﬁer. "Stack" simulates a separate amp and speaker setup, "Combo" simulates a single cabinet transistor amp and speaker, and "Tube" simulates a single cabinet tube amp and speaker. When this is set to "Off," some of the guitar ampliﬁer simulation effect is cancelled (however, Distortion Drive and LPF are still applied to the sound).

• Distortion Low Pass Filter Range: 1.0 kHz ... 18.0 kHz, Thru

This determines the frequency of the low pass ﬁlter that is applied to the distortion sound. Depending on the Guitar Amp. Type setting, this parameter can be used to "fatten" the sound or make it piercing and brittle. When this is set to "Thru," no ﬁltering is applied to the distortion sound.

• Distortion Output Level Range: 0 ... 100

This determines the output volume of the distortion sound. Keep in mind that this may not have any effect unless the Distortion Dry/Wet is set to an appropriate value.

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