MU100r
(Updated 18/05/2000)
Overview
Main Features
Other Important Specifications
Quick Tips
Goodies to Download
Overview
Yamaha don't follow standards... We make them!
  The 'Mount Everest' of XG combined with SVA Physical modeling, VL technology, and VH harmoniser capability make this the 'ultimate benchmark product'.
After the arrival of the MU90R, Yamaha could only do one more thing with XG, and that was... ADD EVEN MORE.
An Earth shattering 20MB of on board samples (almost 3 times as many as the MU80), over 1500 on board voices, and over 45 drum kits. This is coupled with the long awaited arrival of the pre-fitted VL daughterboard, which gives an additional 256 SVA physical modeling voices (yes - the real thing), and 7 independent on board 24bit effects processors, with over 69 different variation effects types... This really is a monster synth in a rack.
Main Features
- People thought we were joking when we said that our XG modules, keyboards and soundcards had 3 parallel 24bit resolution effects processors, and when we announced that the MU90R had 6, journalists were stunned at the breakthrough Yamaha had made. Traditional effects processors of this calibre alone cost hundreds, and in some cases were not even capable of the enormous range of effects types built into the XG spec. Now with the MU100R, we have increased that to 7 parallel 24 bit effects processors, with an even greater range of DSP types than ever before... read it and weep!
- When VL was launched in 1993/94 it's staggering capabilities were only matched by the equally staggering cost. Now as a pre-fitted board in the MU100R, anyone can gain access to the power of TRUE physical modeling synthesis.
- The new rack mount module features 64 note polyphony and 32 part multi-timbrality in standard XG mode (if you can call this amount of power standard). Add to that the introduction of SVA VL physical modeling on the pre-fitted VL daughterboard, and you have the finest 19 inches of rack unit in existence. If this doesn't satisfy the most demanding of MIDI sequencing requirements then nothing will. Be it on stage, in the studio or in the bedroom, the MU100R has the more than enough power and flexibility to be suitable for literally any MIDI music situation.
- The sound engine of the MU100R is based around the existing range of Yamaha XG and VL instruments such as CS1x,Vl70-m, DB50XG and MU80 however there are several major changes, both in software and hardware, which make the MU100R stand out from the rest of the planet.
- A huge Performance memory holds 100 pre-set and 100 user, 4 voice splits, layers and combinations while a new effects stage delivers a staggering 7 simultaneous 24 bit resolution digital effects. The effects are not only accessible by the internal voices. By using the two 1/4" jack plugs on the front of the rack the user can apply any combination of these effects to an external source whilst maintaining complete MIDI control over the effect parameters. This includes the all new Harmony effects from the VH harmoniser board.
- A common complaint of many 'all in one' tone modules has been the lack of individual outputs. These have generally only been available on very expensive modules. MU100R addresses this criticism by including 4 audio outputs. (L&R plus 2 individual) making it unique in its market. This enables voices from the VL mode to be sent out of the main outputs, and also via the on board multi effects busses, whilst voices from XG mode can be sent to the individual outs or to the main outs also.
- Along with the individual outputs the rear panel sports 2 MIDI Inputs (32 part multi-timbral), MIDI Out and MIDI Thru along with a serial port interface which enables direct connection to a Mac or IBM compatible PC removing the need for additional interface hardware. Just plug in to your PC COM port or your MAC serial port and away you go.
- The MU100R front panel benefits from the acclaimed Yamaha backlit LCD which graphically guides the user through the different modes and parameters within the module. A data entry wheel also allows for quick parameter adjustments - another simple, but invaluable feature, not available on other manufacturers instruments in this class.
Other Important Specifications
- More than 1500 normal voices and more than 45 drum kits (kits... not sounds... kits!!!).
- 20 MB wave ROM with more than 1250 PCM samples
- 256 monophonic VL (Virtual Acoustic) preset voices and 70 internal voices. (Real SVA physical modeling synthesis)
- 100 preset and 100 internal "Performance" voices, each with up to 4 voice layers.
- 7 independent 24 bit effects sections including 12 Reverb, 14 Chorus, 70 Variation, 43 Insertion1 and 43 Insertion2 effects, four 5-band multi EQs, and 4 unique "VH Insertion" effects for instant harmonies and "Gender Control".
- 2 AD inputs, stereo outputs and 2 individual outputs, plus 2 MIDI inputs and a TO HOST port.
- Tone Generation : AWM2 + VL (Virtual Acoustic Synthesis).
- Polyphony : 64 notes + 1 (VL).
- Sound Module Mode : XG (including VL-XG), TG300B, C/M, PERFORMANCE.
- Multi-timbral Capacity : 32 parts.
- VL Voices : 256 (monophonic).
- Performance Voices : Up to 4 layers.
- Display : Custom back-lit LCD.
- Jacks and Terminals : To HOST, MIDI IN A/B, MIDI OUT, MIDI THRU, Stereo Headphone, Output (L/mono, R), Individual out x2, AD input x2.
Quick Tips
- Use the extra effects busses sensibly, a different reverb on one of the busses from the main reverb can add a lot of shine to your production - this is particularly true when using drum sounds, and each drum sound can be passed through any of the effect busses.
- Embedding the system exclusive setup data for the analog inputs in your MIDI file means that live users of the MU100R can automate their group vocal and backing vocal effects changes using just a MIDI file player.
- Don't forget the individual ouput assignments, for those days when you need even more effects or a different approach to your EQ, and may wish to use additional outboard gear.
- It is important to bear in mind that if you are composing for users of other XG units such as the MU80, that many of the functionms of the MU100R as not present on the MU80/50/90R and sound cards. This means that your MIDI file may not sound the same on these lower spec units, however if you download the Yamaha S-YXG50 software synth, you can get a very good idea on how your file may sound to other XG users.
- The addition of a WX11 MIDI wind controller will add to the performance capabilites of the MU100R in VL-XG mode.
- You may like to look at the "Modular Synthesis Plug In" page on this site for more information.
Goodies to Download
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