SELECT]. Pressing one of the illuminated keyboard buttons will select the pattern currently assigned to that
key. If you wish to assign a new pattern to that key, just turn [DATA] knob. Press another key to assign
another pattern by using the [DATA] knob.
Moving the Knobs and Affecting the Synth Track:
Let ’s get familiar with some of the knobs on the front panel check out how they affect the synth track. Start
playback on preset pattern P.001 and make sure the [SYNTH TRACK] button is illuminated indicating that it
is selected for voice editing (If it isn’t, simply press the [SYNTH TRACK] button and it will be). Let’s mess
with the filters first. The VCF controls are located in the VCF control group on the lower right hand side of
the unit. While preset P.001 is playing, grab the [CUTOFF/TYPE] knob and the [RESONANCE] knob and
move them. You are now editing the filter in real time.
Now check out the Effect/Mixer control group located directly above the VCF controls. In this control group
you have the [TYPE] button, which toggles between the available effects (either Delay, Flanger, Phaser, or
Ove Amp Simulator) and to the right of that are two knobs. The first knob, [PARAM], changes one of
the effect parameters (such as delay time, phase shift, flange depth or drive) and the second knob, [WET],
adjusts the wet/dry ratio of the effect. Play with that for a bit—change the effect, the parameter and the
wet/dry mix.
Now let’s take a look at the EG (Envelope Generator) control group, located pretty much in the center of the
DX200. Envelope Generators control how the DX synth will behave over time. There are 4 knobs there
dedicated to the ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release). The [ATTACK], [DECAY], [SUSTAIN] and
[RELEASE] knobs can affect the FEG (Filter Envelope Generator), AEG (Amplitude Envelope Generator) or
both depending on the status of the [SELECT] button. The red light next to FEG means the knob affects the
behavior of the filter over time and the red light next to AEG means the knob affects the behavior of the
amplitude over time. Both red lights on mean that the knobs will affect both FEG and AEG simultaneously.
While the DX200 is playing back move these knobs around a bit and listen to the changes. The most radical
ones will be when you change the Attack or Release knobs.
Check out the rest of the front panel. You have knobs to control the LFO speed and shape, portamento time,
harmonic (changes the which harmonics are accentuated), a knob to change the algorithm type in real time
and one to change which modulators will be affected by the [FM DEPTH] knob, decay rate of the modulator,
noise level, and a few more that I’ll go into more below (Like Free EG). Needless to say, you have an
abundance of real-time controls directly on the front panel of the DX200 and control of this type is
completely knew to Yamaha FM synthesizers. The best approach is to experiment and not be confused by
the math of it. However, if words like “sideband partials” and “Bessel functions” and “modulation index”
interest you, consult the modern Oracle of Delphi for more information (a.k.a. the Internet—verbose fool,
ain’t I?). And, coupled with the PC editor that is bundled with it—and the XG Works sequencing software
that the editor lives within—you have an extensive amount of control over the sound and, as you will see
below, pattern creation.
Now lets get into the 16-step pattern sequencer.
Editing a Preset Pattern
One of the best ways to learn the DX200 is simply by messing around with a preset pattern. Using preset
pattern P.001, let ’s go through some of the basics of muting tracks, changing the steps in each of the tracks
and changing some of the playback attributes.
Muting tracks:
Muting tracks within a pattern is the first thing you need to know. You do it like this:
1.
First, press [PLAY/STOP] so you can hear the pattern, then press and hold the black
SHIFT
button .
(You are allowed to check out the cool orange lights for a second).
Page 4 of 9
DX200 Desktop FM Synthesizer - Power User Guide
4/17/03
file://J:\Yamaha\dmi\products\dx200\poweruser.htm
