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MU 128 Appendix
Performance
In the MU128, “Performance” refers to
an operation mode and the programs that are used
in that mode. A Performance can contain up to four
different Parts, all controllable over the same MIDI
channel. The preset Performances of the MU128
are special multi-Part sound programs designed par-
ticularly for live performance and studio recording
purposes.
Pitch Bend
A function found on virtually all MIDI
keyboards (usually controlled with a pitch bend
wheel) that allows the pitch to be raised or lowered
continously. The Pitch Bend Control parameter on
the MU128 allows you to set the range over which
the pitch can be changed.
polyphony
The number of notes that can be sounded
simultaneously by an electronic instrument. The
MU128 has 128-note polyphony, ensuring that even
the most complex song data will play back com-
pletely and accurately, with no “note robbing.”
port
To answer the need for more MIDI channels (the
limit is 16), many MIDI interfaces offer two or more
MIDI ports, each of which can address 16 MIDI
channels. The MU128 is equipped with four inde-
pendent MIDI ports (A through D), providing 64-
channel operation. The four ports are addressable
via the TO HOST computer interface.
Portamento
A function found on early synthesizers
that creates a continuous pitch glide between suc-
cessively played notes. On the MU128, the time of
the pitch glide can be adjusted.
return
Related to effect operation, “return” refers to
the effect-processed signal that is returned to the
overall sound mix. For example, the parameter Re-
verb Return determines the amount of Reverb-pro-
cessed signal that is blended with the overall sound
mix of the MU128. (“Return” is the companion
function of “send” below.)
send
Related to effect operation, “send” refers to the
signal that is sent to an effect for processing. For
example, the parameter Reverb Send determines the
degree to which an individual Part is processed with
the Reverb effect. (“Send” is the companion func-
tion of “return” above.)
sequencer
A device used for recording, editing and
playing back of MIDI data. Sequencers are gener-
ally of two types: “dedicated” sequencer units, and
computer-based sequencing software. The MU128
can be used with either type.
Solo
The Solo function of the MU128 allows you to
isolate a single Part, to hear how that Part sounds
by itself.
Sound Module mode
The MU128 has three Sound
Module modes, and these determine the basic op-
eration of the unit as a tone generator. Two Multi
modes (XG and TG300B) and a Performance mode
(PFM) are available.
tone generator
An electronic instrument that func-
tions as a MIDI-controllable sound source. For the
most part, the term “tone generator” refers to those
devices that have no keyboard or other controller,
but are meant to be connected to and played from a
separate keyboard or computer.
Variation
In the MU128, “Variation” refers to the spe-
cial section of various effects, including Reverb,
Delay, Chorus, and many others. The Variation ef-
fects total 70, and can be used simultaneously with
the other effect sections of the MU128: Reverb,
Chorus, Insertion 1, 2, and EQ.
velocity
The speed at which a note is played (for ex-
ample, on a keyboard). Normally, the faster (or
harder) a key is struck, the higher the correspond-
ing note’s velocity — and, hence, the louder the
sound produced. The MU128 features a variety of
velocity-related parameters that provide extensive
control over the velocity response of the Voices, and
even allow you to set up sophisticated velocity splits,
in which the Voices change in response to playing
velocity.
Vibrato
Vibrato is a quavering, vibrating sound, and
is produced in the MU128 by regularly modulating
the pitch of a Voice. The speed and depth of the
Vibrato can be adjusted, as well as the time it takes
before the Vibrato effect is applied.
Voice
The basic sound unit (or sound program) of the
MU128. There are a total of 1342 Voices available
on the MU128.
XG
A format created by Yamaha which significantly
improves on the General MIDI standard by provid-
ing a greater variety of high-quality Voices and en-
hanced effect operation.
Glossary
