Yamaha MU90R, Owner'S Manual, Page: 161 / 165

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APPENDIX
Performance
In the MU90R, “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 MU90R are special multi-Part sound programs
designed particularly for live performance and stu-
dio 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 low-
ered continously. The Pitch Bend Control param-
eter on the MU90R 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
MU90R has 64-note polyphony, ensuring that
even the most complex song data will play back
completely 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 MU90R is equipped with two
independent MIDI ports (A and B), providing 32-
channel operation. The two ports are also
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 MU90R, 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
Reverb Return determines the amount of Reverb-
processed signal that is blended with the overall
sound mix of the MU90R. (“Return” is the com-
panion 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
function 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 MU90R
can be used with either type.
Solo
The Solo function of the MU90R allows you to
isolate a single Part, to hear how that Part sounds
by itself.
Sound Module mode
The MU90R has four Sound
Module modes, and these determine the basic op-
eration of the unit as a tone generator. Three Multi
modes (XG, TG300B and C/M) and one Perform-
ance 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 MU90R, “Variation” refers to the
special section of various effects, including
Reverb, Delay, Chorus, and many others. The
Variation effects total 62, and can be used simulta-
neously with the other effect sections of the
MU90R: 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 MU90R 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 veloc-
ity splits, in which the Voices change in response
to playing velocity.
Vibrato Vibrato is a quavering, vibrating sound, and
is produced in the MU90R by regularly modulat-
ing 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 MU90R. There are a total of 779 Voices avail-
able on the MU90R.
XG-MIDI An abbreviation for Extended General
MIDI, a new standard created by Yamaha which
significantly improves on the General MIDI stand-
ard by providing a greater variety of high-quality
Voices and enhanced effect operation.