Yamaha S90, Owner'S Manual

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Basics Section
Quick Guide
Refer
ence
Appendix
Overview of the S90
Internal AWM2 Tone Generator and Optional Plug-in Boards
The tone generator block in the S90 consists of the built-in AWM2 and optional Plug-in Boards.
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AWM2 (Advanced Wave Memory2) & Waveform
AWM2 (Advanced Wave Memory 2) is a synthesis system based on sampled waves (sound material), and is used in
many Yamaha synthesizers. For extra realism, each AWM2 Voice uses multiple samples of a real instrument’s
waveform. Furthermore, a wide variety of envelope generator, filter, modulation, and other parameters can be
applied to the basic waveform.
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AWM2 is not just limited to general musical instruments (Normal Voices). It can also be used for setting up percussive
instruments (Drum Voices). For details on Normal and Drum Voices, see page 27.
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Plug-in Boards
Plug-in Boards give you an enormous amount of additional sonic flexibility and power. When installed, they work
seamlessly and transparently within the system of the S90 — meaning that you can use their sounds and functions
just as if they were built right into the S90 at the factory.
Up to three Plug-in Boards can be installed to the S90 (see box below for available boards). These boards are not
simply a source of more Voices; they are also tone generators in their own right and extend the system-level
specifications such as maximum polyphony. In addition, they allow you to use synthesis systems besides AWM2.
You can play Plug-in Voices just like ordinary internal Voices and use them as Parts in a Performance (page 25).
The S90 is compatible with the Modular Synthesis Plug-in System. There are three types of Modular Synthesis Plug-
in System-compatible Plug-in Boards: Single Part, Multi-Part and Effect. Using these, you can build your own system
based on the sounds you require.
Plug-in board line-up
● Single Part Plug-in Boards
Single Part Plug-in Boards let you add a completely different synthesizer or tone generator and play its voices by using a single
part of the S90.
• Analog Physical Modeling Plug-in Board (PLG150-AN)
Using Analog Physical Modeling (AN) synthesis, the very latest digital technology is used to accurately reproduce the sound of
analog synthesizers. With this board installed, you have real-time control over the playback of vintage synthesizer sounds as
well as the very latest sounds heard in today’s club-oriented music.
• Piano Plug-in Board (PLG150-PF)
A massive waveform memory is dedicated to the reproduction of piano sounds. This board offers 136 stereo sounds, including
a number of acoustic and electric pianos, and up to 64-note polyphony. You can even install three of these boards to triple the
polyphony to 192 notes.
• Advanced DX/TX Plug-in Board (PLG150-DX)
The sounds of the DX7 are available on this Plug-in Board. Unlike PCM-based tone generators, this board uses the powerful FM
Synthesis system — the same as found on DX-series synthesizers — for extraordinarily versatile and dynamic sound shaping
potential. Sounds are compatible with those of the DX7, and the board can even receive DX7 data via MIDI bulk dump.
• Virtual Acoustic Plug-in Board (PLG150-VL)
With Virtual Acoustic (VA) synthesis, the sounds of real instruments are modeled (simulated) in real time, giving a degree of
realism that cannot be achieved using conventional PCM-based synthesis techniques. When playing these sounds using an
optional MIDI Wind Controller (WX5), you can even capture some of the physical feel of woodwind instruments.
• Drums Plug-in Board/Percussion Plug-in Board (PLG150-DR/PLG150-PC)
Incorporates the highly-acclaimed AWM2 engine dedicated to the reproduction of drum/percussion sounds. This board also
has its own dedicated effects processing. This means that you can apply Reverb and Insertion effect to the voice, letting you
use all of the effects on the “mother” device for the other Parts.
Internal AWM2
Tone Generator
Plug-in Boards (optional)