SoundBank: Yamaha XG synthesis

Effects

TC G Major

Guitar Preamp

Takamine Cool Tube

Modular Synth

Analogue Systems Apprentice

Processors

DACS Audio Freque II

Recording Workshop

Recording Violin & Piano

Samplers

Red Sound C-Loops

Software

Celemony Melodyne

Sonar Notes

Yamaha Vocaloid

Sound Module

Emu Proteus 2500

Synthesizers

Access Virus Masterclass

Clavia Nord Lead 2X

Korg Triton Le

Novation A-Station

Roland Fantom FA76

Roland V-Synth

Yamaha XG

Yamaha Motif ES

SoundBank is our central audio download area. Here we amass the example audio files that accompany some of the monthly Sound On Sound product tests. Most audio examples come in MP3 file format and might need to be saved to your computer's hard disk before they can be auditioned (using your browser or an MP3 player of your choice).

Yamaha XG

Part 1

Example 1

Example 2a

Example 2b

Example 2c

Example 2d

Example 3a

Example 3b

Example 3c

Example 3d

Example 4a

Example 4b

Example 4c

Example 4d

Example 4e

Example 4f

Example 4g

Example 5a

Example 5b

Example 5c

This is a Standard MIDI File (Type 0) in XG format, which has been designed to work with sixteen-part multitimbral modules. This file will make sure that all the voices, effects, and synthesis parameters are set exactly as they were on the Yamaha QY700 which generated the audio examples. However, the sound generated by your own XG module may differ a little from the MP3 audio examples given here, because of differences between the capabilities of the different XG sound chips available. Effects send and return levels in particular seem to require adjusting when transporting XG MIDI files between modules.

Part 2

Example 1a

Example 1b

Example 1c

Example 1d

Example 1e

Example 2a

Example 2b

Example 2c

Example 2d

Example 2e

Example 2f

Example 3a

Example 3b

Example 3c

Example 4a

Example 4b

Example 4c

Example 4d

Example 4e

Example 5

Example 6a

Example 6b

Example 6c

Example 6d

Example 6e

MIDI File part 2

Part 3

Example 1a

Example 1b

Example 1c

Example 1d

Example 1e

Example 1f

Example 2a

Example 2b

Example 3a

Example 3b

Example 3c

Example 4a

Example 4b

Example 4c

Example 4d

Example 5a

Example 5b

Example 5c

MIDI File part 3

Creative Synthesis with Yamaha XG

There are lots of XG-format synthesizers in home studios, but their General MIDI heritage discourages many owners from using them. However, there's life in your XG module yet if you're willing to explore its hidden depths.

Reviewed April 2004

Sunday 20th July 2008