Remember how revolutionary the DX7 was when it was first introduced? If you didn't have one, you were left behind in the dust. For the first time, digital synthesis was within reach of the average musician and the distinctive DX sound was heard all over the radio and in concerts around the world.
But a lot has changed since 1984. The latest offering from Yamaha, the EX-Series is comprised of the 76-key, 128-note polyphonic EX5 and rackmount EX5R and the 61-key, 64-note polyphonic EX7. Each features a unique Extended Synthesis system which incorporates a number of the most advanced tone generator technologies currently available — plus a full-featured sampling system! What's so special about these new instruments? A lot — just read on… Imagine for a minute that you can have one instrument that combines the "best of the best" synthesis techniques — from fat analog to highly detailed physical modeling. Now add in ROM-based samples. Then give this "supersynth" the ability to sample anything into RAM via mic or line input and you'd have a killer machine, right? Particularly when you add a powerful sequencer and some superb effects processing. You want one already, don't you? Imagine no more! Such a synth exists and it's here now. What's more, it's incredibly affordable: It's the EX-Series from Yamaha! Every feature you ever dreamed of is here. Every sound you ever thought you could one day create is at your fingertips right now. By combining the very best state-of-the-art tone generation technologies, Yamaha has given musicians a great-sounding instrument that covers the entire sonic vocabulary necessary for modern music production. Let's take a closer look at each… AWM (Advanced Wave Memory) is Yamaha's original system for effectively using sampled waveforms as tone generators. The strength of AWM lies in its ability to shape and control the sound of the samples with a comprehensive system of envelope generators, filters, key scaling, modulation, and more. AWM voices can have one—four AWM elements, and each can use a preset wave or sampled waveform. The ability to combine AWM elements means you can, for example, combine separate samples for the attack and sustain portions of an instrument's sound, with independent control over each. Virtual Acoustic Synthesis (VL — which stands, incidentally, for Virtual Lead) is the same tone generator technology used in the ground-breaking (and expensive) VL1 and the popular VL70m tone generator. This system applies sophisticated computer- based "physical modeling" technology to musical sound synthesis, accurately simulating the very complex vibrations, resonances, reflections and other acoustic phenomena that occur in a real wind or string instrument.
Yamaha AN Synthesis (or Analog Physical Modeling) offers all the benefits of traditional analog synthesis with the stability, reproducibility, and precise control of digital technology. It is capable of accurately reproducing the sound of classic analog synthesizers without patch cables, setting charts, or the frustrating instability that was the bane of the analog age. A standard (Poly) AN voice can have one AN element and from one to three AWM elements. Classic analog synth type sounds can be created with the single AN element alone. AWM elements can be added as necessary to "modernize" the sound. EX synths additionally allow "AN layer" voices which can have one or two AN elements and one or two AWM elements. The combination of two AN elements in this voice type can result in really thick, powerful, punchy analog type voices. AWM elements can be used to add realistic samples/textures. FDSP (Formulated Digital Sound Processing) Synthesis adds a sophisticated note-dependent effects processor to the basic AWM synthesis. FDSP uses individual note and velocity data to control effect parameters, making it possible to simulate the characteristics of a number of real-world musical components, as well as produce totally new effects. FDSP voices have from one to four AWM elements with an FDSP stage between each and the main effect stage. The FDSP stage can be applied to any of the AWM elements. EX synths also allow the AN (one) and FDSP tone generators (up to three) to be combined in "AN + FDSP" voices. The EX's sophisticated sampling capability lets you sample sounds from any source, any of which can be used in AWM voice elements or mapped to play via individual keys of the keyboard using the Key Map mode. It's also possible to sample directly from the internal EX tone generator system, so you can capture any sound created by the EX synthesis engine and save it for later use. Wave Memory is one megabyte standard, expandable up to 65 megabytes by installing optional memory modules. Sampled waveforms can be saved to floppies or to an external storage device via an optional SCSI Interface. Standard wave files in WAV, AIFF or Akai format can also be loaded. Other outstanding features of the EX-Series include 512 totally new, top-quality preset voices, a four-track arpeggiator, splits and layers, and unparalleled real-time control (on the keyboard models). Controller knobs also function as data entry controls while editing for fast, efficient operation. The EX synths also offer an impressive host of sequencing functions: The 16-Track Song Sequencer has a 30,000 note memory, so you have plenty of capacity for recording and playback. The 8-track "pattern" sequencer has most of the functions and features of the 16-track song sequencer, but is more suited to the production of shorter patterns such as drum tracks or dance grooves. Finally, the EX Effects System is capable of producing effects rivalling those of many separate component effect units. Whew, that's already quite a list of features, and we didn't have room to list all of the others. Honestly, when you hear the EX Synths, you'll be blown away. So call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer right now for more information and special pricing on any of the EX Synths and options from Yamaha. Master Index | Sweet Notes Index | Home | Back Page | Next Page |
