Yamaha Introduces Three Sound Expansion Boards for MU100 and SW1000XG

New Boards Add Physical Modeling, Vocal Harmony and Classic FM Synthesis

July 10, 1998 -- Last year's Summer NAMM show was witness to Yamaha unveiling the first affordable, professional-level, 32-part multi-timbral tone generator, the MU100R. After a year filled with positive reviews and user acclaim, Yamaha now announces a series of sound expansion boards which bring the MU100 series and SW1000XG to a new level of sonic performance and flexibility.

PLG100-VL Virtual Acoustic Plug-in Board

When the PLG100-VL is installed in the MU100 or the SW1000XG, an expansive universe of highly responsive solo sounds opens up before the user. This plug-in board is ideally suited for the creation and performance of solo acoustic instrument sounds such as woodwinds, brass and strings. Many unique "hybrid" sounds combining the realism of acoustic tones with cutting-edge synthetic timbres can also be produced.

Utilizing the same physical modeling technology found in Yamaha's VL70m, the PLG100-VL features 288 voices, six of which are user-programmable. For those who require complete control, Yamaha has created a VL editing computer application which provides access to all voice parameters, letting users create their own sounds from the ground up. Multiple real-time MIDI controllers can also be linked to an extensive range of instrument parameters, allowing for intensely expressive performances.

PL100-VH Vocal Harmony Plug-in Board

The PL100-VH brings extensive harmony generation effects to the MU100 and SW1000XG. Up to three harmony parts can be easily added to any source signal. Each generated harmony has its unique set of parameters that include volume, vibrato, pan position and more. This detailed level of control allows for subtle variation among parts, resulting in a startling level of realism when applied to vocals, guitar and a wide range of other sources. Yamaha has also included real-time MIDI control over the pitch of harmony parts. Users can now play chords on any MIDI keyboard while singing or playing an instrument and have the PL100-VH's harmony lines follow perfectly. This feature also allows for the recording of harmony parts into a MIDI sequencer for automated playback and performance accompaniment. The PL100-VH is sure to be a welcome addition to many studio and live performance environments where quality harmony processing is required.

PLG100-DX FM Synthesis Plug-in Board

Yamaha delivers their world-famous FM synthesis technology in the form of an inexpensive add-on board for the MU100 and SW1000XG. This new board delivers the crystal clear sounds and well-defined bass that only Yamaha FM synthesis can provide.

Preset sounds number 812 and 64 user-programmable memory locations include everything from shimmering electric piano tones to the massive sine-wave bass sounds found in many of today's dance styles. The PLG100-DX's 16 voices bring the MU100's total polyphony to an astounding 80 simultaneous voices. This sound expansion board is sure to please both those that are seeking the sounds of yesterday as well as users experiencing FM synthesis for the first time.

For more information on Yamaha's line of plug-in boards for the MU100 and SW1000XG, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Digital Musical Instruments Department, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; or visit www.xgfactory.com on the Web.