Yamaha Vl70m User Manual

							17Setting Up
Breath Controller
If you will be using the VL70-m with a keyboard, a breath controller is an
essential expressive tool — both for realistic expression with wind-instru-
ment voices and unprecedented expressive control with string voices. Plug an
optional Yamaha BC3, BC2 or BC1 Breath Controller into the front-panel
breath controller jack. If the controlling MIDI keyboard has a breath controller
jack, it might be more convenient to plug the breath contoller in there rather
than directly into the VL70-m. The Breath Controller is ideal for controlling
parameters that would normally be affected by a wind player’s breath: dynam-
ics, timbre, pitch, and others.

 IMPORTANT!
• If you will be using a BC3, BC2, or BC1 breath controller plugged into the BREATH jack,
the “Breath Mode” parameter must be set to “BC/WX” (page 96). This is also necessary if
you plug the breath controller into the keyboard’s breath controller jack.
PHONESWX IN BREATH
POWER/VOLPUSH ON/OFFPART MIDI BANK/PGM# VOL EXP PAN REV CHO VAR KEY
BC/WX
VELOCITY
TOUCH EG
VOICE
VL-XG
PLAY EDIT
UTILEFFECTBREATHMODEMIDI/
WX
ENTER
EXITPART
SELECT
VALUE
ALLVIRTUAL ACOUSTIC TONE GENERATOR
MIDI OUT
MIDI IN
BREATH
BC3VL70-m
MIDI keyboard 
						

							18Setting Up
WX-series Wind MIDI Controller
The VL70-m is an ideal tone generator for use with a Yamaha WX-series
Wind MIDI Controller such as the WX11 or WX7. In either case the con-
troller can be plugged directly into the WX IN connector on the VL70-m front
panel, without the need for a WT11 or BT7 wind controller interface.
The Breath Mode parameter (page 96) must be set to “BC/WX”
in order for the VL70-m to recognize breath data from the
controller.
If you intend to drive additional MIDI devices via the VL70-m
MIDI OUT connector when using a Wind MIDI Controller, the
VL70-m sound module mode should be set to VOICE (page 29).
When the VL-XG mode is selected MIDI note data received via
the MIDI IN connector is not re-transmitted via the MIDI OUT
connector.
WX-series Wind MIDI Controllers produce pitch bend data
ranging from “-16” to “+32” in response to lip (reed) pressure.
The WX Lip parameter (page 98) determines whether these
values are used as is (“Norm”), or expanded to a “-64” through
“+63” range (“Expd”). When the “Expd” mode is selected, the
expanded pitch bend data is also transmitted via the MIDI OUT
connector. The “Expd” setting is recommended when using a
WX controller in the “tight lip” mode. The “Norm” setting is
recommended when using the WX controller “loose lip” mode.
When the VL70-m is connected to a WX controller 
and a
computer via the TO HOST connector, and the HOST SELECT
switch is set to any position other than “MIDI”, the front-panel
[MIDI/WX] button must be used to select the “WX” mode (a
small WX icon will appear on the left side of the display) in
order for the VL70-m to recognize data from the WX controller.
When the HOST SELECT switch is set to “MIDI” the VL70-m
accepts both MIDI and WX data (both the MIDI and WX icons
appear on the display), and the [MIDI/WX] button has no effect.
Special care must be taken with the following parameters and controls when
using a WX-series Wind MIDI Controller:

 NOTES
• If a WX controller is unplugged while the VL70-m power is on, the breath level may
remain fixed at “0” and subsequently played notes may not sound. If this happens, turn
the VL70-m power off and then on again.
BREATH MODE
SOUND MODULE
MODE
LIP MODE
MIDI/WX
SETTING
PHONESWX IN BREATH
POWER/VOLPUSH ON/OFFPART MIDI BANK/PGM# VOL EXP PAN REV CHO VAR KEY
BC/WX
VELOCITY
TOUCH EG
VOICE
VL-XG
PLAY EDIT
UTILEFFECTBREATHMODEMIDI/
WX
ENTER
EXITPART
SELECT
VALUE
ALLVIRTUAL ACOUSTIC TONE GENERATOR
WX IN
WX11VL70-m 
						

							19Setting Up
G50 Guitar MIDI Converter
The Yamaha G50 is a high-performance Guitar MIDI Converter designed to
work in conjunction with the Yamaha G1D Divided Pickup Unit installed on
an electric or steel-string acoustic guitar. The G50 offers unprecedented MIDI
guitar synthesizer performance with exceptionally fast response and a range of
advanced features that bring the true creative potential of MIDI control to guitar
players for the first time. Naturally, the VL70-m is an ideal tone generator for
use with a MIDI guitar system based on the G50.
GUITAR MIDI CONVERTERPARAMETERWRITEGUITAR SETUP EXTERNAL TG SETUP
A PLAYING STYLE
B NOTE ON LEVEL
C NOTE OFF LEVEL
D VELO CITY
E CHROMATIC
F TRANSPOSE
G PITCH BEND RANGEH PROGRAM CHANGE #
I        BANK MSB
J        BANK LSB
K VOLUME 
L  PAN
M ASSIGNABLE 1
N       VALUE
O ASSIGNABLE 2
P       VALUEQ SPLIT
R       MEMORY2#
S       MEM2 LOCATION
T PICKING CONTROL 
U       FRONT
V       REAR
W TOUCH CONTROL
X       SENSITIVITY
Y SUSTAIN/HOLD PEDALREALTIME CONTROL
PHONESWX IN BREATH
POWER/VOLPUSH ON/OFFPART MIDI BANK/PGM# VOL EXP PAN REV CHO VAR KEY
BC/WX
VELOCITY
TOUCH EG
VOICE
VL-XG
PLAY EDIT
UTILEFFECTBREATHMODEMIDI/
WX
ENTER
EXITPART
SELECT
VALUE
ALLVIRTUAL ACOUSTIC TONE GENERATOR
MIDI OUT
MIDI IN
VL70-m G50
G1D
Since the G50 produces MIDI output, the standard MIDI connection rules that
apply to a keyboard or any other MIDI controller also apply when connecting
the G50 to the VL70-m (page 16).
Guitar 
						

							20Setting Up
Connecting to a Personal Computer
Although the VL70-m can be connected to a personal computer via the
MIDI IN/OUT connectors and a MIDI interface, the TO HOST connector
and selector switch allow direct connection to Apple Macintosh, IBM PC/AT, or
NEC PC-9801/9821 series personal computers for sequencing and other music
applications without the need for a separate MIDI interface.

 IMPORTANT!
• If the VL70-m is to be connected to a computer via the TO HOST connector 
and a MIDI
controller via the MIDI IN connector, the “echo back” function of the music software or
sequencer you are using must be turned “on” so that the MIDI note data from the
controller is returned to the VL70-m and any subsequent devices connected to the VL70-
m MIDI OUT connector.
Connecting to an Apple Macintosh Series Computer
Connect the TO HOST connector of the VL70-m to the modem or printer port
on your Macintosh, depending on which port your MIDI software is using for
MIDI data communication, using a standard Macintosh 8-pin system peripheral
cable. Set the TO HOST selector to the “Mac” position.
You may also have to make other MIDI interface settings on the computer side,
depending on the type of software you use (refer to your software owner’s
manual). In any case the clock speed should be set to 1 MHz.
 “Mac” Cable Connections
• 8-pin system peripheral cable.
• Data transfer rate: 31,250 bps. mini Din 8-pin mini Din 8-pin
678
34
125
12 34 5 678910 11 12
13
14 15 16
1718 19 20
21 2223 24 25
54 32 1
9876
mini Din 8-pin
D-SUB 9-pin
D-SUB 25-pin
IBMPersonal System/V
PS/VPersonal System/V
PHONESWX IN BREATH
POWER/VOLPUSH ON/OFFPART MIDI BANK/PGM# VOL EXP PAN REV CHO VAR KEY
BC/WX
VELOCITY
TOUCH EG
VOICE
VL-XG
PLAY EDIT
UTILEFFECTBREATHMODEMIDI/
WX
ENTER
EXITPART
SELECT
VALUE
ALLVIRTUAL ACOUSTIC TONE GENERATOR
RS-232C
TO HOST MIDI IN MIDI OUT
VL70-m
MIDI controllerModem or
Printer port
Personal
computer
Connector Pin
Numbers 
						

							21Setting Up
Connecting to an NEC PC-9801/9821 Series Computer
The NEC PC-9801/9821 computers are widely used in Japan. Connect the TO
HOST connector of the VL70-m to the RS-232C port on your NEC computer,
using a standard 8-pin MINI DIN → 25-pin D-SUB cross cable. Set the TO
HOST selector to the “PC-1” position.
Refer to your software owner’s manual for information on any settings you
might have to make on the computer side.

 NOTES
• If your system doesn’t work properly with the connections and settings listed above,
your software may require different settings. Check your software operation manual and
set the HOST SELECT switch to the position the provides the appropriate data transfer
rate.
 “PC-1” Cable Connections
• 8-pin mini DIN → 25-pin D-SUB cable. Use a “PC-2” type cable if
your computer uses a 9-pin serial port.
• Data transfer rate: 31,250 bps. mini Din 8-pin D-SUB 25-pin
Connecting to an IBM PC/AT Series Computer
Connect the TO HOST connector of the VL70-m to the RS-232C port on your
IBM computer, using a standard 8-pin MINI DIN → 9-pin D-SUB cross cable.
Set the TO HOST selector to the “PC-2” position.
Refer to your software owner’s manual for information on any settings you
might have to make on the computer side.
 “PC-2” Cable Connections
• 8-pin mini DIN → 9-pin D-SUB cable. Use a “PC-1” type cable if
your computer uses a 25-pin serial port.
• Data transfer rate: 38,400 bps. mini Din 8-pin D-SUB 9-pin 
						

							22Setting Up
Audio Connections

 Headphones
For private listening and practice headphones are ideal. You don’t have to
hook up and complete sound system, and you won’t disturb the neighbors no
matter how loud or late you play. Any standard pair of stereo headphones with a
stereo mini phone plug and an impedance of between about 8 and 150 ohms can
be used.

 Stereo Sound System
The VL70-m voices and effects are designed to sound their best in stereo, so
you should always use a stereo sound system to appreciate the full impact of the
VL70-m voices and expressive features. The VL70-m OUTPUT L/MONO and
R jacks can be connected directly to musical instrument amplifiers designed for
keyboard use, or to the line inputs of a mixing console. It is also possible to
connect the VL70-m outputs directly to the inputs of a multitrack or stereo tape
recorder.

 NOTES
• If you need to drive a mono amp or other device, connect only the L/MONO output jack.
The left and right channel signals are automatically combined and delivered via the L/
MONO jack when a single phone plug is inserted in this jack and the R output jack is left
unconnected.
• Make sure that both the VL70-m and your sound system are turned OFF when making
connections. 
						

							23
Power-on Procedure
Always follow proper procedure when powering-up a sound system to
minimize the possibility of damage to the equipment (and your ears!).
1. Make sure your sound system’s main level/volume control(s) and the
VL70-m volume control are turned all the way down prior to turning
power on.
2. Turn on the VL70-m.
3. Turn on your MIDI controller (and computer/sequencer, if used).
4. Turn on the sound system.
5. Raise the sound system volume to a reasonable level.
6. Gradually raise the VL70-m VOLUME control while playing the MIDI
controller to set the desired listening level.

 NOTES
• Some keyboards and other MIDI controllers automatically transmit MIDI control change
data corresponding to their control status when the power switch is turned ON or OFF.
The VL70-m is programmed to receive this data and respond accordingly, so it is prefer-
able to turn the VL70-m ON 
before turning the controlling device ON.
Setting Up 
						

							24
Play the Demo
Once you’ve set up your VL70-m system, you might like to play the pre-
programmed demo sequence to hear how some of the voices sound. This
process will also help to familiarize you with some of the VL70-m’s selection
and editing procedures.

 NOTES
• When the demo is played all system setup parameters and current voice are initialized. If
your VL70-m memory contains data you want to keep, be sure to use the bulk dump
function (page 100) to save the data to an external MIDI data recorder or other appro-
priate storage device before playing the demo.
1. Select the Utility Mode
Press the [UTILITY] button to select the utility mode.
2. Select the Demo Mode
Use the SELECT [] buttons to select the “DEMO” mode.
3. Press [ENTER] and Confirm
Press the [ENTER] button if it’s OK to go ahead with the demo. The VL70-
m will ask you to confirm: press [ENTER] again to proceed to the demo
song select display, or [EXIT] to abort.
4. Select a Song
Use the VALUE [-] and [+] buttons to select the demo song number you
want to start with.
5. Run the Demo
Press the [ENTER] button to run the demo. Playback will start with the
selected song, then all other songs will be played in sequence. The cycle will
repeat until stopped.
6. Stop the Demo
Press the [EXIT] button to stop demo playback. This will return you to the
demo song select display.
7. Return To the Play Mode When Done
Press the [PLAY] button to return to the PLAY mode.
Setting Up 
						

							25Setting Up
The Supplied Demo Disk
The VL70-m is supplied with a demonstration data disk which contains
several songs which demonstrate some of the VL70-m’s advanced musical
capabilities. The songs on this disk can be reproduced using any sequencer or
computer-based sequence software which can handle SMF (Standard MIDI File
— format 0) song files.
All of the demo songs use the VL70-m for the main melody line, while a
second XG tone generator (Yamaha MU50 or MU80 for example) supplies the
backing.

 NOTES
• The supplied disk is a 2DD type (720 kilobytes) using MS-DOS format. The disk can be
read by Macintosh computers by using the PC Exchange application and an application
such as ResEdit which can change the file’s file type.
The VL70-m Voice Editing Software
— What It Is & Where To Get It —
The range of parameters accessible via the VL70-m programming interface
is limited to the simplest “upper level” of virtual acoustic synthesis parameters.
The “core” parameters which are the true foundation of physical modeling are
extremely complex, and were therefore not made directly accessible.
The VL70-m Expert Editor voice editing software provides full access to the
complete range of physical modeling parameters. It can be used alone to create
new voices, or edit voices loaded from the VL70-m. The VL70-m Expert Editor
is basically a refined version of the editing software Yamaha voicing profession-
als use to create original voices for VL-series synthesizers and tone generators.
It therefore gives you full professional-level programming power and potential.
Another handy VL editing software is the VL Visual Editor. The VL Visual
Editor makes it easy for anyone to create new VL voices via a graphic, easy-to-
use editing interface. The VL70-m Expert Editor can read voice files created by
the VL Visual Editor, allowing further in-depth programming.
The VL Voice Editing Software can be obtained via Yamaha’s XG
home page on the World Wide Web, “http://www.yamaha.co.jp./english/xg/html/
libhm.html”. 
						

							26
Voice Organization and Sound Module
Modes
Voice Organization
The VL70-m voices are organized into four main banks. Additional banks
are used when the VL70-m is set to operate in the VL-XG sound module
mode (page 29). The four main banks are as follows:
The PRESET 1 bank contains 128 preset voices which have beencreated primarily to be played via a keyboard.
The PRESET 2 bank contains 128 preset voices which have been
created to provide maximum expressive capability when played
with a breath controller or WX-series Wind MIDI Controller.
The CUSTOM bank has 6 memory locations in which voices can
be edited in detail via an appropriate personal computer and
the Yamaha VL70-m Expert Editor application software (page
25). When the VL70-m is initially shipped CUSTOM voice num-
bers 001 through 006 contain a selection of sound-effect type
voices from the PRESET banks.
The INTERNAL bank has 64 memory locations in which voices
you have edited can be stored and easy recalled for use as
required. Unlike CUSTOM voices, INTERNAL voices can be edited
via the VL70-m panel controls. When the VL70-m is initially
shipped INTERNAL voice numbers 001 through 064 contain a
selection of voices from the PRESET 1 and PRESET 2 banks, set
up to be played via a WX-series Wind MIDI Controller.
Banks 112 through 119 become available when the VL70-m is set to the VL-XG
sound module mode (page 29). In the VL-XG sound module mode  some voices
from the PRESET 1 and PRESET 2 banks are assigned MIDI bank and program
change numbers conforming to the Yamaha XG format. Since the VL70-m does
not have a full set of XG-compatible voices, however, some voice numbers will
be skipped (e.g. 23, 24, 27, etc.).

 NOTES
• PRESET 1, PRESET 2, and CUSTOM voices can be edited via the VL70-m panel controls,
but the edited voices cannot be stored to the PRESET 1, PRESET 2, or CUSTOM bank.
Edited voices can only be stored to the INTERNAL bank, and only when the VL70-m is set
to the VOICE sound module mode (page 29).
• The factory preset CUSTOM and INTERNAL
voices can be restored by using the Factory Set
Initialize function described on page 102.
• Refer to the separate “List Book” for a com-
plete listing of the VL70-m voices.
• Use the MIDI bank MSB (control number 00)
and LSB (control number 32) numbers listed at
right to select VL70-m banks from an external
MIDI device. In the VOICE sound module mode,
the MSB is ignored (recognized as 33) and only
LSB numbers 0 through 3 are recognized.
BANK MSB LSB
PRESET 1 33 0
PRESET 2 33 1
CUSTOM 33 2
INTERNAL 33 3
BANK 112 97 or 81 112
BANK 113 97 or 81 113
BANK 114 97 or 81 114
BANK 115 97 or 81 115
BANK 116 97 or 81 116
BANK 117 97 or 81 117
BANK 118 97 or 81 118
BANK 119 97 or 81 119
PRESET 1
PRESET 2
CUSTOM
INTERNAL
Voice Organization and Sound Module Modes