Yamaha Vl70m User Manual

							27Voice Organization and Sound Module Modes
The VL70-m Sound Module Modes
The VL70-m has two main Sound Module Modes: VOICE and VL-XG. It is
important to understand the difference between these modes because they
determine how the VL70-m responds to MIDI program change and bank num-
bers received from a MIDI keyboard or other controller, and how the internal
effects relate to the individual voices.
The VOICE  Mode
In this mode the VL70-m functions as a “standard” tone generator module. The
VOICE mode should be used when the VL70-m is being used alone or with
other non-XG tone generators/synthesizers (see “VL Extension for XG”, page
30).
 Voice  Selection
The PRESET 1, PRESET 2, CUSTOM, and INTERNAL voices can be indi-
vidually selected by the VL70-m panel VALUE [-] and [+] buttons, or appropri-
ate MIDI program change numbers and bank numbers received from your
keyboard or controller (see the “Voice Organization” section, above).
 Voice  Editing
In the VOICE mode the INTERNAL voices can be individually edited via the
VL70-m panel controls. Each voice has its own edit parameters which can be
stored with the voice are recalled whenever the voice is selected. In fact, the
edited data 
must be stored with the voice before a new voice is selected other-
wise the edited data will be lost.
 Effects
Each voice has its own effect settings which are recalled whenever the voice is
selected, so that effects become an important part of the individual sound of
each voice. As with edited voice data, edited effect data 
must be stored with the
voice before a new voice is selected otherwise the edited effects data will be
lost.
 MIDI Output
Normally, MIDI data received at the VL70-m MIDI IN connector is re-transmit-
ted “as is” via the MIDI OUT connector. The Note Filter function described on
page 99 can be used to filter out (i.e. block) note data transmission on specified
channels. 
						

							28Voice Organization and Sound Module Modes
The VL-XG  Mode
In this mode the VL70-m functions as an “XG expansion” tone generator
module. The VL-XG mode should be selected when the VL70-m is being used
with other XG tone generators/synthesizers to play music data created for tone
generators complying with the Yamaha XG format (see “VL Extension for XG”,
page 30).
 Voice  Selection
The PRESET 1, PRESET 2, CUSTOM, and INTERNAL voices can be indi-
vidually selected by the VL70-m panel VALUE [-] and [+] buttons, or appropri-
ate MIDI program change numbers and bank numbers received from your
keyboard or controller (see the “Voice Organization” section, above). In the VL-
XG mode banks 112 through 119 become available, and 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-basic voices, however, some voice numbers will be
skipped (e.g. 23, 24, 27, etc.).
 Voice  Editing
In the VL-XG mode only one set of voice parameters is provided for all voices.
Voices 
can not be individually edited and stored in the INTERNAL bank as in
the VOICE mode. In fact, the VL-XG mode has no store function. Any voice
parameter edits are retained no matter what voice is selected. This allows the
same controller and other settings to be retained while switching to different
voices.
 Effects
In the VL-XG mode only one set of effect parameters is provided for all voices.
Effects 
can not be edited and stored with each individual voice in the INTER-
NAL bank as in the VOICE mode. The current effect settings are retained no
matter what voice is selected. This allows the same reverb and other “ambience-
defining” settings to be retained while switching to different voices.
 MIDI Output
Only MIDI messages which are not used by the VL70-m are re-transmitted via
the MIDI OUT connector. The Note Filter function described on page 99 can be
used to filter out (i.e. block) note data transmission on specified channels. 
						

							29Voice Organization and Sound Module Modes
Selecting the VOICE or VL-XG Sound Module Mode
The current sound module mode is indicated by the triangular pointer in the
lower right- corner of the display in the PLAY mode.
The VOICE or VL-XG sound module mode is selected as follows:
1. Press the [MODE] Button
Press the [MODE] button access the VL70-m sound module modes selection
function.
2. Select the VOICE or VL-XG Mode
Use the VALUE [-] and [+] buttons to select the “VOICE” or “VL-XG” sound
module mode, as required.
3. Press [EXIT] or [PLAY] When Done
Press the [EXIT] or [PLAY] button to return to the PLAY mode when the
desired sound module mode has been selected.
VOICE
VL-XG 
						

							30Voice Organization and Sound Module Modes

 VL Extension for XG
The VL Extension for XG (“VL Extension for XG” is
abbreviated to VL-XG) included in the VL70-m Virtual
Acoustic Tone Generator significantly enhances and
expands the musical capabilities of the XG format with
the superior sound and expressive potential of Yamaha Virtual Acoustic
Synthesis. A VL70-m can be used in conjunction with a Yamaha MU80
or MU50 XG tone generator, for example: the VL70-m providing supe-
rior wind and string instrument voices while the MU80 or MU50 supplies
drums, percussion, keyboard, and other voices.
The XG format is basically a set of rules describing how a tone generator
will respond to MIDI data. The current GM (General MIDI) format is a
similar concept, allowing GM music data to be reproduced accurately on
any GM tone generator from any manufacturer. GM, however, applies
only to a limited set of parameters. XG significantly expands on the basic
GM format, providing many more voices, voice editing capability,
effects, external input, and other features that contribute to enhanced
musical expression. And since XG is totally upward compatible with GM,
GM data can be accurately reproduced on any XG tone generator.
* The VL70-m does not contain the basic set for the XG format. 
						

							31
When the VOICE sound module mode is selected (see “The VL70-m Sound
Module Modes, page 27), pressing the [PLAY] button engages the VL70-m
VOICE PLAY mode. This mode allows voices to be selected and played, and
thus is the mode you’ll normally use when playing the VL70-m. The VOICE
PLAY mode also provides access to several important performance parameters
including volume, panning, etc. The VOICE PLAY mode actually has two
control modes — the main control mode and the sub-control mode — which
provide access to different sets of parameters, as described below.
The VOICE PLAY Mode
The VOICE PLAY Main Control Mode
This mode is initially selected when the VL70-m power is turned on. If the
sub-control mode is active (see page 34), the main control mode can be
selected by simultaneously pressing the PART [-] and [+] buttons. The VOICE
PLAY main control mode display looks like this:
PART MIDI BANK/PGMVOL EXP PAN REV CHO VAR KEY
The various parameters in this mode are selected via the SELECT []
buttons. The name of the currently selected parameter appears in the upper right
corner of the display (when the bank and program number parameters are
showing a solid triangular pointer indicates which of the two parameters is
selected). A small triangular pointer appears above the icon corresponding to the
selected parameter in the bottom line of the display. Once the desired parameter
has been selected, it’s value can be set as required via the VALUE [-] and [+]
buttons.
• System Transpose
• Variation Return
• Chorus Return
• Reverb Return
• Pan
• Device Number
• Bank Number
• Program Number
• Volume
The VOICE PLAY Mode 
						

							32
DevNo. (Device Number)
Settings: 001 … 016, all
The Device Number parameter must be set prop-
erly when you want to transmit or receive MIDI
system exclusive data to or from another VL70-m
or other MIDI device (system exclusive data
includes voice parameters, system setup param-
eters, etc). The VL70-m Device number must be
set to the same number as the Device Number of
the external device. Select a device number from
“001” to “016”, or “all”. When “all” is selected,
MIDI system exclusive data can be received on all
device numbers, but transmission occurs via device
number 001.
(Bank Number)
Settings: Pr1, Pr2, Cst, Int
Selects the VL70-m PRESET 1 (Pr1), PRESET 2
(Pr2), CUSTOM (Cst), or INTERNAL (Int) voice
bank (see “Voice Organization” on page 26).
(Program Number)
Settings: 001 … 128
Selects the voice to played on the VL70-m. The
PRESET 1 and PRESET 2 banks each have voice
numbers from “001” to “128”, while the INTER-
NAL bank has voice numbers from “001” to
“064”, and the CUSTOM bank has voice numbers
from “001” to “006”.
Volume
Settings: 000 … 127
Sets the volume of the current voice. The higher
the value the louder the volume.
Pa n
Settings: Rnd, L63 … C … R63
Sets the pan position of the current voice — i.e.
the position of the voice between left and right in
the stereo sound field. A setting of “L63: sets the
pan position full left, “C” sets the pan at center,
and “R63” sets the pan full right. In between
settings produce corresponding intermediate pan
positions. The “Rnd” setting produces a randomly-
generated pan position.
RevRtn (Reverb Return)
Settings: 000 … 127
Adjusts the level of the signal returned from the
VL70-m reverb effect stage. The higher the value,
the higher the level of the reverb signal.
The VOICE PLAY Mode 
						

							33The VOICE PLAY Mode
ChoRtn (Chorus Return)
Settings: 000 … 127
Adjusts the level of the signal returned from the
VL70-m chorus effect stage. The higher the value,
the higher the level of the chorus signal.
VarRtn (Variation Return)
Settings: 000 … 127
Adjusts the level of the signal returned from the
VL70-m variation effect stage. The higher the
value, the higher the level of the variation signal.
SysTran (System Transpose)
Settings: -24 … 0 … +24
Transposes the pitch of the entire VL70-m system
(a single setting applies to all voices) down or up
in semitone steps over a ±2 octave range. “+00”
corresponds to standard pitch. Each increment
corresponds to a semitone. A setting of “-12”, for
example, transposes the pitch down one octave.

 NOTES
• The Volume, Pan, Reverb Return, Chorus Return, and
Variation Return settings are actually voice param-
eters, and are stored and recalled with each indi-
vidual voice. This means that any edits you make may
change when a new voice is selected. 
						

							34
The VOICE PLAY Sub-control Mode
The sub control mode can be selected from the main control mode by
simultaneously pressing the PART [-] and [+] buttons. The VOICE PLAY
sub-control mode display looks like this:
The various parameters in this mode are selected via the SELECT []
buttons. The name of the currently selected parameter appears in the upper right
corner of the display (when the bank and program pointer parameters are
showing a solid triangular pointer indicates which of the two parameters is
selected). A small triangular pointer appears above the icon corresponding to the
selected parameter in the bottom line of the display. Once the desired parameter
has been selected, it’s value can be set as required via the VALUE [-] and [+]
buttons.
Rcv CH (Receive Channel)
Settings: 01 … 16, all
Sets the MIDI receive channel on which the VL70-
m will receive data from your keyboard or other
controller. The receive channel must be set to the
same channel that the controlling device is trans-
mitting on (“01” through “16”), or “all” to allow
reception on all channels.
The VOICE PLAY Mode
PART MIDI BANK/PGMVOL EXP PAN REV CHO VAR KEY
• Note Shift
• Variation Send
• Chorus Send
• Reverb Send
• Receive Channel
• Bank Pointer
• Program Pointer 
						

							35The VOICE PLAY Mode
(Bank Pointer)
Settings: Pr1, Pr2, Cst
This parameter refers to the bank containing the
selected voice in the VOICE PLAY main control
mode. It selects the VL70-m PRESET 1 (Pr1),
PRESET 2 (Pr2) or CUSTOM (Cst) voice bank
(see “Voice Organization” on page 26).
(Program Pointer)
Settings: 001 … 128
This parameter refers to the selected voice in the
VOICE PLAY main control mode. The PRESET 1
and PRESET 2 banks each have voice numbers
from “001” to “128”, and the CUSTOM bank has
voice numbers from “001” to “006”.
RevSend (Reverb Send)
Settings: 000 … 127
Adjusts the level of the signal sent to the VL70-m
reverb effect stage. The higher the value, the
higher the level of the reverb send signal.
ChoSend (Chorus Send)
Settings: 000 … 127
Adjusts the level of the signal sent to the VL70-m
chorus effect stage. The higher the value, the
higher the level of the chorus send signal.
VarSend (Variation Send)
Settings: 000 … 127
Adjusts the level of the signal sent to the VL70-m
variation effect stage. The higher the value, the
higher the level of the variation send signal.
NoteSft (Note Shift)
Settings: -24 … 0 … +24
Transposes the pitch of the current voice down or
up in semitone steps over a ±2 octave range. “+00”
corresponds to standard pitch. Each increment
corresponds to a semitone. A setting of “-12”, for
example, transposes the pitch down one octave.

 NOTES
• The Reverb Send, Chorus Send, Variation Send, Note
Shift settings are actually voice parameters, and are
stored and recalled with each individual voice. This
means that any edits you make may change when a
new voice is selected. 
						

							36The VL-XG PLAY Mode
The VL-XG PLAY Mode
When the VL-XG sound module mode is selected (see “The VL70-m Sound
Module Modes, page 27), pressing the [PLAY] button engages the VL70-m VL-
XG PLAY mode. In this mode the VL70-m can be used as an “XG expansion”
tone generator module with other XG tone generators/synthesizers to play music
data created for tone generators complying with the Yamaha XG format (see
“VL Extension for XG”, page 30). Like the VOICE PLAY mode, the VL-XG
PLAY mode also provides access to several important performance parameters
via two control modes — the main control mode and the sub-control mode.
When the VL-XG sound module mode is selected the PART [-] and [+] buttons
select the XG “part” to be played. Either button can be pressed briefly for single
stepping in the specified direction, or held for continuous scrolling. XG parts
“01” to “16” can be selected, or the part parameter can be turned “Of” (off). No
sound will be produced when “Of” is selected.

 NOTES
• When selecting an XG part from the external MIDI device, specify the part number and
transmit ON message using “NOTE ASSIGN” of the Current Voice/Common Part param-
eter (see page 34 in the separate “List Book”). If the external MIDI device transmits OFF
message,  “Of” is selected.
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 OUT MIDI INMIDI OUT MIDI IN
VL70-m
I NPUT
PHONES POWER/ VOL
PUSH ON/OFFPART MIDI BANK/PGM# VOL EXP PAN REV CHO VAR KEY
PLAY EDIT
UTIL EFFECT
MODEMUTE/
SOLO
ENTER
EXITPART
SELECT
VALUEALLXG
TG300B
C/MDOCPERFORM
MIDI controllerModem or
Printer port
Personal
computer XG tone generator
 A Simple XG System Incorporating the VL70-m