Description

The YRM-103 (YRM-13 in Japan) DX7 Voicing Program is one of the programs developed by Yamaha that allows to use his MSX1/MSX2 CX computers to program voices for another Yamaha device. Here's the first version of the software dedicated to the DX7 Digital Programmable Algorithm Synthesizer, it does not have disk support and was released in 1984.

The DX7 was the first commercially successful digital synthesizer, it has a monotimbral, 16-note polyphonic sound. Voices can be programmed by the user and loaded into a 32-voice RAM internal memory. Pre-programmed ROM cartridges can also be inserted and the original DX7 was shipped with two of these cartridges with two banks of 32 voices each, for a total of 128 voices available.

When using the YRM-103 cartrige, the voice data and function parameters are visualised on the MSX screen for a bank of 32 voices, they can be edited and new voices can be created.

All data and parameters can be saved on cassette tape or Data Memory cartridge UDC-01, they can be sent from the CX computer to the DX7, and they can also be saved on a 32-voice DX7 RAM cartridge inserted into a port on the front of this unit.

Screens

The YRM-103 software displays 4 main screens: the Directory screen and 3 different screens for the Edit mode. Switching between Directory and Edit mode can be made with F1.

Directory

YRM-103 Directory

After booting, the software will read the content of the DX7 RAM memory to display the Directory with the names of the 32 voices that are available for editing.

(Note that the screenshot has been made on an emulator, without connection to a DX7 synthesizer)

The bottom part of the screen indicates important keys that can be used in the Directory.

The red cursor on the above part always indicates the last voice number that was selected with the Play function (F5).

Edit mode 1

YRM-103 Edit mode 1

Each screen of the Edit mode is divided in 8 blocks, allowing to make a fine editing of the currently displayed voice.

General settings are in the first block (up-left), settings for the Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO) or the Pitch Envelope Generator (PEG) are in the 2nd block (up-right), specific settings for each operator of the DX7 synthesizer are in the 6 blocks with number 1 to 6. Use SHIFT + a cursor to go from one block to another one.

The cursors are useful for selecting a parameter. To modify it, mainly use the (INS +) HOME or DEL keys. Each of the 6 operators can be switched ON/OFF by pressing one of the keys 1 to 6 corresponding to this operator.

General settings

LFO settings

Specific settings for each operator (part 1)

These settings are related to the Envelope Generator of each operator. Rates and levels can vary from 0 to 99. There are 5 other settings that are also available in Edit mode 2.

By pressing BS key, it is possible to copy the EG data of the current operator to another one. If you press the GRAPH key when the cursor is in one operator block, you will see the envelopes displayed graphically for this block. To make the change for all 6 operator blocks, press SHIFT + GRAPH.

In graphic mode, pressing D key allows to enlarge the display of the envelopes, pressing it again will return the display in its normal state. The time scale can be halved with the T key and doubled with the Y key, The key-off point can be changed by pressing K, then using (INS +) HOME or DEl, and confirming the change by RETURN (or cancelling by SPACE). Editing rates or levels is still possible, but you need to use the cursors to display a different parameter on the graphics.

Edit mode 2

YRM-103 Edit mode 2

To access to the second part of the settings, press the SELECT key when the cursor is in the LFO block or one of the operator blocks.

Only the display of the concerned block will change. The Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO) settings will be replaced by the Pitch Envelope Generator (PEG) settings and the operator parameters will now be related to especially Keyboard Scaling.

To make the change in all 6 operators blocks, press SHIFT + SELECT.

PEG settings

As for the Envelope Generator of each operator, rates and levels for the Pitch Envelope Generator can vary from 0 to 99.

From this block, press the GRAPH key to see the envelopes displayed graphically. Pressing the L key allows to enlarge the display, pressing it again will return the display in its normal state. You can also use the T, Y and K keys and editing rates or levels is still possible: see Specific settings for each operator (part 1).

Specific settings for each operator (part 2)

By pressing BS key, it is possible to copy the EG data of the current operator to another one. If you press the GRAPH key when the cursor is in one operator block, you will see the keyboard scaling displayed graphically for this block. To make the change for all 6 operator blocks, press SHIFT + GRAPH.

In graphic mode, editing is still possible, but you need to use the cursor keys to display a different parameter on the graphics.

Edit mode 3

YRM-103 Edit mode 3

To access to the third part of the settings, you need to press the TAB key.

Only the display of the 6 last blocks will change.

The specific settings for each operator will be replaced by a new serie of settings.

These parameters are related to different effects.

Effects settings

Useful keys

See also

• http://www.cx5m.net/
• YRM-103 manual
• YRM-13 manual (Japanese)