Yamaha's MU100R XG Tone Generator Combines Wavetable and VL Technology
July 11, 1997
Yamaha Corporation of America, Audio, Guitar & Synthesizer Division, is introducing a feature-packed, top-of-the-line XG Tone Generator at Summer NAMM, the MU100R, which is expected to be warmly embraced by the multimedia and music production markets, as well as the professional musician. Adding to the capabilities of the well-received MU90R, the new MU100R offers unprecedented functionality and flexibility never before possible in a single rackspace unit.
The sophisticated MU100R features an incredible number of voices: over 1,446; over 40 drum kits; a 20MB Wave ROM; 100 preset performance memories and 100 user performance memories. In addition to the 64-note polyphonic XG tone generation, there is a monophonic VL tone generator for a single voice of virtual acoustic or physically modeled tone generation technology. To enhance the functionality of the already powerful A-to-D inputs, VH technology is included to enable MIDI-controlled VH processing. The MU100R has a projected list price of under $1,300 and will begin shipping in September.
"The MU100R adds new types of capabilities never before included in a single rackspace tone generator," comments Avery Burdette, product manager, Digital Musical Instruments Department, Yamaha Corporation of America. "In this one box, you've got an entire orchestra plus your solo instrument and voice processing. The MU100R gives new meaning to the phrase 'band in a box.' It really should be 'orchestra, choir and rhythm section in a box."
The VH (Vocal Harmonizer) capability provides the ability to add vocal harmony to a microphone plugged into the MU100R's A-to-D front input, enabling up to three-part MIDI-controlled harmonies for large, choir-type vocal effects. "Before the MU100R you needed an extra outboard unit just for that purpose," added Burdette. "This unit has it built right in."
"Adding the single voice of VL virtual acoustic/physical modeling tone generation to the sample-based technology adds a degree of realism not possible with sampled sounds alone," says Burdette. Yamaha's revolutionary VL Technology physically models its voices after the natural behavior and subtle nuances of acoustic instruments, the same technology used in the very popular VL70-m Virtual Acoustic Tone Generator.
Other features of the MU100R include: 32-timbre multi-timbral capacity, rotary data encoder and six effects blocks: Reverb, Chorus, Variations, Insertion 1 & 2 and 5-band Stereo Parametric EQ. The unit offers two individual outputs in addition to a normal stereo output and two 1/4-inch A/D inputs.
For more information, visit their web site at www.yamaha.com. |
