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5: MUSIC AND OTHER APPLICATIONS
Q
What is MIDI?
A
MIDI is an acronym which stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. A 5-pin socket running at
31.25kBaud allows communication between compatible devices which adhere to the original MIDI
specification.
Q
Where can I get XG MIDI files from?
A
The Yamaha online shop at www.yamaha.co.uk/shop is a good place to start, but any reputable XG file
outlet can supply good quality MIDI files.
Q
How do I connect to external MIDI equipment?
A
There are two ways:
1) Use the joystick terminal with the optional MDC-01 cable.
2) Use the serial port with a serial cable & serial driver.
Q
What is the AWM2 that is used by the XG aspect of the WF192XG?
A
AWM, or Advanced Wave Memory, is Yamaha’s original system for effectively using sampled
waveforms in synthesizers and tone generators. Although the basis for all AWM voices is a sampled
waveform, e.g., a sample of a real existing instrument, a classic synthesizer sound, or other
electronically created sounds, the AWM system provides an extensive range of envelope generator,
filter, modulation, and other parameters which can be applied to the basic waveform. Furthermore, up
to four ‘elements’, each with its own wave and a complete set of editable parameters, can be assigned
to each voice. The strength of AWM synthesis lies not only in its outstanding sound quality (it uses 16-
bit, 44.1kHz samples), but also in its extraordinary ability to shape and control the sound of the
samples. AWM synthesis also allows the creation of drum voices in which different drum and
percussion instruments with individual volume, pitch, and timbre parameters can be assigned to
individual notes of a keyboard (from C-2 to G8). The WF192XG feature a built-in sampling system
(utilizing DLS technology) which is capable of sampling sounds from external sources (via line or
microphone). Waveforms sampled using this feature can be used in AWM voices, so your capacity to
create totally new AWM voices is truly unlimited.
DLS driver will be available from the WAVEFORCE web site.
Q
Why don’t the effects work when I play an XG file?
A
Check that the XG file is properly programmed. All files supplied by Yamaha are properly programmed.
Second, check that the Reverb, Chorus and Variation effects are enabled in the Control Panel’s DS-
XG configuration.
Q
Where can I get an information pack on how to make my own XG files?
A
The XG-compatible MIDI data production document is available online at www.yamaha.co.uk/xg. This
is an Adobe Acrobat Document, which covers everything you need to know about how XG works in full.
Also available are several issue of the acclaimed XGXTRA magazine, again as PDF files. These give
a more informal insight into XG.
FAQ/E 5/21/98 9:14 PM Page 36
