Yamaha EX5 Music Synthesizer

The EX5 offers more than ever before in a single keyboard. Featuring a unique Extended Synthesis system which incorporates a number of the most advanced tone generator technologies currently available...plus a full-featured sampling system. Top-quality internal effect system so no extra sound-processing equipment is required. Sequencers provide sophisticated on-board sequence programming and accompaniment capability. Offering one of the most versatile and intuitive real-time control systems.

All tone generation systems have their strengths and weaknesses. One system may excel at creating certain types of voices, but none covers the full sonic vocabulary required by modern music production. Extended Synthesis system employed in the EX5 synthesizer puts the full spectrum of electronic sound at your fingertips by combining multiple state-of-the-art Yamaha tone generation technologies in one incredibly versatile instrument. The most powerful array of tone generation technologies ever.

There's the outstanding sample-based sound and programmability of AWM synthesis. When you want a beefy analog synthesizer voice, AN synthesis can give it to you. All-new FDSP technology offers the most responsive effects and simulated resonant systems available. All of these tone generator systems are brought together in a four-element voice structure which allows up to four different "waves".

AWM is Yamaha's original system for effectively using sampled waveforms in synthesizers and tone generators. The strength of AWM synthesis lies not only in its extraordinary ability to "shape" and control the sound of the samples with a comprehensive system of envelope generators, filters, key scaling parameters, modulation, and more.

AWM voices can have from 1 to 4 AWM elements. Each AWM element can use a preset wave or a sampled waveform. The ability to combine AWM elements means that you can, for example, combine separate samples for the attack and sustain portions of an instrument's sound, with independent control over each.

Yamaha AN Synthesis (Analog Physical Modeling) offers all the benefits of traditional analog synthesis with the stability, reproducibility, and precise control of digital technology. It is capable of accurately reproducing the sound of classic analog synthesizers without patch cables, setting charts, or the frustrating instability that was the bane of the analog age.

A standard (Poly) AN voice can have 1 AN element and from 1 to 3 AWM elements. Classic analog synth type sounds can be created with the single AN element alone. AWM elements can be added as necessary to "modernize" the sound.

FDSP adds a sophisticated note-dependent effect processor to the basic AWM synthesis system. In contrast to a stand effect stage, the FDSP synthesis stage uses individual note and velocity data to control effect parameters, thus making it possible to simulate the characteristics of a number of real-world musical components, as well as produce totally new effects. FDSP can produce totally new sounds that are responsive and "alive".

FDSP voices have from 1 to 4 AWM elements with an FDSP stage between the elements and the main effect stage. The FDSP stage can be applied to any or all of the AWM elements used, as required.

Ex Sample mode lets you "sample" sounds via a microphone or line source which can be used in AWM voice elements or mapped to and played via individual keys of the keyboard using the Key Map mode. It is also possible to sample directly from the internal EX tone generator system, so you can capture any sound created by the EX synthesis engine and save it for later use. The Sample mode also includes a range of wave editing features which can be used to "fine tune" your samples for optimum sound.

Supplied with a 1-megabyte memory; expand up to 65 megabytes by installing optional SIMM memory modules. Additional 8 megabytes of non-volatile flash memory becomes available for sample stroage if the optional EXFML1 Flash Memory Boards(4 megabyte each) are installed. Sampled waveforms can be saved to floppy disk or to an external storage device via the optional ASIB1 SCSI Interface. Wave files in standard WAV, AIFF or AKAI® format produced using other equipment can also be loaded and used.

With 512 totally new, top-quality preset voices(256 preset+256 internal ) the EX5 takes full advantage of Extended Synthesis tone generators as well as the extended polyphony of these remarkable instruments. Use the preset voices as they are, edit them to create variations that suit your sound, or create totally new voices from scratch using the in-depth editing features provided. Any number of voices can be saved to floppy disk via the internal floppy disk drive or to an external storage device.

6 Controller Knobs can be assigned to a wide range of parameters for extraordinary real-time control capability. Standard pitch bend and modulation wheels, a second modulation wheel and a ribbon controller, plus full keyboard initial and aftertouch response. Controller knobs also function as data entry controls while editing for fast, efficient operation. Scene buttons can be used to switch between memorized controller setups. Rear panel jacks allow connection of foot and breath controllers.

Not only does it offer the most powerful assortment of tone generator technologies currently available, but the EX5 features and range of sequencing functions — all with fine 1/480th beat resolution — that give them many of the capabilities of a sophisticated music production system without the need for any extra equipment.

The EX5's Song Sequencer is a full-featured sequencer complete with real-time play effects — including "groove" quantization — and a comprehensive range of editing functions. A 30,000 note memory gives this sequencer plenty of capacity for recording and playback of complete songs with rich musical textures and complex arrangements. The EX5 sequencer can be synchronized to an external device using MIDI clock or MTC (MIDI Time Code).

The 8-track "pattern" sequencer has most of the functions and features of the 16-track song sequencer, but is more suited to the production and management of shorter patterns or phrases such as drum tracks, dance grooves, or other frequently used phrases. Patterns can also be played via the EX Key Mapping feature.

4-track arpeggio patterns — from simple to sophisticated — can be stored as voice and/or performance parameters for automatic recall and use with individual performance setups. The EX Arpeggiator makes it easy to create automatic arpeggios, techno-style patterns, or a virtually unlimited range of other repeating phrases.

The EX Performance mode allows different voices to be assigned to different "parts" and combined in a number of ways for real-time performance or for sequencing via the EX Song or Pattern mode, or via external MIDI control. Either way, the Performance mode offers versatility and control not available in the Voice mode. Up to 128 performance setups can be stored in internal memory, and more can be saved to and loaded from floppy disk or an external storage device as required.

Different voices (known as "parts" in the Performance mode) can be combined in layers and played simultaneously. You have total control over how the parts are mixed to create the final sound. Straightforward layering lets you combine similiar voices to create exceptionally thick, rich textures. Completely different voices can also be layered for unique effects: a fairly common example would be layered piano and strings. But layering is only the beginning...

Instead of layering voice parts over the same keyboard range, different parts can be assigned to different areas of the keyboard for split keyboard setups — for example, acoustic bass on the left-hand section and piano on the right-hand section of the keyboard. The parts can be assigned to completly different areas of the keyboard, or they can be partially overlapped as required.

Take layering a step further by assigning the layered voices to different velocity ranges. Example: a slap bass voice could be created using two different bass sounds; the first a smooth fingered bass sound, the second a snappy slapped bass sound. After assigning the two layers to appropriate velocity ranges, playing the keyboard gently produces the fingered sound, playing harder produces the slapped sound. Using this technique, unlimited variety of new, responsive sounds can be created easily.

Another important function of the Performance mode is to assign and set up as many as 16 parts for the internal EX Song or Pattern mode sequencer, or for multi-timbre MIDI control from an external computer-based or stand-alone MIDI sequencer device. The Performance mode volume, pan, and effect parameters define the overall sequence mix.

The EX Key Map mode allows you to assign individual samples, patterns, or pattern tracks to different keys of the keyboard. The assigned samples and or patterns can then be played via the EX5/EX7 or via an external sequencer or other MIDI controller on all models. Key mapping makes it possible, for example, to combine playback of looped rhythm samples with patterns to create new rhythmic textures that can be controlled "live", in real time.

The EX effect system is not an "extra". It's a top-quality digital signal processing system which is capable of producing effects rivalling and even exceeding those of many separate component effect units in quality. EX7 effect programming is an integral and important part of voice programming, and the ability to control specific effect parameters in real time makes it indispensable for expressive control as well.Two main effect types are provided: "System" and "Insertion".

The System effects include two separate effect "units": the Reverb effect unit with 12 different reverb-related effects including realistic simulations of the natural reverberation in various halls and rooms, and the Chorus effect unit with a selection of 17 chorus-type effects, including flanging, phasing, symphonic, and others. Independent reverb and chorus settings can be made for each voice in the Voice mode, and for each performance setup in the Performance mode.

Two insertion effect units are provided in addition to the Reverb and Chorus system effect units. The Effect 1 unit includes 24 effects including chorus, distortion and overdrive, amp simulation, auto wah, equalization and more. The Effect 2 unit adds a range of delay, reverb, and other effects, providing a total of 79 effects.

With up to 16 assignable keyboard zones and full MIDI transmission of realtime controller data, the EX5 offers MIDI control capability and versatility rivalling and even exceeding that of many dedicated master keyboards.