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Introduction Yamaha XG:
Discover the enormous possibilities of XG programming !
Contents:1. Introduction to Yamaha XG programming
At these pages you can find information how to program a Yamaha XG synthesizer (or any XG compatible synth) via standard XG Control Change, RPN, NRPN and SysEx messages. I've tried to present all these messages as simple as possible in the most practical and user friendly way. Nevertheless I've added some theoretical XG information too for XG messages, which are difficult to understand without any further explanations.Some of the shown messages are available only with particular XG synths (for example MU100 or SW1000XG) - such messages always appear in grey colour.
I've placed the huge amount of different available XG MIDI messages at several different pages:
System + MIDI CTRL
The basic XG system settings and the channel/drum instrument settings via Control Change, RPN and NRPN messages.
Part Setup
All SysEx messages for the 16 Multi Parts.
Drum Setup 1 + 2
All SysEx messages for Drum Setup 1 and 2.
Reverb + Chorus
All SysEx messages for Reverb and Chorus.
Variation Effect
All SysEx messages for the Variation effect.
SW60XG Special
Special SysEx messages for the Yamaha SW60XG and other XG synths featuring A/D Parts too.
Reference Tables
8 XG reference tables for effect parameters, a decimal-hexadecimal conversion chart, a table with all MIDI Note Names and Numbers incl. Frequency (Pitch) values and explanations how to calculate Master Tune, Part Detune and effect parameters with two MIDI bytes data entry.
It has never been easier to program a XG synth:
A. All SysEx messages at these pages are in full lenght and can be pasted directly from my homepage into your favourite sequencer program. You just have to replace the variables in the SysEx strings like NN (=Part number), RR (=Note number) and data entry variables (in most cases=XX) with a valid hexadecimal data entry.
B. My tables contain the valid data range and the default value of each command in decimal as well as in hexadecimal numbers.
C. Additional information to many MIDI messages will help you to understand the particular XG parameter.
D. Linked reference tables will help you to find quickly your requested data entry.
E. In most cases you won't need to look anymore into the manual of your XG synth - these pages will help you to find your requested XG programming information much more easier.
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2. About the used variables at these pages
I've used the following variables at these pages. You'll always have to replace these variables with a valid hexadecimal data entry as described in the tables for each MIDI message.Variable XX:
This variable means a data entry for a parameter in the form 'One MIDI Byte' (7 Bytes; Range=00h-7Fh / 0d-127d). Most XG parameters use this kind of data entry. The valid data range for each parameter is always shown in the tables.
Variable YY,XX:
This variable means a data entry for a parameter in the form 'Two MIDI Bytes' (MIDI-Byte MSB + MIDI-Byte LSB). This kind of data entry is used only by some parameters of the variation effect. Please read Chapter 11 of my page 'Reference tables' for further information.
Variable 0Y,0Z:
This variable means a nibblized data entry for a parameter in the form 'Two Nibbles'. This kind of data entry is used only by the Part message 'Detune'. Please read Chapter 13 of my page 'Reference tables' for further information.
Variable 0W,0X,0Y,0Z:
This variable means a nibblized data entry for a parameter in the form 'Four Nibbles'. This kind of data entry is used only by the XG system message 'Master Tune'. Please read Chapter 12 of my page 'Reference tables' for further information.
Variable NN:
This variable defines the 'Part Number' (Part 1-16=00h-0Fh) of a Part message. In most cases you'll need to enter additionally a valid data entry (XX) in Part messages.
Variable RR:
This variable defines the 'Note Number' (Note Number 13-91=0Dh-5Bh) of a Note message (via NRPN or SysEx message) for single drum instruments of Drum Setup 1 or Drum Setup 2. In most cases you'll need to enter additionally a valid data entry (XX) in Note messages.
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C/O 2002-2012: Werner Ogrodnik (Cologne, Germany)