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Yamaha Reface DX - User Manual

Yamaha Reface DX
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reface Reference Manual
1
Using this Reference Manual ........................................................................2
Edit Mode ........................................................................................................2
Changing detailed operator settings............................................................3
Operator Settings screen (page 1)..................................................................3
Operator Settings screen (page 2)..................................................................4
KSC (Keyboard Scaling) level setting (page 3)..............................................4
Setting the EG (envelope generator) ............................................................5
EG Level
EG Level Settings screen ................................................................................5
EG Rate
EG Rate Settings screen..................................................................................6
Setting the LFO...............................................................................................7
LFO screen (page 1).........................................................................................7
LFO PMD On/Off screen (page 2)....................................................................8
LFO AMD screen (page 3)................................................................................8
Setting the Pitch EG.......................................................................................9
PITCH EG Level screen (page 1).....................................................................9
PITCH EG Rate screen (page 2) ....................................................................10
PITCH EG On/Off screen (page 3).................................................................10
Troubleshooting...........................................................................................11
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Reference Manual

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Questions and Answers

Overview

The Yamaha reface DX is a compact, portable synthesizer designed for musicians who want to explore the world of FM synthesis. This reference manual provides detailed instructions for adjusting various parameters to create and modify sounds, offering extensive control over the instrument's sonic capabilities.

Function Description

The reface DX operates on the principles of FM (Frequency Modulation) synthesis, allowing users to generate complex waveforms by modulating the frequency of one oscillator (carrier) with another (modulator). The instrument features four operators, each of which can function as either a carrier or a modulator, depending on the selected algorithm. The algorithm defines the interconnection of these operators, determining how they interact to produce the final sound. Users can switch between different algorithms using the [ALGO] button in the FM section.

The core of sound creation on the reface DX involves adjusting the settings of these individual operators. This includes controlling their frequency, output level, and how they respond to keyboard input. The instrument also incorporates an Envelope Generator (EG) for each operator, which shapes the amplitude and other characteristics of the sound over time. Additionally, a Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO) is available to introduce periodic variations in pitch, amplitude, or other parameters, adding effects like vibrato, tremolo, and wah. A dedicated Pitch EG allows for dynamic pitch changes over time, further enhancing expressive possibilities.

Usage Features

The reface DX offers a comprehensive Edit mode for in-depth sound customization. To enter Edit mode, the user presses the [EDIT] button. Once in Edit mode, the VOICE SELECT/EDIT section's [1] to [8] buttons transform into dedicated controls for various parameters: [OP1] to [OP4] for individual operator settings, [EG level] for envelope levels, [EG rate] for envelope rates, [LFO] for low-frequency oscillator settings, and [Pitch EG] for pitch envelope adjustments. Pressing the [EDIT] button again exits Edit mode.

Changing Detailed Operator Settings:

Operators 1 to 4 can be configured individually. After entering Edit mode and selecting an operator ([OP1] to [OP4]), the operator's setting screen appears. If a screen has multiple pages, indicated by "...", the same button can be pressed repeatedly to cycle through them. Settings are adjusted using the sliders and switches on the instrument. The manual highlights that adjustments made for one operator can be applied to others by simply selecting a different operator button while still in Edit mode.

  • Operator Settings Screen (Page 1): This screen allows users to turn operators on or off and select their frequency setting method.

    • MODE: Users can choose between "Ratio" or "Fixed" frequency modes. In "Ratio" mode, the frequency is set as a ratio relative to the standard pitch, with values ranging from 0.500 to 31.99. Doubling the value increases the octave by one, while halving it drops the octave by one. In "Fixed" mode, the frequency is set in Hertz (Hz) and remains constant regardless of the key played, with values from 1.000 to 9,772 Hz.
    • DTUNE (Detune): This parameter allows for fine-tuning the frequency, ranging from -64 to +63. Slight detuning can create a chorus-like effect.
  • Operator Settings Screen (Page 2): This screen focuses on output level, velocity sensitivity, feedback, and keyboard scaling rate.

    • LEVEL: For carriers, this sets the volume; for modulators, it determines the degree of modulation. Values range from 0 to 127.
    • VEL.S (Velocity Sensitivity): This controls how the volume or tone changes based on playing dynamics. A setting of "0" means no change, while higher values increase the degree of change.
    • FB (Feedback): This parameter introduces feedback into the operator, altering its waveform. Values from "+1" to "+127" change the waveform from sine to sawtooth, while "-1" to "-127" change it from sine to square. A setting of "0" applies no feedback, maintaining a normal sine wave.
    • KSC-Rate (Keyboard Scaling Rate): This sets how the speed of the EG changes across the keyboard. Higher values result in faster EG changes for higher-pitched notes compared to lower-pitched notes.
  • KSC (Keyboard Scaling) Level Setting (Page 3): Keyboard scaling allows for adjusting the envelope's effect based on the keyboard's played area, helping to balance tone and volume similar to acoustic instruments. The keyboard is divided at C3 (the break point).

    • L Depth/R Depth: These parameters set the degree of keyboard scaling for the left (low-pitch) and right (high-pitch) sides of the keyboard, respectively, ranging from -127 to 0 to +127. A setting of "0" means no scaling is applied.
    • L Curve/R Curve: Users can choose between "LIN (Linear)" or "EXP (Exponential)" curves for how the depth changes from the break point to the left or right of the keyboard.

Setting the EG (Envelope Generator):

The EG shapes the sound's amplitude and other characteristics over time. It consists of four levels and four rates.

  • EG Level: Levels (1 to 4) determine the volume for carriers and the modulation degree for modulators, ranging from 0 (minimum) to 127 (maximum).
    • Level 1: Attack level.
    • Level 2: Decay level.
    • Level 3: Sustain level.
    • Level 4: Release level. If set to anything other than "0", the sound will stop when it reaches this level.
  • EG Rate: Rates (1 to 4) control the speed of change between EG levels, ranging from 0 (slowest) to 127 (fastest).
    • Rate 1: Attack rate.
    • Rate 2: Decay rate.
    • Rate 3: Sustain rate.
    • Rate 4: Release rate.

Setting the LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator):

The LFO introduces periodic modulation to the sound, creating effects like vibrato, tremolo, and wah.

  • LFO Screen (Page 1):
    • WAVE: Users can select from various LFO waveforms: Sine, Triangular, Ramp-up Sawtooth, Ramp-down Sawtooth, Square, Sample & Hold 8, and Sample & Hold. Sample & Hold waveforms generate random changes by sampling values from a noise wave at set intervals.
    • SPEED: Sets the LFO speed, from 0 to 127. For Sample & Hold waveforms, this determines the interval at which values are sampled.
    • DELAY: Sets the time it takes for the LFO to start after a key is pressed, from 0 to 127.
    • PMD (Pitch Modulation Depth): Sets the degree to which the LFO affects the pitch (vibrato), from 0 to 127.
  • LFO PMD On/Off Screen (Page 2): This screen allows users to turn LFO Pitch Modulation (PMD) on or off for each individual operator. When turned on, the PMD settings from the LFO screen (page 1) become active.
  • LFO AMD Screen (Page 3): This screen sets the Amplitude Modulation Depth (AMD) for each operator, controlling how much the LFO affects the amplitude (tremolo, wah), from 0 to 127.

Setting the Pitch EG:

The Pitch EG allows for dynamic changes in the operators' pitches over time, similar to the amplitude EG. These settings are common to all operators.

  • PITCH EG Level Screen (Page 1): Adjusts the Pitch EG levels (1 to 4), ranging from -48 to +48 semitones (4 octaves) relative to the standard pitch ("0").
  • PITCH EG Rate Screen (Page 2): Adjusts the Pitch EG rates (1 to 4), from 0 to 127. Higher values result in faster pitch changes.
  • PITCH EG On/Off Screen (Page 3): Allows users to turn the Pitch EG on or off for each individual operator.

Maintenance Features

The manual includes a "Troubleshooting" section to address common issues users might encounter. This section provides solutions for problems such as no sound being produced or notes sustaining indefinitely.

  • No Sound Produced:
    • If the instrument stops producing sound after a setting change, the manual suggests checking if the carrier level is set to "0" and increasing it if necessary.
    • It also advises confirming in Edit mode that the carrier is turned on and its level is sufficiently high.
    • Another potential cause is the carrier's Fixed frequency value being too low. Users are instructed to check if the carrier mode is set to "Fixed" and increase the "FREQ" value if it's too low.
  • Notes Continue to Play Without End:
    • If notes sustain indefinitely after a setting change, the manual suggests raising Rate 4 for the EG.
    • Alternatively, selecting a different Voice can stop the sound.

For more complex issues, the manual refers users to the "Troubleshooting" section in the Owner's Manual (page 46) and suggests performing a Factory Reset (page 40). If problems persist, users are advised to contact their Yamaha dealer or a service center.

Yamaha Reface DX Specifications

General IconGeneral
Sound EngineFM
Polyphony8 voices
Number of Operators4
DisplayLCD
EffectsChorus, Delay, Reverb
Keyboard37 mini-keys
ConnectivityMIDI In/Out, USB, Headphone output
Power6 x AA batteries or AC adapter
Dimensions530 x 175 x 60 mm
Weight1.9 kg
Speakers2 x 3 cm
Presets32

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