Yamaha DX7 Product Manual - Page 67

62 Save In the DX7, "Save" describes the process of simul- the key is held down. In the DX synthesizers, L3 in the taneously placing all 32 internal memory voices into the envelope determines the sustain level. correspondingly numbered RAM cartridge memories. Sync This is an abbreviation for "synchronize" or "syn- Sawtooth wave A waveform that contains the funda- chronization." In the DX7 there are two types of sync mental and both odd and even harmonics. In conven- that may be programmed. One is the LFO KEY SYNC; tional synthesizers, a sawtooth wave may be used to when it is ON, the LFO waveform re-starts at the same create rich, "brassy" sounds. In the DX synthesizers, point each time you play a note; when it's OFF the LFO such sounds are created by the frequency modulation of wave continues with each note. The second type of sync sine waves. However, two sawtooth waves (saw up and in the DX7 is OSCILLATOR KEY SYNC. When KEY saw down) may be selected at sub-audible frequencies SYNC is ON, the phase of each note begins at zero, for use in the LFO section. whereas when the sync is OFF; a smoother transition Sine wave A pure waveform that contains only the occurs to the next note played because the oscillator fundamental and no harmonics. The operators in the does not re-start at zero phase. (We use the term "oscilla- DX synthesizers produce only sine waves. A sine wave also may be selected at sub-audible frequencies for use in the LFO section. Square wave A waveform consisting of the fundamental plus its odd-order harmonics. In conventional synthesizers, square waves may be used to create hollow, reedy sounds. In the DX synthesizers, such sounds are created by the frequency modulation of sine waves. However, a square wave may be selected at sub-audible frequencies for use in the LFO section. Stack In the DX synthesizers, the term refers to a vertically related column of operators. The operator at the bottom is always a carrier, and those above it in the stack are modulators. Some algorithms have no stacks because all the operators are on the bottom row (DX7 algorithm #32, for example), whereas others have two or tor" loosely here; the DX actually has digital circuits which simulate oscillators.) Sometimes a voice will sound more natural with sync OFF because, when you play a note successive times, it may sound slightly different - just like an acoustic instrument. Transient An abrupt increase in signal level. In music, transients are produced by percussive or plucked instruments, such as a drum head being struck or a guitar string being plucked. A transient may also be an undesirable signal, such as a "click" or "thud" caused by an amplifier being switched on or off. In synthesis, the transient of a note often refers to its initial attack, as created by the envelope generator. Triangle wave This is similar to a sine wave, but with some harmonic content. A triangle wave at a sub-audible frequency may be selected in the DX7 LFO section. three stacks (DX7 algorithms #1 and #5, for example). Voice This is a programmed sound for a synthesizer. Store In the DX7, "Store" describes one of two processes. In the edit mode, the [STORE] button is used to copy an envelope from one operator to the next. In the Another term might be "instrument." Some polyphonic keyboards use the term "voice" to describe the number of keys that may be played simultaneously but DX syn- play mode, the same [STORE] button is used to place thesizers use the word "note" to express this concept. the currently selected voice (the one which is being played or edited) into any location (1-32) in the internal Thus, the DX7 is a 16-note polyphonic synthesizer that can store 32 voices in its internal memory. or RAM cartridge memories. Sus-Key Pitch Follow This is an abbreviation for "Sustain-Key Pitch Follow." See "Key Pitch Follow." Sus-Key Pitch Retain This is an abbreviaiton for "Sustain-Key Pitch Retain." See "Key Pitch Retain." Sustain In a synthesizer, the sustain describes the level which a note "settles into" while a key is held down, or while the sustain foot pedal is pressed down. Some voices have no sustain (no sustain level) in that they continue to fade out after the initial sound even when