Yamaha V50 (music workstation)
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V50 | |
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Pitch bend and modulation wheels | |
External control | MIDI in/out/thru foot volume/control/switch |
The Yamaha V50 is a hybrid music workstation introduced in 1989. It combines a sequencer, rhythm machine, an FM synthesis-based sound module and a MIDI keyboard.
Features
The sequencer
The internal sequencer has 8 tracks, with an approximate capability of 16,000 notes shared between maximum of 8 songs at a time.
Rhythm machine
The rhythm machine has 61
The sound module
The FM synthesis provided by the sound module is based on 4 operators that can be chained by selecting one of the 8 available routings, called algorithms. Each operator can generate one of 8 available waveforms. Additionally, in each of the algorithms, operator 4 can be set to modulate itself with feedback. The synth is essentially two Yamaha TX81Z modules, with a few minor tweaks including a fixed-frequency mode that can go much lower. The V50 uses two YM2424/OPZII chips, which is an upgraded version of the YM2414 used in the TX81Z, among other synthesizers.
The synth has a 16-note polyphony and 8-instrument
There are 11 tunings available including the standard Equal Temperament, useful to experiment or produce a performance of classical music in the tuning of its day (e.g. Pythagorean, Werckmeister, 1/4 tone, etc). Microtuning is also available allowing the user to specify the pitch of each note to create unique tunings.
Basic editing of FM tones is made easier on the V50 using a "Quick Edit" function, which allows users to easily edit the attack, release, and total volume level of an operator. [2]
The keyboard
The V50 keyboard consists of 61 keys, covering 5 octaves. It supports both velocity sensitivity and channel
Other features
The V50 has both a
The unit also has a built-in effects unit with 31 different effects such as various types of reverb and delay. Most of the effects have configurable parameters. The unit is capable of only one effect at a time, shared both by the rhythm machine and the FM synthesis unit. The ratio of the processed and unprocessed sound in the output can be configured. The processing can also be toggled off for individual channels.
Gallery
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Close-up of backside connectors
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The backlit display
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Panel sliders
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Chart showing users how to edit the FM sounds
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Demo disks