SY55

The 2nd generation 16-bit Advanced Wave Memory (AWM2) system utilizes wave data digitally at 32 or 48 kHz, 24-bit internal signal processing, and high-resolution 22-bit digital-to-analog converters to reproduce sound that rivals and often surpasses the quality of the finest compact disk players. A versatile digital filter system lets you shape sound in real time for extensive control. Two megabites of sampled waveform ROM offers a choice of 74 individual waveforms built-in.

External wave cards provide virtually unlimited potential for expansion.

Each SY55 voice is composed of 1, 2, or 4 elements that can be assigned an AWM2 waveform. Each element has its own complex envelope generators that provide extensive sample layering capability. Each envelope has its own programmable 5-segment amplitude generator. Each element also has a pitch envelope generator and two filter cutoff generators.

Two advanced digital filters provide dynamic timbre control. One is a low-pass type and the other is switchable for either low-pass or high-pass response. Each filter has its own 6-segment envelope generator that can produce virtually an unlimited range of dynamic filtering patterns. A resonance parameter allows you to produce the distinct musical personality of analog synthesizer type filters. With a 4-element voice with two filters per element you have a total of 8 filters working all at once.

Extensive voice editing functions give you total control of the volume, note shift, detuning high and low note limits, high and low velocity limits for velocity-switched keyboard dynamics, pan position, LFO modulation, and controller assignments allowing you to shape your sound until it fits perfectly. Editing functions can be accessed either sequentially, or directly via a numeric keypad. Use any of 64 presets in ROM, or create voices from scratch and store them in any of 64 memory locations.

Drum-set voices allow 61 different drum and other waveforms to be assigned to different keys. Any waveform can be used in a drum voice, and any drum waveform can be used in normal voice programming.

A sophisticated 8-track sequencer takes full advantage of multi-play mode and drum-set voices. You can record in real-time to capture the spontaneity of a performance, using step-write mode for precisely-timed fast or complex passages, and using the punch-in feature to "fix" a portion of a previously recorded track. Quantization can tighten up loose timing. Sequence data can be stored to external memory cards.

An initial touch and after-touch sensitive keyboard, plus standard pitch and modulation wheels provide familiar expression control. You can assign the modulation wheel, breath controller, foot volume control, continuous slider, keyboard aftertouch (or any MIDI controller) to amplitude modulation, pitch modulation, filter cutoff modulation, direct filter cutoff control, envelope generator bias and volume. Velocity switching brings different elements into play depending on how hard you play.

Digital signal processing provides ambience-enhancing capabilities built-in with 34 effect programs, including reverb, delay, early reflection, tone control and distortion, all programmable.

Since each element in any voice can be panned to any position in the stereo sound field, you can create true stereo voices that will add a new dimension to your sound. Any of the 61 individual drum sounds in a drum voice can also be placed anywhere in the stereo field as can individual voices in mult-timbre setups.

A complete set of MIDI parameters for maximum compatibility and versatility are provided.

Job-number function access for easy editing; Data Entry control in addition to increment and decrement keys for fast, precise data entry; 16-character x 2-line backlit LCD display; Master volume control and headphone jack; Built-in demo playback feature.