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yMotif & PLG150-PF

PLG150-Pf Piano Plug-in Board

The PLG150-PF is a sample playback based single part plug-in board. It is based on the same AWM2 technology that is used in the Motif wave ROM. It features 16MB of sounds exclusively in the piano category (acoustic grand pianos, electric pianos: Rhodes, Wurlitzer and DX7 type, Clavinet, Harpsicord, electro-acoustic (CP80-type). These sounds are painstakingly sampled and meticulously voiced by our experts. Classic sounds of the ‘60’s and ‘70’s are of particular interest. A large gathering of antique classics were assembled for the sampling sessions. Inspiration for voicing the classic sounds found here include Richard Tee, Donny Hathaway, Bob James, David Foster, Joe Sample, Josef Zawinul, Emuir Deodato and others. Sounds were programmed to mimic the classic recordings where these sounds were immortalized. Much detail was paid so that these sounds work in context of music. The acoustic grand pianos (many of them) are stretched tuned adding animation to the sound when used in the context of a group.

The PF board differs from the other PLG150 series boards in two ways. First, it is based on samples (the AN, DX and VL are all non-sample based technologies). Second, it does not have an “Expert” editor or a USER RAM bank for “from scratch” waves. It sounds funny to have to explain this but for a sample playback board to have its own “from scratch” bank would require too much RAM. The ‘pure’ synth boards like the AN, DX and VL in comparison use very little RAM to store entire banks of Voice data. The DX, for example, has a bank of 32 sounds equal to about 4KB (that kilobytes!) of data. Four kilobytes of sample data is really nothing at all. Samples require mucho megabytes of data! Therefore the sounds on the PLG150- PF are largely presets that you can tweak via OFFSETS. Part of what you are paying for, however, is the excellent VOICE programming. Although the PF board has a similar architecture to the Motif, 4-element AWM2 sample playback, you do not have the same degree of editing that you would with a Motif VOICE. Rather than being able to program “from scratch”, you recall a mostly finished AWM2 Voice that has

certain parameters available for real time tweaks. For example, if the original programmer applied a Control Delay or an LFO based effect, then you will be able to control how it works. But you will not be able to change the pre-assigned Board effect. As we will see in this article, this is not a problem because you can assign Motif effects to any Board sound and store it as one of your own PLG USER Voices.

For installation instructions please follow the Owner’s Manual pages 282-283. Check to make sure your board or boards are properly installed. The Orange connector is slot 1, the yellow connector is slot 2 and the Green connector is slot 3. A PLG150- series board can occupy any slot.1 The boards should always be installed with the Motif off – the boot up routine will check the plug in slots and automatically, if it detects a board it will load 64 Preset sounds for that board. (The VL board is the exception. It has actually 3 PRESET banks of 64 that it will load when a VL board is detected – one for Aftertouch play, one for Velocity play and one for Breath Control). Here’s how to verify your board:

On the Motif: Press [UTILITY]/[F6] PLG to check the status screen which will identify all the PLG boards found and their slot location:

The “Expand” parameter will be active only when you have 2 or more PLG150 series boards of the same type installed and polyphony expansion is possible. A second PLG150-PF can give you a maximum of 128 notes of piano board polyphony in Expand poly mode. A third PLG150 can give you 192 notes total for piano board. Because the System is modular, this polyphony does not take away from the 62-note polyphony of the mothership host (S30 / S80 / CS6x / CS6R / Motif6-7-8)- Nor does it contribute to a pool of notes – they are completely separate. You, of course, can use multiple boards as individuals, thus increasing how many Parts for which you will have PLG150-PF Voices available.

1HINT: Find a consistent slot layout for your boards and stick with it. When making bulk files that reload your custom sounds (AN, DX, and VL only), it matters which slot the board is found in.

PLG150-PF specifications

The Yamaha PLG150-PF is a high-quality plug-in synthesizer board that has gained recognition for its remarkable ability to simulate the sounds and textures of the classic Fender Rhodes piano. Designed for owners of compatible Yamaha synthesizers, this board allows musicians to expand their instrument's capabilities seamlessly, making it a valuable addition to any digital setup.

One of the standout features of the PLG150-PF is its sophisticated physical modeling technology. This technology enables users to achieve realistic sounds that respond dynamically to playing nuances. The model recreates the characteristic timbre and behavior of a Rhodes piano, capturing the essence of its unique sound. It offers a variety of controls that allow musicians to tweak the tone, envelope, and effects, ensuring a custom sound palette that fits perfectly within their music styles.

The PLG150-PF is equipped with 128-note polyphony, providing ample headroom for rich chord voicings and layered parts. Musicians can perform complex arrangements without worrying about note dropouts. Additionally, this synthesizer board includes multiple velocity-sensitive layers, which enhance playability and expression. The board also features various effects processors, including reverb and chorus, allowing users to add depth and richness to their sound.

Another noteworthy characteristic is its compatibility with Yamaha's Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) technology. AWM enables the board to deliver high-quality samples while employing efficient sound synthesis methods. This approach not only produces impressive audio fidelity but also conserves system resources, allowing for greater performance capabilities in runtime.

The installation of the PLG150-PF is straightforward, thanks to its plug-in design that fits neatly into the expansion slots of compatible Yamaha synthesizers. It supports various models, including the CS6x, CS6R, and MOTIF series. Utilizing this plug-in board is as simple as selecting it within the synthesizer's menu system, making it easy for musicians to access its 풍부한 sounds quickly.

In summary, the Yamaha PLG150-PF stands out for its realistic emulation of the Fender Rhodes piano, equipped with physical modeling technology, abundant polyphony, and compatibility with Yamaha's AWM. With its user-friendly installation and robust feature set, it serves as an exceptional tool for musicians seeking to enhance their sonic palette and explore the rich world of electric piano sounds.