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Overview of M.D.R. Operation
Though the M.D.R. is as easy to operate as a cassette tape recorder, it is far move versatile.
Since it records all Electone settings and control movements as well as the notes you play as
digital data, it allows you much more flexibility and control than even the most sophisticated
tape recorder. Basically, the M.D.R. independently records the following three types of data:

1. Registration data (including bulk data)

All Registrations stored to the Registration Memory numbered buttons as well as the Registration
currently set to the panel, are recorded at the beginning of a song, before the actual recording of
your performance. Bulk data is also saved to the song with the Registration data. Bulk data
includes Registration Shift settings, User Styles, Sequence Program sequences, Keyboard
Percussion User Assign settings, Organ Variation settings, and User Voices.

2. Performance data

The M.D.R. records your performance on the keyboards and Pedalboard of the Electone exactly
as you play it, even recording the strength at which you play the keys and how hard you press
them down while playing. The various types of performance data — Upper, Lower, Pedal and
Lead — are recorded to independent “tracks,” so that you can change any one of them without
affecting the others.

3. Control data

All changes you make on the Electone during your performance are recorded in real time. These
include Registration changes, the use of the expression pedal, footswitches and knee lever.

About the Logos

On the M.D.R. panel next to the controls are several logos. These indicate that the M.D.R. is compatible with and
can play disks in the corresponding data formats: General MIDI, XG, Disk Orchestra, and Style File.
GM (General MIDI System Level 1)
An exceptionally wide variety of song data is available in the General MIDI (GM) format. GM
was developed to allow song data to be used interchangeably in different devices of different
manufacturers.
XG
XG is a major new enhancement to the GM format developed by Yamaha, and it provides for
more instrument sounds and variations, as well as greater expressive control over voices and
effects. XG-compatible instruments feature full compatibility with future instruments and
software.
Disk Orchestra
Disk Orchestra (DOC) was developed by Yamaha, and is used in a wide variety of keyboards,
tone generators, and devices — particularly the popular Clavinova series.
Style File
The Style File format is an auto-accompaniment format developed by Yamaha. The rhythm
and accompaniment data on Style File disks is fully compatible for use with the automatic
accompaniment features of the AR-80. Inserting a Style File disk automatically calls up the
display for loading data to a User Style (see page 107).