System Overview

Tone Generator block

The tone generator block is what actually produces sound in response to the MIDI messages received from the sequencer block, the controller block, and from the MIDI IN connector or the USB connector.

The following example illustrates the signal flow within a Voice.

Structure Basic

Voice

Element 4

Element 3

Element 2

Element 1

 

LFO

 

 

 

 

 

 

Low Frequency

 

 

 

Oscillator

 

Osillator

Pitch

Filter

Amplitude

See page 45

 

 

 

 

PEG

FEG

AEG

 

Pitch Envelope

Filter Envelope

Amplitude Envelope

 

Generator

Generator

Generator

 

See page 46

See page 47

See page 47

nFor details on the Voice structure, see page 40.

Internal AWM2 Tone Generator and optional Plug-in board

The tone generator block in the MOTIF consists of the built-in AWM2 and optional Plug-in units.

Internal AWM2

Plug-in board (optional)

Tone Generator

 

●AWM2(Advanced Wave Memory2)

AWM2 (Advanced Wave Memory 2) is a synthesis system based on sampled waves (sound material), and is used in many Yamaha synthesizers. For extra realism, each AWM2 Voice uses multiple samples of a real instrument’s waveform. Furthermore, a wide variety of envelope generator, filter, modulation, and other parameters can be applied to the basic waveform.

You can create your own waves via microphone or from external audio equipment by using the Sampling function. These are then stored in internal RAM and can be used just like the preseet waves.

One voice can use up to four waves (elements) in AWM2 tone generator.

nAWM2 is not just limited to general musical instruments (Normal Voices). It can also be used for setting up percussive instruments (Drum Voices). For details on Normal and Drum Voices, see page 45.

●Plug-in board

Plug-in Boards give you an enormous amount of additional sonic flexibility and power. When installed, they work seamlessly and transparently within the system of the MOTIF — meaning that you can use their sounds and functions just as if they were built right into the MOTIF at the factory.

The boards that are available for and can be installed to the MOTIF are described below.

Up to three Plug-in boards can be installed to the MOTIF. These boards are not simply a source of more Voices; they are also tone generators in their own right and extend the system-level specifications such as maximum polyphony. In addition, they allow you to use synthesis systems besides AWM2. You can play Plug-in Voices just like ordinary internal Voices and use them as Parts in a Performance (page 42).

The MOTIF is compatible with the Modular Synthesis Plug-in System (see next page). There are three types of Modular Synthesis Plug-in System-compatible Plug-in Boards: Single Part, Multi-Part and Effect Plug-in Board. Using these, you can build your own system based on the sounds you require.

34 MOTIF Basic Structure