96 PF-500
Data CompatibilityVoice Allocation Format
With MIDI, voices are assigned to specific numbers,
called “program numbers.” The numbering standard
(order of voice allocation) is referred to as the “voice
allocation format.”
• Voices may not play back as expected unless the
voice allocation format of the song data matches
that of the compatible MIDI device used for play-
back.
[Main Voice Allocation Formats]
■GM System Level 1
This is one of the most common voice allocation
formats.
• Many MIDI devices are compatible with GM Sys-
tem Level 1, as is most commercially available
software.
• The PF-500 is compatible with GM System Level
1.
■XG
XG is a major enhancement of the GM System Level
1 format, and was developed by Yamaha specifically
to provide more voices and variations, as well as
greater expressive control over voices and effects,
and to ensure compatibility of data well into the
future.
• The PF-500 is compatible with XG.
• Performance data recorded with preset voices on
the PF-500 can be played on other XG-compati-
ble instruments.
■DOC (Disk Orchestra Collection)
This voice allocation format is compatible with
many of Yamaha’s MIDI devices, including the PF-
500 series instruments.
This is also common format used with various
Yamaha software.
The PF-500 is compatible with DOC.
• Even if the devices and data used satisfy all the
conditions above, the data may still not be com-
pletely compatible, depending on the specifica-
tions of the devices and particular data recording
methods.