The QY300 is more than just a sequencer. It is a complete music production system with a 16-track sequencer, 128-voice tone generator, and advanced auto-accompaniment capability all integrated with a sophisticated control interface. It also features a floppy disk drive for convenient data storage and retrieval, and a built-in micro-keyboard for easy programming without an external MIDI keyboard.

Sequencer Functions

The QY300 sequencer has 16 “normal” sequencer tracks to which you can individually assign any of the internal voices and record either via the QY300’s own micro keyboard or an external keyboard connected to the QY300 MIDI IN connector. You can use the real-time record mode so that the QY300 records exactly what you play as you play it, or the step record mode in which notes can be entered one at a time. There’s also a “multi” real-time record mode in which all 16 sequencer tracks can be recorded simultaneously, and a punch-in real-time record mode in which you can re-record any specified section of an already-recorded track. The step record mode lets you record extremely fast or complex passages that would be impossible to play in real time. It’s also useful for adding finishing touches to tracks recorded in real time. The QY300 provides an extensive range of advanced editing functions that make modifying and refining your recorded data an easy, efficient process.

Accompaniment Sequencing

One feature that truly sets the QY300 apart from other sequencers is its advanced accompaniment sequencing capability. Accompaniments are produced by specifying a sequence of “patterns” to be played rather than by recording individual notes or chords. A pattern is in itself a separate sequence consisting of a combination of up to eight “phrases” — e.g. a drum phrase, a bass phrase, and several chord or harmony phrases. The QY300 provides 2,000 preset phrases that you can combine to create a virtually unlimited variety of patterns, and memory for up to 100 user phrases that you can record yourself “from scratch”. Each pattern can have 8 variations — intro, main A, main B, fill AA, fill BB, fill AB, fill BA, and an ending — that you can sequence, along with chord changes, to quickly create complete accompaniment tracks. Chord changes are programmed simply by entering the name of the chord — Yamaha’s advanced ABC (Auto Bass Chord) auto-accompaniment system automatically re-harmonizes the pattern accordingly. The QY300’s accompaniment sequencing features mean you can whip up a complete accompaniment in a fraction of the time it would normally take, significantly simplifying and speeding up the overall production process.

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