The Yamaha TX802 FM Tone Generator represented a significant evolution in Yamaha’s digital sound technology, building upon the established reputation of the DX series while incorporating the superior circuitry found in the DX7IIFD and DX7IID synthesisers. Designed to expand the sonic palette available to musicians, the Yamaha TX802 utilised six-operator FM synthesis to generate voices that were brighter, clearer and more dynamic than previous iterations. This high-speed digital circuitry allowed the unit to recreate the random timbre variations characteristic of acoustic instruments with astonishing accuracy, ranging from the delicate plucks of a harp to the complex textures of a saxophone. The module was capable of producing an enormous range of synth and sound-effect voices, offering a versatile foundation for both traditional and experimental musical applications.
Upon power-up, the Yamaha TX802 provided immediate access to 128 preset FM voices, which had been programmed by professionals with extensive experience in voice design. These presets formed a digital orchestra that was ready for use without requiring the user to possess advanced programming skills. However, the unit also offered robust editing capabilities, allowing users to modify these presets or create entirely new voices from scratch. The internal memory accommodated up to 64 new user voices, and this capacity could be expanded by inserting a large-capacity Yamaha RAM 4 Data Cartridge, which added another 64 voices. This configuration resulted in a total of 256 available voices, each capable of being played in full 16-note polyphony.
A defining characteristic of the Yamaha TX802 was its ability to combine multiple voices into a single performance, a feature that significantly enhanced its expressive power. Users could assign up to eight different voices, referred to as timbres, to a single performance. For each timbre, the number of playable notes could be individually selected, allowing for complex ensemble configurations. The output routing was equally flexible, with each timbre assignable to one or both of the two Mix outputs, as well as to the eight individual outputs. This routing capability permitted the separate processing of each timbre’s sound. Furthermore, the upper and lower note limits for each timbre could be set, enabling unlimited keyboard-split possibilities. The system supported 128 performances at any given time, comprising 64 internal memories and 64 cartridge memories.
The voice programming section of the Yamaha TX802 included several innovative features designed to add a more natural feel to the generated sounds. The Random Pitch parameter allowed the pitch of each note to vary slightly upon repetition, mimicking the inherent inconsistencies of acoustic instruments. This parameter could be varied for each individual voice. The Pitch Bias feature, controlled via the Aftertouch function, allowed users to manipulate pitch through fingertip pressure, creating delicate vibrato or wild pitch bend effects with a maximum range of ±4 octaves. Additionally, the Breath Control feature could be used to control pitch, enabling users to bend loud notes in a manner similar to an authentic wind player.
The Microtuning feature distinguished the Yamaha TX802 among tone generator modules by allowing individual tuning of each note, much like a piano tuner would do. This capability enabled the creation of custom scales and tunings. The unit included eleven preset tunings, which allowed for the performance of classical music in authentic period tunings, the use of natural harmonics via a “Pure” scale in specified minor or major keys, or the selection of 1/4 tone and 1/8 tone tunings for microtonal experiments. Users could store two of their own tunings in the internal memory, with the option to store up to 63 additional Microtunings on a RAM cartridge. This feature supported a wide spectrum of musical styles, from avant-garde to ethnic.
Fractional Level Scaling was another innovation introduced in this generation of Yamaha digital instruments. While Level Scaling was a known feature of the original DX7, designed to simulate the response of acoustic instruments across different keyboard ranges, the Yamaha TX802’s Fractional Level Scaling offered a finer degree of control. It allowed the level of each operator to be adjusted in groups of three notes. This precision enabled users to create the correct sound across the entire keyboard range for every voice, ensuring consistent timbral quality regardless of the note played.
Editing performances on the Yamaha TX802 involved more than simply selecting a combination of voices. A number of performance parameters provided unparalleled flexibility in combining multiple voices. Users could assign each timbre to a different MIDI channel, allowing multiple MIDI devices to play the Yamaha TX802 or enabling a sequencer to send music data on up to eight separate channels for a true multitrack performance. The number of notes assigned to each timbre could be varied, permitting endless voice permutations; for example, a piano timbre could be allocated 10 notes, a string timbre 4 notes, and a flute timbre 2 notes.
The ensemble effect could be further enhanced by adjusting the level of each timbre, transposing timbres to the correct range or to create chord effects, and detuning each timbre. The Alternate Assign mode allowed users to play alternate notes on different timbres set to this mode. If all timbres were set to Alternate Assign, the Yamaha TX802 would cycle through the voices after the 16th note, adding a random element to enrich the sound, particularly effective with similar string voices.
The editing facilities were supported by a clear, easy-to-read LCD display that could show frequency parameters, mode and carrier/modulator status for all six operators simultaneously. Level Scaling and EG parameters could be viewed in either numeric or graphic display formats. To expedite the editing process, three functions allowed for the instant copying of settings between operators. Copy EG and Scaling copied all envelope and level scaling parameters, while Copy Oscillator copied frequency, detuning and oscillator mode settings. Copy Operator combined these two functions. For performance editing, the Yamaha TX802 allowed users to instantly compare any parameter of the edited performance with the original performance.
MIDI versatility was a core aspect of the Yamaha TX802’s design, responding to all MIDI control signals and remaining compatible with the MIDI control features of the DX7IIFD, including the new Pitch Bias feature. Users could re-assign any MIDI control signals to one of seven MIDI controls: Mod. Wheel, Breath Controller, Foot Controller, Portamento Switch, Portamento Time, Volume, and Sustain. MIDI Program Changes received by the unit could be re-assigned to select any internal or cartridge performance. Additionally, voice, performance, system setup, microtuning or fractional scaling data could be individually transmitted via MIDI, facilitating integration with other MIDI devices.
The System Setup mode combined several important functions, including Master Tuning, Microtune Edit, Memory Protect, MIDI Control Number Assign, and the essential MIDI Receive and System Exclusive functions. System Setup data could be saved to or loaded from a RAM Cartridge at any time. The large-capacity RAM 4 Data Cartridges offered flexible storage options, allowing users to store up to 64 voices and 64 performance combinations, plus 2 micro-tunings and 1 system setup. Alternatively, a single cartridge could hold up to 64 fractional scaling data groups or up to 63 micro-tunings. This capability allowed musicians to build an expanding library of sounds that could be reloaded in seconds.
In terms of physical design, the Yamaha TX802 was a remarkably simple unit in both style and operation, despite its extensive feature set. The number of front panel keys was kept to a minimum, yet their multi-function operation allowed for quick and effortless selection of modes, functions and parameter values. Reference materials, including the Operation Guide, Level Scaling chart, EG chart and Algorithm charts, were provided on pull-out plastic sheets on the underside of the unit for quick access. A foldaway support strut allowed the Yamaha TX802 to be placed behind a DX7 and tilted to an ideal angle for programming. The unit was also designed to be rack-mounted in a standard rack for studio or concert use.
The Yamaha TX802’s MIDI IN, OUT and THRU terminals enabled its use in a wide range of applications with other MIDI devices. When paired with a MIDI keyboard such as the Yamaha DX7IIFD, the Yamaha TX802 could perform in numerous ways. Users could create an eight-way split keyboard by assigning timbres to eight different sections of the keyboard. Alternatively, 32-note polyphony could be achieved by setting the Note On/Off function on the DX7IIFD to ODD and on the Yamaha TX802 to EVEN, resulting in odd-numbered notes being played on the DX7IIFD and even-numbered notes on the TX802. The timbres and voices of both instruments could also be layered for a massive 10-voice combination.
In a sequencing application, the QX5 Digital Sequence recorder served as an ideal companion to the Yamaha TX802, as it could record and play music data on eight individual channels. Each channel could be assigned to control one timbre, creating ensemble music of up to eight parts. In a typical setup, a KX88 MIDI Master Keyboard was used to record the music, while the QX5 also controlled the play of an RX5 Digital Rhythm Programmer, adding realistic percussion sounds to the voices provided by the Yamaha TX802.
The Yamaha Electronic Percussion System further expanded the TX802’s utility for drummers. The PMC1 Percussion MIDI Converter transformed drumbeats into MIDI signals and transmitted them on up to eight separate channels, making it ideal for use with the eight-timbre TX802. Users could play a different timbre from each electronic drum pad and create melodies by assigning a different MIDI note number for each pad. The Electronic Percussion System’s Dynamic Note Shift Feature allowed users to control the TX802’s pitch by stick pressure. Program Change signals sent from the PMC1 could be assigned to a “global” MIDI channel, which would switch all eight timbres simultaneously.
Features
- Eight independent FM timbres with six-operator FM synthesis, 32 algorithms and up to 16-note polyphony.
- 128 preset voices, 64 user voices and 64 cartridge voices, providing a total of 256 voices.
- Up to eight voices combined in a performance, with independently assignable MIDI channels, note allocation, keyboard ranges, output routing, levels, transposition and detuning.
- 128 performance memories, comprising 64 internal and 64 cartridge performances.
- Advanced voice programming with Random Pitch, Pitch Bias, Aftertouch, Breath Control and pitch bend.
- Microtuning with eleven preset tunings, two user tunings and cartridge storage for up to 63 microtunings.
- Fractional Level Scaling for adjusting individual operator levels in groups of three notes.
- LCD editing with numeric and graphic displays, operator copying, envelope and scaling copying, and performance comparison.
- MIDI IN, OUT and THRU connections, with MIDI controller reassignment, Program Change reassignment and System Exclusive data transfer.
- Stereo mixed outputs, eight individual outputs, headphone output, RAM 4 cartridge support and rack-mountable construction.