Yamaha MU-series

The Yamaha MU-series is a line of sound modules built by Yamaha. All sound modules except MU5 support Yamaha XG. The sound modules were commonly used when computers had slower processors. The computer could send MIDI commands to the sound module, acting as an external sound generation device. Later MU sound modules feature A/D inputs that allow direct input from microphones and guitars.

Yamaha MU2000

The MU-series product line superseded the company's previous TG-series modules, the TG100 and TG300. Although the majority of Yamaha's MU-series modules were meant for the home user, the company also made rack-mount versions of the MU90 and MU100 called the MU90R and MU100R, respectively, for professional use.

Compatibility

MU50 and higher end models typically offer the following compatibility modes:

  • XG mode, also used for General MIDI
  • TG300B mode offers compatibility with Roland GS. In the MU1000EX and MU2000EX replaced by a licensed GS mode.
  • C/M mode offers limited compatibility with the Roland MT-32 and the CM-32L.
  • Yamaha Disk Orchestra Collection mode

The unit will automatically switch between XG and TG300B modes as required. C/M mode has to be enabled manually.

List of MU-series sound modules
ModelYearStandardsPartsPolyphonyTonesDrumsetsNotesReferences
Yamaha MU5 1994 GM 16 28 128 8 General MIDI voices only, no effects. Plastic case (7" × 4" × 1.5" (19 × 10 × 3.5 cm) with LCD display. To-Host serial RS232 38.4 kbit/s input as well as MIDI. RS232 from the PC to the MU5 using the to-host cable is retransmitted as MIDI by the MU5. MIDI into the MU5 is converted to RS232 38.4 kbit/s and sent out the to-host cable to the PC. [1]
Yamaha MU10 1996 GM XG 16 32 676 21 A beige plastic case (7" × 4" × 1.5" (19 × 10 × 3.5 cm) with no LCD display. Two AD input channels for guitar or microphone. Effects can be applied to the AD input channels. 12VDC (2.1mm, center pin positive jack) at @200 mA power. Headphone audio output. To-host cable and MIDI input. Users have to design and build their own microcontroller-based MIDI controllers with potentiometers in order to select and adjust the effects available in the MU10.
Yamaha MU15 1998 GM XG 16 32 676 21 Similar to the MU5, but with XG support. [2]
Yamaha MU50 1995 GM XG 16 32 737 22 MU50 is the scaled-down version of the first XG module MU80. General MIDI, XG and supplemental voices. Effects included. AD input for guitar or microphone, but effects can not be applied to the AD input signal. Box metal chassis with backlit LCD display.
Yamaha MU80 1994 GM XG 32 64 729 21 The first XG capable device. Effects included. AD input for guitar or microphone. Effects can be applied to the AD input signal. Box metal chassis with backlit LCD display. [3]
Yamaha MU90 1996 GM XG 32 64 779 30 An upgrade of MU80 featuring more instruments and drumsets.
Yamaha MU90R 1996 GM XG 32 64 779 30 The Full-Rack Unit Version of MU90 [4]
Yamaha MU90B 1996 GM XG 32 64 779 30
Yamaha MU100 1997 GM XG 32 64 1267 46
Yamaha MU100R 1997 GM XG 32 64 1267 46 The Full Rack Mount Version of MU100 [5]
Yamaha MU100B (XT446 board) 1998 GM XG 32 64 1267 46 Screenless version for embedding, used in f.i. the Keyboardmania games
Yamaha MU128 1998 GM XG 64 128 1342 47 Two AD inputs for guitar or microphone. Effects can be applied to the AD input signal. Box metal chassis with backlit LCD display. Expandable capabilities with expansion via up to 3 Yamaha PLG expansion cards. [6]
Yamaha MU128 v2 1998/1999 GM XG GM2 64 128 1342 56 Firmware upgrade for the MU128.[7] Adds General MIDI level 2 support and new effects.
Yamaha MU1000 1999 GM XG GM2 64 128 1396 58 Stripped down Version of MU2000. Lacks the built-in Sampler and Sequencer on the MU2000. No SmartMedia slot. 3 PLG expansion board slots.
Yamaha MU1000EX 1999/2000 GM GS XG GM2 64 128 1396 58 Firmware upgrade for the MU1000.[8] Adds General MIDI level 2 support, Roland GS support, and new effects.
Yamaha MU2000 1999 GM XG GM2 64 128 1396 58 Two AD inputs for guitar or microphone. Effects can be applied to the AD input signal. Box metal chassis with backlit LCD display. Optical digital output, USB and SmartMedia card slot. Built in sampler (4 MB) and sequencer. Includes optical out port (unlike previous MU-series modules), which is also carried over to the MU500 and MU1000. 3 PLG expansion board slots.
Yamaha MU2000EX 1999/2000 GM GS XG GM2 64 128 1396 58 Firmware upgrade for the MU2000.[9] Adds General MIDI level 2 support, Roland GS support, and new effects.
Yamaha MU500 2000 GM XG GM2 64 64 1396 58 LED segment display for showing MIDI activity only. USB/Serial Port/MIDI connectors. Optical output. Has the MU1000/2000 soundmap, but omits some effects and does not have A/D inputs, PLG expansion board slots, or upgradable firmware. [10]

References
  1. "Yamaha MU5". Sound On Sound. June 1995. Archived from the original on 6 June 2015.
  2. "Yamaha MU15". Sound On Sound. July 1999. Archived from the original on 9 June 2016.
  3. "Yamaha MU80". Sound On Sound. April 1995. Archived from the original on 6 June 2015.
  4. "Yamaha MU90R". Sound On Sound. May 1997. Archived from the original on 6 June 2015.
  5. "Yamaha MU100R". Sound On Sound. November 1997. Archived from the original on 6 June 2015.
  6. "Yamaha MU128". Sound On Sound. February 1999. Archived from the original on 14 September 2014.
  7. "Yamaha MU128 2.0 manual" (PDF).
  8. , MU1000 upgrade to MU1000 Extended Edition
  9. , MU2000 upgrade to MU2000 Extended Edition
  10. "MU500 | 音源モジュール・サンプラー | 製品情報 | YamahaSynth.com". www.yamahasynth.com. Archived from the original on 2009-09-07.

Further reading


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