Computing & Information Services Newsletter

The S-YG20 Soft Synthesizer (hereafter referred to as the S-YG20) is a software-type MIDI tone generator that uses the CPU power of a personal computer to produce sound. In the same way as an external MIDI tone generator, MIDI playback applications such as the following can be used with the S-YG20 to produce high-quality sound.

The MIDI player included with the S-YG20
The MediaPlayer included with Windows 95(R)
Commercially available karaoke software and sequencer software

About the S-YG20

The S-YG20 provides 360 sounds which include 128 GM-compatible sounds, 9 drum kits + 2 SFX kits, and also reverb, covering not only the conventional GM sounds, but also sounds unique to the XG format proposed by Yamaha (some substitute sounds are included). To modify the sound quality settings, click the Yamaha SGMP Driver icon in the Control Panel to start up the setting window, and specify the output sampling rate, the stereo/mono setting, and reverb on/off. As far as the CPU loading will permit, we suggest that you listen with settings of 22 K, stereo, and reverb turned on. If this places too heavy a load on the CPU and notes are interrupted during playback, try turning off the reverb, or setting the sampling rate to 11 K.

S-YG20 specifications

Features of the Soft Synthesizer driver

32 note polyphonic GM-compatible tone generator (with reverb)

Yamaha IC algorithms implemented in 32-bit Pentium code

Any Windows computer with a CODEC can function as a GM tone generator

Reverb level can be set independently for each MIDI channel

Soft synthesizer driver specifications

Reverb functionality has been added to GM System Level 1 and priority can be placed either on sound quality or on speed.

Tone generator specifications

Tone generation method: PCM / wavetable

Maximum simultaneous polyphony: 32 notes (CPU performance or other loading may cause this to be less than 32 notes.)

Number of sounds: 360 sounds + 9 drum kits + 2 SFX kits

Output waveform: stereo/mono

Effect section specifications

Effect types: Reverb

MIDI input driver specifications

Supported MIDI messages: GM System Level 1

Notes will be sounded on the Soft Synthesizer with a delay of approximately 0.5 seconds after the MIDI messages are received. For this reason, a delay will occur when an external MIDI device (such as a MIDI keyboard) plays the S -YG20.

The S-YG20 cannot be used in DOS or in a DOS box.

While the Soft Synthesizer is being used, the WAVE setting of the mixer controls the MIDI playback volume.

While the Soft Synthesizer is being used, it is not possible to run two or more MIDI applications.

Operating environment

Computer	IBM-PC and AT compatible
CPU	Pentium(TM) / 66 MHz or better
Real memory	8 MB or more (16 MB or more recommended)
Sound functionality	16 bit PCM sound functionality
Operating system	Windows(R)3.1, Windows(R)95

Operation

Playing back MIDI songs on the MIDI player included with the S-YG20

After installation, start up the MIDI player, which is located in the S-YG20 folder. After the program starts up, click the SET button. In the tone generator setting dialog box, select YAMAHA SGMP Driver. Sam ple songs are included for your listening enjoyment. For details on operation, refer to the help file.

If you are not able to select YAMAHA SGMP Driver from the MIDI playback application (MediaPlayer for example)

1. From the Control Panel, open Multimedia.

2. Choose MIDI, and from the MIDI Output item Individual Device, choose YAMAHA SGMP Driver.

3. Click the Apply button, and then click the OK button.

Source: http://www.yamaha.com