ADSR - Abbreviation for "Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release"; the four stages of a standard envelope generator.

Advanced Wave Modulation (AWM) - A technique developed by Yamaha for digitally sampling and reproducing naturally occurring sound. All sound elements in the TG100 are created with the AWM process.

Analog - In recording, a signal that is stored as a continuously varying electrical representation (analog) of the input signal. Analog synthesis uses electronic synthesis uses electronic oscillators, filters, and envelopes to directly create and manipulate electrical currents.

Analog To Digital Conversion (A/D) - The process by which an electrical audio signal (from a microphone or line level source) is digitized ("sampled"). The AWM process used by the TG100 utilizes high-quality A/D. (See "Digital To Analog Conversion ')

Animation - A sequential series of graphic images which produce the illusion of motion.

Attack - The first part of a sound, defined as the amount to time it takes for the signal to rise from silence to its greatest amplitude.

Attack Rate - The speed at which a sound reaches its maximum initial volume. The TG100 allows you to speed up or slow down the attack rate of individual parts.

Adhering - The process of creating a multimedia presentation. During adhering, the user creates the required text, graphics, animations, video, and/or audio components and then knits all these various elements together into a cohesive whole.

Bank - An area of memory within which data is stored. The TG100 contains four voice banks: the "G" (General MIDI) bank contains 128 voices; the "D" (Disk Orchestra) bank contains 72 voices; the "C" (C/M) bank contains 128 voices; and the "I" (Internal) bank contains 64 voices.

Bank Select Message - A special MIDI control change message which instructs a receiving instrument to change to a different voice bank. The TG100 utilizes controller numbers 0 and 32 for this purpose. (See "Control Change Message")

Base-Level Synthesizer - A specification within the MPC standard that accommodates most low-cost sound cards. A Base Level synthesizer provides a minimum of three simultaneous melodic voices (receiving on MIDI channels 13 - 15) with an overall six-note polyphony, and a percussion voice (receiving on MIDI channel 16) with at least two-note polyphony. (See '-Extended Synthesizer" and "Multimedia PC")

Baud Rate - The speed at which digital information is transmitted, in bits per second. MIDI's baud rate is 31.25 kilobaud, or 31,250 bits per second.

Bit - Short for "Binary digit"; a number which is either one or zero.

Buff - In computer use, a place where data can be stored temporaily.

Bulk Dump - The transfer of an instrument's internal data to a computer or dedicated MDR (MIDI Data Recorder). In the TG100, bulk dump is called "Dump All" and is used to store edited voices. (See "MIDI Data Recorder" and "System Messages")

Byte - A group of eight bits. (See "Bit")

CD (Compact Disk) - A standard read-only optical disk that usually contains digitized audio data.

CD-R - Compact Disc-Recordable. Format for a user-recordable compact disc. The recorded disk can be played in any CD player.

CD-ROM - A special kind of Compact Disk that contains digital data which can be accessed directly by a computer. CD-ROM disks can store about 600 megabytes of data.

CD-ROM Drive - A mechanism for playing CD-ROM disks. CD-ROM drives may be internally or externally mounted and usually have the capability of playing back standard audio CDs as well.

C/M - One of the TG100's sound module modes, which provides semi-compatibility with the CM-64 and associated equipment.

Channel Messages - MIDI utilizes sixteen discrete channels so that different instruments (or different voices within a multitimbral instrument) can simultaneously play different musical parts. MIDI channel messages refer to data which is specific only to one particular channel. Channel data includes: note on/off, note number, velocity, program change, pitch bend, after touch, and controller messages. (See "Control Change Messages," "MIDI Channel," "Program Change Messages" and "Velocity")

Control Change Message - A family of MIDI channel messages that are typically used to alter a sound while it is playing. There are 121 MIDI controllers, numbered from 0 to 120; some are continuous (such as sliders, wheels, and sweep footpedals) while others are on-off switch types (such as switches or sustain pedals). Examples of control change messages include volume (#7), pan (#10), modulation wheel (#1), and sustain pedal (#64). (See "Bank Select Messages," "Channel Messages" and "MIDI Controllers")

CPU (Central Processing Unit) - A computer's central microprocessor, responsible for all system logic and memory organization.

Data Compression - Means by which data is stored to disk in a compact form.

DAT - Abbreviation for "Digital Audio Tape." A digital tape-recording format using a small cassette that provides up to two hours of 16-bit, linear, PCM digital recording at a sampling rate of 32, 44.1 or 48 hKz.

Default - Sometimes known as the "factory" setting. The value of a parameter that is set when the instrument is initialized. (See "Initialization")

Detune - The slight tuning alteration of one voice element relative to another. Used to create a "spread" or chorusing effect.

Digital - Literally, "using digits." A computer is a typical digital device, which can "think" only in terms of the binary numbers one (on) and zero (off). A digital synthesizer produces sounds by performing mathematical manipulations upon a stream of numbers which are then transformed by a digital-to-analog converter to an electrical signal; a loudspeaker then converts that electrical signal to audio signal. (See "Digital To Analog Conversion")

Digital Signal Processing (DSP) - A stand-alone device or section within an electronic musical instrument that allows for manipulation of an audio signal in the digital domain. Typically, digital signal processing will provide reverb or delay ("echo") effects, as are found in the TG100. (See "Reverb")

Digital To Analog Conversion (D/A) - The process by which digital data is reconverted back to an analog (electrical) audio signal. This is the means by which Compact Disk players play back CDs, and is the same means by which the TG100 plays back its digital AWM sounds. (See "Analog To Digital Conversion" and "Digital")

DIP Switch - Abbreviation for Dual In-line Package, this is one or a series of compact switches designed for mounting directly on a circuit board. Usually found inside computers and printers as a method of setting user preferences and defaults.

Disk Orchestra - A series of music titles produced by Yamaha which are available on floppy disks which can be played by Yamaha's DRC-20, DOM-30, or MDF2 devices.

Dissolve - The means by which one image changes to another.

Driver - A software utility that enables a computer to address a particular external hardware device. For example, for direct connection of the TG100 to an IBM-compatible computer, you need to first install the TG100 driver (available from various software manufacturers and major computer bulletin boards or directly from Yamaha) into the Windows or DOS operating system. (See the section in this booklet entitled "Connecting The TG100 To An IBM Or Macintosh Computer" for more information.

Drum Kit - A special kind of synthesizer voice that contains multiple samples of drum or percussive sounds, with each sound assigned to a different key. The TG100 provides 10 complete drum kits.

Drum Machine Pattern Editors - Allows you to compose and alter percussion patterns for drum machines with the help of the computer.

Drum Map - The key assignments within a Drum Kit. (See "Mapping")

Dynamic Allocation - The method of voice allocation used by many MIDI instruments (including the TG100), whereby the most recently played notes are sounded and older notes "robbed" as needed. Because the TG100 has 28-note polyphony, you'll rarely hear this "note robbing."

Element - A TG100 sound sample, created with the AWM process. Some TG100 voices consist of one element, others of two. (See "Advanced Wave Modulation")

Extended Synthesizer - A specification within the MPC standard that accommodates most dedicated MIDI tone generators and some advanced sound cards. An Extended synthesizer provides a minimum of nine simultaneous melodic voices (receiving on MIDI channels 1 - 9) with an overall sixteen-note polyphony, and a separate percussion voice (receiving on MIDI channel 10) with at least sixteen-note polyphony. The TGlOO is an Extended synthesizer. (See "Base-Level Synthesizer" and "Multimedia PC")

Fade - In audio, to slowly decrease (fade out) or increase ~fade in) in volume. In video, to slowly change from an image to black or vice versa. (See"Mixer")

FM Synthesis - A form of synthesis where complex waveforms are created by modulating one oscillator or operator by another usually with the audible frequency range - to alter (modulate) the frequency of a carrier waveform.

General MIDI - A standard set of rules within MIDI that allows for cross-instrument compatibility. General MIDI instruments such as the TG100 all use the same memory areas for sound storage and always use MIDI channel 10 for drum parts. General MIDI instruments are also always capable of playing at least 16 sounds simultaneously and have at least 24-note polyphony. For multimedia applications, the main advantage of using a General MIDI instrument such as the TG100 is that it supports the playback of clip music stored as standard MIDI files. (See "General MIDI Score" and "MIDI File")

General MIDI Score - A MIDI File which is optimized for playback by a General MIDI instrument such as the TG100. (See "General MIDI" and "MIDI File")

Gigabyte - One thousand million bytes (megabytes) of data. Sometimes called a "gig."

Graphic - A picture, chart, or other pictorial device used for illustration purposes.

Hit Points - Important visual cues; the audio component of a multimedia presentation should highlight these points as much as possible.

Host Connection - A direct connection that allows the TG100 to be linked to a Macintosh or IBM computer, without the need for a separate MIDI interface. Connection is made directly to the computer's serial ports (either the modem or printer port of a Macintosh or to any COM port of an IBM). When connected this way, the TG100 functions as a MIDI interface; its MIDI in and out ports can be used to integrate other MIDI devices. (See "MIDI Interface")

HyperCardTM - A copyrighted Apple program bundled with Macintosh computers that provides a multimedia programming environment as well as a graphic interface for data storage and retrieval.

Image - A still picture. In multimedia, usually refers to a non-animated graphic.

Initialization - A reset procedure which places default values ("factory settings") into some or all parameters. (See "Default")

Interactive - Literally, "to act on each other." Interactive software provides an environment in which a computer program is running in tandem with the user's actions, choices, and decisions, all of which control the way the program unfolds.

Interface - The point at which independent systems interact. An interface can occur between machines (as in the MIDI interface, which allows electronic musical instruments and/or computers to interact) or between man and machine (as in a software user interface, which determines how the user navigates through a program).

Internal Bank - In the TG100, a bank of 64 editable voices. When first powered up, this bank contains copies of voices 1 - 64 from the General bank; however, individual voices from any bank can be copied to any location within the Internal bank for editing.

Kilobyte - One thousand bytes of data. Sometimes called a "KB."

Layering - Combining two or more components together to create a whole that is greater than the sum of the parts. MIDI allows you to layer multiple voices together (even voices from different instruments) so as to create thick audio textures. The TG100 permits up to 15 voices to be layered.

Level - See "Volume"

Mapping - In MIDI, refers to the alteration of note, program, or channel assignments. (See "Drum Map" and "MIDI Mapper")

MDR (MIDI Data Recorder) - A device that can record and play back MIDI bulk dump data. Many MIDI sequencers and sequencing programs have this function, as do dedicated patch editor/librarian programs and a number of hardware devices such as Yamaha's MDF2. Some synthesizers (such as Yamaha's SY99) also have this capability. (See "Bulk Dump" and "System Messages")

Media Player - One of the Windows Multimedia Extensions ~included in Windows 3.1 and higher), this utility enables the playback of several standard media types, including MIDI files, animations, digital audio files or audio tracks from a CD-ROM player.

Megabyte - One million bytes of data. Sometimes called a "MB."

MIDI - An acronym for the Musical Instrument Digital Interface, a standardized digital "language" that allows electronic musical instruments and computers to communicate with one another.

MIDI Cable - A special wire used to carry MIDI data. A MIDI cable has three shielded conductors connected to five-pin DIN plugs at both ends. Generally, MIDI cables should not exceed fifty meters in length.

MIDI Channel - The MIDI specification provides for sixteen channels for the transmission and reception of data. This is equivalent to the system used by television, where each station transmits and receives over a different channel frequency. A number in the MIDI data stream defines the channel over which data is being transmitted.

MIDI Clock - A system realtime message that specifies the tempo of a MIDI sequence. 24 MIDI clocks are output during each quarter note.

MIDI Connector - A five-pin DIN plug. (See "MIDI Cable")

MIDI Controller - A device which outputs MIDI data. Controllers may be either instrument controllers (i.e. keyboard, drum, guitar, or wind controllers) or real-time controllers. Real-time controllers are either continuous controllers (wheels, joysticks, sliders, footpedals, breath controllers, etc.) or switch controllers (footswitches or other on-off devices). Two special kinds of continuous controllers are pitch bend (usually a wheel or joystick) and after touch (channel pressure). (See "Control Change Message )

MIDI File - A standard file format (sometimes called Standard MIDI Files or SMF) used by computers for encoding MIDI sequence data. Type 1 MIDI files are multitrack, multichannel format while Type 0 files place all the data from multiple tracks onto a single multichannel track. IBM MIDI files are usually given the extension ".MID" or ".SMF"; Macintosh MIDI files normally have the file type "Midi."

MIDI Interface - A hardware device that allows a computer to "speak" the MIDI language and to communicate with other MIDI devices such as electronic musical instruments. Although the TG100 will work with any standard MIDI interface, it does not require one, since its direct host connection to IBM and Macintosh computers allows it to act as a MIDI interface itself. (See "Host Connection")

MIDI Manager - A Macintosh system utility that enables the routing of MIDI signal among various applications.

MIDI Mapper - One of the Windows Multimedia Extensions (included in Windows 3.1 and higher), this Control Panel utility allows the creation of various MIDI setups, optimized for the MIDI device(s) you are using.

MIDI Port - Physical connector through which MIDI data enters or leaves. There are three kinds of MIDI ports: In, Out, and Thru. MIDI data enters an instrument at its MIDI In port (often called a MIDI input) and leaves the instrument from its MIDI Out port (often called a MIDI output). The MIDI Thru port is a special kind of output that sends a copy of the data currently being received at the MIDI In port.

MIDI Software - A computer program which can manipulate, play back, and/or store MIDI data. Common MIDI software applications include sequencing, notation, and patch editing/librarian. (See "Notation Software," "Patch Editor Software," "Patch Librarian Software," and "Sequencing Software")

MIDI Time Code (MTC) - A MIDI system realtime message that assigns a unique address to each moment in time (usually each 120th of a second). Similar to SMPTE time code, but transmitted via MIDI ports. Used mainly for the playback synchronization of MIDI files and digital audio. (See "SMPTE Time Code," "Synchronization" and "System Messages")

Mixer - A device that blends the audio signals from numerous sources (such as electronic instruments, microphones, CD players, etc.). Mixers often contain faders that allow you to independently adjust the volume and pan position of each instrument. The TG100 Audio Input and Input level control allows you to mix the signal from a single external device with the instrument's own sounds. (See "Fade")

Multimedia - The use of multiple sensory media to present information. A multimedia program combines two or more of the following: graphics, animations, text, music, sound effects, speech, video, and live presentation, often presented in an interactive environment.

Multimedia Extensions - A series of system software extensions produced by the Microsoft Corporation for the Windows environment. These extensions are specifically geared towards the control of multimedia devices, including MIDI file playback. Multimedia Extensions can be added to Windows version 3.0 and are built into Windows versions 3.1 and higher.

Multimedia PC (MPC) - An IBM-compatible computer that meets the minimum standards set forth by the Multimedia PC Marketing Council. These standards include: an 80386SX processor or better; at least 2 megabytes of RAM; a VGA monitor; a mouse; a hard disk; a CD-ROM drive; support for MIDI and digital audio; and Microsoft Windows with Multimedia Extensions (or Microsoft Windows 3.1 or higher). (See "Base-Level Synthesizer" and "Extended Synthesizer")

Multitasking - The ability to run several applications simultaneously, either by utilizing multiple CPUs or, more commonly, by assigning sequential tasks to a single CPU many thousands of times per second. Apple's System 7 and the Microsoft Windows environment both provide multitasking capabilities.

Multitimbral - The ability to play back multiple voices ("timbres") simultaneously. The TG100 is an example of a multitimbral instrument; it can play up to sixteen voices at once. (See "Timbre")

Notation Software - A computer program which is capable of displaying and printing MIDI information as standard musical notation. Some MIDI sequencers also include notation capability.

Panning - The positioning of sounds between the left and right speakers to create a stereo effect. Each TG100 voice can be panned to any one of fifteen positions, and this can also be adjusted via MIDI.

Patch - see "Voice"

Patch Editor Software - Similar to patch librarian software (see below), but a program which also allows the editing of sounds from the computer screen.

Patch Librarian Software - A computer program which stores MIDI system exclusive information about a tone generator's sounds and settings to floppy and/or hard disk. The program can then load this data back into the instrument.

Part - In the TG100, a means for organizing voices. The TG100 has sixteen parts, with each part containing a user-specified voice which receives MIDI data on its own channel. The volume, pan position, attack rate, release rate, reverb level and MIDI receive channel can be set independently for each part.

Platform - Refers to the type of computer being used; for example, a Macintosh platform or an IBM platform.

Polyphony - The number of notes that can be played simultaneously. The TG100 has 28-note polyphony.

Program Change Message - A MIDI channel message used to select different voices. In the TG100, incoming program change messages are used to assign different voices to each part.

Quantization - A MIDI sequencer editing operation that can be used to correct timing mistakes. (See "MIDI Sequencing Software")

QuickTimeTM - Macintosh system extension software that enables the onscreen playback of scalable digital video or animations along with synchronized digital audio (collectively called QuickTime "movies") without the need for any additional hardware. Like standard graphic formats, QuickTime movies can be cut, copied, and pasted between applications. Future versions of QuickTime will include music support, including the ability to play back standard MIDI files.

RAM (Random Access Memory) - A type of high-speed computer memory that allows editing of data but which requires a constant electrical supply in order to store data. The TG100's Internal voice bank is stored in RAM; edits made to Internal bank voices remain only until the instrument is powered down. To permanently store that data, a dedicated MIDI Data Recorder or the MDR function of a computer program or synthesizer must be used. (See "MDR" and "ROM")

Release Rate - The speed at which a sound decreases to zero volume after the note is no longer played. The TG100 allows you to speed up or slow down the release rate of individual parts.

Reverb - Short for "reverberation." A type of digital signal processing that adds spaciousness and ambience to a sound. The TG100 has six different kinds of reverb settings, and the reverb send levels for each part can be set independently. (See "Digital Signal Processing")

ROM (Read Only Memory) - A type of high-speed memory whose data cannot be edited but which does not require a constant electrical supply in order to store data. The TG100's voice elements as well as the voices in Banks "G," "D," and "C" are stored in ROM. (See "RAM" and "Sound Module Mode")

Sample - A digital recording of a naturally occurring sound. The TG100 voice elements are AWM samples. (See "Analog To Digital Conversion" and "Digital To Analog Conversion".)

SCSI - An acronym for "Small Computer Systems Interface." A high-speed data transfer protocol that is used by many computer systems to interconnect hard drives, CD-ROM drives and other peripheral devices. The Apple Macintosh has built-in SCSI ports; IBM computers can also utilize SCSI with the addition of special cards.

Seek Time - See "Access Time"

Sequencer - See "Sequencing Software"

Sequencing Software - A dedicated device or computer application (usually called a sequencer) which records and plays back MIDI data in correlation with a running clock. In effect, a sequencer is a tapeless tape recorder; however, because it is MIDI data instead of actual audio signal which is stored, there is much greater editing capability, with no potential for signal degradation. (See "Channel Messages")

Serial - A type of computer interface where all data is sent down a single wire, one bit at a time. Examples of serial interfaces include: MIDI; the COM ports on an IBM computer (RS-232C); and both the modem and printer ports on a Macintosh computer (RS-422).

Serial Port - The physical computer connection through which serial data enters and leaves.

Shell - A computer environment within which other applications can be run. DOS, Windows, and the Macintosh Finder are all example of shells.

Slide Show - A collection of graphic images, shown sequentially at user-defined intervals.

SMPTE Time Code - A standard adopted by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers in which each moment of time (usually each 120th of a second) is given a unique address. The main function of SMPTE time code is to synchronize audio and visual cues with one another. (See "MIDI Time Code" and "Synchronization")

Song Position Pointer - A MIDI system realtime message that describes a particular position within a song, within a resolution of a sixteenth note.

Song Select - A MIDI system common message that instructs a sequencer to select one of several songs stored in its memory.

Sound Card - A board placed in an IBM-compatible computer expansion slot which typically adds a MIDI interface, an internal tone generator, and the ability to record and play back samples of digital audio signal.

Sound Module Mode - The TG100 has three sound module modes: General MIDI ("G"), Disk Orchestra ("D"), and C/M ("C"). Each mode can use the same voices, but the Program Change number assignments are different. (See "Program Change Message")

Standard MIDI File (SMF) - See "MIDI File"

Storyboard - A visual "flow chart" that shows the major visual and audio cues which are to be included in a particular presentation.

Synchronization - The process of having events line up with one another. In multimedia, generally refers to locking audio and video events (for example, having dialogue synchronize with an onscreen "talking head"). Often, SMPTE time code (which assigns a unique address to each moment in time) is used for synchronization purposes. (See "SMPTE Time Code" and "Wild Sync")

Synthesizer - An electronic musical instrument which produces audio signal either by the direct manipulation of electrical signal (as in older analog synthesizers) or by using mathematical functions to alter a stream of numbers (as in contemporary digital synthesizers). The TG100 is a digital synthesizer which uses a technique called sample playback, where actual recordings of real instruments are used as the sound sources ("elements"). (See "Advanced Wave Modulation," "Analog To Digital Conversion," "Digital," "Digital To Analog Conversion," "Element," "ROM," and "Sample")

System Messages - MIDI data which is not specific to any one channel. System data includes system exclusive messages (an instrument's internal data, sometimes called bulk dump data), system realtime messages (sequencer start, stop, and continue commands as well as MIDI clock and other timing information) and system common messages (song select, tuning requests, system reset, etc.). (See "Bulk Dump" and "MDR")

Timbre - The sonic characteristics of a sound that differentiates it from other sounds. In synthesizers, sometimes used interchangeably with "Voice," "Patch," or "Program."

Tone Generator - A keyboardless device which outputs audio signal in response to MIDI commands. The TG100 is an example of a tone generator.

Transition - A means of changing from one cue to another.

Velocity - An expressive MIDI channel message usually derived from an instrument sensor which measures the speed with which a note is played. The TG100 uses velocity messages to alter the volume and/or brightness of the sound you hear; notes played with greater force are louder and somewhat brighter than notes played with lesser force. (See "Channel Messages")

Virtual Reality - An interactive computer simulation of a complete environment.

Voice - A synthesizer sound, sometimes referred to as a "Patch," "Program," or "Timbre." The TG100 contains 192 voices.

Voice Bank - See "Bank"

Volume - Relative loudness. In the TG100, the volume of each part can be independently set so that the relative mix of TG100 voices can be determined.

Waveform editors - are the equivalent of patch editors for sampling instruments. Waveforms can be cut, spliced, looped, redrawn, and more.

Wavetable Synthesis - A method of generating waveforms through lookup tables. Digitized waveforms are organized in a bank or table, where they can be randomly accessed.

Wild Sync - A hit-and-miss synchronization technique, where two applications run simultaneously with no direct connection. (See "Synchronization")

Workstation - A keyboard workstation is a keyboard instrument that offers multimbral sound-playback capability, sequencing, and effects processing, thus allowing the creation of sophisticated productions entirely on one instrument. In audio applications, a workstation usually refers to a disk-based system for the recording, editing, and manipulation of audio in the digital domain.

XCMDs - A HyperCard external command that allows non-HyperCard applications to access a particular resource function. (See "HyperCard")
 

Taking The Mystery Out Of MIDI by Howard Massey, published by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM); available from your local music retailer.

MIDI For Musicians by Craig Anderton available from Music Sales, 5 Bellvale Road, Box 572, Chester, NY 10918 (914-469-2271).

MIDI Home Studio by Howard Massey, available from Music Sales.

Compact Guide to MIDI Software series (books available for the Macintosh, IBM PC, Atari ST, and Commodore 64/128) by Howard Massey and the staff of CEM, available from Music Sales.

The MacWorld Music and Sound Bible, by Christopher Yavelow, published by MacWorld, 501 Second Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
 

Electronic Musician, 1400 Hollis Street #12, Emeryville, CA 94608
 
New Media, 901 Mariner's Island Boulevard, Suite 365, San Mateo, CA 94404

Presentation Products, 23410 Civic Center Way, Suite E-10, Malibu, CA 90265
 
PC Magazine, One Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016

MacUser, 950 Tower Lane, 18th Floor, Foster City, CA 94404

MacWorld, 501 Second Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
 
Music & Computers, Miller Freeman, Inc., 411 Borel Ave., Ste. 100, San Mateo, CA 94402