Yamaha PTX8

Last updated
Yamaha PTX8
Manufacturer Yamaha
Dates1986
Technical specifications
Polyphony 8 voice
Timbrality 8-instrument multi-timberal
Synthesis typeSample-based synthesis
Storage memory32 Kits, 64 Voice, 10 Chain Memories. Accepts RAM 4 to store part of all of the PTX8 internal memory.
Hardware2 RU case, LED MEM Number, two-line 16-character LCD, ROM and RAM data cartridge slots, headphone jack, R / L (mono) output, 1-8 individual outputs
Input/output
External controlPAD In 1-8, Memory select (dec / inc), Foot SW, MIDI Thru / Out / In.
Audio sample12 bit companded PCM wave memory

The Yamaha PTX8 is a digital sample-based percussion tone generator built by Yamaha, in late 1986. [1] It was included in the Yamaha D8 electronic drum kit. [2]

Contents

Features

The Yamaha PTX8 Percussion Tone Generator is an 8-instrument multi-timbral tone generator, that can be played from D8 percussion pads (PSD8, PTT8, PBD8) or via MIDI.

External control

Unlike the Yamaha PCM1 Percussion Control Module, the PTX8 is both a tone generator and trigger module. The PTX8 includes eight 1/4 TS input jacks for connecting the Yamaha EPS-D8 drum pads. The PTX8 is not compatible with later SYSTEM 1 drum pads (PTT1 or PBD1) which used XLR cables.

Voice Synthesis

The PTX8 includes 12 bit companded PCM wave memory synthesis type. The production of sound is organized into waveforms, voices, kits, and chains as follows: [3]

Audio output

The PTX8 has mixed stereo L/R outputs and 8 individual outputs (one per Tone Generator). When none of the individual outputs are being used, tone generators are panned across the stereo output. Tone generators 3 & 4 are panned left, 1, 2, 7, & 8 are panned center; 5 & 6 are panned right. When an individual output is connected, its signal is removed from the stereo mix. [3]

Midi

The Yamaha PTX8 transmits and receives MIDI messages. Includes MIDI IN / OUT / THRU terminals on the back of the unit. Responds to not on/off and program change. Internal memory can be requested and transmitted via SYSEX.

Sound library

The voices for the PTX8 were available on 3.5" disks created for the DX7 II FD. [4]

Waveform ROM cartridges

These waveform ROM cartridges can be used with both the Yamaha RX-5 Digital Rhythm Programmer and the PTX8 Percussion Tome Generator .

Yamaha WRC01 - RX5 ROM

The WRC01 waveform cartridge, incorporates 28 voices including drum, percussion, and sound effects. The "RX5 ROM' cartridge was shipped with the Yamaha RX5 Digital Rhythm Programmer. [5]

Yamaha WRC01 VOICES
1. SD 315. TIMPANI
2. BD 316. GLASS CRASH
3. CONGA H MUTE17. GUN
4. CONGA H OPEN18. FM PERC 1
5. CONGA L19. FM PERC 2
6. BONGO H20. FM PERC 3
7. BONGO L21. E BASS H
8. TIMBALE H22. E BASS L
9. TIMBALE L23. DX ORCHESTRA
10. AGOGO H24. DX MARIMBA
11. AGOGO L25. DX CLAVINET
12. CUICA26. HEY
13. CASTANET27. WAO
14. WHISTLE28 Ooo

Yamaha WRC02 - Jazz/Fusion

The WRC02 incorporates 25 voices used in jazz or fusion music.

Yamaha WRC02 VOICES
1. JAZZ BD 115. JAZZ TOM 1
2. JAZZ BD 216. JAZZ TOM 2
3. FUSION BD 117. JAZZ TOM 3
4. FUSION BD 218. FUSION TOM 1
5. ELECTRIC BD19. FUSION TOM 2
6. JAZZ SD 120. FUSION TOM 3
7. JAZZ SD 221. OPEN HH
8. PICCOLO SD22. CLOSED HH
9. FUSION SD23. PEDAL HH
10. ELECTRIC SD24. COWBELL
11. FLAT RIDE CY25. FINGER BASS
12. CY BRUSH HIT
13. GUITAR DOWN
14. GUITAR UP

Yamaha WRC03 - heavy metal

The WRC03 incorporates 15 voices used in heavy metal music.

Yamaha WRC03 VOICES
1. HEAVY BD 115. GUITAR 5TH
2. HEAVY BD 2
3. HEAVY BD 3
4. HEAVY SD 1
5. HEAVY SD 2
6. HEAVY SD 3
7. HEAVY SD 4
8. MALLET CRASH
9. HEAVY TOM 1
10. HEAVY TOM 2
11. HEAVY TOM 3
12. HEAVY TOM 4
13. PICKED BASS
14. GUITAR SINGLE

Yamaha WRC04 - effect

The WRC04 incorporates 19 voices used for "effective" sound. Because of the cartridge name it was thought to contain sound effects, instead of the processed drum sounds within.

Yamaha WRC04 VOICES
1. PROCESS BD 115. PROCESS ROTO
2. PROCESS BD 216. HYBRID TOM
3. PROCESS BD 317. SPLASH CYM
4. PROCESS SD 118. DOOR SLAM
5. PROCESS SD 219. SYNTH BASS
6. PROCESS SD 3
7. PROCESS SD 4
8. PROCESS SD 5
9. PROCESS SD 6
10. PROCESS TOM 1
11. PROCESS TOM 2
12. PROCESS TOM 3
13. FM TOM
14. FM SD

Notable users/endorsers

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References

  1. 1 2 3 Grahm, Alex (2019). Electronic Drumfax. self-published. p. 107. ISBN   978-1701024229.
  2. Yamaha System Drums Catalog. Yamaha International Corp. 1986. p. 27.
  3. 1 2 "Yamaha PTX8 Owner's Manual" (PDF). 1986. Retrieved 2020-05-02.
  4. "Electronic Percussion" (PDF). Aftertouch. 25: 12. October 1987.
  5. "Yamaha RX 5 | Vintage Synth Explorer" . Retrieved 2020-05-02.

Owner's manual

Further reading