Yamaha MU-series

Yamaha MU2000

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.

The MU-series product line superseded the company's previous TG-series modules, the TG100 and TG300.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.

List of MU-series sound modules

Model	Year	Standards	Parts	Polyphony	Tones	Drumsets	Notes	References
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Yamaha MU100B	1998	GM XG	32	64	1267	46
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.
Yamaha MU500	1998/1999	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.	[1]
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.
Yamaha MU1000EX	1999	GM GS XG GM2	64	128	1396	58	Firmware upgrade for the MU1000,[2] adds full Roland GS Support and new effects.
Yamaha MU2000	1999/2000	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.
Yamaha MU2000EX	1999/2000	GM GS XG GM2	64	128	1396	58	Firmware upgrade for the MU2000,[3] adds full Roland GS Support and new effects.

References

1. http://www.yamahasynth.com/jp/products/tone_generators_samplers/mu500/
2. , MU1000 upgrade to MU1000 Extended Edition
3. , MU2000 upgrade to MU2000 Extended Edition

External links

• Yamaha Manual Library
• Sealed's Deep Synthesis Page - MU10 Related Models