Tone Generator Section
This section plays back sounds according to information received from the keyboard and controllers.
The following example illustrates the path taken by the signal from an Element in Voice Mode.
About the Tone Generator
The tone generator section in the S30 consists of AWM2 and Plug-in units.
AWM2 (Advanced Wave Memory 2) is a synthesis system based on the use of sampled waveforms,
and is used in many Yamaha synthesizers. For extra realism, each AWM2 Voice uses multiple samples
of a real instrument’s waveform. Furthermore, a wide variety of envelope generator, filter,
modulation, and other parameters can be applied to the basic waveform.
AWM2 is not just limited to general musical instruments (Normal Voices). It can also be used for setting up
percussive instruments (Drum Voices). Details about Normal and Drum Voices are given on Page 32.
Plug-in Boards add more features to the system. When installed, they combine perfectly with the
synthesizer’s built-in tone generator section.
The following types of Plug-in Board are available, and can be in the synthesizer. These boards are
not simply a source of more Voices; they are also tone generators in their own right and extend the
system-level specifications such as maximum polyphony. You can play Plug-in Voices just like ordinary
internal Voices and use them as Parts in a Performance (Page 93).
This synthesizer is compatible with the Modular Synthesis Plug-in System (see next page). There are
three types of Modular Synthesis Plug-in System-compatible Plug-in Boards: Single Part, Multi-Part
and Effect Plug-in Board. By adding one of the following types of Plug-in Boards to your S30, you can
build your own system based on the sounds you require.
The PLG100-VH Effect Plug-in Board cannot be used with the S30.
Single Part Plug-in Boards
• Analog Physical Modeling Plug-in Board (PLG150-AN)
Using Analog Physical Modeling (AN) synthesis, the very latest digital technology is used to
accurately reproduce the sound of analog synthesizers. With this board installed, you have real-
time control over the playback of vintage synthesizer sounds as well as the very latest sounds heard
in today’s club-oriented music.
• Piano Plug-in Board (PLG150-PF)
A massive 16MB of waveform memory is dedicated to the reproduction of piano sounds using
AWM2 synthesis. This board offers 136 stereo sounds, including a number of acoustic and electric
pianos, and up to 64-note polyphony.
each Element.
from OSC.
PITCH.
Units.
