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Using the internal sound generator
The SD-80 contains a sound generator with 1,050 diverse and high-quality sounds. The internal sound
generator has four modes to support different sound generator formats, and you can select the mode you
want to use. For details on the sound generator modes, refer to "About the sound generator modes" (p.
16).
Multi-effect, chorus, reverb, and equalizer (a total of four effects units) are also built-in, letting you
apply effects to the internal sound generator. For details on the effects, refer to "Using the effects of the
internal sound generator" (p. 39).
About the sound generator modes
The SD-80 has four sound generator modes: GM2, Native, GS, and XGlite.
GM2 mode further consists of four sound sets, and Native mode consists of six sound sets. For details on
the sound sets, refer to "GM2/Native mode sound sets" (p. 17).
With the factory settings, the SD-80 is set to start up in Native mode.
GM2 mode
This sound generator mode is compatible with the “GM2” sound generator format.
GM2 is “recommended practice,” and it is backwardly compatible with GM. It was created in order to
allow more sophisticated performance expression and greater compatibility. It includes detailed
definitions concerning sound editing and the use of effects (things that weren’t covered by the earlier GM
format), and it also expands the sound set. GM2-compatible sound generators will correctly play back
music data bearing either the GM or GM2 logos.
When it is necessary to make a distinction, this manual will sometimes refer to “GM1” to indicate the
earlier GM format which does not include the extended specifications of GM2.
Native mode
This is the sound generator mode that allows you to take advantage of the SD-80’s full potential.
It uses the same instrument files and sound sets as GM2 mode, and provides a greater number of editable
parameters.
In addition, it provides two special sound sets that collect the most distinctive of the sounds of the SD-80.
GS mode
This sound generator mode supports the “GS” sound generator format promoted by Roland Corporation.
In addition to the General MIDI functionality, this format expands the sound set, and also enhances
compatibility by providing detailed specifications for functionality such as sound editing and effects
(reverb and chorus). For flexibility in meeting future needs, it also provides for the addition of new
sounds and expanded functionality. Since the GS format is compatible with GM, it allows GM scores to be
played in the same way as GS music data (music data created in conformity with the GS format).
* It is not possible to edit GS mode sound generator parameters from the panel of the SD-80.
XGlite mode
XG is a sound generator format promoted by Yamaha Corporation, which is based on GM1 (General
MIDI 1). It provides detailed specifications concerning expansion of the sound sets, editing methods, and
effects structures and types.
XGlite is a reduced-functionality (“lite”) version of XG, which allows simple playback of XG music data
on a sound generator bearing the XGlite logo. Since XGlite has some limitations on the parameters and
effects that can be controlled, the XG music data may sound different than the original data.
* It is not possible to edit XGlite mode sound generator parameters from the panel of the SD-80.