INTRODUCTION HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL CONTROL PANEL REAR PANEL/CONNECTIONS PRECAUTIONS 1.0 BASIC OPERATIONS 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 SETTING UP PLAYING THE RX17'S INSTRUMENTS INSTRUMENT CHANGE LEVEL ACCENTS PAN TEMPO 13 14
4.0 CASSETTE MODE 4.1 SAVE 4.2 LOAD 4.3 VERIFY 5.0 MIDI MODE 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 SYNC MIDI CHANNEL MESSAGE SET RECEIVE CHANNEL TRANSMIT CHANNEL ASSIGN MIDI NOTE ASSIGN RECEIVE BULK TRANSMIT BULK ECHO BACK
6.0 HINTS AND TIPS 2.0 PATTERN MODE 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 SELECT PATTERN REAL TIME WRITE STEP WRITE CLEAR PATTERN CLEAR ALL PATTERNS COPY PATTERN SHOW REMAINING MEMORY 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 THE INSTRUMENTS PATTERN OPERATIONS SONG OPERATIONS CASSETTE OPERATIONS MIDI OPERATIONS
ERROR MESSAGES SPECIFICATIONS
3.0 SONG MODE 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 SELECT SONG EDIT SONG CLEAR SONG CLEAR ALL SONGS COPY SONG SHOW REMAINING MEMORY
BLOCK DIAGRAM MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART PATTERN CHART SONG CHART QUICK GUIDE
1. MASTER VOLUME slider control. 2. TEMPO slider control. 3. PATTERN MODE key. 4. SONG MODE key.
5. CASSETTE MODE key. 6. MIDI MODE key. 7. JOB key. 8. Numeric Key Pad.
9. 1/NO and +1/YES keys. 10. keys.
13. INSTRUMENT keys. 14. ACCENT key. 15. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).
11. STOP/CONTINUE key. 12. START key.
Avoid placing the RX17 in locations exposed to direct sunlight or high temperatures, excessively high or low humidity, high dust concentration, or vibration. Be sure to connect the RX17 to an AC power supply that meets the power supply specifications listed on the accompanying PA-1 12-volt AC convertor. If there is any possibility of an electrical storm occurring nearby, remove the power plug from the wall socket in advance. Be sure to make all connections properly, as shown in the REAR PANEL/CONNECTIONS section. To avoid damaging your speakers and other playback equipment, turn off the power of all related equipment before making connections. Do not use excessive force in handling control switches and knobs. To avoid broken cords and short circuits, be sure to unplug all connectors by grasping the respective plugs-NOT the cords. Remove the power plug from the AC wall socket if the unit is not to be used for an extended period of time. Remove all plugs and connections if the unit is to be moved, to prevent damage to the cords and jacks. Do not use solvents such as benzene or paint thinner to clean the unit. Do not use insecticides or other pressurized spray products in proximity to the unit. Wipe off the exterior with a soft cloth.
EFFECTS ON OTHER ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT Since this unit incorporates digital circuitry, simultaneous use of other equipment such as TVs, radios, etc. in close proximity to the RX17 may cause noise and erroneous operation. If this occurs, move the RX17 away from the affected units to eliminate the problem. It is also a good idea to use separate line filters on each piece of equipment. BACKUP BATTERY The RX17 has a special lithium backup battery system to preserve data even when the power is turned off. This battery has a life of approximately 5 years. When the battery voltage is low, one of two special messages will appear on the RX17s LCD (see the ERROR MESSAGES chapter near the end of this manual). This means that you should have the battery replaced. Do not attempt to replace the battery yourself. Refer this job to your Yamaha dealer. NOTE: When the battery is replaced, all Pattern and Song data in the RX17 will be lost. Be sure to save this data to tape or floppy disk before having the battery replaced.

1.1 SETTING UP

1. Connect the PA-1 AC convertor to the RX17 first, then to the AC power supply. 2. To hear the RX17, do one of the following: A. Connect stereo headphones to the PHONES connector. B. Connect the L(MONO) output to an amplifier, for mono playback. C. Connect the R and L(MONO) outputs to a stereo amplifier or mixer, for stereo playback. 3. Turn the RX17 power ON. NOTE: A brief output pulse appears at the RX17 outputs when the power is initially turned on. To prevent this from possibly damaging your speaker system, make sure the master volume control of your amplifier or mixer is set to minimum before the RX17 is turned ON. Better yet, turn the RX17 on first, then your sound system. MIDI and cassette connections will be described later, in the appropriate chapters.
You can change all instruments, or individual instruments, between the UPPER and LOWER instruments. NOTE 1: Instrument Change operations can be carried out at any time except during a cassette operation or MIDI Bulk Dump (operations 5.6 and 5.7). NOTE 2: The Instrument Change operation will NOT change instruments already programmed in a Pattern or Song. The following pairs of instruments can NOT be played together, because they reproduce the sound of two different ways of playing the same instrument. CONGA Hm / CONGA Ho CUICA H / CUICA L SD / RIM SHOT HH OPEN / HH CLOSED This also applies when writing Patterns. For example, if in the Step Write mode you enter a SD note, then enter a RIM SHOT note on the same beat, the SD note will be erased.
1.2 PLAYING THE RX17 INSTRUMENTS
The RX17 instruments can be played by tapping on the black instrument keys. While playing, adjust the MASTER VOLUME slider until you can hear the RX17s instruments at a comfortable listening level. The sounds you will hear will normally correspond to the instrument names written on the UPPER part of the instrument keys. You can easily change instruments on the RX17, as described in the next section.
1.3.1 ALL INSTRUMENT CHANGE

1. Press INST CHANGE

1.3 INSTRUMENT CHANGE
Each key on the RX17 features 2 instrument sounds. These are listed in the following chart. The RX17 has a total of 26 highly realistic voices, providing powerful drum sounds plus exciting Latin percussion sounds. INSTRUMENT CHART UPPER SET BD SD TOM1 TOM2 TOM3 HH OPEN HH CLOSED RIDE CRASH COWBEL CLAPS TIMBALE H TIMBALE L Bass Drum Snare Drum High Tom-tom Medium Tom-tom Low Tom-tom Hi-hat (open) Hi-hat (closed) Ride cymbal Crash cymbal Cowbell Claps High Timbale Low Timbale LOWER SET TMBRN RIM SHOT CONGA Hm CONGA Ho CONGA L BONGO H BONGO L AGOGO H AGOGO L WHISTLE SHAKER CUICA H CUICA L Tambourine Snare Drum rim shot High Conga (muted) High Conga (open) Low Conga High Bongo Low Bongo High Agogo Low Agogo Whistle Shaker High Cuica Low Cuica 2. Use the or key to select UPPER or LOWER. The flashing cursor will move to the selected set. 3. Press +1/YES to make the change. The LCD will briefly show

then return to the display shown before pressing INST CHANGE.
1.3.2 SINGLE lNSTRUMENT CHANGE

1.4.1 CLICK LEVEL

1. Press LEVEL
2. Press the key corresponding to the instrument you wish to change.
2. Use the 1 NO key to reduce the Click level, or the +1 YES key to increase the Click level. RANGE: 0 (OFF)31. 3. Press LEVEL again to return to the mode the RX17 was in before the Click Level operation.

1.4.2 INSTRUMENT LEVEL

3. Press the same instrument key again to change the instrument. 1. Press LEVEL
4. Press INST CHANGE again to return to the mode the RX17 was in before the Instrument Change operation.
2. Press the instrument key corresponding to the instrument whose level you wish to change.

1.4 LEVEL

The MASTER VOLUME slider controls the overall level of the RX17. There are, however, three other level operations possible.
CLICK LEVEL lets you change the level of the click signal that you will hear as a timing guide when writing a Pattern in Real Time. INSTRUMENT LEVEL lets you change the level of individual instruments. ACCENT LEVEL lets you change the Accent level of individual instruments (refer to section 1.5 for an explanation of Accents).
3. Use the 1 NO or +1 YES key to change the Instrument level. RANGE: 0 (OFF) 31. 4. Press LEVEL again to return to the mode the RX17 was in before the Instrument Level operation.
NOTE 1: These operations can be carried out at any time except during a cassette operation or MIDI Bulk (operations 5.6 and 5.7). NOTE 2: The 1 NO and +1 YES keys are used for level change, as well as many other operations. Pressing and releasing these keys causes a change of one unit. Holding them down causes a rapid and continuous change.

1.4.3 ACCENT LEVEL

2. Press and hold the green ACCENT key and then press the instrument key corresponding to the instrument whose Accent level you wish to change.

1.6.1 INSTRUMENT PAN

1. Press PAN
3. Use the 1 NO or +1 YES key to change the Accent level. RANGE: 31. 4. Press LEVEL again to return to the mode the RX17 was in before the Accent Level operation. NOTE: If you have set a plus Accent level and an exclamation mark appears on the LCD (as in the above example) it means that the combined Accent level plus Instrument level is above 31 (the maximum possible Instrument Level). In this case, the Accent will not have as much effect as you intended. For example, if the level of a voice is 24, the maximum possible Accent level is 31 minus 24 = 7, so an Accent level of, say +10 is impossible. If you have set a minus Accent level and the exclamation mark appears, it means that the combined Accent Level plus Instrument level is zero or less, and the voice will not sound when accented.

2.3.4 ENTERING NOTES

1. Once the Pattern Length and Quantize have been set, press START to commence writing. The LCD will show the Dot Display. The initial Dot Display will be the one corresponding to Hi Hat Closed.
2.3.5 STEPPING THROUGH A PATTERN
During Step Write, you can step through a Pattern forwards or backwards by using +1 YES or 1 NO respectively. As you pass each beat you will hear the instrument(s) entered at that beat. You can also step through rapidly by holding down either key. When you reach the end of a Pattern, an > End <" message will flash on the LCD. When you return to the beginning of a Pattern, a > Top < message will flash on the LCD.
This display shows 4 quarter-notes to the bar, indicated by the vertical pairs of small dots. The Quantize indicates 16 beats to the bar, each beat indicated by a horizontal dash. The flashing cursor prompts you to input a note or rest on the first beat of bar 1. You can now choose either of the following options (2A or 2B):
NOTE: The 1 NO key, does NOT enter any data. It is ONLY for stepping backwards through the Pattern.
You can edit (alter) the Accent Level of the note at which the cursor is flashing. This in effect allows you alter the level of each note, to add expressive dynamics to your Patterns. Hold down ACCENT and use +1 YES or 1 NO to raise or lower the Accent Level respectively. RANGE: 31. See 1.5 ACCENTS for a note about Accent Level limits.

2.3.6 DELETING NOTES

Notes can be deleted (erased) by stepping through a Dot Display until you locate the erroneous note, then holding the BEAT CLEAR key, and tapping the appropriate instrument key. The Note Marker will disappear, and the cursor will move to the next beat.
2.3.7 DELETING INSTRUMENTS
Entire instrument parts can be deleted (erased) from a Pattern, as follows. 1. From a Dot Display, press JOB Then use Function 3. to move the cursor to 3, to select
2.3.9 DOT DISPLAYS FOR LONG PATTERNS
The Dot Display only accomodates 16 beats. Your Pattern may have more beats than this, depending on its Length, and on the Quantize setting. For example a 6/4 bar (Length: 24/16) with a Quantize setting of 1/24 will contain 36 beats. In this case, when the cursor reaches the limit of the displayed portion of the Dot Display (going in either direction) the Dot Display will start to scroll (move across the LCD) so that succeeding portions of the Dot Display will appear, one beat at a time.
2.3.10 DOT DISPLAYS: THE X MARKER
2. Press the instrument key corresponding to the instrument you wish to delete. Its name will appear on the LCD. 3. Press +1 YES to continue this operation. (Or press START to return to the Dot Display, if you do NOT wish to delete the instrument). When X Markers appear on a Dot Display, they indicate notes that were entered at a different Quantize setting than the current Quantize setting. In other words, these notes fall in between the beats on the Dot Display.

The Initial Tempo display appears when you press JOB
If, prior to pressing JOB, you had located the empty Part at the end of the Song, only Job numbers 1 thru 3 would be displayed, as Jobs 4 and 5 would not be needed (theres no data to delete, and no need to insert a Partyou can enter data in the normal way). At any time, once youre in Edit Song, you can return to the Song Select display simply by pressing STOP/CONTINUE, and play your Song or select other functions. Its a good idea to keep a written record of a Song, as you edit it. See the SONG CHART later in this manual.

3.2 EDIT SONG

The Edit Song function lets you connect Patterns to form a Song. You can also enter Volume Changes, Tempo Changes and Repeats. Each of these data is entered into a Part. Songs can contain up to 999 Parts. Briefly, Song editing is done as follows: 1. Enter Song Edit. 2. Enter data in the first Part. Then use the +1 YES key to move to the next Part, and enter data there. Continue in this way until the Song is complete. 3. Once you have entered all the Parts of your Song, press STOP/CONTINUE to exit the Edit Song Mode. You can now play your Song, by pressing START. Here are some important pointers about the Edit Song Function: You can move backwards through a Song using the 1 NO key. This lets you go back to check a Part. Any time a Part is displayed, you can change its data using the Numeric Key Pad.

3.2.1 ENTERING EDIT SONG

1. After selecting a Song, select Function 2.
2. Press +1 YES to enter Edit Song.
The LCD shows the first Part of the Song. The asterisks indicate that the Part is empty. The flashing cursor indicates that you can enter data. The flashing PTN indicates that the type of data you can enter is a Pattern number. NOTE 1: There are square brackets around PTN, as a further reminder that you can now enter a Pattern. By moving these brackets, you can enter other types of data. Move the brackets by pressing The following types of data will be successively bracketed: II: :II accel (Begin Repeat) (End Repeat) (Accelerando, or Tempo increase)

2. Press +1 YES to move to the next Part, and enter data there.
2. Press +1 YES to enter a begin Repeat command. The LCD will automatically move to the next Part. Continue editing (entering Patterns and other data) and when you reach the point at which an End repeat command is needed (for example, Part 5) use the key to select :ll, the symbol for an End repeat command.
1. After selecting a Song and entering Edit Song, press accel.

to move the brackets to

2. The cursor will be flashing at the Tempo Change value. Use the Numeric Key Pad to set this value. RANGE: 099 quarter-notes/minute. The LCD will display 01the default number of repeats. If only one repeat is needed, you can now press +1 YES to continue editing the Song. 4. To enter a different number of repeats, use the Numeric Key Pad, entering a two-digit number (for example, 02). Range: 0199. NOTE: The Tempo Change function can NOT alter the tempo beyond the RX17s tempo range (40250 quarter-notes/minute). 3. Press +1 YES to move the cursor to the Tempo Change duration position, and use the Numeric Key Pad to enter the Tempo Change duration. Range: 099 quarternotes. You can use the 1 NO and +1 YES keys to move the cursor back and forth, to reset the two Tempo Change parameters, as needed. 4. The Tempo Change is now set, and you can press +1 YES to move on to the next Part and continue editing, or press SONG or STOP/CONTINUE to exit Edit Song. You can now continue editing by pressing +1 YES, or press SONG or STOP/ CONTINUE to exit Edit Song. Repeats are often entered AFTER all the Pattern numbers have been entered for a Song. See 3.2.10 INSERT PART for how to insert data into a Song. Remember that a Repeat will create a new Part, and move all subsequent Parts forward. Tempo Changes are often entered AFTER all the Pattern numbers have been entered for a Song. See 3.2.10 INSERT PART for how to insert data into a Song. Remember that a Tempo Change will create a new Part, and move all subsequent Parts forward.
3.2.5 ENTERING VOLUME CHANGES
This function allows you to enter a change of volume in a Song. The volume can increase or decrease, and you can set the range of the Volume Change. As the operation is virtually identical for both types of Volume Change, well describe a vol+ (crescendo) operation only. The only difference is that you move the brackets to either vol+ or vol and the Volume Change value is shown as a positive number or a negative number respectively. 1. After selecting a Song and entering Edit Song, press vol+. to move the brackets to
3.2.4 ENTERING TEMPO CHANGES
This function allows you to enter a gradual change of tempo in a Song. The tempo can increase (accelerando) or decrease (ritardando). You can set the overall range of the Tempo Change, and the duration of the change. If you set the duration at zero, an instant Tempo Change will occur. As the operation is virtually identical for both types of Tempo Change, well describe Accelerando only. The only difference is that you move the brackets to either accel or rit, and the Tempo Change value is shown as a positive or a negative number respectively. NOTE: When you play a Song that contains a Tempo Change, the final tempo of the Song will be different from the initial tempo. If you have not set an Initial Tempo for a Song, and you immediately play the Song again, it will begin playback at the new tempo. Therefore, it is recommended that you always set the Initial tempo for a Song. See 3.2.6 INITIAL TEMPO.

3.2.10 JOB 5: INSERT PART
The lnsert Function does the opposite of the Delete Functionit lets you select any point in a Song that has already been assembled, and insert new Parts between the already-programmed Parts. For example, if you want to insert a Part between Parts 2 and 3 of a Song, this means that you have to insert a new Part 3. BEFORE INSERTING
3. You can now enter any data in the new Part 003, in the normal way by moving the brackets to the desired type of data, and entering the data value. For example. Pattern 99.
4. The new Part is now entered. You can now continue editing or press SONG or STOP/ CONTINUE to exit Edit Song.

3.3 CLEAR SONG

You can instantly clear (erase) a whole Song. This would be done, for example, if the RX17s Song memory were full and you wanted to write another Song. 1. After selecting the Song you wish to clear, select Function 3. AFTER INSERTING
At this point, you can press SONG to return to the Select Song display, if you do NOT wish to clear the Song. 2. Press +1 YES to continue this operation. You can also insert Repeats, Tempo Changes and Volume Changes.
You now have a second chance to cancel this operation, and return to the Select Song display by pressing 1 NO. 3. Press +1 YES to clear the selected Song. The LCD will show
then return to the Select Song display.

3.5 COPY SONG

The Song Copy function lets you copy any selected Song to another destination in the RX17s Song memory. This is useful if you want to copy a Song in order to alter it to create a new Song, while retaining the original Song.
1. After selecting the Song you wish to copy, select Function 5.

3.4 CLEAR ALL SONGS

You can instantly clear (erase) all 10 Songs. This would be done, for example, if the RX17s Song memory were full and you wanted to write more Songs. Use operation 4.1 to save the Songs on tape before clearing all Songs, if you wish to preserve the Songs for later use. You can also save Songs via MIDI, by using a MIDI data storage device such as the Yamaha MDF-1 MIDI Data Filer (see operation 5.7). 1. Press SONG and select Function 4. 2. Use the Numeric Key Pad to enter the number of the Song destination to which the selected Song will be copied.
At this point, you can press SONG to return to the Select Song display, if you do NOT wish to clear all Songs. 2. Press +1 YES to continue this operation. You can now cancel this operation by pressing 1 NO, if you do not wish to copy to the selected destination (for example, if it already contains data). The LCD will return to the Select Song display. 4. To copy the Song, press +1 YES. The LCD will show
You now have a second chance to cancel this operation, and return to the Select Song display by pressing 1 NO. 3. Press +1 YES to clear all Songs. The LCD will show then return to the Select Song display.

3.6 SHOW REMAlNlNG MEMORY
This function allows you to check the remaining Song memory of the RX17, as a percentage of its total Song memory capacity. Press SONG and select Function 6.
The function of the Cassette Mode is to let you save Patterns and Songs onto a normal cassette tape. This allows you to clear (erase) Patterns and Songs stored in the RX17s internal memory, and create new Patterns and Songs. You can then create an expanding cassette tape library of Patterns and Songs. At any time, you can load the Patterns and Songs from the tape into the RX17. The verify function allows you to check that the data has been correctly saved. Saving is not the same as normal recording the Patterns and Songs are saved in the form of complex digital data. Ideally, a computer data recorder should be used. NOTE: You can also save Patterns and Songs to floppy disk, using the Bulk Dump function. See operation 5.7 TRANSMIT BULK.
4.0.3 ABORT CASSETTE OPERATION
At anytime during a cassette operation, you can abort the operation by pressing STOP/ CONTINUE. The LCD will show a BREAK! message. For example, if you are loading data into the RX17, but you suddenly realize that you want to preserve the data contained in the RX17s internal memory, you can abort the load operation. You can then clear the BREAK! display by pressing any Mode Key.

4.1 SAVE

This Function allows you to save the data of all 100 Patterns and 10 Songs stored in the RX17s internal memory. 1. Press CAS. The flashing cursor will indicate Function 1.

4.0.1 CONNECTIONS

The RX17 should be connected to a cassette recorder using the supplied cassette cable. Connect the red cable to the cassette recorders microphone input jack, the white cable to the cassette recorders headphone output jack and the 8-pin DIN plug to the RX17s CASSETTE IN/OUT terminal.
4.0.2 ENTERING THE CASSETTE MODE
All cassette operations are preceded by pressing CAS to enter the Cassette Mode. The LCD will show 2. Make sure that a blank cassette is loaded into the cassette recorder, and the recording level is high. Start the cassette recorder running in the record mode. Press +1 YES.
The Function numbers (1 thru 3) allow you to select the Cassette Modes three Functions. This is done by using the o r keys to move the cursor to the appropriate Function number. The LCD will then display the selected Function. You can also move the cursor by pressing JOB plus the Numeric Key corresponding to the Function number. If you press only JOB, the cursor will move to Function 1. To exit the Cassette Mode, press any other Mode key. Cassette Mode Functions are numbered 4.1 thru 4.3 in this chapter.

5.6 RECEIVE BULK

This function allows you to receive the entire Pattern and Song Memory of another RX17. You can also receive the same data from a bulk data storage device such as a QX1 Digital Sequence Recorder or an MDF1 MIDI Data Filer. NOTE: When the data is received, the entire Pattern and Song data that was in the RX17 will be erased. If this data is important, it should be saved to cassette or floppy disk before the Bulk Dump operation (see 4.1 CASSETTE SAVE or 5.7 TRANSMIT BULK). 1. Connect the MIDI IN of the RX17 to the MIDI OUT of the transmitting RX17 or other device. 2. Press MIDI, then select Function 6.
4. Press +1 YES to execute the Bulk Dump Transmit. For a few seconds the LCD will show
3. Press +1 YES to set the RX17 to Receive Bulk Dump.
then return to the display for MIDI Function 1. The data has now been transmitted to the receiving RX17. If transmitting data to a QX1, you can also execute the actual transmission by sending a Bulk Dump Request from the QX1. In this case, the MIDI OUT of the QX1 must be connected to the MIDI IN of the RX17, as well as the QX1s MIDI IN to the RX17s MIDI OUT.

5.8 ECHO BACK

This function allows you to set the RX17s MIDI OUT connector to act as a MIDI THRU connector. Any MIDI signals received at the MIDI IN connector will be output unchanged via the MIDI OUT connector. See 6.5.1 MIDI CLOCK IN and 6.5.3 MIDI NOTE RECEIVE for applications of this Function. 1. Press MIDI then select Function 6.
2. Press +1 YES to turn the Echo Back Function ON, or 1 NO to turn the Echo back Function OFF.
This chapter contains a variety of useful hints, some essential, some creative, to add to your enjoyment of the RX17. These will give you useful knowledge to encourage you to go beyond the limitations of this manual and create your own music. The RX17, in spite of its compact dimensions, has enormous potential!
6.2 PATTERN OPERATIONS 6.2.1 INSTRUMENT CHANGE
While writing a Pattern, you can change an instrument and record the new instrument into the same Pattern, even on the same beat as the old instrument. So you can use all 26 RX17 instruments in a Pattern. For example, after entering a Bass Drum part in Step Write, press INST CHANGE. Press BD twice, to select Tambourine. Press INST CHANGE again to return to Step Write. You can now enter a tambourine part, even on beats where a Bass Drum part has been entered. If you attempt to enter more than 11 instruments on one beat, previously entered instruments will be cleared (erased). However, the following instruments have priority, and will not be cleared: BD, SD, RIMSHOT, HH Open, HH Closed, RIDE, CRASH. NOTE: The maximum number of instruments that can be played on the same beat is 11.

6.1 THE lNSTRUMENTS 6.1.1 LATIN PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS
The RX17s instruments include 14 exciting Latin percussion sounds, in addition to the 12 basic drum sounds. Latin percussion appears in all types of contemporary music, from reggae to rock and jazz. In general, Latin percussion is used in two basic ways: to provide sudden bursts of colourful timbres in a song, or to add a steady beat to your music. It can be difficult to play rapid Latin-style breaks or rolls in Real Time Write, so the Step Write Mode allows even the inexperienced musician to create impressively complex passages. CONGAS. The RX17s three Conga sounds are effective when used together. Congas usually come in pairs, and conga players rarely play both congas simultaneously. A characteristic action of conga players is to play the two congas alternately, or play one beat on one conga, and two on the other, to create varying patterns. The high conga has two sounds on the RX17, muted and open for further effectiveness. BONGOS. Less powerful than congas, but equally effective, the light sound of bongos can add drive to a straight rock number, or rhythmic interest to a medium-tempo song. AGOGO. The agogo is often used to create the characteristic samba rhythm, with alternating high and low notes. It should be used sparely, as its piercing metallic tone cuts through any musical setting. COWBELL. A steady four beats to a bar on a cowbell can really move a song, while fast rhythmic playing will add spice to an adlib section. WHISTLE. The whistle is used humorously in Latin music to start off a song, or signal the end of a solo or verse, with a few quick blasts. SHAKER. The shaker is most commonly used to provide a steady 8th-note rhythm behind an up-tempo song. Use it at a lower level, so that it will blend in with the musical fabric. TIMBALES. Timbales have great impact and are often used to greatest effect in sudden splashes of 16th notes, or in syncopations with odd rests in between, to add energy to any song. CUICA. A fascinating sound caused by rubbing a stick connected to the inside of the drumskin, the cuica adds color to any music. Ideally, its best used to highlight just one section of a song for example, a solo.
6.2.2 QUANTIZE APPLIED TO STEP WRITE
In Step Write, Quantize is a time-saver because it minimizes the number of rests you need to enter. Although your Pattern may contain a complex arrangement of rhythms. you can save Pattern writing time by writing each instrument in at the appropriate Quantize setting. Use a Quantize setting of 1/8 to enter basic parts such as Bass Drum and Snare Drum. Reset Quantize to 1/16 or even 1/32 to enter complex or rapid parts such as Hi-Hat or Bongo. For triplets, use a Quantize setting of 1/12 or 1/24. Using a high Quantize setting allows you to add subtle timing variations. For example, many rock drummers create an exciting feel by slightly delaying their off-beat on the snare drum. This is easy to create in the Step Write Mode. In this example, the Snare Drum is entered using a Quantize rate of 1/48. The 2nd and 4th quarter-notes fall at beats 13 and 37 respectively, so the Snare Drum notes are entered at beats 14 and 38 to provide the delay.

Sometimes you may see an unusual message on the RX17's LCD, indicating that an operation has been executed wrongly, or there is a technical malfunction. This chart lists those messages, their causes and remedies.
MESSAGE CAUSE A malfunction in the RX17 has caused all parameters (voice level, accent level, pan, MIDI settings) to be initialized. A malfunction in the RX17 has caused all Pattern and Song data to be cleared. During MIDI Bulk Receive, incorrect data was sent due to faulty cable or electrical interference. There is a checksum error in sequence data that you have tried to load from cassette, due to a fault in transmission. The RX17 contains different data to the data saved on cassette. During Bulk Receive, you are sending data to the RX17 that is not formatted for the RX17. During Bulk Receive or Cassette Load, you have cleared all data in the RX17 by attempting to load the wrong type of data. Too large amounts of MIDI data are being sent to the RX17 too rapidly. The RX17s Pattern or Song Memory is full, and further data cannot be entered. You have exceeded the maximum size of a Pattern, and further data cannot be entered. You have entered data in the Copy Part function which would result in a Song containing more than 999 Parts. 1. You have entered Part numbers in the Copy Part function where the second Part number is smaller than the first. 2. You have entered Part numbers in the Copy Part function which include the destination Part number. You have entered a Part number in the Copy Part function which is higher than the total number of Parts in the Song. You have tried to change the length of a Pattern that already contains data. The lithium battery, for memory backup, is running at less than 2.2 V. The lithium battery, for memory backup, is running at less than 1.5 V. 1. In the Copy Part function, you have entered a copy destination Part number that is higher than the total number of Parts in the Song. 2. In the search Part function, you have entered a Part number that is higher than the total number of Parts on the Song. REMEDY
* init PARAM. * * illegal PTN * o r * illegal SONG* ! ERROR !

! LOAD ERROR !

! VERIFY ERROR ! ! Different Type ! ! Data Destroyed ! I ! MIDI BUFFER ! ! MEMORY FULL ! ! TOO LARGE PTN ! Part Overflow ! Illegal lnput ! ! FULL !
Use operation 2.1.2 to load the Preset Patterns and Songs, or operation 4.2 to load Patterns and Songs saved on cassette. Check that the MIDI cable is not faulty. Also, read the PRECAUTIONS section of this manual for advice on electrical interference. Repeat the Load operation, making sure that the tape playback level is high. Also, check that the cassette cable is functioning correctly. If necessary, clean and demagnetize the tape heads. Make sure that the cassette you are using contains data that was just saved. If there is still a problem, save the data again and, execute the Verify operation once more. Make sure that the MIDI device connected to the RX17 is transmitting the correct type of data (i.e. RX17 Pattern, Song and Instrument data). Make sure that the type of data you are loading is correct for the RX17, then execute the load operation again. Press any key to clear the LCD. Send less dense data; or send data at a slower tempo. Use operation 4.1 to save the Pattern and Song data to cassette. Then use operation 2.4 to clear Patterns, or operation 3.3 to clear Songs, prior to entering new data. Write two or more shorter Patterns, each of which forms a section of the Pattern you were trying to write. Then use operation 3.2 to combine the short Patterns into a Song. See if you can enter repeats in the Song to bring it up to the required length. 1. Enter correct Part numbers. 2. Copy a different group of Parts so that the destination Part is outside the Parts to be copied. Enter the correct Part number. Write a new Pattern at the desired Pattern length. Press +1 YES to restore the RX17 to normal operation. Consult your Yamaha dealer about battery replacement. Press +1 YES to restore the RX17 to normal operation Consult your Yamaha dealer about battery replacement as soon as possible. 1. The LCD will next display the empty Part following the last Part of the Song. Continue the Copy Part operation to copy to this Part, or enter a new Part number. 2. The LCD will next show the empty Part following the last Part of the Song. You can now edit from this point, or select the Search Part function again in the normal way.

ABOUT BULK DUMP ABORT CASSETTE ACCELERANDO Hint ACCENT EDIT ACCENT LEVEL BULK Receive Transmit CASSETTE Save Load Verify CHANGE INSTRUMENT All instruments Single instrument Hint CHANNEL MESSAGE (MIDI) CHARTS, USE OF Pattern Song CLEAR PATTERN Single Pattern All Patterns CLEAR SONG Single Song All Songs CLICK LEVEL CLOCK SETTING COPY PART COPY PATTERN COPY SONG DELETE INSTRUMENT DELETE NOTE Real Time Write Step Write DELETE PART DOT DISPLAY Long Pattern "X" markers
5.6 4.0.3 3.2.4 6.3.1 2.3.8 1.4.3
ECHO BACK EDIT ACCENT EDIT SONG ENTERING NOTES Real Time Write Step Write FADE OUT/IN
5.8 2.3.8 3.2 2.2.4 2.3.4 6.3.2 3.2.6 3.2.10 1.3.1 1.3.2 2.3.7 1.4.2 5.1 6.1.1 2.2.2 1.4.1 1.4.2 1.4.3 4.2 2.1.2
MIDI RECEIVE CHANNEL NOTE ASSIGN (MIDI) NOTE DELETE Real Time Write Step Write NOTE MARKERS PAN PART COPY PART DELETE PART INSERT PART SEARCH PATTERN CHART Use of PATTERN CLEAR Single Pattern All Patterns PATTERN COPY PATTERN ENTRY As Part of Song PATTERN LENGTH PATTERN MEMORY Remaining memory PATTERN PLAY PATTERN SELECT PLAY PATTERN PLAY SONG PRESET PATTERNS/SONGS Loading operation QUANTIZE SETTING Real Time Write Step Write QUANTIZE: HINTS Step Write Real Time Write REAL TIME WRITE RECEIVE BULK RECEIVE CHANNEL (MIDI) REMAINING MEMORY Pattern
5.3 5.5 2.2.6 2.3.6 2.3.4 1.6.1 3.2.8 3.2.9 3.2.10 3.2.7 2.1.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 3.2.2 2.2.2 2.7 2.1.1 2.1 2.1.1 3.1.1 2.1.2

5.6 5.7

4.1 4.2 4.3 1.3.1 1.3.2 6.2.1 5.2 2.1.3 3.1.2 2.4 2.5 3.3 3.4 1.4.1 5.1 3.2.8 2.6 3.5 2.3.7 2.2.5 2.3.6 3.2.9 2.3.4 2.3.9 2.3.10
INITIAL TEMPO INSERT PART INSTRUMENT CHANGE All instruments Single instrument INSTRUMENT DELETE INSTRUMENT LEVEL INTERNAL CLOCK LATIN PERCUSSION (HINTS) LENGTH OF PATTERN LEVEL Click Instrument Accent LOAD To cassette Preset Patterns/Songs MEMORY REMAINING Pattern Song MIDI CHANNEL MESSAGE MIDI CLOCK Sync setting Clock in: Hint Clock out: Hint MIDI NOTE Assign Receive: Hint Transmit: Hint MIDI OUT/THRU Echo Back MIDI TRANSMIT CHANNEL
2.7 3.6 5.2 5.1 6.5.1 6.5.2 5.5 6.5.3 6.5.4 5.8 5.4
2.2.3 2.3.3 6.2.2 6.2.3 2.2 5.6 5.3 2.7

SINCE 1887

Yamaha Corporation of America 6600 Orangethorpe Avenue, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622-6600 RX17 OM 7/30/98 29258