Should I get Yamaha MU100?

[BlueMax]

I can get a steal-of-a-deal on a Yamaha MU100R sound module...  
Not bad sounds, though I've been brought up on Roland sounds.

What do you guys think?  Good module?  Good deal?

[Ari]

It looks very impressive to me. Check this out. For 100$ it's a real bargain imo.

[ShadowsonicX]

In my opinion, Yamaha's MU series sounds bite ass, so I wouldn't bother. However, for $100, you may as well.

[BlueMax]

Well, I played with it and it's not bad.....  it's worth $100.  But then again, I have some nice softsynths that really almost render this thing of little use.

I prefer Roland sounds...  I'm still hoping to find an SC-88Pro or similar.  And other than really good (possibly awesome) General MIDI for the older games that I don't play often anyways....  Unless it drops to $100 Canadian (instead of $150) I might still go for it.  

[Cloudschatze]

I am an owner of an MU100 module (MU100R minus the VH and VL plug-ins), and can attest to the quality of the product. Furthermore, anyone owning the SW1000XG soundcard may also offer their comments, as all three products contain the same sample-rom and engine.

Is it worth $150? If you are a musician, without a doubt. A guitarist myself, I find the potential for realistic-sounding guitar performances to be quite high. I'll try and make an MP3 recording from one of the Yamaha demonstration MIDI files, in order to give you a better idea.

One of the better features of the Yamaha MU100 (and newer) modules is the expansion capability. Any of the PLG expansion cards currently available for Yamaha's line of professional music products can be installed into the MU100R. I am eyeing the PLG150-DX myself, which will effectively add a Yamaha DX7 to my arsenal

What else, what else...

Oh, what condition is the MU100R you are looking at in? Does it include the manual? If not, no problem - Yamaha provides downloadable manuals for all of their music products at no cost.

In regard to the General MIDI support, I quite like it, though, if this is your sole consideration for the purchase, you would probably do better with a Roland module. It's not that the GM support is inadequate by any means, as the sound-samples are of decent quality, it's just that I'm kind of a 'purist' in some regard, and usually end up comparing everything to the SC-55.

If you would like to hear a GM file played-back on the MU100, please let me know, and I will try and record something. Also, if you have any additional questions, I can attempt to answer those too.

Hmm. If you don't want the MU100R, could I send you some money, and have you purchase it for me? ^_^

[This message has been edited by Cloudschatze (edited February 13, 2004).]

[BlueMax]

I'd love an audio demo...  and the more "orchestral" or "acoustic" the better!

[HondaSiR]

I'd also like to hear an MP3 demo of it, preferably from a Sierra soundtrack song file if its possible.

~Johnny

[Ari]

likewise.  

[Alistair]

As would I! And please use a good SC-55 sequence, like 'Eastern Fricana Jungle' or something. Cloudschatze, I think it's good to compare to the 55 because it was what 'GM' was originally meant to be played with.

- Alistair

[ShadowsonicX]

Also, Yamaha's MU series modules do support GS. They call it "TG300B", but that's BS. You send it a GS sysex and it gives you the SC-88 Instrument map and the SC-55 drum map. They don't sound like Roland sounds, but Yamaha instead. They're just there for ****s and giggles I assume.

[This message has been edited by ShadowsonicX (edited February 17, 2004).]

[BlueMax]

I'll tell you, I'm very close to going for it.  I *NEED* a sound source, and either either this or buy Cubase VST - except I won't have any money for VST *Instruments*!

I want to use legit, unpirated software.  

Besides, someday I'll be able to afford an awesome orchestral sample set.  Besides, it would compliment the MU100 anyways.  

[BlueMax]

Well I bought it.  And I don't like it.  
The sounds may be super-tweakable and great on the synth side, but are totally weak on the acoustic side which is what I want/need.

On the plus side it was a real bargain and I can sell it on ebay for double/triple what I paid for it.  For a synth person who also wants an external effects processor, it's awesome.

As a GM module, I just don't like it.  
Give me an SC-88 or better ANY DAY!

[Cloudschatze]

Bluemax, I feel bad that the MU100R did not meet your expectations, especially given my praise! praise! write-up.

Before you dismiss the acoustic sounds entirely though, take some time and read up on, and experiment with the VL patches and functionality. This unit, when combined with a MIDI wind-controller, is still favored by many woodwind instrumentalists.



[This message has been edited by Cloudschatze (edited February 23, 2004).]

[HondaSiR]

quote:Originally posted by BlueMax:
As a GM module, I just don't like it.    
Give me an SC-88 or better ANY DAY!

It sucks huh? I never would have expected that from a very expensive module. And one from Yamaha at that. Still, if anyone would care to make a Sierra GM track for comparison purposes, it will be greatly appreciated. As of now, for me, Roland still makes the high grade in terms of GM balance and bang for the buck.

~Johnny

[Ari]

The only complaint I have with XG instruments are with the French Horn (and maybe a few other instruments which I can't think of at the moment). It's drumkits, however are superior to the Roland's (SC-55 series at least). It's unavoidable - each synth brand has it's stronger and weaker points. If you bought that Yamaha MU100R for GM purposes only, I'd say it was a total waste of money. XG has so much more than that to offer.

On another note, BlueMax, you haven't responded to my emails regarding the Adlib Gold. care to enlighten me why?

[Alistair]

I agree, Ari, that the SC-55's drums are rather, shall we say, "uninspiring". but, some SC tracks play them acceptably. However Roland ED drumsets are phenomenal. You have dance machines, orchestra drums, jazz drums, ethnic and generally really good 'Standard' sets. Great stuff.

And SC-55's what GM is meant to be heard with, anything else is *GS*. GM files weren't meant to be played back with an 88 or greater's instruments. Though as Voyetra software keeps telling me GM only applies to soft/hardware with only the default 127 timbres, however on modules like the SC-55 GM is more correctly known as 'Roland GS capital tones'.

- Alistair

[BlueMax]

Hey - it's only one I never got back to and that's because I haven't had a chance to get to the post office to see how much it'll cost to send a package half-way around the world!  

I still don't know how much it's going to cost me, and it worries me...  I didn't realize I'd be sending an Adlib Gold to Israel!  [yikes!]  But I'll get myself to the post office as soon as I can.


Now, about the MU100R.  I didn't buy it as a GM module for games.  I bought it as a sound module for composing!  So I'd be using the advanced XG sounds buried somewhere in there... but I still have to wonder - if the base instruments sound crummy, why would the other hidden instruments sound much better?

If the patches "French Horn" and "Oboe" completely STINK, why would Horn2 and Oboe2 be better?  I don't hold much hope for it.

Well...  maybe it's just a matter of preference too.  This thing is POWERFUL on the synthy stuff with advanced controllers - I just don't need that though.

[Ari]

You make it sound as if Israel is halfway to the moon or somewhere near the bottom of the ocean.   I've had parcels shipped over from the US for less than 5 USD. It's not that big a deal since I'm paying for shipping & handling anyway...

At any rate, different synths appeal to different people. I've heard some people criticize the SC-55 quite a bit while praising the Yamaha XG synths. I'm rather open minded about it, myself. I try to take the best from both worlds.

[Cloudschatze]

Bluemax, if you have not already done so, download the Yamaha-provided MU100R disk here:
 http://www.freebrick.com/files/mu100r_diskett.zip

I suggest listening to HG_002.mid first.

Additionally, check out the VL MIDI files. I've not heard these, since my MU100 unit does not contain the VL plugin.

[DrJ]

If you need any XG files, let me know I think I have a 'whopping' 40mb of XG/GS mid's lying around somewhere..