Using a CS6X as a General MIDI (GM) or Yamaha XG Sound Source

Most sequenced songs saved in 'Standard MIDI File' (SMF) format are made to play on products that are 'General MIDI' (GM) compatible. A unit that is General MIDI compatible has a specific set of sounds and parameters that have been standardized throughout the music industry. In addition to the General MIDI features, Yamaha products with the 'XG' logo (eXtended General MIDI) add even more sounds and parameters. Standard MIDI File songs for XG instruments are also available from many companies.

Although the CS6X is NOT configured at the factory to be GM or XG ready, this functionality CAN be added by installing a Yamaha PLG100XG Plug-in Board in the PLG2 slot. The Voices on the PLG100XG Board can only be accessed in Performance Mode and only for Parts 17 - 32.

IMPORTANT: Since Parts 1 - 16 AND Parts 17 - 32 both use MIDI Receive Channels 1 - 16, an undesirable ''voice doubling'' effect will occur during playback of a sequenced song. To prevent the doubling effect and ensure proper playback of a SMF sequence, Parts 1 - 16 must be muted (turned OFF) and the 'Layer' feature disabled, allowing only the PLG100XG Voices to be heard.
NOTE: Performance Parts 1 - 16 are assigned Voices from the INT, PRE1, PRE2, PLG1, and EXT memory Banks.
Muting Parts 1-16 Individually:
NOTE: Use this method when playing sequenced songs, or when using devices which require the Basic MIDI Receive Channel to remain ON.

1) Press the [PERFORM] button to enter 'Performance' mode.

2) Initialize the Performance to clear the settings.Click here for 'Initializing a Performance on a CS6X'

3) Press the [EDIT] button.

4) Press and hold the [SHIFT] button and turn the (PAGE) knob until the cursor points to 'LYR' at the bottom of the screen.

5) Release the [SHIFT] button.

6) Turn the (PAGE) knob to display 'LYR Mode' on the left side of the screen.

7) To mute the Internal Voices on Parts 1-16, turn the (A) knob to select 'Part 1' (for example).

8) Turn the (1) knob to select 'off' for 'Layer'.

9) Turn the (2) knob to select 'off' for the MIDI Receive Channel ('RcvCh').

10) Repeat steps 6-8 for Parts 2-16.

Reference: Owner's Manual, p.129-134

Muting Parts 1-16 Globally:
NOTE: Use this method when playing 'live' without MIDI hookups or sequences.

1) Press the [UTILITY] button.

2) Turn the (PAGE) knob until 'MIDI Ch' is displayed on the left side of the screen.

3) Turn the (B) knob to select 'off'.

Reference: Owner's Manual, p.166

Selecting a PLG100XG Voice in Performance Mode:

1) Press the [PERFORM] button.

2) Press the [EDIT] button.

3) Press and hold the [SHIFT] button and turn the (PAGE) knob until the cursor points to 'MIX' at the bottom of the screen.

4) Release the [SHIFT] button.

5) Turn the (PAGE) knob to display 'MIX Vce' on the left side of the screen.

6) Turn the (A) knob to select 'Part17' (for example).

7) Turn the (B) knob to select the Voice Bank.

8) Turn the (C) knob to select the Voice Number.

9) Repeat steps 5-7 for Parts 18-32.


Reference: Owner's Manual, p.129-134
TIP: Sometimes, Standard MIDI File songs created by individuals and exchanged on the Internet do not have the proper data to reset all the GM/XG parameters. This results in the next song playing back incorrectly. In this case, a 'reset' message must be sent to the PLG100XG Board. Click here for 'Muting and Resetting a PLG100XG Plug-in Board in a CS6X'.