The standard General MIDI format provides only 128 voices, and allows only limited parameter editing.
XGEdit allows you to use SysEx without all that tedious mucking about in hexadecimal. Each, however, will faithfully replay XG data in accordance with its level of sophistication - if a particular instrument doesn't support a variation voice, for example, it will automatically substitute the corresponding basic GM voice.ģ: Expandability: The XG format, like MIDI itself, is an open architecture, which will allow for the addition of new enhancements as future technology continues to evolve. These different levels should mean that we'll be seeing a wide range of XG instruments in the years ahead, each with its own character and each offering different feature sets at different price points. One level is implemented in high‑end instruments such as the Yamaha MU80 another is implemented in mid‑range instruments such as the Yamaha MU50 and details of additional levels will be announced in the future. The three key features of XG are:ġ: Compatibility: Any XG instrument, regardless of model or manufacturer, will provide faithful reproduction of XG music files and will also be 100% General MIDI‑compatible, since it is an enhancement to, and not a replacement for, General MIDI.Ģ: Scalability: There are several different levels of XG compatibility. The concept behind XG is to provide greater scope than the original GM or GS specification by allowing upward expansion whilst maintaining backward compatibility. The aim of this article is to explain a little of the technical background of the format and then suggest a few areas that XG soundcard owners might like to explore in more depth. Many users, however, get no further than playing with the presets. The advantage of soundcards is that they are affordable, yet have technical specification that rivals many stand‑alone synths. XG is implemented both in stand‑alone instruments and soundcards.
Like Roland's GS protocol, XG is an extension to General MIDI or GM (see the 'General MIDI: In General' box). Nick Howes of Yamaha's European Music Software Division shows you how to get the best out of XG soundcards. Yamaha's DB50XG card is a daughterboard which 'piggy‑backs' on a standard soundcard using the WaveBlaster connector.
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