YAMAHA TG33
Overview

Features

TG33 has two synthesis engines: AWM (12-bit PCM) and CWM (2-Operator FM). This hybrid architecture is called DASS.
There are two layering modes: 1PCM+1FM (32 polyphonic) and 2PCM+2FM (16 polyphonic).
The Vector controls the mix balance and the detuning.


AWM section

TG33 has 128 12-bit PCM waveforms in 1MB ROM. There is no filter, as is the case with lower-end PCM synths at that time.
The LFO modulation is relatively fast. It can be used to imitate a kind of cross-modulation like Roland JV's FXM.
Sine wave modulated by fast LFOs (28KB)
JV's Fixed Frequency Modulation (20KB)

FM section

TG33 uses 2-Operator FM with 8 basic waveforms.
It can be only partially editable from the front panel. Users must choose one from 256 preset FM settings, and edit Amp Env, Brightness, LFO etc.
As the AWM section has no filter, timbre motion should be created with this FM section.
Preset wave "Move6" (40KB)
Using SysEx, all the hidden parameters can be edited (see below).

Vector

There are two Vectors; Level Vector and Detune Vector to control mix balance and the detuning.
They can be controlled in realtime with the Joystick/MIDI CC or 50-step sequence for each. The vector sequence stops in the release segment.

The hidden FM parameters

Using SysEx, all the hidden parameters can be edited including;
Algorithm
Waveform
Frequency, including Fixed Frequency Mode
Detune and Pitch Scaling (also available in AWM section)
Amp Envelope with Level/Rate scaling
Pitch/Amp LFO switches for both operators

Using the Algorithm parameter in the 2PCM+2FM mode the 2 pair of the 2-Operator can be used as a 4-Operator FM. In this mode 2 Feedbacks can be used in a voice.
Because of this function and others I think TG33's FM is a version of YAMAHA's OPL3 FM architecture.

One significant drawback is the scarecity of realtime control. The Modulator has no velocity control, and LFO phase resets at each key stroke.
Modulation Wheel+LFO and TG33's realtime SysEx parameter change can be used instead to some extent.

Effects

16 FX types including reverb, short delay and digital distortion are available. There is no modulating effect like chorus.
FM decay with Pan Reflection (156KB)

Multi

The Multi Mode has 16 parts. The Midi channels are fixed and the Multi can't be used to layer the voices.



Next TG33

Deep Synthesis: Home

12. 9. 2002
Second version 6. 19. 2005