Yamaha MU-series

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The Yamaha MU5 was an early sound module, commonly used when computers had the Intel 80386 processor, in which a computer could send MIDI commands to the MU5, acting as an external sound generation device.

[edit] Power supply

The MU5 ran on six AA batteries, or on an external DC supply.

[edit] Display

The display showed 16 bargraphs, one for each MIDI channel.

[edit] List of MU-series sound modules

MU5 : XG General MIDI voices only, no effects. Plastic case (7" x 4" x 1.5" (19 x 10 x 3.5 cm) with LCD display. To-Host serial RS232 38.4K baud input as well as MIDI. RS232 from the PC to the MU5 using the to-host cable is retransmitted as MIDI by the MU5. MIDI into the MU5 is converted to RS232 38.4Kbaud and sent out the to-host cable to the PC. Using a computer operating system's available serial port routines, the MU5 proves to be an inexpensive and simple means to developing hobbyist MIDI control software.

MU10 : A beige plastic case (7" x 4" x 1.5" (19 x 10 x 3.5 cm) with -no- LCD display. Two AD input channels for guitar or microphone. Effects can be applied to the AD input channels. 12VDC (2.1mm, center pin positive jack) at @200 mA power. Headphone audio output. To-host cable and MIDI input. The ability to apply the effects to an electric guitar input that is plugged into the MU10 makes it an excellent effects processor for guitar. Users have to design and build their own microcontroller-based MIDI controllers with potentiometers in order to select and adjust the effects available in the MU10.

MU50 : General MIDI plus supplemental voices. Effects included. AD input for guitar or microphone, but effects can NOT be applied to the AD input signal. Box metal chassis with backlit LCD display.

MU80 : General MIDI plus supplemental voices. Effects included. AD input for guitar or microphone. Effects can be applied to the AD input signal. Box metal chassis with backlit LCD display.