The Yamaha MU-series is a line of sound modules built by Yamaha. All sound modules except MU5 support Yamaha XG. The sound modules were commonly used when computers had slower processors. The computer could send MIDI commands to the sound module, acting as an external sound generation device. Later MU sound modules feature A/D inputs that allow direct input from microphones and guitars.
| Model | Year | Standards | Parts | Voices | Tones | Drumsets | Notes | References |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha MU5 | 1994 | GM | 16 | 28 | 128 | 8 | 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. | |
| Yamaha MU10 | 1996 | GM XG | 16 | 32 | 676 | 21 | 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. 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. | |
| Yamaha MU15 | 1998 | GM XG | 16 | 32 | 676 | 21 | Similar to the MU5, but with XG support. | |
| Yamaha MU50 | 1995 | GM XG | 16 | 32 | 737 | 22 | MU50 is the scaled-down version of the first XG module MU80. General MIDI, XG and 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. | |
| Yamaha MU80 | 1994 | GM XG | 32 | 64 | 729 | 21 | The first XG capable device. Effects included. AD input for guitar or microphone. Effects can be applied to the AD input signal. Box metal chassis with backlit LCD display. | |
| Yamaha MU90 | 1996 | GM XG | 32 | 64 | 779 | 30 | An upgrade of MU80 featuring more instruments and drumsets. | |
| Yamaha MU90R | 1996 | GM XG | 32 | 64 | 779 | 30 | The Full-Rack Unit Version of MU90 | |
| Yamaha MU90B | 1996 | GM XG | 32 | 64 | 779 | 30 | ||
| Yamaha MU100 | 1997 | GM XG | 32 | 64 | 1267 | 46 | ||
| Yamaha MU100R | 1997 | GM XG | 32 | 64 | 1267 | 46 | The Full Rack Mount Version of MU100 | |
| Yamaha MU100B | 1998 | GM XG | 32 | 64 | 1267 | 46 | ||
| Yamaha MU128 | 1998 | GM XG | 64 | 128 | 1342 | 47 | Two AD inputs for guitar or microphone. Effects can be applied to the AD input signal. Box metal chassis with backlit LCD display. Expandable capabilities with expansion via up to 3 Yamaha PLG expansion cards. | |
| Yamaha MU500 | GM XG GM2 | 64 | 64 | 1396 | 58 | LED segment display for showing midi activity only. USB/Serial Port/MIDI connectors. Optical output. Has the MU1000/2000 soundmap, but omits some effects and does not have A/D inputs, PLG expansion board slots, or upgradable firmware. | [1] | |
| Yamaha MU1000 | 1999 | GM XG GM2 | 64 | 128 | 1396 | 58 | Stripped down Version of MU2000. Lacks the built-in Sampler and Sequencer on the MU2000. No SmartMedia slot. | |
| Yamaha MU1000EX | 1999 | GM GS XG GM2 | 64 | 128 | 1396 | 58 | Firmware upgrade for the MU1000[2], adds full Roland GS Support and new effects. | |
| Yamaha MU2000 | 1999 | GM XG GM2 | 64 | 128 | 1396 | 58 | Two AD inputs for guitar or microphone. Effects can be applied to the AD input signal. Box metal chassis with backlit LCD display. Optical digital output, USB and SmartMedia card slot. Built in sampler and sequencer. Includes optical out port (unlike previous MU-series modules), which is also carried over to the MU1000 and MU500. | |
| Yamaha MU2000EX | 1999 | GM GS XG GM2 | 64 | 128 | 1396 | 58 | Firmware upgrade for the MU2000[3], adds full Roland GS Support and new effects. |