TG300B mode
TG300B mode is a feature on some Yamaha XG devices that provides Roland GS compatibility.
The name refers to the Yamaha TG300's "GM-B" mode, but this is a euphemism, presumably to avoid infringing on Roland's GS trademark; Yamaha's own manuals admit it "may not be able to play back TG300-specific song data with complete accuracy", but it is compatible with "MIDI data designed for other computer music tone generators".[1] Also, whereas the TG300's GM-B mode only attempted to be compatible with the Roland SC-55,[2] the TG300B mode provides compatibility with newer Sound Canvas devices, e.g. the Yamaha MU80 TG300B patch list looks like the Roland SC-88's.[3]
Yamaha do not document what GS features are supported, beyond the list of patches. However, testing suggests it supports a substantial number of GS System Exclusive messages (not just GS Reset).
Like the Roland SC-55, the patch set for TG300B mode includes Roland CM-64 compatibility banks.
References
- ↑ Yamaha MU80 Owner's Manual, page 34. Identical wording can be found in many other MU-series manuals.
- ↑ This is suggested by comparing the patches in the TG300's Sound List & MIDI Data manual to the SC-55's.
- ↑ Compare the patch list on page "7-10" onwards of the Roland SC-88 Owner's Manual to the patch list on page 32 onwards of the Yamaha MU80 Sound List & MIDI Data manual.