Yamaha MU-2000EX General MIDI Synthesizer Module

The MU-2000 (released in 1999) was the highest-end, pinnacle model of Yamaha’s MU-series of desktop General MIDI modules in response to the success of Roland’s SC-series.

This small, compact monster of a module came jam-packed with very impressive specs and features for its time including: a whopping 1,396 sounds to choose from, 58 drumkits, 128-voice polyphony, 64-part multitimbrality, a simple built-in sampler (limited to 4MB), a built-in sequencer, and a slot on the front to insert a SmartMedia card (the successor to floppy disks and a predecessor to today’s microSD cards) that could be used for saving or loading full MIDI song arrangements to be played back.

Other technical feature highlights include: an optical digital output, the ability to connect the MU-2000 to a computer via USB (which was a new technology at the time), and the option to insert up to three Yamaha PLG expansion boards into slots located in the back of the MU-2000 to further increase both its number of onboard sounds and its functionality.

One last, very nifty feature worth mentioning is that the MU-2000 has two 1/4” A/D inputs for a guitar or a microphone on the front face of the unit. From there, the user then has the ability to apply any of the onboard effects to the signal of the A/D inputs. (For example, you could process a guitar through the distortion or chorus or reverb of the MU-2000.)

As part of the firmware upgrade that turns a standard MU-2000 into a “MU-2000EX”, support for General MIDI Level 2 (newly adopted in 1999) is added, backwards support for Roland GS (Roland’s own extension to the General MIDI standard) is added, and new onboard effects are added.

Couple all of this with the unit’s native support for Yamaha XG (Yamaha’s own extension to the General MIDI standard), and you’ve got yourself one heck of a formidable, little Advanced Wave Memory 2 (AWM2) synthesizer that can cover all of your grounds for some nostalgic 1990s or early 2000s video game tunes or DTM music.

CONDITION: This synth is incredibly clean for its age. Fully functional with zero issues.

NOTE: This synth is rated from the factory for global power (100V-240V) and comes with its own universal power supply that you have to use with the unit.

Please feel free to message me with any questions, and check out my other synth listings.