FB-01 ZONE


FB-01 ZONE AUDIO FILTER DIY's

       IMPROVE TONE QUALITY - Change The Low Pass Filter Cutoff From 3.6kHz To 20kHz     

       HEIGHTEN AUDIO CLARITY AND REDUCE NOISE - Replace Two Op‑Amp IC's For Superior Audio

       RAISE VOLUME OUTPUT - Increase Output Gain For The Left And Right Audio Outs


FB-01 ZONE MISC. DIY's / DOCUMENTS / PATCHES

       BATTERY REPLACEMENT - Internal Battery Removal And Replacement

       POWER SWITCH & AUDIO JACKS - Replacement Part Numbers And Specs

       DOCUMENTS - FB‑01 Secrets, SysEx Control, 1986 Intro, Gatefold Sales Brochure. Ghosts In The Machine Part 1 & Part 2

       FREE PATCHES / VIEWER / VOICE BANK #2 - 3,000 Free FB‑01 Patches / Viewing Patches / Loading Voice Bank #2

       EDISYN / FREE PATCH EDITOR - A Free FB‑01 Patch Editor Available For Mac OS X, Windows And Linux

AUDIO FILTER DIY's
IMPROVE TONE QUALITY
FROM 3.6kHz TO 20kHz

Listen To "Before/After" Audio FB-01 DIY
FB-01 DIY
Background: The original FB‑01 schematics show four capacitors with a value of 3.3nF. During the assembly phase and for unknown reasons, Yamaha installed four 18nF capacitors instead. This unfortunate substitution reduced the audio spectrum causing high frequency tones to be "muffled" and less pronounced. If the capacitors inside your FB‑01 are 18nF (seen labeled here as 183), you should consider performing this mod which updates the audio filter circuit to the original specs. It effectively raises the lowpass filter cut‑off slightly over 20kHz
FB-01 DIY
How: Replace four capacitors (C4, C9, C14, C16)

(4) 3.3nF Polyester Film Capacitors, 50V*

647-QYX1H332KTP - mouser.com       or       A-414 - taydaelectronics.com

Note: I chose Nichicon P/N: QYX1H332KTP because it is a high quality capacitor and has the same 3.5mm lead spacing as the original. Any brand 3.3nF polyester film capacitor will work as long as it has a DC voltage rating 50V or greater. Because this is for an audio circuit, I highly recommend using a quality brand name like Panasonic, TDK, WIMA, Nichicon, or Kemet (a.k.a Arcotronics)
DIP_SOCKETS


I suggest using Single Column DIP Sockets for these four capacitors. Changing the capacitor values will be very simple and allows you to find the right one for your musical tastes. Single Column DIP Sockets: 855-D01-9972042 - mouser.com -or- taydaelectronics.com - P/N:  A‑1605

NOTE: Polyester and polypropylene capacitors are extremely susceptible to heat. I always use Single Column DIP Sockets when using these style capacitors so I don't have to worry about that. If you decide to solder these capacitors directly to the PCB, it's good practice to use a heat sink

* Update: One year after posting this mod, I've received eMails from DIY visitors who have decided to substitute 6.8nF or 10.0nF caps instead because they say the 3.3nF caps produce a sound which is "too hot" for their use. Of course, everyone has different tastes. I mainly use my FB‑01 for Industrial, Sound FX and Unusual Noises so for me... the hotter the better!  FB-01 DIY

6.8nF = 647-QYX1H682KTP - mouser.com       or       A-421 - taydaelectronics.com
 10nF = 647-QYX1H103KTP - mouser.com       or       A-1763 - taydaelectronics.com
HEIGHTEN AUDIO CLARITY
AND REDUCE NOISE

Listen To "Before/After" Audio FB-01 DIY 		Background: Just about every online review of the FB‑01 mentions issues about noise. Some FB‑01 owners like the noise for recording tracks with that "industrial" flavor while others do not. Yamaha sourced JRC4556D op‑amps for the FB‑01 which are low priced and have a Slew Rate* of 3V/µs. Imagine if these were replaced with some hi‑fidelity, high‑performance op‑amps with a higher Slew Rate to eliminate noise! I chose to use mid‑priced OPA2134PA op‑amps at $6/each which are higher quality but not too pricey. The OPA2134PA has a slew rate of 20V/µs. This is nearly 7x greater than the factory installed JRC4556D op‑amps. Another op‑amp with a Slew Rate of 20V/µs is the LM4562. The LM4562 may also work but, I can't verify this since I have not tested that part number

*IC's with limited Slew Rates can cause noise and distortion at high output frequencies and amplitudes. This is why IC's with a higher Slew Rate are more desirable and more expensive
FB-01 DIY
How: Replace two IC’s (IC1, IC4) + add two IC Sockets

(2) OPA2134PA Op-Amps

(2) 8-Pin Tooled IC Sockets

595‑OPA2134PA ‑ mouser.com       or       A‑856 ‑ taydaelectronics.com

575-199308 - mouser.com               or       A-857 - taydaelectronics.com
RAISE VOLUME OUTPUT

Listen To "Before/After" Audio FB-01 DIY 		Background: FB‑01 owners have always complained about low gain from the audio outs. A factory stock FB‑01 has an output gain level of 3. This mod replaces two 4.7K Ω resistors with two 10K Ω resistors to raise the output gain level to 5 with no clipping after effects
FB-01 DIY
How: Replace two resistors (R6, R13)

(2) 10K Ω 1/4W Metal Film Resistors, 1% Tolerance

660-MFS1/4DCT52A1002 - mouser.com       or       A-2203 - taydaelectronics.com

DIP_SOCKETS

* Update: After this mod has been online for a couple of years, some purists have commented that this additional volume mod adds a level of extra distortion to the total volume output. That it does! I don't use my FB‑01 for Piano and Violin sounds. I use it for Industrial and Sound Effects so I like it LOUD! I suggest using Single Column DIP Sockets for these two resistors. If you don't care for the additional volume output, changing the resistors back to their original values of 4.7K Ω will be very simple. And... also simple to change the resistors to anything in‑between. Single Column DIP Sockets are available from taydaelectronics.com - P/N:  A‑1605
The YouTube channel of Jiří V. has an excellent comparison on the oscilloscope of the "Before" and "After" showing the upgraded performance value

Click on images to enlarge →
Component Location Detail

FB-01 DIY 		Schematic With Notations

FB-01 DIY
All of the modifications shown above were compiled from various discussions I have found on the Internet. I have performed all of these mods on two FB‑01's I own. They are completely revitalized and sound better than ever. Detailed discussions about all modifications shown above are here, here and here

Safety Precautions
Modifications made to any factory stock equipment will always pose an element of risk. Sometimes mistakes are made which are irreversible. Improper soldering and handling of electricity can cause serious injury and damage the FB‑01. Use caution when handling static sensitive devices and the PCB. Make sure you are properly grounded, working on a static‑free workbench or table and wearing eye protection during any soldering tasks. The author is not responsible for any damage or injury resulting from this DIY info. Use this DIY information at your own risk. And, I can't stress enough, the importance of wearing eye protection while soldering. That stuff flies everywhere sometimes!
MISCELLANEOUS DIY's, DOCUMENTS, PATCHES AND MORE
INTERNAL BATTERY
P/N: CR2032 FB-01 ZONE - BATTERY
SUPER JX Battery Replacement DIY
REPLACEMENT POWER SWITCH*

Power Rating: 6A @ 250V AC
Type: Solder Lug - DPST (ON/OFF)
Panel Opening: 13mm x 19mm
FB-01 ROCKER SWITCH FB-01 ROCKER SWITCH FB-01 ROCKER SWITCH
CWSB21AA2F
mouser.com 		A-5091
taydaelectronics.com 		A-5092
taydaelectronics.com
* The original FB‑01 rocker switch has a solitary dot as its actuator marking on the face. After evaluating all three switches, I prefer the higher quality switch from Mouser. I've posted two alternative switches from Tayda because of the low cost and the high visibility of the red switch A‑5092. These have the same power rating as the Mouser switch and will work equally well. As of August 2024, the price for the Mouser switch was $4.64 (USD) and the price for the Tayda switches was 29¢ and 26¢
REPLACEMENT AUDIO OUT JACK (LEFT AND RIGHT)

Size: 6.35mm (1/4")
Type: Solder Pin (3-Pin Mono w/Switch)
Silkscreen Locations: JK1 and JK2
FB-01 ROCKER SWITCH FB-01_JACK          FB-01_JACK
UPC: 711331498014
ASIN: B00X77SADC
Model: US-SA-AJD-121564 		Note: The PCB footprint has Pin #2 and Pin #4 slightly off‑center (blue dots)
Tayda SKU: A-5238 will not work
DOCUMENTS
There was a great article in the January 1989 edition of Electronic Musician Magazine titled "Secrets Of The Yamaha FB‑01". This article covers a lot of "hands‑on" applications using SysEx to unleash the FB‑01. This article is a must read if you have any interest in controlling parameter changes using SysEx codes
FB-01_HOMEPAGE   Secrets_Of_The_Yamaha_FB‑01
Yamaha User's Group Magazine Aftertouch from July 1986 featuring an article titled "Introducing Yamaha's Multi‑Timbral, Multi‑MIDI‑Channel FM Tone Module"
FB-01_HOMEPAGE   FB‑01_Introduction    (Note: This document is housed on a very slow server)
Yamaha User's Group Magazine Aftertouch from September 1988 featuring an article titled "Percussion Secrets Of The FB‑01"
FB-01_HOMEPAGE   Percussion_Secrets_Of_The_FB‑01    (Note: This document is housed on a very slow server)
Yamaha's 6‑page gatefold sales brochure from 1986
FB-01_HOMEPAGE   FB‑01_1986_Gatefold_Brochure
FB-01_HOMEPAGE   FB‑01 Owner's Manual (v04/1988)

           FREE Owner's Manuals for almost every synthesizer and effects device can be found at MidiManuals.com
FB-01_HOMEPAGE   FB‑01 Service Manual (v09/1986)
I have added this document to the webpage since it covers a wide range of Yamaha series synths (DX, TX, RX, QX, FB). Two articles from the May 1989 and July 1989 editions of Electronic Musician Magazine titled "Ghost In The Machine". These articles discuss test routines inside synths and samplers which might help save you a trip to the repair shop. Some of the other brands featured are Roland, Oberheim, Kawai, Ensoniq & Korg
FB-01_HOMEPAGE   Ghost In The Machine - Part 1 & Part 2
PATCHES
FB-01_HOMEPAGE
The FB‑01 is not the easiest synth on which to create new Patches or Voices. There are no knobs to turn and no sliders to be found anywhere. FB‑01 Patch and Voice editors for any current O/S are uncommon. The system design makes it impossible to edit Voices using any of the front panel buttons. The only way to edit a Voice is by using custom software. One of the the best alternatives is to load‑up on Patches from a free Internet source. The MAZES Psychoacoustic Haze Blog has a selection of more than 3,000 FB‑01 Patches online at this link which are available to download for free

      FB-01_HOMEPAGE   http://mmmazes.blogspot.com/2010/05/fb-01-patches.html
FB-01_HOMEPAGE
This free web browser utility reads FB‑01 MIDI Bulk Data Dump *.SYX files from a computer, tablet or smartphone and displays the Voice Bank Number, Patch Number and all 48 Patch names contained in the SysEx file. I designed it to create Patch listings from the many third‑party FB‑01 SysEx files I've downloaded from the Internet. The cool thing is that you don't need to install any software. It's all done using Safari, Firefox, Chrome or whichever web browser you use. It's a new approach. Any O/S on any computer can run this utility

      FB-01_HOMEPAGE   FB-01 SysEx Patch Reader
FB-01_HOMEPAGE
Are you having problems loading a new set of Patches into Voice Bank #2?
So was I until I found a workaround. I've put together a couple of solutions on how to get the job done

      FB-01_HOMEPAGE   Loading Patches Into FB-01 Voice Bank #2
EDISYN (FB-01 PATCH EDITOR)
FREE !!!

EDISYN from developer Sean Luke is a synthesizer editor that gives you control over the FB‑01 (and more than 80 other synths!) via custom made MIDI editing synthesizer templates. It also has unlimited levels of undo, CC and NRPN mapping, real‑time updates, test notes and chords and some MPE support. Sean has also built‑in a range of creative tools to help with patch generation. These include randomization, patch merging and blending of random patches, pushing patches closer towards other patches (very interesting), morphing interpolation between four patches and more


      FB-01_HOMEPAGE   Edisyn FB-01 Patch Editor

SYSEX FILE VERIFICATION UTILITY
SysEx Reader
This free web browser utility reads SysEx files from 100+ synths and samplers. It will display The Op Code, identify the synth or sampler make and model and suggest a MIDI channel to use when loading. It's a handy utility to verify unknown SysEx files and/or enable "broken" SysEx files to load by using the correct MIDI channel. The cool thing is that you don't need to install any software. It's all done using Safari, Firefox, Chrome or whichever web browser you use. It's a new approach. Any O/S on any computer can run this utility. Works with every browser except Internet Explorer (Not really an issue for most people. In fact, I'll call it a "feature")

     Download JX-Edit

Operating System: Any Computer With A Web Browser

TROUBLESHOOTING
TR1_TR2_TR3_LOCATION_ICON
(click for larger image)
Are You Experiencing Signal Bleed‑Through?

If you have signal bleed‑through when assigning different sounds to the left and right outputs, the problem is most likely the transistors TR1, TR2 and/or TR3. These transistors are part of the audio switching circuit and apparently, "leaky transistors in muting circuits" are a thing. Replacing these three transistors will most likely solve the problem

Yamaha OEM Part #'s 
    TR1 = NJM7805A   (+5V) TO-92 package
    TR2 = NJM78M05A  (+5V) TO-92 package
    TR3 = MJM79M05A  (-5V) TO-92 package

TR1_TR2_TR3_LOCATION_ICON
Are Your Custom Voices Disappearing From Voice Banks #1 And #2?

The FB‑01 comes with an internal memory battery which maintains the settings of custom Voices and Configuration Memories when there is no power supplied to the unit. This battery, however, can be switched OFF when necessary to extend the life of the battery. Set the [OFF/ON] MEMORY POWER SWITCH located in the rear of the unit to ON to protect custom Voices and configuration memories. Do your Voices continue to disappear even though this switch is turned ON? If so, the internal memory battery should be replaced using the instructions at this link

NOTE: When the unit is NOT being used to store custom Voices and Configuration Memories, turn the [OFF/ON] MEMORY POWER SWITCH to OFF.
MY TAKE ON THE FB-01
FB-01_FOR_SALE
I think the FB‑01 is an outstanding value on the used synth market these days. You can usually find one in near‑mint condition at eBay.com or Reverb.com for less than $99 (USD). It may be at the low‑end list of other Yamaha models from that era but... it's still an incredibly powerful 8‑Part Multi‑Timbral, 4‑Op, Digital FM synth. Although it's impossible to edit Voice parameters from the front panel, there are thousands of free SysEx Voice Banks to download from the Internet. Voice Banks #1 and #2 each contain 48 user definable Voices. These 96 custom Voices plus an additional 240 in Voice Banks #3 through #7 (ROM) will provide you with an endless variety of sounds from Grand Pianos to Space SoundFX on the planet Saturn. It you want to create your own Voices or tweak existing ones, it's quite easy with the free Patch editor Edisyn which runs on Mac ‑or‑ Windows systems

Several FB‑01 owners go one step beyond and scarf up a second FB‑01 module for only $99 and spend extra time slightly detuning similar Patches and Voices. When the two modules are broken into their own Left and Right channels on the mixing board and played on the same MIDI channel, listening to the stereo separation is a real joy. Even if you have only one FB‑01 in your studio, it still has some advanced features to make it sing. Check out this blurb from the original 1986 Yamaha Gatefold Brochure

  • "Each of the eight instruments in the FB‑01 has a set of programmable functions which allow you to exactly tailor the voices you are using for further playability and richness. Fine detuning of each instrument (up to [+] or [‑] one semitone) can add a rich, deep chorus effect to any pair or group of instruments. Each instrument can be located left, right or center in the stereo image for an impressive wide sound. The 'LFO ON/OFF' function allows vibrato or tremolo (Low Frequency Oscillator modulation) to be removed from any voice for a purer, simpler tone, or a vibrant sound when combining two similar voices, one of which has its LFO turned off. Instrument functions can be stored as part of a configuration setting and recalled instantly at the touch of a button."
         (a link to the Gatefold Brochure is in the DOCUMENTS section above)

ANIMATED_STAR I Think These Two Topics Are Important Enough To Place On All Of My Synth INFO Webpages
1) I buy a lot of broken synths on eBay and I'm able to fix about 90% of everything I find. It's usually a simple fix. If you have a synth with no power or intermittent problems after it warms up, it's probably due to the fact that back in the 1980's Roland and other synth makers used sub‑par solder and/or not enough solder to hold components in place. After 30+ years, the solder begins to break down and hairline fractures appear. This occurs at a higher rate for components which generate a lot of heat like Bridge Rectifiers, Power Transistors, large Electrolytic Capacitors, power input jacks and audio jacks which get a lot of use. The best approach is to use a magnifying glass and carefully inspect the backside of the circuit board. If you spot any suspect areas, re‑flow a hefty amount of NEW solder

FRACTURS_AND_MIDI

2) I receive a lot of eMails and field many questions at synth related forums and also on Facebook. The most common question I get about problems with a synth has to do with errors when trying to load Patches and Tones. About 99.9% of the time, the problem always turns out to be a crappy MIDI interface. If you have a cheapo MIDI interface which looks similar to the one shown on the right... throw this piece of shit in the trash! Do It Now. Seriously! This thing is total junk and you get what you pay for. Inexpensive MIDI interfaces like this are unable to properly regulate the buffering of MIDI data. They will work fine with simple messages such as CC, Note On, Note Off, etc... however, when you try to send SysEx messages which are much longer, the SysEx data cuts off after only sending a few bytes. Investing in a higher quality MIDI interface will solve Load/Save errors and other communication problems. Also, if you experience errors when transferring Patch and Tone data from a computer to a synthesizer, DON'T use a USB hub. Plug your MIDI interface directly from the computer to the synthesizer. Why? Some external USB hubs fail when multiple USB devices are attached because there is not enough power to share. Small power sags will suddenly cause one or ALL of the attached USB devices connected to the hub to fail, often accompanied with a "disconnect" signal

      These MIDI interfaces have been tested and will work with large SysEx Dumps: 
       ✓ Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 2nd Gen   ✓ M-Audio Profire 2626        ✓ ESI Midimate eX         ✓ ESI Midimate II
       ✓ Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 2nd Gen   ✓ Miditech MIDIface II Thru   ✓ Yamaha UX 16 USB/MIDI   ✓ MOTU 823 mk3
       ✓ Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 3rd Gen   ✓ Tie Studio MIDI 1i1o        ✓ Miditech MIDIface 4x4   ✓ RME FireFace UC 2X2
       ✓ iConnectivity mio 1x1            ✓ iConnectivity mioXC 1x1

      These MIDI interfaces are shit and do not work with large SysEx Dumps (some might w/special driver): 
      ✗ AVID/M-Audio Fast Track Pro      ✗ M-Audio MIDISport UNO        ✗ M-Audio MIDISport 1x1  ✗ M-Audio Uno
      ✗ M-Audio MIDISport 2X2            ✗ Lekato MIDI USB              ✗ Hosa USM-422 MIDI      ✗ Fore MIDI Interface
      ✗ DigitalLife MIDI-C01             ✗ Hosongnic, Urweonu, HiFangeow, etc...


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