Sam: It was explained to me by Steve Deming, Asst Manager of Yamaha USA Customer Support, that the updated Tyros styles are basically the PSR2000/9000 & CVP207/209 styles, but certain instruments (Guitars, strings, bass, etc.) replaced with the new Mega voice sounds and re-sequenced at a higher midi timing resolution: 1,920ppq. This results in a style which more accurately captures the subtle timing nuances of the performer and produces a smoother sound. The principal feature of the mega voice sounds is that they consist of up to 20 different samples per instrument, and each one of the 20 sound samples is triggered according to 'how hard' you hit the key (velocity sensitivity). This allows the player to bring out different nuances of an a specific instrument by the way the note is played. These different samples also include things like string resononce, buzz, etc.

Actually the Mega Voice approach is not new, but instead, furthering the technology of the multi-sample approach used on some of the PSR2000's sounds which utilize multiple samples per instruments. For example, the PSR2000's Sweet Flute sound is very different if you play it soft or loud. Whereas the PSR2000's Sweet Flute may utilize only 2 samples, the Mega Voices consist of MANY more (20). It appears that the future trend is that Manufacters are going in the direction of this mulit-sample approach now, building in what has been traditionally triggered by kb controlers (vibrato, pitch bend, etc) into the sound sample itself now. In fact, Ketron has been using this multi-sample approach (3-4 samples) in some of its sounds as well. This can be used to trigger a sample which includes vibrato (or not) depending on how hard you hit the key. I remember reading on another thread how some people dislike (or or like) this approach. Some people want to trigger the traditional way via mod wheel or keyboard aftertouch, but having many levels of velocity samples (to me) offers the most realistic effect.

Even if the Tyros styles will be available on Yamaha's site for a fee, or exchanged by Tyros owners on the internet (for free), they will not sound the same on a non-Tyros board because it doesn't have the Tyros mega voices. In fact, I've ALREADY tried a few Tyros styles on my PSR2000 and feel that the PSR2000 version of that same style sounds better. I'm pretty convinced that the only real style difference is the Tyros mega voices, and without the Tyros, the styles are the same styles as those on the 2000/9000 & CVP 207/209.