Yamaha Computer-related Operations

What You Can Do by Connecting to a Computer

Most digital musical instruments are compatible with MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). This technology allows the instrument to communicate with a connected computer, transmitting and receiving MIDI data, including keyboard performance information and Song playback data. Some models can also transmit audio data, though compatible data varies by instrument. Refer to the end of this manual or the Owner's Manual supplied with your instrument for details.

NOTE: For details about MIDI, refer to "MIDI Basics" on the Yamaha website: http://download.yamaha.com/. After selecting your country and clicking on "Manual Library" from the "Support" page, select the desired language, and then enter "MIDI Basics" into the search box.

Playing Back Songs (MIDI, Audio Data) on a Computer with the Instrument

You can play back MIDI Song files on a computer using the instrument's Voice sounds with MIDI file playback applications. You can also play back audio data through the instrument's built-in speakers using audio playback applications.

Diagram description: A diagram shows an instrument connected to a computer for playback.

Recording Your Keyboard Performance as MIDI Data to a Computer

Using Music Production software on a computer, your keyboard performance can be recorded as MIDI data. This section covers basic settings required on the instrument for recording. Note that some functions may not be built into the instrument.

Diagram description: A diagram shows an instrument connected to a computer for recording MIDI data.

Recording Your Keyboard Performance as Audio Data to a Computer

Your keyboard performance can be recorded as audio data to Music Production software on your computer. For more detailed instructions, refer to the Owner's Manual supplied with your instrument. To transmit audio data, you will need to install the Yamaha Steinberg USB Driver to your computer (refer to page 5).

NOTE: Not all models are equipped for recording audio data via USB cables. Refer to the end of this manual or the Owner's Manual for specific information. DAW stands for Digital Audio Workstation, an application software for recording, editing, and mixing audio data.

Connecting to a Computer: Which Terminal Should I Use?

Most MIDI instruments are equipped with MIDI terminals or a USB TO HOST terminal for computer connection. Confirm which terminal your instrument has.

When equipped with a USB TO HOST terminal

The instrument can be connected to the computer via a USB cable (AB type USB cable, less than 3 meters). USB 3.0 cables cannot be used.

Diagram description: A diagram shows a "USB TO HOST" terminal.

When equipped with MIDI terminals

The instrument can be connected to the computer via MIDI cables and a USB-MIDI interface, such as the Yamaha UX16.

Diagram description: A diagram shows MIDI IN and OUT terminals.

If the instrument is equipped with both terminals, using the USB TO HOST terminal is recommended due to the need for only one cable and support for multiple ports.

Connecting a Computer to the Instrument

Connecting to the USB TO HOST terminal

Precautions when using the USB TO HOST terminal

When connecting the computer to the USB TO HOST terminal, observe the following points to avoid freezing the computer and corrupting or losing data:

• Use an AB type USB cable of less than 3 meters. USB 3.0 cables cannot be used.
• Before turning on the instrument's power, connect the computer to the USB TO HOST terminal.
• While the computer is connected, wait for six seconds or more between operations: (1) turning the instrument's power off and on again, or (2) alternately connecting/disconnecting the USB cable.

If the computer or instrument freezes, restart the application software or the computer OS, or turn the instrument's power off and then on again.

System requirements and setup

For MIDI Transfer

Operating System (OS): Windows 7 SP1 (32-bit/64-bit), Windows 8.1 (32-bit/64-bit), Windows 10 (32-bit/64-bit); Mac OS X 10.11.0 – 10.13.x

NOTICE: Never use a computer with a different OS than those listed above, as this may cause problems.

Yamaha Standard USB-MIDI driver

Normally, a USB driver is not required. However, if data communication is unstable or problems occur, download and install the Yamaha Standard USB-MIDI driver from: http://download.yamaha.com/. After selecting your country and clicking on "Firmware/Software Updates" from the "Support" page, select the Product Category, and then enter "USB-MIDI" into the search box. Select the appropriate driver for your OS and follow the Installation Guide.

NOTE:

• For models with audio communication capability, install the Yamaha Steinberg USB Driver.
• For Mac OS computers, the standard driver is sufficient; no additional installation is needed.
• The Yamaha Standard USB-MIDI driver may be incompatible with the instrument depending on the computer OS used.

For Audio Transfer

For Windows: Download and install the Yamaha Steinberg USB Driver from: http://download.yamaha.com/. Follow the Installation Guide.

For Mac: Standard driver on Mac OS can be used; no additional installation is needed.

Connection

1. Turn off the instrument's power.
2. Start the computer and quit any running application software.
3. Connect the USB cable to the instrument's USB TO HOST terminal and then to the computer's USB terminal.

Diagram description: Diagram illustrating connection: Computer connected via USB cable to USB TO HOST terminal on Instrument.

4. Turn on the instrument's power. The computer will automatically set up MIDI communication with the instrument.

Connecting to the MIDI terminals

NOTE: Audio data cannot be transmitted via MIDI terminals. Use a USB cable to the USB TO HOST terminal for audio data transfer.

1. Install the Yamaha USB-MIDI driver supplied with the USB-MIDI Interface to the computer. Refer to the USB-MIDI interface manual for details.
2. Turn off the instrument, then connect the USB-MIDI interface to the computer's USB terminal and to the instrument's MIDI terminals. Restarting the computer is not necessary.

Diagram description: Diagram illustrating connection: Computer connected via USB-MIDI interface to MIDI [IN][OUT] terminals on Instrument.

3. Turn on the instrument's power.

Playing Back Songs (MIDI, Audio Data) on a Computer with the Instrument

Using MIDI file playback software on your computer, you can play back Songs (MIDI files) using the connected instrument's sounds. With an audio playback application, you can play back audio song files through the instrument's built-in speakers. This section outlines the basic procedure.

1. Connect the instrument to a computer (page 5).
2. Start the file playback software/application on the computer. Refer to the software's manual for detailed instructions.
3. Have a playback file ready on the computer.
4. From the playback software, select the connected instrument as the output destination.
5. Start playback of the file on the playback software.

Song playback from the computer is output through the instrument's speakers.

NOTE:

• If MIDI data includes unsupported functions, the instrument may not play the data correctly.
• Not all models support audio playback functions; refer to the end of this manual or the Owner's Manual for specific information.

Diagram description: Diagram showing Instrument sending playback data to Computer.

Recording Your Keyboard Performance as MIDI Data to a Computer

By using Music Production software on the computer, you can record your keyboard performance as MIDI data. This section covers basic settings needed on the instrument for recording. Keep in mind that some functions may not be built into the instrument.

Local Control settings

When recording to the computer, MIDI data is transmitted to the computer and then returned to the instrument. This can cause a "double" sound because the instrument's tone generator receives data directly from the keyboard and from the computer. To avoid this, set Local Control to "Off" to separate the tone generator from the keyboard.

NOTE: When using a software synthesizer, ensure the computer application is set to prevent MIDI data received from the instrument from being sent back to it, in addition to setting Local Control to "Off".

External Clock

When playing back Style/Arpeggio data, choose whether to use the instrument's clock or the computer's clock. If using the computer's clock, set the instrument so that Style/Arpeggio playback follows the external clock.

MIDI Transmit settings

Configure settings to transmit Style/Arpeggio playback and keyboard performance data to the computer. Note that some instruments cannot transmit playback data.

Transmitting the Panel Settings (Initial Send)

Executing this before recording captures panel settings at the beginning of the Song data, ensuring proper sound production when the recorded Song plays back.

Diagram description: Diagram showing Instrument recording data to Computer.

Recording Your Keyboard Performance as Audio Data to a Computer

You can record your keyboard performance as audio data to Music Production software on your computer. For more detailed instructions, refer to the Owner's Manual supplied with your instrument. To transmit audio data, you will need to install the Yamaha Steinberg USB Driver to your computer (page 5).

NOTE: Not all models are equipped for recording audio data via USB cables. For specific information, refer to the end of this manual, or the Owner's Manual supplied with your instrument. DAW stands for Digital Audio Workstation, which is application software that enables you to record, edit, and mix audio data. Some major DAW software include Cubase, Logic, SONAR and DigitalPerformer.

Transferring MIDI Files Including Songs

Using Musicsoft Downloader (available for free download), the following data types can be transferred between the computer and instrument:

Song files with the extension ".mid"

• External Song: Song data created on an external device (like a computer) or obtained over the Internet.
• User Song: Song data created via the instrument's Recording function. User Song data can be transferred to the computer as backup and returned to the instrument.

Style files with the extension ".sty"

• External Style: Style data created on an external device (like a computer) or obtained over the Internet.
• User Style: Style data created via the instrument's Recording function. User Style data can be transferred to the computer as backup and returned to the instrument.

Backup file with the extension ".bup"

This file includes panel settings and performance data, and can be transferred to the computer for backup. The Backup file can be returned to the instrument to recall previously created panel settings and performance data.

Diagram description: Diagram showing Instrument transferring data to Computer.

The items included in Backup files and transferable data differ by instrument. Refer to the end of this manual or the Owner's Manual for details.

NOTICE: If batteries can be installed to the instrument: To avoid power loss during data transfer and potential data loss, use the power adapter instead of batteries when using Musicsoft Downloader.

NOTE: Stop playback of Songs or Styles when using Musicsoft Downloader, as the instrument's internal memory cannot be accessed from the computer during playback.

Installing Musicsoft Downloader

System Requirements

Check the Yamaha downloads website. Musicsoft Downloader is not supported in Macintosh.

1. On the computer, access the following site and download Musicsoft Downloader: http://download.yamaha.com/. After selecting your country and clicking on "Firmware/Software Updates" from the "Support" page, select the Product Category, and then enter "Musicsoft Downloader" into the search box. Select "Musicsoft Downloader" from the search results. Computer system requirements and installation details will be displayed.
2. Execute the installation by following the on-screen instructions. After installation, confirm that the shortcut icon is on the screen or Musicsoft Downloader is added under Yamaha in the Start menu. Refer to the Help for detailed instructions.

Transferring MIDI data from the Computer to the Instrument

NOTE: Depending on the instrument and computer OS, menu and screen indications may differ from those shown.

1. Connect the instrument to a computer.
2. On the computer desktop, double-click the Musicsoft Downloader shortcut icon. If the shortcut is not found, select [Start] → [All Programs] → [YAMAHA] → [Musicsoft Downloader 5] → [Musicsoft Downloader]. Musicsoft Downloader will launch, and the main window will appear.
3. Click [Connection Check] at the bottom of the window. This verifies if communication between the computer and instrument is properly established. If an error message appears, follow the on-screen instructions to check the connection status with the Yamaha USB-MIDI driver.
4. Click [Add File] to open the file selection window.
5. In the file selection window, select the desired file, then click [Open].

Diagram description: Screenshot of Musicsoft Downloader interface showing file selection and transfer options.

6. In the lower left box of the main window, click "Electronic Musical Instruments," then select the desired destination drive.
• To transfer Song (.mid) or Style (.sty) data to the instrument's internal memory, select "Flash Memory."
• To transfer Song (.mid) or Style (.sty) data to USB storage connected to the USB TO DEVICE terminal, select "USB."
• To transfer Backup file (.bup) data, select "System Drive."

NOTE: When a "USER FILES" folder is present under "Flash Memory" or "USB": For User Songs, select "USER FILES." Song files outside this folder are treated as External Songs. For External Songs, select a folder other than "USER FILES," or simply specify "Flash Memory" or "USB." Selecting "USER FILES" for External Songs prevents them from being played back on the instrument.

IMPORTANT: Regarding Backup files, User Songs, and User Styles created on the instrument, never change the file name on the computer. Doing so makes it impossible to transfer the file back to the instrument and prevents User Song and User Style data from being recognized.

7. Select the file in the upper half box, then click the downward [Move] button. A confirmation message will appear. To cancel, click [CANCEL].
8. Click [OK] to start data transfer from the computer to the instrument.

NOTICE: Never unplug the USB cable during data transfer. This will cause the transfer to fail, may destabilize memory media operation, and could result in content disappearance when the power is turned on or off.

9. After data transfer is complete, close the window to quit Musicsoft Downloader.
10. On the instrument, use the data to play music. If a Backup file (.bup) was transferred, confirm that panel settings have changed as expected. If a Song (.mid) or Style (.sty) was transferred, select the corresponding number and start playback. Refer to the Owner's Manual or page 14 for details.

NOTE: The instrument cannot be operated while Musicsoft Downloader is running.

Diagram description: Screenshot of Musicsoft Downloader showing file selection and destination drive selection.

Transferring Song/Style data from the Instrument to the Computer

NOTE: Depending on the instrument and computer OS, menu and screen indications may differ from those shown.

1. Connect the instrument to a computer.
2. On the computer desktop, double-click the Musicsoft Downloader shortcut icon. If the shortcut is not found, select [Start] → [All Programs] → [YAMAHA] → [Musicsoft Downloader 5] → [Musicsoft Downloader]. Musicsoft Downloader will launch, and the main window will appear.
3. Click [Connection Check] at the bottom of the window. This verifies if communication between the computer and instrument is properly established. If an error message appears, follow the on-screen instructions to check the connection status with the Yamaha USB-MIDI driver.
4. In the lower left box of the main window, click "Electronic Musical Instruments," then select the desired source drive.
• To transfer Song (.mid) or Style (.sty) data in internal memory, select "Flash Memory."
• To transfer Song (.mid) or Style (.sty) data in USB flash memory connected to the USB TO DEVICE terminal, select "USB."
• To transfer Backup file (.bup) data, select "System Drive."
5. In the lower right box of the window, select the desired file, then click the upward [Move] button. A confirmation message will appear. To cancel, click [CANCEL].
6. Click [OK] to start data transfer from the instrument to the computer's temporary storage area.
7. After a while, confirm that the transferred data appears in the box on the upper half of the window.
8. In the lower left box, select the desired destination folder, then click the downward [Move] button. A confirmation message will appear. To cancel, click [CANCEL].
9. Click [OK] to start data transfer from the temporary storage area to the specified destination folder of the computer.

NOTICE: Never unplug the USB cable during data transfer. This will cause the transfer to fail, may destabilize memory media operation, and could result in content disappearance when the power is turned on or off.

10. After data transfer is completed, confirm that the file is located in the specified folder of the computer.
11. Quit Musicsoft Downloader.

Diagram description: Screenshot of Musicsoft Downloader file selection window.

Playing Back MIDI Files including Songs Transferred from a Computer

For instructions concerning models other than the following, refer to the relevant Owner's Manuals.

Models: YDP-C71/YDP-S52/YDP-S51/YDP-S34/YDP-163/YDP-162/YDP-143/ YDP-142/CLP-625/CLP-525

You can transfer up to 10 Song files from a computer to this instrument for playback. The transferred Songs are assigned to the D#6–C7 keys, allowing you to select and play them back.

NOTE: The shapes of buttons may appear different from those on your instrument.

1. While holding down [DEMO/SONG], press one of the D#6–C7 keys to select a song to play back.

Diagram description: Diagram showing keyboard keys [DEMO/SONG] and piano keys D#6-C7 for song selection.

YDP-C71: Playback continues the sequence: other Songs transferred from the computer, followed by Demo Songs and Preset Songs.

YDP-S52/YDP-S51/YDP-S34/YDP-163/YDP-162/YDP-143/YDP-142/CLP-625/CLP-525: Playback continues the sequence: other Songs transferred from the computer.

To change the Song during playback: Press [+ R] or [- L] to change to the next or previous Song.

2. Press [DEMO/SONG] or [PLAY] to stop playback.

Changing Playback Channels

Use this operation when Song playback produces an unexpected or unnatural sound.

To set Playback Channels to “1+2”:

While holding down [DEMO/SONG] and [PIANO/VOICE] simultaneously, press the C7 key.

Diagram description: Diagram showing keyboard keys [DEMO/SONG], [PIANO/VOICE], and C7 for channel setting.

With this operation, only Song data on channels 1 and 2 will be played back. When Voices incompatible with this instrument are assigned to Channels 3–16 and Piano parts are assigned to Channels 1 and 2, this operation results in the proper or expected sound.

To set Playback Channels to “All”:

While holding down [DEMO/SONG] and [PIANO/VOICE] simultaneously, press the B6 key.

Diagram description: Diagram showing keyboard keys [DEMO/SONG], [PIANO/VOICE], and B6 for channel setting.

With this operation, the Song data of all channels will be played back.

Target Models and Functions / Zielmodelle und Funktionen / Modèles cibles et fonctions / Modelos y funciones objetivo / Modelos de destino e funções / Modelli interessati e funzioni / Doelmodellen en functies / Modele i funkcje / Применимые модели и функции / Målmodeller og funktioner / Målmodeller och funktioner

If the model name of your instrument is not listed above, refer to the Owner's Manual supplied with your instrument to check its functions.

*1 Available on instrument firmware version 2.00 or later.