Computer-related Operations

What You Can Do with a Connected Computer

Most digital musical instruments are compatible with MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). This technology allows the instrument to communicate with a connected computer by transmitting/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 "Data formats compatible for transfer" column in "Target Models and Functions" or your instrument's Owner's Manual for details.

NOTE: For details about MIDI, refer to "MIDI Basics" on the following website: https://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 files, Audio Data files) on a Computer with the Instrument

Playing back MIDI files: You can play back MIDI Song files on a computer using the instrument's Voice sounds with MIDI file playback applications.

Playing back Audio data files: You can play back audio song data files through the instrument's built-in speakers using audio playback applications.

Diagram: A musical keyboard is shown connected to a computer via USB. Musical notes are depicted flowing between the keyboard and the computer, illustrating data transfer.

Recording Your Keyboard Performance as MIDI Data to a Computer

Your keyboard performance can be recorded as MIDI events to music software on a computer. Depending on the application, the recorded data can be edited in various ways and even converted to notation.

Diagram: Keyboard performance data, represented as musical notes, is shown being sent from a keyboard to a computer.

Recording Your Keyboard Performance as Audio Data to a Computer

Your keyboard performance can be recorded as audio data to a computer using a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) application or hardware. Depending on the particular application, the recorded data can be edited in various ways.

Diagram: Keyboard performance data, represented as an audio waveform, is shown being sent from a keyboard to a computer.

Transferring data files Including Song Files, Style Files and Backup Files

User Song data recorded on the instrument can be transferred to a computer and saved as a file. Song data (MIDI files) obtained via the Internet can be transferred and stored to the instrument for future listening or keyboard practice. Depending on the instrument, Musicsoft Downloader (free) is required to transfer files. Refer to the "File transfer method" column in "Target Models and Functions."

NOTE: Musicsoft Downloader is compatible only with Windows operating systems, and not Mac.

Diagram: A musical keyboard is shown connected to a computer via USB, with arrows indicating data transfer between them.

NOTICE: If batteries can be installed to the instrument: To avoid power down during file transfer and possible data loss, make sure to use the power adapter rather than batteries when transferring files.

NOTE: Make sure to stop playback of the Song or Style when using Musicsoft Downloader, since internal memory of the instrument cannot be accessed from the computer during playback.

Connecting to a Computer: Which Terminal Should I Use?

Electronic musical instruments have several external connection terminals. The USB TO HOST terminal is one of the most convenient and easy-to-use for connection to a computer.

USB TO HOST terminal:

Use an AB type USB cable of less than 3 meters. USB 3.0 cables cannot be used. The data that can be handled differs depending on the instrument. Refer to the "Data formats compatible for transfer" column in "Target Models and Functions" or your instrument's Owner's Manual for specifics.

Icon: A symbol representing a 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.

NOTICE:

• Close all applications.
• Before turning on the power to the instrument, connect the computer to the USB TO HOST terminal.
• While the computer is connected to the instrument, wait for six seconds or more between operations: (1) when turning the instrument's power off then on again, or (2) when 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 then on again.

Connecting a Computer to the Instrument

Use an AB type USB cable of less than 3 meters. USB 3.0 cables cannot be used.

System requirements and setup

Operating System (OS): Windows 8.1 (32-bit/64-bit), Windows 10 (32-bit/64-bit); macOS 10.13.x, 10.14.x, 10.15.x

For MIDI Transfer

NOTICE: Do not use a computer with an OS different from those listed above, as it may cause problems.

Normally, no driver installation is required. (Refer to "In case MIDI communication is unstable" for troubleshooting.)

For Audio Transfer

For Windows: Download and install the Yamaha Steinberg USB Driver from the following URL: https://download.yamaha.com/. After selecting your country and clicking on "Firmware/Software Updates" from the "Support" page, select the Product Category, and then enter "Yamaha Steinberg USB Driver" into the search box. Refer to the URL for system requirements. Follow the Installation Guide in the package file to install the driver.

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

NOTE: Not all models are equipped with audio playback functions. Refer to the "USB Audio" column in "Target Models and Functions" or your instrument's Owner's Manual for specific information.

Diagram: A USB cable connects a computer's USB port to a musical instrument's USB TO HOST terminal.

In case MIDI communication is unstable

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 the following URL: https://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 USB-MIDI driver for your computer's OS from the search results and follow the Installation Guide.

NOTE: For models with audio communication capability, install the Yamaha Steinberg USB Driver, which supports both MIDI and audio communication. Depending on the computer OS, the Yamaha Standard USB-MIDI driver may be incompatible with the instrument.

Connection

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

The computer will automatically be set to enable MIDI communication with the instrument.

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

This section covers the basic procedure.

1. Connect the instrument to a computer. Refer to "Connecting a Computer to the Instrument."
2. Start the file playback software/application on the computer. For detailed instructions, refer to the manual of your particular playback software.
3. Have a playback file ready on the computer (MIDI files or Audio data files).
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 functions not supported by the instrument, it may not play correctly. Not all models are equipped with audio playback functions; refer to the "USB Audio" column in "Target Models and Functions" or your instrument's Owner's Manual for specific information.

Diagram: A musical keyboard is shown connected to a computer via USB, with musical notes flowing between them.

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. For detailed instructions, refer to the application's manual. This section covers basic settings for recording on the instrument. Some functions may not be available on all instruments.

Local Control settings

When recording your keyboard performance to the connected computer, MIDI data is transmitted to the computer and returned to the instrument, causing a "double" sound. To avoid this, set Local Control to "Off" to separate the instrument's tone generator from the keyboard.

NOTE: When using a software synthesizer, ensure the computer application is set so that MIDI data received from the instrument is not returned 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 to the computer. Note that some instruments cannot transmit playback data.

Transmitting the Panel Settings (Initial Send)

Executing this before recording saves the panel settings to the beginning of the Song data, ensuring proper sounds when the recorded Song plays back.

Diagram: Keyboard performance data (notes) is shown being sent from a keyboard to a 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 your instrument's Owner's Manual. If your computer's OS is Windows, you will need to install the Yamaha Steinberg USB Driver to properly transmit audio data. Refer to "Connecting a Computer to the Instrument."

NOTE: Not all models are equipped for recording audio data via USB cables. For specific information, refer to "Target Models and Functions" or your instrument's Owner's Manual. DAW stands for Digital Audio Workstation, which is application software for recording, editing, and mixing audio data. Major DAW software includes Cubase, Logic, SONAR, and Digital Performer.

Transferring files using Musicsoft Downloader

NOTE: The file transfer method differs depending on the instrument. Refer to the "File transfer method" column in "Target models and Functions."

• Transferring files using Musicsoft Downloader (free)
• Transferring files using Explorer, Finder, etc. attached to the computer

Installing Musicsoft Downloader

System Requirements

Check the Yamaha downloads website. Musicsoft Downloader is not supported for Mac.

How to install

1. On your computer, access the following site and download Musicsoft Downloader: https://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 for computer system requirements and installation information.
2. Execute installation by following the on-screen instructions.

After installation, confirm the Shortcut icon is on the screen or Musicsoft Downloader is added under Yamaha in the Start menu. For detailed instructions, refer to the Help.

Transferring MIDI files from the Computer to the Instrument

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

1. Connect the instrument to a computer.
2. On the computer's desktop, double-click the Musicsoft Downloader shortcut icon. If the shortcut is not found, select [Start] → [All Programs] → [YAMAHA] → [Musicsoft Downloader] → [Musicsoft Downloader]. Musicsoft Downloader will launch, and the main window will appear.
3. Click [Connection Check] at the bottom of the window. This verifies communication between the computer and instrument. 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 and click [Open].

Screenshot: The Musicsoft Downloader main window is displayed, showing a list of files stored temporarily, available space, and options to add files, move files, and check connections. A file selection dialog box is also shown.

6. In the lower left box of the main window, click "Electronic Musical Instruments," then select the desired destination drive:
• For Song (*.MID) or Style (*.STY) data to internal memory, select "Flash Memory."
• For Song (*.MID) or Style (*.STY) data to a USB flash drive connected to the USB TO DEVICE terminal, select "USB."
• For Backup file (*.BUP) data, select "System Drive."

NOTE: When a "USER FILES" folder is present under "Flash Memory" or "USB": For User Songs, select the "USER FILES" folder. Song files outside this folder are treated as External Songs. For External Songs, select a folder other than "USER FILES," or 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.
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 panel settings have changed as expected.
• If a Song (*.MID) was transferred, select its number and start playback. Refer to the Owner's Manual or "Playing Back MIDI Files including Songs Transferred from a Computer."
• If a Style (*.STY) was transferred, confirm successful transfer according to the Owner's Manual.

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

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 below.

1. Connect the instrument to a computer.
2. From the computer's Desktop, double-click the Musicsoft Downloader shortcut icon. If not found, select [Start] → [All Programs] → [YAMAHA] → [Musicsoft Downloader] → [Musicsoft Downloader]. Musicsoft Downloader launches, and the main window appears.
3. Click [Connection Check] at the bottom of the window. This verifies communication. If an error message appears, follow 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:
• For Song (*.MID) or Style (*.STY) data in internal memory, select "Flash Memory."
• For Song (*.MID) or Style (*.STY) data in a USB flash drive connected to the USB TO DEVICE terminal, select "USB."
• For Backup file (*.BUP) data, select "System Drive."

Screenshot: The Musicsoft Downloader main window is displayed, showing temporary file storage, available space, and source drive selection options (Flash Memory, USB, System Drive).

5. In the lower right box, select the desired file and 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 upward [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. Data transfer may fail, memory media may become unstable, and contents may disappear when the power is turned on or off.

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

Transferring files with a Computer using Explorer, Finder, etc.

NOTE: Depending on the instrument and computer OS, menu and screen indications may differ. The file transfer method also differs depending on the instrument. Refer to the "File transfer method" column in "Target model and Functions."

• Transferring files using Musicsoft Downloader (free)
• Transferring files using Explorer, Finder, etc. on the computer

Windows 10 is used as an example in this manual.

1. Connect the instrument and the computer via a USB cable.
2. Set the instrument's "Storage Mode" function to "ON" according to the Owner's Manual.

NOTE: The instrument is locked or cannot be used while "Storage Mode" is set to "ON." "Storage Mode" should normally be set to "OFF," except when transferring files between the instrument and the computer.

3. On the computer, start a file copying application, such as Explorer.
4. Confirm that the instrument is recognized as an external storage device using Explorer or a similar program. The device name depends on the instrument.

Screenshot: Windows Explorer shows a connected drive labeled "YAMAHA PK (D:)", representing the instrument as an external storage device, listing files like "PSR-E373.BUP".

5. Copy files between the computer and the instrument (external storage device).

NOTICE:

• When copying files from the computer to the instrument (external storage drive), ensure the instrument (external storage drive) has enough free space.
• Do not change (rename) backup file names (*.BUP) on the computer; backup data will not be imported.
• Regarding User Songs and User Styles created on the instrument, never change the file name on the computer, as this prevents them from being recognized by the instrument.
• Do not create folders on the instrument (external storage drive); the instrument may not recognize copied files correctly.
• Do not format the instrument (external storage drive); it may not work properly.
• Do not disconnect the USB cable during data communication, or turn off the instrument's power. This can result in unsaved data, unstable instrument/computer operation, and loss of memory contents.
• To remove the instrument (external storage drive), follow the procedures in this booklet. Failure to do so may result in file damage.
6. After copying is completed, remove the instrument (external storage drive) from the computer. The drive name depends on the instrument.

Screenshot: The Windows taskbar shows the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon, with an option to "Eject Digital Keyboard" (representing the instrument).

7. Disconnect the USB cable connecting the instrument to the computer.
8. Set the instrument's "Storage Mode" function to "OFF" according to the Owner's Manual.
9. If you transferred files to the instrument, verify they were transferred correctly:
• For Backup files (*.BUP), confirm panel settings have changed as expected.
• For Songs (*.MID), select the corresponding number and start playback. Refer to the Owner's Manual or "Playing Back MIDI Files including Songs Transferred from a Computer."
• For Styles (*.STY), confirm successful transfer according to the Owner's Manual.

Playing Back MIDI Files including Songs Transferred from a Computer

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

YDP-C71/YDP-S52/YDP-S51/YDP-S34/YDP-163/YDP-162/YDP-143/YDP-142/CLP-725/CLP-625/CLP-525/YDP-164/YDP-144/YDP-S54

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

NOTE: Button shapes may differ from your instrument. For functions assigned to keys, refer to the Quick Operation Guide supplied with your instrument.

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

Diagram: A hand is shown holding down the [DEMO/SONG] button on a keyboard while pressing a key in the D#6–C7 range.

2. YDP-C71: Playback continues the sequence: other Songs transferred from the computer, followed by Demo Songs and Preset Songs.
3. YDP-S52/YDP-S51/YDP-S34/YDP-163/YDP-162/YDP-143/YDP-142/CLP-725/CLP-625/CLP-525/YDP-164/YDP-144/YDP-S54: Playback continues the sequence: other Songs transferred from the computer.
4. To change the Song during playback: Press [+ R] or [- L] to change to the next or previous Song.
5. Press [DEMO/SONG] or [PLAY] to stop playback.

Changing Playback Channels

Try 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: A hand is shown holding down the [DEMO/SONG] and [PIANO/VOICE] buttons on a keyboard while pressing the C7 key.

With this operation, only Song data from channels 1 and 2 will play back. If incompatible Voices are assigned to Channels 3–16 and Piano parts to Channels 1 and 2, this 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: A hand is shown holding down the [DEMO/SONG] and [PIANO/VOICE] buttons on a keyboard while pressing the B6 key.

With this operation, Song data from all channels will play back.

Target Models and Functions

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

*1 Models not sold in some regions are also listed.

*2 "Explorer" is entered for models that can transfer files using Explorer, Finder, etc. attached to the computer, and "MSD" is entered for models that cannot. For models with "MSD", transfer the files with Musicsoft Downloader.

*3 SMF Formats 0 & 1

*4 Available on instrument firmware version 2.00 or later.