Yamaha. This product should be used only with the components supplied or; a cart, rack, or stand that is recommended by Yamaha. If a cart, etc., is used, please observe all safety markings and instructions that accompany the accessory product.
DATA BACK-UP AND STORAGE • Yamaha recommends that you regularly save data using a floppy disk in a safe, cool, dry place. YAMAHA CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE...
You are the proud owner of a fine electronic keyboard. The Yamaha PSR-550 PortaTone combines the most advanced tone generation technology with state-of-the- art digital electronics and features to give you stunning sound quality with maximum musical enjoyment. A large graphic display and easy-to-use interface also greatly enhance the operability of this advanced instrument.
PSR-550. page 8 Once you’ve set up the PSR-550, you should read through this section — and explore the relevant page references — to familiarize yourself with the enormous variety of features and functions of the PSR-550.
Contents Packing List How to use the manual Important Features Panel logos ... 9 Music stand ... 10 Panel Controls and Terminals FOOTSWITCH jack ... 10 PHONES/OUTPUT jack ... 10 Top Panel Controls ... 11 Rear Panel Controls ... 11 Setting Up Power supply connections ...
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Disk Song Playback Song Playback ... 68 Song Track Muting ... 70 Song Volume Control ... 70 Playing from a Specified Measure ... 71 Repeat Play (A-B Repeat) ... 72 Song Transpose ... 73 Part Settings Voice Change ... 75 Mixer ...
Important Features Since the PSR-550 has such a wealth of advanced features and functions, you may be at a loss as to how to explore its capabilities and how to best use them for your music. You needn’t worry. The PSR-550 is very easy to play and use, and each function —...
PSR-550 for your specific MIDI system/application. Page 112) Page 57) Music stand The PSR-550 is supplied with a music stand that can be attached to the instrument by inserting it into the slot at the rear of the control panel. Important Features...
#1 #2 PHONES/OUTPUT jack CAUTION • Connect the PSR-550 to external equipment only after turning off power for all devices. To prevent damage to the speakers, set the volume of the external devices at the minimum setting before connecting them. Failure to observe these cautions may result in electric shock or equipment damage.
Be sure to go through this section carefully before turning the power on. Power supply connections Although the PSR-550 will run either from an optional AC adaptor or batteries, Yamaha recommends use of the more environmentally safe AC adaptor. Follow the instructions below according to the power source you intend to use.
Demo Song Playback Once you’ve set up your PSR-550, try listening to the pre-programmed demonstration songs. A total of 9 demo songs are provided. As the song plays back, the backlit LCD of the PSR-550 changes color. Turn the power ON by pressing the [STANDBY/ON] switch.
If you want to play in a certain genre of music but don’t know which style (page 32) and voice (page 26) settings would be appropriate, simply select the desired genre from the Music Database. The PSR-550 automatically makes all appropriate panel settings to let you play in that music style! Press the [MUSIC DATABASE] button.
When you reach the point in the music indicated by the arrow above, press the [ENDING] button. When the ending is finished, the auto accompaniment automatically stops. Data stored by the Music Database Each of the Music Database settings has been specially programmed to match the selected style and each features the best suited voice (or combination of voices), style, and other settings for that style.
Panel Display Indications The PSR-550 features a large multi-function display that shows all important settings for the instrument. This backlit LCD also changes color depending on the selected mode, making operation even easier and more intuitive. For details about the LCD’s Backlight mode, see page 122.
Basic Operation This section introduces you to the basic operations common to the various functions of the PSR-550. In particular, you’ll learn how to use the menu/message display at the center of the front panel. • Calling up the Operation Displays ... page 17 •...
Basic Operation How to Read the Menu/Message Display and “Easy Navigator” Depending on the selected function or operation, the PSR-550 shows a variety of displays and indications. Included in these are “Easy Navigator” messages that guide you through the various operations.
Menu Selection For certain operations on the PSR-550 (such as selecting voices, demo songs and styles), you’ll need to select different menus in the display. For example, the display below (for selecting the function) appears when you press the [FUNCTION] button.
Basic Operation Changing (Editing) Values This section shows you how to set numeric values on the PSR-550, such as voice number, song/style number and various parameters. Input the values by using the number buttons [1]-[0] or the [+/YES]/[-/NO] buttons. Rotating the data dial...
Naming The allows you to create your own original data such as songs, styles and registration memory settings. You can also freely name the data as desired. The following data types can be named. • Disk files (User songs, etc) ... pages 61, 65, 66, 90 •...
Function Tree Button Menu/message display DEMO Sweet Tenor ... Demo song selection ... 13 VOICE R1 001 Grand Piano ... Voice R1 selection ... 26 VOICE R2 001 Grand Piano ... Voice R2 selection ... 27 VOICE L 001 Grand Piano ... Voice L selection ... 28 STYLE 001 8Beat 1 ...
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Button Menu/message display FUNCTION F1 Multi Pad PBnk ... Multi pad bank selection ... CdMatch ... Chord match on/off setting ... F2 Regist Memory RBnk ... Registration Memory bank selection ... RegName ... Namimg Registration Memory bank ... F3 DigitalEffect Reverb RevType ...
Direct Access Chart Function Tree number/function Next style category selection Song repeat setting Song transpose setting Next Music database category selection Volume adjustment of Voice R1 Volume adjustment of Voice R2 Volume adjustment of Voice L Octave setting of Voice R1 Octave setting of Voice R2 Octave setting of Voice L Formatting a disk...
Mode Depending on the panel operation used, the PSR-550 has several fundamentally different conditions (or methods of operation). Each of these condition is called a mode. This section explains the main modes of the instrument. Style Mode Select this mode by pressing the [STYLE] button or the [MUSIC DATABASE] button.
Playing Voices The PSR-550 has a huge selection of various musical instrument voices which you can play. Try out the different voices referring to the voice list at the end of this manual (page 123). Select and play the voices of different musical instruments •...
Playing Two Voices (R1, R2) Simultaneously Press the [PART ON/OFF VOICE R2] button. Play the voices. Two different voices are sounded simultaneously in a layer. Voice R1 (RIGHT 1) is the first voice of the layer and is meant to be played with the right hand.
Playing Voices Playing Different Voices with the Left (L) and Right (R1, R2) Hands Press the [PART ON/OFF VOICE L] button. Play the voices. The notes you play with your right and left hands sound two different voices. Voice L Voice R1 (RIGHT 1) is meant to be played with the right hand.
Split Point (F#2) Voice L Functions of the Keyboard As explained above, the keyboard of the PSR-550 can sound three different voices. Here’s a short summary of the various ways of playing voices. Playing a Single Voice Playing Two Voices...
Playing Voices Transpose This function allows the overall pitch of the PSR-550 to be transposed up or down by a maximum of one octave in semitone increments. The transpose range is from -12 to +12. Press the [TRANSPOSE] button. Set the transposition.
Keyboard Percussion Press the [VOICE R1] button. Select “StandardKit1”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0]. 220 StandardKit1 Play the voice. Refer to the illustration below and the drum kit list at the end of the manual (page 128).
The PSR-550 features a total of 112 styles or accompaniment patterns (style numbers 1 - 112) in a variety of different musical genres. Try selecting some of the different styles (page 130) and play with the auto accompaniment.
Using Auto Accompaniment (all tracks) Press the [STYLE] button. Select a style. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0]. Refer to the Style List (page 130). Turn AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT on. Press the [ACMP ON/OFF] so that its indicator lights. The specified left-hand section of the keyboard becomes the “Auto Accompani- ment”...
Auto Accompaniment Accompaniment Sections There are various types of Auto Accompaniment sections that allow you to vary the arrangement of the accompaniment to match the song you are playing. They are: Intro, Main A and B, Fill-in and Ending. By switching among them as you play, you can easily produce the dynamic elements of a professional-sounding arrangement in your performance.
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• If you press the [SYNC START] button while the accompaniment is playing, the accompaniment will stop and the PSR-550 will enter Synchronized Start standby status. • You can begin the accompaniment by using the ending instead of the intro...
Auto Accompaniment Tempo/Tap Each style of the PSR-550 has been programmed with a default or standard tempo; however, this can be changed by using the [TEMPO/TAP] button. You can change the tempo to any value between 32 and 280 beats per minute.
Accompaniment Track Muting The PSR-550 has eight accompaniment tracks — RHYTHM SUB, RHYTHM MAIN, BASS, CHORD 1, CHORD 2, PAD, PHRASE 1 and PHRASE 2 — that you can control to modify the “orchestration” and therefore the overall sound of the accompaniment. When a style is selected, the icons corresponding to the tracks which contain data for any section of that style will light.
The Fingered 1 mode lets you finger your own chords on the Auto accompaniment section of the keyboard (i.e. all keys to the left of and including the split-point key — normally F#2) while the PSR-550 supplies appropriately orchestrated rhythm, bass and chord accompaniment in the selected style.
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Example for “C” chords Csus Caug CM aug ( #11) (13) Chord Name/[Abbreviation] Major [M] Add ninth [(9)] Sixth [6] Sixth ninth [6(9)] Major seventh [M7] Major seventh ninth [M7(9)] Major seventh add sharp eleventh [M7(#11)] Flatted fifth [(b5)] Major seventh flatted fifth [M7b5] Suspended fourth [sus4] Augmented [aug] Major seventh augmented [M7aug]...
The Full Keyboard mode Fingering =Full When the Full Keyboard Mode is selected, the PSR-550 will automatically create appropriate accompaniment while you play just about anything using both hands, anywhere on the keyboard. You do not have to worry about specifying the accompani- ment chords.
Synchro Stop When the Synchro Stop function is engaged, accompaniment playback will stop completely when all keys in the auto-accompaniment section of the keyboard are released. Accompaniment playback will start again as soon as a chord is played. The BEAT indicators in the display will flash while the accompaniment is stopped. Press the [STYLE] button.
Stop the accompaniment. One Touch Setting parameter list The PSR-550 features four different One Touch Settings for each of the 112 auto accompaniment styles built into the instrument. Each has been specially programmed to match the selected style; each has the best suited voice (or combination of voices), digital effects and other settings for that style.
The Multi Pads The PSR-550 Multi Pads can be used to play a number of short pre-recorded rhythmic and melodic sequences that can be used to add impact and variety to your keyboard performances. You can also record your own Multi Pad phrases as described in “Multi Pad Recording” on page 92.
The Multi Pads Selecting a Multi Pad Bank Press the [FUNCTION] button. Select “Multi Pad.” Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Press the [NEXT] button to display the MULTI PAD BANK screen. Select a Bank. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0].
Digital Effects With the digital effects built into the PSR-550 you can add ambiance and depth to your music in a variety of ways—such as adding reverb that makes you sound like you are playing in a concert hall or adding harmony notes for a full, rich sound.
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Press the [NEXT] button to display the Digital Effect screen. Select “Reverb”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Press the [NEXT] button. Select a reverb type. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Refer to the Reverb Type List (page 133).
Digital Effects Chorus Selecting a Chorus Type Use the same operation as in “Reverb” (page 46). Select “Chorus”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Press the [NEXT] button. Select a chorus type. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Refer to the Chorus Type List (page 133).
Applying the DSP effect Press the [DSP] button. The DSP icon will light up and the DSP effect will be turned on. The effect will be applied when you play the R1, R2 and L voices from the keyboard. In addition, when the [FAST/SLOW] button is pressed, the FAST icon lights up indicating that the variation of the DSP effect is selected.
With the insertion effects, only the DSP depth can be set. The illustration below with the various audio components (instruments, effect devices and a mixer) represents the inner workings of the DSP effects of the PSR-550. Reverb ... All types function as system effects.
Select “Harmony”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Press the [NEXT] button. Select a Harmony/Echo type. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Refer to the Harmony/Echo Type List (page 134). Applying the Harmony/Echo effect Press the [STYLE] button.
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Digital Effects Adjusting the Harmony/Echo volume The volume of the Harmony/Echo sound in relation to the keyboard sound can be adjusted as follows: Use the same operation as in “Selecting a Harmony/Echo Type” (page 50). Press the [NEXT] button to display the Type Selection screen. Press the [NEXT] button to display the Harmony/Echo Volume screen.
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Changing the Part for the Harmony/Echo effect This allows you to select the part which is used for the Harmony/Echo effect. Use the same operation as in “Selecting a Harmony/Echo Type” (page 50). Press the [NEXT] button to display the Type Selection screen. Press the [NEXT] button to display the Harmony Volume screen.
Registration Memory Since the PSR-550 is such a sophisticated instrument with such a variety of controls and functions — voice, style, auto accompaniment and effect settings, just to name a few — the Registration Memory feature is one of the most convenient and powerful of the instrument. It allows you save virtually all panel settings to a Registration Memory setting, and then instantly recall your custom panel settings by press- ing a single button.
Registering the Panel Settings Set up the panel controls as required. Press the round Registration Memory button to call up the Registration Memory function. While holding the [MEMORY] button, press one of the REGIS- TRATION MEMORY buttons: [1] through [4]. A “Regist Memorized”...
Registration Memory Selecting a Registration Bank Press the [FUNCTION] button. Select “Regist Memory”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Press the [NEXT] button to display the Registration Memory Bank screen. Select a bank. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0].
Disk Operations Built into the PSR-550 is a disk drive. Simply insert a floppy disk and you’ve got access to a wide variety of convenient functions, such as recording and playback of User songs (page 78), as well as saving and loading of User styles (page 96), User pads (page 92) and Registration Memory data (page 54).
• When the PSR-550 is turned on, the LED below the floppy disk slot will be lit indicating that the Disk Drive is ready to use. To eject a floppy disk: •...
Included Data Disk Disk song playback Insert the included data disk into the disk drive. Select the desired song. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0]. Press the [START/STOP] button to start the song. Press the [START/STOP] button again to stop the song.
Disk Operations Format Setting up commercially available floppy disks for use with PSR-550 is called format- ting. This function is useful for quickly deleting unnecessary files from an already formatted disk. Be careful when using this operation, since it automatically deletes all data on the disk.
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Memory data can be saved together into one single file, the data can be recalled individually when loaded back into the PSR-550. • If you’ve selected a file that already contains data and you rename the file with the intent of overwriting the data,...
Disk Operations Load After saving User style (107-109), User pad (banks 37-40) and Registration Memory (bank 01-32) data to a floppy disk, you can reload them into the PSR-550. Insert the floppy disk into the disk drive. Press the [LOAD] button.
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(For example, the capacity of the PSR-550 [RAM] may be exceeded, something may be wrong with the floppy disk, or the data from the disk may be corrupted, etc.)
Select “OtherFD”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Press the [NEXT] button to display the Song selection screen. PSR-550 Internal Memory copy Destination • When the destination disk’s write-protect tab is set to ON (page 58) or the disk is a purposely “copy-protected”...
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Select the source song file. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Press the [NEXT] button to display the Name screen. Enter the destination song name directly from the keyboard (page 21). Press the [NEXT] button to display the Copy operation screen.
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Disk Operations Copying data to another location on the same disk Use the same operation as in “Copying data from one floppy disk to another” (page 64). Select “Same FD”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Press the [NEXT] button to display the Song selection screen.
Delete You can delete individual files (User songs, User styles, User pads or Registra- tion Memory) from the floppy disk. Insert the floppy disk into the disk drive. Press the [UTILITY] button. Select “Delete”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Press the [NEXT] button to display the Delete screen.
Disk Song Playback You can playback a huge variety of songs on the PSR-550, including the preset demo songs, the songs on the included data disk, the User songs that you record to a floppy disk and songs on commercially available XG/GM song collection disks.
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Select “PlayMode”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Press the [NEXT] button to display the Song Play Mode screen. Select the desired Play mode. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Single ...
Disk Song Playback Song Track Muting Press the [START/STOP] button to start the song. Press one of the TRACK buttons below the display. The [M] icon will appear and the selected track will be muted. TRANSPOSE REGIST- RATION Pressing the same track button again enables output of the playback sound. Press the [START/STOP] button again to stop the song.
Playing from a Specified Measure Press the [SONG] button. Press the [NEXT] button to display the Song Menu screen. Select “Measure”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Press the [NEXT] button to display the Song Start Measure screen.
Disk Song Playback Repeat Play (A-B Repeat) Press the [SONG] button. Press the [NEXT] button to display the Song Menu screen. Select “AbRepeat”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Press the [NEXT] to display the Repeat screen. Press the [START/STOP] button to start the song.
• Changes made to the transpose setting (on page 30) affect the entire sound of the PSR-550, including the song transpose setting. • Enabling the record mode to record a User song automatically resets the song transpose setting to “0”.
Part Settings In addition to the keyboard-played voices, the PSR-550 features many different instrumental “parts,” included with the auto accompaniment, and song playback. Style mode Keyboard Auto Accompaniment Use the following functions to change the settings for each part: Voice Change ... page 75 This lets you change the voice for each part.
L cannot be changed. Also, the DSP depth for the Voice R1 cannot be altered depending on the selected Insertion Effect type. • Save any part settings you want to keep to the PSR-550 Registration Memory (page 54). The voice part settings are temporary and will be...
Part Settings Mixer Press the [MIXER] button so that its indicator lights. Select the part for which you want to adjust the volume set- ting or parameters. Parts can be selected from the following buttons (depending on the selected mode: Style or Song): Voice ...
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Select the desired parameter by pressing the [NEXT]/[BACK] button. [NEXT] button [NEXT] button [NEXT] button [NEXT] button [NEXT] button The order of Steps 2 and 3 here can be reversed; you can also select the part after selecting the parameter. (In step #2 above, the Volume parameter is shown as an example;...
(R1, R2, L), but also the auto accompaniment parts. The PSR-550 provides two different ways to record: Quick Recording and Multi Track Recording. In addition, comprehensive editing functions let you “fine tune” the recorded song data.
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VOICE R1, R2, L, Accompaniment Style track VOICE R1, R2, L, Accompaniment Style track VOICE R1, R2, L, Accompaniment Style track The PSR-550 provides two different ways to record: Quick Recording and Multi Track Recording. About Multi Track Recording In Multi Track Recording, you determine the track assignments (as shown above) before recording.
Song Recording Quick Recording Insert the floppy disk into the disk drive. Press the [RECORD] button to engage the Record mode. Select “Song”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Press the [NEXT] button. Press the [NEXT] button again to display the RecMode screen.
Press the [NEXT] button to display the Record ready screen. The beat indicator dots will flash at the currently set tempo, indicating that the record ready (Synchro Start) mode is engaged. Start recording. • If you’ve selected [Melody] or [Mel + Acmp] in step #8 above, recording starts as soon as you play a key.
Song Recording Multi Track Recording Use the same operation as in “Quick Recording” (page 80). Press the [NEXT] button to display the Song selection screen. Press the [NEXT] button again to display the RecMode screen. Select “MultiRec”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Press the [NEXT] button three times to display the PART setting screen.
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Press the [NEXT] button to display the Rehearsal screen. Voices and styles can be set from this display. After completing the desired settings, press the [EXIT] button to return to this display. Press the [NEXT] button to display the Record Ready screen. The beat indicator dots will flash at the currently set tempo, indicating that the record ready (Synchro Start) mode is engaged.
Song Recording Re-recording — Punch In/Out and Start Measure This section shows you how to re-record a specific section of a already-recorded song. In the eight-measure example below, the third measures through the fifth measure are re-recorded. Before re-recording After re-recording Previously played data Insert the floppy disk into the disk drive.
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Press the [NEXT] button to display the Punch In/Out screen. Select “On”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Press the [NEXT] button to display the Punch In measure screen. Set the punch-in measure. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0].
Song Recording Quantize Quantize lets you “clean up” or “tighten” the timing of a previously recorded track. For example, the following musical passage has been written with exact quarter-note and eighth-note values. Even though you think you may have recorded the passage accurately, your actual performance may be slightly ahead of or behind the beat (or both!).
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Press the [NEXT] button. Select the Quantize size (resolution). Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Set the Quantize resolution to correspond to the smallest notes in the track you are working with. For example, if the data was recorded with both quarter notes and eighth notes, use 1/8 for the quantize resolution.
Song Recording Editing Setup Data This function lets you make changes to various setup data (voice-related parameters) for each track of a recorded song. The following parameters can be edited: Voice ... Assigns a voice number to the specified track. Volume ...
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Edit the setup data. Press the [NEXT] and [BACK] buttons to switch among the displays (as shown below). • Select a track by pressing one of the [TRACK1]-[TRACK16] buttons. • Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0] to change the desired values in each display.
Song Recording Naming User Songs Use the same operation as in “Re-recording” (page 84). Select the file (song) for which you wish to change the name. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Press the [NEXT] button again to display the RecMode screen.
Clearing User Song Data Use the same operation as in “Re-recording” (page 84). Select the song file to be cleared. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Press the [NEXT] button again to display the RecMode screen.
Multi Pad Recording In addition to the preset Multi Pad sets, the PSR-550 has 16 user-recordable sets that you can use to store your own creations. These original User Multi Pads can be played and used in the same way as the presets.
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Press the [NEXT] button to display the RecMode screen. Select “Record”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Press the [NEXT] button to display the pad number selection screen. Select a Pad number to record. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button, or the MULTI PAD buttons [1]-[4].
Multi Pad Recording Chord Match Use the same operation as in “Multi Pad Recording” (page 92). Select “Edit”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Press the [NEXT] button to display the Edit menu screen. Select “ChdMatch”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.
Enter the desired name for the bank. Use the keyboard to enter the name (page 21). Up to eight letters or characters can be used. Press the [RECORD] button to exit from the Record mode. Clearing User Pad Data Use the same operation as in “Chord Match” (page 94). Select “Clear”.
FILL IN B ENDING On the PSR-550, you can record up to a total of 48 tracks (6 sections x 8 tracks). Data that can be recorded to User styles • Note on/off (key press and release) ... page 107 •...
About Recording User Styles In recording a User song, the PSR-550 records your keyboard performance as MIDI data. Recording of User styles, however, is done in a different way. Here are some of the aspects in which style recording differs from song recording:...
Style Recording Style Recording — Rhythm Track With this operation you can create your own original rhythm patterns by editing existing rhythm track (percussion) data from a preset style. Press the [RECORD] button to engage the Record mode. Select “Style”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.
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Select a Rhythm track to be recorded. Select “RHYTHM MAIN” or “RHYTHM SUB” with the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Press the [NEXT] button to display the Reharsal screen. The beat indicator dots will flash at the currently set tempo, indicating that the record ready (Synchro Start) mode is engaged.
Style Recording Exiting from the Style Record mode To leave the style recording mode, follow the instructions in the chart below. Press the [+/YES] button to exit from the Style Record mode after storing the performance data to Internal Memory. Style Recording —...
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Select a voice for the track to be recorded. Select the desired voice by pressing the [VOICE R1] button (page 26). To return to the previous display, press the [EXIT] button. Start recording. You can start recording with one of the following ways: •...
Style Recording Quantize Quantize lets you “clean up” or “tighten” the timing of a previously recorded track. For example, the following musical passage has been written with exact quarter-note and eighth-note values. Even though you think you may have recorded the passage accurately, your actual performance may be slightly ahead of or behind the beat (or both!).
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Press the [NEXT] button. Select the Quantize size (resolution). Use the data dial, the [-/NO] button or the [+/YES] button. Set the Quantize resolution to correspond to the smallest notes in the track you are working with. For example, if the data was recorded with quarter notes and eighth notes, use 1/8 for the quantize resolution.
Style Recording Naming User Styles Use the same operation as in “Quantize” (page 102). Select “Name”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Press the [NEXT] button to display the Name screen. Enter the desired name for the style. Use the keyboard to enter the name (page 21).
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Press the [NEXT] button to display the Clear screen. Press the [+/YES] button to execute the Clear operation. To abort the Clear operation, press the [-/NO] button. Press the [RECORD] button to exit from the Record mode. If you’ve selected a certain section (other than “ALL sect”), see the explanation on leaving the recording mode on page 100.
HOST SELECT switch. By using the MIDI functions you can expand your musical possibilities. This section explains what MIDI is, and what it can do, as well as how you can use MIDI on your PSR-550. If you don’t know what MIDI is, make sure to read these sections: •...
Change and various other types of MIDI data, or messages. The PSR-550 can control a MIDI device by transmitting note related data and various types of controller data. The PSR-550 can be controlled by the incoming MIDI messages which automatically determine tone generator mode, select MIDI channels, voices and effects, change parameter values and of course play the voices specified for the various parts.
Imagine that there are sixteen separate pipes in the connected MIDI cable. When transmitting MIDI data from the PSR-550 to an external device, MIDI data is sent through the assigned pipe (or MIDI channel) and transmitted to the external device.
This section covers basic information on data compatibility: whether or not other MIDI devices can playback the data recorded by PSR-550, and whether or not the PSR-550 can playback commercially available song data or song data created for other instruments or on a computer.
Connecting to a Personal Computer Connect your PSR-550 to a computer and take advantage of the wide range of power- ful and versatile software for creating and editing music. The PSR-550 can be con- nected in two ways: • Using the MIDI terminals •...
Connect the RS-422 terminal (modem or printer terminal) on the computer to the TO HOST terminal on the PSR-550 using a serial cable (system peripheral cable, 8 bit). Set the PSR-550 HOST SELECT switch in the “Mac” position. PSR-550 Set the MIDI interface clock in the sequencer software you are using to 1 MHz.
MIDI Functions MIDI Template The PSR-550 is capable of transmitting and receiving MIDI data over sixteen indepen- dent channels. For proper MIDI operation, it is necessary to determine which data is set to which channel. The MIDI Template function allows you to instantly configure all appropriate transmit/ receive settings with a single button press.
1: Right1, ch. 2: Right2, ch. 3: Left, chs. 4-16: Off When outputting the performance data (note on/off messages). Used to play the PSR-550 note on/off data with an external tone generator and to record the PSR-550 note on/off data to an external sequencer.
MIDI Functions MIDI Transmit Setting The PSR-550 can simultaneously transmit data on all 16 MIDI channels. The Transmit Channel and Transmit Track functions determine what PSR-550 data is transmitted via which MIDI channels. Press the [FUNCTION] button. Select “Midi.” Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.
MIDI Receive Setting The PSR-550 can simultaneously receive data on all 16 MIDI channels, allowing it to function as a 16-channel multi-timbral tone generator. The Receive Channel and Receive Mode functions determine how each channel will respond to received MIDI data.
When MIDI clock reception is enabled (“Ext”), however, all timing is controlled by an external MIDI clock signal received via the MIDI IN terminal (in this case the PSR-550 TEMPO setting has no effect). The default setting is “Int”.
Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Initial Data Send Transmits all current panel settings to a second PSR-550 or a MIDI data storage device. If you want to have the song play back with the panel settings used for recording, execute the Initial Data Send function before recording the performance on the PSR- 550 to an external sequencer.
Other Functions (Utility) This section of the manual covers some important functions of the PSR-550 that have not been ex- plained in previous sections. These are all combined in the Utility menu of the “Function” section. • Metronome ... “Metronom” ... page 118 •...
(e.g. classic or Arabic scales). The PSR-550 also provides nine different scale settings (shown below) that let you instantly reconfigure the tuning of the instrument for playing in special scales. You can tune the instrument in two ways: select the desired scale setting template, or tune each key individually using Note Edit.
• Set the value with the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Touch Sensitivity The keyboard of the PSR-550 is equipped with a touch response feature that lets you dynamically and expressively control the level of the voices with your playing strength —...
Polarity This parameter lets you configure the footswitch response of the PSR-550 to match that of the particular footswitch you are using. If the footswitch works in the opposite way (i.e., pressing the footswitch has no effect, but releasing it does), try changing this setting.
Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button to set the Backlight color. • Auto ... The color changes according to the mode of the PSR-550. In the Style mode, the • Blue, Red, Purple ... The backlight color is not changed regardless of the mode.
The XG voices conform to Yamaha’s XG format; they also conform to the GM (General MIDI) standard. This allows you to accurately play back any GM- or XG-compatible song data directly on the PSR-550 itself, without having to change voices or make special settings. It also allows you to record songs for other GM- or XG-compatible instruments, and have them play back on those instruments as intended.
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Voice List Bank Select MIDI Voice Program Voice Name Number Change Number Strings Choir Trumpet Brass Number Voice of Notes Number Used Bass&Cymbal Pick Bass FretlessBass Jaco Bass Slap Bass Funk Bass Fusion Bass Synth Bass Analog Bass Dance Bass Hi-Q Bass Rave Bass String Ensbl...
Bank Select MIDI Voice Program Voice Name Number Change Number Ionosphere Symbiont Solaris Millenium Transform Percussion Jazz Vibes Vibraphone Marimba Xylophone Steel Drums Celesta Glockenspiel Music Box Tubular Bell Kalimba Timpani Dulcimer XG Voice List Bank Select MIDI Number Voice Program Voice Name of Notes Number MSB...
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Voice List Bank Select MIDI Voice Program Voice Name Number MSB LSB Change Number FunkGuitar2 Jazz Man Overdriven Guitar Pinch Distortion FeedbackGtr FeedbackGtr2 GtrHarmonics GtrFeedback GtrHarmonic2 AcousticBass Jazz Rhythm VXUprghtBass Finger Bass Finger Dark Flange Bass Bass&DistEG Finger Slap FingerBass2 Mod.Bass Pick Bass MutePickBass...
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Bank Select MIDI Number Voice Program Voice Name of Notes Number MSB LSB Change Used Number Sine Pad Horn Pad RotaryStrngs PolySynthPad Poly Pad 80 Click Pad Analog Pad Square Pad Choir Pad Heaven Itopia CC Pad Bowed Pad Glacier Glass Pad Metallic Pad Tine Pad...
Drum Kit List • “<——” indicates that the drum kit is the same as “Standard Kit1”. • Each percussion voice uses one note, whereas one marked ( • The note numbers and note names printed on the keyboard are one octave higher than the MIDI note numbers and note names shown in the list.
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Bank MSB Bank LSB Prgram Number Note # Note Jazz Kit C#-1 <—— <—— D#-1 <—— <—— <—— F#-1 <—— <—— G#-1 <—— <—— A#-1 <—— <—— <—— <—— <—— <—— <—— <—— <—— Snare Jazz H <—— <—— <—— <——...
Style List Style Style Name Number 8 Beat 8 Beat 1 8 Beat 2 8 Beat 3 8 Beat Adria 8 Beat Party 8 Beat Rock Root Rock Hard Rock 16 Beat 16 Beat Pop Guitar Pop Kool Shuffle Pop Shuffle Jazz Rock Ballad 16 Beat Ballad...
Music Database List Song Name Number POP HITS Alive Fever Alive Synth Croco Rock D.Survival EasySunday1 EasySunday2 GoingMyWay 1 GoingMyWay 2 Hurry Luv I’m Torn Imagination Just Called Just the way Love is Deep Music Thanks Nikita Trp. Paradise Day Proud Guitar Sailing Sax SeptemberPop...
When DSP type is selected as a System effect • Although not all the effect settings cannot be made by operating the PSR-550 panel manually, some of them may be accessible through MIDI. Refer to the MIDI data format for details.
Reverb Type List Reverb Type System/Insertion Description Hall1-5 System Concert hall reverb. Room1-7 System Small room reverb. Stage1-4 System Reverb for solo instruments. Plate1-3 System Simulated steel plate reverb. White Room System A unique short reverb with a bit of initial delay. Tunnel System Simulation of a tunnel space expanding to left and right.
(page 21) is called up in the display or not. If the naming function is active, the PSR-550 does not produce any sound, even when the keys are played. You are probably exceeding the maximum polyphony of the PSR-550. The PSR-550 can play up to 32 notes at the same time —...
Data Backup & Initialization Data Backup Except for the data listed below, all PSR-550 panel settings are reset to their initial settings whenever the power is turned on. The data listed below are backed up - i.e. retained in memory - as long as an AC adaptor is connected or a set of batteries is installed.
Alert Message List No File Unformatted Disk Disk Error Write-protected File Protected No Disk Insert Song Disk Disk Removed Disk Full Wrong Disk Same Name Maximum 60 Songs Memory Full The disk contains no file to be loaded, copied, or be deleted. Insert the disk that contains files to be loaded, copied, or deleted.
This message appears to indicate you cannot enter the function when you select a Multi Pad function in the Multi Pad Recording mode. • This message may appear when the PSR-550 is turned on, and indi- cates that user data temporarily stored in the internal memory has been lost (page 136).
ALL NOTES OFF OMNI OFF OMNI ON MONO POLY PROGRAM CHANGE CHANNEL AFTER TOUCH PITCH BEND CHANGE SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE MESSAGE <YAMAHA MIDI FORMAT> <UNIVERSAL> UNIVERSAL REALTIME UNIVERSAL NON-REALTIME <XG STANDARD> XG PARAMETER CHANGE XG BULK DUMP PARAMETER REQUEST DUMP REQUEST...
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STATUS 11111110 (FEH) Transmission: Transmitted approximately once every 200msec. Reception: Depending upon the condition, Rhythm, Song Playback, or Song Rec will stop. (3-6) SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE MESSAGE (3-6-1) YAMAHA MIDI FORMAT (3-6-1-1) SECTION CONTROL binary hexadecimal 11110000 Exclusive status 01000011 YAMAHA ID...
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MIDI Data Format (3-6-1-2) TEMPO CONTROL binary hexadecimal 11110000 Exclusive status 01000011 YAMAHA ID 01111110 Style 00000000 0ttttttt Tempo4 0ttttttt Tempo3 0ttttttt Tempo2 0ttttttt Tempo1 11110111 End of Exclusive The internal clock will be set to the received Tempo value.
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(3-6-4) CLAVINOVA MIDI COMPLIANCE (3-6-4-1) DOC MULTI TIMBRE ON / OFF (Receive only) binary hexadecimal 11110000 Exclusive status 01000011 YAMAHA ID 01110011 Clavinova ID 00000001 Clavinova commmon ID 0001000n N: 3(DOC Multi Timbre Off),4(DOC Multi Timbre On) 11110111 End of Exclusive...
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MIDI Data Format < Table 1-4 > MIDI Parameter Change table (EFFECT) Address Size Data 00..7F 00..7F 00..7F 00..7F 00..7F 00..7F 00..7F 00..7F 00..7F 00..7F 00..7F 00..7F 00..7F 01..7F TOTAL SIZE 0E 00..7F 00..7F 00..7F 00..7F 00..7F 00..7F TOTAL SIZE 6 00..7F 00..7F 00..7F...
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< Table 1-5 > MIDI Parameter Change table (MULTI PART) Address Size Data Prameter Name 00..20 Element Reserve 00..7F Bank Select MSB 00..7F Bank Select LSB 00..7F Program Number 00..0F, Rcv Channel 00..01 Mono/Poly Mode 00..03 Same Note Number Key On Assign 00..02 Part Mode 28..58...
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Same as LSB=0 XG OPTION EFFECT Expanded type for PSR-550 * If the received value does not contain an effect type in the TYPE LSB, the LSB will be directed to TYPE 0. * Panel Effects are based on the “[Number] Effect Name”.
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MIDI Data Format FLANGER1,2,3 (chorus, variation block) Parameter Display LFO Frequency 0.00Hz-39.7Hz LFO Depth 0-127 Feedback Level -63-+63 Delay Offset 0.0mS-50mS EQ Low Frequency 50Hz-2.0kHz EQ Low Gain -12-+12dB EQ High Frequency 500Hz-16.0kHz EQ High Gain -12-+12dB Dry/Wet D63>W - D=W - D<W63 LFO Phase Difference -180-+180deg (resolution=3deg.) SYMPHONIC (chorus, variation block)
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2BAND EQ(STEREO) (variation block) Parameter Display EQ Low Frequency 50Hz-2.0kHz EQ Low Gain -12-+12dB EQ High Frequency 500Hz-16.0kHz EQ High Gain -12-+12dB AUTO WAH (variation block) Parameter Display LFO Frequency 0.00Hz-39.7Hz LFO Depth 0-127 Cutoff Frequency Offset 0-127 Resonance 1.0-12.0 EQ Low Frequency 50Hz-2.0kHz EQ Low Gain...
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MIDI Data Format < Table 1-9 > Effect Data Value Assign Table Table#1 LFO Frequency Data Value Data Value Data Value Data Value 0.00 1.35 2.69 8.41 0.04 1.39 2.78 8.75 0.08 1.43 2.86 9.08 0.13 1.47 2.94 9.42 0.17 1.51 3.03 9.76...
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*1 The tracks for each channel can be selected on the panel. See page 114 for more information. *2 Incoming MIDI messages control the PSR-550 as 16 channel multi timbral tone generator when initially shipped (factory set). The MIDI messages don’t affect the panel controls including the Panel Voice selection since they are directly sent to the tone generator of the PSR-550.
• 12 cm (4-3/4") x 2, 3 cm (1-3/16") x 2 Power Consumption • 22W (when using PA-6 power adaptor) Power Supply • Adaptor : Yamaha PA-6 AC power adaptor Rated Voltage DC 10-12V Rated Current • Batteries : Six “D” size, R20P (LR20) or...
Compliance with FCC This applies only to products distributed by YAMAHA CORPORATION OF AMERICA. Entsorgung leerer Batterien (nur innerhalb Deutschlands) Leisten Sie einen Beitrag zum Umweltschutz. Verbrauchte Batterien oder Akkumulatoren dürfen nicht in den Hausmüll.
PSR SERIES OF PORTATONE ELECTRONIC KEYBOARDS If during the first 90 days that immediately follows the purchase date, your new Yamaha product covered by this warranty is found to have a defect in material and/or workmanship, Yamaha and/or its authorized representative will repair such defect without charge for parts or labor.
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For details of products, please contact your nearest Yamaha or the authorized distributor listed below. Pour plus de détails sur les produits, veuillez-vous adresser à Yamaha ou au distributeur le plus proche de vous figurant dans la liste suivante. NORTH AMERICA CANADA Yamaha Canada Music Ltd.
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