Main Operations. Yamaha PSR-EW300, P-255, PS-1

Main Operations

Selecting & Playing Voices

Selecting Voices

Using the following procedure, you can select the instrument sound (such as piano or organ) to use when playing the keyboard.

1

Press a Voice button to select a Voice from the corresponding category.

You can cycle through the category’s Voices by pressing the button multiple times. Refer to the

Voice List (page 51) for details of the Voices

included.

NOTE

• When you press a Voice button, the most-recently selected Voice will be shown on the display.

• Although your digital piano can adjust the loudness of Voices based on the strength of your playing, certain Voices do not support this Touch Sensitiv-

ity feature. Refer to the Voice List (page 51) for details.

2

Play the keyboard to hear how the selected Voice sounds.

Listening to the Voice demo songs

A number of demo songs have been prepared so that you can conveniently familiarize yourself with the sound of each Voice, and these songs can be played as described below. Refer to the Voice Demo Song list for the names of the individual demo songs.

Voice Demo Song list

Voice button

Display

Voice

Name

[PIANO]

[ORGAN]

GP3 or3 or4

Ballad

Grand

Pipe

Organ

Principal

Pipe

Organ

Tutti

Title

Intermezzo, 6 Stücke, op.118-2

Herr Christ, der ein'ge

Gottes-Sohn, BWV.601

Composer

J.

Brahms

J. S.

Bach

Triosonate Nr.6, BWV.530

J. S.

Bach

CL1

CL2

Harpsichord 8’

Concerto a cembalo obbligato, 2 violini, viola e continuo No.7, BWV.1058

J. S.

Bach

[CLV./

VIB.]

Harpsichord

8’+4’

Gigue, Französische

Suiten Nr.5, BWV.816

J. S.

Bach

• The demonstration Songs listed above are short rearranged excerpts of the original compositions.

• All other Songs are Yamaha originals (© 2013 Yamaha Corporation)

1

Press the [DEMO] button to start playback.

The Grand Piano demo song will start to play, and all demo songs will continue to play in sequence until you stop playback. If necessary, you can press a Voice button during playback to skip to the corresponding demo song.

2

Press the [PLAY/STOP] button or the

[DEMO] button to stop playback.

NOTE

• Demo songs cannot be played during recording (page 25) or file opera-

tions (page 30).

NOTE

• The digital piano does not transmit MIDI data when demo songs are playing. In addition, MIDI data will not be received at this time.

NOTE

• The tempo of demo songs cannot be changed; in addition, the Part Cancel

function (page 23) and the A-B Repeat function (page 23) cannot be used

with these songs.

P-255 Owner’s Manual

13


Layering two Voices with Dual mode

Using Dual mode as described below, you can layer two Voices on the keyboard and play them together.

By combining Voices of different types in this way, you can create a composite Voice of greater richness and texture.

1

Select the two Voices you wish to layer using the corresponding Voice buttons.

Your digital piano will get the selected Voices ready for playing.

For details on selecting voices, see page 13.

NOTE

• Two different voices corresponding to the same Voice button—such as

Grand Piano and Live Grand—cannot be layered.

• Dual mode and Split mode cannot be activated at the same time.

2

Activate Dual mode.

Press the Voice buttons for the two selected Voices together and verify that they both light up.

Voice 1 Voice 2

Dividing the keyboard with Split mode

Using Split mode as described below, you can divide the keyboard into left and right sides and assign different Voices to each. You could, for example, play a bass part with your left hand using the Wood Bass or

Electric Bass Voice while playing a melody using a different Voice with your right hand.

1

Activate Split mode.

Press the [SPLIT] button and verify that it lights up.

By default, the Wood Bass Voice will be assigned to the left side of the keyboard at this time.

NOTE

• Dual mode and Split mode cannot be activated at the same time.

2

Set the split point.

The split point is the location at which the keyboard is divided. To set this point, press the corresponding key with the [SPLIT] button held down.

Alternatively, you can move the split point by pressing the [-/NO] and [+/YES] buttons with the

[SPLIT] button held down. To restore the split point to the default F

#2 setting, press the [-/NO] and [+/YES] buttons together with the [SPLIT] button held down.

F

#2 (default setting)

Voice 1 and Voice 2

Of the two Voices selected for layering, the one selected using the Voice button closer to the left will be designated Voice 1; the other, Voice 2.

When you activate Dual mode, the Voices’ octave settings and volume balance in addition to their reverb and effect types and depths will be automatically optimized. If necessary, however, you can change these settings using the corresponding

Function parameters (page 40). Furthermore,

these settings can be changed individually for

Voice 1 and Voice 2.

NOTE

• You can jump directly to Function parameter F3.1 (page 42) by pressing

the [FUNCTION] button with the buttons for the two layered Voices held down.

3

Leave Dual mode.

Press any Voice button to return to normal play mode.

A-1 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 C7

NOTE

• The key that defines the split point is included in the left side of the keyboard.

• The split point can also be set using the corresponding Function parameter

(page 40).

Whenever the [SPLIT] button is being held down, the display will show the current split point.

Examples of split points as shown on display

F2 F

#2

E b2

F 2 F~2 E_2

Indicates a sharp key (

#).

Indicates a flat key ( b).

14



3

Select a Voice for the right side.

Use the corresponding Voice button to make your selection.

4

Select a Voice for the left side.

Use the corresponding Voice button with the

[SPLIT] button held down to make your selection.

(Whenever the [SPLIT] button is being held down, the Voice button corresponding to the left side’s Voice will light up.)

Play the keyboard and listen to the sounds produced.

When you activate Split mode, the Voices’ octave settings and volume balance in addition to their reverb and effect types and depths will be automatically optimized. If necessary, however, you can change these settings using the corresponding

Function parameters (page 40). Furthermore,

these settings can be changed individually for the left and right Voices.

5

Leave Split mode.

Press the [SPLIT] button once again and verify that its light goes out.

Adding reverb

Using the digital piano’s Reverb function, you can add reverberation similar to that of a concert hall to individual Voices. Whenever you select a Voice, the most suitable reverb will be automatically set; however, you can freely set the reverb type and depth.

Setting the reverb type

Whenever you press and release the [REVERB] button, the current reverb type will be shown on the display. You can then cycle through the different types by pressing the [REVERB] button the required number of times.

Reverb types

Display Type

rt1

Room rt2

Hall 1 rt3

Hall 2 rt4

Stage

OFF

Off

Description

This setting adds a continuous reverb effect similar to the acoustic reverberation you would hear in a small room.

This setting simulates the natural reverberation of a small concert hall.

This setting simulates the natural reverberation of a large concert hall.

This setting reproduces a reverb effect similar to that of a live music environment.

With this setting, no reverb is applied to the

Voice and the [REVERB] button’s light will go out. Even in this situation, however, a soundboard resonance effect similar to that of an acoustic piano will still be applied to certain Voices—specifically, Grand Piano,

Live Grand, Ballad Grand, and Bright

Grand.

Setting the reverb depth

You can change the setting by pressing the [-/NO] and

[+/YES] buttons with the [REVERB] button held down.

• Available settings: 0 (no effect) to 20 (maximum reverb depth)

To restore the Voice to its default reverb depth, press the [-/NO] and [+/YES] buttons together with the

[REVERB] button held down.


15


Adding effects

Using the digital piano’s Effect function, you can add a range of different audio effects to individual Voices.

Whenever you select a Voice, the most suitable effect will be automatically set; however, you can freely set the effect type and depth.

Setting the effect type

Whenever you press and release the [EFFECT] button, the current effect type will be shown on the display. You can then cycle through the different types by pressing the [EFFECT] button the required number of times.

Transposing

The Transpose function allows you to shift the pitch of both the keyboard and song playback. In this way, you can match your playing to the key of another instrument or a singer without having to change what you actually play on the keyboard. Transpose settings are made in semitone units. For example, if you set the transpose amount to “5,” the key C will produce the pitch F. You could, therefore, play a song as if it was in C major and the digital piano would transpose it to the key of F major.

Effect types

Display Type

Et1

Chorus

Et2

Phaser

Et3

Tremolo

Et4

Rotary speaker

OFF

Off

Description

This setting can be used to make the Voice sound thicker and wider.

This setting adds a distinctive sweeping effect to the sound.

This setting can be used to add a shuddering volume effect.

This setting produces the vibrato effect of a rotary speaker.

With this setting, no effect is applied to the

Voice and the [EFFECT] button’s light will go out.

Adjusting the effect depth

You can change the setting by pressing the [-/NO] and

[+/YES] buttons with the [EFFECT] button held down.

• Available settings: 0 (no effect) to 20 (maximum reverb depth)

To restore the Voice to its default effect depth, press the [-/NO] and [+/YES] buttons together with the

[EFFECT] button held down.

Setting the transpose amount

Use the [-/NO] and [+/YES] buttons while holding down the [TRANSPOSE] button to set the transpose amount in semitone units. To restore the non-transposed default setting (0), press the [-/NO] and

[+/YES] buttons together with the [TRANSPOSE] button held down.

5

Transpose amount

• Available settings: -12 (one octave lower) to 0 (normal pitch) to 12 (one octave higher)

Turning transpose on and off

You can press the [TRANSPOSE] button to toggle transpose on and off. The button will light up when the instrument is being transposed. Its light will go out when transpose is turned off or the transpose amount is 0.

NOTE

• The playback of audio songs cannot be transposed.

16



Tuning the instrument

Using the Tuning setting, you can fine tune the pitch of the entire instrument. This can be extremely useful when playing your digital piano along with other instruments or recorded music.

Tuning is set using Function parameter F1. Refer to

page 41 for details.

Adjusting the tone

Using your digital piano’s Equalizer function, you can adjust the tone of overall instrument by increasing or decreasing the gain in three different frequency bands.

The [EQ] section of the control panel contains a slider for each of these bands, making it very easy to equalize to your liking.

Changing the touch sensitivity

The degree to which the instrument reflects differences in the strength of your playing in the sound produced is referred to as touch sensitivity, and this setting can be adjusted. (Changing the touch sensitivity has no effect on the weights of the keys.)

Touch sensitivity is set using Function parameter

F6.8. Refer to page 45 for details.

• LOW slider..... Used to adjust the tone in the Low frequency band.

• MID slider ...... Used to adjust the tone in the Mid frequency band.

• HIGH slider ... Used to adjust the tone in the High frequency band.

When you move a slider up, the volume of the corresponding frequency band will be boosted and viceversa.

• Move the LOW slider up and down to adjust the sound’s thickness and punch.

• Move the MID slider up and down if you wish to adjust the clarity of the sound.

• Move the HIGH slider up and down to adjust the brightness and brilliance of the sound.

NOTE

• The Equalizer function has no effect on audio songs or sound input via the [AUX

IN] jack.


17


Boosting the overall sound

Using your instrument’s Sound Boost function when playing along with other instruments, you can raise its volume and enhance the presence of your performance without making it any less expressive. This function is particularly useful when you want not only notes played very loud, but also those played softly, to be clearly audible.

The [SOUND BOOST] button can be used to toggle this function on and off. The button will light up when the sound is being boosted.

Locking the control panel

As described below, your digital piano’s Panel Lock function allows you to temporarily disable controlpanel buttons to prevent them being operated unintentionally while performing.

1

Lock the control panel.

Press the [EFFECT] and [SOUND BOOST] buttons together. All control-panel buttons with the exception of the [ ] Standby/On switch will be disabled. The message “---” is shown on the display while the control panel is locked.

Control panel locked:

Setting the Sound Boost type

You can change the type of Sound Boost applied to the instrument’s sound using the [-/NO] and [+/YES] buttons with the [SOUND BOOST] button held down.

To restore the default setting, press the [-/NO] and

[+/YES] buttons together with the [SOUND BOOST] button held down.

• Available settings: 1 (minimum boost) to 3 (maximum boost)

• Default setting: 2

Sound Boost type list

Display/Type

1

2

3

Description

Producing smooth dynamics, this type is ideal for solo performances of uplifting songs and the like.

This type produces a smoother, clearer sound than Type 1, making it the perfect choice when singing and playing at the same time.

In addition to a brighter, more-powerful sound than Type 2, this type also has a clearer attack.

As such, it is an excellent choice when, for example, performing as part of a band.

NOTE

• If necessary, you can use the Equalizer (EQ) to further accentuate the effect of the

Sound Boost function (page 17).

• If performing live as part of a band:

.............................................................. See page 36.

• If singing and playing on your own:

.............................................................. See page 38.

2

Unlock the control panel.

Press the [EFFECT] and [SOUND BOOST] buttons together once again. The control panel will be unlocked and the display will return to the normal tempo or song number screen.

NOTE

• Locking the control panel has no effect on the [ ] Standby/On switch, the

[MASTER VOLUME] slider, the [EQ] sliders, or any connected pedals

(pedal unit or sustain pedal).

18


Using the Metronome

Playing your digital piano along with the built-in metronome is a great way to perfect your timing. The following describes how to use this function.

1

Turn on the metronome.

Press the [METRONOME] button and verify that the metronome starts to play.

2

Turn off the metronome.

You can stop the metronome by pressing the

[METRONOME] button once again.

120.

The beat indicator flashes in time as the metronome plays.

NOTE

• You can set the metronome volume using the corresponding Function

parameter (page 40).

Adjusting the tempo

You can adjust the metronome tempo using the

[-/NO] and [+/YES] buttons with the [TEMPO] button held down. Settings between 5 and 500 beats per minute (BPM) are supported. To restore the default setting of 120 BPM, press the [-/NO] and [+/YES] buttons together with the [TEMPO] button held down.

Setting the time signature

Whenever the [METRONOME] button is being held down, the display will show the current time signature. You can change this setting using the

[-/NO] and [+/YES] buttons with the [METRO-

NOME] button held down. Settings of between 0 and 15 are supported—for example, you can set

“4” if you need a metronome with four beats per measure. The first beat of each measure is accented with a bell-type sound, and clicks are used for the other beats. When the time signature is set to “0,” clicks are used for all beats. To restore the default setting of 0, press the [-/NO] and [+/YES] buttons together with the [METRO-

NOME] button held down.

0

Time signature

NOTE

• If a MIDI song (page 21) has been selected:

Each MIDI song has its own default settings for tempo and time signature.

Whenever you select one of these songs, its tempo and time signature will be applied, canceling any setting you have made on the instrument.


19

Playing Rhythm Tracks

Your digital piano’s Rhythm function provides ten different rhythm tracks for you to play along with. The following describes how to use this function.

1

Turn on a rhythm track.

Press the [RHYTHM] button and verify that a rhythm track starts to play. If intro playback has been turned on using the corresponding Function

parameter (page 40), the rhythm track’s intro sec-

tion will be played first.

Selecting a rhythm track

Whenever the [RHYTHM] button is being held down, the display will show the number of the current rhythm track. Refer to the Rhythm Track list for the corresponding names.

120.

The beat indicator flashes in time as a rhythm track plays.

You can select rhythm tracks 1 to 10 using the [-/NO] and [+/YES] buttons with the [RHYTHM] button held down.

NOTE

• A rhythm track cannot be played together with the metronome.

NOTE

• The rhythm track volume can be set using the corresponding Function

parameter (page 40).

Adjusting the tempo

You can adjust the rhythm track tempo using the

[-/NO] and [+/YES] buttons with the [TEMPO] button held down. Settings between 5 and 500 beats per minute (BPM) are supported. To restore the default setting of 120 BPM, press the [-/NO] and [+/YES] buttons together with the [TEMPO] button held down.

2

Turn off the rhythm track.

You can stop a rhythm track by pressing the

[RHYTHM] button once again. If ending playback has been turned on using the corresponding

Function parameter (page 40), the rhythm track’s

ending section will be played first.

To restore the default setting of 1, press the [-/NO] and [+/YES] buttons together with the [RHYTHM] button held down.

Rhythm Track list

Number

7

8

5

6

3

4

1

2

9

10

Track name

8 Beat 1

8 Beat 2

16 Beat 1

16 Beat 2

Shake

12/8

Shuffle

Swing

Bossanova

Jazz Waltz

20


Playing Songs

Your digital piano can play built-in Preset Songs, User Songs that you have recorded, and commercially available songs. These songs can be in one of two different formats—MIDI or audio.

MIDI and audio songs

MIDI songs contain data created by recording the actions of playing and releasing keys—in other words, they do not contain actual audio. This data is similar to sheet music in that it indicates the keys that should be played, as well as when and how hard they should be played, in order to reproduce a specific piece of music. Using this data, your digital piano’s tone generator can recreate the sound of the recorded performance. MIDI songs are smaller than audio songs because they contain less data; in addition, they also allow you to change the Voice used for playback and a number of other parameters.

In contrast, audio songs contain actual recordings of the sound of a performance, and they store audio data in much the same way as a cassette tape or digital voice recorder. Audio songs can be played back on portable music players and many other types of device, making it easy for you to let others hear what you have played.

Supported song types

Song Category list

Category

Song numbers

Description

Aud

*

Sng

*

USr

PrE

Audio songs stored on a

USB flash drive

A.00 to A.99

001 to 999**

MIDI songs stored on a

USB flash drive

U.00 to U.09

MIDI songs stored on the instrument

001 to 700**

Preset

Songs

(MIDI)

S.00 to S.99

001 to 999**

P.01 to P.50

Audio-format User Songs recorded using the instru-

ment itself (page 25).

Audio-format Import Songs either purchased or created on a computer.

MIDI-format User Songs recorded using the instru-


MIDI-format Import Songs either purchased or created on a computer.

MIDI-format User Songs recorded within the instru-


MIDI-format Import Songs either purchased or created on a computer and then transferred to the instrument.

Your digital piano contains

50 built-in Piano Songs.

These correspond to the sheet music in the booklet

50 Greats for the Piano, which is included for your convenience and enjoyment.

*: Shown only when a USB flash drive has been plugged into the instrument.

**: Shown only when the USB flash drive contains data of the corresponding format.

User Songs and Import Songs

The term User Song is used to refer to songs recorded using the instrument itself; those created in any other way are referred to as Import Songs. Songs contained within a folder named USER FILES on a USB flash drive are designated as

User Songs and handled in the same way. Songs located outside this folder are handled as Import Songs. If the USB flash drive plugged into the instrument contains no USER

FILES folder, one will be created automatically when you record a song to that drive. The recorded User Song will then be saved in that folder.

Supported song data formats

Standard MIDI File formats 0 and 1

Standard MIDI File (SMF) formats are the most commonly used MIDI formats for storing sequence data. SMF format 0 is used for MIDI songs recorded using this instrument.

Waveform Audio File format

Identified by a .wav file extension, Waveform Audio File Format (WAV) is one of the most common formats used by computers to record audio data. Your digital piano supports the playback and recording of 44.1-kHz, 16-bit, stereo .wav files.

Playing a song

If you wish to play a song saved on a USB flash drive,

read the section “Working with USB flash drives” (page

30), plug your flash drive into the [USB TO DEVICE] ter-

minal, and then follow the procedure described below.

1

Select the correct song category using the [SELECT] button.

You can cycle through the available categories

(Aud, Sng, USr, and PrE) with each press of the button; however, Aud and Sng are shown only when a USB flash drive has been plugged into the instrument. If you wish to play an Import

Song (001 to 999), be sure to choose the corresponding category.

NOTE

• If the USB flash drive plugged into the instrument contains a large number of folders, a certain amount of time may be required to shown display content for song selection.

2

Use the [-/NO] and [+/YES] buttons to

select a song number, “rnd” (random),

or “ALL”.

If necessary, press the [-/NO] and [+/YES] buttons together to show Import Songs (001 to 999).


21

Playing Songs

(Import Songs are shown only when the USB flash drive contains data of the selected category.)

• Song number...... Used to select one specific song to play. For details, see

the table on page 21.

• rnd (random) ... Used when you want to play all songs of the selected category continuously and in random order.

• ALL..................... Used when you want to play all songs of the selected category continuously and in sequence.

NOTE

• If the selected song contains data, the [RIGHT] and/or [LEFT] button will light up.

3

Press the [PLAY/STOP] button to start playback.

When playback has started, the display will show the current measure number for MIDI songs or the elapsed time for audio songs.

Screen for MIDI songs

1.

Current measure number

2.

Screen for audio songs

0.01

0.02

Elapsed time

Minutes. If the song has played for longer than ten minutes, the tens digit is not shown.

Seconds

NOTE

• Songs can be played together with the metronome or a rhythm track. In such a case, the metronome or rhythm track will turn off when the song is stopped. In the case of MIDI songs, your digital piano will play the currently selected backing track, not the one used when recording. With audio songs, meanwhile, the currently selected backing track as well as the one recorded will be played together.

You can continue to play the keyboard and also change its Voice assignment(s) when songs are playing.

Unplayable songs

If the lights in both the [RIGHT] and [LEFT] buttons go out when you select a song, this indicates that the song in question contains no data and cannot be played.

Setting the playback volume (MIDI or Audio songs)

Press the [FUNCTION] button while a song is playing to show the current playback volume. You can then change the volume using the [-/NO] and

[+/YES] buttons.

Adjusting the tempo of MIDI songs

You can adjust a MIDI song’s playback tempo using the [-/NO] and [+/YES] buttons with the

[TEMPO] button held down. To restore the default tempo, press the [-/NO] and [+/YES] buttons together with the [TEMPO] button held down.

Rewind and fast forward

To rewind a song during playback, press and hold the [-/NO] button; to fast forward, press and hold the [+/YES] button.

4

Press the [PLAY/STOP] button once again when you want to stop the song.

If you selected a specific song using its song number in Step 2 above, it will stop automatically after playing once to the end.

Reverb and effect types during playback

(MIDI songs)

Whenever you select a song or a new one starts during continuous playback, the most suitable reverb and effect types will be selected automatically.

MIDI songs with sounds not found on the instrument

When you play MIDI songs requiring instruments that are not found on your digital piano (such as XG or

GM songs), they may not sound as originally intended. If MIDI channels 1 and 2 use piano sounds in such a case, you can mute all other channels (3 to

16) by setting the song playback channels to “1&2”

using the corresponding Function parameter (page

40). This should allow for a better rendition of the

song.

Import Songs that cannot be selected or loaded

If an Import Song from a USB flash drive cannot be selected or loaded, you may need to change the character code using the corresponding Function parame-

ter (page 40).

22


Playing Songs

Convenient playback functions

Part Cancel (MIDI songs)

Your digital piano’s Preset Songs and certain other

MIDI songs are divided into left-hand and right-hand parts. When playing this type of song, you can turn off either of these parts as described below to practice playing it yourself. Practicing parts individually in this way makes it easier to master difficult pieces.

A-B Repeat (MIDI songs)

Using your digital piano’s A-B Repeat function as described below, you can loop playback in a specific region of a MIDI song. This can be extremely useful when practicing difficult pieces. In addition, you can also turn off individual parts as described above when using this function.

1

Turn off the part you wish to practice.

When a song with left-hand and right-hand-parts is selected, both the [LEFT] and [RIGHT] buttons will light up. To turn off one of these parts, press the corresponding button and verify that its light goes out. You can toggle each part on and off using the corresponding button.

2

Start the song.

Press the [PLAY/STOP] button to start playback.

Practice the part you just turned off using the other part as a guide.

3

Stop playback.

A song will stop automatically after playing to the end, and in such a case, the playback position will be returned to the start of the song. Press the

[PLAY/STOP] button if you want to stop the song before it reaches the end.

NOTE

• The left- and right-hand parts can also be toggled on and off during playback.

• When another song is selected, both the left-hand and right-hand parts will be automatically turned on.

1

Play the song and set the start point (A) and end point (B) of the loop.

Select and start the song you wish to practice. As you listen, set the A point by pressing the [PLAY/

STOP] button with the [FUNCTION] button held down. The message “A-” will be shown on the display to indicate that the A point has been set.

Following this, set the B point by again pressing the [PLAY/STOP] button with the [FUNCTION] button held down. The message “A-b” will be shown on the display to indicate that the A and B points have been set. In addition, playback will return to the A point at this time and looping will begin automatically.

2

Stop playback.

When you stop the song using the [PLAY/STOP] button, the A and B point settings will be retained.

Canceling the A and B point settings

To remove both the A and B points, again press the [PLAY/STOP] button with the [FUNCTION] button held down. You can also cancel these settings by selecting a different song.

NOTE

• A-B Repeat cannot be used together with a rhythm track. The A and B points will be removed from a song if a rhythm track is turned on.

• You can press the [FUNCTION] button while looping in order to show the

current playback volume for MIDI songs (page 22). Press the [FUNCTION]

button once again to return the display to normal.

NOTE

• Looping from the beginning of a song:

If you wish to set the A point at the beginning of a song, press the [PLAY/

STOP] button with the [FUNCTION] button held down before starting playback.

• Looping to the end of a song:

If you wish to set the B point at the end of the song, set the A point in the normal fashion and let the song play to the end. The B point will then be automatically set at the end.

• Signaling return from B to A

When playback reaches the B point with A-B Repeat activated, a click sound will be played before returning to the A point in order to help you stay in time.


23

Playing Songs

Automatic start when you play any key

Using your digital piano’s Auto Start function, you can have it start playback as soon as you play a key.

To activate this function, press and hold the [PLAY/

STOP] button for at least one second. The [PLAY/

STOP] button will begin to flash at the current tempo to indicate that the instrument is on standby for a key to be played. (If you wish to deactivate the Auto Start function, again press and hold the [PLAY/STOP] button for at least one second.) The current song will start automatically as soon as you play a key.

Starting and stopping using a pedal

If you have connected a pedal unit* (see page 12) to

your digital piano, you can configure either the center or left pedal to operate in the same way as the control panel’s [PLAY/STOP] button using the corresponding

Function parameter (page 40). This can be very useful

if you wish to start or stop playback without removing your hands from the keyboard. (*: Sold separately.)

24


Recording Keyboard Performances

Your digital piano features the following two different methods for recording your keyboard performances. These methods can be used as described below depending on your requirements.

MIDI recording

When you record a performance using MIDI, it will be saved on the instrument or a USB flash drive as a MIDI song (SMF format 0). This method allows you to record two parts separately, meaning that you could, for example, create a song by recording the left-hand part and then recording the right-hand part. Alternatively, you could combine the two parts of a duet to form a song. What’s more, you can also re-record one of the parts if necessary and even change Voices and tempo. Up to ten MIDI recordings can be stored on the instrument itself.

Audio recording

Performances recorded in audio format are saved on a USB flash drive in the form of an audio song. This method does not support the recording of individual parts. Audio recordings created using your digital piano are saved in

44.1-kHz, 16-bit, stereo .wav format, which is the same as standard CD-quality audio. For this reason, you can easily move them to a portable music player for playback using a computer. The total available duration of recording depends on the size of the USB flash drive being used. The instrument itself supports individual recordings of up to 80 minutes in length.

Simple recording of all parts (MIDI or Audio songs)

1

If necessary, plug a USB flash drive into the [USB TO DEVICE] terminal.

Songs in MIDI format can be recorded either on the instrument itself or on a USB flash drive.

Audio songs must be recorded on a USB flash drive. Be sure to read the section “Working with

USB flash drives” (page 30) before recording on a

USB flash drive.

2

Select the recording method.

 To record in MIDI format:

Press the [SELECT] button as many times as necessary to show “USr” if you wish to record on the instrument itself or “Sng” to record on a USB flash drive.

USr

For recording a MIDI song on the instrument itself

Sng

For recording a MIDI song on a USB flash drive

 To record in audio format:

Press the [SELECT] button as many times as necessary to show “Aud” (for saving your recording on a USB flash drive).

Aud

For recording an audio song on a USB flash drive

NOTE

• Recording is not possible during song playback (page 21) or file opera-

tions (page 30).

3

Select a song number for the recording using the [-/NO] and [+/YES] buttons.

• U.00 to U.09 .... MIDI-format User Songs stored on the instrument itself

• S.00 to S.99 .... MIDI-format User Songs stored on a USB flash drive

• A.00 to A.99 .... Audio-format User Songs stored on a USB flash drive

If you activate Record mode without selecting a song number, your performance will be recorded to the currently selected song. If, however, the current song is an audio-format Import Song, an Atype song number will be selected; alternatively, an S-type song number will be selected in the case of an MIDI-format Import Song. Meanwhile, if a

Preset Song is currently selected, a U-type song number will be selected for recording. If the corresponding song already contains data, it will be overwritten.


25


Typical part-button lighting pattern:

 When recording MIDI data:

If the selected song contains data, the [RIGHT] and/or [LEFT] button will light up.

Off: No data

Lit (green): Contains data

 When recording audio data:

There is no distinction between the different parts.

Both lamps lit (green): Parts contain data

Both lamps off: No data in the parts

NOTICE

• Please note that if you record to a song, any existing data will be overwritten.

4

Set the Voice you wish to use for recording and set the time signature.

To select a Voice, use the corresponding Voice

button (page 13). If necessary, you can also set the

time signature (page 19), the Effect function (page

16), and other parameters.

NOTE

• Your digital piano also supports recording together with a rhythm track

(page 20). In such a case, the rhythm track will be recorded to the right

part.

• You can also record with the metronome (page 19) turned on, but the met-

ronome will not be recorded.

• When recording audio, certain combinations of [EQ] slider and Sound

Boost settings can produce distortion in the recorded data.

5

Press the [REC] button to activate

Record mode.

The [REC] and [RIGHT] buttons will flash if

MIDI data is to be recorded; the [REC], [LEFT], and [RIGHT] buttons if audio data is to be recorded. In addition, the [PLAY/STOP] button will flash at the current tempo. If you need to deactivate Record mode, press the [REC] button once again.


NOTE

• Whenever the digital piano’s internal memory or the USB flash drive is close to full, the message “

Enp” will be shown after you press the [REC] button. You can start recording in such a case, but this may cause the memory to become completely filled before you are finished. Instead, we

recommend that you delete any unnecessary files (page 33) to free up

some memory before proceeding.

6

Start recording.

Recording will begin when you either play a key or press the [PLAY/STOP] button.


The current measure number is shown on the display during recording.

1.

2.

Current measure number


The elapsed time is shown on the display during recording.

0.01.

0.02.

Elapsed time

Minutes. If more than ten minutes has been recorded, the tens digit is not shown.

Seconds

NOTE

• When recording audio, sound input via the [AUX IN] jack will also be recorded.

7

To stop recording, press either the

[PLAY/STOP] button or the [REC] button.

When you have stopped recording, dashes (“-”) will scroll across the display to indicate that the recorded data is being saved. When the data has been saved, the message “End” will be shown, followed by the song number. In addition, the instrument will automatically leave Record mode.

NOTICE

• You should never turn off the digital piano or remove the USB flash drive while dashes (“-”) are scrolling across the display. Failure to observe this precaution

may result in all song data (page 21), including Import

Songs, being deleted.

NOTE

• The message “

FUL” will be shown if the memory becomes completely filled during recording. The instrument will automatically stop recording at this time. Your performance up to that point will be recorded and retained.

8

Press the [PLAY/STOP] button to play back your recorded performance.


To stop playback, press the [PLAY/STOP] button once again.

26



Recording individual parts (MIDI songs)

When recording in MIDI, you can record the left-hand and right-hand parts separately as described below.

1

Set up the digital piano for recording.

For details, refer to Steps 1 and 3 of the section

“Simple recording of all parts (MIDI or Audio

songs)” (page 25).

If you have already recorded one of the parts, you can play back that part as you record the other. To stop a recorded part from playing at this time, press the corresponding part button and verify that its green light goes out.

NOTICE

• If the selected song contains data, the corresponding part button(s) will light up in green. Please note that if you record to such a part, the existing data will be overwritten.

2


Record mode.

4

Start recording.

Recording will start automatically as soon as you play a note on the keyboard. If the rhythm track is to be recorded, recording will start as soon as you press the [RHYTHM] button. You can also press the [PLAY/STOP] button to start recording if you wish to include an empty section before your performance begins.

5

To stop recording, press either the

[PLAY/STOP] button or the [REC] button.

When you have stopped recording, dashes (“-”) will scroll across the display to indicate that the recorded data is being saved. When the data has been saved, the message “End” will be shown, followed by the song number. The recorded part’s button will then light up in green, and the instrument will automatically leave Record mode.

NOTICE

• You should never turn off the digital piano while dashes

(“-”) are scrolling across the display. Failure to observe this precaution may result in all song data, including

Import Songs (page 21), being deleted.

6

Play your recording.

You can play the performance just recorded by pressing the [PLAY/STOP] button. To stop playback, press the [PLAY/STOP] button once again.

Whenever the digital piano’s internal memory or the USB flash drive is close to full, the message

“Enp” will be shown after you press the [REC] button. You can start recording in such a case, but this may cause the memory to become completely filled before you are finished. Instead, we recom-

mend that you delete any unnecessary files (page

33) to free up some memory before proceeding.

3

Select the part to record.

Press the [LEFT] or [RIGHT] button and verify that it starts flashing in red. If you wish to record the rhythm track, press the [RIGHT] button to select that part.

If necessary, you can now repeat Steps 2 to 5 to record the other part and complete your song.

If you need to deactivate Record mode, press the

[REC] button.

If the other part already contains data:

That part will start to play when you begin recording.


27


Deleting recorded parts individually

(MIDI songs)

Using the following procedure, you can individually delete the left and right parts of a recorded MIDI-format User Song. To delete both parts, carry out this procedure once for each. In the case of User Songs recorded on a USB flash drive, you can delete both

parts together using the procedure described on page

33.

1

Select the User Song from which you wish to delete a part.




NOTE

• If you wish to delete an audio song recorded on a USB flash drive, refer to

page 33.

2


Record mode.

3

Select the part you wish to delete by pressing the [RIGHT] or [LEFT] button and verify that it starts to flash.

 If deleting the right part:

4

Delete the recorded part.

Press the [PLAY/STOP] button to start recording.

Following this, press the [PLAY/STOP] button once again to stop recording without performing any other action. The instrument will now delete the selected part and its light will go out.

If necessary, delete the other part in the same way.

NOTE

• If you delete both recorded parts of a song, the metronome time signature and the tempo will be returned to their default settings. If you wish to record to the same song in such a case, you will need to reset these parameters.

Changing Voice(s) and tempo, etc. after recording (MIDI songs)

In the case of songs recorded in MIDI format, you can change various settings at any later time as described below. For example, you could change the Voice(s) to create a different ambience or adjust the song tempo as needed.

Data contained in a MIDI recording

A MIDI recording is made up of the following types of data. Those data types marked with an asterisk

(“*”) can be changed at any later time.

Data recorded for each part

• Notes played

• Voice*

• Pedal operations (damper, soft, and sostenuto)

• Reverb depth*

• Effect depth*

• Dual-mode Voice*

• Dual-mode volume balance*

• Dual-mode detune*

• Dual-mode octave shift

• Split-mode Voice*

• Split-mode volume balance*

• Split-mode octave shift

• Rhythm (right part only)

Data recorded for the song

• Tempo*

• Time signature

• Reverb type (or “OFF” setting)*

• Effect type (or “OFF” setting)*

• Tuning system*

• Damper-pedal resonance depth*

• Soft pedal effect depth*

• String resonance depth*

• Sustain sample depth*

• Key-off sample volume*

1

Select the User Song whose settings you wish to change.




2

Change the Voice(s), rhythm, and/or other settings as required.

For example, if you wish to change the Voice from

Jazz Organ 1 as selected when recording to Jazz

Organ 2, use the [ORGAN] button to select

“or2”.

NOTE

• If you wish to change the tempo, reverb, or effect, please do so in Step 3.

28


3

Activate Record mode and select the part whose settings you have changed.

Press the [REC] button followed by the [RIGHT] or [LEFT] button. (If you have changed settings common to both parts, select either the left or right part.) Verify that the selected part’s button is flashing in red.

If you wish to change the tempo, reverb, or effect, please do so in this step.

To cancel the process without changing any settings, press the [REC] button once again.

NOTICE

• Take care not to play the keyboard or press the [PLAY/

STOP] button at this time. Either of these actions will start recording and delete the data already recorded.

4

Save your changes.

Press the [PLAY/STOP] button with the [REC] button held down. Dashes (“-”) will scroll across the display to indicate that data is being saved.

When this process is complete, the message

“End” will be shown, followed by the song number. In addition, the instrument will automatically leave Record mode.

NOTICE

• You should never turn off the digital piano while dashes

(“-”) are scrolling across the display. Failure to observe

this precaution may result in all song data (page 21),

including Import Songs, being deleted.



29

Using USB Flash Drives

With a USB flash drive plugged in, you can use your digital piano to perform the following tasks.

• Listen to songs stored on the USB flash drive........................................................ Page 21

• Record your performances on the USB flash drive ................................................ Page 25

• Copy User Songs recorded on the digital piano itself to the USB flash drive........ Page 32

• Delete songs from the USB flash drive .................................................................. Page 33

• Format the USB flash drive .................................................................................... Page 33

• Create backup files ................................................................................................. Page 47

Working with USB flash drives

Precautions when using the [USB TO

DEVICE] terminal

When connecting a USB device to the terminal, be sure to handle the USB device with care. Follow the important precautions below.

For more information about the handling of USB devices, refer to the owner’s manual of the USB device.



Compatible USB devices

• USB flash memory

Other USB devices such as a computer keyboard or mouse cannot be used.

The instrument does not necessarily support all commercially available USB devices. Yamaha cannot guarantee operation of USB devices that you purchase.

Although USB devices 1.1 to 3.0 can be used on this instrument, the amount of time for saving to or loading from the USB device may differ depending on the type of data or the status of the instrument.

Before purchasing a USB device for use with this instrument, please visit the following web page: http://download.yamaha.com/

NOTICE

• The rating of the [USB TO DEVICE] terminal is a maximum of 5V/500mA. Do not connect USB devices having a rating above this, since this can cause damage to the instrument itself.



Connecting a USB device

When connecting a USB device to the [USB TO

DEVICE] terminal, make sure that the connector on the device is appropriate and that it is connected in the proper direction.

NOTICE

• Avoid connecting or disconnecting the USB device while executing playback/recording and file management operations (such as Save, Copy, Delete and Format), or when accessing the USB device. Failure to do so may result in

“freezing” of the operation of the instrument or corruption of the USB device and the data.

• When connecting then disconnecting the USB device

(and vice versa), make sure to wait a few seconds between the two operations.

NOTE

• When connecting a USB cable, make sure that the length is less than 3 meters.

Using USB Flash Memory

By connecting the instrument to a USB flash memory, you can save data you’ve created to the connected USB flash memory, as well as read data from the connected

USB flash memory.



Number of USB flash memories that can be used

Only one USB flash memory device can be connected to the [USB TO DEVICE] terminal.



Formatting USB flash memory

You should format the USB storage device only with

this instrument (page 33). A USB storage device for-

matted on another device may not operate properly.

NOTICE

• The Format operation overwrites any previously existing data. Make sure that the USB flash memory you are formatting does not contain important data.



To protect your data (write-protect)

To prevent important data from being inadvertently erased, apply the write-protect provided with each USB flash memory. If you are saving data to the USB flash memory, make sure to disable write-protect.



Turning off the instrument

When turning off the instrument, make sure that the instrument is NOT accessing the USB flash memory by playback/recording or file management (such as during

Save, Copy, Delete and Format operations). Failure to do so may corrupt the USB flash memory and the data.

30



Managing files on a USB flash drive

The term User Song is used to refer to songs recorded using the instrument itself; Import Songs are those created on another device. User Songs are kept in a folder named USER FILES on a USB flash drive;

Import Songs are stored outside this folder. For this reason, User Songs will be handled as Import Songs if the name of the folder is changed or they are moved outside the folder using a computer.

When organizing files on a USB flash drive using a computer or the like, be sure to place Import Songs only in the first, second, or third hierarchical folder level. Your digital piano will not be able to select or play songs from a lower level.

USB flash drive

First level Second level Third level Fourth level

Song file

Songs here are playable.

Checking the write protected status

Before you use a USB flash drive, you should ensure that it is not write protected. Your digital piano will not be able to access data on a write-protected USB flash drive.

NOTE

• File operations cannot be performed during the following:

• Song playback (page 21)

• Recording (page 25)

NOTE

• Your digital piano can recognize and play a maximum of 999 Import Song files on a USB flash drive.

USER

FILES folder

User Song

(MIDI)

USERSONG xx.mid

User Song

(audio)

USERAUDIO xx.wav

Song folder

Song file

Song folder

Song file

Song folder

Songs here are not playable.

Song file

Song folder


31


Copying a User Song recorded on the instrument to a USB flash drive

Using the following procedure, you can copy MIDI-

format User Songs (page 25) recorded on the digital

piano to a USB flash drive. User Songs copied in this way are stored in SMF format in the USB flash drive’s

USER FILES folder. In addition, these songs will be automatically named USERSONGxx.mid (xx being a sequential number).

1

Plug in the USB flash drive.

2

Select the User Song you wish to copy.

Refer to page 21 for details.

3

Press the [REC] button with the [FUNC-

TION] button held down.

4

Press the [+/YES] button to copy the song.

When the song has been copied, the message

“End” will be shown. If you wish to cancel the

Copy operation at this time, press the [-/NO] button.

NOTICE

• You should never turn off the digital piano or remove the USB flash drive while dashes (“-”) are scrolling across the display.

After the message “CPY” has been shown on the display, the lowest available User Song number

(e.g., “S.00”) at the copy destination will be shown. Following this, the message “n Y” (no/ yes) will be shown.

Song numbers

CPY S.00

n Y

Example for “S.00”

To cancel this operation, press the [-/NO] button while “n Y” is being shown.

NOTE

• The message “_ _ _” will flash on the display if a User Song was not selected in Step 1. In such a case, return to Step 1 and select a User Song.

NOTE

• It will not be possible to copy a User Song if there is insufficient free space on the USB flash drive. In such a case, free up some memory by deleting

any unnecessary files (page 33).

32



Deleting a User Song

Using the following procedure, you can delete a

MIDI-format User Song (S.**) or audio-format User

Song (A.**) from a USB flash drive or a User Song

(U.**) stored on the digital piano itself.

1


2

Select the song you wish to delete.

Refer to page 21 for details.

3

Press the [SELECT] button with the

[FUNCTION] button held down.

Formatting a USB flash drive

As described below, a USB flash drive can be formatted using the corresponding Function parameter.

NOTICE

• When a USB flash drive is formatted, all of its content will be deleted. Before formatting, therefore, ensure that the USB flash drive contains no irreplaceable data.

1


2

Press the [FUNCTION] button as many times as necessary to select Function parameter

F8.9

.

F8.9

The message “dEL” will be shown, followed by the message “n Y” (no/yes).

4

Press the [+/YES] button to delete the song.

Dashes (“-”) will scroll across the display as the song is being deleted. When the operation has been completed, the message “End” will be shown. If you wish to cancel the Delete operation at this time, press the [-/NO] button.

NOTICE


3

Press the [+/YES] button to format the

USB flash drive.

The message “n Y” (no/yes) will be shown to confirm whether you wish to continue. If so, press the [+/YES] button once again. The message “- - -” will be shown while saving. When the data has been saved, the message “End” will be shown.

The display will then return to the original screen.

If you wish to cancel the Format operation, press the [-/NO] button while “For” or “n Y” is being shown.

NOTICE



33

Connecting Other Equipment

CAUTION

• When connecting other equipment to your digital piano, ensure that all devices are turned off first. In addition, be sure to set all volume levels to minimum (0) before turning devices on or off. Failure to observe these precautions can lead to electric shock, hearing damage, or equipment damage.

NOTICE

• In order to avoid damaging an audio device when you want to listen to it using the digital piano’s built-in speakers, be sure to turn on the audio device first, followed by the digital piano. In addition, remember to always turn off the digital piano before the audio device.

Refer to the section Panel Controls & Functions (page 8) for details of connector locations.

Connecting audio equipment

[AUX IN] jack—Listen to a portable music player using the digital piano’s speakers

By connecting the headphones jack of an audio device such as a portable music player to the digital piano’s

[AUX IN] jack using a stereo audio cable as shown below, you can route audio from that device to the built-in speakers.

Portable music player

Digital piano

Connecting to a computer

With your digital piano’s [USB TO HOST] terminal connected to a computer using a USB cable, you can exchange

MIDI data with the computer and also get much more out of music software running on it. For details on how to connect to a computer and exchange data, please refer to the pdf manual Computer-related Operations, which can be freely downloaded from the Yamaha web site.

[USB TO HOST] terminal

Digital piano

Stereo mini-plug

Headphones jack

Stereo mini-plug

Stereo audio cable

Signal flow

[L/L+R] and [R] AUX OUT jacks—Listening to the digital piano using external speakers

If you need to raise the volume of the digital piano beyond the limit of the built-in speakers, you can connect it to powered speakers using the [L/L+R] and [R]

AUX OUT jacks. The volume of the sound output via these jacks can be adjusted using the instrument’s

[MASTER VOLUME] slider. If necessary, you can turn off your digital piano’s built-in speakers when

using external speakers. Refer to page 44 for details.

NOTE

• Using the corresponding Function parameter (page 40), you can specify whether

or not the volume of audio output via the AUX OUT jacks will be adjustable using the [MASTER VOLUME] slider.

• Select cables and plugs with the lowest resistance possible.

• You should never directly or indirectly connect the digital piano’s AUX OUT jacks to the [AUX IN] jack. For example, if you have connected the AUX OUT jacks to powered speakers or the like, you should never route sound from the speakers back to the digital piano’s [AUX IN] jack.

• Use only the [L/L+R] AUX OUT jack if you wish to output the digital piano’s sound in mono.

Computer

USB cable

NOTICE

• Use a USB A-B cable. Make sure that the length is less than 3 meters. USB 3.0 cables cannot be used with your digital piano.

NOTE

• Your digital piano will start to exchange MIDI data shortly after the USB connection is made.

• When connecting your digital piano to a computer via USB, do so directly with one cable and not via a USB hub.

NOTE

• Refer to the owner’s manuals that came with your computer and sequencer application for details on configuring them for use with MIDI.

Types of file that can be exchanged with a computer

Songs:

• Files with a .mid extension (SMF format 0 or 1)

NOTE

• Certain MIDI files in SMF format 0 or 1 may contain data that is not supported by your digital piano. In such a case, the files may not play as originally intended.

34


Connecting Other Equipment

Connecting other MIDI devices

If you connect the MIDI terminals of your digital piano and another MIDI device (such as a keyboard, synthesizer, or sequencer) using a MIDI cable, you will be able to control the other device from the digital piano and vice-versa.

CAUTION

• When connecting other equipment to your digital piano, ensure that all devices are turned off first.

• [IN] MIDI terminal ...... For input of MIDI data from another device

• [OUT] MIDI terminal .. For output of MIDI data to another device

Digital piano

Other MIDI device

MIDI

IN

MIDI

OUT

MIDI send

MIDI cable

MIDI receive

MIDI

IN

MIDI

OUT

The digital piano’s MIDI related settings—such as send channel, receive channel, and the type of data sent and received—can be configured using the corre-

sponding Function parameters (page 40).

NOTE

• Freely available from the Yamaha Downloads web page (see page 6), MIDI Basics

provides an introduction to the fundamentals of MIDI.

NOTE

• The MIDI data sent and received by MIDI devices varies from model to model, and connected MIDI devices can only exchange those types of MIDI data that they both support. Refer to the MIDI Reference pdf manual for details of the MIDI data that your digital piano supports.

Connecting an iPad or iPhone

With an iPad or iPhone connected to your digital piano, you can use a wide range of apps to expand the functionality of your instrument in exciting new ways.

In order to make such a connection, you will need a

Yamaha i-UX1 USB MIDI Interface or i-MX1 MIDI interface. For details on how to connect the devices, refer to the iPhone/iPad Connection Manual, which is

freely available from the Yamaha web site (page 6).

Apps

Designed specifically for your digital piano, P-255 Controller is a free app that makes your instrument more convenient to operate. For more details of this and other supported applications, refer to the following Yamaha web page. http://www.yamaha.com/kbdapps/

NOTE

• In order to eliminate the risk of noise from other communication when using your digital piano with an iPad or iPhone app, be sure to turn on Airplane Mode and then turn on Wi-Fi.

NOTICE

• Be sure to place your iPad or iPhone on a stable surface to prevent it from falling over and being damaged.


35

Performing Live

Your digital piano features a number of convenient functions for use when setting it up on stage in order to perform live. In order to provide a practical description of the connections and settings required in this type of situation, we will focus on the following two typical modes of use.

• Performing on-stage as part of a band

• Singing and playing on your own

Performing on-stage as part of a band

The following description covers performances together with other musicians on-stage at a live music club, performing arts venue, or the like.

 Connect your foot switch or pedal.

When plugged into the [SUSTAIN PEDAL] jack, the bundled foot switch can be used to turn on and off sus-

tain. (See page 11.)

P-255 rear panel

Stage setup and signal flow

The sound from your digital piano will be sent to a PA mixer in order that its volume can be balanced with that of the other instruments. From there, the mixed sound is amplified and sent to the front-of-house speakers so that the audience can hear it. Monitor speakers will be placed on the floor in front of the musicians so that they can more clearly hear their own sound and that of the other instruments.

P-255

Foot switch or pedal

DI box

Guitar

Bass

Bundled foot switch

 Connect the instrument’s output to the PA mixer.

In order to be heard, your instrument will need to be connected to the PA mixer’s inputs. Normally, this connection is made via a DI box (direct box) located on-stage.

As described in the note on the left, you should ensure that your digital piano is turned off and check with the

PA operator before connecting to a DI box. When you get his or her OK, connect the [L/L+R] and [R] AUX OUT jacks on the instrument’s rear panel to the DI box inputs using standard mono audio cables (sold separately). z x

OK?

Yes!

Please

Drums

Monitor speaker

Vocal microphone

Front-of-house speaker c

P-255 rear panel

Front-of-house speaker PA mixer

Power amp

DI box

Input jack

(“IN”, etc.)

To the PA mixer

DI box

Input jack

(“IN”, etc.)

To the PA mixer

Plug shape

One line

NOTICE

Please read the following before setting up.

• Ensure that the instrument is turned off before making any connections. In addition, you should always check with the

PA operator and wait for his or her OK before connecting or disconnecting cables. Connection or disconnection when the operator is not ready can damage the PA system.

• Do not turn on your digital piano as soon as you have made all of the required connections. You should always set the

[MASTER VOLUME] slider to the MIN position and get the

OK of the PA operator before turning on or off the instrument. Turning your digital piano on or off when the operator is not ready can damage the PA system.

Standard mono audio cable (sold separately)

NOTE

• If only one of the DI box channels is available for use with your digital piano, connect it to the [L/L+R] AUX OUT jack using a standard mono audio cable. In this configuration, your left and right signals will be mixed and output from the instrument in mono.

P-255 rear panel

DI box

Input jack

(“IN”, etc.)

To the PA mixer

Standard mono audio cable

(sold separately)

If DI boxes are not being used, connect the [L/L+R] and

[R] AUX OUT jacks on the instrument’s rear panel to the

36


Performing Live input jacks on the PA mixer (or an on-stage sub-mixer) using standard mono audio cables (sold separately).

NOTE

• If only one of the mixer’s channels is available for use with your digital piano, connect the [L/L+R] AUX OUT jack to the corresponding input jack using a standard mono audio cable. In this configuration, your left and right signals will be mixed and output from the instrument in mono.

Your instrument should now be fully connected. The next step will be to balance your performance sounds.

Sound setup

Once all of the instruments and microphones have been connected, the PA operator will ask each musician in turn to play his or her instrument. You should get ready as follows.

 Turn on your digital piano.

As described in the note on the previous page, first set the [MASTER VOLUME] slider to the MIN position and then check with the PA operator whether you can turn on the instrument. When you get the OK, press the [ ] Standby/On switch to turn it on. z x

OK?

Yes!

Please

c

 Check your settings.

Once turned on, ensure that your digital piano is set up as follows.

• Tuned to match the other instruments (page 41).

• Auto Power-Off function disabled (page 10).

• Foot switch operating correctly as a sustain pedal (page 11).

• Reverb turned off (the PA operator will normally add the right amount of reverb using the PA mixer).

OFF

 Determine the best digital-piano volumes.

When asked by the PA operator to output a sound, play the digital piano as you would when performing and determine the best settings for the following.

• Volume when you are playing accompaniment

• Volume when you are playing loudest, such as during a keyboard solo

• Volume of each Voice to be used

Roughly speaking, the [MASTER VOLUME] slider should be set between 5 and 7 for playing accompaniment and to 8 or 9 when you need to play louder. If set too high, your sound may become distorted; if too low, any background noise will be more noticeable.

When the volume needs to be finely adjusted for different Voices or raised in order to play a solo, you should do this yourself using the [MASTER VOL-

UME] slider. Similarly, you should use the [EQ] sliders to keep the tone well balanced.

 Balance the overall sound of the band.

After the volumes of the various instruments have been set, the PA operator will have everyone play together in order to balance the overall sound of the band. At this time, you should listen to the nearest monitor speaker and ensure that you can hear everything you need to in order to play well. If, for example, you cannot hear your own sound, the singer, or another instrument well enough, ask the PA operator to raise the corresponding level in your monitor’s mix.

This completes the setup process. You should now be ready to play live.

 Lock the control panel to prevent mistakes.

Your digital piano’s Panel Lock function allows you to temporarily disable control-panel buttons to prevent them being operated unintentionally while performing. To activate this function, press the [EFFECT] and

[SOUND BOOST] buttons together.

• Sound Boost function turned on if you are finding it difficult to make your digital piano heard within the overall mix: This function has been designed to enhance the presence of your instrument when played in a band without making it sound any less natural or expressive. You can choose from three different

types of sound boost. (See page 18.)

1

2

3

• Built-in speakers turned off if necessary: There will be no need to use these speakers if you can hear your own sound

from an on-stage monitor speaker. (See page 44.)

Note that the following will continue to operate normally when the control panel is locked.

• Standby/On switch

• [MASTER VOLUME] slider

• [EQ] sliders

• [SUSTAIN PEDAL] jack

• Pedal unit

Performing

When playing live, try to relax and listen to your monitor speaker in order to perform at your best.


37

Performing Live

Singing and playing on your own

The following description covers performances where the sound of the digital piano q

is output via a key-

board amplifier

w

and performances where your voice is amplified using a microphone r

and a PA

set

t

(i.e., an amplifier and speakers).

Required equipment and connections

r t y q w e

Keyboard

(i.e., your digital piano)

Keyboard amplifier

Two* standard mono audio cables

* Only one required for mono output.

Vocal microphone

PA set for vocals

(amplifier + speakers)

Keyboard stand, etc.

(if required) r

Vocal microphone t

Amplifier for vocals q

P-255

 Connect the instrument’s output to the key-

board amplifier.

Keyboard amplifiers normally require sound to be input in mono. For this reason, you should connect the digital piano’s [L/L+R] AUX OUT jack to the amplifier’s input using a standard mono audio cable (sold separately). The keyboard amplifier will mix your left and right signals and output them together in mono.

Keyboard amplifier

P-255 rear panel

INPUT

Standard mono audio cable

(sold separately) t

Speaker for vocals y t

Speaker for

vocals e

* w

Keyboard amplifier

*: Shape of plugs on standard mono audio cable e

.

One line

NOTE

• If your keyboard amplifier features multiple inputs, you may be able to connect both the vocal microphone and digital piano to it. For details, please refer to the owner’s manual that came with it.

NOTICE

Please read the following before setting up.

• Ensure that the digital piano, the keyboard amplifier, and all other devices are turned off before connecting or disconnecting cables. Music equipment can be permanently damaged by plugging cables in and out with the power turned on.

 Connect your foot switch or pedal.

When plugged into the [SUSTAIN PEDAL] jack, the bundled foot switch can be used to turn on and off sus-

tain. (See page 11.)

P-255 rear panel

Bundled foot switch

NOTE

• If the PA mixer supports the input of stereo signals, see the section Connect the

instrument’s output to the PA mixer (page 36).

 Connect the vocal microphone

If you wish to connect the vocal microphone to a vocal or keyboard amplifier, please refer to the owner’s manual that came with each.

Your equipment should now be fully connected.

Sound setup

Before you start performing, it is advisable to check the connections by playing and singing.

 Turn on your digital piano.

NOTICE

• When turning on the equipment, first ensure that your digital piano’s [MASTER VOLUME] slider is set to the MIN position and the keyboard amplifier’s volume is turned fully down. You should then turn on the digital piano, followed by the keyboard amplifier. When turning off, again set both devices to their minimum volumes, and then turn off the keyboard amplifier, followed by the digital piano.

Turning on Turning off

z Turn on

P-255 x Turn on keyboard amp z Turn off keyboard amp x Turn off

P-255

 Set volume and tone.

• Roughly speaking, you should set the digital piano’s [MAS-

TER VOLUME] slider to 8 or 9, and you should then adjust the overall volume using the keyboard amplifier. If this slider is set too high, your sound may become distorted; if too low, any background noise will be more noticeable.

38


Performing Live

• We recommend setting the [EQ] sliders to their central positions and adjusting the overall tone using the keyboard amplifier. This approach provides the maximum adjustable range should you need to change the tone during your performance.

• We recommend that you turn the Sound Boost function on.

This function boosts the presence of your instrument so that the entire audience can clearly hear not only notes played very loud, but also those played soft. You can choose from three dif-

ferent types of sound boost. (See page 18.)

1

2

3

 Check your settings.

Once turned on, ensure that your digital piano is set up as follows.

• Auto Power-Off function disabled (page 10)

• Foot switch operating correctly as a sustain pedal (page 11)

• Built-in speakers turned off if you do not need to hear them

(page 44)

This completes the setup process. You should now be ready to play live.

 Lock the control panel to prevent mistakes.

Your digital piano’s Panel Lock function allows you to temporarily disable control-panel buttons to prevent them being operated unintentionally while performing. To activate this function, press the [EFFECT] and

[SOUND BOOST] buttons together. Note that the following will continue to operate normally when the control panel is locked.

• Standby/On switch

• [MASTER VOLUME] slider

• [EQ] sliders

• [SUSTAIN PEDAL] jack

• Pedal unit

Performing

When playing live, relax and try to listen to the overall sound of your performance so that you can make small adjustments if necessary. For example, you could use the [MASTER VOLUME] slider to keep the vocal and digital-piano volumes well balanced.

Other Convenient Functions

Thanks to its digital design, the P-255 offers a range of highly useful functions as described below. When put to effective use, they can help make your performances much more enjoyable.

Dual mode: Two layered Voices

Using Dual mode, each key can simultaneously produce

the sound of two different Voices. (See page 14.)

Split mode: One Voice for the left, another for the right

Your digital piano’s Split mode lets you divide the keyboard at a freely selectable point and assign different

Voices to the left and right sides. (See page 14.)

Transpose

Using the Transpose function, you can shift the pitch of keyboard notes up or down in semitone units. This allows you to change key without having to change what you

actually play on the keyboard. (See page 16.)

Touch sensitivity

Your digital piano’s touch sensitivity function allows you to adjust the degree to which changes in the strength of your playing are reflected in the sound produced. (See

page 45.)

Rhythm tracks

Playing along with one of the many rhythm tracks provided is almost like having your own private band. (See

page 20.)

Reverb

Adding reverb to your sound is a great way to create a

rich sense of depth and space. (See page 15.)

Effects

The digital piano’s Effect function can enhance your sound in various different ways for more expressive per-

formances. (See page 16.)

Playing along with a recording

If you have created a song by recording yourself playing, you can then play along with that song as an accompani-

ment. (See page 21.)

Music input from an audio player

With an audio player connected to your digital piano, you can play along with your favorite tunes or add backing tracks or effect sounds to your live performances. (See

page 34.)

Extensive MIDI and computer support

Your digital piano can be easily integrated with other MIDI instruments or a computer. In this way, you can output

MIDI performance data as you play, perform with voices only found on other devices, and enhance your keyboard-

playing experience in many other ways. (See page 35.)

Support for smart-device apps

Using the specially developed app

P-255 Controller, you can set your instrument in a simpler, more intuitive man-

ner. (See page 35.)

Here at Yamaha, we are continually releasing exciting new apps for smart devices. For details, visit the following

Yamaha web page. http://www.yamaha.com/kbdapps/


39

Customizing with Function Parameters

Using your digital piano’s Function parameters, you can tune the instrument, adjust the metronome volume, and make a wide range of other convenient settings.

Function parameters

Function

Tuning

Tuning system settings

Dual mode settings

Split mode settings

Pedal and special sound settings

Volume settings

MIDI function settings

Backup and other settings

Tuning system

Base note

Dual balance

Dual detune

Voice 1 octave shift

Voice 2 octave shift

Voice 1 effect depth

Voice 2 effect depth

Reset

Split point

Split balance

Right Voice octave shift

Left Voice octave shift

Right Voice effect depth

Left Voice effect depth

Damper pedal range

Reset

Pedal [PLAY/STOP] function

Damper-pedal resonance depth

Soft pedal effect depth

String resonance depth

Sustain sample depth

Key-off sample volume

Intro on/off status

Ending on/off status

Metronome volume

Rhythm playback volume

Audio song playback volume

MIDI song playback volume

Speaker on/off status

AUX OUT volume control

Fixed AUX OUT volume

Touch sensitivity

Fixed touch-sensitivity volume

MIDI send channel

MIDI receive channel

MIDI song playback channels

Local control on/off status

Program change on/off status

Control change on/off status

Send initial setup

Voice configuration backup

MIDI configuration backup

Tuning configuration backup

Miscellaneous backup

Character code

Save

Load

Auto Power-Off

Format USB flash drive

F5.6

F5.7

F5.8

F6.1

F6.2

F6.3

F6.4

F6.5

F4.6

F4.7

F4.8

F5.1

F5.2

F5.3

F5.4

F5.5

F3.5

F3.6

F3.7

F4.1

F4.2

F4.3

F4.4

F4.5

Function number

F1.

F2.1

F2.2

F3.1

F3.2

F3.3

F3.4

F7.5

F7.6

F7.7

F8.1

F8.2

F8.3

F8.4

F8.5

F6.6

F6.7

F6.8

F6.9

F7.1

F7.2

F7.3

F7.4

F8.6

F8.7

F8.8

F8.9

Default setting

440 Hz

1 (Equal temperament)

C

Each combination of

Voices has its own default.

F

–

#2

Each combination of

Voices has its own default.

ON

ON

Int

–

ON

–

OFF

ON

ALL

ALL

ON

ON

15

2

64

1

–

30

–

1 (R)

–

OFF

Voice-specific defaults

5

5

5

5

ON

ON

15

16

16

20

ON

1 (Variable)

Backup parameter

(page 46)

F8.3

F8.3

F8.1

–

F8.1

–

F8.4

F8.1

F8.4

F8.1

F8.4

–

–

F8.4

F8.1

F8.2

F8.4

F8.2

F8.2

F8.2

–

–

Page

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

44

43

44

44

44

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

43

42

42

43

43

42

42

42

42

41

42

42

42

47

47

47

47

46

46

46

47

47

47

47

45

45

45

46

44

45

45

45

40



Basic Function-parameter operations

1

Press the [FUNCTION] button as many times as necessary to select the parameter you wish to set.

Each time you press the [FUNCTION] button, the parameter number shown will increase by one.

You can also decrease the number being shown by pressing the [-/NO] button with the [FUNCTION] button held down.

F

* .*

If you take no action for three seconds with a

Function parameter number being shown, the display will return to the previous screen.

NOTE

• You cannot set Function parameters during song playback (page 21),

recording (page 25), or file operations (page 30).

2

Press the [-/NO] or [+/YES] button to enable parameter setting.

Pressing the [-/NO] or [+/YES] button once shows the current setting for the selected Function parameter.

40.0

Example:

Condition when F.1 selected

3

Change the setting using the [-/NO] and

[+/YES] buttons.

If necessary, you can restore the parameter’s default setting by pressing the [-/NO] and

[+/YES] buttons together.

4

Press the [FUNCTION] button to apply your new setting.

After three seconds, the display will return to the previous screen.

Descriptions of Function parameters

F1.

Tuning

Using the Tuning setting, you can fine tune the pitch of the entire instrument. This can be extremely useful when playing your digital piano along with other instruments or recorded music.

NOTE

• Audio song playback cannot be tuned.

Using the [-/NO] and [+/YES] buttons, you can lower and raise the pitch of the A3 key in units of approximately 0.2

Hz. The tuning value is shown as a two-digit number with one decimal place—in other words, no value is shown for the hundreds column.

Example: 440.2 Hz is shown as “

40.2

”.

• Available settings: 414.8.0 to 466.8 (Hz)

• Default setting: 440.0 (Hz)

Hertz

Hertz (Hz) is the unit of audio pitch. The pitch of a sound is determined by the frequency of its sound waves. The Hertz unit expresses this frequency in terms of the number of oscillations per second.

F2.

Tuning system settings

Your digital piano supports a range of different tuning systems. While the Equal Temperament tuning system has now become standard for pianos, a wide number of other systems were developed over the centuries before it was adopted, and these systems invariably paved the way for the birth of new musical styles. By selecting different tuning systems, you can enjoy the unique harmonics of music from the corresponding periods. In total, your digital piano can replicate the following seven different systems.

Equal temperament

The range of pitches in each octave is divided equally into twelve parts, with each half-step evenly spaced in pitch. Today, this is by far the most popular tuning system for pianos.

Pure Major and Pure Minor

These two tuning systems preserve the pure mathematical intervals of each scale, especially for triadic chords (comprising the root, third, and fifth). These characteristics can still be heard today in vocal harmonies—such as choirs and a cappella singing.

Pythagorean

This tuning system was devised by the famous Greek philosopher Pythagoras and is created from a series of perfect fifths, which are collapsed into a single octave. The thirds in this tuning are not so smooth, but the fourths and fifths are beautiful and suitable for some leads.

Meantone

This tuning system was created as an improvement on the

Pythagorean scale by making the major third interval smoother.

It was especially popular from the latter part of the 16th century to the end of the 18th century, with Handel being one of its most notable users.


41


Werckmeister

Kirnberger

The Werckmeister and Kirnberger tuning systems improve the

Meantone and Pythagorean tuning systems by combining them in different ways. Both are uniquely characterized by the way in which modulation can change the nuances of musical compositions. Often used in the eras of Bach and Beethoven, they are still employed today to reproduce the music of those periods on the harpsichord.

F2.1

Tuning system

• Available settings: 1 ... Equal temperament

2 ... Pure Major

3 ... Pure Minor

4 ... Pythagorean

5 ... Meantone

6 ... Werckmeister

7 ... Kirnberger

• Default setting: 1 ... (Equal temperament)

F2.2

Base note

If you select a tuning system other than equal temperament, you will also need to specify the note on which it is based.

(You can specify a base note for equal temperament, but this setting will have no effect. It is only relevant to other tuning systems.)

• Available settings: C, C

#, D, Eb, E, F, F#, G, Ab, A, Bb, and B

• Default setting: C

Examples of base notes as shown on display

F

#

G A b

F~ G A_

Hyphen (“-”) at top for sharp

Hyphen (“-”) at bottom for flat

F3. Dual mode settings

The following parameters can be used to adjust the volume balance between the two selected Voices and make various other settings for Dual mode in order to best suit the piece you intend to play. Settings can be made for each combination of Voices as described below.

1

Activate Dual mode, select the Voices you wish to use, and then use the [FUNCTION] button to select the Function parameter(s) you wish to set.

2

Change the setting(s) using the [-/NO] and [+/YES] buttons.

Shortcut:

You can jump directly to Function parameter

F3.1 by pressing the [FUNCTION] button with the Voice buttons for the two Dualmode Voices held down.

F3.1

Dual balance

This parameter can be used to optimize the volume balance between the layered Voices. For example, you could set it such that one Voice serves as the main sound and the other provides a subtle accent or a textured after-sound.

• Available settings: 0 to 20 (The greater the value, the louder the volume of Voice 1; 10 represents an equal balance.)

• Default setting: Each combination of Voices has its own default.

F3.2

Dual detune

Use this parameter to slightly detune the two Voices relative to one another in order to thicken their combined sound.

• Available settings: -20 to 0 to 20 (The more positive the value, the higher the pitch of Voice 1 and the lower the pitch of Voice

2. The more negative the value, the higher the pitch of

Voice 2 and the lower the pitch of Voice 1.)


NOTE

• The actual amount of detuning is greater for lower notes than higher notes—for example, ±60 cents for A-1 corresponds to ±5 cents for C7. (100 cents equal one semitone.)

F3.3

Voice 1 octave shift

F3.4

Voice 2 octave shift

These parameters are used to raise or lower the pitch of each of Voice 1 and Voice 2 in units of one octave. In certain cases, this can enhance the combined sound of the

Voices.

• Available settings: -1, 0, and 1


NOTE

• Refer to page 14 for details of what is meant by Voice 1 and Voice 2.

F3.5

Voice 1 effect depth

F3.6

Voice 2 effect depth

Use these parameters to set the depth of the effect for each of Voice 1 and Voice 2.

• Available settings: 0 to 20


NOTE

• Refer to page 14 for details of what is meant by Voice 1 and Voice 2.

F3.7

Reset

By pressing the [+/YES] button with this Function parameter shown, you can reset all of the Dual mode settings to the defaults for the corresponding Voice combinations.

42



F4. Split mode settings

The following parameters can be used to adjust the split point and make various other settings for Split mode in order to best suit the piece you intend to play. Settings can be made for each combination of Voices as described below.

1

Activate Split mode, select the Voices you wish to use, and then use the [FUNCTION] button to select the Function parameter(s) you wish to set.

2

Change the setting(s) using the [-/NO] and [+/YES] buttons.

Shortcut:


F4.1 by pressing the [FUNCTION] button with the [SPLIT] button held down.

F4.1

Split point

Use this parameter to set the location at which the keyboard is divided into the left and right sides. The key that defines the split point is included in the left side of the keyboard.

• Available settings: A-1 to C7 (entire keyboard)

• Default setting: F

#2

NOTE

• As an alternative to using the [-/NO] and [+/YES] buttons, the split point can be set by pressing the corresponding key. You can also do this when Function parameter

F4.1 is not being shown by pressing the key with the [SPLIT] button

held down (page 14).

Examples of split points as shown on display

F2 F

#2

E b2

F 2 F~2 E_2

Indicates a sharp key (

#).

Indicates a flat key ( b).

F4.2

Split balance

This parameter can be used to optimize the volume balance between the split Voices. Settings can be made for each combination of Voices.

• Available settings: 0 to 20 (The greater the value, the louder the volume of the right Voice; 10 represents an equal balance.)


F4.3

Right Voice octave shift

F4.4

Left Voice octave shift

These parameters are used to raise or lower the pitch of each of the left and right Voices in units of one octave. This allows you to set the note ranges of each side of the keyboard to better suit the pieces you intend to play. Settings can be made for each combination of Voices.

• Available settings: -1, 0, and 1


F4.5

Right Voice effect depth

F4.6

Left Voice effect depth

Use these parameters to set the depth of the effect for each of the left and right Voices.



F4.7

Damper pedal range

This parameter can be use to specify whether the damper pedal should affect both Voices (“ALL”), only the right

Voice (“1”), or only the left Voice (“2”).

• Available settings: ALL (both Voices), 1 (right Voice only), and 2

(left Voice only)


F4.8

Reset

By pressing the [+/YES] button with this Function parameter shown, you can reset all of the Split mode settings to the defaults for the corresponding Voice combinations.

F5. Pedal and special sound settings

The following parameters can be used to assign the functionality of the [PLAY/STOP] button to a pedal, adjust the depth of the damper pedal’s resonance effect, and make a range of other convenient settings.

F5.1

Pedal [PLAY/STOP] function

If you have connected a pedal unit* (see page 12) to your

digital piano, you can use this parameter to configure either the center or left pedal to operate in the same way as the control panel’s [PLAY/STOP] button. Note that when this functionality is assigned to a pedal, the pedal’s original function (i.e., soft or sostenuto) will be disabled. (*: Sold separately.)

• Available settings: OFF, 1 (left pedal), and 2 (center pedal)

• Default setting: OFF

F5.2

Damper-pedal resonance depth

Using this parameter, you can adjust the depth of the resonance effect applied to certain Voices—specifically, Grand

Piano, Live Grand, Ballad Grand, and Bright Grand—when the damper pedal is operated.


• Default setting: Differs for each Voice

F5.3

Soft pedal effect depth

If you have connected a pedal unit* (see page 12), the soft

pedal will slightly lower the volume and soften the timbre of notes played while it is being operated, and using this parameter, you can adjust the depth of that effect. (*: Sold separately.)




43


F5.4

String resonance depth

This parameter can be used to adjust the depth of the string resonance effect applied to certain Voices—specifically,

Grand Piano, Ballad Grand, and Bright Grand.



F5.5

Damper-pedal sustain sample depth

Using this parameter, you can adjust the depth of sustain samples applied to certain Voices—specifically, Grand

Piano, Ballad Grand, and Bright Grand—when the damper pedal is operated.



F5.6

Key-off sample volume

This parameter can be used to adjust the volume of the keyoff sound (i.e., a subtle sound produced when the keys are released) for certain Voices—specifically, Grand Piano,

Ballad Grand, Bright Grand, Stage E.Piano, Harpsichord, and Clavi.



F5.7

Intro on/off status

Using this parameter, you can specify whether or not an intro section should be played first of all whenever you start a rhythm track.

• Available settings: ON and OFF

• Default setting: ON

F5.8

Ending on/off status

This parameter can be used to specify whether or not an ending section should be played whenever you stop a rhythm track.



F6. Volume settings

F6.1

Metronome volume

Use this parameter to set the volume of the built-in metronome.



Shortcut:


F6.1 by pressing the [FUNCTION] button with the [METRONOME] button held down.

F6.2

Rhythm playback volume

Using this parameter, you can balance the volumes of the

rhythm track (page 20) and the sound produced by the key-

board.



F6.3

Audio song playback volume



Shortcut:


F6.3 by pressing the [FUNCTION] button while an audio song is playing. The volume of the song can then be set using the [-/NO] and [+/YES] buttons.

F6.4

MIDI song playback volume

This parameter can be used to balance the volumes of the sound produced by the keyboard and a MIDI song that you are playing along with.



Shortcut:


F6.4 by pressing the [FUNCTION] button while a MIDI song is playing. The volume of the song can then be set using the [-/NO] and [+/YES] buttons.

F6.5

Speaker on/off status

Using this parameter, you can specify whether the digital piano’s built-in speakers should also produce sound when

external speakers are connected (page 34).

• Available settings:

ON (As long as headphones are not connected, the speakers will continue to produce sound.)

OFF (The speakers will produce no sound.)


F6.6

AUX OUT volume control

This parameter can be used to specify how the volume of audio output via the AUX OUT jack is controlled. When set to “1” (Variable), you will be able to adjust the volume using the [MASTER VOLUME] slider; when set to “2”

(Fixed), the slider will have no effect and the volume will be fixed at the level set by Function parameter F6.7.

• Available settings: 1 (Variable) and 2 (Fixed)


NOTE

• When this parameter is set to “2” (Fixed), the headphones volume will also be fixed at the level set by Function parameter

F6.7.

F6.7

Fixed AUX OUT volume

Using this parameter, you can set the volume to be used when Function parameter F6.6 is set to “2” (Fixed).



44



F6.8

Touch sensitivity

This parameter can be used to adjust the degree to which the digital piano reflects differences in the strength of your playing in the sound produced.

• Available settings: 1 ....... Soft: Makes it possible to produce loud sounds when playing softly.

2 ....... Medium: Replicates the standard response of a piano.

3 ....... Hard: Requires the keys to be played quite hard in order to produce loud

• Default setting: sounds.

OFF .. Fixed: All notes are produced at the same volume regardless of how hard or soft you play. The fixed volume can be set using Function parameter

F6.9.

2

NOTE

• Changing the touch sensitivity has no effect on the weights of the keys.

NOTE

• The touch sensitivity setting applies to all Voices. However, certain Voices do not respond to differences in playing strength and are not affected by this setting.

Refer to the Voice List (page 51) for details.

F6.9

Fixed touch-sensitivity volume

Using this parameter, you can set the volume to be used when Function parameter F6.8 is set to “OFF” (Fixed).

• Available settings: 1 (minimum volume) to 127 (maximum volume)


NOTE

• The fixed touch-sensitivity volume applies to all Voices.

F7. MIDI function settings

The following parameters can be used to make MIDIrelated settings and to also send them to other devices. For more information on MIDI, please refer to the MIDI Basics

pdf manual (page 6). The MIDI settings described below

affect not only the exchange of MIDI data via the MIDI terminals but also via the [USB TO HOST] terminal.

F7.1

MIDI send channel

In order for two MIDI devices to exchange data with one another, the MIDI send channel (1 to 16) on the sending device must match the MIDI receive channel on the receiving device. Using Function parameter F7.1, you can set the

MIDI channel on which the digital piano will send the data you produce by playing the keyboard.

• Available settings: 1 to 16 and OFF (no data sent)


Voice 2 from Dual mode and the left Voice from Split mode

will send data on the next channel after the one set using this parameter. (Voice 1 and the right channel use the channel set here.) No data is sent by any Voices when “OFF” is selected.

Song data

Your digital piano does not normally send data contained in songs via the [OUT] MIDI terminal. However, if you have selected “1&2” as the MIDI song playback channels using Function parameter

F7.3 and play a non-protected MIDI song, data from channels 3 through 16 will be sent.

F7.2

MIDI receive channel

In order for two MIDI devices to exchange data with one another, the MIDI send channel (1 to 16) on the sending device must match the MIDI receive channel on the receiving device. Using Function parameter F7.2, you can set the

MIDI channel on which the digital piano will receive data sent by another MIDI device.

• Available settings: ALL, 1 to 16, and 1&2

• Default setting: ALL

Meaning of “ALL” setting

If you set “ALL” for this parameter, all data will be received from the sending device, regardless of its channel. This allows your digital piano to play a multi-channel song from a sequencer or the like.

Meaning of “1&2” setting

If you set this parameter to “1&2”, your digital piano will receive and play only data sent on MIDI channels 1 and 2 by a sequencer or the like.

NOTE

• Your digital piano’s control panel settings and keyboard Voices are unaffected by program change messages received from other MIDI devices.

NOTE

• MIDI data is not received while playing demo tracks or performing file operations.

F7.3

MIDI song playback channels

With this parameter shown on the display, you can use the

[-/NO] and [+/YES] buttons to select the playback channels for MIDI songs.

• Available settings: ALL and 1&2

• Default setting: ALL

When “ALL” is selected, all channels (1 to 16) will be played. If you select “1&2”, data on channels 1 and 2 will be played, but data on the other channels (3 to 16) will be sent to the connected MIDI device.

F7.4

Local control on/off status

Using this parameter, you can specify whether or not the digital piano’s internal tone generator is actually to produce sound in response to playing of the keyboard. Normally, you would have the tone generator respond to signals from the keyboard, and Local Control is said to be turned on in such a case. If you turn Local Control off, the instrument’s tone generator will be essentially disconnected from the keyboard. In this condition, no sound will be produced in response to playing of the keyboard and no MIDI performance data will be sent. However, the internal tone generator will respond to MIDI data received from another MIDI device.




45


F7.5

Program change on/off status

MIDI Program Change messages can be sent from one

MIDI device to another in order to change its Voice. In other words, your digital piano could use a Program

Change message to change the voice being used on a connected device. (When a new Voice is selected using the control panel, the corresponding Program Change Number would be sent.) Meanwhile, upon the receipt of a Program

Change message from a connected MIDI device, your digital piano can change the Voice being used to play the received MIDI data (but not the Voice played via the keyboard). This parameter should therefore be set to “ON” if you wish to send and receive MIDI Program Change messages, thereby linking Voices on the digital piano with those on connected devices. If, however, you do not want to link

Voices in this way, you should set this parameter to “OFF”.

NOTE

• Refer to the MIDI Reference pdf manual for details of the MIDI Program Change

Numbers associated with the instrument’s Voices.



F7.6

Control change on/off status

MIDI devices use Control Change messages in order to inform each other of damper pedal operations, volume changes, and other actions associated with the expressiveness of a performance. In other words, your digital piano could send Control Change messages via MIDI to affect the sound of a performance being played on a connected device. (Whenever you operate the instrument’s damper pedal, it would send the corresponding Control Change messages.) Meanwhile, upon the receipt of a Control

Change message from a connected MIDI device, your digital piano can change the sound of the MIDI performance being played (but not the sound being played using the keyboard). This parameter can be used to turn on and off the exchange of MIDI Control Change messages as appropriate.

NOTE

• Refer to the MIDI Reference pdf manual for details of the Control Change data supported by your digital piano.



F7.7

Send initial setup

This parameter can be used as described below to send initial setup data—that is, the current state of control panel settings—to a connected sequencer or other device. For example, you could send this data before recording a performance on the sequencer or device, thereby saving the digital piano’s current settings at the beginning of the recording. In addition, you could also send this data to the tone generator of another instrument in order to configure it in the same way as the digital piano’s.

1

Set the control panel as required.

2

Connect the sequencer and configure it to receive and record the initial setup data.

3

Use the [FUNCTION] button to select Function parameter

F7.7

.

4

Press the [+/YES] button to send the data.

The message “End” will be shown when the data has been sent.

Initial setup data contains the following settings.

• Voice(s)

• Reverb type and depth

• Effect type and depth

• Split point

• Tuning system (

F2.1)

• Dual balance (

F3.1)

• Relative Voice detune (

F3.2)

• Dual balance (

F4.2)

• Certain pedal and special sound settings (

F5.2 to F5.6)

F8. Backup and other settings

Using your digital piano’s Backup function, you can save

Voice selections, reverb type, and many other settings to ensure that they are retained when you turn off the instrument. If turned on, this function will restore your previous settings automatically when you turn on your digital piano.

If turned off, however, the settings stored in the instrument’s internal memory will be lost; accordingly, the corre-

sponding defaults (page 48) will be restored when you next

turn it on. That said, performance data stored in the internal memory, the character code setting, and the on/off status of the Backup function will always be automatically retained.

As described below, the Backup function can be turned on or off individually for different types of settings (i.e., Voice,

MIDI, tuning, and miscellaneous). The corresponding

Function-parameter settings will also be retained.

NOTICE

• It can take several seconds to save the instrument’s settings. For this reason, any setting changed immediately before the digital piano is turned off may not be retained.

F8.1

Voice configuration backup


• Default setting: OFF

Data retained

• Voice selection

• On/off status of Dual mode and the corresponding Voices

• Dual mode settings

F3.1 through F3.6 (for each combination of

Voices)

• On/off status of Split mode and the corresponding Voices

• Split mode settings

F4.1 through F4.7 (for each combination of

Voices)

• Reverb type and depth (for each Voice)

• Effect type and depth (for each Voice)

• Damper-pedal resonance depth (

F5.2)

• Metronome volume (

F6.1)

• Touch sensitivity settings, including fixed volume (

F6.8 and F6.9)

46



F8.2

MIDI configuration backup



Data retained

• MIDI function settings

F7.1, F7.2, and F7.4 to F7.6

F8.3

Tuning configuration backup



Data retained

• Transpose setting (page 16)

• Tuning (

F1.)

• Tuning system and base note (

F2.1 and F2.2)

F8.4

Miscellaneous backup



Data retained

• Pedal and special sound settings

F5.1 and F5.3 to F5.8

• Rhythm playback volume (

F6.2)

• Audio song playback volume (

F6.3)

• MIDI song playback volume (

F6.4)

• Fixed AUX OUT volume (

F6.7)

• MIDI song playback channels (

F7.3)

F8.5

Character code

If your digital piano cannot load an Import Song, there may be an issue with the character code used for the name of the corresponding file. This parameter can be used to change the character code in such a case.

• Available settings: Int (International) and JA (Japanese)

• Default setting: Int

F8.6

F8.7

Save, Load

As described below, your digital piano’s settings in addition to those songs recorded and/or stored on it (i.e., from User

MIDI) can be saved on a USB flash drive as a single file

(with a .bup file extension). Naturally, you can also read each of these files back into the digital piano from a USB flash drive in order to restore its settings and songs.

1

Plug in a USB flash drive.

2

With the [FUNCTION] button held down, use the

[-/NO] and [+/YES] buttons to select the required function.

F8.6 ..........Save backup data

F8.7 ..........Load backup data

3

The message “

bUP

” (Save) or “

rSt

” (Load) will be displayed when you press the [+/YES] button, followed by the message “

n Y

” (no/yes). Press the

[+/YES] button to perform the selected operation.

(You will need to press once again to confirm your selection when loading.) When the operation has been completed, the message “

End

” will be shown. After loading backup data, the digital piano will automatically turn off and then back on.

If you wish to cancel the Save or Load operation, press the [-/NO] button.

Backup file names

P-255.bup

NOTICE

• Do not turn off the instrument while saving or loading backup data. Failure to observe this precaution may result in the permanent loss of important data.

• Do not manually change the backup file name by using a computer; doing so will render the file unloadable.

F8.8

Auto Power-Off

Using this parameter, you can set the period of inactivity

after which the Auto Power-Off function (page 10) will

automatically turn off the digital piano.

• Available settings: OFF, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, and 120 (minutes)

• Default setting: 30 (minutes)

F8.9

Format USB flash drive

Refer to page 33 for a description of the formatting proce-

dure.

NOTICE

• When a USB flash drive is formatted, all of its content will be deleted. Before formatting, therefore, ensure that the USB flash drive contains no irreplaceable data.

• Available settings: n (no) and Y (yes)


47


Restoring factory settings

To restore your digital piano to its factory settings, turn it on while holding down the rightmost key on the keyboard (C7). It should be noted that this operation will cause all backup data stored in the instrument’s internal memory (including individual backup on/off settings made using Function parameters) to be overwritten. User Songs and Import Songs stored within internal memory will be retained.

C7

NOTICE

• You should never turn off the digital piano while the mes-

sage “CLr” is shown on the display. Failure to observe this

precaution may result in all song data (page 21), including

Import Songs, being deleted.

NOTE

• Default settings

The term “default settings” as used in this manual refers to the settings from when you first turned on the digital piano—that is, the settings applied before shipment from the factory.

48


Main Operations. Yamaha PSR-EW300, P-255, PS-1

Selecting & Playing Voices

Selecting Voices

Press a Voice button to select a Voice from the corresponding category.

Play the keyboard to hear how the selected Voice sounds.

Listening to the Voice demo songs

Press the [DEMO] button to start playback.

Press the [PLAY/STOP] button or the

[DEMO] button to stop playback.

13

Layering two Voices with Dual mode

Select the two Voices you wish to layer using the corresponding Voice buttons.

Activate Dual mode.

Dividing the keyboard with Split mode

Activate Split mode.

Set the split point.

Voice 1 and Voice 2

Leave Dual mode.

14

Select a Voice for the right side.

Select a Voice for the left side.

Leave Split mode.

Adding reverb

Setting the reverb type

Setting the reverb depth

15

Adding effects

Setting the effect type

Transposing

Adjusting the effect depth

Setting the transpose amount

Turning transpose on and off

16

Tuning the instrument

Adjusting the tone

Changing the touch sensitivity

17

Boosting the overall sound

Locking the control panel

Lock the control panel.

Control panel locked:

Setting the Sound Boost type

Unlock the control panel.

18

Using the Metronome

Turn on the metronome.

Turn off the metronome.

Adjusting the tempo

Setting the time signature

19

Playing Rhythm Tracks

Turn on a rhythm track.

Selecting a rhythm track

Adjusting the tempo

Turn off the rhythm track.

20

Playing Songs

Supported song types

Supported song data formats

Playing a song

Select the correct song category using the [SELECT] button.

Use the [-/NO] and [+/YES] buttons to

select a song number, “rnd” (random),

or “ALL”.

21

Press the [PLAY/STOP] button to start playback.

Unplayable songs

Setting the playback volume (MIDI or Audio songs)

Adjusting the tempo of MIDI songs

Rewind and fast forward

Press the [PLAY/STOP] button once again when you want to stop the song.

Reverb and effect types during playback

(MIDI songs)

MIDI songs with sounds not found on the instrument

Import Songs that cannot be selected or loaded

22

Convenient playback functions

Part Cancel (MIDI songs)

A-B Repeat (MIDI songs)

Turn off the part you wish to practice.