D
DM60
Well-known member
Sounds like what they call over here as a brown out, where power is reduced due to high loads.
D
DM60
Well-known member
Did the power returning back to normal correct these issues?
R
Retired
Active member
Hi,
Thanks for asking @DM60 Yes back to normal but only after more hassle. I pressed the remote to put the C/H back on then sat at the keyboard for a practice; half an hour later I suddenly felt frozen; the heating hadn't come on so down to the workshop and mess around in the cold for ten minutes until I finally got the heating to work. All in all a bad morning but the bungalow is starting to warm up again. What a strange morning.
Edit: More problems this afternoon; the C/H knocked itself off; I'd been playing the keyboard and wonder if the keyboard sent a signal to the boiler? Stranger things happen but the heating's back on again after I became frozen again; now the remote control won't select YouTube videos on TV but YouTube plays OK on the desktop; I've replaced the remote batteries but the problem remains; I've just ordered a new remote through eBay. Let this day be over I'm sick of it.
Kind regards, Col.
Thanks for asking @DM60 Yes back to normal but only after more hassle. I pressed the remote to put the C/H back on then sat at the keyboard for a practice; half an hour later I suddenly felt frozen; the heating hadn't come on so down to the workshop and mess around in the cold for ten minutes until I finally got the heating to work. All in all a bad morning but the bungalow is starting to warm up again. What a strange morning.
Edit: More problems this afternoon; the C/H knocked itself off; I'd been playing the keyboard and wonder if the keyboard sent a signal to the boiler? Stranger things happen but the heating's back on again after I became frozen again; now the remote control won't select YouTube videos on TV but YouTube plays OK on the desktop; I've replaced the remote batteries but the problem remains; I've just ordered a new remote through eBay. Let this day be over I'm sick of it.
Kind regards, Col.
Last edited:
Slouching Raymond
Well-known member
The keyboard has a usb connector, which will just be for connecting it to a computer. That ought to allow digital audio to pass into the computer, and for MIDI data to pass between the computer and keyboard.
Other than that, just like my 'el cheapo' lightweight Yamaha piano, the only way to get an audio signal out of it is via the stereo headphone socket.
For some reason Yamaha outputs tend to be a bit quiet.
Your BX4 monitors have left and right Phono sockets, and left and right balanced 1/4" Jack sockets.
You could try going into either. I'll bet there's not much difference.
If you're going into the balanced, you'll need a cable with a stereo jack at the keyboard end, which splits into left and right jacks at the speaker end.
Npote that you'd be plugging an unbalanced signal into a balanced socket. I do it all the time.
The BX4 has low and high freq adjustment pots on the rear, whichare probably best set to be in the middle.
Then you need the little mono cable connecting the two mionitors, because the amp is only in one of them.
The only remaining thing is the switch to tell the monitor with the amp whether it is left or right.
I wonder if you are plugging a jack cable into one of the balanced inputs, then telling it it is the other speaker.
Sadly the BX4 monitors do not seem to have a volume knob,because they are too cheap.
My 3 pairs of monitors all have volume knobs, and can all blow your head off. I only turn them on a quarter.
The best option may be to connect the keyboard to your Tascam recorder, and connect the outputs of that to your monitors.
That would give you volume controls.
Other than that, just like my 'el cheapo' lightweight Yamaha piano, the only way to get an audio signal out of it is via the stereo headphone socket.
For some reason Yamaha outputs tend to be a bit quiet.
Your BX4 monitors have left and right Phono sockets, and left and right balanced 1/4" Jack sockets.
You could try going into either. I'll bet there's not much difference.
If you're going into the balanced, you'll need a cable with a stereo jack at the keyboard end, which splits into left and right jacks at the speaker end.
Npote that you'd be plugging an unbalanced signal into a balanced socket. I do it all the time.
The BX4 has low and high freq adjustment pots on the rear, whichare probably best set to be in the middle.
Then you need the little mono cable connecting the two mionitors, because the amp is only in one of them.
The only remaining thing is the switch to tell the monitor with the amp whether it is left or right.
I wonder if you are plugging a jack cable into one of the balanced inputs, then telling it it is the other speaker.
Sadly the BX4 monitors do not seem to have a volume knob,because they are too cheap.
My 3 pairs of monitors all have volume knobs, and can all blow your head off. I only turn them on a quarter.
The best option may be to connect the keyboard to your Tascam recorder, and connect the outputs of that to your monitors.
That would give you volume controls.
R
Retired
Active member
Hi,
Thanks so much for your comprehensive and useful reply Raymond; it's decent of you.
I've just tried my AKG K52 phones and they certainly are plenty loud. I brought my Beringer UMC404HD into the front room last night in order to experiment with it this morning but as explained everything totally ruined my day; I've finally got YouTube fully working on the TV; it's just been one big wind up today. I've heeded your suggestion and now the Tascam too is in the front room; assuming this bad luck leaves me for tomorrow morning I can try once again; the lighting is too poor in the front room to be playing around much tonight so I'll play the violin and keyboard to end the day.
The speakers are working fine on stereo but again due to lighting I'll play around with these too tomorrow. The BX4 both are set to high at the moment; there's a switch on the back for swapping connections without pulling the connectors out; I've tried both ways and as I say stereo is working.
I think possibly as you kindly suggest Raymond the Tascam might sort the problem out; using the tascam in the studio with these speakers they are definitely very loud but I don't fully understand the Tascam although playing with it tomorrow should enlighten me; I've been using the Tascam with a Rode NT2a mic on phantom power in the studio for recording and when recorded I could play back but as yet I don't understand how to play straight through from say the keyboard using the Tascam to the speakers; I've not tried to do it.
Yes both speakers are connected with the supplied cable and work OK. It's got the correct stereo jack into the keyboard with twin connecters to the speakers. The volume knob on the keyboard is at maximum so I assume the signal to the speakers will be at maximum too but the speakers aren't boosting the signal a great deal. It could well be my ignorance at fault as I learn so much about all the gear.
At last I'm feeling cosy and warm with the heating turned full on.
Thanks once again Raymond; I'll update when I've played around tomorrow; I've had more than enough for one day.
Kind regards, Col.
Thanks so much for your comprehensive and useful reply Raymond; it's decent of you.
I've just tried my AKG K52 phones and they certainly are plenty loud. I brought my Beringer UMC404HD into the front room last night in order to experiment with it this morning but as explained everything totally ruined my day; I've finally got YouTube fully working on the TV; it's just been one big wind up today. I've heeded your suggestion and now the Tascam too is in the front room; assuming this bad luck leaves me for tomorrow morning I can try once again; the lighting is too poor in the front room to be playing around much tonight so I'll play the violin and keyboard to end the day.
The speakers are working fine on stereo but again due to lighting I'll play around with these too tomorrow. The BX4 both are set to high at the moment; there's a switch on the back for swapping connections without pulling the connectors out; I've tried both ways and as I say stereo is working.
I think possibly as you kindly suggest Raymond the Tascam might sort the problem out; using the tascam in the studio with these speakers they are definitely very loud but I don't fully understand the Tascam although playing with it tomorrow should enlighten me; I've been using the Tascam with a Rode NT2a mic on phantom power in the studio for recording and when recorded I could play back but as yet I don't understand how to play straight through from say the keyboard using the Tascam to the speakers; I've not tried to do it.
Yes both speakers are connected with the supplied cable and work OK. It's got the correct stereo jack into the keyboard with twin connecters to the speakers. The volume knob on the keyboard is at maximum so I assume the signal to the speakers will be at maximum too but the speakers aren't boosting the signal a great deal. It could well be my ignorance at fault as I learn so much about all the gear.
At last I'm feeling cosy and warm with the heating turned full on.
Thanks once again Raymond; I'll update when I've played around tomorrow; I've had more than enough for one day.
Kind regards, Col.
R
Retired
Active member
Hi,
Thanks once again Raymond. I can lift the roof now with the monitors. After breakfast this morning I set about playing with the keyboard; Tascam and monitors; nothing at first until everything was aligned then suddenly the monitors burst into life; I'm delighted. The monitors sound different now to the keyboard so I think it might be down to Tascam adjustments; the difference though in sound output is truly amazing; I don't know if this will work with my Yamaha violin but I'm about to try just for interest because the violin has it's own Yamaha amp. Lots of cables now to tidy up.
Kind regards, Col.
Thanks once again Raymond. I can lift the roof now with the monitors. After breakfast this morning I set about playing with the keyboard; Tascam and monitors; nothing at first until everything was aligned then suddenly the monitors burst into life; I'm delighted. The monitors sound different now to the keyboard so I think it might be down to Tascam adjustments; the difference though in sound output is truly amazing; I don't know if this will work with my Yamaha violin but I'm about to try just for interest because the violin has it's own Yamaha amp. Lots of cables now to tidy up.
Kind regards, Col.
rob aylestone
Moderator
Yamaha stand alone electric pianos - the Clavinova range - have always sounded pretty good through their internal speakers, but oddly, never that nice when connected to PAs and recording equipment. The sound seems tailored to the built in speakers - the electronic output just reveals the oddness!
R
Retired
Active member
Hi,
I packed in with the Tascam; the output was loud enough but not the quality; I was wasting so much time. I tried the Beringer too but couldn't get it to work no doubt due to my ignorance. The monitors though sound nice but still not loud on their own even with the keyboard and monitors turned fully up.
I've been watching videos of the Yamaha range of keyboards and the Clavinova's look good but there doesn't appear to be a piano shop within reasonable distance where I can buy before I try. I'm enjoying playing the Yamaha keyboard I already have and I'm not in a hurry yet to trade up but it's nice to look and dream.
Kind regards, Col.
I packed in with the Tascam; the output was loud enough but not the quality; I was wasting so much time. I tried the Beringer too but couldn't get it to work no doubt due to my ignorance. The monitors though sound nice but still not loud on their own even with the keyboard and monitors turned fully up.
I've been watching videos of the Yamaha range of keyboards and the Clavinova's look good but there doesn't appear to be a piano shop within reasonable distance where I can buy before I try. I'm enjoying playing the Yamaha keyboard I already have and I'm not in a hurry yet to trade up but it's nice to look and dream.
Kind regards, Col.
Slouching Raymond
Well-known member
The Behringer ought to work.
Try it with a mono signal.
Turn off the +48V switch on the rear.
Plug the left keyboard output into one of the front panel inputs.
Set that channel to 'line' with its button.
Set the 'pad' button to out, so attenuation is not engaged.
Play the keyboard, and adjust that channel's gain as high as you can without the clip light coming on.
Set the stereo button to mono.
Adjust the 'mix' knob all the way left, so that it is the input signals that are heard, not the playback signals from a computer.
The sound ought to come out of the Main Out sockets, so connect a jack cables from there to your monitors.
Adjust the Main Out knob to change the volume.
The sound ought to also come out of the headphone socket, which has its own volume control.
Try it with a mono signal.
Turn off the +48V switch on the rear.
Plug the left keyboard output into one of the front panel inputs.
Set that channel to 'line' with its button.
Set the 'pad' button to out, so attenuation is not engaged.
Play the keyboard, and adjust that channel's gain as high as you can without the clip light coming on.
Set the stereo button to mono.
Adjust the 'mix' knob all the way left, so that it is the input signals that are heard, not the playback signals from a computer.
The sound ought to come out of the Main Out sockets, so connect a jack cables from there to your monitors.
Adjust the Main Out knob to change the volume.
The sound ought to also come out of the headphone socket, which has its own volume control.
R
Retired
Active member
Hi,
You're brilliant Raymond; thanks so much for your useful detailed walk through. I printed the details off and have just spent an hour playing around and now it works with plenty of gain whilst remaining below clipping. Intially I connected the left keyboard (seen left from the front of the keyboard) then I tried left from the back and just got a lot of buzzing so something was now alive; in the end I connect both to 1 & 2 on the Beringer and suddenly it came to life; the keyboard is now a lot louder; middle range it's fine but bottom & top ranges need work; I should have also tried stereo to see if it makes any difference but I'm so tired I'm losing concentration and have quit for tonight but I'll play around more tomorrow. I'm very pleased though to make so much progress. Many thanks again Raymond.
Kind regards, Col.
You're brilliant Raymond; thanks so much for your useful detailed walk through. I printed the details off and have just spent an hour playing around and now it works with plenty of gain whilst remaining below clipping. Intially I connected the left keyboard (seen left from the front of the keyboard) then I tried left from the back and just got a lot of buzzing so something was now alive; in the end I connect both to 1 & 2 on the Beringer and suddenly it came to life; the keyboard is now a lot louder; middle range it's fine but bottom & top ranges need work; I should have also tried stereo to see if it makes any difference but I'm so tired I'm losing concentration and have quit for tonight but I'll play around more tomorrow. I'm very pleased though to make so much progress. Many thanks again Raymond.
Kind regards, Col.
R
Retired
Active member
Hi,
Things have progressed a bit. I liked the Yamaha E383 especially the Sync 222 setting so I decided to upgrade. I wanted Yamaha and fancied the Genos 2 due to the great review videos on YouTube; BUT when I checked the dimensions it wouldn't fit into my front room but another Yamaha also attracted my interest and this one at half the cost but with many benefits of the Genos and this being a similar size to my E383 would definitely fit into the front room.
Wednesday afternoon having dithered around for days I finally bought a wonderful Yamaha SX920 arranger keyboard which is the flagship of Yamahas SX series; I looked at the SX900 firstly but then found this has been upgraded to the SX920 so I bought the SX920.
https://www.rimmersmusic.co.uk/yamaha-psr-sx920-arranger-keyboard-p55044
Rimmers offered this at cheapest price I could find but also included free next day delivery; it arrived in less than a day yesterday morning; full credit to Rimmers and the courier.
What a wonderful keyboard; it looks the business with all its coloured controls; it's like mission control and at the moment having only played around with it a couple of times I feel overwhelmed by its complexity so I'm now on a ballistic learning curve.
I have a retired friend who liked to play his clarinet but unfortunately is now too ill to play; out of curiosity I thought I'd have a look at the clarinet section of which there are four voices to choose from; the third voice sounded just right so I was very pleased to play the first tune without much difficulty.
My new Yamaha SX920 in action after a very easy set up.
It fits snugly into the corner of my front room giving immediate access unlike the studio which always takes quite a while to heart up during this dire weather.
Here is the clarinet choice and it sounds wonderful with Stranger On The Shore.
Copied from the Internet just for a practice; I labeled it piano but it's a clarinet copy and a very easy novice players piece but it sounds good.
Any problems will be my fault not the keyboard after all it's the flagship; this is my first purchase from Rimmers and I'm impressed by how easy it was to buy through PayPal; just one phone call to supply a code from PayPal checking I wasn't an alien and the order went through without the slightest hassle. I'm now pleased the weather is dire; I have the best excuse ever to spend time learning to play.
I bought a set of steel strings for my Yamaha YEV-104 electric violin and managed to break the E string; oh hum; these things happen but now I know how far an E string can go before it breaks. I've never been musical but now living on my own I don't want to sit in front of the tv watching a ball being kicked or knocked around; my violins and keyboards are a brilliant hobby to spend lots of interesting time.
Enough for now but I keep progressing slowly.
Kind regards, Col.
Things have progressed a bit. I liked the Yamaha E383 especially the Sync 222 setting so I decided to upgrade. I wanted Yamaha and fancied the Genos 2 due to the great review videos on YouTube; BUT when I checked the dimensions it wouldn't fit into my front room but another Yamaha also attracted my interest and this one at half the cost but with many benefits of the Genos and this being a similar size to my E383 would definitely fit into the front room.
Wednesday afternoon having dithered around for days I finally bought a wonderful Yamaha SX920 arranger keyboard which is the flagship of Yamahas SX series; I looked at the SX900 firstly but then found this has been upgraded to the SX920 so I bought the SX920.
https://www.rimmersmusic.co.uk/yamaha-psr-sx920-arranger-keyboard-p55044
Rimmers offered this at cheapest price I could find but also included free next day delivery; it arrived in less than a day yesterday morning; full credit to Rimmers and the courier.
What a wonderful keyboard; it looks the business with all its coloured controls; it's like mission control and at the moment having only played around with it a couple of times I feel overwhelmed by its complexity so I'm now on a ballistic learning curve.
I have a retired friend who liked to play his clarinet but unfortunately is now too ill to play; out of curiosity I thought I'd have a look at the clarinet section of which there are four voices to choose from; the third voice sounded just right so I was very pleased to play the first tune without much difficulty.
My new Yamaha SX920 in action after a very easy set up.
It fits snugly into the corner of my front room giving immediate access unlike the studio which always takes quite a while to heart up during this dire weather.
Here is the clarinet choice and it sounds wonderful with Stranger On The Shore.
Copied from the Internet just for a practice; I labeled it piano but it's a clarinet copy and a very easy novice players piece but it sounds good.
Any problems will be my fault not the keyboard after all it's the flagship; this is my first purchase from Rimmers and I'm impressed by how easy it was to buy through PayPal; just one phone call to supply a code from PayPal checking I wasn't an alien and the order went through without the slightest hassle. I'm now pleased the weather is dire; I have the best excuse ever to spend time learning to play.
I bought a set of steel strings for my Yamaha YEV-104 electric violin and managed to break the E string; oh hum; these things happen but now I know how far an E string can go before it breaks. I've never been musical but now living on my own I don't want to sit in front of the tv watching a ball being kicked or knocked around; my violins and keyboards are a brilliant hobby to spend lots of interesting time.
Enough for now but I keep progressing slowly.
Kind regards, Col.
R
Retired
Active member
Hi,
I'm slowly learning to find my way around this wonderful Yamaha PRS SX920 but it's going to take some considerable time to become familiar with it.
I mentioned my favourite voice on the E383 is Synth222; there are ten pages of of ten voices on each page but going through them all I couldn't find one I liked as much as the 222 on the E383? This was a disappointment and I wondered if the problem was my ignorance. Yesterday afternoon I completed an online contact form to Rimmers asking if they could please help explaining what I wanted if possible.
Last night as usual browsing YouTube I found this very useful informative video;
To my total surprise and following the video instructions I found an additional 15 pages bringing the total of Synth voices up to 250 now I was delighted; there are a number of very similar voices to the 222 so I've got a big smile as I keep learning more and more about this SX920; I confess at first wondering if I'd made a mistake in buying the SX920 after my initial disappointment being unable to locate the voice I wanted from the main voices; how strange though to hide so many other voices but this keyboard is full of many pleasant surprises. I now also know how to store favourites.
Being a keyboard novice means I've a mountain to climb in understanding it's many joys; I don't understand Midi but it doesn't mean I can't learn about Midi then there's DAW; I've dabbled a bit with "Audacity" learning a few basics which is a good start but this is an whole new world to explore whilst I still practice playing my violins. Now at the end of each day my head spins as I try to absorb large amounts of information.
I'm pleased I bought the keyboard and not a Clavinova I first looked at; this keyboard has so much more to offer.
I've wandered off topic after all this is supposed to be about violin sound but it's still about sound so apologies for this but I thought adding the story might be of interest.
I'll be interested to receive a reply from Rimmer's wondering if they'll direct me to the hidden voices?
Kind regards, Col.
I'm slowly learning to find my way around this wonderful Yamaha PRS SX920 but it's going to take some considerable time to become familiar with it.
I mentioned my favourite voice on the E383 is Synth222; there are ten pages of of ten voices on each page but going through them all I couldn't find one I liked as much as the 222 on the E383? This was a disappointment and I wondered if the problem was my ignorance. Yesterday afternoon I completed an online contact form to Rimmers asking if they could please help explaining what I wanted if possible.
Last night as usual browsing YouTube I found this very useful informative video;
To my total surprise and following the video instructions I found an additional 15 pages bringing the total of Synth voices up to 250 now I was delighted; there are a number of very similar voices to the 222 so I've got a big smile as I keep learning more and more about this SX920; I confess at first wondering if I'd made a mistake in buying the SX920 after my initial disappointment being unable to locate the voice I wanted from the main voices; how strange though to hide so many other voices but this keyboard is full of many pleasant surprises. I now also know how to store favourites.
Being a keyboard novice means I've a mountain to climb in understanding it's many joys; I don't understand Midi but it doesn't mean I can't learn about Midi then there's DAW; I've dabbled a bit with "Audacity" learning a few basics which is a good start but this is an whole new world to explore whilst I still practice playing my violins. Now at the end of each day my head spins as I try to absorb large amounts of information.
I'm pleased I bought the keyboard and not a Clavinova I first looked at; this keyboard has so much more to offer.
I've wandered off topic after all this is supposed to be about violin sound but it's still about sound so apologies for this but I thought adding the story might be of interest.
I'll be interested to receive a reply from Rimmer's wondering if they'll direct me to the hidden voices?
Kind regards, Col.
D
DM60
Well-known member
Looks like you purchased a very nice synthesizer. I think on my first glance at the system (I think you need to look at it as a system) it is as much for arranging as it is for live playing. I would also learn how to knob twist. The presets are really for baseline starting points. I also highly recommend learning to track channels so that you can layer your parts.
You might have more success approaching it from arranger/composer point than a single player. Find a nice tempo, pick a key, run through some chord progression (I-IV-V) or find standard progressions for the type of music you like, lay down your tracks and jam out.
I also recommend recording the MIDI, then when you have it the way you like it, record the audio to an analog track. Your session/project will be very much like MIDI channel/Analog channel/track. Find the click that works for you and start recording your MIDI parts, then play back and find the sounds that work. That way you can find a preset and then start tweaking knobs to find the right sound. Once dialed in, Play your MIDI, record the sound.
I think you will find it fun and will move you towards better understanding you equipment. I wouldn't try and mater it, there are many functions on that thing. I purchased a UBXa a year ago and finally starting to understand what everything does and it doesn't have near the capabilities your keyboard has.
But it looks like your keyboard will get the job done. Just play it, I am sure you have plenty of storage on your computer, so don't worry about running out of tape
You might have more success approaching it from arranger/composer point than a single player. Find a nice tempo, pick a key, run through some chord progression (I-IV-V) or find standard progressions for the type of music you like, lay down your tracks and jam out.
I also recommend recording the MIDI, then when you have it the way you like it, record the audio to an analog track. Your session/project will be very much like MIDI channel/Analog channel/track. Find the click that works for you and start recording your MIDI parts, then play back and find the sounds that work. That way you can find a preset and then start tweaking knobs to find the right sound. Once dialed in, Play your MIDI, record the sound.
I think you will find it fun and will move you towards better understanding you equipment. I wouldn't try and mater it, there are many functions on that thing. I purchased a UBXa a year ago and finally starting to understand what everything does and it doesn't have near the capabilities your keyboard has.
But it looks like your keyboard will get the job done. Just play it, I am sure you have plenty of storage on your computer, so don't worry about running out of tape
Slouching Raymond
Well-known member
The SX920 has a 16 track midi recorder right on board, plus you can plug in a mic and record the 16 tracks + vocal to a WAV file.
My Yamaha electronic drum kit (DT extremeII) claims to have the entire GM sound set in addition to all the drum kit sounds, but
the manual says nothing about how to access those GM sounds. Mystery to me.
My Yamaha electronic drum kit (DT extremeII) claims to have the entire GM sound set in addition to all the drum kit sounds, but
the manual says nothing about how to access those GM sounds. Mystery to me.
R
R D Smith
It's as good as it is, for as long as it lasts.
Because a man doesn't normally read the manual, they don't waste time putting all the details in there Ray.
Seriously, I find more help of how to do something on YouTube. The hard part is finding the right search term if you are not sure of what a process or action is called.
R
Retired
Active member
HI,
Thank you @DM60 for your advice and suggestions; every bit helps; at the moment I feel like a lost soul in the wilderness unsure what I need to do first. So much is brand new but alien to me although given lots of time I'm sure I'll start improving; at the moment I'd be happy to treat it as a keyboard to play favourite songs then progress into the more technical stuff; I've got a laptop I can use locating it near the keyboard unlike my desktop a room away. I keep watching videos until my eyes glaze over then after a rest start watching again. It's the presets I don't yet understand how to adjust to my taste so perhaps rather than trying to learn everything at once I need to back off and learn bits at a time in a repetitive manner until I gain confidence. A good starting point might be Midi because I don't understand it but I'm keen to learn. I'm sure I'll never master this keyboard it's far too complicated but it's going to give me no end of pleasure as I spend more time with it. I should have plenty of storage on the keyboard but I also have external SSD's too.
Thank Raymond for your information; my Tascam pocket studio has eight track to WAV file which I've used so I think this keyboard will have similar but double; it's all a huge learning curve. I put down the instruction manual having browsed through it and as R D Smith kindly states YouTube is the way to go and YouTube tutorials usually work for me; If I don't understand the YouTube video then there are plenty to choose from covering the same subject but in a different way. Yes; wording is important on YouTube whilst searching otherwise all sorts of things pop up.
You describe the voices as a base to start from @R D Smith? Can I import more voices and play them as normally installed from the web as if preinstalled by Yamaha? I've been working at the top of the rear garden this afternoon for the first time in ages due to dire weather but I'll keep plugging away with the keyboard having lots of time in the evenings.
Kind regards and thanks guys, Col.
Thank you @DM60 for your advice and suggestions; every bit helps; at the moment I feel like a lost soul in the wilderness unsure what I need to do first. So much is brand new but alien to me although given lots of time I'm sure I'll start improving; at the moment I'd be happy to treat it as a keyboard to play favourite songs then progress into the more technical stuff; I've got a laptop I can use locating it near the keyboard unlike my desktop a room away. I keep watching videos until my eyes glaze over then after a rest start watching again. It's the presets I don't yet understand how to adjust to my taste so perhaps rather than trying to learn everything at once I need to back off and learn bits at a time in a repetitive manner until I gain confidence. A good starting point might be Midi because I don't understand it but I'm keen to learn. I'm sure I'll never master this keyboard it's far too complicated but it's going to give me no end of pleasure as I spend more time with it. I should have plenty of storage on the keyboard but I also have external SSD's too.
Thank Raymond for your information; my Tascam pocket studio has eight track to WAV file which I've used so I think this keyboard will have similar but double; it's all a huge learning curve. I put down the instruction manual having browsed through it and as R D Smith kindly states YouTube is the way to go and YouTube tutorials usually work for me; If I don't understand the YouTube video then there are plenty to choose from covering the same subject but in a different way. Yes; wording is important on YouTube whilst searching otherwise all sorts of things pop up.
You describe the voices as a base to start from @R D Smith? Can I import more voices and play them as normally installed from the web as if preinstalled by Yamaha? I've been working at the top of the rear garden this afternoon for the first time in ages due to dire weather but I'll keep plugging away with the keyboard having lots of time in the evenings.
Kind regards and thanks guys, Col.
R
Retired
Active member
Hi,
Having watched more YouTube videos I'm becoming even more confused trying to break through the fog. looking at a Midi Controller Keyboard has me baffled; it has keys but doesn't produce sound it only being an interface so a silly question; why does the controller keyboard have keys please?
Back to your very useful information regarding the SX920 having 16 track Midi controller already onboard Raymond it's possible I don't need any additions other than a USB connection from the keyboard to my laptop? I'm showing my ignorance but it's the way I learn so much.
Got to go but back later.
New Yamaha PRS SX920 thread started here;
https://homerecording.com/bbs/threads/yamaha-prs-sx920-arranger-keyboard-novice.431214/
Kind regards, Col.
Having watched more YouTube videos I'm becoming even more confused trying to break through the fog. looking at a Midi Controller Keyboard has me baffled; it has keys but doesn't produce sound it only being an interface so a silly question; why does the controller keyboard have keys please?
Behringer U-PHORIA UMC404HD Audio Interface
I already have the above interface so does this do a similar job and will it connect my SX920 to my laptop? The easy answer of course is to try it but I'm trying to keep up with so much and don't want to waste lots of time experimenting when asking a question would give answers. I was always the thick one in works managers meetings and seminars to stick his head up asking the silly questions others were too scared to ask in case it made them appear stupid; better to keep quiet and let people think you're stupid than speak up and prove you're stupid? As I get more and more into this SX920 I'm sure I'll be asking lots more questions but perhaps I'd be better starting a new thread covering my journey into the mysteries of the SX920.Back to your very useful information regarding the SX920 having 16 track Midi controller already onboard Raymond it's possible I don't need any additions other than a USB connection from the keyboard to my laptop? I'm showing my ignorance but it's the way I learn so much.
Got to go but back later.
New Yamaha PRS SX920 thread started here;
https://homerecording.com/bbs/threads/yamaha-prs-sx920-arranger-keyboard-novice.431214/
Kind regards, Col.
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D
DM60
Well-known member
I have a keyboard controller.
You have a keyboard controller as well. It is MIDI. Your keyboard also has sounds. Mine does not. Think of a keyboard controller as just another input. Like a QWERTY keyboard. I use my keyboard for inputting drums (those squares), I use it to play VSTi's in my DAW. It can control my DAWs faders. I use it to play, record, it is a controller. Using the data standard MIDI, WHich has been around since the mid 80's.
I also use it to drive sounds from my UBX-A
Notice it doesn't have any keys? My keyboard controller or my DAW is used to get the sound to be generated and I run analog signal back to my interface to record it. MIDI out to Synth, analog back to record sound.
Your device has much of those capabilities, plus it really is a computer, that uses MIDI standard to communicate externally and much of it internally. You can record MIDI data in a DAW and then once you have it the way you want, then have it play/drive/communicate with you device or other devices.
Don't go too deep just yet. You have a very good piece of equipment. If and when you want to use it as a controller, you will be able. But for now, I would focus on using it to play, arrange, and get as much enjoyment out of it as possible. Other functions will come as you play. Learn a little, play a little, learn some more.
We are here for you man.
You have a keyboard controller as well. It is MIDI. Your keyboard also has sounds. Mine does not. Think of a keyboard controller as just another input. Like a QWERTY keyboard. I use my keyboard for inputting drums (those squares), I use it to play VSTi's in my DAW. It can control my DAWs faders. I use it to play, record, it is a controller. Using the data standard MIDI, WHich has been around since the mid 80's.
I also use it to drive sounds from my UBX-A
Notice it doesn't have any keys? My keyboard controller or my DAW is used to get the sound to be generated and I run analog signal back to my interface to record it. MIDI out to Synth, analog back to record sound.
Your device has much of those capabilities, plus it really is a computer, that uses MIDI standard to communicate externally and much of it internally. You can record MIDI data in a DAW and then once you have it the way you want, then have it play/drive/communicate with you device or other devices.
Don't go too deep just yet. You have a very good piece of equipment. If and when you want to use it as a controller, you will be able. But for now, I would focus on using it to play, arrange, and get as much enjoyment out of it as possible. Other functions will come as you play. Learn a little, play a little, learn some more.
We are here for you man.
R
Retired
Active member
Hi,
Thanks so much for taking the time to post your informative reply @DM60 it's very much appreciated. I couldn't understand why some controllers have keys whilst others don't have keys; your gear looks the business; thanks for the pictures.
At the moment the SX920 sounds so very different to the E383 so I need to learn and to adust but as you say learning to play the SX920 as a keyboard is the best starting place; I was doing OK on the E383 which is a decent keyboard in it's own right; on the E383 I can play the first page of ten different tunes and enjoying it hence I decided to upgrade and I know long term I've made the right decision and selected a really top class arranger. I'm not making the same mistake I made learning the violin concentrating trying to get one tune perfect.
The list I play so far;
Scarborough Fair.
The Sound Of Silence.
Amazing Grace.
What A Wonderful World.
I Have A Dream.
Can't Help Falling In Love.
Moon River.
Mama Mia/I have A Dream.
Somewhere My Love.
Ode To Joy.
Thanks again; it's nice to know I have so much forum support and friends sharing my learning journey.
Time now to get off my backside; I need to dash into the garden before the monsoon attacks me again; it's getting dark.
Kind regards, Col.
Thanks so much for taking the time to post your informative reply @DM60 it's very much appreciated. I couldn't understand why some controllers have keys whilst others don't have keys; your gear looks the business; thanks for the pictures.
At the moment the SX920 sounds so very different to the E383 so I need to learn and to adust but as you say learning to play the SX920 as a keyboard is the best starting place; I was doing OK on the E383 which is a decent keyboard in it's own right; on the E383 I can play the first page of ten different tunes and enjoying it hence I decided to upgrade and I know long term I've made the right decision and selected a really top class arranger. I'm not making the same mistake I made learning the violin concentrating trying to get one tune perfect.
The list I play so far;
Scarborough Fair.
The Sound Of Silence.
Amazing Grace.
What A Wonderful World.
I Have A Dream.
Can't Help Falling In Love.
Moon River.
Mama Mia/I have A Dream.
Somewhere My Love.
Ode To Joy.
Thanks again; it's nice to know I have so much forum support and friends sharing my learning journey.
Time now to get off my backside; I need to dash into the garden before the monsoon attacks me again; it's getting dark.
Kind regards, Col.
rob aylestone
Moderator
Be careful with mama mia - it is deceptively hard and has LOTS of notes that swap between Major and minor as the song plays through.It is also very fast - and playing it at a slower tempo sounds awful, it has a driving rhythm,, and without that, is a dirge. Are you just playing the melody for these songs or are you using the chord arranger system? That's a brain split - melody with right hands, but needing to play in the chords with left. However, you can record the chords I think, so you put in 2 bars of Am, then 2 bars of D7, then the next chord. Then you have the backing track to play the melody over. If this is a bit much, you can always dial in the tempo, and then use the drums to keep your right hand in time.
I also thought that there is another thing you can try. Remember that much sheet music is NOT in the key of the original recordings. Stranger on the Shore, was I think originally in Bb - so the first note of your music will show a C as that starting low note - when if you play the original the real first note is a Bb in what is called concert pitch. Your keyboard will have a transpose feature - this will allow you to drop the pitch down two steps (semi-tones) then you can play along with the original song. You will press the C key, but the Yamaha will sound a Bb - have you discovered this feature. It allows play along with songs even if they are in less friendly keys. The transpose button allows less experienced keys players to play with fewer sharps or flats. Playing along with originals really speeds up the learning.
I also thought that there is another thing you can try. Remember that much sheet music is NOT in the key of the original recordings. Stranger on the Shore, was I think originally in Bb - so the first note of your music will show a C as that starting low note - when if you play the original the real first note is a Bb in what is called concert pitch. Your keyboard will have a transpose feature - this will allow you to drop the pitch down two steps (semi-tones) then you can play along with the original song. You will press the C key, but the Yamaha will sound a Bb - have you discovered this feature. It allows play along with songs even if they are in less friendly keys. The transpose button allows less experienced keys players to play with fewer sharps or flats. Playing along with originals really speeds up the learning.
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