Page 2 - SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE:; SPECIAL MESSAGE SECTION
2 This product utilizes batteries or an external power supply (adapter). DO NOT connect this product to any power sup- ply or adapter other than one described in the manual, on the name plate, or specifically recommended by Yamaha. This product should be used only with the componentssupplied or; a c...
Page 3 - PRECAUTIONS; PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING
3 1 • Do not use the instrument near other electrical products such as televisions, radios, or speakers, since this might cause interference which can affect properoperation of the other products. • Do not place the instrument in an unstable position where it might accidentally fall over. • Before m...
Page 4 - Packing List; Please check that these items have been packed with your PSR-550.
4 2 Congratulations! You are the proud owner of a fine electronic keyboard. The Yamaha PSR-550PortaTone combines the most advanced tone generation technology with state-of-the-art digital electronics and features to give you stunning sound quality with maximummusical enjoyment. A large graphic displ...
Page 5 - How to use the manual
5 3 How to use the manual Setting Up page 12Before going on to any other part of the manual, we strongly suggestyou read this section first. It shows you how to get started playing andusing your new PSR-550. Important Features page 8Once you’ve set up the PSR-550, you should read through this sectio...
Page 6 - Contents
6 4 Contents Packing List 4 How to use the manual 5 Important Features 8 Panel logos ................................................... 9Music stand ................................................ 10 Panel Controls and Terminals 10 FOOTSWITCH jack .................................... 10PHONES/OUTP...
Page 8 - Important Features; Basic operations; Music Database; Listening to the PSR-550
8 6 Important Features Since the PSR-550 has such a wealth of advanced features and functions, you may be at a loss as to how toexplore its capabilities and how to best use them for your music. You needn’t worry. The PSR-550 is very easyto play and use, and each function — no matter how advanced — c...
Page 9 - Panel logos
9 7 Important Features GM System Level 1 “GM System Level 1” is an addition to the MIDI standardwhich guarantees that any data conforming to the standard willplay accurately on any GM-compatible tone generator orsynthesizer from any manufacturer. XG XG is a new Yamaha MIDI specification which signif...
Page 10 - Panel Controls and Terminals; FOOTSWITCH jack
10 8 Panel Controls and Terminals C1 CLICK 36 T 37 S 39 F1 41 R G1 43 L D2 50 M E2 52 H 42 44 A1 45 L B1 47 M C2 48 H 51 F2 L 53 G2 H 55 54 56 A2 57 L D3 62 H B2 59 M L C3 60 M H 58 61 C 1 A3 69 C 2 63 R 1 B3 71 R 2 E3 64 F3 65 R 66 G3 67 S 68 70 C4 72 H 73 L D4 74 75 H E4 76 L F4 77 H 78 L G4 79 H ...
Page 11 - Top Panel Controls; Rear Panel Controls
11 9 Top Panel Controls q STANDBY/ON switch ................................. 13 w MASTER VOLUME control ........................ 13 e DEMO button ....................................... 13, 17 r RECORD button ................. 17, 25, 78, 92, 96 t DIRECT ACCESS button ..................... 21, 24 y...
Page 12 - Setting Up; Power supply connections; Using An Optional AC Power Adaptor; Using Batteries; Plug the AC adaptor into an AC outlet.
12 10 Setting Up This section contains information about setting up your PSR-550 and preparing to play.Be sure to go through this section carefully before turning the power on. CAUTION • Never interrupt the power supply (e.g. remove thebatteries or unplug the ACadaptor) during any PSR-550record oper...
Page 13 - Demo Song Playback; Skip to the beginning of a different demo song.; Sweet
13 11 Demo Song Playback Once you’ve set up your PSR-550, try listening to the pre-programmed demonstration songs. A total of 9demo songs are provided. As the song plays back, the backlit LCD of the PSR-550 changes color. CAUTION • Even when the switch is in the “STANDBY” position,electricity is sti...
Page 14 - Using the Music Database; Select a ‘‘Music Database.’’; The MUSIC DATABASE menu appears in the display.; See page 21 for details about the Direct Access function.; Direct Access
14 Using the Music Database If you want to play in a certain genre of music but don’t know which style (page 32) and voice (page 26)settings would be appropriate, simply select the desired genre from the Music Database. The PSR-550automatically makes all appropriate panel settings to let you play in...
Page 16 - Panel Display Indications; Cm
16 14 Panel Display Indications The PSR-550 features a large multi-function display that shows all important settings for the instrument.This backlit LCD also changes color depending on the selected mode, making operation even easier andmore intuitive. For details about the LCD’s Backlight mode, see...
Page 17 - Basic Operation; Calling up the Operation Displays; How to leave the current display
17 15 Basic Operation This section introduces you to the basic operations common to the various functions of the PSR-550.In particular, you’ll learn how to use the menu/message display at the center of the front panel. • Calling up the Operation Displays ................................................
Page 18 - How to Read the Menu/Message Display and “Easy Navigator”; Let’s take a look at some examples:; Voice
18 16 How to Read the Menu/Message Display and “Easy Navigator” Depending on the selected function or operation, the PSR-550 shows a variety ofdisplays and indications. Included in these are “Easy Navigator” messages that guideyou through the various operations. Let’s take a look at some examples: ●...
Page 19 - Disk; Menu Selection; F1 Multi Pad; F2 Regist Memory; F3 DigitalEffect
19 17 ● Disk Menu Selection For certain operations on the PSR-550 (such as selecting voices, demo songs andstyles), you’ll need to select different menus in the display.For example, the display below (for selecting the function) appears when you press the[FUNCTION] button. In this case you can selec...
Page 20 - Numeric entry; • Entering three-digit numbers
20 18 Changing (Editing) Values This section shows you how to set numeric values on the PSR-550, such as voicenumber, song/style number and various parameters. Input the values by using thenumber buttons [1]-[0] or the [+/YES]/[-/NO] buttons. Numeric entry • One- or two-digit numbers can also be ent...
Page 21 - Naming; To enter an original name, use the keyboard.; See page 24 for the Direct Access Chart.
21 19 Naming The allows you to create your own original data such as songs, styles and registrationmemory settings. You can also freely name the data as desired.The following data types can be named. To enter an original name, use the keyboard. Direct Access By using the [DIRECT ACCESS] button, you ...
Page 22 - Function Tree; • The
22 20 Function Tree Button Menu/message display Function See page DEMO Sweet Tenor .................................... Demo song selection ........................................................................................ 13 VOICE R1 001 Grand Piano ............................ Voice R1 selec...
Page 24 - Direct Access Chart
24 22 Various functions other than ones listed above can be accessed by assigning them to the [+/YES]button, [-/NO] button and the number buttons [1]-[0].The functions listed above are default settings.See the Function Tree on pages 22 and 23 for the available functions.See page 122 about how to ass...
Page 25 - Mode; Style Mode
25 23 Mode Depending on the panel operation used, the PSR-550 has several fundamentally different conditions (ormethods of operation). Each of these condition is called a mode. This section explains the main modesof the instrument. Style Mode page 32 Song Mode page 68 Select this mode by pressing th...
Page 26 - Playing Voices; Selecting a Voice; Play the keyboard and adjust the volume.
26 Playing Voices The PSR-550 has a huge selection of various musical instrument voices which you can play. Try out thedifferent voices referring to the voice list at the end of this manual (page 123). Select and play the voices of different musical instruments • Selecting a Voice .....................
Page 27 - Selecting a voice for VOICE R2; Two different voices are sounded simultaneously in a layer.
27 Playing Two Voices (R1, R2) Simultaneously 1 Press the [PART ON/OFF VOICE R2] button. Selecting a voice for VOICE R2 2 Select a voice. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons[1]-[0]. Refer to the Voice List (page 123). The voices available for selection here...
Page 28 - Selecting a voice for VOICE L
28 Playing Different Voices with the Left (L) and Right (R1, R2) Hands 1 Press the [PART ON/OFF VOICE L] button. 2 Play the voices. The notes you play with your right and left hands sound two different voices. • The point on the keyboard that separates voice L andvoice R1 is called the “splitpoint” ...
Page 29 - Functions of the Keyboard; Playing a Single Voice; The split point is set to F
29 Split Point Functions of the Keyboard As explained above, the keyboard of the PSR-550 can sound three different voices. Here’s a short summary of thevarious ways of playing voices. ● Playing a Single Voice ● Playing Two Voices ● Playing Separate Voices with the Right and LeftHands In addition, th...
Page 30 - Set the transposition.; Pitch Bend Wheel; Sustain; Transpose
30 Transpose This function allows the overall pitch of the PSR-550 to be transposed up or down by amaximum of one octave in semitone increments. The transpose range is from -12 to+12. • The Transpose function cannot be applied when adrum kit is the selected voice(page 31). • Press the [+/YES] and [-...
Page 31 - Keyboard Percussion; Select “StandardKit1”.
31 Keyboard Percussion 1 Press the [VOICE R1] button. 2 Select “StandardKit1”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons[1]-[0]. 3 Play the voice. Refer to the illustration below and the drum kit list at the end of the manual(page 128).The drum and percussion ins...
Page 32 - Using Auto Accompaniment (rhythm track only)
32 Auto Accompaniment The auto accompaniment feature puts a full backing band at your fingertips. To use it, all you have to dois play the chords with your left hand as you perform, and the selected accompaniment style matchingyour music will automatically play along, instantly following the chords ...
Page 34 - Accompaniment Sections
34 Auto Accompaniment Accompaniment Sections There are various types of Auto Accompaniment sections that allow you to vary thearrangement of the accompaniment to match the song you are playing. They are: Intro,Main A and B, Fill-in and Ending. By switching among them as you play, you caneasily produ...
Page 35 - A fill-in plays, automatically followed by the main B section.; Press the MAIN buttons as desired during your performance.
35 Auto Accompaniment 5 Press the [MAIN A] button. 6 Press the [INTRO] button. 7 As soon as you play a chord with your left hand, the autoaccompaniment starts. For this example, play a C major chord (as shown below).For information on how to enter chords, see “Chord Fingerings” on page 38. When the ...
Page 36 - Tempo
36 Auto Accompaniment Tempo/Tap Each style of the PSR-550 has been programmed with a default or standard tempo;however, this can be changed by using the [TEMPO/TAP] button.You can change the tempo to any value between 32 and 280 beats per minute.The following steps can be used even during playback. ...
Page 37 - Accompaniment Track Muting; Track contents; Adjust the Accompaniment Volume.
37 Auto Accompaniment Accompaniment Track Muting The PSR-550 has eight accompaniment tracks — RHYTHM SUB, RHYTHM MAIN, BASS, CHORD 1, CHORD2, PAD, PHRASE 1 and PHRASE 2 — that you can control to modify the “orchestration” and therefore the overallsound of the accompaniment. When a style is selected,...
Page 38 - Chord Fingerings; The Single Finger mode; Utility
38 Auto Accompaniment Chord Fingerings The way in which chords are played or indicated with your left hand (in the autoaccompaniment section of the keyboard) is referred to as “fingering”. There are 5types of fingerings as described below. • Multi Finger ................................................
Page 40 - Accompaniment Split Point; The initial setting (factory setting) of the split point is “F; The Multi Finger mode; The Full Keyboard mode
40 Auto Accompaniment The Fingered 2 mode Accompaniment Split Point The point on the keyboard that separates the auto accompaniment section and the right-hand section of the keyboard is called the “split point”. The initial setting (factory setting) of the split point is “F # 2”; however, this can b...
Page 41 - Synchro Stop; Turn SYNCHRONIZED STOP on.
41 Auto Accompaniment Synchro Stop When the Synchro Stop function is engaged, accompaniment playback will stopcompletely when all keys in the auto-accompaniment section of the keyboard arereleased. Accompaniment playback will start again as soon as a chord is played. TheBEAT indicators in the displa...
Page 42 - One Touch Setting; Stop the accompaniment.; One Touch Setting parameter list
42 Auto Accompaniment One Touch Setting One Touch Setting is a powerful and convenient function that lets you instantlyreconfigure virtually all auto-accompaniment-related panel settings with the touch of asingle button. 1 Press the round One Touch Setting button to call up the OneTouch Setting func...
Page 43 - The Multi Pads; Playing the Multi Pads; Press any of the Multi Pads.; Chord Match; Play a chord with your left hand.
43 The Multi Pads The PSR-550 Multi Pads can be used to play a number of short pre-recorded rhythmic and melodicsequences that can be used to add impact and variety to your keyboard performances. You can alsorecord your own Multi Pad phrases as described in “Multi Pad Recording” on page 92.Some pad ...
Page 44 - Select the desired PAD.
44 Selecting a Multi Pad Bank 1 Press the [FUNCTION] button. 3 Press the [NEXT] button to display the MULTI PAD BANKscreen. 2 Select “Multi Pad.” Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. 4 Select a Bank. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number button...
Page 45 - Multi Pad Bank List
45 • There are two types of Multi Pad data: some of the datawill be played back once andstop when it reaches to theend. Others will be playedback repeatedly until youpress the [STOP] button. The Multi Pads 43 ● Multi Pad Bank List No. Bank name Chord Match Repeat Pad1 Pad2 Pad3 Pad4 Pad1 Pad2 Pad3 P...
Page 46 - Digital Effects; Reverb; Selecting a reverb type; Select “Digital Effect”.
46 Digital Effects With the digital effects built into the PSR-550 you can add ambiance and depth to your music in a varietyof ways—such as adding reverb that makes you sound like you are playing in a concert hall or addingharmony notes for a full, rich sound. ● Reverb .................................
Page 47 - Adjust the depth of the reverb.; Press the [NEXT] button to display the Digital Effect screen.; The two parameters below affect the depth of the reverb.; Adjust the reverb return level.; Try out some of the other reverb types as well.
47 Adjust the depth of the reverb. 3 Press the [NEXT] button to display the Digital Effect screen. 4 Select “Reverb”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. 5 Press the [NEXT] button. 6 Select a reverb type. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.Refer to the...
Page 48 - Chorus; Selecting a Chorus Type; Select a chorus type.; Adjust the depth of the chorus.; Adjust the chorus return level.; The two parameters below affect the depth of the chorus effect.; Try out some of the other chorus types as well.
48 Chorus Selecting a Chorus Type 5 Press the [NEXT] button. 6 Select a chorus type. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.Refer to the Chorus Type List (page 133). Adjust the depth of the chorus. ● Chorus Depth (send level) .........................................................
Page 49 - DSP; Applying the DSP effect; Selecting a DSP Type; Try out some of the other DSP types as well.; Adjust the depth of the DSP.; Adjust the DSP return level.; The two parameters below affect the depth of the DSP effect.
49 • When the selected DSP type is an Inser tion Effect (pages49, 133), the DSP effectapplies only to the Voice R1. DSP Applying the DSP effect The DSP icon will light up and theDSP effect will be turned on.The effect will be applied whenyou play the R1, R2 and L voices from the keyboard.In addition...
Page 50 - System Effects and Insertion Effects; Selecting a Harmony/Echo type; Select “DigitalEffect”.; Refer to “About Digital Effects” (page 132) and the Type List.
50 Digital Effects F3 DigitalEffect RETURN SEND (Depth) Insertion Effect System Effect Amplifier Speaker Mixer System Effects and Insertion Effects The reverb, chorus and DSP effects are divided into two different types or methods oroperation.There are two types of digital effects: system effects an...
Page 51 - Applying the Harmony/Echo effect
51 Digital Effects 4 Select “Harmony”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. 5 Press the [NEXT] button. 6 Select a Harmony/Echo type. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.Refer to the Harmony/Echo Type List (page 134). • When the Voice Set function is ON (...
Page 52 - Press the [NEXT] button to display the Type Selection screen.
52 Digital Effects Adjusting the Harmony/Echo volume 5 Press the [NEXT] button to display the Type Selection screen. 6 Press the [NEXT] button to display the Harmony/Echo Volumescreen. • When the Voice Set function is on (page 120), theHarmony/Echo Volume maychange according to theselected R1 panel ...
Page 53 - Changing the Part for the Harmony/Echo effect
53 Digital Effects • When the Voice Set function is on (page 120), theHarmony/Echo par t settingmay change according to theselected R1 panel voice. Changing the Part for the Harmony/Echo effect 5 Press the [NEXT] button to display the Type Selection screen. 6 Press the [NEXT] button to display the H...
Page 54 - Registration Memory; Data stored by the Registration Memory; VOICE PARAMETERS
54 Registration Memory Since the PSR-550 is such a sophisticated instrument with such a variety of controls and functions —voice, style, auto accompaniment and effect settings, just to name a few — the Registration Memoryfeature is one of the most convenient and powerful of the instrument. It allows...
Page 55 - Registering the Panel Settings; Set up the panel controls as required.; Recalling the Registered Panel Settings
55 Registering the Panel Settings 1 Set up the panel controls as required. 2 Press the round Registration Memory button to call up theRegistration Memory function. • Any data that was previously recorded in the RegistrationMemory location youselected will be erased andreplaced by the new settings. •...
Page 56 - Selecting a Registration Bank; Enter the desired name for the bank.; Select “Regist Memory”.
56 Registration Memory Selecting a Registration Bank 1 Press the [FUNCTION] button. 3 Press the [NEXT] button to display the Registration MemoryBank screen. 4 Select a bank. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons[1]-[0]. Naming the Registration Banks 1 - 3 Use...
Page 57 - Disk Operations
57 Disk Operations Built into the PSR-550 is a disk drive. Simply insert a floppy disk and you’ve got access to a wide varietyof convenient functions, such as recording and playback of User songs (page 78), as well as saving andloading of User styles (page 96), User pads (page 92) and Registration M...
Page 58 - Compatible Disk Type; Using the Floppy Disk Drive (FDD) and Floppy Disks
58 Disk Operations Be sure to handle floppy disks and treat the disk drive withcare. Follow the important precautions below. ■ Compatible Disk Type 3.5" 2DD and 2HD type floppy disks can be used. ■ Inserting/Ejecting Floppy Disks ● To insert a floppy disk into the disk drive:• Hold the disk so t...
Page 59 - Included Data Disk; Disk song playback; Insert the included data disk into the disk drive.; Select the desired song.; TECHNO
59 Disk Operations Included Data Disk Disk song playback 1 Insert the included data disk into the disk drive. • If a disk has already been inserted into the drive, pressthe [SONG] button to call upthe Song display. 2 Select the desired song. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button o...
Page 60 - Format; Execute the Format operation.; Save; Insert the floppy disk into the disk drive.; Formatting
60 Disk Operations Format Setting up commercially available floppy disks for use with PSR-550 is called format-ting.This function is useful for quickly deleting unnecessary files from an already formatteddisk. Be careful when using this operation, since it automatically deletes all data onthe disk. ...
Page 61 - Select the file type.; Select the destination file.; Execute the Save operation.; Executing
61 Disk Operations 3 Select the file type. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.Refer to the file type list below: • Although all User Style, User Pad and RegistrationMemory data can be savedtogether into one single file,the data can be recalledindividually when loadedback into...
Page 62 - Load
62 Disk Operations Load After saving User style (107-109), User pad (banks 37-40) and Registration Memory(bank 01-32) data to a floppy disk, you can reload them into the PSR-550. 1 Insert the floppy disk into the disk drive. 2 Press the [LOAD] button. 3 Select the file to be loaded. Use the data dia...
Page 63 - Select the data to be loaded.
63 Disk Operations 6 Press the [NEXT] button. 7 Select the data to be loaded. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. 8 Press the [NEXT] button to display the destination selectionscreen. 9 Select the destination. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. 10 Pre...
Page 64 - Song Copy; Copying song data from one floppy disk to another; Insert the disk to be copied (source disk) into the disk drive.
64 Disk Operations Song Copy This operation allows you to make backup copies of your important Song data. Prima-rily, this will come in handy when you are recording and editing song data. Forexample, if you are quantizing the track of a song (page 86) — which makes perma-nent changes to the track — ...
Page 65 - Select the source song file.; Insert Target FD
65 Disk Operations 7 Select the source song file. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. 8 Press the [NEXT] button to display the Name screen. 9 Enter the destination song name directly from the keyboard(page 21). 10 Press the [NEXT] button to display the Copy operationscreen. 1...
Page 66 - Select the song source file.; FD
66 Disk Operations Copying data to another location on the same disk 1 - 4 Use the same operation as in “Copying data from onefloppy disk to another” (page 64). 5 Select “Same FD”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. 6 Press the [NEXT] button to display the Song selectionscre...
Page 67 - Delete
67 Disk Operations Delete You can delete individual files (User songs, User styles, User pads or Registra-tion Memory) from the floppy disk. 1 Insert the floppy disk into the disk drive. 3 Select “Delete”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. 4 Press the [NEXT] button to displ...
Page 68 - Disk Song Playback; Song Playback; Insert the disk that contains song data into the disk drive.; PSR-550 will automatically switch into Song mode.
68 Disk Song Playback Song Playback 1 Insert the disk that contains song data into the disk drive. PSR-550 will automatically switch into Song mode. • If a disk has already been inserted into the drive, pressthe [SONG] button to call upthe Song display. • Inserting a disk that does not contain song ...
Page 69 - Select the desired Play mode.
69 Disk Song Playback 4 Select “PlayMode”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. 5 Press the [NEXT] button to display the Song Play Modescreen. 6 Select the desired Play mode. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. ● Single ....................................
Page 70 - Song Track Muting; Press one of the TRACK buttons below the display.; The [M] icon will appear and the selected track will be muted.; Song Volume Control; Adjust the Song Volume.
70 Disk Song Playback Song Track Muting 1 Press the [START/STOP] button to start the song. 2 Press one of the TRACK buttons below the display. The [M] icon will appear and the selected track will be muted. Pressing the same track button again enables output of the playback sound. 3 Press the [START/...
Page 71 - Playing from a Specified Measure; Specify the measure from which to begin playback.
71 Disk Song Playback Playing from a Specified Measure 1 Press the [SONG] button. 2 Press the [NEXT] button to display the Song Menu screen. 3 Select “Measure”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. 4 Press the [NEXT] button to display the Song Start Measurescreen. 5 Specify th...
Page 73 - Song Transpose; Set the Transpose value.
73 Disk Song Playback Song Transpose 1 Press the [SONG] button. 2 Press the [NEXT] button to display the Song Menu screen. • This operation does not affect the pitch of thekeyboard-played voice(s) • Changes made to the transpose setting (on page30) affect the entire sound ofthe PSR-550, including th...
Page 74 - Part Settings
74 72 Part Settings In addition to the keyboard-played voices, the PSR-550 features many different instrumental “parts,”included with the auto accompaniment, and song playback. Use the following functions to change the settings for each part: ● Voice Change .............................................
Page 75 - Voice Change; Select the part for which you want to change voices.; Press the [EXIT] button to exit from the Voice Change screen.
75 73 ● Voice R1, R2, L • When one of the DSP types belonging to the Insertion Effect (page 50) is selected, the effect will be exclusively applied to the Voice R1and not to the Voice R2/L. Therefore the DSP depth for the Voice R2/L cannot be changed. Also, the DSP depth for the Voice R1 cannot beal...
Page 76 - Mixer
76 74 Mixer 1 Press the [MIXER] button so that its indicator lights. 2 Select the part for which you want to adjust the volume set-ting or parameters. Parts can be selected from the following buttons (depending on the selectedmode: Style or Song): ● Voice ................................. PART ON/OF...
Page 77 - Adjust the volume or parameters.
77 Volume R2 =108 Octave R2 = 2 Pan R2 = 40 RevDepth R2 =120 ChoDepth R2 =108 DspDepth R2 =112 [NEXT] button [BACK] button 75 3 Select the desired parameter by pressing the [NEXT]/[BACK]button. Part Settings • The Octave parameter of the style tracks cannot beedited. • Minus settings for the Octave ...
Page 78 - Song Recording; Data that can be recorded to User songs
78 76 Song Recording With the powerful and easy-to-use song recording features, you can recordyour own keyboard performances to a floppy disk as a User song, and createyour own complete, fully orchestrated compositions. Each User song lets you record up to sixteen independent tracks. Theseinclude no...
Page 79 - User Song Tracks
79 77 ■ User Song Tracks The tracks which can be recorded to the User songs are organized as shown in thechart below. The following notes andcautions are importantpoints for you to keep inmind as you record. • Using the Metronome function (page 118) canmake your recordingsessions much moreefficient....
Page 80 - Quick Recording
80 001 New Song RecMenu:Song SongRec:QuickRec Rec Tr =Melody 78 Quick Recording 1 Insert the floppy disk into the disk drive. 2 Press the [RECORD] button to engage the Record mode. 3 Select “Song”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. 4 Press the [NEXT] button. 5 Press the [NE...
Page 81 - starts as soon as you play a key.
81 BEAT Song Recording Sv?:SONG 001.MID – 79 9 Press the [NEXT] button to display the Record ready screen. The beat indicator dots will flash at the currently set tempo, indicating that therecord ready (Synchro Start) mode is engaged. 10 Start recording. • If you’ve selected [Melody] or [Mel + Acmp]...
Page 82 - Multi Track Recording; Select the desired track and part for recording.; ) Set the desired track to
82 001 New Song SongRec:MultiRec RecPart T01 =R1 80 Multi Track Recording 1 - 3 Use the same operation as in “Quick Recording” (page80). 4 Press the [NEXT] button to display the Song selectionscreen. 5 Press the [NEXT] button again to display the RecModescreen. 6 Select “MultiRec”. Use the data dial...
Page 83 - Rehearsal; Save the recorded data to the disk.
83 BEAT Rehearsal Sv?:SONG 001.MID – 81 9 Press the [NEXT] button to display the Rehearsal screen. Voices and styles can be set from this display. After completing the desiredsettings, press the [EXIT] button to return to this display. 10 Press the [NEXT] button to display the Record Ready screen. T...
Page 84 - Re-recording — Punch In/Out and Start Measure
84 RecMenu:Song 002 SONG–001.MID SongRec:MultiRec 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Recording start(Punch In) Recording stop(Punch Out) Previously played data Newly played data Previously played data ● Before re-recording ● After re-recording 82 Re-recording — Punch In/Out and Start Measure This secti...
Page 85 - Set the start measure (the measure at which playback starts).
85 Punch In/Out=On Punch In = 3 Punch Out = 5 RecStart Mes= 2 83 8 Press the [NEXT] button to display the Punch In/Out screen. 9 Select “On”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. 10 Press the [NEXT] button to display the Punch In measurescreen. 11 Set the punch-in measure. Use...
Page 86 - Quantize; Select the Song file to be quantized.
86 002 SONG–001.MID SongRec:Edit SngEdit:Quantize QuantizTrack=T05 84 Quantize Quantize lets you “clean up” or “tighten” the timing of a previously recorded track.For example, the following musical passage has been written with exact quarter-noteand eighth-note values. Even though you think you may ...
Page 88 - Dt; Editing Setup Data
88 002 UserSong1 SongRec:Edit SngEdit:Setup Dt 86 Editing Setup Data This function lets you make changes to various setup data (voice-related parameters)for each track of a recorded song. The following parameters can be edited: ● Voice ................................. Assigns a voice number to the ...
Page 89 - Save the changed data to the floppy disk.; button and continue editing.; Volume; Setup
89 87 11 Edit the setup data. Press the [NEXT] and [BACK] buttons to switch among the displays (asshown below). • Select a track by pressing one of the [TRACK1]-[TRACK16] buttons.• Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0] to change the desired values in ...
Page 90 - Naming User Songs; Select the file (song) for which you wish to change the name.
90 002 UserSong1 SongRec:Edit SngEdit:Name Nam=UserSong1 _ 88 cursor Naming User Songs 1 - 4 Use the same operation as in “Re-recording” (page 84). 5 Select the file (song) for which you wish to change the name. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. 6 Press the [NEXT] button ag...
Page 91 - Clearing User Song Data; Select the song file to be cleared.
91 SngEdit:Clear Clear Track =T13 Clear Track OK? 89 Clearing User Song Data 1 - 4 Use the same operation as in “Re-recording” (page 84). 5 Select the song file to be cleared. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. 6 Press the [NEXT] button again to display the RecModescreen. 7 ...
Page 92 - Data that can be recorded to User pads; Multi Pad Recording; Select a Multi Pad Bank to record.
92 90 • Material recorded data is retained in memory evenwhen the STANDBY switch isturned off if batteries areinstalled or an AC adaptor isconnected (page 136). It isnevertheless a good idea tosave important data to floppydisk so that you can keepthem indefinitely and build upyour own data library (...
Page 93 - Select a Pad number to record.
93 91 5 Press the [NEXT] button to display the RecMode screen. 6 Select “Record”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. 7 Press the [NEXT] button to display the pad number selectionscreen. 8 Select a Pad number to record. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button...
Page 94 - Turn the Chord Match function on or off.; Naming User Pads; Use the same operation as in “Chord Match” above.
94 [BACK] button CdMatch Pad1=Off CdMatch Pad2=Off [NEXT] button 92 Chord Match 1 - 5 Use the same operation as in “Multi Pad Recording”(page 92). 6 Select “Edit”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. 7 Press the [NEXT] button to display the Edit menu screen. 8 Select “ChdMatc...
Page 95 - Clearing User Pad Data; Select the Pad number to be cleared.; Completed
95 93 10 Enter the desired name for the bank. Use the keyboard to enter the name (page 21).Up to eight letters or characters can be used. 11 Press the [RECORD] button to exit from the Record mode. Clearing User Pad Data 1 - 7 Use the same operation as in “Chord Match” (page 94). 8 Select “Clear”. Us...
Page 96 - Style Recording; User Style Tracks; Data that can be recorded to User styles
96 94 • Material recorded data is retained in memory evenwhen the STANDBY switch isturned off if batteries areinstalled or an AC adaptor isconnected (page 136). It isnevertheless a good idea tosave important data to floppydisk so that you can keepthem indefinitely and build upyour own data library (...
Page 97 - About Recording User Styles; Loop Recording
97 95 ■ About Recording User Styles In recording a User song, the PSR-550 records your keyboard performance as MIDIdata. Recording of User styles, however, is done in a different way. Here are someof the aspects in which style recording differs from song recording: Style Recording Loop Recording Aut...
Page 98 - Style Recording — Rhythm Track; Select a style to begin with.
98 96 Style Recording — Rhythm Track With this operation you can create your own original rhythm patterns by editingexisting rhythm track (percussion) data from a preset style. 1 Press the [RECORD] button to engage the Record mode. 2 Select “Style”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO...
Page 99 - Select a Rhythm track to be recorded.; Select one of the Drum Kits.
99 97 10 Select a Rhythm track to be recorded. Select “RHYTHM MAIN” or “RHYTHM SUB” with the data dial, the[+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. • Only one track can be recorded at a time. 11 Press the [NEXT] button to display the Reharsal screen. The beat indicator dots will flash at the currently s...
Page 100 - Exiting from the Style Record mode; Select a Track to be recorded.; Song Rec Ready
100 98 Exiting from the Style Record mode To leave the style recording mode, follow the instructions in the chart below. Style Recording — Bass/Phrase/Pad/Chord Tracks This section explains how to record all tracks (other than the rhythm), using the presetstyles.Unlike recording the rhythm track, in...
Page 101 - Select a voice for the track to be recorded.; For information on leaving the recording mode, see page 100.; then play a key on the keyboard.
101 99 12 Select a voice for the track to be recorded. Select the desired voice by pressing the [VOICE R1] button (page 26). The recording repeats indefinitely (until stopped) in a loop.Notes that you record will play back from the next repetition, letting you recordwhile hearing previously recorded...
Page 102 - Select the section to be quantized.
102 100 Quantize Quantize lets you “clean up” or “tighten” the timing of a previously recorded track.For example, the following musical passage has been written with exact quarter-noteand eighth-note values. Even though you think you may have recorded the passage accurately, your actualperformance m...
Page 104 - Naming User Styles; Enter the desired name for the style.; Clearing User Style Data; Select a Section to be cleared.
104 102 Naming User Styles 1 - 7 Use the same operation as in “Quantize” (page 102). 8 Select “Name”. Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. 9 Press the [NEXT] button to display the Name screen. 10 Enter the desired name for the style. Use the keyboard to enter the name (page 21...
Page 106 - MIDI Functions
106 MIDI Functions 104 In the rear panel of your PSR-550, there are MIDI terminals (MIDI IN, MIDI OUT), a TO HOST terminal,and a HOST SELECT switch. By using the MIDI functions you can expand your musical possibilities. Thissection explains what MIDI is, and what it can do, as well as how you can us...
Page 107 - MIDI and TO HOST terminals
107 105 MIDI is an acronym that stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, which allows electronic musical instru-ments to communicate with each other, by sending and receiving compatible Note, Control Change, ProgramChange and various other types of MIDI data, or messages. The PSR-550 can con...
Page 108 - What You Can Do With MIDI
108 106 The PSR-550 is an electronic musical instrument which is capable of transmitting and receiving over sixteenchannels. Imagine that there are sixteen separate pipes in the connected MIDI cable. When transmitting MIDI datafrom the PSR-550 to an external device, MIDI data is sent through the ass...
Page 109 - MIDI Data Compatibility; Sequence format
109 107 MIDI Data Compatibility This section covers basic information on data compatibility: whether or not other MIDI devices can playback thedata recorded by PSR-550, and whether or not the PSR-550 can playback commercially available song data or songdata created for other instruments or on a comp...
Page 110 - Connecting to a Personal Computer; • When the HOST SELECT switch is set in the “MIDI” position, input and; Connect using the PSR-550 MIDI terminals; For the connection cable, use a special MIDI cable.
110 108 Connecting to a Personal Computer Connect your PSR-550 to a computer and take advantage of the wide range of power-ful and versatile software for creating and editing music. The PSR-550 can be con-nected in two ways: • Using the MIDI terminals• Using the TO HOST terminal ● When using a MIDI ...
Page 111 - When using a D-SUB 25P
111 MIDI Functions 109 Connect the serial port of the personal computer (RS-232C terminal or RS-422 termi-nal) to the TO HOST terminal of the PSR-550. For the connection cable, use the cable below (sold separately) that matches thepersonal computer type. Connect using the TO HOST terminal ● IBM-PC/A...
Page 112 - MIDI Template; Select a MIDI Template.; F4 Midi
112 MIDI Functions 110 MIDI Template The PSR-550 is capable of transmitting and receiving MIDI data over sixteen indepen-dent channels. For proper MIDI operation, it is necessary to determine which data isset to which channel. The MIDI Template function allows you to instantly configure all appropri...
Page 113 - Load the selected MIDI Template.
113 MIDI Functions 111 7 Press the [NEXT] button. 8 Load the selected MIDI Template. Press the [+/YES] button to actually load the selected MIDI template settings.To abort the operation, press the [-/NO] button. MidiTemplatLoad? ● MIDI Template List Keyboard Out The transmit channels are set as foll...
Page 114 - MIDI Transmit Setting; Select “Transmit Ch.”
114 MIDI Functions 112 MIDI Transmit Setting The PSR-550 can simultaneously transmit data on all 16 MIDI channels. The TransmitChannel and Transmit Track functions determine what PSR-550 data is transmitted viawhich MIDI channels. 1 Press the [FUNCTION] button. 2 Select “Midi.” Use the data dial, th...
Page 115 - MIDI Receive Setting; Select “Receive Ch.”
115 MIDI Functions 113 MIDI Receive Setting The PSR-550 can simultaneously receive data on all 16 MIDI channels, allowing it tofunction as a 16-channel multi-timbral tone generator. The Receive Channel andReceive Mode functions determine how each channel will respond to received MIDIdata. 1 Press th...
Page 116 - Local Control; Turn the Local Control on or off.; Clock; Select “LocalContrl.”; Midi
116 MIDI Functions 114 Local Control “Local Control” refers to the fact that, normally, the PSR-550 keyboard controls theinternal tone generator, allowing the internal voices to be played directly from thekeyboard. This situation is “Local Control on” since the internal tone generator iscontrolled l...
Page 117 - Initial Data Send; Set the Clock to “Int” or “Ext.”
117 MIDI Functions 115 3 Press the [NEXT] button to display the MIDI screen. 4 Select “Clock.” Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Initial Data Send Transmits all current panel settings to a second PSR-550 or a MIDI data storagedevice.If you want to have the song play back wi...
Page 118 - Metronome; F5 Utility
118 116 Other Functions (Utility) This section of the manual covers some important functions of the PSR-550 that have not been ex-plained in previous sections. These are all combined in the Utility menu of the “Function” section. • Metronome ........................... “ Metronom ” ....................
Page 119 - Upper; Use the same operation as in steps 1-5 on page 118 and:; ScTuneEdt
119 117 Upper Octave This determines the Octave setting for the right-hand range of the keyboard, letting youhave independent ranges for the right and left hands. The range is from -1 to 1. • Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button to set the Octave. Master Tuning The Master Tunin...
Page 120 - Voice Set
120 118 Touch Sensitivity The keyboard of the PSR-550 is equipped with a touch response feature that lets youdynamically and expressively control the level of the voices with your playing strength— just as on an acoustic instrument. The Touch Sensitivity parameter gives youdetailed control over the ...
Page 121 - Footswitch; • Select the Functions to be controlled by the footswitch.; Polarity
121 119 Footswitch Various functions can be assigned to the footswitch connected to the FOOTSWITCHjack. The polarity of the footswitch can also be changed. • Select the Functions to be controlled by the footswitch. • Set the polarity of the footswitch NORMAL or REVERSE. ● Functions controlled by the...
Page 122 - Backlight; AssignButton
122 120 Pitch Bend Range This determines the maximum pitch bend range for the PITCH BEND wheel.The range is from “0” to “12”. Each increment corresponds to one semitone. • Set the Pitch Bend Range with the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0]. Other Function...
Page 123 - Appendix; Voice List; Panel Voice List
123 131 PSR-550 Voices The PSR-550 actually includes two voice sets: the “panel” voices and percussion kits, and the XG voices. The panelvoices include 219 “pitched” voices and 14 drum kits, while the XG voice set includes 480 voices. The panel voices are specially recorded and programmed voices exc...
Page 125 - XG Voice List
125 133 Bank Select MIDI Number Voice Program Voice Name of Notes Number MSB LSB Change Used Number Bank Select MIDI Number Voice Program Voice Name of Notes Number MSB LSB Change Used Number 203 0 115 95 Ionosphere 2 204 0 113 89 Symbiont 2 205 0 114 95 Solaris 2 206 0 117 89 Millenium 2 207 0 113 ...
Page 128 - Drum Kit List
128 136 Bank MSB Bank LSB Prgram Number Note # Note 13 C # -1 14 D-1 15 D # -1 16 E-1 17 F-1 18 F # -1 19 G-1 20 G # -1 21 A-1 22 A # -1 23 B-1 24 C0 25 C # 0 26 D0 27 D # 0 28 E0 29 F0 30 F # 0 31 G0 32 G # 0 33 A0 34 A # 0 35 B0 36 C1 37 C # 1 38 D1 39 D # 1 40 E1 41 F1 42 F # 1 43 G1 44 G # 1 45 ...
Page 130 - Style List
130 138 Style List Style Style Name Number Style Style Name Number Country 59 Country Rock 60 Country 2/4 61 Country 8 Beat 62 Country Pop 63 Country Swing 64 Country Shuffle 65 Country Ballad 66 Country Waltz 67 Bluegrass 68 Hoedown Latin 69 Latin Pop 70 Samba City 71 Bossa Nova 72 Guitar Bossa 73 ...
Page 134 - Harmony/Echo Type List
134 142 Harmony/Echo Type List Category Type Description Harmony Duet An extra note is added to the note played on the keyboard to produce duet type harmony. 1+5 A parallel voice is produced a fifth above the note played on the keyboard. Country One note is added above the note played on the keyboar...
Page 135 - Troubleshooting
135 143 Troubleshooting POSSIBLE CAUSE/SOLUTION This is normal and is no cause for alarm. Using a mobile phone in close proximity to the Por taTone may produce interference.To prevent this, turn off the mobile phone or use it further away from the PortaTone. The batteries probably need to be replace...
Page 136 - Data Backup & Initialization; Data Backup; Now Initializing
136 144 Data Backup & Initialization ■ Data Backup Except for the data listed below, all PSR-550 panel settings are reset to their initialsettings whenever the power is turned on. The data listed below are backed up - i.e.retained in memory - as long as an AC adaptor is connected or a set of bat...
Page 137 - Alert Message List; Unformatted Disk
137 145 Alert Message List No File Unformatted Disk Disk Error Write-protected File Protected No Disk Disk Removed Disk Full Wrong Disk Same Name Maximum 60 Songs Memory Full The file is a purposely “copy-protected” disk.The Copy function is not possible. The disk contains no file to be loaded, copi...
Page 138 - Preset Data
138 146 Clear Backup Now Initializing Cannot Operate Cannot Set MIDI CannotTurnHar.On CannotTurnDSP On Alert Message List This message appears when you attempt to edit, quantize or clear thetrack which contains no data in the Record mode. This message indicates that recording a new User style cannot...
Page 139 - MIDI Data Format
139 Many MIDI messages listed in the MIDI Data Format are expressed in decimal numbers,binary numbers and hexadecimal numbers.Hexadecimal numbers may include the letter “H” as a suffix. Also, “n” can freely be definedas any whole number.To enter data/values, refer to the table below. Decimal Hexadec...
Page 151 - MIDI Implementation Chart
151 MIDI Implementation Chart [Portable Keyboard] Date : 30-NOV-2000 Model : PSR-550 MIDI Implementation Chart Version : 1.0 Function... Transmitted Recognized Remarks Basic Default 1 - 16 *1 1 - 16 *2 Channel Changed 1 - 16 *1 1 - 16 *2 Default 3 3 Mode Messages x x Altered ************** x Note 0 ...
Page 153 - Index
153 Index A AC adaptor ...................................................................... 12Accompaniment .............................................................. 32Accompaniment style ..................................................... 32Accompaniment track ................................
Page 156 - Specifications
156 Specifications Keyboards • 61 standard-size keys (C1 — C6) with touch response. Display • Large multi-function LCD display Setup • STANDBY/ON• Master Volume : MIN — MAX Demo • 9 Songs Realtime Controls • Pitch Bend wheel Control & Number Buttons • SONG• STYLE• MUSIC DATABASE• VOICE L• VOICE ...
Page 158 - Limited Warranty; KEEP THIS DOCUMENT FOR YOUR RECORDS. DO NOT MAIL!
166 Limited Warranty 90 DAYS LABOR 1 YEAR PARTS Yamaha Corporation of America, hereafter referred to as Yamaha, warrants to the original consumer of a product included in the categories listed below,that the product will be free of defects in materials and/or workmanship for the periods indicated. T...