PF-500 Owner's Manual Yamaha Web Site (English only) www.yamahasynth.com Yamaha Manual Library http://www2.yamaha.co.jp/manual/english/ Before using the PF-500, be sure to read “Precautions„ on pages 3-4. IMPORTANT This document is printed on recycled chlorine free (ECF) paper with soy ink. M.D.G., Pro Audio & Digital Musical Instrument Division, Yamaha Corporation C 2002 Yamaha Corporation V941880 205APAP1.
Introduction SPECIAL MESSAGE SECTION PRODUCT SAFETY MARKINGS: Yamaha electronic products may have either labels similar to the graphics shown below or molded/stamped facsimiles of these graphics on the enclosure. The explanation of these graphics appears on this page. Please observe all cautions indicated on this page and those indicated in the safety instruction section. Battery Notice: This product MAY contain a small non- rechargable battery which (if applicable) is soldered in place.
PRECAUTIONS PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING * Please keep this manual in a safe place for future reference. WARNING Always follow the basic precautions listed below to avoid the possibility of serious injury or even death from electrical shock, short-circuiting, damages, fire or other hazards. These precautions include, but are not limited to, the following: Power supply/Power cord Water warning • Only use the voltage specified as correct for the instrument.
Connections Using the bench (If included) • Before connecting the instrument to other electronic components, turn off the power for all components. Before turning the power on or off for all components, set all volume levels to minimum. Also, be sure to set the volumes of all components at their minimum levels and gradually raise the volume controls while playing the instrument to set the desired listening level. • Do not place the bench in an unstable position where it might accidentally fall over.
Thank you for choosing the Yamaha PF-500 electronic piano. In order to make the most of your PF-500’s performance potential and features, please read this Owner’s Manual thoroughly, and keep it in a safe place for later reference. About this Owner’s Manual and Reference Booklet This manual consists of four main sections: “Introduction,” “Basic Operation,” “Detailed Settings,” and “Appendix.” Also, a separate “Reference Booklet” is provided. Introduction: Please read this section first.
Table of contents Introduction.......................................................... 2 PRECAUTIONS ........................................................................................................................................ 3 About this Owner’s Manual and Reference Booklet..................................................................................................... 5 Table of contents .....................................................................................................
Table of contents Renaming a song...[RenameSong] ............................................................................................................................... 47 Changing the type of characters on screen...[CharacterCode]................................................................................... 47 Playing Back Recorded Songs .............................................................................................................. 48 Playing back a song .......................
Table of contents Setting the touch sensitivity [TouchSense].................................................................................................................. 75 Setting the right pedal function [RPedal].................................................................................................................... 75 Setting the center pedal function [MPedal] ................................................................................................................
Application Index Use this index to find reference pages that may be helpful for your application and situation. Listening Listening to demo songs...............................................“Listening to the Demonstration Tunes” on page 20 “Playing the 50 piano preset songs” on page 22 Listening to demo songs with different voices ............“Listening to the Demonstration Tunes” on page 20 Listening to songs from “50 greats for the Piano” ..............
Application Index Use this index to find reference pages that may be helpful for your application and situation. Settings Making detailed settings for recording and playback ............................................“Detailed settings for recording and playback [SONG SETTING]” on page 65 Making detailed settings for the metronome ......................................... “Detailed settings for the metronome METRONOME [SETTING]” on page 68 Making detailed settings for the voices ..........................
Included Accessories Pedal Unit Keyboard Stand Music Stand Bench (included or optional depending on locale) Dust Cover (included or optional depending on locale) Owner’s Manual Reference Booklet PF-500 11
Features The Yamaha PF-500 electronic piano features rich sounds produced by Yamaha’s proprietary “AWM dynamic stereo sampling” tone generator system and a “Graded Hammer” keyboard that varies the key weight according to the key range, giving these electronic pianos a “playing-feel” that is very close to the keyboard of a genuine grand piano.
Features SONG select buttons This section enables you to listen to 50 piano preset songs, as well as to practice playing the songs using a convenient Practice function. You can also record and play back your performance. (page 22, 35, 48) [METRONOME] Use the metronome functions. (page 34) [CONTRAST] Adjust the brightness of the display using this control. (page 16) [DEMO] Demonstration playback is available for each voice.
Before Using the PF-500 You do not need to install the stand to play the PF-500. However, if you wish to assemble the stand, refer to page 100. About the pedal unit Insert the plug of the pedal unit, with the arrow in the plug facing upward.
Before Using the PF-500 Turning the power on 1. Connect the power cable. First insert the plug of the power cable into the [AC INLET] on the left side panel, then plug the other end of the cable into the proper AC outlet on the wall. 1 2 AC INLET L/L+RAUX (The shape of plug differs depending on locale.
Before Using the PF-500 Adjusting the display contrast You can adjust the contrast of the display by turning the [CONTRAST] knob located to the right of the LCD. A CONTRAST B Use this knob. NO YES EXIT C D TERMINOLOGY CONTRAST: difference between brightness and darkness Setting the volume To adjust the volume, use the [MASTER VOLUME] located at the left of the panel. Play the keyboard to actually produce sound while you adjust the volume. The level decreases.
Basic Operation PF-500 17
Part Names C B CONTRAST B NO F D YES GRAND PIANO 1 GRAND PIANO 2 E.PIANO 1 E.PIANO 2 HARPSICHORD E.CLAVICHORD VIBRAPHONE GUITAR CHURCH ORGAN JAZZ ORGAN STRINGS CHOIR SYNTH. PAD WOOD BASS E.
Part Names Connectors (Left side panel) R AUX IN ............................................... P51 S AUX OUT ........................................... P52 T [PHONES] .......................................... P16 U [POWER ON/OFF].............................. P15 V [AC INLET] ......................................... P15 W [PEDAL]...................................... P14, 101 S R AUX IN L/L+R AC INLET X [AUX PEDAL] ...................................... P52 Y MIDI [IN] [OUT] [THRU] ................
Listening to the Demonstration Tunes For each voice group, the PF-500 contains one demo song that shows off the character of the voices. This section explains how to listen to the demo songs for the voice groups listed below. Demonstration tunes Voice group Tunes HARPSICHORD Composer Gavotte J.S.Bach The demonstration pieces listed above are short rearranged excerpts the original compositions. All other songs are original (©2002 Yamaha Corporation).
Listening to the Demonstration Tunes 2. Select a tune and start playback. Press the voice group button for the demo song that you want to hear. The indicator of the voice group button you pressed will light, and the demo song will begin playing. Subsequently, the demo songs will play back consecutively from the upper left voice group button until you stop the playback. 3. 4. Stop the playback. Press the button of the voice group being played or the SONG [START/STOP] button.
Listening to 50 Piano Preset Songs The PF-500 provides performance data of 50 piano songs. You can just listen to these songs (page 22) or use them for practice (page 24). See page 34 in the Reference Booklet for a complete listening of the preset songs.
Listening to 50 Piano Preset Songs Adjusting the tempo You can use the TEMPO [DOWN]/[UP] buttons to adjust the playback tempo as required. The default tempo (the song’s original tempo) is set when you press the [DOWN] and [UP] buttons simultaneously. Press either of the SONG SELECT [ ]/[ ] buttons to return to the song select screen. A B NO C 3. YES TIP You can also use the D[–]/[+] buttons to change the tempo.
Listening to 50 Piano Preset Songs Practicing a one-hand part using 50 preset songs The 50 preset songs have separate left- and right-hand parts on individual tracks. You can turn the left- and right-hand parts on or off as required so you can practice the corresponding part (the part that is turned off) on the keyboard. The right-hand part is played by [TRACK 1] and the left-hand part is played by [TRACK 2].
Listening to 50 Piano Preset Songs 3. Stop playback. When playback is complete, it automatically stops and the PF-500 locates the top of the song. If you wish to stop playback in the middle of a song, press the [TOP] button. You can also pause playback by pressing the SONG [START/STOP] button. Playback stops when you press the button. TIP Resetting the part playback Both parts are automatically turned ON whenever you select a new song.
Selecting and Playing Voices Selecting Voices SONG SELECT SONG TRACK 1 TRACK 2 EXTRA TRACKS FILE TOP START/STOP REC SONG SETTING KEYBOARD METRONOME START/STOP SETTING A CONTRAST B NO DOWN Voice group buttons 1 2 YES UP GRAND PIANO 1 GRAND PIANO 2 E.PIANO 1 E.PIANO 2 HARPSICHORD E.CLAVICHORD VIBRAPHONE GUITAR CHURCH ORGAN JAZZ ORGAN STRINGS CHOIR SYNTH. PAD WOOD BASS E.
Selecting and Playing Voices Using the pedals The PF-500 has three foot pedals: damper pedal (right), sostenuto pedal (center), and soft pedal (left) that produce a range of expressive effects similar to those produced by the pedals on an acoustic piano. Damper (right) pedal When you press the damper pedal, the notes you play have a longer sustain.
Selecting and Playing Voices Adding variation to the sound [BRILLIANCE]/[REVERB]/[CHORUS] The Effect function enables you to add expression to the sound. The PF-500 effects include Brilliance, Reverb, and Chorus. [REVERB] [CHORUS] SONG SELECT SONG TRACK 1 TRACK 2 EXTRA TRACKS FILE TOP START/STOP REC SONG SETTING KEYBOARD METRONOME START/STOP SETTING A CONTRAST B NO DOWN YES UP GRAND PIANO 1 GRAND PIANO 2 E.PIANO 1 E.PIANO 2 HARPSICHORD E.
Selecting and Playing Voices [REVERB] This control adds reverberation to the sound by simulating the natural reverberation of a concert hall. Procedure Pressing the [REVERB] button repeatedly toggles the reverb on and off. Even if the reverb effect is turned off, a “soundboard reverb” effect will be applied when the GrandPiano1 or GrandPiano2 voice is selected.
Selecting and Playing Voices Combining two voices (Dual mode) You can play two voices simultaneously across the entire range of the keyboard. In this way, you can simulate a melody duet or combine two similar voices to create a thicker sound. Refer to “Voice Combination Examples (Dual and Split)” on page 99 for examples of effective voice combinations. The numbers on the upper row indicate the steps in Dual mode using voices from different groups.
Selecting and Playing Voices Dual mode using voices in the same voice group Procedure 1. 2. 3. Select a voice group. In normal play mode, press the desired voice group button. Select a voice. Use the A [–]/[+] buttons to select a voice. TIP If you want to select Dual mode for the left-hand area when the entire keyboard is devided into left and right areas (page 32), press D [–] [+]. Select another voice. Use the B [–]/[+] buttons to select another voice in the same voice group.
Selecting and Playing Voices Splitting the keyboard range and playing two different voices (Split mode) Split mode enables you to play two different voices on the keyboard — one with the left hand and another with the right hand. For example, you can play a bass part using the [WOOD BASS] or [E. BASS] voice with the left hand, and a melody with the right hand. Refer to “Voice Combination Examples (Dual and Split)” on page 99 for examples of effective voice combinations.
Selecting and Playing Voices 4. Specify the split point (the border between the rightand left-hand range). The normal setting of the split point is “F 2.” F2 TIP A specified “split point” key is included in the left-hand range. TIP The split point can also be set by the [OTHER SETTING] parameter [SplitPoint]. (page 69) Center “C” To change the split point setting: Hold down [SPLIT], then use the D [–]/[+] to specify the split point.
Selecting and Playing Voices Using the metronome The PF-500 is built-in metronome (a device that keeps an accurate tempo) is a convenient feature for practice. 1 2 SONG SELECT SONG TRACK 1 TRACK 2 EXTRA TRACKS FILE TOP START/STOP REC SONG SETTING KEYBOARD METRONOME START/STOP SETTING A CONTRAST B NO DOWN YES UP GRAND PIANO 1 GRAND PIANO 2 E.PIANO 1 E.PIANO 2 HARPSICHORD E.CLAVICHORD VIBRAPHONE GUITAR CHURCH ORGAN JAZZ ORGAN STRINGS CHOIR SYNTH. PAD WOOD BASS E.
Recording Your Performance TIP You can record your performance (audio data) to a cassette tape recorder or other recording devices via the AUX OUT connector. (see page 52.) This chapter explains how to record your performance using the PF-500 recording function. You can, for example, play back what you have played on the PF-500 keyboard for an effective practice aid. You can also record just the left-hand part, then practice the right-hand part while playing back the recorded left-hand part.
Recording Your Performance 2. 3. Select a voice. Select a voice (or voices) for recording (see page 26). NOTE Set the tempo in Step 3. Set the other parameters, such as reverb and chorus. Adjust the [MASTER VOLUME] dial to set the volume level to suit your preference. You can also use the dial to adjust the level during playback. After you set the tempo or if the record standby screen does not appear, press one of the SONG SELECT [ ] [ ] buttons once to return to the New Song screen.
Recording Your Performance 5. Play back the recorded performance. Press the SONG [START/STOP] button to play back the recorded performance. When playback is complete, it automatically stops and the PF-500 locates the top of the song. To stop playback in the middle of a song, press the [TOP] button. You can also pause playback by pressing the SONG [START/STOP] button. Playback stops when you press the button.
Recording Your Performance Re-recording TRACK 1 partially This section explains how to record part of a song again. Procedure 1. Pause the song at the beginning of the part you wish to re-record. Use the B [–]/[+] buttons while the playback screen is displayed to move through the measures or play back the recording and press the SONG [START/STOP] button to locate a point slightly prior to the beginning of the part you wish to re-record.
Recording Your Performance Ending methods: Replace – The data after the point you stop recording will also be erased. Punch Out — The data after the point you stop recording will remain. 3-2 Keep holding down the [REC] button and press the [TRACK 1] button. TIP If you cancel recording by pressing the [REC] button, recording stops when you press the button. If you cancel recording by pressing the [TOP] button, the PF500 locates the top of the song. The [TRACK 1] indicator flashes in red.
Recording Your Performance Recording to the third or more tracks [EXTRA TRACKS] You can continue recording other parts into tracks 3–16 [EXTRA TRACKS] one by one. Procedure 1. Hold down the [REC] button in step 2 in the “Recording to [TRACK2]” on page 39 and use the B [–]/[+] buttons to select a recording track (3–16). select a recording track (3-16) A B NO C 2. YES D While holding down the [REC] key, press the [EXTRA TRACKS] button. Then, follow the procedure beginning with Step 4 on page 36.
Recording Your Performance Changing a voice or tempo after recording You can change the voice and tempo after recording to change a song’s feel or to set a more suitable tempo. You can also change these elements in the middle of a song. Procedure 1. 2. 3. 4. Select a song you wish to change by using the SONG SELECT [ ] [ ] buttons. To change the voice or tempo in the middle of the song, specify the measure to change using the B [–]/ [+] buttons. Change the settings (voice, reverb, etc.).
Recording Your Performance Adjusting the volume balance between playback and your performance [SONG BALANCE] While recording multiple parts into tracks one by one, you can adjust the volume balance between the playback of the recorded parts and your current performance. Procedure 1. Move [SONG BALANCE] to the left or right to make adjustments. SONG The song playback volume will be lower. KEYBOARD SONG BALANCE TIP The song balance setting is also used during playback. (See page 48.
Saving Recorded Songs and Handling the Files...[FILE] File screens (accessed via the [FILE] button) enables you to handle song files (e.g., save, delete, and rename recorded songs), and change the characters on the screen.
Saving Recorded Songs and Handling the Files...[FILE] Basic file operation A message (information or confirmation dialog) sometimes appears on the screen to facilitate operation. Refer to the “Message List” on page 86 for an explanation of each message, appropriate actions to take. 2 3 SONG SELECT SONG TRACK 1 TRACK 2 EXTRA TRACKS FILE TOP START/STOP REC SONG SETTING KEYBOARD 3 METRONOME START/STOP SETTING A CONTRAST B NO DOWN YES UP GRAND PIANO 1 GRAND PIANO 2 E.PIANO 1 E.
Saving Recorded Songs and Handling the Files...[FILE] Saving recorded or other songs to PF-500 Storage memory...[SaveToMemory] If you record a song, then turn off the power to the PF-500, the song will be erased. To save the recorded song, you must save it into the PF-500 Storage memory. You can also save the preset songs, and additional or overwriting recordings (page 40) to Storage memory. A B NO C YES D Procedure See page 44 the basic operation information.
Saving Recorded Songs and Handling the Files...[FILE] Deleting a Memory song...[DeleteSong] This deletes a song from memory. You cannot delete a preset song or the current song. A B NO C YES D TIP To delete a Current song, select “ALL” for the ChannelClear parameter in the “SONG SETTING” menu (page 66). Alternatively, press the SONG SELECT [ ]/[ ] buttons simultaneously to display “Song Changed Save?”. This means “A song has been edited. Do you wish to save the change?” Press the B [– (NO)] button.
Saving Recorded Songs and Handling the Files...[FILE] Renaming a song...[RenameSong] You can change a song’s title except for the preset songs and [P-000: NewSong]. A B NO C YES D Procedure See page 44 for basic operation information. The following is a detailed procedure for Step 4. 4. Name the song as described in the [SaveToMemory] section (page 45). CAUTION Do not turn off the power while the screen displays “Executing.
Playing Back Recorded Songs TIP Change the PF-500’s character type ([CharacterCord]) as appropriate for the selected song. You can play back songs recorded using the Record function (page 35). You can also play the keyboard along with the playback. TIP Songs containing a large amount of data may not be able to be read properly by the instrument, and as such you may not be able to select them. The maximum capacity is about 200–300KB, however this may differ depending on the data contents of each song.
Playing Back Recorded Songs 3. Start playback. Press the SONG [START/STOP] button. Starting playback automatically as you start playing the keyboard (Synchro Start) You can start playback as soon as you start playing the keyboard. This is called the “Synchro Start” function. To enter Synchro Start standby mode, press and hold down the [TOP] button and press the SONG [START/STOP] button. The SONG [START/STOP] indicator flashes. Now play the keyboard. Playback starts simultaneously.
Playing Back Recorded Songs Turning track playback on and off When you select a song on the PF-500, the indicators for tracks that contain data ([TRACK 1], [TRACK 2], [EXTRA TRACKS]) are lit in green. While the PF-500 is playing or stopped, pressing these track buttons turn off the indicators, and the data on those tracks will not be played. Pressing the track buttons toggles track playback on and off. You can play the part that is turned off.
Connections Connectors CAUTION Before connecting the PF-500 to other electronic components, turn off the power to all the components. Before turning the power on or off to all components, set all volume levels to minimum (0). Otherwise, electrical shock or damage to the components may occur.
Connections 2 AUX OUT [R][L] Pin jacks (LEVEL FIXED), [R][L/L+R] Phone jacks These jacks let you connect the PF-500 to your stereo system etc. to play at higher volumes, or connect a cassette recorder etc. to record your playing. Use audio cables to make connections as shown in the diagram. CAUTION When the PF-500’s AUX OUT jacks are connected to an external audio system, first turn on the power to the PF-500, then to the external audio system. Reverse this order when you turn the power off.
Connections Connecting a personal computer You can connect the [TO HOST], MIDI [IN][OUT][THRU], or [USB] connector of the PF-500 to your personal computer and enjoy using the PF-500 in conjunction with musical software on your computer. There are the three methods by which to connect the PF-500 to a personal computer: 1. Connecting the serial port on the computer to the PF-500’s TO HOST jack (page 52) 2. Using a MIDI interface and the PF-500’s MIDI connectors (page 52) 3.
Connections 1. Connecting the serial port on the computer to the PF-500’s TO HOST jack Connect the computer’s serial port (RS-232C or RS-422) to the PF-500’s TO HOST jack. In this connection, the PF-500 functions as a MIDI interface. Therefore, you do not need a special MIDI interface. Connection Use a special serial cable (page 55) to connect the computer’s serial port (RS-232C or RS-422) to the PF-500’s TO HOST jack.
