Yamaha PSR-550, PSR-550E User Manual

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SPECIAL MESSAGE SECTION

This product utilizes batteries or an external power supply (adapter). DO NOT connect this product to any power supply 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 components supplied or; a cart, rack, or stand that is recommended by Yamaha. If a cart, etc., is used, please observe all safety markings and instructions that accompany the accessory product.

SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE:

The information contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of printing. However, Yamaha reserves the right to change or modify any of the specifications without notice or obligation to update existing units.

This product, either alone or in combination with an amplifier and headphones or speaker/s, may be capable of producing sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. DO NOT operate for long periods of time at a high volume level or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an audiologist. IMPORTANT: The louder the sound, the shorter the time period before damage occurs.

NOTICE:

Service charges incurred due to a lack of knowledge relating to how a function or effect works (when the unit is operating as designed) are not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, and are therefore the owners responsibility. Please study this manual carefully and consult your dealer before requesting service.

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES:

Yamaha strives to produce products that are both user safe and environmentally friendly. We sincerely believe that our products and the production methods used to produce them, meet these goals. In keeping with both the letter and the spirit of the law, we want you to be aware of the following:

This product may also use “household” type batteries. Some of these may be rechargeable. Make sure that the battery being charged is a rechargeable type and that the charger is intended for the battery being charged.

When installing batteries, do not mix batteries with new, or with batteries of a different type. Batteries MUST be installed correctly. Mismatches or incorrect installation may result in overheating and battery case rupture.

Warning:

Do not attempt to disassemble, or incinerate any battery. Keep all batteries away from children. Dispose of used batteries promptly and as regulated by the laws in your area. Note: Check with any retailer of household type batteries in your area for battery disposal information.

Disposal Notice:

Should this product become damaged beyond repair, or for some reason its useful life is considered to be at an end, please observe all local, state, and federal regulations that relate to the disposal of products that contain lead, batteries, plastics, etc. If your dealer is unable to assist you, please contact Yamaha directly.

NAME PLATE LOCATION:

The name plate is located on the bottom of the product. The model number, serial number, power requirements, etc., are located on this plate. You should record the model number, serial number, and the date of purchase in the spaces provided below and retain this manual as a permanent record of your purchase.

Model

Serial No.

Purchase Date

Battery Notice:

This product MAY contain a small non-rechargeable battery which (if applicable) is soldered in place. The average life span of this type of battery is approximately five years. When replacement becomes necessary, contact a qualified service representative to perform the replacement.

92-BP (bottom)

PLEASE KEEP THIS MANUAL

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PRECAUTIONS

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING

* Please keep these precautions 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:

• Do not open the instrument or attempt to disassemble the internal parts or modify them in any way. The instrument contains no user-serviceable parts. If it should appear to be malfunctioning, discontinue use immediately and have it inspected by qualified Yamaha service personnel.

• Do not expose the instrument to rain, use it near water or in damp or wet conditions, or place containers on it containing liquids which might spill into any openings.

• If the AC adaptor cord or plug becomes frayed or damaged, or if there is a sudden loss of sound during use of the instrument, or if any unusual smells or smoke should appear to be caused by it, immediately turn off the power switch,

disconnect the adaptor plug from the outlet, and have the instrument inspected by qualified Yamaha service personnel.

• Use the specified adaptor (PA-6 or an equivalent recommended by Yamaha) only. Using the wrong adaptor can result in damage to the instrument or overheating.

• Before cleaning the instrument, always remove the electric plug from the outlet. Never insert or remove an electric plug with wet hands.

• Check the electric plug periodically and remove any dirt or dust which may have accumulated on it.

CAUTION

Always follow the basic precautions listed below to avoid the possibility of physical injury to you or others, or damage to the instrument or other property. These precautions include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Do not place the AC adaptor cord near heat sources such as heaters or radiators, and do not excessively bend or otherwise damage the cord, place heavy objects on it, or place it in a position where anyone could walk on, trip over, or roll anything over it.

• When removing the electric plug from the instrument or an outlet, always hold the plug itself and not the cord.

• Do not connect the instrument to an electrical outlet using a multiple-connector. Doing so can result in lower sound quality, or possibly cause overheating in the outlet.

• Unplug the AC power adaptor when not using the instrument, or during electrical storms.

• Always make sure all batteries are inserted in conformity with the +/- polarity markings. Failure to do so might result in overheating, fire, or battery fluid leakage.

• Always replace all batteries at the same time. Do not use new batteries together with old ones. Also, do not mix battery types, such as alkaline batteries with manganese batteries, or batteries from different makers, or different types of batteries from the same maker, since this can cause overheating, fire, or battery fluid leakage.

• Do not dispose of batteries in fire.

• Do not attempt to recharge batteries that are not intended to be charged.

• When the batteries run out, or if the instrument is not to be used for a long time, remove the batteries from the instrument to prevent possible leakage of the battery fluid.

• Keep batteries away from children.

• If the batteries do leak, avoid contact with the leaked fluid. If the battery fluid should come in contact with your eyes, mouth, or skin, wash immediately with water and consult a doctor. Battery fluid is corrosive and may possibly cause loss of sight or chemical burns.

• 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 expose the instrument to excessive dust or vibrations, or extreme cold or heat (such as in direct sunlight, near a heater, or in a car during the day) to prevent the possibility of panel disfiguration or damage to the internal components.

(4)-7

• Do not use the instrument near other electrical products such as televisions, radios, or speakers, since this might cause interference which can affect proper operation of the other products.

• Do not place the instrument in an unstable position where it might accidentally fall over.

• Before moving the instrument, remove all connected adaptor and other cables.

• When cleaning the instrument, use a soft, dry cloth. Do not use paint thinners, solvents, cleaning fluids, or chemical-impregnated wiping cloths. Also, do not place vinyl, plastic or rubber objects on the instrument, since this might discolor the panel or keyboard.

• Do not rest your weight on, or place heavy objects on the instrument, and do not use excessive force on the buttons, switches or connectors.

• Use only the stand specified for the instrument. When attaching the stand or rack, use the provided screws only. Failure to do so could cause damage to the internal components or result in the instrument falling over.

• Do not operate the instrument for a long period of time at a high or uncomfortable volume level, since this can cause permanent hearing loss. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, consult a physician.

■DATA BACK-UP AND STORAGE

• Yamaha recommends that you regularly save data using a floppy disk in a safe, cool, dry place. YAMAHA CANNOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACCIDENTAL LOSS OF IMPORTANT MUSIC DATA! Regarding the data you have created, as long as fresh batteries are inserted in (or an AC power adaptor is connected to) the instrument, the data will be retained, even when the power is turned off. It will also be retained long enough to exchange an old set of batteries for a new set. If you have important data in the instrument which you don’t want to lose, please take care to keep fresh batteries inserted in (or keep an AC power adaptor connected to) the instrument, and to regularly save data.

Yamaha cannot be held responsible for damage caused by improper use or modifications to the instrument, or data that is lost or destroyed.

Always turn the power off when the instrument is not in use. Make sure to discard used batteries according to local regulations.

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Congratulations!

You are the proud owner of a fine electronic keyboard. The Yamaha PSR-550 PortaTone combines the most advanced tone generation technology with state-of-theart digital electronics and features to give you stunning sound quality with maximum musical enjoyment. A large graphic display and easy-to-use interface also greatly enhance the operability of this advanced instrument. In order to make the most of your PortaTone’s features and extensive performance potential, we urge you to read the manual thoroughly while trying out the various features described. Keep the manual in a safe place for later reference.

Packing List

Please check that these items have been packed with your PSR-550.

• PSR-550 • Music Stand (page 9)

• PSR-550 Data Disk • Owner’s Manual

(Refer to “Included Data Disk” on page 59, and “MIDI and TO HOST Terminals” on page

107.)

Page 5

How to use the manual

Setting Up

Important Features

Basic Operation

Contents

Panel Controls

page 12

Before going on to any other part of the manual, we strongly suggest you read this section first. It shows you how to get started playing and using your new PSR-550.

page 8

Once you’ve set up the PSR-550, you should read through this section — and explore the relevant page references — to familiarize yourself with the enormous variety of features and functions of the PSR-550.

page 17

This section introduces you to the basic operating conventions of the PSR-550, such as editing values and changing settings, and shows you how to use the convenient Help and Direct Access functions.

page 6

All topics, features, functions and operations are listed here in the order they appear in the manual, for easy reference.

page 10

Use this section to find out about all of the buttons and controls of the PSR-550.

Panel Display Indications

Function T ree

Appendix

Troubleshooting

Index

page 16

This section explains the display indications of the PSR-550 and how to read them for optimum operation.

page 22

This lists all functions of the PSR-550 according to their hierarchical structure, letting you easily see the relationship of the various functions and quickly locate desired information.

page 123

This contains various important lists such as the Voice list, Preset Style list, Effect list, MIDI data format and MIDI implementation chart.

page 135

If the PSR-550 does not function as expected or you have some problem with the sound or operation, consult this section before calling your Yamaha dealer or service center. Most common problems and their solutions are covered here in a very simple and easy-to-understand way.

page 153

This section alphabetically lists virtually all topics, features, functions and operations with their respective page numbers, letting you quickly and easily find the information you need.

The illustrations and LCD screens as shown in this owner’s manual are for instructional purposes only, and may be different from your instrument.

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Contents

Packing List 4

How to use the manual 5

Important Features 8

Panel logos................................................... 9

Music stand ................................................ 10

Panel Controls and Terminals 10

FOOTSWITCH jack.................................... 10

PHONES/OUTPUT jack ............................. 10

Top Panel Controls................................................. 11

Rear Panel Controls............................................... 11

Setting Up 12

Power supply connections ..................................... 12

Demo Song Playback 13

Playing Voices 26

Selecting a Voice ................................................... 26

Playing Two Voices (R1, R2) Simultaneously......... 27

Playing Different Voices with

the Left (L) and Right (R1, R2) Hands ............. 28

Functions of the Keyboard..................................... 29

Transpose .............................................................. 30

Pitch Bend Wheel .................................................. 30

Sustain................................................................... 30

Keyboard Percussion ............................................. 31

Auto Accompaniment 32

Using Auto Accompaniment (rhythm track only) .... 32

Using Auto Accompaniment (all tracks)................. 33

Accompaniment Sections ...................................... 34

Tempo/Tap ............................................................. 36

Accompaniment T rac k Muting ................................ 37

Accompaniment V olume Control............................ 37

Chord Fingerings ................................................... 38

Accompaniment Split Point.................................... 40

Synchro Stop ......................................................... 41

One T ouch Setting ................................................. 42

Using the Music Database 14

Panel Display Indications 16

Basic Operation 17

Calling up the Operation Displays.......................... 17

How to Read the Menu/Message Display and

“Easy Navigator”............................................... 18

Menu Selection ...................................................... 19

Changing (Editing) Values ..................................... 20

Naming .................................................................. 21

Direct Access......................................................... 21

Function Tree 22

Direct Access Chart 24

Mode 25

Style Mode............................................................. 25

Song Mode ............................................................ 25

Record Mode ......................................................... 25

Disk Mode.............................................................. 25

The Multi Pads 43

Playing the Multi Pads ........................................... 43

Chord Match .......................................................... 43

Selecting a Multi Pad Bank.................................... 44

Turning Chord Match On/Off.................................. 44

Multi Pad Bank List..................................... 45

Digital Effects 46

Reverb ................................................................... 46

Chorus ................................................................... 48

DSP ....................................................................... 49

System Effects and Insertion Effects ..................... 50

Harmony/Echo ....................................................... 50

Registration Memory 54

Registering the Panel Settings .............................. 55

Recalling the Registered Panel Settings ............... 55

Selecting a Registration Bank................................ 56

Naming the Registration Banks ............................. 56

Disk Operations 57

Using the Floppy Disk Drive (FDD) and

Floppy Disks ......................................... 58

Included Data Disk................................................. 59

Format ................................................................... 60

Save....................................................................... 60

Load....................................................................... 62

Song Copy ............................................................. 64

Delete .................................................................... 67

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Contents

Disk Song Playback 68

Song Playback....................................................... 68

Song T rac k Muting ................................................. 70

Song Volume Control ............................................. 70

Playing from a Specified Measure ......................... 71

Repeat Play (A-B Repeat) ..................................... 72

Song T ranspose..................................................... 73

Part Settings 74

Voice Change ........................................................ 75

Mixer ...................................................................... 76

Song Recording 78

Quick Recording .................................................... 80

Multi Track Recording ............................................ 82

Re-recording — Punch In/Out and Start Measure. 84

Quantize ................................................................ 86

Editing Setup Data................................................. 88

Naming User Songs............................................... 90

Clearing User Song Data....................................... 91

Multi Pad Recording 92

Multi Pad Recording............................................... 92

Chord Match .......................................................... 94

Naming User Pads................................................. 94

Clearing User Pad Data......................................... 95

Style Recording 96

Style Recording — Rhythm Track .......................... 98

Style Recording —

Bass/Phrase/Pad/Chord Tr acks...................... 100

Quantize .............................................................. 102

Naming User Styles ............................................. 104

Clearing User Style Data ..................................... 104

Other Functions (Utility) 118

Metronome........................................................... 118

Upper Octave....................................................... 119

Master Tuning ...................................................... 119

Scale T uning ........................................................ 119

Split Point............................................................. 120

Touch Sensitivity .................................................. 120

Voice Set.............................................................. 120

Footswitch............................................................ 121

Pitch Bend Range................................................ 122

Assignable ........................................................... 122

Backlight .............................................................. 122

Appendix 123

Voice List ............................................................. 123

Panel V oice List ........................................ 123

XG V oice List ............................................ 125

Drum Kit List ........................................................ 128

Style List .............................................................. 130

Music Database List ............................................ 131

About the Digital Effects (Reverb/Chorus/DSP)... 132

Reverb Type List ....................................... 133

Chorus Type List ....................................... 133

DSP T ype List ........................................... 133

Harmony/Echo T ype List ...................................... 134

Troubleshooting ................................................... 135

Data Backup & Initialization ................................. 136

Alert Message List ............................................... 137

MIDI Data Format ................................................ 139

MIDI Implementation Chart.................................. 151

Index .................................................................... 153

Specifications....................................................... 156

MIDI Functions 106

What’s MIDI? ....................................................... 106

What You Can Do With MIDI................................ 108

MIDI Data Compatibility ....................................... 109

Connecting to a Personal Computer.................... 110

MIDI Template...................................................... 112

MIDI Transmit Setting........................................... 114

MIDI Receive Setting ........................................... 115

Local Control........................................................ 116

Clock.................................................................... 116

Initial Data Send .................................................. 117

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Important Features

Since the PSR-550 has such a wealth of advanced features and functions, you may be at a loss as to how to explore its capabilities and how to best use them for your music. You needn’t worry. The PSR-550 is very easy to play and use, and each function — no matter how advanced — can be mastered easily.

That’s what this section is designed for. It will help you master the PSR-550. It introduces you to the important features of the PSR-550 with short explanations and page references. Read through the features you’re interested in, then turn to the relevant pages in the manual for instructions and other details.

Basic operations

• The PSR-550 is packed with sophisticated feature and functions, yet it’s also exceptionally easy to use. Using the panel controls is quick, easy and intuitive — thanks to the Easy navigator feature, which indicates the buttons you should press, and the special backlit LCD, which changes color according to the selected mode. (→ Pages 16, 18)

• A convenient Direct Access function lets you instantly call up the specific menu or display you need. (→ Page 21)

Listening to the PSR-550

• The PSR-550 features a wide variety of songs in various musical genres. (→ Page 15)

• In addition, 10 songs are provided in the included disk. (→ Page 59)

• The powerful auto accompaniment function gives you a total of 112 styles (rhythm and accompaniment patterns), providing professional sounding backing parts for your performance. (→ Page 112)

•

Special Multi Pads let you instantly and easily play short rhythmic and melodic sequences for adding impact and variety to your performance. (→ Page 43)

Playing the PSR-550

• The PSR-550 keyboard has 61 keys with full touch-response capability that lets you play with extraordinary expressiveness and dynamic control. (→ Page 26)

• The PSR-550 lets you perform with a huge variety of musical instrument voices. (→ Page 26) There are two different types of voices: panel voices (the original PSR-550voices) and XG voices.

* The PSR-550 features 219 panel voices, 14 drum kits

and 480 XG voices

• With the R1, R2 and L voices, you can play two different voices in a layer, and even play two different voices with your right and left hands. (→ Pages 27, 28)

Auto accompaniment (styles)

• The auto accompaniment feature puts a full backing band at your fingertips, with a total of 112 styles (rhythm and accompaniment patterns). (→ Page 32)

• The One Touch Setting feature lets you instantly call up the appropriate voice, effect and other settings for the selected accompaniment style — with the touch of a single button. (→ Page 42)

• You can also create your original accompaniment styles by recording them directly from the keyboard. (→ Page

96)

Music Database

• The PSR-550’s built-in Music Database gives you a convenient way to automatically select the style, voice, and effect settings that best suit a particular type of music. If you don’t know which style or voice would be appropriate, the Music Database can help you out. (→ Page 14)

Multi Pads

• By simply pressing one of the Multi Pads, you can play short rhythmic or melodic phrases. (→ Page 43)

• You can also create your original Multi Pad phrases by recording them directly from the keyboard. (→ Page 92)

Registration Memory

• The convenient Registration Memory feature lets you save virtually all panel settings to one of 128 Registration Memory settings, and then instantly recall all your custom panel settings by pressing a single button. (→ Page 54)

Song Recording

• Use the powerful song recording features create your own complete, fully orchestrated compositions and save them floppy disk as a User song. Each User song lets you record up to sixteen independent tracks. (→ Page 78) * To quickly and easily mold your musical ideas into

complete songs, use the Quick Recording method. ( Page 80)

* To build up a song part-by-part and track-by-track, use

the Multi Track Recording method. (→ Page 82)

* You can also “fine tune” the recorded song data with the

PSR-550’s comprehensive song editing functions. ( Pages 84-91)

→

Page 9

Important Features

Digital Effects

• A comprehensive set of professional-sounding digital effects are built into the PSR-550, letting you enhance the sound of your performance in a wide variety of ways. These include Reverb, Chorus, DSP and Harmony/Echo. (→ Page 46) * Reverb recreates the rich spacial ambiance of various

performance environments, such as a concert hall or a night club. (→ Page 46)

* Chorus enriches the voices by making them sound

warmer and thicker — as if several instruments were playing together at the same time. (→ Page 48)

* The DSP effects let you process the sound in special,

unusual ways — such as applying distortion or tremolo to a specific part. (→ Page 49)

* Harmony/Echo lets you enhance your right-hand

melodies with a variety of harmony and echo effects. (→ Page 50)

Disk Drive

• The PSR-550 also features a built-in disk drive that lets you save all your important original data (such as User songs, User styles, User Multi P ads, Registration Memory, etc.) to floppy disk for future recall. (→ Page 57)

MIDI

• MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a worldwide standard interface that allows various electronic music instruments, computers and other devices to communicate with each other. The MIDI features let you seamlessly integrate the PSR-550 into a variety of systems and applications: * Play other instruments from the PSR-550. (→ Page

108)

* Play the sounds of the PSR-550 (including the auto

accompaniment) from a connected keyboard. (→ Page

108)

* Connect the PSR-550 directly to a computer, for

advanced recording, editing and playing back of song data. (→ Page 110)

* Use pre-programmed templates to instantly configure

the PSR-550 for your specific MIDI system/application. (→ Page 112)

Panel logos

The logos printed on the PSR-550 panel indicate standards/ formats it supports and special features it includes.

GM System Level 1

“GM System Level 1” is an addition to the MIDI standard which guarantees that any data conforming to the standard will play accurately on any GM-compatible tone generator or synthesizer from any manufacturer.

XG is a new Yamaha MIDI specification which significantly expands and improves on the GM System Level 1 standard with greater voice handling capacity, expressive control and effect capability while retaining full compatibility with GM. By using the PSR-550’s XG voices, it is possible to record XG-compatible song files.

DOC

The DOC voice allocation format provides data playback compatibility with a wide range of Yamaha instruments and MIDI devices, including the Clavinova series.

Style File Format

The Style File Format — SFF — is Yamaha’s original style file format which uses a unique conversion system to provide high-quality automatic accompaniment based on a wide range of chord types. The PSR-550 uses the SFF internally, reads optional SFF style disks, and creates SFF styles using the Style Recording feature.

Music stand

The PSR-550 is supplied with a music stand that can be attached to the instrument by inserting it into the slot at the rear of the control panel.

Page 10

Panel Controls and Terminals

#5 #6

#8 #9

001 Grand Piano

CHORD

dim mM

TRANSPOSE

REC2REC3REC4REC5REC6REC7REC8REC9REC10REC11REC12REC13REC14REC15REC16REC

BACK

119

KEYBOARDSTART/STOP

513

augsus4

REGIST-

TEMPO

RATION

!6 !7 !8 !9 @0

@1 @2 @3@4@5

NAVIGATOR

EASY

PART

MEASURE

DIAL

/YES

MUSIC DATABASE

DSP(FAST)

TOUCH

BEAT

HARMONY

SUSTAIN

TRACK(1~16)

0~9

D138E1

36T37S39F141

CLICK

42 44A145

40 46 49

5554 56A257

■ FOOTSWITCH jack

The sustain function lets you produce a natural sustain as you play by pressing a footswitch. Plug an optional Yamaha FC4 or FC5 footswitch into this jack and use it to switch sustain on and off. The footswitch connected to this jack can also be set to replicate the functions of some panel buttons, doing things like starting and stopping accompaniment (page 121).

• Be sure that you do not press the footswitch while turning the power on. If you do, the ON/OFF status of the footswitch will be reversed.

• When the sustain or sostenuto pedal functions are being used (page 121), some voices may sound continuously or have a long decay after the notes have been released while the pedal is held.

58 61

E364F3

C 1

65R66G367S68 70C472H73

74 75

77H78

79H80

■ PHONES/OUTPUT jack

A standard pair of stereo headphones can be plugged in here for private practice or late-night playing. The internal stereo speaker system is automatically shut off when a pair of head phones is plugged into the PHONES/OUTPUT jack. Do not listen with the headphones at high volume for long periods of time. Doing so may cause hearing loss.

CAUTION

• Connect the PSR-550 to external equipment only after turning off power for all devices. To prevent damage to the speakers, set the volume of the external devices at the minimum setting before connecting them. Failure to observe these cautions may result in electric shock or equipment damage.

81 82

84L85S87D586

91 92

L M

$7 $8 $9 $6 $5 %0

Page 11

Panel Controls and Terminals

93 94B595C696

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 DSP button.................................................49

u FAST/SLOW button...................................49

i TOUCH button .........................................120

o SUSTAIN button.........................................30

!0 HARMONY/ECHO button ..........................50

!1 BACK button, NEXT button ........................17

!2 LCD display................................................16

!3 VOICE CHANGE button.......................17, 75

MIXER button.......................................17, 76

!4 TRACK 1 - 16 buttons..........................37, 70

!5 SONG button..................................17, 25, 68

!6 STYLE button.................................17, 25, 32

!7 MUSIC DATABASE button ...................14, 17

!8 VOICE L button ....................................17, 28

!9 VOICE R1 button .................................17, 26

@0 VOICE R2 button .................................17, 27

@1 ACMP ON/OFF button .........................25, 33

@2 ACMP/SONG VOLUME button ......17, 37, 70

@3 TEMPO/TAP button..............................17, 36

@4 TRANSPOSE button............................17, 30

@5 FUNCTION button..............................17, 118

@6 PART ON/OFF

VOICE L button.....................................28

VOICE R1 button ..................................26

VOICE R2 button ..................................27

@7 Number buttons

[1]-[0], [-/NO], [+/YES] ...........................20

@8 EXIT button ................................................17

@9 Data dial.....................................................20

#0 DISK LOAD button...............................17, 62

#1 DISK SAVE button ...............................17, 60

#2 DISK UTILITY button .....................17, 64, 67

#3 SYNC STOP button ...................................41

#4 SYNC START button..................................33

#5 START/STOP button ............................32, 69

#6 INTRO button.............................................34

#7 MAIN/AUTO FILL A button.........................34

#8 MAIN/AUTO FILL B button.........................34

#9 ENDING/rit. button .....................................34

$0 REGISTRATION MEMORY buttons...........54

$1 ONE TOUCH SETTING buttons ................42

$2 MULTI PAD buttons ....................................43

$3 Disk Drive...................................................58

$4 PITCH BEND wheel...................................30

Rear Panel Controls

$5 PHONES/OUTPUT jack.............................10

$6 FOOTSWITCH jack....................................10

$7 TO HOST connector ................................107

$8 HOST SELECT switch .............................110

$9 MIDI IN/OUT connectors..........................107

%0 DC IN 10-12V jack .....................................12

Page 12

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.

Power supply connections

Although the PSR-550 will run either from an optional AC adaptor or batteries, Yamaha recommends use of the more environmentally safe AC adaptor. Follow the instructions below according to the power source you intend to use.

■ Using An Optional AC Power Adaptor

Make sure that the STANDBY/ON switch of the PSR-550 is set to STANDBY.

CAUTION

• Never interrupt the power supply (e.g. remove the batteries or unplug the AC adaptor) during any PSR-550 record operation! Doing so can result in a loss of data.

Connect the AC adaptor (PA-6 or other adaptor specifically recommended by Yamaha) to the power supply jack.

Plug the AC adaptor into an AC outlet.

When turning the power OFF, simply reverse the procedure.

■ Using Batteries

For battery operation the PSR-550 requires six 1.5V “D” size, R20P (LR20) or equivalent batteries. When the batteries need to be replaced, “Battery Low” may appear on top of the display, the volume may be reduced, the sound may be distorted, and other problems may occur. When this happens, turn the power off and replace the batteries. Replace the batteries as follows:

Open the battery compartment cover located on the instrument’s bottom panel.

Insert the six new batteries, being careful to follow the polarity markings on the inside of the compartment.

WARNING

• Use ONLY a Yamaha PA-6 AC Power Adaptor (or other adaptor specifically recommended by Yamaha) to power your instrument from the AC mains. The use of other adaptors may result in irreparable damage to both the adaptor and the PSR-550.

• Unplug the AC Power Adaptor when not using the PSR-550, or during electrical storms.

CAUTION

• When the batteries run down, replace them with a complete set of six new batteries. NEVER mix old and new batteries.

• Do not use different kinds of batteries (e.g. alkaline and manganese) at the same time.

• If the instrument is not to be in use for a long time, remove the batteries from it, in order to prevent possible fluid leakage from the battery.

• Plugging or unplugging the AC power adaptor while the batteries are installed will reset the PSR-550 to the defaults.

Replace the compartment cover, making sure that it locks firmly in place.

Important Notes on Battery Use

• Since the PSR-550 consumes a considerable amount of power, Yamaha recommends the use of an AC power adaptor rather than batteries. The batteries should be considered an auxiliary power source for data backup.

• The floppy disk drive, in particular, uses a large amount of power, so it is important to always use an AC power adaptor when performing disk-intensive operations such as song recording/playback or data

load/save. If you attempt to use battery power for these operations and the batteries do fail, you will lose not only the data you’re recording or saving, but also other data in internal memory including user styles, user pads, registration memory, etc.

• Taking the above precautions into consideration, always use an AC power adaptor when using the PSR-550 for an important performance or when creating important data.

Page 13

Demo Song Playback

Once you’ve set up your PSR-550, try listening to the pre-programmed demonstration songs. A total of 9 demo songs are provided. As the song plays back, the backlit LCD of the PSR-550 changes color.

Turn the power ON by pressing the [STANDBY/ON] switch.

Press the [STANDBY/ON] switch again to turn the power OFF.

001 Grand Piano

CHORD

119

dim mM

TRANSPOSE

REC2REC3REC4REC5REC6REC7REC8REC9REC10REC11REC12REC13REC14REC15REC16REC

Press the [DEMO] button to start demo playback.

augsus4

START/STOP

513

REGISTRATION

BACK

KEYBOARD

TEMPO

EASY

NAVIGATOR

MEASURE

TRACK(1~16) PART

1 Sweet Tenor

Set a volume level with the [MASTER VOLUME] control.

DIAL

CAUTION

• Even when the switch is in the “STANDBY” position, electricity is still flowing to the instrument at the minimum level. When you

0~9

BEAT

/YES

MUSIC DATABASE

DSP(FAST)

TOUCH

HARMONY

SUSTAIN

are not using the PSR-550 for a long time, make sure you unplug the AC power adaptor from the wall AC outlet, and/or remove the batteries from the instrument.

• The LCD changes color during Demo song playback only if the Backlight mode is set to “Auto” (page 122).

• If you play the PSR-550 with the volume at its maximum level when the batteries are used, the life of the batteries will be shorter.

Skip to the beginning of a different demo song.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0].

2 SweetTrumpet

Press the [DEMO] button again to stop the demo song.

Page 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-550 automatically makes all appropriate panel settings to let you play in that music style!

Press the [MUSIC DATABASE] button.

The MUSIC DATABASE menu appears in the display.

001 Alive Fever

Select a ‘‘Music Database.’’

CHORD

119

dim

513

augsus4

BACK

KEYBOARDSTART/STOP

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0].

002 Alive Synth

CHORD

119

dim

513

augsus4

EASY

NAVIGATOR

BACK

TRACK(1~16) PART

KEYBOARDSTART/STOP

DIAL

BEAT

NAVIGATOR

0~9

/YES

TRACK(1~16)

EASY

PART

0~9

/YES

DIAL

BEAT

• Press the [MUSIC DATABASE] button to switch into the Style mode, turn AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT on, and turn SYNCHRONIZED START on. See page 25 for details.

The PSR-550 has 220 panel setups in the Music Database and they are divided into eleven different categories. You can select different Music Database categories in succession by using the Direct Access function. To select the first Music Database of the next available category, first press the [DIRECT ACCESS] button, then press the [MUSIC DATABASE] button.

Direct Access

029 Days of Sax

See page 21 for details about the Direct Access function.

In this example, we’ll select #220 “Xmas Night” and play the song “Silent Night.” (The sheet music is provided on the next page.)

220 Xmas Night

Music Database List

(page 131)

POP HITS

001 Alive Fever 002 Alive Synth 003 Croco Rock

028 YesterGuitar

SWING & JAZZ

029 Days of Sax 056 Wonderland

EVERGREEN

057 Black Forest 086 Wonder World

Play the chords with your left hand and the melody lines with

your right hand along with the music.

As soon as you play a chord with your left hand, the auto accompaniment starts. For information on how to enter chords, see ‘‘Chord Fingerings’’ on page 38.

• See pages 32 through 41 for details about the Auto Accompaniment.

Page 15

Using the Music Database

Auto Accompaniment

section

When you reach the point in the music indicated by the arrow

above, press the [ENDING] button.

When the ending is finished, the auto accompaniment automatically stops.

Data stored by the Music Database

Each of the Music Database settings has been specially programmed to match the selected style and each features the best suited voice (or combination of voices), style, and other settings for that style. Pressing the [MUSIC DATABASE] button and selecting a style lets you instantly reconfigure all relevant settings, conveniently allowing you to start playing in the desired genre with all the appropriate sounds — without having to make each setting one by one. For each parameter, refer to the following pages.

■ V OICE PARAMETERS

• Part on/off (Voice R1/R2/L) ....................................................................... page 29

• Voice change setting (Voice R1/R2/L) ....................................................... page 75

• Mixer setting (Voice R1/R2/L).................................................................... page 76

• DSP on/off, FIRST/SLOW on/off, DSP Type and Return Level ................. page 49

• HARMONY/ECHO on/off, type, volume, part ............................................ page 50

• Pitch Bend Range ................................................................................... page 122

• Upper Octave setting............................................................................... page 119

■ AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT PARAMETERS

• Auto accompaniment (ACMP) on/off......................................................... page 33

• Synchro Start = ON* ................................................................................. page 33

• Style Number............................................................................................. page 32

• Main A/B section ....................................................................................... page 34

• T empo........................................................................................................ page 36

• Accompaniment Volume ............................................................................ page 37

• T r ack on/off ................................................................................................ page 37

• Voice Change setting................................................................................. page 75

• Mixer setting .............................................................................................. page 75

• Multi Pad Bank number ............................................................................. page 43

• Reverb setting ...........................................................................................page 46

• Chorus setting ...........................................................................................page 48

* Set only when the accompaniment is not playing.

Page 16

Panel Display Indications

The PSR-550 features a large multi-function display that shows all important settings for the instrument. This backlit LCD also changes color depending on the selected mode, making operation even easier and more intuitive. For details about the LCD’s Backlight mode, see page 122. The section below briefly explains the various icons and indications in the display.

e Easy Navigator

!3 Chord

r T ranspose

001 Grand Piano

CHORD

119

dim

TRANSPOSE

REC2REC3REC4REC5REC6REC7REC8REC9REC10REC11REC12REC13REC14REC15REC16REC

t Registration bank

and number

augsus4

START/STOP

513

REGISTRATION

BACK

NAVIGATOR

KEYBOARD

TEMPO

y Tempo u Measure i Beat indicators

EASY

MEASURE

TRACK(1~16) PART

DIAL

q Menu/message display

This shows the menu for each function of the PSR-550. It also displays the relevant messages for the current operation. See the “Basic Operation” section (page 17) for details on the menu/message display.

w Menu indication

This indicates the items shown in the menu display, and the button to be pressed. Refer to “Basic Operation” (page 17) for details.

e Easy Navigator

This indicates the buttons to be pressed. Refer to “Basic Operation” (page 18) for details.

r T ranspose

Shows the current transpose value (page 30).

t Registration bank-number

Shows the current selected registartion memory bank and number (page 56).

y Tempo

Shows the current tempo of accompaniment/song playback (page 36).

u Measure

Indicates the current measure number during song recording and playback.

1st beat 2nd beat 3rd beat 4th beat

4/4 time 3/4 time

i Beat indicators

Flashes at the current tempo and indicates the current beat during accompaniment and song playback.

q Menu/message display

• If the power is left on and the PSR-550 remains untouched for three minutes or longer, the LCD will change color every three seconds (when Backlight mode is set to “Auto”).

BEAT

0~9

/YES

USIC DATABASE

DSP(FAST)

SUSTAIN

L E

TOUCH

HARMONY

w Menu

indication

o DSP (FAST) !0 TOUCH !1 SUSTAIN !2 HARMONY

!4 Song tracks /

Accompaniment tracks

o DSP (FAST)

“DSP” appears when the DSP effect is turned on (page

49). “FAST” appears when the DSP FAST/SLOW effect is turned on (page 49).

!0 TOUCH

Appears when the touch sensitivity is turned on (page

120).

!1 SUSTAIN

Appears when the sustain is turned on (page 30).

!2 HARMONY

Appears when the HARMONY effect is turned on (page 50).

!3 Chord

Displays the current chord name during AUTO ACCOM-

PANIMENT playback or SONG recording/playback (page 33).

!4 Song tracks / Accompaniment tracks

• In the Song mode (page 25) and the Demo Song mode (page 15):

The icons of all tracks indicate the on/off status and volume/velocity settimgs.

• In the Style mode (page 25):

The icons of tracks 9 - 16 indicate the on/off status and volume/velocity settings for each of the eight accompaniment tracks.

• In the Record mode (page 25):

The icons of all tracks indicate the on/off status and volume/velocity settimgs. The “REC” marks indicate the recording status.

Chord typeRoot

Page 17

Basic Operation

This section introduces you to the basic operations common to the various functions of the PSR-550. In particular, you’ll learn how to use the menu/message display at the center of the front panel.

• Calling up the Operation Displays .....................................................................page 17

• How to read the Menu/message display and the “Easy Navigator” ................... page 18

• Menu Selection.................................................................................................. page 19

• Changing (Editing) Values .................................................................................page 20

• Naming ..............................................................................................................page 21

• Direct Access.....................................................................................................page 21

Calling up the Operation Displays

Press the buttons listed below in order to call up the appropriate displays for the various functions of the PSR-550.

• DEMO button ...................................................... page 13

• RECORD button ............................. pages 25, 78, 92, 96

• SONG button ...................................................... page 25

• STYLE button.............................................. pages 25, 32

• MUSIC DATABASE button .................................. page 14

• VOICE L button ................................................... page 28

• VOICE R1 button ................................................ page 26

• VOICE R2 button ................................................ page 27

• VOICE CHANGE button...................................... page 75

• MIXER button...................................................... page 76

• ACMP/SONG VOL button ........................... pages 37, 70

• TEMPO/TAP button............................................. page 36

• TRANSPOSE button ........................................... page 30

• FUNCTION button ............................................ page 118

• DISK LOAD button............................................. page 62

• DISK SAVE button ............................................. page 60

• DISK UTILITY button ................................. pages 64, 67

Pressing one of these buttons instantly calls up the relevant display for the selected function. See the function tree chart for details (page 22).

If you’ve selected several different functions’ displays in succession, you can “retrace your steps” and revisit each display by using the [BACK] and [NEXT] buttons at the left side of the display. Of course you can also directly select the desired displays by pressing the appropriate buttons (as listed above).

How to leave the current display

As shown in the function tree chart (page 22), there is a wide varierty of functions on the PSR-550, each with its own corresponding display. In order to leave the display of each function press the [EXIT] button.

Since the PSR-550 has so many different displays, you may occasionally find yourself confused as to which operation’s display is currently shown. If this happens, you can return to “home base” by pressing the [EXIT] button several times. This returns the PSR-550 to the default display — the same display that appears when the power is turned on.

Page 18

Basic Operation

How to Read the Menu/Message Display and “Easy Navigator”

Depending on the selected function or operation, the PSR-550 shows a variety of displays and indications. Included in these are “Easy Navigator” messages that guide you through the various operations.

Let’s take a look at some examples:

● V oice

Press the [VOICE R1] button.

● Style

● Song

001 Grand Piano

CHORD

EASY

NAVIGATOR

TRACK(1~16) PART

DIAL

dim mM

augsus4

START/STOP

513

KEYBOARD

BACK

119

0~9

/YES

MUSIC DATABASE

Press the [STYLE] button.

001 8Beat 1

CHORD

EASY

NAVIGATOR

TRACK(1~16) PART

DIAL

dim mM

augsus4

START/STOP

513

KEYBOARD

BACK

119

0~9

/YES

MUSIC DATABASE

This message also means: “You can start the accompaniment by pressing the [START/STOP] button.”

This message means: “The current voice for voice R1 (Grand Piano) is shown at top. You can change this voice by using the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0].”

This message means: “The current style (8Beat 1) is

shown at top. You can change this style by using the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0].”

Insert the included data disk into the disk drive.

001 CLUB XG

CHORD

dim mM

119 513

augsus4

BACK

START/STOP

KEYBOARD

EASY

NAVIGATOR

TRACK(1~16) PART

This message also means: “You can start the current song by pressing the [ST AR T/ST OP] button.”

DIAL

0~9

/YES

MUSIC DATABASE

This message means: “The current song (CLUB_XG) is shown at top. You can change this song by using the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0].”

Page 19

● Disk

Basic Operation

Insert an unformatted disk into the disk drive.

Format OK?

CHORD

119

dim mM

augsus4

START/STOP

513

BACK

KEYBOARD

EASY

NAVIGATOR

TRACK(1~16) PART

DIAL

0~9

/YES

MUSIC DATABASE

This message means: “Press the [+/YES] button to execute the Format operation.”

Menu Selection

For certain operations on the PSR-550 (such as selecting voices, demo songs and styles), you’ll need to select different menus in the display. For example, the display below (for selecting the function) appears when you press the [FUNCTION] button.

F1 Multi Pad

CHORD

dim mM

augsus4

START/STOP

513

KEYBOARD

BACK

119

EASY

NAVIGATOR

TRACK(1~16) PART

DIAL

0~9

/YES

In this case you can select the function by turning the data dial, or move the cursor by pressing the [+/YES]/[-/NO] buttons.

F1 Multi Pad

CHORD

dim mM

augsus4

START/STOP

513

KEYBOARD

BACK

119

EASY

NAVIGATOR

TRACK(1~16)

PART

DIAL

0~9

/YES

MUSIC DATABASE

[+/YES] button [-/NO] button

F2 Regist Memory

CHORD

EASY

NAVIGATOR

TRACK(1~16)

PART

dim mM

augsus4

START/STOP

513

KEYBOARD

BACK

119

DIAL

0~9

/YES

MUSIC DATABASE

[+/YES] button [-/NO] button

F3 DigitalEffect

CHORD

EASY

NAVIGATOR

TRACK(1~16)

PART

dim

513

augsus4

KEYBOARDSTART/STOP

BACK

119

DIAL

0~9

/YES

MUSIC DATABASE

[+/YES] button [-/NO] button

The display below (for selecting voices) appears when you press the [VOICE R1] button.

001 Grand Piano

CHORD

EASY

NAVIGATOR

TRACK(1~16) PART

dim

513

augsus4

START/STOP

KEYBOARD

BACK

119

DIAL

0~9

/YES

MUSIC DATABASE

In this case you can also select the voice by using the data dial or the [+/YES]/[-/NO] buttons as above; you can also input the voice number directly by using the number buttons [1]-[0] (see the next page).

Page 20

Basic Operation

Changing (Editing) Values

This section shows you how to set numeric values on the PSR-550, such as voice number, song/style number and various parameters. Input the values by using the number buttons [1]-[0] or the [+/YES]/[-/NO] buttons.

Number buttons [1]-[0] described below.

Rotating the data dial to the right (clockwise) increases the value, while rotating it to the left (counter-clockwise) decreases it.

Pressing the [+/YES] button increases the displayed value by 1. Pressing the [-/NO] button decreases the displayed value by 1. Pressing and holding either button causes a continuous increase and decrease. For items that have initial default values, pressing the [+/ YES] and the [-/NO] buttons together at the same time will return the setting to the initial value.

Numeric entry

The explanations here apply only to numbers that have a maximum of three digits, such as those for voices and styles.

• Entering one- or two-digit numbers

One- or two-digit voice numbers can be entered with leading zeroes: e.g. “12” can be entered as “012” by pressing the [0], [1] and [2] buttons in sequence.

• One- or two-digit numbers can also be entered without leading zeroes. To select number “12”, for example, simply press the [1] button and then the [2] button. The bars below the number on the display will flash for a few seconds, and then disappear when the selected number has been recognized by the PSR-550.

• Entering three-digit numbers

The number buttons can be used to directly enter the number of the desired voice, thereby immediately selecting that voice without having to step through a number of other voices. To select number 106, for example, press the [1], [0] and [6] number buttons in sequence.

Page 21

Naming

The allows you to create your own original data such as songs, styles and registration memory settings. You can also freely name the data as desired. The following data types can be named.

• Disk files (User songs, etc) ............................... pages 61, 65, 66, 90

• User Styles ......................................................................... page 104

• User Pad banks .................................................................... page 94

• Registration Memory banks .................................................. page 56

The example display below appears when naming a song on a floppy disk (page 90).

–Nam=xxxxxxxx

Cursor

To enter an original name, use the keyboard.

Letters and characters are marked above the corresponding keys.

Basic Operation

Entering a character Each key on the keyboard enters a different character, as

marked directly above the ke y.

Moving the cursor The A#5 and B5 keys move the cursor backward and

forward within the file name.

Entering a lower-case character The C1 key functions as a shift key that shifts between

lower- and upper-case characters: hold the Shift key while pressing a character key to enter the lower-case character.

Delete The Delete key (C6) deletes the character at the cursor

position.

Direct Access

By using the [DIRECT ACCESS] button, you can instantly call up the desired display. For example, pressing the [DIRECT ACCESS] button and press the [REGISTRARTION MEMORY] button automatically selects the display for inputting the Registration Memory bank name.

• Lowercase letters cannot be used for disk file names.

Direct Access

–RegName Regist01

Cursor

See page 24 for the Direct Access Chart.

Page 22

Function Tree

Button Menu/message display Function See page

DEMO Sweet Tenor.................................... Demo song selection........................................................................................ 13

VOICE R1 001 Grand Piano ............................ Voice R1 selection............................................................................................ 26

VOICE R2 001 Grand Piano ............................ Voice R2 selection............................................................................................ 27

VOICE L 001 Grand Piano ............................Voice L selection .............................................................................................. 28

STYLE 001 8Beat 1.................................... Accompaniment Style selection ........................................

SONG 001 CLUB_XG................................ Song selection.................................................................................................. 68

SngMenu ........................................ Song menu selection........................................................................................ 69

PlayMode.............................Song play method selection .............................................. ...................... 69

Measure ..............................Song Measure from which to start playback .................................................... 71

AbRepeat ............................Song repeat setting ........................................................... 2................... 72

S.Trans ................................ Song transpose setting .....................................................

MUSIC DATABASE 001 Alive Fever...........................................................................................................................

VOICE CHANGE R1=001 Grand Pno ........................ Voice selection of R1/R2/L/Style track/Song track ........................................... 75

MIXER Volume R1 ...................................... Volume adjustment of Voice R1/R2/L ................................

Volume Ph1.................................... Volume adjustment of the accompaniment track...............

Volume T01 .................................... Volume adjustment of the song track ................................ ...................... 76

Octave R1......................................Octave setting of voice R1/R2/L........................................ 8,9,10........... 77

Octave T01 .................................... Octave setting of song track............................................................................. 77

Pan R1 ..........................................Pan setting of voice R1/R2/L............................................................................ 77

Pan RhM .......................................Pan setting of accompaniment track ................................................................ 77

Pan T01 ......................................... Pan setting of song track.................................................................................. 77

RevDepth R1................................. Reverb depth setting of voice R1/R2/L............................. 27 ................. 77

RevDepth RhM.............................. Reverb depth setting of accompaniment track .................. 27................. 77

RevDepth T01 ............................... Reverb depth setting of song track.................................... 27 ................. 77

ChoDepth R1................................. Chorus depth setting of voice R1/R2/L ............................ 30................. 77

ChoDepth RhM.............................. Chorus depth setting of accompaniment track.................. 30................. 77

ChoDepth T01 ............................... Chorus depth setting of song track ................................... 30................. 77

DspDepth R1................................. DSP depth setting of voice R1/R2/L................................. 33................. 77

DspDepth RhM.............................. DSP depth setting of accompaniment track ..................... 33................. 77

DspDepth T01 ............................... DSP depth setting of song track....................................... 33................. 77

1................... 32

3................... 73

4................... 14

5,6,7............. 76

...................... 76

ACMP/SONG VOL Acmp Volume ................................. Accompaniment Volume setting ....................................................................... 37

TRANSPOSE Transpose ....................................... Transpose setting ............................................................................................. 30

TEMPO/TAP Tempo............................................. Tempo setting ................................................................................................... 36

DISK LOAD Ld ...................................................Loading data from a disk .................................................................................. 62

DISK SAVE Sv ................................................... Saving data to a disk ........................................................................................ 60

DISK UTILTY Menu

Song Volume .................................. Song Volume setting ........................................................................................ 70

SongCopy............................ Copying a song in a disk .................................................................................. 64

Delete .................................. Deleting a file in a disk .....................................................................................67

Format ................................. Formatting a disk............................................................... 11................. 60

• The icon in the chart indicates that the relevant function or parameter can be called up via the Direct Access function, and the numbers beside the icon correspond to the ones in the Direct Access Chart on page 24. All functions indicated with this mark (other than Style selection, Music Database selection, and Disk Format) can be user-assigned to the [+/YES] button, [-/NO] button and the number buttons [1]-[0] — allowing you to instantly select the desired function/ parameter.

• When you call up the Mixer screens (other than Volume and Octave) via the Direct Access, the previously edited part (page 74) will be displayed.

• Concerning

1 and 4, the screens that are called up actually are different from the ones

described at the left. See the Direct Access Chart on page 24.

Page 23

Function Tree

Button Menu/message display Function See page

FUNCTION F1 Multi Pad

PBnk .................................. Multi pad bank selection....................................................

CdMatch .............................. Chord match on/off setting ................................................

F2 Regist Memory

RBnk .................................. Registration Memory bank selection ................................ 14................. 56

RegName ............................ Namimg Registration Memory bank ................................. 15................. 56

F3 DigitalEffect

Reverb

Chorus

Dsp

Harmony

F4 Midi

Template .............................. MIDI template vselection ................................................................................. 112

Transmit Ch .........................MIDI transmit channel setting............................................ ..................... 114

Recive Ch ............................ MIDI receive channel setting ............................................. ..................... 115

LocalContrl .......................... Local control on/off setting ................................................ ..................... 116

Clock .................................. External /Internal clock selection ...................................... ..................... 116

Init Send ..............................Initial data send ................................................................. ..................... 117

12................. 44

13................. 43

RevType .................... Reverb type selection ........................................................

RevRetnLevel ...........Reverb return level setting ................................................

ChoType ...................Chorus type selction ..........................................................

ChoRetnLevel........... Chorus return level setting ................................................ 29................. 48

DspType .................... DSP type selection............................................................ 16,31............ 49

DspRetnLevel ........... DSP return level setting.....................................................

HTyp ......................... Harmony/Echo type selection ...........................................

Harmony Vol ............. Harmony /Echo volume setting .........................................

HarmPart .................. Harmony part setting .........................................................

MidiTemplatLoad? ....Loading the selected MIDI template setting .................................................... 112

25................. 46

26................. 47

28................. 48

32................. 49

17,34............ 50

24................. 52

35................. 53

F5 Utility

RECORD Song

Style

Metronom ............................ Metronome on/off setting .................................................. 18................ 118

UpperOct ............................. Upper octave setting ......................................................... ..................... 119

Tuning .................................. Master tuning setting ......................................................... ..................... 119

SC.Tune ............................... Scale tuning setting......................................................................................... 119

Template ...................Scale tuning template selection ...................................................................... 119

NoteEdit.................... Individual note tuning ........................................................ ..................... 119

Split ..................................Split point setting ............................................................... 19................ 120

Fingerng ..............................Fingering selection ............................................................ 20................. 38

TouchSns............................. Touch sensitivity setting .................................................... 21................ 120

VoiceSet ..............................Voice set on/off setting ...................................................... 22................ 120

Pedal ..................................Selecting footswitch function ............................................. ..................... 121

PitchBnd .............................. Pitch bend range setting ................................................... ..................... 122

Assignbl ............................... Direct Access setting ....................................................................................... 122

BackLigt............................... LCD’s backlight color setting ............................................. 23 ................ 122

QuickRec .............................User Song Quick recording .............................................................................. 80

MultiRec ..............................User Song Multi track recording ....................................................................... 82

Punch In/Out............. Punch in/out setting.......................................................................................... 84

RecStart Mes............ Measure from which to start playback.............................................................. 84

Edit

Quantize ................... Quantize ........................................................................................................... 86

Setup Dt.................... Setup data editing ............................................................................................ 88

Name ........................ Naming User Songs ......................................................................................... 90

Clear ......................... Clearing user song data ................................................................................... 91

Record .................................User Style recording ......................................................................................... 96

Edit

Quantize ................... Quantize .......................................................................................................... 102

Name ........................ Namimg User Styles ......................................................................................104

Clear ......................... Clearing user style data ..................................................................................104

MultiPad

Record .................................User Pad recording .......................................................................................... 92

Edit

ChdMatch ................. Chord match on/off setting ............................................................................... 94

Name ........................ Naming user pads ............................................................................................ 94

Clear ......................... Clearing user pad data..................................................................................... 95

Page 24

Direct Access Chart

Function Tree number/function Operation: + button listed below

1 Next style category selection [STYLE] 2 Song repeat setting [SONG]* 3 Song transpose setting [TRANSPOSE]* 4 Next Music database category selection [MUSIC DATABASE] 5 Volume adjustment of Voice R1 [VOICE R1] 6 Volume adjustment of Voice R2 [VOICE R2] 7 Volume adjustment of Voice L [VOICE L] 8 Octave setting of Voice R1 PART ON/OFF [VOICE R1]

9 Octave setting of Voice R2 PART ON/OFF [VOICE R2] 10 Octave setting of Voice L PART ON/OFF [VOICE L] 11 Formatting a disk [UTILITY] 12 Multi pad bank selection MULTI PAD [STOP] 13 Chord match on/off setting MULTI PAD [1]~[4] 14 Registration Memory bank selecton REGISTRATION MEMORY [1]~[4] 15 Naming Registration Memory bank REGISTRATION MEMORY [MEMORY] 16 DSP type selection [DSP] or [FAST/TAP] 17 Harmony/Echo type selection [HARMONY] 18 Metoronome on/off setting [TEMPO/TAP] 19 Split point settiong [SONG/ACMP VOLUME] 20 Fingering selection [ACMP ON/OFF] 21 Touch sensitivity setting [TOUCH] 22 Voice set on/off setting [FUNCTION] 23 LCD’s backlight color setting [DEMO] 24 Harmony/Echo volume setting Number button [0] 25 Reverb type selection Number button [1] 26 Reverb return level setting Number button [2] 27 Reverb depth setting Number button [3] 28 Chorus type selection Number button [4] 29 Chorus return level setting Number button [5] 30 Chorus depth setting Number button [6] 31 DSP type selection Number button [7] 32 DSP return level setting Number button [8] 33 DSP depth setting Number button [9] 34 Harmony/Echo type selection Number button [-/NO] 35 Harmony part setting Number button [+/YES]

* Available only in the Song mode.

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 assign the available functions.

Page 25

Mode

Depending on the panel operation used, the PSR-550 has several fundamentally different conditions (or methods of operation). Each of these condition is called a mode. This section explains the main modes of the instrument.

Style Mode page 32

Select this mode by pressing the [STYLE] button or the [MUSIC DATABASE] button. (This is the default mode when the power is turned on.) The Style mode is used for playing the full keyboard normally, and when using the auto accompaniment. Styles are the rhythm/accompaniment pattterns which are played by the auto accompaniment feature. In the Style mode, the backlight color is set to blue as the factory default.

● Auto accompaniment (ACMP) on/off

..............................................page 33

The [ACMP ON/OFF] button switches on and off. When auto accompaniment is on, the left side of the keyboard is used for playing/ indicating chords.

● Synchronized Start standby

(SYNC START) on/off .................page 33

The [SYNC START] button switches on and off. When Synchronized Start standby is on, the auto accompaniment starts as soon as you play a key on the keyboard.

BEAT

Song Mode page 68

Select this mode by pressing the [SONG] button or inserting the disk that contains song data into the disk drive. The Song mode is used for playing the full keyboard normally, and for playing back the songs. In the Song mode, the backlight color is set to purple as the factory default.

Record Mode

Select this mode by pressing the [RECORD] button. In the Record mode you can record your own original performances and songs, create original styles and Multi Pad phrases. In the Record mode, the backlight color is set to red as the factory default.

● Song record mode .....................page 78

• Rehearsal mode (Sync Start off)

• Record (Synchronized Start) standby

• Recording

● Style record mode......................page 96

• Rehearsal mode (Sync Start off)

• Record (Synchronized Start) standby

• Recording

When Record (Synchronized Start) standby is on, the recording starts as soon as you play a key on the keyboard.

● Pad record mode ........................page 92

• Rehearsal mode (Sync Start off)

• Record (Synchronized Start) standby

• Recording

Disk Mode page 57

Select this mode by pressing the [LOAD] button, [SAVE] button or the [UTILITY] button. In the Disk mode you can save and load important data. In the Disk mode, no panel operations can be executed (except for disk operations). In the Disk mode, the backlight color is set to blue as the factory default.

Page 26

Playing Voices

The PSR-550 has a huge selection of various musical instrument voices which you can play. Try out the different voices referring to the voice list at the end of this manual (page 123).

Select and play the voices of different musical instruments

• Selecting a Voice............................................................................................ page 26

• Keyboard Percussion ..................................................................................... page 31

Assign three different voices to the keyboard and play them

• Playing Two Voices (R1, R2) Simultaneously ................................................. page 27

• Playing Different Voices with the Left (L) and Right (R1, R2) Hands ............. page 28

• Functions of the Keyboard ............................................................................. page 29

Other voice-related functions

• Pitch Bend Wheel .......................................................................................... page 30

• T ranspose....................................................................................................... page 30

• Sustain ........................................................................................................... page 30

• T ouch Sensitivity .......................................................................................... page 120

Selecting a Voice

Press the [VOICE R1] button.

001 Grand Piano

Select a voice.

CHORD

119

dim mM

TRANSPOSE

REC2REC3REC4REC5REC6REC7REC8REC9REC10REC11REC12REC13REC14REC15REC16REC

augsus4

START/STOP

513

REGISTRATION

BACK

KEYBOARD

TEMPO

EASY

NAVIGATOR

MEASURE

TRACK(1~16) PART

DIAL

BEAT

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0].

Refer to the Voice List (page 123).

002 Bright Piano

Play the keyboard and adjust the volume.

0~9

/YES

MUSIC DATABASE

DSP(FAST)

TOUCH

HARMONY

SUSTAIN

• The voice selected here is

called voice R1 (RIGHT 1). See page 29 for more information on voice R1.

Page 27

Playing Two Voices (R1, R2) Simultaneously

Press the [PART ON/OFF VOICE R2] button.

Play the voices.

Two different voices are sounded simultaneously in a layer.

Voice R1 (RIGHT 1) is the first voice of the layer and is meant to be played with the right hand. The second voice is called voice R2 (RIGHT 2) and is also played with the right hand.

Playing Voices

Selecting a voice for VOICE R2

Press the [VOICE R2] button.

098 Slow Strings

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 (VOICE R2) are the same as those

available for VOICE R1 (selected on page 26).

Play the voice.

Page 28

Playing Voices

Playing Different Voices with the Left (L) and Right (R1, R2) Hands

Press the [PART ON/OFF VOICE L] button.

Play the voices.

The notes you play with your right and left hands sound two different voices.

• The point on the keyboard that separates voice L and

Split Point

voice R1 is called the “split point” (page 29).

Voice L

Voice R1 (RIGHT 1) is meant to be played with the right hand. Voice L (LEFT) is played with the left hand.

Voice R1

Selecting a voice for VOICE L

Press the [VOICE L] button.

095 String Ensbl

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 (VOICE L) are the same as those available for VOICE R1 (selected on page 26).

Play the voices.

Split Point

Voice L

Voice R1

Page 29

Split Point

The point on the keyboard that separates voice L and voice R1/R2 is called the “split point”.

The split point is set to F#2 at the factory setting, however you can set this to any key you wish. Refer to page 120 for instructions on setting the split point.

Split Point (F#2)

Playing Voices

• Each key has a note name; for example, the lowest (farthest left) key on the keyboard corresponds to C1, and the highest (farthest right) key to C6. (See below for details.)

Voice L

Voice R1/R2

Functions of the Keyboard

As explained above, the keyboard of the PSR-550 can sound three different voices. Here’s a short summary of the various ways of playing voices.

● Playing a Single Voice

Voice R1

● Playing Two Voices

Voice R1 + R2

● Playing Separate Voices

with the Right and Left Hands

Voice L

Voice R1

Voice R1 + R2

In addition, the keyboard of the PSR-550 has other important functions besides playing voices (as shown below).

● Auto Accompaniment Section

When the auto accompaniment is set to on (page 33), the key range of voice L becomes the range for playing/ indicating chords.

Auto accompaniment

Split Point

Voice R1/R2

section

● Naming

The keyboard can also be used to name song files on a floppy disk, User Styles, User Pad banks and Registration Memory banks (page 21).

Each key has a note name; for example, the lowest (farthest left) key on the keyboard corresponds to C1, and the highest (farthest right) key to C6.

C#1D#1F#1G#1A#1

D1 E1 F1 G1 A1 B1

C1 - B1

C2 - B2 C3 - B3 C4 - B4 C5 - B5 C6

Page 30

Playing Voices

Transpose

This function allows the overall pitch of the PSR-550 to be transposed up or down by a maximum of one octave in semitone increments. The transpose range is from -12 to +12.

Press the [TRANSPOSE] button.

Transpose = 0

Set the transposition.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0].

• The T ranspose function cannot be applied when a drum kit is the selected voice (page 31).

• Press the [+/YES] and [-/NO] buttons simultaneously to instantly reset the transpose value to “0”.

• The new TRANSPOSE value will take effect from the next key played.

• Minus values can be entered by using the number buttons while holding the [-/NO] button.

Transpose = 4

Pitch Bend Wheel

Use the PSR-550 pitch bend wheel to bend notes up (roll the wheel away from you) or down (roll the wheel toward you) while playing the keyboard. The pitch bend wheel is self-centering and will automatically return to nornal pitch when released.

Sustain

• The maximum pitch bend range can be set via the Pitch Bend Range function in the Utility function group (page 122).

When the Sustain features is ON, all notes played on the keyboard have a longer sustain. Press the [SUSTAIN] button to turn the SUSTAIN effect ON or OFF.

DSP(FAST)

SUSTAIN

TOUCH

HARMONY

Page 31

Keyboard Percussion

Press the [VOICE R1] button.

Select “StandardKit1”.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0].

220 StandardKit1

Play the voice.

Refer to the illustration below and the drum kit list at the end of the manual (page 128). The drum and percussion instrument sounds for the standard kit (Std.Kit1) are indicated by symbols printed below the keys.

Playing Voices

• The T ranspose function cannot be applied when a drum kit is the selected voice (page 30).

• Each key has a note name; for example, the lowest (farthest left) key on the keyboard corresponds to C1, and the highest (farthest right) key to C6. (See page 29 for details.)

[Standard Kit 1]

Cowbell

Brush T ap

Brush Slap

Castanet

Open Rim Shot

Sticks

C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6

Kick

Snare

Snare Tight

Seq Click H

Brush Swirl

Brush T ap Swirl

Snare Roll

Snare Soft

Kick Soft

Kick Tight

Side Stick

Floor T om L

Floor T om H

Hand Clap

Hi-Hat Closed

Low Tom

Mid T om L

Mid T om H

Hi-Hat Open

Hi-Hat Pedal

High T om

Chinese Cymbal

Crash Cymbal 1

Splash Cymbal

Crash Cymbal 2

Ride Cymbal Cup

Tambourine

Ride Cymbal 1

Bongo H

Conga H Mute

Ride Cymbal 2

Vibraslap

Conga L

Timbale H

Bongo L

Conga H Open

Cabasa

Agogo H

Samba Whistle L

Samba Whistle H

Maracas

Agogo L

Timbale L

Guiro Long

Wood Block H

Guiro Short

Cuica Open

Wood Block L

Triangle Open

Claves

Jingle Bell

Cuica Mute

Triangle Mute

Shaker

Bell T ree

Page 32

Auto Accompaniment

The auto accompaniment feature puts a full backing band at your fingertips. To use it, all you have to do is play the chords with your left hand as you perform, and the selected accompaniment style matching your music will automatically play along, instantly following the chords you play. With auto accompaniment, even a solo performer can enjoy playing with the backing of an entire band or orchestra.

The PSR-550 features a total of 112 styles or accompaniment patterns (style numbers 1 - 112) in a variety of different musical genres. Try selecting some of the different styles (page 130) and play with the auto accompaniment.

Two ways to playback the auto accompaniment

• Using Auto Accompaniment (rhythm track only) .......................................... page 32

• Using Auto Accompaniment (all tracks) .......................................................page 33

Additional functions for getting the most out of the auto accompaniment

• Accompaniment Sections ............................................................................page 34

• T empo / T ap..................................................................................................page 36

• Accompaniment Track Muting ...................................................................... page 37

• Accompaniment Volume Control .................................................................. page 37

Auto accompaniment functions related to your left hand chord playing

• Chord Fingerings .........................................................................................page 38

• Accompaniment Split Point ..........................................................................page 40

• Synchro Stop ...............................................................................................page 41

Automatic one-touch selection of a variety of specially programmed panel settings to match the auto accompaniment style

• One Touch Setting........................................................................................page 42

Using Auto Accompaniment (rhythm track only)

Press the [STYLE] button.

001 8 Beat 1

CHORD

dim mM

Select a style.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0].

Refer to the Style List (page 130).

002 8 Beat 2

Press the [START/STOP] button to start the rhythm tracks of

the auto accompaniment, min us the bass and chord tracks.

119 513

augsus4

BACK

START/STOP

KEYBOARD

EASY

NAVIGATOR

TRACK(1~16) PART

DIAL

0~9

• You can select successive

/YES

MUSIC DATABASE

Style categories by using the Direct Access function. The method is the same as for selecting Music Database categories. Refer to step #2 in “Using the Music Database” on page 14. Also refer to the Style categories printed on the panel.

Press the [START/STOP] button again to stop the accompani-

ment.

Page 33

Using Auto Accompaniment (all tracks)

Press the [STYLE] button.

Select a style.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0].

Refer to the Style List (page 130).

Turn AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT on.

Press the [ACMP ON/OFF] so that its indicator lights. The specified left-hand section of the keyboard becomes the “Auto Accompaniment” section, and chords played in this section are automatically detected and used as a basis for fully automatic accompaniment with the selected style.

Split Point

Auto Accompaniment

• [ACMP] is the abbreviation of [ACCOMPANIMENT] .

Auto Accompaniment

section

Turn SYNCHRONIZED START on.

Press the [SYNC START] button so that its indicator lights. The beat lamp also flashes in time with the tempo. This condition is called synchronized start standby. Refer to page 25 for details.

BEAT

As soon as you play a chord with your left hand, the auto

accompaniment starts.

For this example, play a C major chord (as shown below).

Split Point

Auto Accompaniment

section

CHORD

dim mM

119

513

augsus4

• [SYNC START] is the abbreviation of [SYNCHRONIZED START].

Try playing other chords with your left hand.

For information on how to enter chords, see “Chord Fingerings” on page 38.

Split Point

Auto Accompaniment

section

Press the [START/STOP] button again to stop the accompani-

ment.

Page 34

Auto Accompaniment

Accompaniment Sections

There are various types of Auto Accompaniment sections that allow you to vary the arrangement of the accompaniment to match the song you are playing. They are: Intro, Main A and B, Fill-in and Ending. By switching among them as you play, you can easily produce the dynamic elements of a professional-sounding arrangement in your performance.

● INTRO Section

This is used for the beginning of the song. When the intro finishes playing, accompaniment shifts to the main section. The length of the intro (in measures) differs depending on the selected style.

● MAIN Section

This is used for playing the main part of the song. It plays an accompaniment pattern of several measures (2 - 4 measures), and repeats indefinitely until another section’s button is pressed. There are two variations on the basic pattern, A - B, and the auto accompaniment changes harmonically based on the chords you play with your left hand.

● FILL-IN Section

The fill-in sections let you add dynamic variations and breaks in the rhythm of the accompaniment, to make your performance sound even more professional. Simply press one of the MAIN/AUTO FILL (A, B) buttons as you play, and the selected fill-in section plays automatically (AUTO FILL), spicing up the auto accompaniment. When the fill-in is finished, it leads smoothly into the selected main section (A, B).

● ENDING Section

This is used for the ending of the song. When the ending is finished, the auto accompaniment stops automatically. The length of the ending (in measures) differs depending on the selected style.

Press the [STYLE] button.

Select a style (page 32).

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0].

Turn AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT on (page 33).

Auto Accompaniment

Split Point

section

• [ACMP] is the abbreviation of [ACCOMPANIMENT] and [SYNC START] is that of [SYNCHRONIZED START].

Turn SYNCHRONIZED START on (page 33).

BEAT

Page 35

Press the [MAIN A] button.

Press the [INTRO] button.

As soon as you play a chord with your left hand, the auto

accompaniment 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.

Split Point

When the playback of the intro is finished, it automatically leads into main A section.

Press the [MAIN B] button.

Auto Accompaniment

• The indicator of the destination section (MAIN A or B) will flash while the corresponding fill-in is playing. During this time you can change the destination section by pressing the appropriate MAIN/AUTO FILL [A] or [B] button.

• You can use the intro section even in the middle of the song by pressing the [INTRO] button during the song.

• If the MAIN/AUTO FILL A/B button is pressed after the final half beat (eighth note) of the measure, fill-in will begin from the next measure.

A fill-in plays, automatically followed by the main B section.

Press the MAIN buttons as desired during your performance.

The main section corresponding to the pressed button plays following an automatic fill-in.

Press the [ENDING] button.

This switches to the ending section. When the ending is finished, the auto accompaniment automatically stops. You can have the ending gradually slow down (ritardando) by pressing the [ENDING] button again while the ending is playing back.

• If you press the INTRO button while the ending is playing, the intro section will begin playing after the ending is finished.

• If you press a MAIN/AUTO FILL button while the ending is playing, the fill-in accompaniment will immediately start playing, continuing with the main section.

• If you press the [SYNC START] button while the accompaniment is playing, the accompaniment will stop and the PSR-550 will enter Synchronized Start standby status.

• You can begin the accompaniment by using the ending instead of the intro section.

Page 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.

Press the [TEMPO/TAP] button.

Tempo =148

Change the tempo.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0].

Tempo =124

To restore the default tempo setting, press the [+/YES]/[-/NO]

buttons simultaneousl y.

Tempo =148

Using the Tap function

• When you select a different style while the accompaniment is not playing, the “default” tempo for that style is also selected. If the accompaniment is playing, the same tempo is maintained even if you select a different style.

The auto accompaniment can be started at any tempo you desire by “tapping“ out the tempo with the [TEMPO/TAP] button.

Press the [STYLE] button.

Select a style (page 32).

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0].

Press the [TEMPO/TAP] button four times successively (in a

consistent rhythm).

● When a 4-beat style is selected

Tap 4 times

The auto accompaniment starts automatically at the tempo you tapped the button.

* When a 3-beat style is selected,

tap 3 times.

• The Tempo can also be changed during playback by tapping the TEMPO/TAP button twice at the desired tempo.

Page 37

Auto Accompaniment

Accompaniment Track Muting

The PSR-550 has eight accompaniment tracks — RHYTHM SUB, RHYTHM MAIN, BASS, CHORD 1, CHORD 2, PAD, PHRASE 1 and PHRASE 2 — that you can control to modify the “orchestration” and therefore the overall sound of the accompaniment. When a style is selected, the icons corresponding to the tracks which contain data for any section of that style will light. Individual accompaniment tracks can be turned OFF (muted) or ON by pressing the TRACK buttons (9 - 16) corresponding to the target tracks. The [M] icon will appear when a track is muted. By turning the tracks OFF and ON in different combinations, you can create various arrangements from a single accompaniment style.

Track contents

● RHYTHM SUB, RHYTHM MAIN

These are the main rhythm tracks. The RHYTHM tracks produce the drum and percussion sounds.

● BASS

The BASS track always plays a bass line, but the voice will change to fit the selected style … acoustic bass, synth bass, tuba, etc.

● CHORD 1, CHORD 2

These tracks provide the rhythmic chordal accompaniment required by each style. You’ll find guitar, piano and other chordal instruments here.

● PAD

This track plays long chords where necessary, using sustained instruments such as strings, organ, choir.

● PHRASE 1, PHRASE 2

This is where the musical embellishments reside. The PHRASE tracks are used for punchy brass stabs, arpeggiated chords and other extras that make the accompaniment more interesting.

REC10REC11REC12REC13REC14REC15REC16REC

Accompaniment Volume Control

This separate volume control for the auto accompaniment lets you set the optimum level balance between the accompaniment and your right hand performance. The accompaniment volume range is from “0” (no sound) to “127” (maximum volume).

Start the accompaniment (page 33).

Press the [ACMP/SONG VOLUME] button.

Acmp Volume =100

Adjust the Accompaniment Volume.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0].

Adjust the level as you play the keyboard with your right hand, listening to the overall balance between the accompaniment and the keyboard-played voice.

• [ACMP] is the abbreviation of [ACCOMPANIMENT] .

Stop the accompaniment (page 33).

Page 38

Auto Accompaniment

Chord Fingerings

The way in which chords are played or indicated with your left hand (in the auto accompaniment section of the keyboard) is referred to as “fingering”. There are 5 types of fingerings as described below.

• Multi Finger ................................................................................................page 40

• Single Finger ..............................................................................................page 38

• Fingered 1 ..................................................................................................page 38

• Fingered 2 ..................................................................................................page 40

• Full Keyboard .............................................................................................page 40

Press the [FUNCTION] button.

Select ‘‘Utility’’ by using the data dial, the [+/YES]

F5 Utility

F5 Util:Fingerng

button or the [-/NO] button. Press the [NEXT] button.

Select ‘‘Fingerng’’ by using the data dial, the [+/

YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

• The default fingering mode is “Multi Finger”.

Press the [NEXT] button.

Select the way in which chords are played or

Fingering =Multi

indicated (Fingering) by using the data dial, the [+/ YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

The operations for each function corresponding to step #6 are covered in the following explanations.

The Single Finger mode

Fingering =Singl

Single-finger accompaniment makes it simple to produce beautifully orchestrated accompaniment using major, seventh, minor and minor-seventh chords by pressing a minimum number of keys on the Auto accompaniment section of the keyboard. The following abbreviated chord fingerings are used:

• For a major chord, press the root key only.

• For a minor chord, simultaneously press the root key and a black key to its left.

• For a seventh chord, simultaneously press the root key and a white key to its left.

• For a minor-seventh chord, simultaneously press the root key and both a white and black key to its left.

The Fingered 1 mode

Fingering =F1

The Fingered 1 mode lets you finger your own chords on the Auto accompaniment section of the keyboard (i.e. all keys to the left of and including the split-point key — normally F#2) while the PSR-550 supplies appropriately orchestrated rhythm, bass and chord accompaniment in the selected style. The Fingered 1 mode recognizes the following chords:

Page 39

● Example for “C” chords

(9)

Auto Accompaniment

(9)

(#11)

(b5)

Csus

CmM

( )

(9)

Caug

CmM

( )

(#11)

( )

CM aug

( )

(13)

( )

(9)

( )

CmM

(#9)

( )

Cdim

( )

(9)

Chord Name/[Abbreviation] Normal Voicing

Major [M] 1 - 3 - 5 Add ninth [(9)] 1 - 2 - 3 - 5 Sixth [6] 1 - (3) - 5 - 6 Sixth ninth [6(9)] 1 - 2 - 3 - (5) - 6 Major seventh [M7] 1 - 3 - (5) - 7 or

1 - (3) - 5 - 7 Major seventh ninth [M7(9)] 1 - 2 - 3 - (5) - 7 Major seventh add sharp eleventh [M7(#11)] 1 - (2) - 3 - #4 - 5 - 7 or

1 - 2 - 3 - #4 - (5) - 7 Flatted fifth [(b5)] 1 - 3 - b5 Major seventh flatted fifth [M7b5] 1 - 3 - b5 - 7 Suspended fourth [sus4] 1 - 4 - 5 Augmented [aug] 1 - 3 - #5 Major seventh augmented [M7aug] 1 - (3) - #5 - 7 Minor [m] 1 - b3 - 5 Minor add ninth [m(9)] 1 - 2 - b3 - 5 Minor sixth [m6] 1 - b3 - 5 - 6 Minor seventh [m7] 1 - b3 - (5) - b7 Minor seventh ninth [m7(9)] 1 - 2 - b3 - (5) - b7 Minor seventh add eleventh [m7(11)] 1 - (2) - b3 - 4 - 5 - (b7) Minor major seventh [mM7] 1 - b 3 - (5) - 7 Minor major seventh ninth [mM7(9)] 1 - 2 - b3 - (5) - 7 Minor seventh flatted fifth [m7b5] 1 - b3 - b5 - b7 Minor major seventh flatted fifth [mM7b5] 1 - b3 - b5 - 7 Diminished [dim] 1 - b3 - b5 Diminished seventh [dim7] 1 - b3 - b5 - 6 Seventh [7] 1 - 3 - (5) - b7 or

1 - (3) - 5 - b7 Seventh flatted ninth [7(b9)] 1 - b2 - 3 - (5) - b7 Seventh add flatted thirteenth [7(b13)] 1 - 3 - 5 - b6 - b7 Seventh ninth [7(9)] 1 - 2 - 3 - (5) - b7 Seventh add sharp eleventh [7(#11)] 1 - (2) - 3 - #4 - 5 - b7 or

1 - 2 - 3 - #4 - (5) - b7 Seventh add thirteenth [7(13)] 1 - 3 - (5) - 6 - b7 Seventh sharp ninth [7(#9)] 1 - #2 - 3 - (5) - b7 Seventh flatted fifth [7b5] 1 - 3 - b5 - b7 Seventh augmented [7aug] 1 - 3 - #5 - b7 Seventh suspended fourth [7sus4] 1 - 4 - (5) - b7 One plus two plus five [1+2+5] 1 - 2 - 5

Cdim

C aug

( )

C sus

( )

Chord (C) Display

CC C(9) C(9) C6 C6 C6(9) C6(9) CM7 CM7

CM7(9) CM7(9) CM7(#11) CM7(#11)

C(b5) C(b5) CM7b5 CM7b5 Csus4 Csus4 Caug Caug CM7aug CM7aug Cm Cm Cm(9) Cm(9) Cm6 Cm6 Cm7 Cm7 Cm7(9) Cm7(9) Cm7(11) Cm7(11) CmM7 CmM7 CmM7(9) CmM7(9) Cm7b5 Cm7b5 CmM7b5 CmM7b5 Cdim Cdim Cdim7 Cdim7 C7 C7

C7(b9) C7(b9) C7(b13) C7(b13) C7(9) C7(9) C7(#11) C7(#11)

C7(13) C7(13) C7(#9) C7(#9) C7b5C7b5 C7aug C7aug C7sus4 C7sus4 C1+2+5 C

(b9)

1+2+5

(

(9)

( )

(b13)

11)

( )

• Notes in parentheses can be omitted.

• If you play any three adjacent keys (including black keys), the chord sound will be cancelled and only the rhythm instruments will continue playing (CHORD CANCEL function).

• Playing a single key or two same root keys in the adjacent octaves produces accompaniment based only on the root.

• A perfect fifth (1 + 5) produces accompaniment based only on the root and fifth which can be used with both major and minor chords.

• The chord fingerings listed are all in “root” position, but other inversions can be used — with the following exceptions:

m7, m7

5, 6, m6, sus4,

aug, dim7, 7

5, 6(9),

m7(11), 1+2+5.

• Inversion of the 7sus4 chord are not recognized if the 5th is omitted.

• The AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT will sometimes not change when related chords are played in sequence (e.g. some minor chords followed by the minor seventh).

• Two-note fingerings will produce a chord based on the previously played chord.

Page 40

Auto Accompaniment

The Fingered 2 mode

Fingering =F2

This is essentially the same as the Fingered 1 mode, described above, except that the Fingered 2 mode additionally allows you to specify the lowest note of each chord — simply, the lowest note played in the Auto accompaniment section of the keyboard is used as the accompaniment bass note. This means you can specify “on-bass” chords in which the main bass note for the chord is not the root of the chord. For a C major chord, for example, you could use E (the third) or G (the fifth) as the bass note rather than C.

C C on E C on G

The Full Keyboard mode

Fingering =Full

When the Full Keyboard Mode is selected, the PSR-550 will automatically create appropriate accompaniment while you play just about anything using both hands, anywhere on the keyboard. You do not have to worry about specifying the accompaniment chords. The name of the detected chord will appear in the display.

The Multi Finger mode

Fingering =Multi

This is the default accompaniment mode. The Multi Finger mode automatically detects Single Finger or Fingered 1 chord fingerings, so you can use either type of fingering without having to switch fingering modes.

Accompaniment Split Point

• When the Full Keyboard mode is selected, the split point setting (see below) for the auto accompaniment will be ignored.

• If you want to play minor, seventh or minor seventh chords using the Single Finger operation in the Multi Finger Mode, always press the closest white/black key(s) to the root of the chord.

The point on the keyboard that separates the auto accompaniment section and the righthand section of the keyboard is called the “split point”.

The initial setting (factory setting) of the split point is “F#2”; however, this can be set to any key you wish. Refer to page 118 for instructions on how to set the split point.

Split Point (F#2)

Auto Accompaniment

section

Page 41

Synchro Stop

When the Synchro Stop function is engaged, accompaniment playback will stop completely when all keys in the auto-accompaniment section of the keyboard are released. Accompaniment playback will start again as soon as a chord is played. The BEAT indicators in the display will flash while the accompaniment is stopped.

Press the [STYLE] button.

Turn AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT on (page 33).

Turn SYNCHRONIZED START on (page 33).

Turn SYNCHRONIZED STOP on.

Press the [SYNC STOP] button.

Auto Accompaniment

• Synchro Stop cannot be set to on when the fingering mode is set to Full Keyboard or the auto accompaniment on the panel is set to off. Also, Synchro Stop automatically turns off when Full Keyboard is selected for the fingering mode or when the auto accompaniment on the panel is turned off.

• [SYNC STOP] is the abbreviation of [SYNCHRO STOP].

As soon as you play a chord with your left hand, the auto

accompaniment starts.

For this example, play a C major chord (as shown below).

Split Point

Auto Accompaniment

section

The auto accompaniment stops

when you release your left hand from the keys.

Playing a chord with your left hand automatically restarts the

auto accompaniment.

To stop the auto accompaniment, simply release your left hand from the keyboard.

Turn SYNCHRONIZED STOP off.

Press the [SYNC STOP] button.

When Synchronized Stop is off, the auto accompaniment does not stop when you release your left hand from the keys.

Stop the accompaniment (page 33).

Page 42

Auto Accompaniment

One Touch Setting

One Touch Setting is a powerful and convenient function that lets you instantly reconfigure virtually all auto-accompaniment-related panel settings with the touch of a single button.

Press the round One Touch Setting button to call up the One

Touch Setting function.

Press one of the [ONE TOUCH SETTING] buttons [1]-[4].

Steps #3 - #4 of “Using Auto Accompaniment (all tracks)” (page 33) can be set with just a single press of a [ONE TOUCH SETTING] button. In addition, various panel settings (such as voices, effects, etc.) that match the selected style can be instantly recalled with just a single button press (see below).

• You can also try changing the established One Touch Setting data, making your own original settings. To be able to recall your original settings anytime, save them using the Registration Memory function (page 54).

• When a User style (number 113-115) is selected, the One Touch Setting cannot be used.

As soon as you play a chord with your left hand, the auto

accompaniment starts.

For this example, play a C major chord (as shown below).

Split Point

Auto Accompaniment

section

Stop the accompaniment.

One Touch Setting parameter list

The PSR-550 features four different One Touch Settings for each of the 112 auto accompaniment styles built into the instrument. Each has been specially programmed to match the selected style; each has the best suited voice (or combination of voices), digital effects and other settings for that style. Simply pressing one of the [ONE TOUCH SETTING] buttons lets you instantly reconfigure all relevant settings, conveniently allowing you to start playing in a desired style with all the appropriate sounds — without having to make each setting one by one.

• Part on/off (VOICE R1, R2)..............................................................................page 29

• Voice Change setting (VOICE R1, R2) ............................................................page 75

• Mixer setting (VOICE R1, R2) .......................................................................... page 76

• Auto accompaniment = ON..............................................................................page 33

• Synchro Start = ON* ........................................................................................page 33

• HARMONY/ECHO on/off, type, volume, part...................................................page 50

• DSP on/off, type, return level and FAST/SLOW............................................... page 49

• Multi Pad bank number....................................................................................page 44

• Upper Octave setting ....................................................................................... page 119

Set only when the accompaniment is not playing.

Page 43

The Multi Pads

The PSR-550 Multi Pads can be used to play a number of short pre-recorded rhythmic and melodic sequences that can be used to add impact and variety to your keyboard performances. You can also record your own Multi Pad phrases as described in “Multi Pad Recording” on page 92. Some pad phrases simply play back as programmed, while others are “chord match” types which, if the Chord Match function is turned on, are automatically transposed to match chords played using the PSR550 auto accompaniment feature.

• Playing the Multi Pads ....................................page 43

• Chord Match ...................................................page 43

• Selecting a Multi Pad Bank.............................page 44

• Turning the Chord Match On/Off.....................page 44

Playing the Multi Pads

Press any of the Multi Pads.

The corresponding phrase (in this case, for Pad 1) starts playing back in its entirety as soon as the pad is pressed. To stop playback in the middle of the phrase, press the [STOP] button.

Chord Match

40 banks

• Simply tap any of the Multi Pads at any time to play back the corresponding phrase at the currently set tempo.

• You can even play two, three or four Multi Pads at the same time.

• Pressing the pad during its playback will stop playing and begin playing from the top again.

Press the [STYLE] button.

Turn AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT on (page 33).

Play a chord with your left hand.

For this example, play an F major chord (as shown below).

Split Point

Auto Accompaniment

section

Press any of the Multi Pads.

In this example, the phrase for Pad 1 will be transposed into F major before playing back. Try playing other chords and pressing the pads.

• The chord match on/off status depends on the selected Multi Pad. Refer to the Multi Pad Bank list (page

45).

Page 44

The Multi Pads

Selecting a Multi Pad Bank

Press the [FUNCTION] button.

Select “Multi Pad.”

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

Press the [NEXT] button to display the MULTI PAD BANK

screen.

F1 Multi Pad

PBnk=01 Fanfare

Select a Bank.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0].

Turning Chord Match On/Off

1 4

Use the same operation as in “Selecting a Multi Pad

Bank” above.

Press the [NEXT] button again.

CdMatch Pad1=On

Select the desired PAD.

Use the [NEXT]/[BACK] button.

CdMatch Pad2=On

• The chord match function has no effect with pads that contain percussion phrases.

• The chord match on/off setting is restored to its original status whenever a preset Multi Pad Bank is selected.

• When the chord match on/off status of a user Multi Pad Bank (see above) is changed, the new status is recorded with the Multi Pad data.

Turn the CHORD MATCH function on or off.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

Page 45

● Multi Pad Bank List

No. Bank name Chord Match Repeat

Pad1 Pad2 Pad3 Pad4 Pad1 Pad2 Pad3 Pad4

1 Fanfare O O O –– ––– 2 Crystal O O O O –––– 3 Gothic_V O O O O –––– 4 TechSyn1 O O O O O O O O 5 TechSyn2 O O O O O O O O 6 TechSyn3 O O ––OOOO 7 TechSyn4 O O ––OOOO 8 PianoSeq O O O O –––– 9 OrcheHit O O O O –––– 10 Traffic –– ––– ––– 11 Chirp –– ––– ––– 12 HorrorSE –– ––– ––– 13 Noises –– ––– ––– 14 WaterSE –– ––– ––– 15 AnalgKit –– ––– ––– 16 TechKit –– ––– ––– 17 RockKit –– ––– ––– 18 TomFlam –– ––– ––– 19 LatPerc1 –– ––– ––– 20 LatPerc2 –– ––– ––– 21 Timbales –– ––– ––– 22 ArabKit1 –– ––– ––– 23 ArabKit2 –– ––– ––– 24 Brassy1 O O O O –––– 25 Brassy2 O O O O –––– 26 Swingy O O O O –––– 27 SynBrass O O O O –––– 28 GtrPlay1 O O O O O O O O 29 GtrPlay2 O O O O O O O O 30 GtrPlay3 O O O O O O O O 31 GtrPlay4 O O O O O O O O 32 PianoMan O O O O O O O – 33 SalsaPno O O O O O O O O 34 SambaShw –– ––OOOO 35 Accrdion O O O O –––– 36 Arpeggio O O O O –––– 37 Classic O O O O –––– 38 Twinkle O O O O –––– 39 Xmas1 O O O –– ––O 40 Xmas2 – OO–– –––

The Multi Pads

• There are two types of Multi Pad data: some of the data will be played back once and stop when it reaches to the end. Others will be played back repeatedly until you press the [STOP] button.

O : available

Page 46

Digital Effects

With the digital effects built into the PSR-550 you can add ambiance and depth to your music in a variety of ways—such as adding reverb that makes you sound like you are playing in a concert hall or adding harmony notes for a full, rich sound.

● Reverb .......................................................................................................page 46

You can create a reverb effect that makes you sound like you are playing in places like a concert hall, or live in a club. Reverb is always set to on for the PSR-550. A total of 24 different reverb types are available.

● Chorus.......................................................................................................page 48

You can add a chorus effect that makes your playing sound as though multiple parts were being played together at the same time. Chorus is always set to on for the PSR-550. A total of 16 different chorus types are available.

● DSP ............................................................................................................page 49

In addition to the Reverb and Chorus types, the PSR-550 has special DSP effects, that include additional effects usually used for a specific part, such as distortion and tremolo. A total of 74 DSP types are available. The PSR-550 features one DSP system, which can be turned on or off by a panel button (page 49). The [FAST/SLOW] button can switch between variations of the DSP effect. For example, this lets you change the rotating speed (fast/slow) of the rotary speaker effect.

DSP(FAST)

SUSTAIN

• For details about using Digital Effects (Reverb, Chorus, DSP) (page 132).

TOUCH

HARMONY

● Harmony/Echo ..........................................................................................page 50

You can add a variety of harmony notes to your playing in the right-hand section (page 29), as well as adding tremolo or other effects.

Reverb

Selecting a reverb type

Press the [FUNCTION] button.

Select “Digital Effect”.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

DSP(FAST)

SUSTAIN

TOUCH

HARMONY

F3 DigitalEffect

Page 47

Press the [NEXT] button to display the Digital Effect screen.

Select “Reverb”.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

D.Effect:Reverb

Press the [NEXT] button.

RevType=Hall1

Select a reverb type.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Refer to the Reverb Type List (page 133).

Digital Effects

• When you select a different style, the appropriate reverb type will be selected accordingly.

Play the keyboard.

Try out some of the other reverb types as well.

Adjust the depth of the reverb.

The two parameters below affect the depth of the reverb.

● Reverb Depth (send level) .................................................................................... page 74

Sets the reverb depth for the specified voice or track, and thus the amount of reverb effect applied to that voice or track.

● Reverb Return Level .......................................................................................... see below

Sets the amount of reverb returned from the reverb effect stage, thus making it possible to adjust the degree of reverb effect applied to the overall sound.

Press the [NEXT] button.

RevRetnLevel= 64

Adjust the reverb return level.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0].

The range is from 0 to 127. The higher the value, the greater the return level.

RevRetnLevel= 81

Page 48

Digital Effects

Chorus

Selecting a Chorus Type

1 4

Use the same operation as in “Reverb” (page 46).

Select “Chorus”.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

D.Effect:Chorus

Press the [NEXT] button.

ChoType=Chorus2

Select a chorus type.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Refer to the Chorus Type List (page 133).

Play the keyboard.

Try out some of the other chorus types as well.

• When you select a different style, the appropriate chorus type will be selected accordingly.

Adjust the depth of the chorus.

The two parameters below affect the depth of the chorus effect.

● Chorus Depth (send level).................................................................................... page 74

Sets the chorus depth for the specified voice or track, and thus the amount of chorus effect applied to that voice or track.

● Chorus Return Level .......................................................................................... see below

Sets the amount of chorus effect returned from the chorus effect stage, thus making it possible to adjust the degree of chorus effect applied to the overall sound.

Press the [NEXT] button.

ChoRetnLevel= 64

Adjust the chorus return level.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0].

The range is from 0 to 127. The higher the value, the greater the return level.

Page 49

DSP

Applying the DSP effect

Digital Effects

Press the [DSP] button.

The DSP icon will light up and the DSP effect will be turned on. The effect will be applied when you play the R1, R2 and L voices from the keyboard. In addition, when the [FAST/SLOW] button is pressed, the FAST icon lights up indicating that the variation of the DSP effect is selected. When the DSP effect type is Rotary Speaker or Tremolo, the speed of the modulation becomes fast.

DSP(FAST)

SUSTAIN

Selecting a DSP Type

1 4

Use the same operation as in “Reverb” (page 46).

Select “Dsp”.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

Press the [NEXT] button.

DspType=Stage2

TOUCH

HARMONY

• When the Voice Set function is ON (page 120), the DSP effect and FAST/SLOW settings may change according to the selected R1 panel voice.

Select a DSP type.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Refer to the DSP Type List (page 133).

Play the keyboard.

Try out some of the other DSP types as well.

Adjust the depth of the DSP.

The two parameters below affect the depth of the DSP effect.

● DSP Depth (Send level)......................................................................................... page 74

Sets the DSP depth for the specified voice or track, and thus the amount of DSP effect applied to that voice or track.

● DSP Return Level ............................................................................................... see below

Sets the amount of DSP effect returned from the DSP effect stage, thus making it possible to adjust the degree of DSP effect applied to the overall sound.

Press the [NEXT] button.

DspRetnLevel= 64

• When the selected DSP type is an Insertion Effect (pages 49, 133), the DSP effect applies only to the Voice R1.

• If DSP Insertion Effect is selected (page 50), you won’t be able to set the DSP Return Level.

Adjust the DSP return level.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0].

The range is from 0 to 127. The higher the value, the greater the return level.

Page 50

Digital Effects

System Effects and Insertion Effects

The reverb, chorus and DSP effects are divided into two different types or methods or operation. There are two types of digital effects: system effects and insertion effects.

● System Effects

Applies the effect to all of the parts input to the mixer. You can set the amount of effect applied with the depth and return level parameters. Reverb and chorus are both system effects.

● Insertion Effects

Applies the effect to only one designated part before inputting the signal to the mixer. You can effectively use the digital effects by applying the desired effect to the specific part. With the insertion effects, only the DSP depth can be set.

The illustration below with the various audio components (instruments, effect devices and a mixer) represents the inner workings of the DSP effects of the PSR-550.

Insertion Effect

System Effect

(Depth)

● Reverb...... All types function as system effects.

● Chorus...... All types function as system effects.

● DSP..........Depending on the selected type, this functions either as a system effect

or an insertion effect.

Refer to “About Digital Effects” (page 132) and the Type List.

RETURNSEND

Mixer

Harmony/Echo

Selecting a Harmony/Echo type

Press the [FUNCTION] button.

Amplifier

Speaker

Select “DigitalEffect”.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

F3 DigitalEffect

Press the [NEXT] button to display the Digital Effect screen.

Page 51

Select “Harmony”.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

D.Effect:Harmony

Press the [NEXT] button.

HTyp=Duet

Digital Effects

Select a Harmony/Echo type.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Refer to the Harmony/Echo Type List (page 134).

Applying the Harmony/Echo effect

Press the [STYLE] button.

Turn AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT on (page 33).

Play a chord with your left hand.

For this example, play a C major chord.

Split Point

Auto Accompaniment

section

CHORD

dim

119

513

augsus4

• When the Voice Set function is ON (page 120), the Harmony/Echo type may change according to the selected R1 panel voice.

Press the [HARMONY/ECHO] button.

DSP(FAST)

SUSTAIN

Play some notes in the right-hand range of

the keyboard.

● When a Harmony type (Duet through Strum) is selected

This type automatically add one or more harmony notes to a single-note melody played in the right hand.

● When an Echo type is selected

An echo effect is applied to the note played on the keyboard at the currently set tempo. Steps #1 - #3 above are unnecessary for this type.

● When a Tremolo type is selected

A tremolo effect is applied to the note played on the keyboard at the currently set tempo. Steps #1 - #3 above are unnecessary for this type.

● When a Trill type is selected

Two notes held on the keyboard are played alternately at the currently set tempo. Steps #1 - #3 above are unnecessary for this type.

TOUCH

HARMONY

• Harmony/Echo cannot be turned on when the Full Keyboard (page 40) is selected. Harmony/Echo will be automatically turned off if the Full Keyboard fingering mode is selected while the Harmony/Echo effect is on.

Page 52

Digital Effects

Adjusting the Harmony/Echo volume

The volume of the Harmony/Echo sound in relation to the keyboard sound can be adjusted as follows:

Use the same operation as in “Selecting a Harmony/Echo

Type” (page 50).

D.Effect:Harmony

Press the [NEXT] button to display the Type Selection screen.

Press the [NEXT] button to display the Harmony/Echo Volume

screen.

Harmony Vol =120

Adjust the Harmony/Echo volume.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0].

The volume range is from 0 (no sound) to 127 (maximum volume).

• When the Voice Set function is on (page 120), the Harmony/Echo Volume may change according to the selected R1 panel voice.

• Changing the volume of the harmony sound may not produce audible effect for some R1 voices (ex. organ sounds) when you select Harmony types “Duet” through “Strum”.

Harmony Vol =113

Page 53

Changing the Part for the Harmony/Echo effect

This allows you to select the part which is used for the Harmony/Echo effect.

Digital Effects

Use the same operation as in “Selecting a Harmony/Echo

Type” (page 50).

D.Effect:Harmony

Press the [NEXT] button to display the Type Selection screen.

Press the [NEXT] button to display the Harmony Volume

screen.

Press the [NEXT] button to display the Harmony Part setting

screen.

HarmoPart=Auto

Set the part.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

● Auto..........Harmony/Echo notes are automatically assigned to the R1 and R2

parts, in that order or priority.

● Right1 .......Harmony/Echo is only applied to the Voice R1.

If Voice R1 is off, there will be no Harmony/Echo effect.

● Right2 .......Harmony/Echo is only applied to the Voice R2.

If Voice R2 is off, there will be no Harmony/Echo effect.

• When the Voice Set function is on (page 120), the Harmony/Echo part setting may change according to the selected R1 panel voice.

Page 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 Memory feature is one of the most convenient and powerful of the instrument. It allows you save virtually all panel settings to a Registration Memory setting, and then instantly recall your custom panel settings by pressing a single button.

Registration Memory provides up to 128 complete control-panel setups (32 banks, 4 setups each) that can be recalled instatly during your performance.

32 banks

• Registering the Panel Settings .................................................................... page 55

• Recalling the Registered Panel Settings ..................................................... page 55

• Selecting a Registration Bank ..................................................................... page 56

• Naming the Registration Banks ................................................................... page 56

Data stored by the Registration Memory

■ VOICE P ARAMETERS

• Part on/off (VOICE R1, R2, L) ..................................................................... page 29

• Voice Change setting (VOICE R1, R2, L) .................................................... page 75

• Mixer setting (VOICE R1, R2, L).................................................................. page 76

• T ouch Sensitivity ........................................................................................ page 120

• DSP on/off, FAST/SLOW on/off, DSP Type and Return Level..................... page 49

• HARMONY/ECHO on/off, type, volume, part .............................................. page 50

• TOUCH on/off ............................................................................................ page 120

• SUSTAIN on/off ........................................................................................... page 30

• Pitch Bend Range...................................................................................... page 122

• Scale Tuning .............................................................................................. page 119

• Footswitch function.................................................................................... page 121

• T ranspose .................................................................................................... page 30

• Upper Octave setting................................................................................. page 119

• Direct Access setting ................................................................................. page 122

• Backlight color setting................................................................................ page 122

• The PSR-550’s initial

Registration Memory [1]–[4] settings (when it shipped from the factory) are the same panel settings as when the STANDBY switch is first turned on.

• Material recorded data is retained in memory even when the STANDBY switch is turned off if batteries are installed or an AC adaptor is connected (page 136). It is nevertheless a good idea to save important data to floppy disk so that you can keep them indefinitely and build up your own data library (page

60).

■ ACCOMPANIMENT PARAMETERS

• Auto Accompaniment on/off ........................................................................ page 33

• Style number ............................................................................................... page 32

• Main A/B section.......................................................................................... page 34

• T empo.......................................................................................................... page 36

• Fingering mode............................................................................................ page 38

• Split Point................................................................................................... page 120

• Accompaniment Volume .............................................................................. page 37

• Track on/off setting...................................................................................... page 37

• Voice Change setting ................................................................................... page 75

• Mixer setting ................................................................................................ page 75

• Multi Pad Bank number, Chord Match on/off ............................................... page 43

• Reverb setting.............................................................................................. page 46

• Chorus setting ............................................................................................. page 48

Registration Memory data can be saved to and loaded from floppy disk as needed (page 57).

Page 55

Registering the Panel Settings

Set up the panel controls as required.

Press the round Registration Memory button to call up the

Registration Memory function.

While holding the [MEMORY] button, press one of the REGIS-

TRATION MEMORY buttons: [1] through [4].

A “Regist Memorized” message briefly appears in the display, indicating that the panel settings have been memorized. In this example, the panel settings are memorized to button number 3.

Registration Memory

• Any data that was previously recorded in the Registration Memory location you selected will be erased and replaced by the new settings.

• The Registration Memory contents will be retained even after turning the power off. See page 136 for details.

Recalling the Registered Panel Settings

Press one of the REGISTRATION MEMORY buttons: [1] through [4].

In this example, the panel settings memorized to button number 3 are recalled.

The Accompaniment Freeze function

When the FREEZE function is engaged, selecting a different Registration Memory setup will not change any of the accompaniment (all other parameters will change as programmed). This allows you to use the auto accompaniment and select different Registration Memory setups, without suddenly disturbing the flow of the accompaniment.

Press the [FREEZE] button.

The [FREEZE] lamp lights.

Press one of the REGISTRATION MEMORY buttons: [1]

through [4].

• Registration data cannot be recalled when the One Touch Setting function is on.

• Some parameters cannot be recalled depending on the selected mode. For example, you cannot recall the Voice R2/L voices in the Style Record mode and Pad Record mode even if you press the Registration Memory buttons, since only the Voice R1 voice is used in those modes.

• For details about Accompaniment parameters (page

54).

• The Freeze function will automatically be turned on when one of the following modes, Song, Style Record or Pad Record is engaged.

In this example, only the voice parameter settings memorized to button number 3 are recalled.

Page 56

Registration Memory

Selecting a Registration Bank

Press the [FUNCTION] button.

Select “Regist Memory”.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

F2 Regist Memory

Press the [NEXT] button to display the Registration Memory

Bank screen.

RBnk=01 Regist01

Select a bank.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0].

Naming the Registration Banks

Use the same operation as in “Selecting a Registration

Bank” (see above).

RBnk=01 Regist01

Press the [NEXT] button to display the Name screen.

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.

–RegName=Regist01

Cursor

Page 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 variety of convenient functions, such as recording and playback of User songs (page 78), as well as saving and loading of User styles (page 96), User pads (page 92) and Registration Memory data (page 54).

You can save any number of User styles, pads and registration data to floppy disks, create your own song libraries or find many other ways to make playing and using the PSR-550 more efficient.

● The PSR-550 is capable of playing back songs contained on the included data disk, as well as commercially available song data in the following formats, indicated by the corresponding logos (page 9):

You can play back song files collected on these disks using the voices defined in the GM standard.

You can play back songs using the XG format, an extension of the GM standardthat allows for much higher sound quality.

You can play back song files collected on these disks using the voices defined in Yamaha’s DOC format.

● The PSR-550 is compatible with style data contained on the included data disk, as well as commercially available disk styles in the following format, indicated by the corresponding logo (page 9):

• Refer to page 9 for more details on the logos.

You can load and play with the style files collected on these disks.

● You can record your own performances to User songs and play them back (page

78).

User Song

Record

(Direct save)

Playback

(Direct read)

Floppy

Disk

Maximum of 60 files

can be saved.

● The PSR-550 features special User style, User pad and Registration Memory functions. The data recorded with these functions can also be saved to disk individually or in any combination. Likewise, data (files) saved to disks can be loaded individually or in any combination to the PSR-550.

User Style

User Pad

Registration Memory

Save

Save or load individually

or gathered together

Load

Up to 32 All type files (page 61) can be recorded on a 2HD disk. Up to 13 All type files can be recorded on a 2DD disk.

Floppy

Disk

User data compatible with the PSR-550 is indicated in the chart below.

● Data that can be Saved or Loaded with the PSR-550

Data Type Extension Save Load

User song (Standard MIDI format0) .MID –– User style (Style file format) .USR O O User pad .USR O O Registration Memory .USR O O

● Other disk functions include:

• Format ............................................................... page 60

• Song Copy ......................................................... page 64

• Delete ................................................................ page 67

• It may not be possible to

record the full 60 files to a disk, depending on the length of the recorded files.

• The maximum number of files may vary according to the type and volume of the saved files (page 61).

• When saving data, use a floppy disk formatted on the PSR-550.

• The three letters following the file name (after the period) are referred to as a file “extension”. The extension indicates the type of file.

• Since the user songs are directly recorded to the disk as you play during recording and read from the disk during playback, the Save/ Load functions are not available. The Copy and Delete File operations related to the user songs can be executed.

Page 58

Disk Operations

Using the Floppy Disk Drive (FDD) and Floppy Disks

Be sure to handle floppy disks and treat the disk drive with care. 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 that the label of the disk is facing upward and the sliding shutter is facing forward, towards the disk slot. Carefully insert the disk into the slot, slowly pushing it all the way in until it clicks into place and the eject button pops out.

• When the PSR-550 is turned on, the LED below the floppy disk

slot will be lit indicating that the Disk Drive is ready to use.

● To eject a floppy disk:

• Before ejecting the disk, be sure to confirm that the FDD is stopped (check if the DISK IN USE lamp is off). Press the eject button slowly as far as it will go; the disk will automatically pop out. When the disk is fully ejected, carefully remove it by hand.

DISK IN USE

This lamp lights during disk read/ write operations, such as when a disk has been inserted, during recording, playback,

This lamp is always on when the power is on, regardless of the disk operation.

• If the eject button is pressed too quickly, or if it is not pressed in as far as it will go, the disk may not eject properly. The eject button may become stuck in a half-pressed position with the disk extending from the drive slot by only a few millimeters. If this happens, do not attempt to pull out the partially ejected disk, since using force in this situation can damage the disk drive mechanism or the floppy disk. To remove a partially ejected disk, try pressing the eject button once again or push the disk back into the slot and then repeat the eject procedure.

● Never attempt to remove the disk or turn the power off during recording, reading and playing back. Doing so can damage the disk and possibly the disk drive.

● Be sure to remove the floppy disk from the disk drive before turning off the power. A floppy disk left in the drive for extended periods can easily pick up dust and dirt that can cause data read and write errors.

formatting, etc.

■

Cleaning the Disk Drive Read/Write Head

● Clean the read/write head regularly. This instrument employs a precision magnetic read/write head which, after an extended period of use, will pick up a layer of magnetic particles from the disks used that will eventually cause read and write errors.

● To maintain the disk drive in optimum working order Yamaha recommends that you use a commerciallyavailable dry-type head cleaning disk to clean the head about once a month. Ask your Yamaha dealer about the availability of proper head-cleaning disks.

● Never insert anything but floppy disks into the disk drive. Other objects may cause damage to the disk drive or floppy disks.

■ About the Floppy Disks

● To handle floppy disks with care:

• Do not place heavy objects on a disk or bend or

apply pressure to the disk in any way. Always keep floppy disks in their protective cases when they are not in use.

• Do not expose the disk to direct sunlight, extremely

high or low temperatures, or excessive humidity, dust or liquids.

• Do not open the sliding shutter and touch the

exposed surface of the floppy disk inside.

• Do not expose the disk to magnetic fields, such as

those produced by televisions, speakers, motors, etc., since magnetic fields can partially or completely erase data on the disk, rendering it unreadable.

• Never use a floppy disk with a deformed shutter or

housing.

• Do not attach anything other than the provided

labels to a floppy disk. Also make sure that labels are attached in the proper location.

● To protect your data (write-protect tab):

• To prevent accidental erasure of important data,

slide the disk’s write-protect tab to the “protect” position (tab open).

Write protect tab ON (locked or write protected)

● Data backup

• For maximum data security Yamaha recommends

that you keep two copies of important data on separate floppy disks. This gives you a backup if one disk is lost or damaged.

Write protect tab OFF (unlocked or write enabled)

Page 59

Included Data Disk

Disk song playback

Insert the included data disk into the disk drive.

001 CLUB XG

Select the desired song.

CHORD

119

dim

augsus4

START/STOP

513

BACK

KEYBOARD

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0].

EASY

NAVIGATOR

TRACK(1~16) PART

DIAL

0~9

/YES

MUSIC DATABASE

Disk Operations

• If a disk has already been inserted into the drive, press the [SONG] button to call up the Song display.

002 TECHNO

Press the [START/STOP] button to start the song.

002 TECHNO

CHORD

119

dim

513

augsus4

TRANSPOSE

REC2REC3REC4REC5REC6REC7REC8REC9REC10REC11REC12REC13REC14REC15REC16REC

Press the [START/STOP] button again to stop the song.

For details, see “Song Playback” (page 68).

START/STOP

REGISTRATION

BACK

KEYBOARD

TEMPO

EASY

NAVIGATOR

MEASURE

TRACK(1~16) PART

DIAL

0~9

BEAT

/YES

MUSIC DATABASE

DSP(FAST)

TOUCH

HARMONY

SUSTAIN

Page 60

Disk Operations

Format

Setting up commercially available floppy disks for use with PSR-550 is called formatting. This function is useful for quickly deleting unnecessary files from an already formatted disk. Be careful when using this operation, since it automatically deletes all data on the disk.

Insert the floppy disk into the disk drive.

When a (new) blank disk or an incompatible disk is inserted “Unformatted Disk” will be displayed on the screen. In this case, press the [EXIT] button to show “Format OK?” and then simply follow the procedure 5 below.

Press the [UTILITY] button.

Select “Format”.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

• After formatting, the capacity of a 2HD disk is 1 MB and that of a 2DD disk is 720 KB.

• When the floppy disk’s writeprotect tab is set to ON (page 58) or the disk is a purposely “copy-protected” disk, an alert message appears indicating that the Format function is not possible.

Utility:Format

Press the [NEXT] button to display the FORMAT operation

screen.

Format OK?

Execute the Format operation.

Press the [+/YES] button to execute the Format operation. Press the [-/NO] button to abort the Format operation.

Formatting 49%

The Format operation is completed...

Completed

CAUTION

• If data is already saved on the disk, be careful not to format it. If you format the disk, all the previously recorded data will be deleted.

• While formatting is in progress, never eject the disk or turn off the power to the PSR-550.

• If a disk that cannot be read by the PSR-550 is inserted into the disk drive, it will be treated the same as an unformatted floppy disk. Take care not to erase important data by accidentally formatting a disk.

Save

You can save PSR-550 User styles, User pad (banks 37-40) and Registration Memory data (banks 01-16) to floppy disks.

Insert the floppy disk into the disk drive.

Press the [SAVE] button.

Sv Type:All

• When the floppy disk’s writeprotect tab is set to ON (page 58) or the disk is a purposely “copy-protected” disk, an alert message appears indicating that the Save function is not possible.

Page 61

Select the file type.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Refer to the file type list below:

All Save all User Style (113-115), User Pad (bank 41-44), Registra-

Sty + Reg Save all User Style (113-115) and Registration Memory (bank 01-

Style Save all User Style (113-115) data gathered together into one

Multi Pad Save all User Pad (bank 41-44) data gathered together into one

Regist Save all Registration Memory (bank 01-32) data gathered

Press the [NEXT] button to display the FILE SELECT screen.

Select the destination file.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button. Select NEW when creating a new file.

tion Memory (bank 01-32) and all setup data into one single file.

32) data gathered together into one single file.

single file.

together into one single file.

Disk Operations

• Although all User Style, User Pad and Registration Memory data can be saved together into one single file, the data can be recalled individually when loaded back into the PSR-550.

• If you’ve selected a file that already contains data and you rename the file with the intent of overwriting the data, renaming the file will simply copy that data to the new file name and leave the original data and file name intact.

Sv =NEW

Press the [NEXT] button to display the Name screen.

Enter the file name directly from the keyboard (page 21).

Sv Name=UF_00002

Press the [NEXT] button to display the Save operation

screen.

Save OK?

Execute the Save operation.

Press the [+/YES] button to execute the Save operation. Press the [-/NO] button to abort the Save operation.

CAUTION

• While data is being saved, never eject the floppy disk or turn off power to the PSR-550.

• If there isn’t enough space on the disk, an alert message appears and you will not be able to save any data. You can delete unneeded files on the disk (page 67), or replace the disk with a new one and repeat the Save operation.

• If a write error occurs during a save operation, an alert message appears. If the error reoccurs after repeating the Save operation, there could be something wrong with the disk. Insert a different disk in the drive and repeat the Save operation.

Executing 45%

The Save operation is completed...

Completed

Page 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.

Insert the floppy disk into the disk drive.

Press the [LOAD] button.

Select the file to be loaded.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

Ld =ABCD .USR

Press the [NEXT] button to display the Data Type Selection

screen.

Select the file type (data type) to be loaded.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

Ld Type:All

File types that can be loaded

All To Step 10 Sty + Reg To Step 10 Style To Step 6 Multi Pad To Step 6 Regist To Step 6

Please follow the steps as indicated in the chart above, since the actual operation differs depending on the selected file type.

Page 63

Press the [NEXT] button.

Src=User8BeatPop

Select the data to be loaded.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

Press the [NEXT] button to display the destination selection

screen.

Select the destination.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

Dst=UserStyle1

Disk Operations

Press the [NEXT] button to display the Load operation screen.

Load OK?

Execute the Load operation.

Press the [+/YES] button to execute the Load operation. Press the [-/NO] button to abort the Load operation.

Executing 45%

The Load Operation is completed...

Completed

CAUTION

• When data is loaded from a floppy disk to the PSR550, the data already in the memory of the instrument will be replaced by the data on the disk. Save important data into a disk file before doing the Load operation.

• While data is loading, never eject the floppy disk or turn the power off.

• An alert message may appear on the display, if a problem occurs that prevents the data from being loaded. (For example, the capacity of the PSR-550 [RAM] may be exceeded, something may be wrong with the floppy disk, or the data from the disk may be corrupted, etc.)

Page 64

Disk Operations

Song Copy

This operation allows you to make backup copies of your important Song data. Primarily, this will come in handy when you are recording and editing song data. For example, if you are quantizing the track of a song (page 86) — which makes permanent changes to the track — making a backup copy of the song allows you to restore the original song data in case you’re not satisfied with the results of the quantization. Having a dedicated backup disk for every song you work on is a good idea. In this way, you can save a new copy of the song each time you make an important edit to it.

Copying song data from one floppy disk to another

Prepare a backup disk by formatting it. One file can be copied at a time. As shown in the illustration below, first copy the desired file on the disk to internal memory, then copy it to the destination disk.

PSR-550

Internal Memory

copycopy

• When the destination disk’s write-protect tab is set to ON (page 58) or the disk is a purposely “copy-protected” disk, an alert message appears indicating that the Song Copy function is not possible.

Source Destination

If the quantity of data is large, it may be necessary for the data to be copied in parts.

Insert the disk to be copied (source disk) into the disk drive.

Press the [UTILITY] button.

Select “SongCopy”.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

Utility:SongCopy

Press the [NEXT] button to display the Copy Type selection

screen.

Select “OtherFD”.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

CopyType:OtherFD

Press the [NEXT] button to display the Song selection

screen.

Page 65

Select the source song file.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

Src=Song_01

Press the [NEXT] button to display the Name screen.

_–Dst=Song 01

Cursor

Enter the destination song name directly from the keyboard

(page 21).

Disk Operations

While data is being copied, never eject the floppy disk or turn the power off.

If you want to cancel the Copy function in this step, press the [EXIT] button to cancel the operation.

While data is being copied, never eject the floppy disk or turn the power off.

Press the [NEXT] button to display the Copy operation screen.

Copy OK?

Execute the Copy operation.

Press the [+/YES] button to execute the Copy operation. Press the [-/NO] button to abort the Copy operation.

CAUTION

Executing 20%

Copying the data from the Source disk to Internal memory

Insert Target FD

Insert the

CAUTION

Executing 40%

Copying the data from Internal memory to the Destination disk

Completed

Destination disk.

The Copy operation is completed...

• If you insert a wrong disk, different from the source or destination disk, during the Copy operation, an alert message (page 137) will appear on the display.

If the quantity of data is large, it may be necessary for the data to be copied in parts.

Insert the Source disk.

Insert Source FD

If you want to cancel the Copy function in this step, press the [EXIT] button to cancel the operation.

Page 66

Disk Operations

Copying data to another location on the same disk

1 5

Use the same operation as in “Copying data from one

floppy disk to another” (page 64).

Select “Same FD”.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

CopyType:Same FD

Press the [NEXT] button to display the Song selection

screen.

Select the song source file.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

Src=Song_01

Press the [NEXT] button to display the Name screen.

_–Dst=Song 01

Cursor

Enter the destination file name directly from the keyboard (page 21).

Press the [NEXT] button to display the Copy operation screen.

Copy OK?

Execute the Copy operation.

Press the [+/YES] button to execute the Copy operation. Press the [-/NO] button to abort the Copy operation.

CAUTION

• While data is being copied, never eject the floppy disk or turn the power off.

Executing 49%

The Copy Operation is completed...

Completed

Page 67

Delete

You can delete individual files (User songs, User styles, User pads or Registration Memory) from the floppy disk.

Insert the floppy disk into the disk drive.

Press the [UTILITY] button.

Select “Delete”.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

Utility:Delete

Press the [NEXT] button to display the Delete screen.

Disk Operations

• When the floppy disk’s writeprotect tab is set to ON (page 58) or the disk is a purposely “copy-protected” disk, an alert message appears indicating that the Delete function is not possible.

Select the file to be deleted.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

Del=ABCD .USR

Press the [NEXT] button to display the Delete operation

screen.

Delete OK?

Execute the Delete operation.

Press the [+/YES] button to execute the Delete operation. Press the [-/NO] button to abort the Delete operation.

CAUTION

• While the file is being deleted, never eject the floppy disk or turn the power off.

Executing 49%

The Delete Operation is completed...

Completed

Page 68

Disk Song Playback

You can playback a huge variety of songs on the PSR-550, including the preset demo songs, the songs on the included data disk, the User songs that you record to a floppy disk and songs on commercially available XG/GM song collection disks. Except for the preset demo songs, a floppy disk must be inserted in the disk drive to playback a song.

● The following disks are compatible for playback on the PSR-550 (including the data disk). Refer to page 9 for more details on the logos.

You can play back song files collected on these disks using the voices defined in the GM standard.

You can play back songs using the XG format, an extension of the GM standardthat allows for much higher sound quality.

You can play back song files collected on these disks using the voices defined in Yamaha’s DOC format.

● Disk songs can be played back in five different ways:..................... page 69

• SINGLE

• SINGLE REPEAT

• ALL

• ALL REPEAT

• RANDOM

● Additional song playback functions:

• Song Track Muting................................................................. page 70

• T empo/Tap.............................................................................page 36

• Song Volume Control............................................................. page 70

• Song Transpose .................................................................... page 73

• Playing from a Specified Measure.........................................page 71

• Repeat Play........................................................................... page 72

• Make sure to read the section “Using the Floppy Disk Drive (FDD) and Floppy Disks” on page 58.

• The tempo setting of some commercially available disk songs is fixed. These songs are called “free-tempo software”. When playing back free-tempo song data on the PSR-550, the Tempo display shows “- - -” and the beat display does not flash. Also, the measure number in the display does not match the actual measure number of playback, and only gives you an indication of how much of the song has played back.

Song Playback

Insert the disk that contains song data into the disk drive.

PSR-550 will automatically switch into Song mode.

001 CLUB XG

Select the desired song.

CHORD

119

dim

augsus4

START/STOP

513

BACK

KEYBOARD

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0].

Press the [NEXT] button to display the Song Menu screen.

TRACK(1~16)

EASY

NAVIGATOR

PART

DIAL

002 TECHNO

0~9

/YES

MUSIC DATABASE

• If a disk has already been inserted into the drive, press the [SONG] button to call up the Song display.

• Inserting a disk that does not contain song data will not

automatically call up the Song display.

Page 69

Select “PlayMode”.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

SngMenu:PlayMode

Press the [NEXT] button to display the Song Play Mode

screen.

PlayMd=Single

Select the desired Play mode.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

Disk Song Playback

● Single ................................... Play through the selected song, then stop.

● SglRepeat (Single Repeat) .. Play through the selected song repeatedly.

● All ......................................... Continue playback through all the songs on the floppy

disk.

● All Repeat............................. Continue playback through all the songs on the floppy

disk repeatedly .

● Random................................ Continue playback through all the songs at random.

Press the [START/STOP] button to start the song.

PlayMd=SglRepeat

002 TECHNO

CHORD

119

dim mM

TRANSPOSE

REC2REC3REC4REC5REC6REC7REC8REC9REC10REC11REC12REC13REC14REC15REC16REC

augsus4

START/STOP

513

REGISTRATION

BACK

KEYBOARD

TEMPO

EASY

NAVIGATOR

MEASURE

TRACK(1~16) PART

DIAL

0~9

BEAT

/YES

MUSIC DATABASE

DSP(FAST)

SUSTAIN

TOUCH

HARMONY

Press the [START/STOP] button again to stop the song.

Page 70

Disk Song Playback

Song Track Muting

Press the [START/STOP] button to start the song.

Press one of the TRACK buttons below the display.

The [M] icon will appear and the selected track will be muted.

TRANSPOSE

REC2REC3REC4REC5REC6REC7REC8REC9REC10REC11REC12REC13REC14REC15REC16REC

Pressing the same track button again enables output of the playback sound.

Press the [START/STOP] button again to stop the song.

REGISTRATION

TEMPO

MEASURE

DSP(FAST)

BEAT

SUSTAIN

TOUCH

HARMONY

Song Volume Control

Press the [START/STOP] to start the song.

Press the [ACMP/SONG VOLUME] b utton.

Song Volume =120

Adjust the Song Volume.

CHORD

119

dim

augsus4

START/STOP

513

BACK

KEYBOARD

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0].

The range is from 0 to 127.

Song Volume =108

CHORD

119

dim

augsus4

START/STOP

513

BACK

KEYBOARD

EASY

NAVIGATOR

EASY

NAVIGATOR

TRACK(1~16) PART

DIAL

TRACK(1~16) PART

DIAL

0~9

/YES

MUSIC DATABASE

• The volume of the keyboardplayed voice(s) is not affected by this operation.

Press the [START/STOP] button again to stop the song.

Page 71

Playing from a Specified Measure

Press the [SONG] button.

Press the [NEXT] button to display the Song Men u screen.

Select “Measure”.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

SngMenu:Measure

Press the [NEXT] button to display the Song Start Measure

screen.

Disk Song Playback

StartMeasure= 1

Specify the measure from which to begin playback.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0].

StartMeasure= 12

Press the [START/STOP] to start the song from the specified

measure.

Press the [START/STOP] button again to stop the song.

Page 72

Disk Song Playback

Repeat Play (A-B Repeat)

Press the [SONG] button.

Press the [NEXT] button to display the Song Menu screen.

Select “AbRepeat”.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

Press the [NEXT] to display the Repeat screen.

SngMenu:AbRepeat

A-B Repeat =Off

Press the [START/STOP] button to start the song.

Press the [MAIN A] button or the [+/YES] button at the start-

ing point (A) to be repeated.

A-B Repeat =A-

Press the [MAIN B] button or the [+/YES] button at the ending

point (B) to be repeated.

A-B Repeat =A-B

• If only the “A” repeat point is specified, repeat playback will occur between the “A” point and the end of the song.

Repeat playback is now set, and the selected section automatically repeats indefinitely (until disabled or stopped in the steps below).

To cancel the repeat function and continue song playback,

press the [MAIN A] button again, or press the [-/NO] button.

Press the [START/STOP] button to stop the song.

• Repeat playback will be cancelled if a different song is selected.

Page 73

Song Transpose

Press the [SONG] button.

Press the [NEXT] button to display the Song Men u screen.

Select “S.Trans”.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

SngMenu:S.Trans

Press the [NEXT] button to display the Song Transpose

screen.

Disk Song Playback

• This operation does not affect the pitch of the keyboard-played voice(s)

• Changes made to the transpose setting (on page

30) affect the entire sound of the PSR-550, including the song transpose setting.

• Enabling the record mode to record a User song automatically resets the song transpose setting to “0”.

SongTranspos= 0

Set the Transpose value.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button, the [-/NO] button or the number buttons [1]-[0].

The transpose range is from -12 to +12. Each step corresponds to one semitone, allowing a maximum upward or downward transposition of one octave. A setting of “0” produces normal pitch.

SongTranspos= 4

Press the [START/STOP] to start the song.

Press the [START/STOP] button again to stop the song.

• Minus values can be entered by using the number buttons while holding the [-] button.

• Steps #1 through #5 can be executed during playback.

Page 74

Part Settings

In addition to the keyboard-played voices, the PSR-550 features many different instrumental “parts,” included with the auto accompaniment, and song playback.

● Style mode

Part

Keyboard VOICE R1

VOICE R2 VOICE L

Auto Accompaniment RHYTHM SUB

RHYTHM MAIN BASS CHORD1 CHORD2 PAD PHRASE1 PHRASE2

● Song mode

Part

Keyboard VOICE R1

VOICE R2 VOICE L

Song TRACK1

TRACK2 TRACK3 TRACK4 : TRACK15 TRACK16

Use the following functions to change the settings for each part:

● Voice Change ........................................................................................................................ page 75

This lets you change the voice for each part.

● Mixer...................................................................................................................................... page 76

This lets you change the following settings for each part:

• Volume

Determines the volume of the specified voice or track.

• Octave

Shifts the pitch of the specified voice or track up or down by one or two octaves. A setting of “0” produces normal pitch.

• Pan

Positions the sound of the specified voice or track from left to right in the stereo sound field. “-7” is full left, “7” is full right, “0” is center, and all other settings are corresponding positions in between.

• Reverb depth

Sets the reverb depth for the specified voice or track, and thus the amount of reverb effect applied to that voice or track.

• Chorus depth

Sets the chorus depth for the specified voice or track, and thus the amount of chorus effect applied to that voice or track.

• DSP depth

Sets the DSP depth for the specified voice or track, and thus the amount of DSP effect applied to that voice or track.

The parameters which can be set for each part are shown in the chart below.

● Parameters Parameter Voice Style Song Range Function

R1, R2, L

Voice number O O O Refer to the Voice Voice Change

List (page 123) Volume O O O 0 – 127 Mixer Octave O – O -2 – 2 Mixer Pan O O O -64 – 63 Mixer Reverb depth O O O 0 – 127 Mixer Chorus depth O O O 0 – 127 Mixer DSP depth O O O 0 – 127 Mixer

O : available

Page 75

Part Settings

● 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 R1 and 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 be altered depending on the selected Insertion Effect type.

• Save any part settings you want to keep to the PSR-550 Registration Memory (page 54). The voice part settings are temporary and will be lost if the power is turned off, a different R1 panel voice is selected while the Voice Set function (page 120) is on, or a Registration Memory is recalled.

● Song

• Make sure to first select the appropriate song for which you wish to set the part before calling up the relevant display.

• Any part settings made for the song will be lost if you turn off the power, select another song, or select the Style mode (after finishing the part settings). To prevent this, make sure to select the Recording mode and save the song data to disk (page 78).

● Auto Accompaniment

• Only drum kit voices (page 31) can be selected for the RHYTHM MAIN track.

• When using auto accompaniment part settings for the RHYTHM SUB track, any of the voices can be selected but no chord changes will occur when using Auto Accompaniment.

• Make sure to first select the appropriate style for which you wish to set the part before calling up the relevant display.

• Auto accompaniment part settings can even be set while an accompaniment is playing.

• Auto accompaniment part settings affects all sections of the selected style.

• Save any part settings you want to keep to the PSR-550 Registration Memory (page 54). The Auto accompaniment part setting are temporary and will be lost if the power is turned off, a different style is selected while the Voice Set function (page 120) is on, or a Registration Memory is recalled.

Voice Change

In addition to being able to change the voices played from the keyboard (R1, R2, L), you can also change the voices for each track of the auto accompaniment and songs.

Press the [VOICE CHANGE] button.

The [VOICE CHANGE] lamp lights.

Select the part for which you want to change voices.

Parts can be selected from the following buttons (depending on the selected mode: Style or Song):

● Voice ................................. PART ON/OFF [VOICE R1], [VOICE R2], [VOICE L]

buttons

● Accompaniment track ....... [TRACK9]-[TRACK16] buttons (Style mode)

● Song track......................... [TRACK1]-[TRACK16] button (Song mode)

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).

RhM=220 StndKit1

Repeat steps #2 and #3 as often as needed for other parts/

tracks.

Press the [EXIT] button to exit from the Voice Change screen.

Page 76

Part Settings

Mixer

Press the [MIXER] button so that its indicator lights.

Select the part for which you want to adjust the volume set-

ting or parameters.

Parts can be selected from the following buttons (depending on the selected mode: Style or Song):

● Voice ................................. PART ON/OFF [VOICE R1], [VOICE R2], [VOICE L]

● Accompaniment track ....... [TRACK9] - [TRACK16] buttons (Style mode)

● Song track......................... [TRACK1] - [TRACK16] button (Song mode)

buttons

● Style mode

PART ON/OFF [VOICE R1] Voice R1

Volume R1 =120

PART ON/OFF [VOICE R2] Voice R2

Volume R2 =120

PART ON/OFF [VOICE L] Voice L

Volume L =120

[TRACK 9] Rhythm sub

Volume RhS=120

[TRACK 10] Rhythm main

Volume RhM=120

[TRACK 11] Bass

Volume Bas=120

[TRACK 12] Chord 1

Volume Cd1=120

[TRACK 13] Chord 2

Volume Cd2=120

● Song mode PART ON/OFF [VOICE R1] Voice R1

Volume R1 =120

PART ON/OFF [VOICE R2] Voice R2

Volume R2 =120

PART ON/OFF [VOICE L] Voice L

Volume L =120

[TRACK 1] Song track 1

Volume T01=120

[TRACK 2] Song track 2

Volume T02=120

[TRACK 14] Pad

Volume Pad=120

[TRACK 15] Phrase 1

Volume Ph1=120

[TRACK 16] Phrase 2

Volume Ph2=120

[TRACK 16] Song track 16

Volume T16=120

Page 77

Select the desired parameter by pressing the [NEXT]/[BACK]

button.

Volume R2 =108

[NEXT] button [BACK] button

Octave R2 = 2

Part Settings

[NEXT] button [BACK] button

Pan R2 = 40

[NEXT] button [BACK] button

RevDepth R2 =120

[NEXT] button [BACK] button

ChoDepth R2 =108

[NEXT] button [BACK] button

DspDepth R2 =112

The order of Steps 2 and 3 here can be reversed; you can also select the part after selecting the parameter. (In step #2 above, the Volume parameter is shown as an example; however, any of the other parameters shown in step #3 can be selected.)

Adjust the volume or parameters.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

• The Octave parameter of the style tracks cannot be edited.

• Minus settings for the Octave and Pan parameters can be directly entered by pressing the appropriate number button while holding the [-/NO] button.

Repeat steps 2 to 4, as necessary.

Press the [EXIT] button to exit from the Mixer.

Page 78

Song Recording

With the powerful and easy-to-use song recording features, you can record your own keyboard performances to a floppy disk as a User song, and create your own complete, fully orchestrated compositions.

Each User song lets you record up to sixteen independent tracks. These include not only the voices for the keyboard performance (R1, R2, L), but also the auto accompaniment parts.

The PSR-550 provides two different ways to record: Quick Recording and Multi Track Recording. In addition, comprehensive editing functions let you “fine tune” the recorded song data.

● Quick Recording .................................................................................................................. page 80

With this method, you can quickly and easily record a song, without having to make detailed settings.

● Multi T rack Recording .......................................................................................................... page 82

With this method, you can record up to sixteen tracks independently, and even rerecord parts that have been previously recorded.

• Punch In/Out ...................................................................................................................... page 84

This function allows you to selectively re-record a portion of a song track (the measures between the specified punch-in and punch-out points.

• Start Measure .................................................................................................................... page 84

This determines the measure at which recording starts. Set this when you desire to start the recording in the middle of the song when re-recording. Keep in mind that all previously recorded data from the starting measure is replaced.

● Editing................................................................................................................................... page 86

The four editing features below allow you to edit already recorded song data.

• Quantize............................................................................................................................. page 86

This function aligns the timing of the recorded note data to a specified value.

• Editing Setup Data ............................................................................................................. page 88

This function allows you to change a variety of non-note settings.

• Naming User Songs........................................................................................................... page 90

This function assigns a twelve-letter name to a recorded song.

• Clearing User Song Data ................................................................................................... page 91

This function lets you delete song data, either a specified part or the entire song.

• User Songs are recorded on floppy disks. They cannot be recorded unless a floppy disk is inserted into the disk drive.

After finishing your recording of a User song, you can play it back in the same way as one of the disk songs.

■ Data that can be recorded to User songs

• T empo..................................................................................................... page 36

• Time signature........................................................................................ page 16

• Accompaniment style number................................................................ page 32

• Section changes and their timing ........................................................... page 34

• Chord changes and their timing ............................................................. page 33

• Accompaniment volume......................................................................... page 37

• Note on/off (key press and release) ..................................................... page 107

• Velocity (strength of key press) ............................................................ page 107

• Pitch bend, pitch bend range ........................................................pages 30, 122

• Footswitch on/off .................................................................................. page 121

• Voice Change settings............................................................................ page 75

• Mixer settings ......................................................................................... page 76

• Reverb type and settings........................................................................ page 46

• Chorus type and settings ....................................................................... page 48

• DSP (including FAST/SLOW) on/off and type ........................................ page 49

• Harmony/Echo on/off and type............................................................... page 50

• Scale tuning ......................................................................................... page 119

• Sustain on/off ......................................................................................... page 30

The maximum amount of song memory is 65,000 notes for 2DD disks and 130,000 notes for 2HD disks.

• Songs recorded by the PSR550 are saved as SMF (format 0) files. See page 109 for information on the SMF (format 0) format.

• Being able to record note on/ off and velocity means being able to record forte or piano, crescendo or diminuendo, and other subtle elements of expression from the keyboard as you play them.

• Note ON (key press), note OFF (key release), and velocity (strength of key press) are MIDI data events (playing information) (page

107).

Page 79

■ User Song Tracks

The tracks which can be recorded to the User songs are organized as shown in the chart below.

Track Other Parts that can be set Default Part

1 VOICE R1, R2, L, Accompaniment Style track VOICE R1 2 VOICE R1, R2, L, Accompaniment Style track VOICE R2 3 VOICE R1, R2, L, Accompaniment Style track VOICE L 4 VOICE R1, R2, L, Accompaniment Style track VOICE R1 5 VOICE R1, R2, L, Accompaniment Style track VOICE R1 6 VOICE R1, R2, L, Accompaniment Style track VOICE R1 7 VOICE R1, R2, L, Accompaniment Style track VOICE R1 8 VOICE R1, R2, L, Accompaniment Style track VOICE R1

9 VOICE R1, R2, L, Accompaniment Style track 10 VOICE R1, R2, L, Accompaniment Style track 11 VOICE R1, R2, L, Accompaniment Style track Accompaniment Style BASS 12 VOICE R1, R2, L, Accompaniment Style track Accompaniment Style CHORD1 13 VOICE R1, R2, L, Accompaniment Style track Accompaniment Style CHORD2 14 VOICE R1, R2, L, Accompaniment Style track Accompaniment Style PAD 15 VOICE R1, R2, L, Accompaniment Style track Accompaniment Style PHRASE1 16 VOICE R1, R2, L, Accompaniment Style track Accompaniment Style PHRASE2

The PSR-550 provides two different ways to record: Quick Recording and Multi Track Recording.

● About Multi Track Recording

In Multi Track Recording, you determine the track assignments (as shown above) before recording. Several tracks can be recorded simultaneously. In addition to being able to record to empty tracks, you can also re-record tracks that already contain recorded data.

● About Quick Recording

In Quick Recording, you can quickly record without having to worry about the track assignments above. Quick Recording automatically makes track assignments according to the simple rules below.

• When Record method is set to “Melody” Your keyboard performances (VOICE R1, R2, L) are recorded to tracks 1 - 3.

• When Record method is set to “Acmp” The auto accompaniment parts are recorded to tracks 9 - 16.

• When Record method is set to “Melody + Acmp” Your keyboard performances (VOICE R1 and R2) are recorded to tracks 1 - 2, and the auto accompaniment parts are recorded to tracks 9 -16.

The Quick Recording method is different from the Multi Trac k Recording method; however, for both of them, the recorded data is recorded on tracks 1–16. If you wish to re-record a User song that was originally recorded by the Quick Recording method, use Multi Track Recording.

Accompaniment Style RHYTHM SUB Accompaniment Style RHYTHM MAIN

Song Recording

The following notes and cautions are important points for you to keep in mind as you record.

• Using the Metronome function (page 118) can make your recording sessions much more efficient.

• Using Registration Memory (page 54) can make your recording sessions much more efficient, since various settings (such as voices, etc.) can be recalled by a single button press. When the record mode is engaged, the Registration Memory Freeze function will be turned on (it cannot be turned off while the record mode is engaged).

• When the record mode is engaged, the Synchro Stop function will be turned off (it cannot be turned on while the record mode is engaged).

• Whenever you record, any previously recorded material in the same track will be erased.

• Song files on commercially available disks which are not write-protected can be selected and recorded to (edited) on the PSR-550. If the song data is of a different format from that of the PSR550 User songs, the display prompts you to convert the song data. By pressing the [+/YES] button, you can convert the song data to the PSR-550 format (compatible with the PSR-550). Once the conversion operation is finished, the PSR-550 returns to record standby, allowing you to record.

• If the disk memory becomes full while recording, an alert message will appear on the display and recording will stop.

• Be careful to avoid turning off the power or unplugging the AC adaptor from the outlet during recording, since this will result in the loss of recorded data.

Page 80

Song Recording

Quick Recording

Insert the floppy disk into the disk drive.

Press the [RECORD] button to engage the Record mode.

Select “Song”.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

RecMenu:Song

Press the [NEXT] button.

001 New Song

Press the [NEXT] button again to display the RecMode

screen.

Select “QuickRec”.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

SongRec:QuickRec

Press the [NEXT] button.

Select a Record method.

Use the data dial, the [+/YES] button or the [-/NO] button.

● Melody ....................This records your keyboard performance (Voices R1/R2/L)

without the auto accompaniment.

● Acmp.......................This records only the auto accompaniment. When this is

selected, the auto accompaniment is automatically set to on.

● Mel + Acmp .............This records your keyboard performance (Voices R1/R2)

along with the auto accompaniment. When this is selected, auto accompaniment is automatically set to on.

Rec Tr =Melody

Yamaha PSR-550, PSR-550E User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual