Yamaha PSS-A50 User Manual

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.

WAR NING: Do not place this product in a position where any-

one could walk on, trip over, or roll anything over power or con­necting cords of any kind. The use of an extension cord is not
recommended! If you must use an extension cord, the minimum
wire size for a 25’ cord (or less) is 18 AWG. NOTE: The smaller
the AWG number, the larger the current handling capacity. For
longer extension cords, consult a local electrician.

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.

Some Yamaha products may have benches and / or accessory
mounting fixtures that are either supplied with the product or as
optional accessories. Some of these items are designed to be
dealer assembled or installed. Please make sure that benches
are stable and any optional fixtures (where applicable) are well
secured BEFORE using.
Benches supplied by Yamaha are designed for seating only. No
other uses are recommended.

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:

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.

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, never mix old batteries with new ones,
and never mix different types of batteries. 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

92-BP (bottom)

PSS-A50

2

PLEASE KEEP THIS MANUAL

FCC INFORMATION (U.S.A.)

1. IMPORTANT NOTICE: DO NOT MODIFY THIS UNIT!

This product, when installed as indicated in the instructions
contained in this manual, meets FCC requirements. Modifica­tions not expressly approved by Yamaha may void your author­ity, granted by the FCC, to use the product.

2. IMPORTANT: When connecting this product to accessories

and/or another product use only high quality shielded cables.
Cable/s supplied with this product MUST be used. Follow all
installation instructions. Failure to follow instructions could void
your FCC authorization to use this product in the USA.

3. NOTE: This product has been tested and found to comply with

the requirements listed in FCC Regulations, Part 15 for Class
“B” digital devices. Compliance with these requirements pro­vides a reasonable level of assurance that your use of this
product in a residential environment will not result in harmful
interference with other electronic devices. This equipment gen­erates/uses radio frequencies and, if not installed and used
according to the instructions found in the users manual, may
cause interference harmful to the operation of other electronic
devices. Compliance with FCC regulations does not guarantee

* This applies only to products distributed by YAMAHA CORPORATION OF AMERICA. (class B)

COMPLIANCE INFORMATION STATEMENT

(Supplier’s declaration of conformity procedure)

Responsible Party : Yamaha Corporation of America

Type of Equipment : Digital Keyboard

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and

2) this device must accept any interference received including interference

* This applies only to products distributed by

Yamaha Corporation of America.

Address : 6600 Orangethorpe Ave., Buena Park, Calif. 90620

Telephone : [phone]

Model Name : PSS-A50

that may cause undesired operation.

that interference will not occur in all installations. If this product
is found to be the source of interference, which can be deter­mined by turning the unit “OFF” and “ON”, please try to elimi­nate the problem by using one of the following measures:

Relocate either this product or the device that is being affected
by the interference.

Utilize power outlets that are on different branch (circuit breaker
or fuse) circuits or install AC line filter/s.

In the case of radio or TV interference, relocate/reorient the
antenna. If the antenna lead-in is 300 ohm ribbon lead, change
the lead-in to co-axial type cable.

If these corrective measures do not produce satisfactory
results, please contact the local retailer authorized to distribute
this type of product. If you can not locate the appropriate
retailer, please contact Yamaha Corporation of America, Elec­tronic Service Division, 6600 Orangethorpe Ave, Buena Park,
CA90620

The above statements apply ONLY to those products distrib­uted by Yamaha Corporation of America or its subsidiaries.

(FCC SDoC)

PSS-A50

3

PRECAUTIONS

Power supply

Do not open

Water warning

Fire warning

Influences on electro-medical devices

Battery

If you notice any abnormality

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING

Please keep this manual in a safe and handy 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 place the USB cable near heat sources such as heaters or
radiators. Also, do not excessively bend or otherwise damage the
cable, or place heavy objects on it.

• Only use the voltage specified as correct for the instrument. The
required voltage is printed on the name plate of the instrument.

• Included USB cable is designed for use with only this instrument. Do
not use for any other instrument.

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

• This instrument contains no user-serviceable parts. Do not open the
instrument or attempt to disassemble or modify the internal
components in any way. 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 on it any containers (such as vases, bottles or
glasses) containing liquids which might spill into any openings. If any
liquid such as water seeps into the instrument, turn off the power
immediately and disconnect the plug from the AC outlet. Then have the
instrument inspected by qualified Yamaha service personnel.

• Never insert or remove a plug with wet hands.

• Do not put burning items, such as candles, on the unit. A burning item
may fall over and cause a fire.

• Magnetism may affect electro-medical devices.

- Do not use this product near medical devices or inside areas in

which the use of radio waves is restricted.

- Do not use this product within 15cm (6 in.) of persons with a heart

pacemaker or defibrillator implant.

• Follow the precautions below. Failure to do so might result in
explosion, fire, overheating or battery fluid leakage.

- Do not tamper with or disassemble batteries.

- Do not dispose of batteries in fire.

- Do not attempt to recharge batteries that are not designed to be

charged.

- Keep the batteries separate from metallic objects such as necklaces,

hairpins, coins, and keys.

- Use the specified battery type (page 13) only.

- Use new batteries, all of which are the same type, same model, and

made by the same manufacturer.

- Always make sure all batteries are inserted in conformity with the +/-

polarity markings.

- When the batteries run out, or if the instrument is not to be used for a

long time, remove the batteries from the instrument.

- When using Ni-MH batteries, follow the instructions that came with

the batteries. Use only the specified charger device when charging.

• Keep batteries away from small children who might accidentally
swallow them.

• 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.

• When one of the following problems occur, immediately turn off the
power switch and disconnect the plug from the outlet. (If you are using
batteries, remove all batteries from the instrument.) Then have the
device inspected by Yamaha service personnel.

- The USB cable or plug becomes frayed or damaged.

- It emits unusual smells or smoke.

- Some object has been dropped into the instrument.

- There is a sudden loss of sound during use of the instrument.

- If any cracks or breakages exist on the instrument.

PSS-A50 Owner’s Manual

4

DMI-7 1/2

CAUTION

Power supply

Location

Connections

Handling 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:

• Use the specified USB power adaptor (page 7) only. Using the wrong
adaptor can result in damage to the instrument or overheating.

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

• When removing the plug from the instrument or an outlet, always hold
the plug itself and not the USB cable. Pulling by the cable can damage
it.

• Remove the plug from the outlet when the instrument is not to be used
for extended periods of time, or during electrical storms.

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

• Before moving the instrument, remove all connected cables, to prevent
damage to the cables or injury to anyone who might trip over them.

• When setting up the product, make sure that the AC outlet you are
using is easily accessible. If some trouble or malfunction occurs,
immediately turn off the power switch and disconnect the plug from the
outlet. Even when the power switch is turned off, electricity is still
flowing to the product at the minimum level. When you are not using
the product for a long time, make sure to disconnect the plug from the
wall AC outlet.

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.

Even when the [ ] (Standby/On) switch is in standby status (display is off), electricity is still flowing to the instrument at the minimum level.

When you are not using the instrument for a long time, make sure you disconnect the plug from the wall AC outlet.

Make sure to discard used batteries according to local regulations.

DMI-7

• 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.

• 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 insert a finger or hand in any gaps on the instrument.

• Never insert or drop paper, metallic, or other objects into the gaps on
the panel or keyboard. This could cause physical injury to you or
others, damage to the instrument or other property, or operational
failure.

• 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.

• Do not use the instrument/device or headphones 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.

2/2

NOTICE

To avoid the possibility of malfunction/ damage to the
product, damage to data, or damage to other property, fol­low the notices below.

 Handling

• Do not use the instrument in the vicinity of a TV, radio, stereo
equipment, mobile phone, or other electric devices. Otherwise, the
instrument, TV, or radio may generate noise.

• 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,
damage to the internal components or unstable operation. (Verified
operating temperature range: 5° – 40°C, or 41° – 104°F.)

• Do not place vinyl, plastic or rubber objects on the instrument, since
this might discolor the panel or keyboard.

 Maintenance

• When cleaning the instrument, use a soft and dry cloth. Do not use
paint thinners, solvents, alcohol, cleaning fluids, or chemical­impregnated wiping cloths.

 Saving data

• Some of the data of this instrument (page 13) are retained when the
power is turned off. However, the saved data may be lost due to some
failure, an operation mistake, etc.

Information

 About copyrights

• Copying of the commercially available musical data including but not
limited to MIDI data and/or audio data is strictly prohibited except for
your personal use.

• This product incorporates and bundles contents in which Yamaha owns
copyrights or with respect to which Yamaha has license to use others'
copyrights. Due to copyright laws and other relevant laws, you are NOT
allowed to distribute media in which these contents are saved or
recorded and remain virtually the same or very similar to those in the
product.

* The contents described above include a computer program, Accompaniment

Style data, MIDI data, WAVE data, voice recording data, a score, score data, etc.

* You are allowed to distribute medium in which your performance or music

production using these contents is recorded, and the permission of Yamaha
Corporation is not required in such cases.

 About this manual

• The illustrations and displays as shown in this manual are for
instructional purposes only, and may appear somewhat different from
those on your instrument.

• The company names and product names in this manual are the
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

PSS-A50 Owner’s Manual

5

Thank you for purchasing this Yamaha Digital Keyboard!

1

Computer

5V DC/

USB TO HOST jack

(USB micro B)

USB cable

Rear

PHONES/OUTPUT Jack

For connecting a set of stereo headphones with a
stereo mini plug. This jack also functions as an
external output for sending the audio signal of this
instrument to external audio equipment.
The speakers of the instrument are automatically
shut off when a headphones plug, etc. is inserted
into this jack.

• Before using the headphones, be sure to set the volume of the instrument at the minimum level. Then gradually raise the
volume while playing the instrument, for your ear comfort and safety.

CAUTION

Rear

• Do not use the instrument or headphones for a long
period of time at a high or uncomfortable volume level,
since this can cause permanent hearing loss.

• Before connecting the instrument to other electronic com­ponents, make sure to set all volume levels to minimum,
then turn off the power off all the components. Otherwise,
damage to the components or electrical shock may occur.

• To avoid possible damage to the external device, first turn
on the power to the instrument, then to the external
device. When turning off the power, do so in reverse
order: first turn off the power to the external device, then
to the instrument.

CAUTION

NOTICE

This instrument provides powerful performance features including versatile effects and sounds enjoyable
even for beginners. We recommend that you read this manual carefully so that you can fully take advantage
of the advanced and convenient functions of the instrument.
We also recommend that you keep this manual in a safe and handy place for future reference.

About the Manuals

In addition to this Owner’s Manual, the following
Online document (PDF file) is available.

MIDI Reference

Contains MIDI-related information, such as
the MIDI Implementation Chart.

To obtain this document, access the Yamaha
Downloads website, then enter the model name for
searching the desired files.

Yamaha Downloads

http://download.yamaha.com/

Included Accessories

• Owner’s Manual (this book) (1)

• USB cable (1)

• Online Member Product Registration (1)

Setting Up

Depending on how you are powering your instru­ment, follow one of the three power supply instruc­tions below. The PSS-A50 does not include power
supply accessories (with the exception of the USB
cable), so make sure to purchase them separately
as required.

Using USB Bus Power

USB bus power

This instrument is a bus-powered type device which can be
powered by a computer connected via the USB cable.

Connect the included USB cable in the order
shown in the illustration.

1

2

When disconnecting the USB cable, first turn off
the power, then follow the order shown above in
reverse.

PSS-A50 Owner’s Manual

6

Using a USB Power Adaptor or USB

2

1

2

2

3

or

USB cable

AC Outlet

USB mobile battery

(commercially available)

USB power adap-

tor (commercially

available)

5V DC/

USB TO HOST jack

(USB micro B)

The shape of the plug and outlet
differs depending on your locale.

Rear

USB Power adaptor / USB mobile battery
requirements

• Output voltage: 4.8 V to 5.2 V

• Output current: 0.5 A or greater

• Make sure to use a USB power adaptor or USB mobile
battery with the specifications above. Using the wrong
USB power adaptor can result in damage to the instru­ment or overheating.
Read the safety precautions for your particular USB
power adaptor or USB mobile battery.

• When the instrument is turned on and power turns off
suddenly and unexpectedly, your USB power adaptor
may not meet the requirements or may be damaged.
Try using another USB power adaptor that meets the
requirements, etc. If it should appear to be malfunc­tioning, please consult Yamaha service personnel.

CAUTION

NOTICE

3

WARNING

NOTICE

• Use a USB cable of less than 3 meters. If the sound is degraded, make sure to use the included USB cable or turn down the
master volume as needed.

NOTICE

Mobile Battery

Connect the included USB cable and the USB
power adaptor (or USB mobile battery) sold sepa­rately in the order shown in the illustration.

When disconnecting the USB cable or so, first turn
off the power, then follow the order shown above in
reverse.

Using Batteries

This instrument requires four “AA” size, Alkaline
(LR6)/Manganese (R6) batteries, or rechargeable
nickel-metal hydride batteries (rechargeable Ni-MH
batteries). The Alkaline batteries or rechargeable
Ni-MH batteries are recommended for this instru­ment, since other types may result in poorer battery
performance.

• See the “Battery” section in the Precautions (pages 4–5).

1 Make sure that the power of the instrument is

off.

2 Open the battery compartment cover located on

the instrument’s bottom panel.

3 Insert the four new batteries, being careful to fol-

low the polarity markings on the inside of the
compartment.

The model number, serial number, power requirements, etc.,
may be found on or near the name plate, which is at the bottom
of the unit. You should note this serial number in the space pro­vided below and retain this manual as a permanent record of
your purchase to aid identification in the event of theft.

Model No.

Serial No.

(bottom_en_01)

4 Replace the compartment cover, making sure

that it locks firmly in place.

• Make sure to set the Battery Type correctly (page 12).
Failure to set the battery type may shorten the amount of
the battery life.

• Connecting or disconnecting the USB cable with batteries
installed may turn the power off, resulting in loss of data
being recorded at the time.

PSS-A50 Owner’s Manual

7

2 3

Turning the Power On/

0.01

Decreases Increases

01

Down Up

Octave value “-04” –
“04” will be shown.

1

Selected type number
will be shown.

This dot lights to indicate
an Arpeggio number.

Adjusting the Master

Standby

Turning the power on

Press the [ ](Standby/On) switch.

The display lights.

Turning the power to Standby

Press the [ ](Standby/On) switch for a second.

Volume

05

Volume range: 00–15 (default: 13)

NOTE

• Volume will be reset to the default value of 13 when
“Initialization” (page 13) is done.

Octave Shift

You can shift the pitch up or down in octave
steps.

Changing the pitch

NOTE

• To reset the octave setting to the default value of “00,”
press the OCTAVE buttons simultaneously.

• When the Octave setting is -03, -04, +03 or +04, some
Voice sounds too soft to hear, or the pitch in one octave
sounds same as other (up or down) octave.

Arpeggio

This function lets you automatically trigger musi­cal and rhythmic phrases and backing patterns
by simply pressing a key or keys on the keyboard.

Select an Arpeggio type.

Use the [-] and [+] buttons.

00.1

NOTE

• Refer to the Arpeggio category list on the panel.

• Holding down the [-] or [+] button continuously
decreases or increases the value. While holding down
the [SHIFT] button, each press of the [-] or [+] button
jumps to each Arpeggio category top.

• No. 117–138 are drum patterns. Play with a Drum Kit
Voice and “Hold” (page 9) to use it as a rhythm track.

• Selecting a Voice automatically selects the optimum
Arpeggio type for the Voice.

PSS-A50 Owner’s Manual

8