Yamaha Audio MU5 User Manual

FCC INFORMATION (U.S.A.)

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.

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.

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 user’s manual, may cause interference harmful to the operation of
other electronic devices. Compliance with FCC regulations does not guarantee 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,
please contact Yamaha Corporation of America, Electronic Service Division, 6600
Orangethorpe Ave, Buena Park CA, 90620

• This applies only to products distributed by Yamaha Corporation of America.

CANADA

THIS DIGITAL APPARATUS DOES NOT EXCEED THE “CLASS B” LIMITS FOR RADIO NOISE
EMISSIONS FROM DIGITAL APPARATUS SET OUT IN THE RADIO INTERFERENCE
REGULATION OF THE CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS.

LE PRESENT APPAREIL NUMERIQUE N’EMET PAS DE BRUITS RADIOELECTRIQUES
DEPASSANT LES LIMITES APPLICABLES AUX APPAREILS NUMERIQUES DE LA “CLASSE
B” PRESCRITES DANS LE REGLEMENT SUR LE BROUILLAGE RADIOELECTRIQUE EDICTE
PAR LE MINISTERE DES COMMUNICATIONS DU CANADA.

* This applies only to products distributed by Yamaha Canada Music LTD.
* Ceci ne s’applique qu’aux produits distribués par Yamaha Canada Music LTD.

Entsorgung leerer
Batterien
(nur innerhalb
Deutschlands)

Leisten Sie einen Beitrag zum
Umweltschutz. Verbrauchte
Batterien oder Akkumulatoren
dürfen nicht in den Hausmüll.
Sie können bei einer
Sammelstelle für Altbatterien
bzw. Sondermüll abgegeben
werden. Informieren Sie sich
bei Ihrer Kommune.

The serial number of this
product may be found on 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. MU5

Serial No.

Dit produkt is gefabriceerd in overeenstemming met de
radiostoringsvoorschriften van de Richtlijn van de Raad
(82/499/EEG).

ΑΥΤΗ Η ΣΥΣΚΕΥΗ ΑΝΤΑΠΟΚΡΙΝΕΤΑΙ ΣΤΙΣ
ΑΠΑΙΤΗΣΕΙΣ ΤΩΝ Ο∆ΗΓΙΩΝ ΤΗΣ ΕΥΡΩΠΑΙΚΗΣ
ΟΙΚΟΝΟΜΙΚΗΣ ΚΟΙΝΟΤΗΤΑΣ 82/499/Ε.Ο.Κ.

Este produto está de acordo com o radio de interferencia
frequente requiridos do Conselho Diretivo 82/499/EEC.

Dette apparat overholder det gaeldende EF-direktiv
verdrørende radiostøj.

Cet appareil est conforme aux prescriptions de la
directive communautaire 87/308/CEE.

Diese Geräte entsprechen der EG-Richtlinie 82/499/EWG
und/oder 87/308/EWG.

This product complies with the radio frequency
interference requirements of the Council Directive 82/
499/EEC and/or 87/308/EEC.

Questo apparecchio è conforme al D.M.13 aprile 1989
(Direttiva CEE/87/308) sulla soppressione dei
radiodisturbi.

Este producto está de acuerdo con los requisitos sobre
interferencias de radio frequencia fijados por el Consejo
Directivo 87/308/CEE.

YAMAHA CORPORATION

SPECIAL MESSAGE SECTION (U.S.A.)

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 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 non­rechargeable 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, do not mix old
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.

PLEASE KEEP THIS MANUAL

Model MU5
Serial No.
Purchase Date

92-BP

1

Welcome to the MU5

Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the Yamaha MU5 Tone
Generator!

The MU5 is an advanced tone generator providing exceptionally
high-quality Voices, full General MIDI compatibility, and
flexible computer interfacing in a highly compact and portable
package.

With the built-in host computer interface and MIDI terminals,
the MU5 is ideal for any computer music system — from connec­tion to a simple laptop to integration in a complete MIDI studio.
It even features a two-octave keyboard (with adjustable ten­octave range), allowing you to play the internal Voices and enter
notes to a connected sequencer. And, since it runs on batteries as
well, it’s ready to make music wherever you take it.

■

Trademarks

• Apple and Macintosh are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.

• IBM PC and PC/AT are registered trademarks of International Business

Machines Corporation.

• PC-9800 Series is a trademark of NEC Corporation.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

2

Table of Contents

Welcome to the MU5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

How to Use This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

The Controls of the MU5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

■

Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

■

Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

■

Side Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

The MU5 — What It Is and What It Can Do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Setting Up Your MU5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

■

Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

●

Using a Power Adaptor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

●

Using Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

●

When to Replace the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

■

Audio Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

●

Using Headphones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

●

Using an External Sound System . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Setting Up the MU5 in Your Music System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

■

Connecting With a Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

●

Macintosh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

●

IBM PC and Clones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

●

NEC PC-9800 Series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

■

Connecting to Other MIDI Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

■

Data Flow Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

■

MIDI/Computer Connecting Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Playing the Demo Song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Using the MU5 — The Play Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

■

Playing the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

■

Changing the Octave Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

■

Selecting a Part and Changing the Voice . . . . . . . . . . .26

Using the MU5 with a Computer or Sequencer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Using the MU5 with a MIDI Data Storage Device . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Muting and Soloing Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Editing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

3

Table of Contents

Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Utility Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

●

Master Tune . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

●

Transpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

●

Mute Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

●

Velocity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

●

Local Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

●

Dump Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

●

Initialize All . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Part Edit Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

●

Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

●

Pan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

●

MIDI Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

●

Note Shift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

●

Part Tune . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

●

Pitch Bend Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Voice List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .add-2

MIDI Data Format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .add-8

MIDI Implementation Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .add-24

4

How to Use This Manual

You are probably eager to try out your new MU5 Tone Generator right away
and hear what it can do, rather than have to read through a lot of instructions
before you can even get a sound out of it.

However, to get the most out of your MU5, we strongly suggest that you read
the following sections in the order given:

1) Precautions

This gives you important information on how to care for your
new MU5, how to avoid damaging, and how to ensure long-term,
reliable operation.

2) The MU5 — What It Is and What It Can Do

This briefly provides an overview of the functions and features of
the MU5 and offers some important hints on how you can use it
effectively.

3) Setting Up Your MU5; The Controls of the MU5

The first section shows you how to set up your MU5 for basic
operation, and the second introduces you to the panel controls
and connectors.

4) Playing the Demo Song; Using the MU5 — The Play Mode

These two sections get you started using the MU5. The first
guides you through the Demo Song, while the second gives you
the basic operation procedures you’ll be using when you play the
MU5.

5) Setting Up the MU5 in Your Music System; Using the MU5
with a Computer or Sequencer

These sections provide all you need to know to effectively
integrate the MU5 into your present computer music system.

5

How to Use This Manual

6) Muting and Soloing Parts; Editing

Mute and Solo are useful in song playback, while editing opera­tions prepare you for digging in deeper to the advanced functions
of the MU5.

7) Reference

Once you’re familiar with everything above, lightly go over this
comprehensive guide to all editing functions. You won’t need (or
want) to read everything at once, but it is there for you to refer to
when you need information about a certain feature or function.

8) Appendix

Finally, use the sections in the Appendix as necessary. For
example, the Index will come in handy when you need to quickly
find information on a specific topic. Other sections, such as the
Voice List, Troubleshooting and Error Messages provide
additional useful information.

6

Precautions

Your MU5 will give you years of reliable service if you follow the simple
precautions below:

●

LOCATION

Keep the instrument away from locations where it is likely to be
exposed to high temperatures (such as direct sunlight) or humid­ity. Also avoid locations which are subject to excessive dust
accumulation or vibration which could cause mechanical damage.

●

USE THE CORRECT POWER ADAPTOR

Use only the recommended PA-3, PA-4 or PA-40 Power Adaptor
for supplying power to the instrument. Use of another adaptor
may cause serious damage to the instrument or the adaptor itself.
(Never use the PA-3B.)

●

MAKE SURE POWER IS OFF WHEN MAKING OR
REMOVING CONNECTIONS

To prevent damage to the instrument and other connected equip­ment, always turn off the power prior to connecting or discon­necting cables. Also, turn the power off when the instrument is
not in use, and disconnect the power adaptor during electric
storms.

●

HANDLE THE INSTRUMENT WITH CARE

Although the instrument has been constructed to withstand the
rigors of normal use for optimum sturdiness and reliability, avoid
subjecting it to strong physical shocks (such as dropping or
hitting it). Since the MU5 is a precision-made electronic device,
also avoid applying excessive force to the various controls.
When moving the instrument, first unplug the power adaptor and
all other cables to prevent damage to cords and jacks. Always
unplug cables by gripping the plug firmly, not by pulling on the
cable.

7

●

CLEAN WITH A SOFT, DRY CLOTH

Never use solvents such as benzine or thinner to clean the instru­ment, since these will damage the cabinet finish or dull the keys.
Wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth. If necessary, use a soft, clean,
slightly moistened cloth — making sure to wipe the case off
again with a dry cloth.

●

ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE

Avoid using the unit near televisions, radios or other equipment
generating electromagnetic fields. Proximity to such equipment
may cause the unit to malfunction, and may generate interference
noise in the other appliance as well.

●

DO NOT OPEN THE CASE OR TRY REPAIRING
THE INSTRUMENT YOURSELF

The instrument contains no user-serviceable parts. Never open
the case or tamper with the internal circuitry in any way, since
doing so may result in damage to the instrument. Refer all
servicing to qualified Yamaha service personnel.

●

MIDI CABLES

When connecting the instrument to other MIDI equipment, be
sure to use only high-quality cables made especially for MIDI
data transmission. Also, avoid using cables longer than 15
meters, since long cables can result in data errors.

Yamaha is not responsible for damage caused by improper handling or
operation.

Precautions

8

VOICE LIST
001–008

009

–0

16

017

–0

24

025

–0

32

033

–0

40

041

–0

48

049

–0

56

057

–0

64

PART

–

1 VALUE +1 MUTE EXIT

MSTR
TUNE

TRNS
POSE

MUTE

LOCK

VELO

CITY

LOCL
CTRL

DUMP

OUT

INIT
ALL

VOL PAN

MIDI

CH

NOTE

SHFT

PART
TUNE

BEND
RNGE

OCT

DOWN

OCT
UP

123 45 678 90

UTILITY

PART EDIT

ENTER

SELECT

C C

PIANO
TUNED PERC.
ORGAN
GUITAR
BASS
STRINGS
ENSEMBLE
BRASS

065

–

072

073

–

080

081

–

088

089

–

096

097

–

104
105 –112
113

–

120
121

–

128

REED
PIPE
SYNTH LEAD
SYNTH PAD
SYNTH EFFECTS
ETHNIC
PERCUSSIVE
SOUND EFFECTS

DRUM VOICE LIST
129

130
131
132
133
134
135
136

STANDARD
ROOM
ROCK
ELECTRONIC
ANALOG
JAZZ
BRUSH
CLASSIC

TONE GENERATOR

q

w

e

r

t

y

u

o

i

PART PGM VOICE NAME

#

123456789101112 16151413

GENERAL

The Controls of the MU5

■

Front Panel

q Display

In the Play mode, this shows the Part number and the currently
selected program number and Voice name for the Part. It also
shows the octave setting (when set to a value other than normal)
and acts as a “level meter,” showing the velocity values for each
Part as they are played.

In the Edit modes, this shows the relevant values and, where
applicable, a graphic display of the set values.

w ,. buttons

For selecting the desired Part. (In some of the Edit functions,
these may not be available.) Hold down either button to rapidly
advance through the values.

9

The Controls of the MU5

e -= buttons

For changing the value of the selected function or parameter. In
the Play mode, these are used to change the program number at
the selected Part. In the Edit modes, these are used to change the
current function’s value or turn a function on or off. Hold down
either button to rapidly advance through the values.

r m button

For using the Mute and Solo functions. (See page 29.)

t e button

For leaving the Edit modes and returning to the Play mode.

y d (OCTAVE DOWN) and

u

(OCTAVE UP) buttons

For changing the octave transposition of the MU5’s keyboard.
These also double as s buttons, allowing you to select the
functions of the Edit modes.

u Keyboard

This two-octave keyboard is used to play the Voices of the MU5.
It can also be used to play notes on a connected external tone
generator or enter notes to a connected sequencer or computer.

The white keys double as editing controls, while the black keys
also function as number keys. (Used with the s buttons.)

i / button

For switching between positive (+) and negative (-) values during
editing. (Used with the s buttons.)

o E button

For actually entering values during editing. (Used with the
s buttons.)

10

■

Rear Panel

q VOLUME control

For adjusting the overall level of the MU5.

w LINE OUT/PHONES jack

For connection to an amplifier/speaker system or a set of stereo
headphones.

MIDI INOUT

HOST SELECT

TO HOST

MIDI PC-2 PC-1 Mac

DC IN

POWER

ON OFF

q

w

e

r

t

q MIDI OUT and MIDI IN terminals

For connection to other MIDI devices, such as a MIDI keyboard,
tone generator, sequencer, or to a computer that has a MIDI
interface. (See page 20.)

w HOST SELECT switch

For selecting the type of connected device. (See pages 17 – 20.)

e TO HOST terminal

For connection to a host computer that does not have a MIDI
interface. (See pages 17 – 20.)

r DC IN jack

For connection to the AC power adaptor.

t POWER switch

For turning on the power to the unit.

■

Side Panel

w

MIN VOLUME MAX LINE OUT/

PHONES

q

11

The MU5 — What It Is and What It Can Do

■

What It Is...

The MU5 is a compact, highly portable and easy-to-use tone generator. It
features full General MIDI Level 1 compatibility with 128 General MIDI
Voices and 8 drum kits. The MU5 has 28-Voice polyphony and is 16-Part
multi-timbral. In other words, the MU5 has 16 different Parts, each with its
own Voice, so that up to 16 different Voices can be sounded simultaneously.

With the built-in two-octave keyboard, you can play any of the Voices directly
from the MU5 itself. Or you can play them from a connected MIDI keyboard.
In addition, the MU5 also has a TO HOST terminal for easy interfacing with a
computer, allowing you to play the Voices using your favorite music software.
This is where the advanced multi-timbral capabilities come in, letting you play
up to 16 different Voices at the same time.

■

About General MIDI

General MIDI is a new addition to the worldwide MIDI standard. MIDI, as
you know, stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, and makes it
possible for various electronic musical instruments and other devices to
“communicate” with each other. For example, by connecting a sequencer to
the MU5’s MIDI IN terminal, you could play back a song on the sequencer
using the Voices of the MU5.

So, where does General MIDI fit in all of this? One of the most important
features of General MIDI is in the standardization of Voices. This means that
a song recorded in the General MIDI format can be played back on any Gen­eral MIDI compatible tone generator and sound just as the composer intended.
For example, if there is an alto sax solo in the song, it will be played by an alto
sax Voice on the General MIDI tone generator (and not by a tuba or harpsi­chord!). Since the MU5 is fully compatible with General MIDI, you can take
advantage of the vast wealth of musical material recorded in that format.

The MU5 — What It Is and What It Can Do

12

■

What It Can Do...

Here are a few ideas on how you can use the MU5. The list below is not
comprehensive, but is meant to be a general guide to the possibilities and
provide a starting point or springboard for your own creative ideas and explo­rations.

●

Using With MIDI Keyboard

Use the MU5 as supplementary tone generator with your MIDI
keyboard and play the Voices of both instruments in a layer
together. Or, if your keyboard has the capability, program a
“split” so that the notes you play on the right side of the keyboard
play only the Voices of the MU5.

●

Using With Other MIDI Controllers

Even if you’re not a keyboard player, you can still play the MU5
with other types of MIDI controllers. For example, you can use a
MIDI percussion controller to play the drum and percussion
sounds of the MU5.

■

When Connected to a Computer or
Sequencer

●

Home Studio Setup

The MU5 integrates easily into any existing setup. If you have a
MIDI keyboard, computer and sequencing software, the MU5
with its high-quality Voices and multi-timbral capabilities can
expand your home studio system.

●

Carry It With You

If you have a laptop computer (and sequencing software), simply
connect the MU5, plug in some headphones and you’ve got a
complete music making system that’s ready to go wherever you
go. Use it for composing, arranging, practicing or making/
playing demos for your band.

13

●

Perform With It

Bring it with you to a gig — as long as there’s a MIDI keyboard
on stage, you can use the high-quality sounds of MU5 in your
performance.

●

Multimedia

Since it’s portable and compatible with General MIDI, the MU5
is a natural for multimedia applications. Bring it with you to a
presentation — since the computer interface is built-in to the
MU5, it hooks up instantly and easily to the computer’s serial
port or printer port, without the need for any other equipment.

■

About the Modes of the MU5

The MU5 has three operating modes: Play, Utility and Part Edit.
(Utility and Part Edit are the two edit-related modes of the MU5.)

●

Play Mode

This is the normal mode of the MU5, the one in which you
normally play and select the internal Voices (either from the
built-in keyboard or a connected MIDI device), select Parts, and
use the Mute and Solo functions.

●

Utility Mode

The Utility mode lets you set functions related to the overall
operation of the MU5, such as Master Tune, Transpose and
Velocity settings. Included also are utility operations, such as
sending bulk data to a data storage device, and initializing of the
MU5 settings.

●

Part Edit Mode

The Part Edit mode allows you to change certain settings for each
individual Part, such as the Volume, Pan and individual tuning
settings for each Part. The internal Voices can be sounded during
editing, allowing you to hear the effects of your edits.

The MU5 — What It Is and What It Can Do

14

CAUTION!

■

Do not attempt to use an AC adaptor other than
the PA-3, PA-4 or PA-40. The use of an incompat­ible adaptor may result in irreparable damage to the
MU5, and even pose a serious shock hazard.
(Never use the PA-3B.)

■

Be sure to disconnect the power adaptor from the
outlet when the MU5 is not in use.

Setting Up Your MU5

●

Using a Power Adaptor

Connect one end of the power adaptor (Yamaha PA-3, PA-4 or
PA-40) to the DC IN jack on the rear panel, and the other end to
a suitable electrical outlet.

HOST SELECT

TO HOST

MIDI PC-2 PC-1 Mac

DC IN

POWER

ON OFF

AC adaptor

■

Power Supply

Your MU5 will run either from an optional AC adaptor or batteries. Follow
the instructions below according to the power source you intend to use.

NOTE

Before making any connections, make sure that all equipment to
be connected is turned off.

15

●

Using Batteries

To use the MU5 on battery power, insert six 1.5V AA size
(SUM-3, R-6 or equivalent) manganese or alkaline batteries in
the battery compartment. Make sure to follow the polarity
indications on the bottom case (and as shown below).

Securely replace the battery compartment cover when done
installing the batteries.

Setting Up Your MU5

●

When to Replace the Batteries

When the battery power runs too low to operate the MU5, the
following display will appear:

PART PGM VOICE NAME

#

When this happens, replace all batteries with a complete set of six
new batteries of the same type.

CAUTION!

■

In order to avoid losing any important memory
settings when battery power becomes low, turn off
the MU5, then immediately connect a power
adaptor (to supply continuous power) and replace
all batteries.

■

NEVER mix old and new batteries or different
types of batteries! Also, to prevent possible dam­age due to battery leakage, remove the batteries
from the instrument if it is not to be used for an
extended period of time.

16

■

Audio Connections

In order to hear your MU5, you’ll have to make certain audio connections.
You can listen to the MU5 by using a set of stereo headphones or by connect­ing it to an amplifier/speaker system.

●

Using Headphones

Connect a set of stereo headphones (with a stereo miniature plug)
to the LINE OUT/PHONES jack.

Headphones

MIN VOLUME MAX LINE OUT/

PHONES

●

Using an External Sound System

Connect the LINE OUT/PHONES jack on the MU5 to the stereo
inputs of an amplifier/speaker system by using a “Y” cable
(stereo miniature plug to dual RCA pin plugs), available from
many audio and musical instrument dealers.

MIN VOLUME MAX LINE OUT/

PHONES

17

As you learned in the section The MU5 — What It Is and What It Can Do
on page 11, the MU5 can be integrated into a variety of setups. It would be
impossible to cover all connection possibilities in a short manual as this;
however, the section below will help in quickly setting up the MU5 and using
it in your system.

■

Connecting With a Computer

The MU5 features a built-in host computer interface, allowing you to directly
connect it to your computer — eliminating the need of installing a special
MIDI interface to your computer. The MU5 can be used with the following
computers: Apple Macintosh, IBM PC and the NEC PC-9800 Series.

If your computer has a MIDI interface you may want to connect the MU5 to it,
rather than using the host computer interface on the MU5. (See the section
“Connecting to Other MIDI Devices” on page 20.)

Depending on the computer or interface used, set the HOST SELECT switch
to the appropriate setting: MIDI, PC-1 (NEC computers), PC-2 (IBM and
clones), or MAC (Macintosh). For information on the types of cables that can
be used for connection, see the section “MIDI/Computer Connecting
Cables” on page 22.

Setting Up the MU5 in Your Music System

Setting Up the MU5 in Your Music System

18

Macintosh

Follow these instructions if you have an Apple Macintosh that is
not equipped with an external MIDI interface. Connect the TO
HOST terminal on the MU5 to the Modem or Printer port on the
Macintosh.

Operation

1

Set the HOST SELECT switch to MAC.

2

Connect the MU5 to the host computer, as shown in the
illustration above. Use a standard Macintosh cable (8-pin
Mini DIN on both ends; see page 22).

3

Turn on the host computer, then the MU5.

4

Start up your music software, and set up the appropriate
options on the software for operation with the MU5.

●

The options you may have to set include:

• MIDI Interface Type ➝ Standard MIDI Interface

• MIDI Time Piece ➝ Off

• Clock ➝ 1 MHz

Other options and settings may have to be made as well. Refer to
the owner’s manual of your particular music software for more
information.

HOST SELECT

MIDI PC-2 PC-1 Mac

TO HOST

DC IN

POWER

ON OFF

19

IBM PC and Clones

Follow these instructions if you have an IBM PC/AT or compat­ible computer that is not equipped with an external MIDI inter­face. Connect the TO HOST terminal on the MU5 to one of the
computer’s serial ports, COM 1 or COM 2.

NOTE

■

Your music software must be able to recognize
the TO HOST connection. Consult your Yamaha
dealer for more details. If your software is not
compatible, you can still use the MU5 by installing a
MIDI interface (internal card or external) to the
computer.

Operation

1

Set the HOST SELECT switch to PC-2.

Setting Up the MU5 in Your Music System

2

Connect the MU5 to the host computer, as shown in the
illustration above. Use a standard computer cable (8-pin
Mini DIN to 9-pin D-SUB; see page 22).

3

Turn on the host computer, then the MU5.

4

Start up your music software, and set up the appropriate
options on the software for operation with the MU5.

Refer to the owner’s manual of your particular music software for
more information.

HOST SELECT

MIDI PC-2 PC-1 Mac

TO HOST

DC IN

POWER

ON OFF

20

NEC PC-9800 Series

The NEC PC-9800 Series computers are widely used in Japan.
For use with these computers, set the HOST SELECT switch on
the MU5 to PC-1. Operation is the same as for
the PC-2 setting explained above. The only
difference between PC-1 and PC-2 is the
communication baud rate. (See page 46.)

■

Connecting to Other MIDI Devices

The MU5 is equipped with MIDI IN and OUT terminals, allowing you to use it
in any MIDI system. Example uses for the built-in MIDI interface include:

• Connecting to a MIDI keyboard (for playing the sounds of the MU5
from that keyboard).

• Connecting to a MIDI tone generator (for playing the sounds of that
tone generator from the MU5).

• Connecting to a computer equipped with a MIDI interface (either
internal or external).

• Connecting to a hardware sequencer (such as the Yamaha QY20).

• Connecting to a MIDI data storage device (such as the Yamaha MDF2
MIDI Data Filer).

HOST SELECT

MIDI PC-2 PC-1 Mac

MU5

MU5

IN OUT

INOUT

MDF2

IN OUT

INOUT

MU5

IN OUT

INOUT