Yamaha Audio PSR-79 User Manual

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 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, 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.

Model
Serial No.
Purchase Date

92-BP

PLEASE KEEP THIS MANUAL

2

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

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:

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-3B 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.

• 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 multiple­connector. 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.

• 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.

• Keep batteries away from children.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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/rack 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.

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.

(4)-2

* The illustrations and LCD screens as shown in this owner’s manual are for in-

structional purposes only, and may be different from the ones on your instru­ment.

3

Congratulations on your purchase of

the Yamaha PSR-195/PSR-79 PortaTone!

You now own a portable keyboard that combines advanced functions, great

sound and exceptional ease-of-use in a highly compact package. Its outstanding

features also make it a remarkably expressive and versatile instrument.

Read this Owner’s Manual carefully while playing your new PortaTone in order

to take full advantage of its various features.

Contents

PANEL CONTROLS AND TERMINALS 6

●

Front Panel ...................................... 6

●

Rear Panel ........................................ 8

SETTING UP 9

POWER REQUIREMENTS ............................ 9

●

Using an AC Power Adaptor ............ 9

●

Using Batteries ................................. 9

TURNING ON THE POWER ........................ 9

ACCESSORY JACKS .................................. 10

MUSIC STAND......................................... 10

GETTING STARTED —
PLAYING THE DEMO SONGS 11

PANEL DISPLAY INDICATIONS 12

PORTABLE GRAND 13

USING THE METRONOME ....................... 13

●

Setting the Metronome Time

Signature ....................................... 14

●

Adjusting the Metronome Volume . 14

SELECTING AND PLAYING VOICES —
THE VOICE MODE 15

SELECTING AND PLAYING A VOICE ......... 15

●

Percussion Voice Chart

(voices 90 and 100). ...................... 17

TRANSPOSE AND TUNING ...................... 18

●

Transpose ...................................... 18

●

Tuning ........................................... 19

MELODY GUIDE ....................................... 26

VOICE CHANGE ........................................ 27

SELECTING AND PLAYING STYLES —
THE STYLE MODE 28

SELECTING AND PLAYING A STYLE.......... 28

STYLE CONTROLS ................................... 30

USING THE AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT

FEATURES ............................................. 31

CHANGING THE TEMPO ......................... 31

STYLE SECTIONS (MAIN A, MAIN B) AND

FILL-INS ................................................ 32

ADJUSTING THE ACCOMPANIMENT

VOLUME .............................................. 32

USING AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT —

MULTI FINGERING................................ 33

●

Single Finger Chords ..................... 33

●

Fingered Chords ............................ 33

WHAT IS A CHORD? ................................ 34

WRITING CHORD NAMES ....................... 35

●

The Intervals of the Scale ............... 35

●

Other Chords ................................ 35

ONE TOUCH SETTING (OTS) ................... 36

CHORD GUIDE .......................................... 37

●

Smart ............................................ 37

●

Dictionary ...................................... 39

MULTI PADS............................................. 40

MIDI 41

●

About MIDI ................................... 41

●

How Can MIDI be Used? ............... 41

SELECTING AND PLAYING SONGS —
THE SONG MODE 20

SELECTING AND PLAYING A SONG ......... 20

CHANGING THE TEMPO ......................... 21

●

About the Beat Display .................. 22

ADJUSTING THE SONG VOLUME ............ 23

SONG CONTROLS .................................. 24

A/B REPEAT .............................................. 24

4

TROUBLESHOOTING ...................................... 42

INDEX ............................................................ 43

VOICE LIST ..................................................... 44

MULTI PAD LIST .............................................. 46

SPECIFICATIONS ............................................ 47

MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART ..................... 48

Main Features

The PSR-195/PSR-79 is a sophisticated yet easy-to-use keyboard with the follow­ing features and functions:

Yamaha Education Suite

The PortaTone features the new Yamaha Education Suite — a set of learning tools that utilize the latest
technology to make studying and practicing music more fun and fulfilling than ever before!

The Yamaha Education Suite includes:

Powerful Melody Guide functions in the Song mode — Waiting and Minus One — that let you
easily learn the 100 songs and even show you what notes to play!

• Waiting pauses song playback (like a patient teacher!), so you can practice at your own pace.

• Minus One mutes only the melody part, letting you play the part yourself. The expert
backing parts encourage you to play your best and make it easy to “feel” the song!

Chord Guide functions in the Style mode — Smart and Dictionary — that make it exceptionally
easy to learn chords and chord relationships.

• Smart lets you easily play harmonically “correct” chord progressions for whatever key you
specify. It’s great for learning — and performing!

• Dictionary is a built-in “chord encyclopedia” that teaches you how to play specific chords.
You type in the chord name, and the PortaTone shows you which notes to play!

Portable Grand

The PortaTone also has a Portable Grand function for realistic piano performance. Pressing the
PORTABLE GRAND button instantly calls up the stunningly authentic “Stereo Sampling Piano” voice
and configures the entire PortaTone for optimum piano play. Special Piano styles — with piano-only
accompaniment — are also provided.

page 26-27, 34-35, 37-39

page 13

Other powerful features include:

• Exceptionally realistic and dynamic sounds with
100 voices, utilizing digital recordings of actual
instruments.

• 100 dynamic auto accompaniment Styles, each
with different Intro, Main A and B, and Ending
sections. All styles (except for the Piano styles) also
have their own four Fill-in patterns.

•

Large custom LCD gives you easy, at-a-glance confirma­tion of all important settings, as well as chord and note
indications.

• 100 songs, for your listening enjoyment — or for
use with the sophisticated learning tools of the
Yamaha Education Suite.

•

Convenient control over accompaniment Styles —
including Tempo and independent Accompaniment
Volume.

• One Touch Setting (OTS), for automatically calling
up an appropriate voice for playing with the selected
Style.

• MIDI terminals for interfacing with other MIDI
devices. The PSR-195 also has a Sustain switch jack.

• Built-in, high-quality stereo amplifier/speaker
system.

5

Panel Controls and Terminals

L

A

E

P

U

N

B

R

Y

S
W

L

N
U
A

N
A

A

A

A

O
O

H

R

K

R

A

E

P
R

N

A

A

Y

H

Front Panel

PSR-195

00

25
26

PIANO

27
28

-TONK

29

1~4

30
STRINGS/MALLET

HORD
A

32
33

N 1~4
H ORG 1~2
RGAN

RGAN
DION
NICA

BASS

UITAR

UITAR
UITAR
UITAR

x 100

x 100

G

G

Wars Main Title

ole New World

AVORITE

HRISTMAS
HILDREN

IANO

-195

PSR-79

E GUITAR
DIST GUITAR
WOOD BASS
FINGER BASS
MUTE BASS
SLAP BASS

STRINGS31
VIOLIN
CELLO
HARP34

A

MIN

MASTER VOLUME

SITAR

35
36

BANJO

37

UKULELE

38

VIBRAPHONE
MARIMBA

39

STEEL DRUMS

40

WIND SYNTHESIZER

TRUMPET

41

TROMBONE

42

MUTE TRPET

43

FRENCH HORN44

STAND BY

ON

B

MAX

CHORD TYPE

ACMP

EFD

BRASS SECT

45

ALTO SAX

46

TENOR SAX

47

CLARINET

48

FLUTE

49

PAN FLUTE

50

THICK LEAD

51

SIMPLE LEAD

52

THICK SAW

53

SIMPLE SAW54

DEMO START

C

OVERALL

57~58

M

SYNTH BASS

55

SY STRINGS

56

SY BRASS1~2

59

RISING
SLOW STRS

60

OVERALL

ACMP

ON/OFF

61~70
71~80
81~90
91~99

SYNC­START

100

HARMONY
SPLIT
ECHO
DUAL
DRUM KIT

MULTI PAD

TRANSPOSE

ACMP VOL
SONG VOL

METRONOME VOL

START/

STOP

POPS
1
2
3

TEMPO

TUNING

STYLE

INTRO/

ENDING

8BEAT POP
8BT UPTEMPO
8BT STANDARD

001

rit.

4

FOLK ROCK

5

POP ROCK

6

8BT MEDIUM

7

8BT BALLAD

8

EPIC BALLAD

GrandPno

AUTO FILL

MAIN A MAIN B

9

PIANO BALLAD

10

16BEAT POP

11

16BT SHUFFLE

12

16BT BALLAD

13

FUSION BALLAD

TEMPO

116

CHORD

GUIDEOTS

DANCE/DISCO
14

DANCE POP

15

TECHNO

16

EUROBEAT

17

EURO HOUSE

SMART
DICTIONARY
OFF

SONG

VOICE

STYLE

18

HIP HOP

19

7OS DISCO

20

DISCO TROP

SOUL/ROCK
21

8BT ROCK BLD

METRONOME

D
E
F

x 100

O P

H I J K L M N Q

b

SONG

aug

m

dim

a

sus4

mM7

M7m77

VOICE

CHANGE

m7 5

7 5

MELODY

GUIDE

7sus4

m6

WAITING

MINUS ONE

OFF

PORTABLE

GRAND

(9)

ROOT

C

CD

22

16BT ROCK BLD

23

6/8 BALLAD

24

HARD ROCK

25

ROCK SHUFFLE

26

SLOW ROCK

D

D

1

4

7

E

27
28
29
30
31

G

2

5

8

0

MULTI PAD

x20BANKS

E

6/8 HVY ROCK
US ROCK
16BEAT ROCK
R&B
SOUL

3

6

9

FG

F

32

FUNK

33

SOUL B

34

GOSPE

35

6/8 GOS

36

4/4 BLU

37

ROCK &

38

BOOGIE

39

TWIST

AMERIC
40

BLUEG

41

2/4 COU

42

8BT CO

43

COWBO

44

CNTRY

45

CNTRY
CNTRY

46
47

CAJUN
BANDA48
MARIAC

49

TEJANO

50

CUMBIA51

JAZZ

SWING

52

B B SWI

53

B B BA

54

JAZZ Q

55

DIXIELA

56

COOL J

57

JAZZ B

58

JAZZ W

59

FUSION

60

G

G

INGS / MALLET

TRINGS
IOLIN
ELLO
ARP
ITAR
ANJO
KULELE
IBRAPHONE

ARIMBA

TEEL DRUMS

ND

RUMPET

A

42

TROMBONE

43

MUTE TRPET

44

FRENCH HORN

45

BRASS SECT

46

ALTO SAX

B

MASTER
VOLUME

BA

MAXMIN

47
48
49
50

SYNTHESIZER

STAN D BY

DEMO START

OVERALL

TENOR SAX
CLARINET
FLUTE
PAN FLUTE

ON

51

THICK LEAD

52

SIMPLE LEAD

53

THICK SAW

54

SIMPLE SAW

55

SYNTH BASS

C

56

57~58

61~70

OVERALL

ACMP

ON/OFF

SY STRINGS
SY BRASS 1~2

59

RISING
SLOW STRS

60

HARMONY

SYNC­START

71~80
81~90
91~93
94~99

100

TEMPO

MULTI PAD

TRANSPOSE

TUNING
ACMP VOL
SONG VOL

METRONOME VOL

START/

STOP

INTRO/

ENDING

SPLIT
ECHO
DUAL
SUSTAIN
DRUM KIT

rit.

STYLE

POPS

8BEAT POP

1

8BT UPTEMPO

2

001

AUTO FILL

MAIN A MAIN B

x 100

GrandPno

H I J K L M N

SONG

ACMP

FEDC

CHORD TYPE

a

b

M

aug

m

sus4

dim

3

8BT STANDARD

4

FOLKROCK

5

POP ROCK

6

8BT MEDIUM

7

8BT BALLAD

TEMPO

116

VOICE

CHANGE

CHORD

GUIDEOTS

MELODY GUIDE

7

SMART
DICTIONARY
OFF

m7

EPIC BALLAD

8

PIANO BALLAD

9

16BEAT POP

10
11

16BT SHUFFLE
16BT BALLAD

12

WAITING
MINUS

OFF

M7

ONE

SONG

VOICE

STYLE

O

mM7

FUSION BALLAD

13

DANCE / DISCO

DANCE POP

14

TECHNO

15

EUROBEAT

16

D
E
F

PORTABLE GRAND

P

METRONOME

7 5

m7 5

7sus4

EURO HOUSE

17

HIP HOP

18

7OS DISCO

19

DISCO TROP

20

1

4

7

MULTI PAD

m6

SOUL / ROCK

21

8BT ROCK BLD

22

16BT ROCK BLD2426

23

6/8 BALLAD

G

2

5

8

0

Q

20BANKSX

9

ROOT

HARD R

25

ROCK S
SLOW R

27

6/8 HVY

28

US ROC
16BEAT

29
30

R&B

31

SOUL

3

32

FUNK

33

SOUL B

34

GOSPEL

35

6/8 GOS

36

4/4 BLU

6

37

ROCK &

38

BOOGIE

39

TWIST

AMERIC

9

40

BLUEGR

41

2/4 COU

42

8BT COU

43

COWBO

44

CNTRY B
CNTRY S

45

C

DCD

6

Panel Controls and Terminals

A Power switch (STAND BY/ON)

B MASTER VOLUME dial

This determines the overall volume of the
PortaTone.

C OVERALL, DEMO START buttons

(s, t, +, -)

These are for selecting the various “overall”
functions and setting their values. (See page

23.) They are also used to play the Demo
songs. (See page 11.)

D SONG button

This selects the Song mode. (See page 20.)

E VOICE button

This selects the Voice mode. (See page 15.)

F STYLE button

This selects the Style mode. (See page 28.)

G Numeric keypad, +/- buttons

These are for selecting songs, voices, and styles.
(See page 16.) They are also used for entering
certain values, such as the time signature for the
Metronome (page 14), and the key signature for
the Smart Chord function (page 38).

H ACMP ON/OFF button

When the Style mode is selected, this turns the
auto accompaniment on and off. (See page

31.) This button has no function in the Song
mode.

K INTRO/ENDING,

When the Style mode is selected, this is used to
control the Intro and Ending functions. (See
pages 29, 30.) When the Song mode is se­lected, this is used to control the A/B Repeat
function. (See page 24.)

button

L MAIN A/B (AUTO FILL), Fast Forward

(f)/Rewind (r) buttons

When the Style mode is selected, these are used
to change auto accompaniment sections and
control the Auto Fill function. (See page 32.)
When the Song mode is selected, these are used
to respectively fast forward and rewind during
song playback. When Song playback is
stopped, they can be used to advance or reverse
to specific measure numbers in the song. (See
page 24.)

M OTS, VOICE CHANGE button

When the Style mode is selected, this is used to
turn the One Touch Setting (OTS) function on
and off. (See page 36.) When the Song mode
is selected, this is used to turn the Voice Change
function on and off. (See page 27.)

N CHORD GUIDE, MELODY GUIDE button

When the Style mode is selected, this is used to
control the Chord Guide functions. (See page

37.) When the Song mode is selected, this is
used to control the Melody Guide function.
(See page 26.)

I SYNC-START, Pause (❙❙) button

When the Style mode is selected, this turns the
Sync-Start function on and off. (See page 29.)
When the Song mode is selected, this alter­nately pauses and starts song playback. (See
page 24.)

J START/STOP (>/■) button

When the Style mode is selected, this alternately
starts and stops the auto accompaniment. (See
page 29.) When the Song mode is selected, this
alternately starts and stops song playback. (See
page 24.)

O PORTABLE GRAND button

This instantly changes to the Voice mode and
calls up the Grand Piano voice. (See page 13.)

P METRONOME button

This turns the metronome on and off. (See
page 13.)

Q MULTI PAD buttons

These are used to automatically play pre-pro­grammed musical phrases. (See page 40.)

7

Panel Controls and Terminals

Rear Panel

PSR-195

MIDI

IN OUT

PSR-79

T S R

SUSTAIN

PHONES/
AUX OUT

DC IN 10-12V

MIDI

IN OUT

R DC IN 10-12V jack

This is for connection to a PA-3B AC power
adaptor. (See page 9.)

S PHONES/AUX OUT jack

This is for connection to a set of stereo head­phones or to an external amplifier/speaker
system. (See page 10.)

S R

PHONES/
AUX OUT

DC IN 10-12V

T SUSTAIN jack (PSR-195 only)

This is for connection to an optional FC4 or FC5
Footswitch. (See page 10.)

MIDI IN, OUT terminals

These are for connection to other MIDI instru­ments and devices. (See pages 10, 41.)

8

Setting Up

This section contains information about setting up your PortaTone for playing.
Make sure to read this section carefully before using the instrument.

Power Requirements

Although the PSR-195/79 will run either from an
optional AC adaptor or batteries, Yamaha
recommends use of an AC adaptor whenever
possible. An AC adaptor is more environmen­tally friendly than batteries and does not deplete
resources.

Using an AC Power Adaptor

To connect your PortaTone to a wall socket, you
will need the optionally available Yamaha PA-3B
Power Adaptor. Use of other AC adaptors could
result in damage to the instrument, so be sure
to ask for the right kind. Plug the adaptor into a
convenient wall outlet and its connector into
the DC IN 10-12V jack on the back of your
PortaTone.

WARNING

• Use ONLY a Yamaha PA-3B 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 PSR­195/79.

• Unplug the AC Power Adaptor when not using the PSR-195/
79, or during electrical storms.

:

■ When the Batteries Run Down

When the batteries run low and the battery
voltage drops below a certain level, the
PortaTone may not sound or function properly.
As soon as this happens, replace them with a
complete set of six new batteries.

CAUTION

• Never mix old and new batteries or different types of
batteries (e.g., alkaline and manganese).

• To prevent possible damage from battery leakage, remove
the batteries from the instrument if it is not to be used for a
long time.

:

Turning On the Power

With the AC power adaptor connected or with
batteries installed, simply press the STAND BY
switch until it locks in the ON position. When
the instrument is not in use, be sure to turn the
power off. (Press the switch again so that it
pops up.)

Using Batteries

■ Inserting Batteries

Turn the instrument upside-down and remove
the battery compartment lid. Insert six 1.5-volt
size “D” (SUM-1, R-20 or equivalent) batteries
as shown in the illustration, making sure that
the positive and negative terminals are properly
aligned, and replace the lid.

PSR-195

BATTERIES 1.5V x 6

STAND BY

ON

CAUTION :

• Even when the switch is in the “STAND BY” position,
electricity is still flowing to the instrument at the minimum
level. When you are not using the PSR-195/79 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.

9

Setting Up

Accessory Jacks

■ Using Headphones

For private practicing and playing without
disturbing others, connect a set of stereo head­phones to the rear panel PHONES/AUX OUT
jack. Sound from the built-in speaker system is
automatically cut off when you insert a head­phone plug into this jack.

■ Connecting a Keyboard Amplifier or Stereo

System

Though the PortaTone is equipped with a built­in speaker system, you can also play it through
an external amplifier/speaker system. First,
make sure the PortaTone and any external
devices are turned off, then connect one end of
a stereo audio cable to the LINE IN or AUX IN
jack(s) of the other device and the other end to
the rear panel PHONES/AUX OUT jack on the
PortaTone.

NOTE:
Even though the PSR-79 does not have a SUSTAIN jack,
certain voices have a natural sustain added to the sound.

NOTE:

• Make sure that the footswitch plug is properly connected to
the SUSTAIN jack before turning on the power.

• Do not press the footswitch while turning the power on.
Doing this changes the recognized polarity of the footswitch,
resulting in reversed footswitch operation.

■ Using the MIDI Terminals

The PortaTone also features MIDI terminals,
allowing you to interface the PortaTone with
other MIDI instruments and devices. (For more
information, see page 41.)

MIDI instrument

CAUTION

• 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.

:

■ Using a Sustain Footswitch (PSR-195 only)

This feature on the PSR-195 lets you use an
optional footswitch (Yamaha FC4 or FC5) to
sustain the sound of the keyboard voice. This is
used in the same way as a damper pedal on an
acoustic piano — press and hold down the
footswitch as you play the keyboard to sustain
the sound.

MIDI

IN OUT

Music Stand

Insert the bottom edge of the included music
stand into the slot located at the top rear of the
PortaTone control panel.

SUSTAIN

10

Getting Started —
Playing the Demo Songs

The PortaTone has a huge variety of Demo songs, specially recorded to showcase
the dynamic sounds and rhythms and give you an idea of what you can do with
the instrument.

First, turn on the power.

Press the STAND BY/ON button. Whenever the power
is turned on, the Voice mode is automatically called up
and set to play Voice 1 (GrandPno).

Set the Volume.

Initially, turn the MASTER VOLUME control about a third
of the way up. You can adjust the control for optimum
level once the songs start playing.

STAND BY

ON

MIN

MASTER VOLUME

MAX

MAX

DEMO START

Song number

001

Current chord

Press the DEMO START buttons.

All 100 songs will play in sequence. You can play along on the keyboard
with the songs. If the Voice Change function is on (page 27), the key­board voice will change to match the changes in the song of the melody
voice.

The current song name and number appear at the left of the display.
Notice also that the display indicates both the chords (except for song #1,
“StarWars”) and the melody notes (in the music staves and the keyboard
diagram) as they change during the song. (Scores for the Demo songs are
provided.)

Song name

StarWars

Melody notation

MEASURE

002

Keyboard diagram
(current note is dark)

To stop playback, press the START/STOP (>/■)

button. For information on selecting and playing
individual songs, see page 20.

While the Demo song is playing...

Many features of the PortaTone can be used while the
Demo songs are playing. These include:

• Tempo (page 21)

• Song volume (page 23)

• Tuning (page 19)

• Pause (❙❙), Rewind (r), Fast Forward (f) (page 24)

• Voice Change (page 27)

11

Panel Display Indications

The PortaTone features a large multi-function display that shows all important
settings for the instrument. The section below briefly explains the various icons
and indications in the display.

B Overall function

bar indicator

TEMPO

MULTI PAD

TRANSPOSE

TUNING

ACMP VOL

SONG VOL

METRONOME VOL

F Chord

002

A Mode indicator

These dark bars indicate the currently selected
mode: Song, Voice, or Style. A C-shaped bar (at
SONG or STYLE) indicates that the mode is
active in the background.

In the first example, the Song mode is selected.
In the second example, the Voice mode is
selected, but the Song mode is active in the
background. (This means that the song controls
below the display are active and can be used to
play the currently selected song.)

EX.1

Song
mode

EX.2

B Overall function bar indicator

The PortaTone has seven Overall functions or
controls. The currently selected function is
indicated by a dark bar that appears next to its
name (printed on the panel).

C Notation
D Keyboard

These two portions of the display conveniently
indicate notes currently played on the keyboard.
When a song is being played back, they show
the single notes of the melody in succession.
When the Style mode and auto accompaniment
are active, the display also shows the specific

12

12

G Song/Voice/Style name

and number

WholeNew

D Keyboard

notes of the current chord.
The indication “8va” appears at
the lower or upper part of the
notation staff for a note or notes
that are respectively an octave
lower or higher than notated.

NOTE:
For a few specific chords (such as BM7), not all notes may be
shown in the notation section of the display. This is due to
space limitations in the display.

E Measure/Tempo and beat

Song
mode

Voice
mode

This shows either the current measure (when
the Song mode is selected) or the current
Tempo value (when the Style mode is selected).
The hand clap icons also flash to indicate the
beats in the measure during song or style
playback. (See page 22.)

F Chord

When a song is being played back, this indicates
the current chord root and type. It also indi­cates chords played in the ACMP section of the
keyboard when the Style mode and auto ac­companiment are on.

G Song/Voice/Style name and number

This portion of the display indicates the name
and number of the currently selected song,
voice, or style. When other functions of the
PortaTone are selected, it briefly shows the
function name and current value or setting.

MEASURE

A Mode indicator

C Notation

SONG

VOICE

003

STYLE

E Measure/Tempo

and beat

003

8va

Portable Grand

TEMPO

Tempo

116

116

TEMPO

This convenient function lets you automatically exit from any
other mode or function and instantly call up the Grand Piano
voice.

Press the piano-shaped PORTABLE GRAND button.

Doing this automatically cancels any other mode or function, and resets

METRONOME

PORTABLE

GRAND

the entire instrument for playing the special “Stereo Sampling Piano”
Grand Piano voice (voice 001). It automatically selects the Song mode,
calling up song #72, “Für Elise” — which can be played instantly by

pressing the START/STOP (>/■) button. It also sets the Multi Pads to

special piano phrases, and calls up style #81 (“2beat”).

“STEREO SAMPLING PIANO”

Using the Metronome

Set the desired tempo with the Tempo function in

the Overall menu.

Press one of the OVERALL s/t buttons, repeatedly if necessary, until
“Tempo” appears in the display.

OVERALL

Change the value.

Use the OVERALL +/- buttons to increase or
decrease the Tempo value. Holding down either
button continuously increases or decreases the
value.

Decreases
Tempo value

Current Tempo value

Increases
Tempo value

OVERALL

Turn on the Metronome.

Press the METRONOME button.

To turn the Metronome off, press the METRONOME
button again.

METRONOME

PORTABLE

GRAND

13

Portable Grand

Setting the Metronome Time Signature

The time signature of the Metronome can be set to
various quarter-note based meters.

NOTE:
The time signature changes automatically when a style
or song is selected.

Simultaneously hold down the METRONOME
button and press the button on the numeric
keypad that corresponds to the desired time
signature (see chart at right).

Adjusting the Metronome Volume

You can adjust the volume of the Metronome sound
independently of the other PortaTone sounds. The
volume range is 000 - 127.

Numeric Time
keypad signature

1 Plays only “1” beats (all high clicks)
2 2/4
3 3/4
4 4/4
5 5/4
6 6/4
7 7/4
8 8/4
9 9/4
0 Plays no “1” beats (all low clicks)

Change the value.

Use the OVERALL +/- buttons to increase or
decrease the Metronome Volume value. Holding
down either button continuously increases or
decreases the value.

Select the Metronome Volume function

in the Overall menu.

Press one of the OVERALL s/t buttons, repeatedly
if necessary, until “MtrVol” appears in the display.

OVERALL

Current Metronome value

100

METRONOME VOL

MtrVol

TEMPO

116

OVERALL

Decreases Metronome
Volume value

Increases Metro­nome Volume value

Restoring the Default Metronome Volume Value
To restore the default Metronome Volume value
(100), press both OVERALL +/- buttons simulta­neously (when Metronome Volume is selected in
the Overall menu).

14

Selecting and Playing Voices —

VOICE

STYLE

SONG

P

M

D

1

0

I

x

P

M

G

The Voice Mode

The Voice mode features 100 authentic voices that have been
created with Yamaha’s sophisticated AWM (Advanced Wave
Memory) tone generation system. Many of these voices also
have special preset characteristics or embellishments. The
voices are divided into various categories depending on their
characteristics or the effects used.

Selecting and Playing a Voice

“STEREO SAMPLING PIANO”

Select the Voice mode.

Press the VOICE button.

Voice name and number

001

GrandPno

TEMPO

116

Indicates Voice mode is
selected

Select the desired voice number.

Use the numeric keypad. The basic categories of voices and their num­bers are shown at the left side of the panel. A complete list of the
available voices is given on page 44.

PSR-195

Voice list

PSR-79

Voice list

x 100

VOICE

1
2
3

4~7

8
9
10

ORGAN
11~14
15~16

17

18

19

20

GUITAR/BASS

22

23

PIANO

GRAND PIANO
PIANO
HONKY-TONK
E PIANO 1~4
HAPSICHORD
CLAVI
CELESTA

E ORGAN 1~4
CHURCH ORG 1~2
FULL ORGAN
WAVE ORGAN
ACCORDION
HARMONICA

SOFT GUITAR21
FOLK GUITAR
12ST GUITAR
JAZZ GUITAR24

x 100

x 100

SONG

SONG

Star Wars Main Title

1

A Whole New World

2

FAVORITE

3~45

25

E GUITAR

26

DIST GUITAR

27

WOOD BASS

28

FINGER BASS

29

MUTE BASS

30

SLAP BASS

STRINGS/MALLET

STRINGS

31
32

VIOLIN

33

CELLO
HARP

34

STAND BY

45

BRASS SECT

SITAR

35

46

ALTO SAX

36

BANJO

47

TENOR SAX

37

UKULELE
VIBRAPHONE

38

CLARINET

48

FLUTE

49

MARIMBA

39

PAN FLUTE

50

STEEL DRUMS

40
WIND SYNTHESIZER

TRUMPET

41

THICK LEAD

51

TROMBONE

42

SIMPLE LEAD

52

THICK SAW

53

MUTE TRPET

43

SIMPLE SAW

54

FRENCH HORN

44

DEMO START

ON

57~58

55

SYNTH BASS

56

SY STRINGS
SY BRASS1~2

59

RISING
SLOW STRS

60

OVERALL

ACMP

ON/OFF

SYNC­START

61~70
71~80
81~90
91~99

100

HARMONY
SPLIT
ECHO
DUAL
DRUM KIT

METRONOME VOL

START/

STOP

TEMPO

MULTI PAD

TRANSPOSE

TUNING

ACMP VOL

SONG VOL

POPS

1
2
3

ENDING

STYLE

INTRO/

8BEAT PO
8BT UPTE
8BT STAN

x

rit.

100

ain Title

w World

REN
TMAS
ITE

NO

11~14
15~16

VOICE

4~7

x 100

PIANO

1

GRAND PIANO

2

PIANO

3

HONKY-TONK
E PIANO 1~4

8

HARPSICHORD

9

CLAVI

10

CELESTA

ORGAN

E ORGAN 1~4
CHURCH ORG 1~2

17

FULL ORGAN

18

WAVE ORGAN

19

ACCORDION

20

HARMONICA

GUITAR / BASS

21

SOFT GUITAR

22

FOLK GUITAR

23

12ST GUITAR

24

JAZZ GUITAR

25

E GUITAR

26

DIST GUITAR

27

WOOD BASS

28

FINGER BASS

29

MUTE BASS

30

SLAP BASS

STRINGS / MALLET

STRINGS

31

VIOLIN

32

CELLO

33

HARP

34

SITAR

35
36

BANJO

37

UKULELE
VIBRAPHONE

38

MARIMBA

39

STEEL DRUMS

40

WIND

TRUMPET

41

TROMBONE

42

MUTE TRPET

43

FRENCH HORN

44

BRASS SECT

45
46

ALTO SAX

MASTER
VOLUME

47

TENOR SAX

48

CLARINET

49

FLUTE

50

PAN FLUTE

SYNTHESIZER

STAND BY

ON

DEMO START

OVERALL

MAXMIN

51
52
53
54
55

THICK LEAD
SIMPLE LEAD
THICK SAW
SIMPLE SAW
SYNTH BASS

SONG

57~58

61~70

OVERALL

ACMP
ON/OFF

56

SY STRINGS
SY BRASS 1~2

59

RISING
SLOW STRS

60

HARMONY

SYNC­START

71~80
81~90
91~93
94~99

TEMPO

MULTI PAD

TRANSPOSE

TUNING
ACMP VOL
SONG VOL

METRONOME VOL

START/
STOP

SPLIT

STYLE

ECHO
DUAL

POPS

8BEAT PO

1

SUSTAIN

100

DRUM KIT

8BT UPTE

2

001

AUTO F

INTRO/

rit.

MAIN A

ENDING

a

b

15

Selecting and Playing Voices — The Voice Mode

There are three ways to select voices: 1) directly
entering the voice number with the numeric
keypad, 2) using the +/- keys to step up and
down through the voices, or 3) pressing the
VOICE button to advance through the voice
numbers.

Using the numeric keypad

Enter the digits of the voice number as printed
on the panel. For example, to select voice #42,
press “4” on the numeric keypad, then “2.”

3

2

1

5

6

8

9

0

042

4

7

Trombone

Using the +/- keys

Press the + key to select the next voice number,
and press the - key to select the previous voice.
Holding down either key continuously scrolls up
or down through the numbers. The +/- keys
have a “wrap around” feature. For example,
pressing the + key from the voice 100 returns to
voice 1.

Using the VOICE button

Press the VOICE button to select the next voice
number. (This functions exactly the same as the
+ button.)

NOTE:
Each voice is automatically called up with the most suitable
octave range setting. Thus, playing middle C with one voice
may sound higher or lower than another voice at the same
key.

TEMPO

116

NOTE:
When selecting Voice numbers 1 - 10, the PortaTone pauses
briefly before changing to the voice. (However, you can
quickly select the voice by pressing all three digits; for
example, select voice #9 by pressing “0,” “0,” then “9.”)
Pressing only “0” does not change the voice.

16