You are the proud owner of a fine electronic keyboard. The Yamaha PSR-A3 PortaTone
combines the most advanced AWM tone generation technology with state-of-the-art digital
electronics and features to give you stunning sound quality with maximum musical enjoyment.
A new large graphic display and easy-to-use interface also greatly enhance the operability of
this advanced instrument.
In order to make the most of your PortaTone’s features and extensive performance
potential, we urge you to read the manual thoroughly while trying out the various features
described. Keep the manual in a safe place for later reference.
Impor tant Featur es
● 160 outstanding voices with nine percussion kits.
● A Voice Set function automatically selects appropriate voice parameters whenever a voice
is selected.
● 140 accompaniment styles, each with independent intro, main A and B , 4 fill-ins, and ending
sections.
● Advanced auto-accompaniment technology gives you fully-orchestrated accompaniment
to back up what you play on the keyboard.
● Large multi-function LCD display panel makes it easy to select and edit parameters.
● One Touch Setting feature instantly provides y ou with four types of registration settings, all
of which match to the selected accompaniment style.
● Digital Effects — Re verb , Chorus and DSP, let you freely create a v ariety of different sonic
environments.
● Minus One, and Repeat functions are ideal for learning new songs and polishing your
keyboard technique.
● Song recording feature lets you record two melody tracks with an accompaniment track.
○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○
● With the Multi Pads, you can play and record a number of short rhythmic and melodic
sequences, to add a spice to your performance.
● Registration Memory saves 128 your f avorite panel settings for instant recall when needed.
● Arabic Scale instantly allows you to play arabic music.
● Optional Yamaha Music Cartr idges can be plugged in for enjoyable automated perform-
ance, keyboard practice, and extra accompaniment styles.
● MIDI compatibility and a range of MIDI functions make the PSR-A3 useful in a range of
advanced MIDI music systems.
● Built-in amplifier and speaker system delivers top-quality sound without the need for
Your PortaTone will give you years of playing pleasure if you follow the simple rules given below:
Taking Car e of Your Por taTone
■ Location
Do not expose the instrument to the following
conditions to avoid deformation, discoloration, or
more serious damage.
● Direct sunlight (e.g. near a window).
● High temperatures (e.g. near a heat source, out-
side, or in a car during the daytime).
● Excessive humidity.
● Excessive dust.
● Strong vibration.
■ Power Supply
● Turn the power switch OFF when the instrument
is not in use.
● An AC adaptor, if used (the PSR-A3 runs from
either batteries or an optional AC adaptor),
should be unplugged from the AC outlet if the
instrument is not to be used for an extended pe-
riod of time.
● Unplug the AC adaptor during electric storms.
● A void plugging the AC adaptor into the same AC
outlet as appliances with high power consump-
tion, such as electric heaters or ovens. Also avoid
using multi-plug adaptors since these can result
in reduced sound quality, operation errors, and
possibly damage.
■ Turn Power OFF When Making
Connections
● T o avoid damage to the instrument and other
devices to which it is connected, turn the power
switches of all related devices OFF prior to con-
necting or disconnecting MIDI cables.
■ Handling and Transport
● Disconnect all cables before moving the instru-
ment.
● Physical shocks caused by dropping, bumping,
or placing heavy objects on the instrument can
result in scratches and more serious damage.
■ Cleaning
● Clean the cabinet and panel with a dry soft cloth.
● A slightly damp cloth may be used to remove
stubborn grime and dirt.
● Never use cleaners such as alcohol or thinner .
● Avoid placing vinyl objects on top of the instru-
ment (vinyl can stick to and discolor the surface).
■ Electrical Interference
● This instrument contains digital circuitry and
may cause interference if placed too close to
radio or television receivers. If this occurs, move
the instrument further away from the affected
equipment.
■ Data Backup
● Internal data (registration memory, user song,
user pad and scale memory data) will be retained
in memory even if the power switch is turned
OFF as long as an AC power adaptor is connected or batteries are installed.
■ Service and Modification
● The PSR-A3 contains no user serviceable parts.
Opening it or tampering with it in anyway can
lead to irreparable damage and possibly electric
shock. Refer all servicing to qualified YAMAHA
personnel.
● Never apply excessive force to the controls, con-
nectors or other parts of the instrument.
● Always unplug cables by gripping the plug
firmly, not by pulling on the cable.
YAMAHA is not responsible for damage caused by improper handling or operation.
96 CHA CHA
97 RHUMBA
98 SAMBA 2
99 CONGA
100 PASODOBLE
ORIENTAL
101 MAKSOUM
102 MAKSOUM S
801
REGIST
RHYTHM BASS CHORD PAD PHRASE ACCOMP MELODY2MELODY
ON /
OFF
VOICE
135102117130 1011011
VOL
ACCOMP TRACKSONG TRACK
123 MAGHRIBI
104 SAIDI 2
124 HAJAA
105 SAIDI 3
125 VALS
106 BALADI
126 FOX
107 MALFOUF
127 ZAKY'N
108 OMAR'K
128 SAMBA MASRI
109 IBRAHIMI
129 RHUMBA
110 MASMOUDI
130 GUARACHA
111 WEHDA
131 JERK
112 10/8 SAMAAI
132 SHABABY 1
113 3/4 DAREJ
133 SHABABY 2
114 SOUDASSI
134 TSIFTETELI
115 KATAKOUFTI
135 ZEIMBEKIKOS
116 AYOUB
136 KALAMATA
117 ZAFFA
137 SIRTOS
118 A'DANI
138 TSAMIKOS
119 KHALIGI 1
139 KARSILAMAS
120 KHALIGI 2
140 5/8
121 BAMBI
GrandPno
10 a01
118
TEMPOTRANSPOSE MEASURE REPEAT CHORD
7
1111
REC REC REC
70 C ROCK 1
55 JAZZ WALTZ
TEMPO
RESET
#
AUTO FILL
ENDINGMAIN
B
ACCOMP LARGE/SMALL TRACK ON/OFF
MEMORIZE1234
REGISTRATION
MEMORY
%
VOICE
PIANO
01 GRAND PIANO
02 BRIGHT PNO
03 HONKY-TONK
04 FUNKY E PNO
05 DX E PIANO
06 MIDI GRAND
07 HYPER E PNO
08 DREAM E PNO
09 BELL E PNO
10 ICE E PIANO
11 TREM E PNO
12 HARPSICHORD
13 HARPSI CPL
14 CLAVI
15 WAH CLAVI
16 CELESTA
This section contains information about setting up your PSR-A3
and preparing to play. Be sure to go through this section carefully
before using your PSR-A3.
Pow er Supply
Your PSR-A3 will run either from batteries or an optional power adaptor.
Follow the instructions below according to the power source you intend to use.
■ Using An Optional AC Power Adaptor.............................................................
Plug the DC output cable from an optional Yamaha PA-5, PA-5B, or PA-
5C AC Power Adaptor into the DC IN jack on the rear panel of the PSR-A3,
then plug the Power Adaptor (or the AC cable of the Power Adaptor) into a
convenient wall AC power socket. The internal batteries are automatically
disconnected when an AC Power Adaptor is used.
DC IN 10-12V
PA-5,
PA-5B,
or
PA-5C
AC power socket
• Never interrupt the power
supply (e.g. remove the batteries or unplug the AC adaptor)
during any PSR-A3 record
operation! Doing so can result
in a loss of data.
• Use ONLY a Yamaha PA-5, PA-
5B, or PA-5C AC Power Adaptor to power your instrument
from the AC mains. The use of
other adaptors may result in
irreparable damage to both the
adaptor and the PSR-A3.
■ Using Batteries...............................................................................................................................................
For battery operation the PSR-A3 requires six 1.5V SUM-1, “D” size, R-
20 or equivalent batteries.
When the batteries need to be replaced “Btry Low” will appear on the
display. Also the volume may be reduced, the sound may be distorted, and
other problems may occur . When this happens, turn the power OFF and either replace the batteries or connect an AC adaptor.
Replace the batteries as follows:
ZOpen the battery compartment cover located on the instrument’s bottom
panel.
XInsert the six new batteries, being careful to follow the polarity markings
on the inside of the compartment.
CReplace the compartment cover, making sure that it locks firmly in place.
• When the batteries run down,
replace them with a complete
set of six new batteries.
NEVER mix old and new batteries.
• Do not use different kinds of
batteries (e.g. alkaline and
manganese) at the same time.
• 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.
tice or late-night playing. The internal
stereo speaker system is automatically
shut off when a pair of headphones is
plugged into the PHONES jack.
Setting Up
An optional Yamaha FC4 or FC5
footswitch can be plugged into the rear-
SUSTAIN
panel SUSTAIN jack for sustain control.
The footswitch functions like the damper
pedal on a piano — press for sustain,
release for normal sound.
■ AUX OUT R and L+R/L Jack..................................................................................................
The AUX OUT R and L+R/L jacks
AUX OUT
RL+R/L
Stereo
System
deliver the output of the PSR-A3 for
connection to an external amplifier, mixing console, PA system, or recording
equipment. If you will be connecting the
PSR-A3 to a monophonic sound system,
use only the L+R/L jack. When a plug is
inserted into the L+R/L jack only, the
left- and right-channel signals are combined and delivered via the L+R/L jack
so you don’t lose any of the instrument’s
sound.
• Be sure that you do not press the
pedal while turning the power
ON. If you do, the ON/OFF status
of the footswitch will be reversed.
■ MIDI IN and OUT Connectors.............................................................................................
(such as a MIDI sequencer) which can
be used to control the PSR-A3. The
MIDI OUT connector transmits MIDI
data generated by the PSR-A3 (e.g. note
and velocity data produced by playing
the keyboard). More details on MIDI are
provided on page 75.
7
The Demonstr ation
Once you’ve set up your PSR-A3, try listening to the pre-programmed
demonstration songs — they’ll give you a good idea of what the PSR-A3
can do! A total of 29 demo songs are provided — songs 01 through 04
play arabic demonstration songs, songs 05 through 21 demonstrate
sever al of the instrument’s voices and songs 22 through 29 demonstrate
a range of accompaniment styles.
Set an Initial Volume Level.......................................................................................................
2
Turn the [MASTER VOLUME] control up (clockwise) about a quarterturn from its minimum position. You can re-adjust the [MASTER VOL-UME] control for the most comfortable overall volume level after playback
begins.
Press the [DEMO] Button...........................................................................................................
3
Press the [DEMO] button to start demo playback. The PSR-A3 SONG
function will automatically be selected and the number and name of the first
demo song will appear on the top line of the display and the SONG [PLAY/STOP] indicator will light. The demo will begin playing automatically. The
demo songs will play in sequence, and the sequence will repeat until
stopped.
DEMO
801
Skip to the Beginning Of a Different Demo Song.......................
4
ArabSng1
While the demonstration is playing you can select any of the 29 demo
songs by using the [–/NO] and [+/YES] buttons, the number buttons or the
data dial. Playback will skip to the beginning of the selected song.
The Demonstr ation
• You can play along on the PSRA3 keyboard while the demonstration is playing.
• The volume bars of the song
tracks at the bottom of the display will move in response to the
data in each track while the
demo plays.
• About the demo songs created
by the PSR-A3 internal accompaniment styles:
* Chord names will appear on
the display and the volume
bars of the accomp tracks will
move in response to the data
in each track, while the demo
plays.
* Harmony effect (see page 20)
can be applied when playing
along with the chord progression of the song.
VOICE
FUNCTION
Exit When Done.............................................................................................................................................
5
STYLE
SONG
REGIST MEMORY
MULTI PAD
DUAL VOICE
SPLIT VOICE
HARM
/
ECHO
OVERALL
DIGITAL EFFECT
801
ArabSng1
**
1
– –
123
654
789
–
+
/NO
/YES
0
Press the [DEMO] button, the SONG [PLAY/STOP] button, or the
AUTO ACCOMP ANIMENT [STAR T/STOP] button to stop demo play-
back, then press the [VOICE] button to exit from the SONG function and
return to the normal play-mode display when you’ve finished playing the
demo songs.
DEMO
• When you stop the demo songs
played in sequence and start
again by pressing the [PLAY/
STOP] button, the selected song
will play and stop automatically
when the selected song playback
has ended.
The PSR-A3 LCD panel is a large multi-function type that simultaneously
displays and provides access to a number of important parameters. Basic
operation of the display as well as the CURSOR, FUNCTION, MODE, and
NUMBER buttons, and the meaning of the icons which appear in the
display, are summar ized briefly below.
The Cursor Buttons
The CURSOR buttons are used to select the
various parameters which appear in the display. Depending on the selected parameter,
the “cursor” may appear as an underline, or
the selected icon or value may simply flash.
Each CURSOR button moves the cursor in the
corresponding direction. The [▲] and [▼]
CURSOR buttons are also used to select functions within the function groups selected by the
FUNCTION buttons in some cases.
The Functions
The PSR-A3 has a range of
functions selected via the
FUNCTION [▲] and [▼]
buttons — e.g. voice selection, style selection, song
number selection, etc. The
currently selected function is
indicated by an arrow in the
display next to the function
list printed immediately to the
left of the display. All of the
listed functions can be selected by pressing either the
FUNCTION [▲] or [▼] button
as many times as necessary
until the arrow in the display
appears next to the name of
the desired function.
Parameter Icons
CART (Cartridge)
Appears when a Music Cartridge song, style, or
registration memory is selected (page 64).
BEAT
Flashes at the current tempo and indicates the
BEAT
current beat during accompaniment and song
playback. (page 36)
OTS (One Touch Setting)
OTS
Appears when the ONE TOUCH SETTING feature is engaged (page 42).
FUNCTION
CURSOR
VOICE
STYLE
SONG
REGIST MEMORY
MULTI PAD
DUAL VOICE
SPLIT VOICE
/
ECHO
HARM
OVERALL
DIGITAL EFFECT
801
REGIST
RHYTHM BASS CHORD PAD PHRASE ACCOMPMELODY
111
ON /
OFF
VOICE
VOL
GrandPn
118
TEMPOTRANSPOSEMEASURE
1351021171301011011
ACCOMP TRACKSONG TRACK
Accompaniment Track Parameters & Icons
The PSR-A3 has 8 accompaniment tracks (RHYTHM1/2, BASS,
CHORD1/2, PAD, and PHRASE1/2), each with ON/OFF, voice number,
and volume parameters that can be set as required (page 38). The
icons, drums for RHYTHM1 and 2, an acoustic applied bass for BASS,
an electric guitar for CHORD1 and 2, violins for PAD, a trumpet for
PHRASE 1 and 2, will appear when the respective track is ON.
Indicates the currently selected REGISTRATION MEMORY number (page 49).
TEMPO
Shows the current tempo of accompaniment/song playback (page 34).
TRANSPOSE
The current transpose value (page 23).
MEASURE
Indicates the current measure number
during song recording and playback
(page 57).
REPEAT
Indicates the “A” and “B” repeat points
when programming a repeat section
(page 69).
CHORD
Indicates the current chord name during
accompaniment/ song playback
(page36).
The Modes
The MODE button to the right of the display selects one
of the PSR-A3’s four operational modes: NORMAL,
SPLIT, SINGLE, and FINGERED. The currently selected mode is indicated by an arrow in the display next
to the mode list printed immediately to the right of the
display. All of the listed modes can be selected by
pressing the MODE button as many times as necessary
until the arrow in the display appears next to the name
of the desired mode.
NORMAL:The normal play mode (page 12).
SPLIT:The split-keyboard mode in which different
voices can be played by the left and right
hands (page 15).
SINGLE:The single-finger accompaniment mode
which allows fully-orchestrated accompaniment to be produced by specifying
chords using only one, two or three fingers
(page 31).
FINGERED: The fingered accompaniment mode in
which fully-orchestrated accompaniment is
produced according to chords you play on
the keyboard (page 31).
BEAT
OTS
m
REPEATCHORD
TOUCHMINUS ONE
REVERBDUAL
CHORUSHARMONY
DSPSUSTAIN
NORMAL
SPLIT
SINGLE
FINGERED
MODE
Song Track Parameters & Icons
Like the accompaniment tracks, each of the 3
song tracks has ON/OFF, voice number
(MELODY tracks), and volume parameters
that can be set as required (page 50). Each
track has its own icon which appears when
the track is ON.
ACCOMP MELODY1MELODY
2
Feature On/Off Icons
MINUS ONE
MINUS ONE
REVERB
CHORUS
DSP
TOUCH
DUAL
HARMONY
SUSTAIN
Appears when the MINUS ONE feature is ON (page 68).
REVERB
Appears when the REVERB EFFECT is ON (page 24).
CHORUS
Appears when the CHORUS EFFECT is ON (page 24).
DSP
Appears when the DSP EFFECT is ON (page 24).
TOUCH (Touch Response)
Appears when the TOUCH RESPONSE is ON (page 17).
DUAL (Dual Voice)
Appears when the DUAL VOICE feature is ON (page 17).
The PSR-A3 has 160 outstanding “pitched” voices (voice numbers 01 through 160) and 9 percussion kits
(numbers 161 through 169) that you can select and play on the keyboard. It includes 19 oriental voices and 1
arabic percussion kit.
Select the NORMAL Mode........................................................................................................
1
If you want to play a single voice over the entire range of the PSR-A3
keyboard, you’ll need to select the NORMAL mode. To do this, press the
[MODE] button to the right of the display as many times as necessary until
the arrow in the display appears next to “NORMAL” in the mode list to the
right of the display. The other modes will be described later in this manual.
NORMAL
SPLIT
SINGLE
FINGERED
MODE
Select the VOICE Function......................................................................................................
2
Before you select a voice to play, the PSR-A3 voice function must be
selected. The simplest way to do this is to press the [VOICE] button. This
immediately selects the VOICE function no matter what function was previ-
ously selected.
An alternative method is to press the [FUNCTION] button to the left of
the display as many times as necessary until the arrowhead in the display
appears next to “VOICE” in the function list to the left of the display.
VOICE
FUNCTION
STYLE
SONG
REGIST MEMORY
MULTI PAD
DUAL VOICE
SPLIT VOICE
HARM
/
ECHO
OVERALL
DIGITAL EFFECT
801
GrandPno
VOICE
•“Kybd Vol” function (see page
71) in the OVERALL function
group can be quickly selected by
pressing and holding the [VOICE]
button.
Select a Voice.....................................................................................................................................................
3
The PSR-A3 has 169 voices that can be selected by using either the [–/
NO] and [+/YES] buttons, the number buttons or the data dial. The voices
are listed in the VOICE list printed at the top of the instrument’s control
panel. The number and name of the currently selected voice appears on the
top line of the display panel while the VOICE function is selected.
● The [–/NO] and [+/YES] Buttons
When the VOICE function is selected these buttons step up or down
through the PSR-A3’s voices. Press either button briefly to step to the
next voice in the corresponding direction, or hold the button to scroll
rapidly through the voices in the corresponding direction.
789
–
+
/NO
/YES
0
Playing the PSR-A3
• Voice numbers 170~171 exclusively can be used as the dual
voice — see page 19.
● The Number Buttons
The number buttons can be used to directly enter the number of the desired voice, thereby immediately selecting that voice without having to
step through a number of other voices.
Two-digit voice numbers (i.e. “01” through “99”) are selected simply by
entering the two digits in sequence — e.g. to select voice number “57”,
briefly press the [5] buttons and then the [7] button.
**
1
– –
123
654
789
–
+
/NO
/YES
0
Three-digit voice numbers (i.e. “100” through “169”) are entered by first
pressing and holding the [1] button until “1” appears in the hundreds
position on the display, then press the remaining two digits in sequence.
**
1
– –
VOICE
STYLE
SONG
102
GrandPno
123
654
• Whenever you select a new
voice, the appropriate voicerelated parameters for that voice
will be set automatically. This is
the PSR-A3 Voice Set function.
The Voice Set function can be
turned OFF if not required —
page 73.
• The stereo pan position of the
voice can be set via the “Pan”
function in the OVERALL function group — see page 72.
This is undoubtedly the easiest way to select a voice. Simply rotate the
dial clockwise to increment or counter-clockwise to decrement.
Play & Adjust V olume.........................................................................................................................
4
You can now play the selected voice on the PSR-A3 keyboard. Use the
[MASTER VOLUME] control to adjust the overall volume level.
• The optimum octave settings
(OVERALL function: octave = 0)
are set to the keyboard for each
voice (except for keyboard percussion).
• The keyboard volume can be
adjusted independently from the
accompaniment volume via the
“Kybd Vol” function in the OVERALL function group — see page
71. “Kybd Vol” function can be
quickly selected by pressing and
holding the [VOICE] button.
■ Keyboard Percussion
When one of the nine PERCUSSION KIT voices are selected — voice
numbers 161 through 169 — you can play drums and percussion instruments on the keyboard.
• The drums and percussion
instruments played by the
various keys for voice number
161: Standard Kit are marked
by symbols below the keys.
• The Harmony/Echo and Dual
functions (pages 20 and 17)
cannot be turned ON while a
keyboard percussion voice is
selected, and will automatically
be turned OFF if a keyboard
percussion voice is selected
while they are ON.
• The Transpose and Scale
Tuning parameters (page 23
and 43) have no effect on the
keyboard percussion voices.
• See page 93 for a complete
listing of the keyboard percussion drum instrument assignments.
• The PSR-A3 has two Arabic
Kits (Panel Arabic Kit and GM
Arabic Kit). The illustration
shown to the left is Panel
Arabic Kit which you normally
play on the keyboard. See
page 93 for more information
on Panel Arabic Kit and GM
Arabic Kit.
The SPLIT mode lets you play different voices with the left and right hands.
You could, for example, play bass with the left hand while playing piano with
the right. The right-hand voice is the keyboard voice you select in the normal
way (page 12), and the left hand voice is selected via the SPLIT VOICE function, described below. The “split point” is initially set at B2 (note number 59),
but it can be set at any key on the keyboard.
The SPLIT mode is engaged by pressing the [MODE] button so that the
arrow in the display appears next to “SPLIT” in the mode list to the right of the
display .
Playing the PSR-A3
• The SPLIT mode and DUAL
VOICE feature (page 17) can be
used together. In this case the
dual voice plays simultaneously
with the right-hand voice only.
Split Point
Split Voice
Voice selected via
the VOICE function
NORMAL
SPLIT
SINGLE
FINGERED
Changing the Split Voice & Related Parameters
Select the SPLIT VOICE Function..............................................................................
1
Press the [FUNCTION] button to the left of the display as many times
as necessary until the arrowhead in the display appears next to “SPLIT
VOICE” in the function list to the left of the display .
VOICE
FUNCTION
STYLE
SONG
REGIST MEMORY
MULTI PAD
DUAL VOICE
SPLIT VOICE
HARM
/
ECHO
OVERALL
DIGITAL EFFECT
855
Aco.Bass
Select the Function and Set As Required.................................................
2
Use the cursor [▲] and [▼] buttons to select the desired function, and
then the [–/NO] and [+/YES] buttons, the number buttons or the data dial to
set as required (the name of the selected function and its current setting appear on the top line of the display).
VoiceThe split voice can be changed as required while the number
and name of the current split voice appear on the top line of
the display.
S.VolumeSets the volume of the split voice so you can create the opti-
mum blend with the right-hand voice. The volume range is
from “00” (no sound) to “127” (maximum split voice volume).
S.OctaveShifts the pitch of the split voice up or down one or two oc-
taves. “–1” is down one octave, “–2” is down two octaves; “+1”
and “+2” are up one and two octaves, respectively.
S.RevLvlSets the reverb send level for the split voice. The reverb send
level determines the amount of signals input to the reverb
effect. The level range is from “00” (no effect) to “127” (maximum effect).
S.ChoLvlSets the chorus send level for the split voice. The chorus send
level determines the amount of signals input to the chorus
effect. The level range is from “00” (no effect) to “127” (maximum effect).
• If the Voice Set function is ON
(page 73), the Split Voice parameters will change automatically
whenever a different keyboard
voice is selected.
• The selected Split Voice parameter can be reset to its default
value by simultaneously pressing
the [–/NO] and [+/YES] buttons.
• Negative values with “S.Octave”
and “S.Pan” parameters can be
entered by pressing the number
buttons while holding the [–/NO]
button.
• Reverb return level and chorus
return level can be changed via
the “RevRtnLv” and “ChoRtnLv”
function in the DIGITAL EFFECT
function — see pages 25 and 27.
S.PanPositions the split voice in the stereo sound field. The pan
range is from “–7” to “+7”. “–7” is full left and “+7” is full right.
S.SplitSets the keyboard split point — i.e. the key that separates the
left- and right-hand voices (the split-point key is included in the
left-hand section of the keyboard). Simply press the key you
want to assign as the split point. The key number of the key
you press will appear to the left of “S.Split” on the top line of
the display. You can also use the [–/NO] and [+/YES] buttons,
the number buttons or the data dial to enter the split point key
number. The lowest key on the keyboard (C1) is key number
“36”, middle C (C3) is “60”, and the highest key (C6) is 96. The
split point can be set at any key number from 00 through 127,
allowing the split point to be set outside the range of the PSRA3 keyboard for MIDI applications. The default split point is 59
(B2).
This function turns the touch response of the keyboard ON or OFF. Use the
KEYBOARD [TOUCH RESPONSE] button to turn TOUCH RESPONSE ON
or OFF as required. The touch-response icon will appear next to “TOUCH” in
the display when TOUCH RESPONSE is turned ON. The actual touch response sensitivity of the keyboard can be adjusted via the “TouchSns” function
in the OVERALL function group (page 73). When OFF (i.e. when the touchresponse icon is not showing) the same volume is produced no matter how hard
you play on the keyboard. Touch response can be turned OFF to produce a
more realistic effect with voices that normally do not have touch response: e.g.
organ and harpsichord.
KEYBOARD
TOUCH RESPONSE
TOUCH
DUAL
HARMONY
SUSTAIN
DUAL VOICE
HARMONY/ECHO
SUSTAIN
Playing the PSR-A3
• Touch Response is turned ON
whenever the power switch is
turned ON.
• The “TouchSns” function in the
OVERALL function group can be
quickly selected by pressing and
holding the [TOUCH RESPONSE] button.
Dual Voice
When the DUAL VOICE feature is engaged you can play two voices simultaneously across the entire keyboard — the keyboard voice you select in the
normal way (page 12), and a “dual” voice selected via the DUAL VOICE function.
The DUAL VOICE feature is turned ON and OFF by pressing the [DUALVOICE] button. The dual-voice icon (overlapping keyboards) will appear next
to “DUAL” in the display when DUAL VOICE is turned ON.
Select the DUAL VOICE Function...............................................................................
1
Press the [FUNCTION] button to the left of the display as many times
as necessary until the arrowhead in the display appears next to “DUAL
VOICE” in the function list to the left of the display.
FUNCTION
VOICE
STYLE
SONG
REGIST MEMORY
MULTI PAD
DUAL VOICE
SPLIT VOICE
HARM
/
ECHO
OVERALL
DIGITAL EFFECT
873
•“DUAL VOICE” function can be
quickly selected by pressing and
holding the [DUAL VOICE] button.
Strings2
Select the Function and Set As Required.................................................
2
Use the cursor [▲] and [▼] buttons to select the desired function, and
then the [–/NO] and [+/YES] buttons, the number buttons or the data dial to
set as required (the name of the selected function and its current setting appear on the top line of the display).
VoiceThe dual voice can be changed as required while the
Dual
number and name of the current dual voice appear on the
top line of the display.
The PSR-A3 has 162 (voice number 01~160 and
170~171) dual voices. Voice numbers 170~171 exclusively can be used as the dual voice.
D.VolumeSets the volume of the dual voice so you can create the
optimum blend with the main keyboard voice. The volume
range is from “00” (no sound) to “127” (maximum dual
voice volume).
D.OctaveShifts the pitch of the dual voice up or down one or two
octaves. “–1” is down one octave, “–2” is down two octaves; “+1” and “+2” are up one and two octaves, respectively. The original octave of the dual voice is determined
by the “Octave” function in the OVERALL function group
— page 71.
D.RevLvlSets the reverb send level for the dual voice. The reverb
send level determines the amount of signals input to the
reverb effect. The level range is “00” (no effect) to “127”
(maximum effect).
D.ChoLvlSets the chorus send level for the dual voice. The chorus
send level determines the amount of signals input to the
chorus effect. The level range is “00” (no effect) to “127”
(maximum effect).
D.PanPositions the dual voice in the stereo sound field. The pan
range is from “–7” to +”7". “–7” is full left and “+7” is full
right.
Playing the PSR-A3
• If the Voice Set function is ON
(page 73), the Dual Voice parameters will change automatically
whenever a different voice is
selected via the VOICE function.
• Keyboard percussion voices
cannot be used as the dual
voice.
• The selected Dual Voice parameter can be reset to its default
value by simultaneously pressing
the [–/NO] and [+/YES] buttons.
• The octave of the main and dual
voices can be changed via the
“Octave” function in the OVERALL function group — page 71.
• Negative values with “D.Octave”
and “D.Pan” parameters can be
entered by pressing the number
buttons while holding the [–/NO]
button.
• Reverb return level and chorus
return level can be changed via
the “RevRtnLv” and “ChoRtnLv”
functions, respectively, in the
DIGITAL EFFECT function —
see pages 25 and 27.
The harmony effect (01~10) automatically adds appropriate harmony notes
to the melody line you play on the keyboard. The harmony effect is derived
from the chords you play on the left hand parts.
The echo effect (11~22) adds delay-based effects to the right hand melody
parts.
Press the [HARMONY/ECHO] button to turn the HARMONY/ECHO
effect ON or OFF. When HARMONY/ECHO is turned ON, the harmony icon
will appear next to “HARMONY” in the display.
KEYBOARD
TOUCH RESPONSE
TOUCH
DUAL
HARMONY
SUSTAIN
DUAL VOICE
HARMONY/ECHO
SUSTAIN
• Harmony/Echo effect can not be
turned ON when a keyboard
percussion kit is selected for the
Voice.
• Harmony can not be used when
the Auto Accompaniment Chord
Cancel function (page 32) is in
use.
• Harmony does not apply in the
NORMAL mode.
• Harmony can be used in the
SPLIT mode as well as in the
SINGLE and FINGERED modes.
• The Harmony/Echo effect can
not be turned ON when the FINGERED FULL mode (page 33) is
in use and will automatically be
turned OFF when the FINGERED
FULL mode is selected.
Selecting a Harmony/Echo Type
Select the Harmony/Echo Function.......................................................................
1
Press the [FUNCTION] button to the left of the display as many times
as necessary until the arrowhead in the display appears next to “HARM/
ECHO” in the function list to the left of the display.
VOICE
FUNCTION
STYLE
SONG
REGIST MEMORY
MULTI PAD
DUAL VOICE
SPLIT VOICE
HARM
/
ECHO
OVERALL
DIGITAL EFFECT
You can also enter the HARM/ECHO function by pressing and holding
the [HARMONY/ECHO] button until the arrow jumps to the “HARM/
ECHO” position and the current harmony/echo name appears in the display.
Select a Harmony/Echo Type.............................................................................................
2
Use the [–/NO] and [+/YES] buttons, the number buttons or the data dial
to select one of the available harmony/echo types (listed below).
● The Harmony (01~10) / Echo (11~22) Types
TypeDescription
01: DuetThis harmony type produces a duophonic melody with the
second voice below the melody line.
02: 1+5A parallel voice is produced a fifth above the melody voice.
03: CountrySimilar to Duet, but the second voice is above the melody
line.
04: TrioThis harmony type generates two voices in addition to the
melody voice.
Playing the PSR-A3
• If the VOICE SET function is ON
(page 73), the harmony/echo
type will change automatically
whenever a different voice is
selected via the VOICE function.
• The harmony/echo type can be
reset to its default by simultaneously pressing the [–/NO] and [+/
YES] buttons.
05: BlockThree or four notes are added to the melody to produce
four or five-note chords.
06: 4WayClose1Three harmony notes are generated to produce a four-note
chord.
07: 4WayClose2Similar to the preceding type, but depending on the chords
played this type will sometimes produce a more colorful
sound.
08: 4WayOpenFour-note chords with open voice (large intervals between
the notes). The result is a very “open” sound. Since the
harmony notes can be as much as two octaves below the
melody, avoid playing in the lower registers.
09: OctaveOne note is added an octave below the melody.
10: StrumThe notes and assignments are the same as in the Block
type, but the notes are arpeggiated.
11: Echo1/4This type creates quarter-note delayed repeats.
12: Echo1/6This type creates quarter-note triplet delayed
repeats.
13: Echo1/8This type creates 8th-note delayed repeats.
3
14: Echo1/12This type creates 8th-note triplet delayed
This functions allow the overall pitch of the PSR-A3 to be transposed up or down by a maximum of one
octave in semitone increments.
Move the Cursor to the Transpose Value...................................................
1
Use the CURSOR buttons to select the number to the right of the key-
board icon labelled “TRANSPOSE” on the display (the number will flash
when selected).
TRANSPOSE
0
• Press the [–/NO] and [+/YES]
buttons simultaneously to instantly reset the transpose value
to “0”.
• The new transpose value will
apply from the next note played.
Set the Transposition As Required .........................................................................
2
Use the [–/NO] and [+/YES] buttons, the number buttons or the data dial
to set the desired degree of transposition. The transpose range is from –12 to
+12, allowing a maximum upward or downward transposition of 1-octave.
A setting of “0” produces the normal pitch.
789
–
+
/NO
/YES
0
Pitch Bend
The PITCH BEND wheel to the left of the keyboard allows the pitch of
notes played on the keyboard to be bend up or down - roll the wheel away from
you to bend up, and toward you to bend down.
The actual pitch bend range can be adjusted via the “PBRange” function in
the OVERALL function group (page 74).
• Negative values can be entered
by pressing the number buttons
while holding the [–/NO] button.
The PSR-A3 provides a variety of Digital Effects-12 Reverb Effects, 9
Chorus Effects and 45 DSP Effects- which are specially tailored and make
your performance perfect.
VOICE
STYLE
SONG
REGIST MEMORY
MULTI PAD
DUAL VOICE
SPLIT VOICE
HARM
/
ECHO
OVERALL
DIGIT AL EFFECT
801
REGIST
RHYTHM BASS CHORD PAD PHRASE ACCOMPMELODY
111
ON /
OFF
VOICE
VOL
≤Hall1
118
TEMPOTRANSPOSEMEASUREREPEATCHORD
1351021171301011011
ACCOMP TRACKSONG TRACK
10a01
MELODY
1
REC REC REC
OTS
2
REVERBDUAL
CHORUSHARMONY
DSPSUSTAIN
BEAT
TOUCHMINUS ONE
Using the Digit al Effects
The PSR-A3 has three types of digital effects — Reverb, Chorus
and DSP— that can be turned ON or OFF by pressing the [REVERB]
button, [CHORUS] button and [DSP] button respectively. DSP effect
has a set of variations which can be accessed by using the [DSP VARI-ATION] button (ON/OFF). Each icon will appear in the display when
the effects are turned ON.
DIGITAL EFFECT
REVERB
DSP
NORMAL
SPLIT
SINGLE
FINGERED
• Pressing the [REVERB], [CHORUS] or
[DSP] button turns ON/OFF the respective effect for the VOICE function voice.
• If the Voice Set function (page 73) is
ON, the Reverb/Chorus/DSP VARIATION ON/OFF status will automatically
be determined, while DSP will be
turned ON whenever a different voice is
selected via the VOICE function.
CHORUS
DSP
VARIATION
Changing the Rever b Effect
Selecting the Reverb Effect Type
Select the Reverb Type Function...................................................................
1
Press the [FUNCTION] button to the left of the display as many
times as necessary until the arrowhead in the display appears next to
“DIGITAL EFFECT” in the function list to the left of the display, and
use the cursor [▲] and [▼] buttons to select the Reverb Type function,
“Reverb m”.
Select the Reverb Type...................................................................................................................
2
Use the cursor [>] button to enter the Reverb Type function and then
select one of the 13 reverb types using the [–/NO] and [+/YES] buttons, the
number buttons or the data dial. The name of the selected reverb type appears on the top line of the display.
VOICE
CURSOR
FUNCTION
STYLE
SONG
REGIST MEMORY
MULTI PAD
DUAL VOICE
SPLIT VOICE
HARM
/
ECHO
OVERALL
DIGIT AL EFFECT
101
≤Hall1
You can also enter the Reverb Type function by pressing and holding the
[REVERB] button until the arrow jumps to the “DIGITAL EFFECT” position and the current reverb type name appears in the display.
The reverb return level determines the amount of “wet” (affected) signals output to the amplifier.
Select the Reverb Return Level Function..................................................
1
Press the [FUNCTION] button to the left of the display as many times
as necessary until the arrowhead in the display appears next to “DIGITAL
EFFECT” in the function list to the left of the display, and use the cursor
[▲] and [▼] buttons to select the Reverb Return Level function.
164
Set the Reverb Return Level................................................................................................
2
RevRtnLv
Use the [–/NO] and [+/YES] buttons, the number buttons or the data dial
to set the desired reverb return level. The range is from “00” to “127”.
Press the [VOICE] button or select a different function to exit from the
DIGITAL EFFECT function.
• See page 82 for more details on
the Digital Effects.
• The reverb return level designated here affects the entire
setting, while the reverb send
level can be applied to the voice
selected via the VOICE function,
the split voice and the dual voice
separately via the “RevLevel” in
the OVERALL function group, the
“S.RevLvl” in the SPLIT VOICE
function and the “D.RevLvl” in the
DUAL VOICE function (see
pages 72, 16 and 19).
• The default reverb return level =
64 can be recalled instantly by
pressing both the [–/NO] and [+/
YES] buttons simultaneously.
Select the Chorus Type Function ...............................................................................
1
Press the [FUNCTION] button to the left of the display as many times
as necessary until the arrowhead in the display appears next to “DIGITAL
EFFECT” in the function list to the left of the display, and use the cursor
[▲] and [▼] buttons to select the Chorus Type function, “Chorus m”.
CURSOR
FUNCTION
Changing the Chor us Effect
Selecting the Chorus Effect Type
VOICE
STYLE
SONG
REGIST MEMORY
MULTI PAD
DUAL VOICE
SPLIT VOICE
HARM
/
ECHO
OVERALL
DIGITAL EFFECT
Chorus≥
Select the Chorus Type..................................................................................................................
2
Use the cursor [>] button to enter the Chorus Type function and then
select one of the 10 chorus types using the [–/NO] and [+/YES] buttons, the
number buttons or the data dial. The name of the selected chorus type appears on the top line of the display.
VOICE
CURSOR
FUNCTION
STYLE
SONG
REGIST MEMORY
MULTI PAD
DUAL VOICE
SPLIT VOICE
/
ECHO
HARM
OVERALL
DIGITAL EFFECT
101
≤Chorus1
You can also enter the Chorus Type function by pressing and holding the
[CHORUS] button until the arrow jumps to the “DIGITAL EFFECT” position and the current chorus type name appears in the display.
• See page 83 for a complete
listing of the chorus types.
• The chorus type will change
automatically whenever a different style is selected.
• You can return to the previous
display, “Chorus
the cursor [
choose the REVERB or DSP
effect.
• The chorus type can be reset to
its default by simultaneously
pressing the [–/NO] and [+/YES]
buttons.
• If you want to disable the chorus
effect for all the data excepting
VOICE function voice, select
OFF in the Type selection.
Press the [VOICE] button or select a different function to exit from the
DIGITAL EFFECT function.
Setting the Chorus Return Level
The chorus return level determines the amount of “wet” (affected) signals output to the amplifier.
Select the Chorus Return Level Function.................................................
1
Digit al Effects
Press the [FUNCTION] button to the left of the display as many times
as necessary until the arrowhead in the display appears next to “DIGITAL
EFFECT” in the function list to the left of the display, and use the cursor
[▲] and [▼] buttons to select the Chorus Return Level function.
164
Set the Chorus Return Level...............................................................................................
2
Use the [–/NO] and [+/YES] buttons, the number buttons or the data dial
to set the desired chorus return level. The range is from “00” to “127”.
Press the [VOICE] button or select a different function to exit from the
DIGITAL EFFECT function.
ChoRtnLv
• See page 82 for more details on
the Digital Effects.
• The chorus return level desig-
nated here affects the entire
setting, while the chorus send
level can be applied to the voice
selected via the VOICE function,
the split voice and the dual voice
separately via the “ChoLevel” in
the OVERALL function group, the
“S.ChoLvl” in the SPLIT VOICE
function and the “D.ChoLvl” in
the DUAL VOICE function (see
pages 72, 16 and 19).
• The default chorus return level =
64 can be recalled instantly by
pressing both the [–/NO] and [+/
YES] buttons simultaneously.
Select the DSP Type Function..........................................................................................
1
Press the [FUNCTION] button to the left of the display as many times
as necessary until the arrowhead in the display appears next to “DIGITAL
EFFECT” in the function list to the left of the display, and use the cursor
[▲] and [▼] buttons to select the DSP Type function, “Dsp m”.
Select the DSP Type..............................................................................................................................
2
Use the cursor [>] button to enter theDSP Type function and then select
one of the 46 DSP types using the [–/NO] and [+/YES] buttons, the number
buttons or the data dial. The name of the selected DSP type appears on the
top line of the display.
• The DSP type can be reset to its
default by simultaneously pressing the [–/NO] and [+/YES] buttons.
• If the Voice Set function is ON
(page 73) the DSP type will
change automatically whenever a
different voice is selected via the
VOICE function.
• When the Rotary Speaker 1~5 is
selected, the [DSP VARIATION]
button (ON/OFF) will switch the
speed of the rotating speaker
between fast (ON) and slow
(OFF).
• You can return to the previous
m
display, “Dsp
cursor [
the REVERB or CHORUS effect.
• If you want to disable the DSP
effect for all the data excepting
VOICE function voice, select
OFF in the Type selection.
”, by pressing the
<
] button, and choose
Each DSP effect has its own variation. Press the [DSP VARIATION]
button to ON to activate each variation.
You can also enter the DSP Type function by pressing and holding the
[DSP] button until the arrow jumps to the “DIGITAL EFFECT” position
and the current DSP type name appears in the display.
Press the [VOICE] button or select a different function to exit from the
DIGITAL EFFECT function.
Digit al Effects
Setting the DSP Return Level
The DSP return level determines the amount of “wet” (affected) signals output to the amplifier.
Select the DSP Return Level Function............................................................
1
Press the [FUNCTION] button to the left of the display as many times
as necessary until the arrowhead in the display appears next to “DIGITAL
EFFECT” in the function list to the left of the display, and use the cursor
[▲] and [▼] buttons to select the DSP Return Level function.
164
Set the DSP Return Level..........................................................................................................
2
Use the [–/NO] and [+/YES] buttons, the number buttons or the data dial
to set the desired DSP return level. The range is from “00” to “127”. The
DSP send level can be adjusted via the “DspLevel” function in the OVERALL function group-see page 72.
DspRtnLv
• See page 82 for more details on
the Digital Effects.
• The DSP return level can not be
changed for the insertion DSP
types (see page 82). In this case,
“- - -” will appear on the display.
• The default DSP return level = 64
can be recalled instantly by
pressing both the [–/NO] and [+/
YES] buttons simultaneously.