Yamaha QY-8 User manual

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Precautions
Precautions
Your QY8 will give you years of reliable service if you follow the simple
rules given below:
■Location
Do not expose the instrument to the following conditions to avoid defor-
mation, discoloration, or more serious damage.
• Direct sunlight (e.g. near a window).
• High temperatures (e.g. near a heat source, outside, 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.
• If you use an AC power adaptor — the QY8 requires an optional Yamaha PA-1B or
PA-3 AC Power Adaptor — unplug the adaptor from the AC outlet if the instrument
is not to be used for an extended period of time.
• Unplug the AC power adaptor during electric storms.
• Avoid plugging an AC power adaptor used with the QY8 into the same AC outlet as
appliances with high power consumption, such as electric heaters or ovens. Also avoid
using multi-plug adaptors since these can result in reduced sound quality and possibly
damage.
■Turn Power OFF When Making Connections
• To avoid damage to the instrument and other devices to which it is connected (a
sound system, for example), turn the power switches of all related devices OFF prior
to connecting or disconnecting audio and MIDI cables.
■Handling and Transport
• Never apply excessive force to the controls, connectors or other parts of the
instrument.
• Always unplug cables by gripping the plug firmly, not by pulling on the cable.
• Disconnect all cables before moving the instrument.
• Physical shocks caused by dropping, bumping, or placing heavy objects on the
instrument can result in scratches and more serious damage.

ii
Precautions
■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 instrument (vinyl can stick to and discolor
the surface).
You may notice one or more fine diagonal lines on the panel of your QY8. These are
unavoidable in the manufacturing process and are not scratches or defects in the
product.
■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
• The QY8 contains a special long-life battery that retains the contents of its internal
RAM memory even when the power is turned OFF. The backup battery should last
for several years. To ensure reliable operation we recommend that you have the
backup battery replaced by qualified Yamaha service personnel approximately once
every 5 years. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPLACE THE BACKUP BATTERY
YOURSELF!
• Internal memory data can be corrupted due to incorrect operation. We recommend
that you use the QY8 Data Out function (see page 61 for details) to transfer
important data to a MIDI data recorder such as the Yamaha MDF2 MIDI Data Filer
for safe long-term storage. Yamaha cannot be held responsible for data loss caused by
battery failure or improper operation of the QY8!
■Service and Modification
• The QY8 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.
YAMAHA is not responsible for damage caused by improper han-
dling or operation.

iii
About This Manual
About This Manual
The following simple icons are used throughout this manual to draw
attention to important points and information where necessary. The
icons also make it easier to differentiate between information that you
should read immediately and information that can be skipped until
later, hopefully helping you to become familiar with the QY8 in the
quickest, most efficient manner possible.
This icon warns of possible hardware damage, soft-
ware malfunction, or any other serious problem
that may occur due to improper operation or set
up.
This icon marks information that you must read —
i.e. important steps or procedures that are essential
for proper, efficient, or easy operation.
The magnifying-glass icon indicates information that
may not be essential for general operation, but is a
more detailed explanation of a feature, a description
of the principle involved, etc. You can skip this
information if full details are not required immedi-
ately.
Suggestions as to how a feature or function can be
applied musically are identified by this icon.
Hints or ideas that are not specifically musical but
may make operation easier or more interesting are
marked by the light-bulb icon.
CAUTION
IMPORTANT
DETAIL
MUSICAL
NOTE
HINT

Contents
1
Contents
1The QY8: What It Is &
What It Can Do ............................ 2
What It Is … ................................. 2
What It Can Do …........................ 4
2Setting Up: Power &
Connections .................................. 5
Power Supply ................................. 5
Setting Up Your System ................. 8
3Getting to Know the QY8:
How the Controls Work ............. 10
Play the Demo ............................. 14
Play the Initial Song Data ............ 16
4The Basics: The Elements
That Make Up a Song ................. 17
Styles ............................................ 18
Chords ......................................... 22
The Sequencer Parts ..................... 25
5Creating an
Accompaniment .......................... 26
6Programming the
Sequencer Parts ........................... 36
7The Option Functions ................ 47
Mute ............................................ 47
Key Change ................................. 49
Erase Measure .............................. 50
Delete Measure ............................ 51
Create Measure ............................ 53
Copy Measure .............................. 54
Mix Part ....................................... 57
Transpose ..................................... 59
Clear Song ................................... 60
Data Out ..................................... 61
Program Change .......................... 63
Undo/Redo On/Off ..................... 64
8The QY8 As a Tone
Generator/ABC Expander ........... 66
As a Tone generator Module ........ 66
As an ABC Expander ................... 67
Appendix ..................................... 70
Total Reset Procedure .................. 70
Voice List & Polyphony
Information ................................. 71
Style List ...................................... 73
Troubleshooting........................... 74
Error Messages ............................. 76
Specifications ............................... 77
MIDI Data Format ...................... 78
MIDI Implementation Chart ....... 80
Index ................................................ 82
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2
The QY8: What It Is &
1What It Can Do
What It Is …
The QY8 is an easy-to-use music production tool with tone generator,
sequencer, and auto-accompaniment (including drum machine)
capability all integrated with a user-friendly control interface. In short,
it provides everything you need to create great-sounding
accompaniments or complete songs. It may be convenient to think of
the QY8 as a 4-part auto-accompaniment machine plus a 4-part
sequencer that lets you record different parts of a musical composition
one at a time, and then play them back all together. The QY8 has an
internal memory that will hold up to 20 complete songs. For extra
storage capacity you can use the Data Out utility to transmit the song
data to a MIDI data recorder such as the Yamaha MDF2 ( > page 61).
■Voices
The QY8’s internal AWM tone generator provides 40 top-quality voices
plus a complete drum kit with different drum and percussion instru-
ments assigned to different notes. You can assign any of these voices to
the QY8’s four sequencer parts ( > page 37), or play them directly from
an external keyboard or other MIDI controller via the MIDI interface
( > page 43).

3
The QY8: What It Is & What It Can Do
■Accompaniment
With the QY8 accompaniments are produced by specifying a sequence
of “styles” and chord changes rather than by recording individual notes
( > page 26). The QY8 has 50 preset styles (each with 6 variations) that
you can simply select and use to create accompaniments in a wide
variety of musical idioms ( > page 18). Accompaniments consist of four
“parts”: the chord 1 and chord 2 parts, a bass part, and a drum part.
The four parts can be independently muted so you can use the entire
accompaniment, any combination of parts, or only a single part, as
required. The accompaniment parts feature Yamaha’s advanced ABC
(Auto Bass Chord) auto-accompaniment system so you can create even
complex accompaniments with a minimum of effort.
■The Sequencer Parts
In addition to the accompaniment parts the QY8 has 4 sequencer-like
“parts” to which you can individually assign any of the 40 internal
voices (or drum kit if desired), and record just about anything you like
either via the QY8 controls ( > page 36) or an external keyboard con-
nected to the QY8 MIDI IN connector ( > page 43).

4
The QY8: What It Is & What It Can Do
What It Can Do …
Here are a few ideas on how you can use the QY8. There’s no way we
can cover all possibilities, but the ideas presented might help to spark
some new and interesting applications.
■A Super Practice Tool
Create accompaniments that you can practice with on your guitar, key-
board, or any other instrument (vocals too, of course). That way you have
the advantage of practicing with a bass line and chords instead of just a
metronome or drum machine ( > page 26).
■Compose & Arrange
The QY8’s outstanding voices and versatile sequencing capability make
it an excellent tool for trying out musical ideas and arrangements. It’s
also a great way to present you ideas to others ( > page 36).
■Use It As a Drum Machine
Use the drum parts of the preset accompaniment styles, or the drum kit
voice to record on the sequencer parts if you want to create original
rhythm patterns ( > page 37).
■Use It As a Tone Generator
The QY8’s AWM tone generator is in no way a compromise. You get
outstanding AWM sound quality that’s on a par with some of the finest
full-size synthesizers. You can select and play the QY8 voices remotely
from just about any MIDI keyboard, computer, or other controller ( >
page 66).
■Add ABC Capability to Your MIDI Keyboard
Use the QY8 as an “ABC expander” for your MIDI keyboard. Auto-
accompaniment can makes playing at home more fun, and it can be a
tremendous sound-booster at 1-performer live gigs
( > page 67).

5
Setting Up:
2Power & Connections
Power Supply
Your QY8 will run either from an optional AC adaptor or batteries.
Follow the instructions below according to the power source you intend
to use.
■Using a Power Adaptor
Plug the DC output cable from a Yamaha PA-1B or PA-3 AC Adaptor
(available from your Yamaha dealer) into the DC IN jack on the rear
panel, then plug the adaptor into a convenient wall AC power outlet.
CAUTION
• Do not attempt to use an AC adaptor other than
the Yamaha PA-1B or PA-3. The use of an incom-
patible adaptor may cause irreparable damage to
the QY8, and might pose a serious shock hazard!
• Be sure to unplug the AC adaptor from the AC
mains socket when the QY8 is not in use.

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Setting Up: Power & Connections
■Using Batteries
Six 1.5V AA size (SUM-3 or R6P) or equivalent manganese or alkaline
batteries must first be installed in the battery compartment.
1. Open Battery Compartment Cover
Open the battery compartment cover — located on the instru-
ment’s bottom panel — by pressing down on the grooved section
of the cover and sliding in the direction of the arrow, as shown in
the illustration.
2. Insert Batteries
Insert the six batteries, being careful to follow the polarity mark-
ings on the bottom case.
3. Replace Cover
Replace the compartment cover, making sure that it locks firmly
in place.

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Setting Up: Power & Connections
■When to Replace the Batteries
When the batteries run down and are no longer able to operate the
QY8, the sound may become distorted and the following display will
appear:
When this display appears, replace the batteries with a complete set of
six new batteries. NEVER mix old and new batteries or different types
of batteries!
CAUTION
To prevent possible damage due to battery leak-
age, remove the batteries from the instrument if it
is not to be used for an extended period of time.
Battery
Err

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Setting Up: Power & Connections
Setting Up Your System
What you will connect the QY8 to, and what you will connect to the
QY8, will depend entirely on your individual requirements, and it
would be impossible to cover all possibilities here. A few examples are
provided below to help you get started.
■The Connectors
1PHONES/LINE OUT Jack
Any pair of stereo headphones with a miniature stereo phone plug can
be plugged in here for convenient monitoring. This connector also
delivers a stereo output signal from the QY8 for connection to a stereo
sound system (see “Audio Connections,” below). The output level is
adjusted via the VOLUME control on the right side panel.
2MIDI IN & OUT Connectors
If you plan to use a MIDI keyboard or other instrument to play and
program the QY8, it should be connected to QY8 MIDI IN connector
(see “MIDI Connections,” below). The MIDI OUT connector can be
connected to an external tone generator if you want to drive external
voices from the QY8 sequencer, or a MIDI data recorder such as the
Yamaha MDF2 if you want to store your songs to floppy disk ( > page
61).
123

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Setting Up: Power & Connections
3DC IN Jack
This jack is only used when you are powering the QY8 from an optional
AC adaptor instead of batteries. The DC output cable from an optional
Yamaha PA-1B or PA-3 AC Power Adaptor is plugged in here.
DETAIL
The batteries are automatically disconnected when a plug is
inserted into the DC IN jack.
■Audio Connections
The simplest way to monitor the QY8 sound is via a pair of stereo
headphones (miniature stereo phone plug type) plugged into the
PHONES/LINE OUT jack. If you want to use an external stereo sound
system, however, use the PHONES/LINE OUT jack and a “Y” cable
(miniature stereo phone plug to dual RCA pin plugs — available from
many audio and musical instrument dealers).
CAUTION
Make sure that both the QY8 and your sound
system are turned OFF when making connections.
■MIDI Connections
Although the QY8 can be programmed without a keyboard, an external
MIDI keyboard connected to the QY8 MIDI IN connector provides
the added advantages of standard keyboard format and key velocity
sensitivity (if your keyboard has a velocity-sensitive keyboard). Connect
the MIDI OUT connector of the keyboard to the MIDI IN connector
of the QY8, and make sure that your keyboard is set to transmit on the
appropriate MIDI channel. (See pages 43, 66)

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Getting to Know the QY8:
3How the Controls Work
The QY8 has fairly simple, consistent control interface that,
once understood, makes operation fast and easy, no matter
what operation you are performing. If you read through this
section carefully you should have no problem accessing and
operating the QY8’s many advanced features.
1POWER Switch
Slide to the “ON” position to turn the QY8 on, and to the “OFF”
position to turn it off.
2LCD Display
This large multi-function liquid crystal display panel shows all parameters
you need to operate the QY8 with optimum ease and efficiency.
hj
g;t
3
2
5
6
4
7
1
Left Side Panel

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Getting to Know the QY8: How the Controls Work
3Cursor Buttons
These 4 buttons move the “cursor” around the
display screen, selecting the various parameters
that are available for editing (the selected
parameter or symbol will flash).
4[-1][-1]
[-1][-1]
[-1] and [+1][+1]
[+1][+1]
[+1] Buttons
These buttons are used to edit (change the value of) the parameter at
which the cursor is currently located. The [-1] button decrements
(decreases stepwise) the value of the selected parameter, while the [+1]
button increments (increases stepwise) the parameter. Press either button
briefly to decrement or increment the parameter by one, or hold the
button for continuous decrementing or incrementing in the specified
direction. When programming the QY8 sequencer parts, the [-1] and [+1]
are also used to select the musical symbols required for note programming
(note length, sharps and flats, etc.).
5[ENTER][ENTER]
[ENTER][ENTER]
[ENTER] Button
The [ENTER] button is used to “enter” styles, chords, and repeats when
creating accompaniments, and to enter notes and rests when recording the
sequencer parts. It is also used to execute the QY8’s “option” functions.
6[UNDO][UNDO]
[UNDO][UNDO]
[UNDO] Button
This button provides “insurance” against mistakes. As it’s name implies, it
will “undo” any operation if pressed immediately after performing that
operation. If you accidentally clear a song that you wanted to keep, for
example, the [UNDO] button will undo the clear operation and restore
your data — but only if pressed immediately after the clear operation. If
pressed a second time, it will also “redo” the preceding operation.
The undo function requires a considerable amount of memory, so it
can be turned on if needed or off when you need to conserve memory via
the Undo/Redo On/Off function ( > page 64).
Up
Down
Right
Left

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Getting to Know the QY8: How the Controls Work
7Sequencer Buttons
The sequencer buttons control playback of the accompaniment and
sequencer parts (also real-time recording of the sequencer parts), and allow
you to locate a specific measure and beat within a song. Their layout and
functions are similar to the transport controls on a tape recorder.
Play/Stop:Play/Stop:
Play/Stop:Play/Stop:
Play/Stop: Starts and stops playback. If playback is stopped somewhere in the
middle of a song, pressing this button again will cause playback to continue
from the point at which it was stopped.
Top:Top:
Top:Top:
Top: Press this button to go directly to the “top” of the song: i.e. the first beat
of the first measure.
Locate:Locate:
Locate:Locate:
Locate: These buttons step backward and forward through the song, measure
by measure or beat by beat, depending on the selected parameter, allowing
you to locate any point for programming or playback. Hold either button
for “fast forward” or “rewind” operation in the specified direction. The
current location within the song is indicated by the MEASURE number and
1 MEASURE bar on the display. The pointer above the 1 MEASURE bar
points to the current beat within the current bar (the smallest divisions on
the 1 MEASURE bar correspond to 32nd-notes).
hj
g;t
3
2
5
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4
7
hjg;t
Lo cateTop
Play/Stop
1 M EASUREbar