Yamaha QY20 User Manual

Manual information may change without notice, affecting future specifications.

High sound levels risk hearing loss; operate at safe levels and seek audiologist advice.

Users are responsible for service charges due to lack of operational knowledge.

Yamaha ensures user safety and environmental friendliness in products and methods.

Guidelines for battery types, installation, safety, and proper disposal according to regulations.

Follow local, state, federal regulations for disposal of end-of-life products.

Identifies the location of the product's name plate for model and serial number details.

Protect the instrument from direct sunlight, high temperatures, humidity, dust, and vibration.

Turn off when not in use, unplug AC adaptor during storms or extended periods, avoid shared outlets.

Ensure all connected devices are powered off before making or breaking audio and MIDI cable connections.

Avoid excessive force, grip plugs when unplugging cables, and disconnect all cables before moving the instrument.

Clean with a dry cloth; use a damp cloth for grime; avoid solvents; do not place vinyl objects on the surface.

If interference occurs with other electronics, relocate the instrument away from the affected devices.

Use MIDI bulk dump for data backup; internal memory data can be corrupted by improper operation or battery failure.

Do not attempt user servicing; tampering may cause damage or electric shock; refer all servicing to qualified personnel.

Explains the meaning of icons used throughout the manual for caution, importance, details, musical notes, and hints.

Introduces the QY20 as a music production system with tone generator, sequencer, and auto-accompaniment.

Describes the three main modes: VOICE (tone generator), SONG (8-track recorder), and PATTERN (accompaniment).

Details the 8 tracks in SONG mode: 4 sequencer (TR1-TR4) and 4 accompaniment (C1, C2, Ba, Dr).

Covers preset patterns, variations, original pattern creation, and ABC auto-accompaniment features.

Highlights uses such as a practice tool, drum machine, composition aid, tone generator, and ABC expander.

Explains powering the unit via six AA batteries or an optional AC adaptor for flexibility.

Instructions for inserting batteries and recognizing the "Battery Low" warning for timely replacement.

Guidance on using the correct AC adaptor and safety precautions to prevent damage or electrical hazards.

Details rear and side panel connectors for audio output, MIDI, DC power, and headphones.

Connect headphones or a stereo system to the QY20 for sound monitoring and output.

Connect external MIDI devices for expanded control and lists MIDI channel assignments for QY20 tracks.

Identifies and illustrates controls on the Rear, Left Side, Right Side, and Front panels.

Describes functions of the POWER Switch, LCD Display, CONTRAST, and MODE key for basic operation.

Explains the use of Cursor keys for screen navigation and [−1/NO]/[+1/YES] keys for parameter adjustment.

Details how to access and utilize menus and function keys for various QY20 operations.

Covers the micro keyboard for note input and sequencer keys for recording and playback functions.

Explains how to shift the micro-keyboard's octave and adjust the master volume level.

Provides steps to play the QY20's demonstration mode to hear its features.

Instructions for selecting and listening to the 100 voices and 8 drum kits via the micro-keyboard.

How to select and assign specific voices or drum kits to each track within the SONG mode.

Explains how to mute or unmute individual tracks in the VOICE mode mixer for selective playback.

Details using pan pots to position each track's sound within the stereo sound field for better imaging.

Explains how to adjust the volume balance between tracks using the graphic faders in the VOICE mode mixer.

Guide to choosing and playing the 100 preset accompaniment patterns available in SONG mode.

Learn to input chord changes using the micro-keyboard for the ABC auto-accompaniment system.

Instructions on how to mute specific accompaniment tracks (C1, C2, Ba) to focus on others.

Methods for recording full accompaniments using Realtime (on-the-fly) or Step (detailed) recording.

Utilize the QY20 as a drum machine by muting other tracks and focusing on the drum track.

Create and save custom accompaniment patterns using Realtime or Step recording into user memory locations.

Learn how to play patterns in PATTERN mode, noting differences from SONG mode playback.

Achieve full harmonic control by recording chord changes directly into patterns, bypassing ABC system rules.

Introduces 8 utility functions for pattern management: Copy, Quantize, Transpose, Modify, Name, Clear.

Add melodic, harmonic, and counter-melody parts to songs using sequencer tracks.

Record parts in real-time onto selected tracks, controlling tempo and transpose parameters.

Enter and edit notes and events precisely for each track, offering detailed control over timing and parameters.

Introduces 14 utility functions for song management: Mix, Copy, Create, Quantize, Delete, Erase, Transpose, Move Clock, Remove Event, Modify, Name, Clear.

How to enter edit mode for songs or patterns from the play mode using the MENU key.

Modify individual note parameters (timing, pitch, gate time, velocity) in songs and patterns.

Remove notes and other events from songs or patterns by selecting the line and pressing the "Del" key.

Add new notes and events at specified locations within songs and patterns.

Step-by-step instructions to enter the QY20's utility functions from any mode via the MENU key.

Adjust system settings like MIDI Sync, MIDI Control, Device Number, Master Tune, Metronome, and Pgc Mode.

Save and load song/pattern data to/from external devices like the Yamaha MDF2 for backup and storage.

Configure the note range for chord recognition by the QY20's ABC system and enable/disable ABC mode.

Reset all internal song and pattern memory, and all parameters, to their factory default settings.

Control QY20 voices via MIDI channels from external sequencers or keyboards.

Utilize the QY20's ABC system with an external keyboard to recognize and change chords during playback.

A comprehensive list of all available QY20 voices and their corresponding Normal and GM program numbers.

Details the notes assigned to each drum kit, showing their mapping for various drum sets.

A categorized list of the 100 preset accompaniment patterns available on the QY20.

Provides chord fingerings recognized by the QY20's ABC system, including interval names and inversion notes.

Solutions for common operational problems, symptoms, and potential causes with page references.

Explains various error messages displayed by the QY20 and provides guidance on how to resolve them.

Lists the QY20's technical details including sequencer capabilities, tone generator specs, power, and dimensions.

Important notices regarding unit modification, cable use, FCC Part 15 compliance, and measures to mitigate interference.

Statement confirming compliance with Canadian Class B digital apparatus radio noise emission standards.

Warnings in Danish, Swedish, and Finnish regarding battery handling, replacement type, and disposal.

Contact details for Yamaha offices and distributors across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.