Using Your Clavinova with Other Devices
CVP-205/203
150

MIDI channels

MIDI performance data is assigned to one of sixteen
MIDI channels. Using these channels, 1 - 16, the
performance data for sixteen different instrument parts
can be simultaneously sent over one MIDI cable.
Think of the MIDI channels as TV channels. Each TV
station transmits its broadcasts over a specific
channel.Your home TV set receives many different
programs simultaneously from several TV stations and
you select the appropriate channel to watch the desired
program.
MIDI operates on the same basic principle. The
transmitting instrument sends MIDI data on a specific
MIDI channel (MIDI Transmit Channel) via a single
MIDI cable to the receiving instrument. If the receiving
instrument’s MIDI channel (MIDI Receive Channel)
matches the Transmit Channel, the receiving instrument
will sound according to the data sent by the
transmitting instrument.
For example, several tracks (channels) can be
transmitted simultaneously, including the style data (as
shown below).
Example: Recording the auto accompaniment of the Clavinova to
an external sequencer
As you can see, it is essential to determine which data
is to be sent over which MIDI channel when
transmitting MIDI data (page 138). The Clavinova also
allows you to determine how the received data is
played back. (page 139).

System Messages

This is data that is used in common by the entire MIDI
system. System messages include messages like Exclusive
Messages that transmit data unique to each instrument
manufacturer and Realtime Messages that control the
MIDI device.
The messages transmitted/received by the CVP-205/203
are shown in the MIDI Data Format and MIDI
Implementation Chart in the separate Data List.
What You Can Do With MIDI
The following MIDI settings can be made on the
Clavinova:
MIDI templates (preset MIDI setups for various
applications) (page 137)
Transmit (page 138)
Receive (page 139)
Local Control (page 137)
Clock (page 138)
Record performance data (1-16 channels) using the
CVP-205/203 Auto Accompaniment features on a
external sequencer (such as a personal computer).
After recording, edit the data with the sequencer, then
play it again on the CVP-205/203 (playback).
When you want to use the Clavinova as an XG-
compatible multi-timbral tone generator, set the receive
part for MIDI channels 1 to 16 to “SONG” in MIDI
Receive (page 139).
Play and control the Clavinova from a separate
keyboard
1
Weather Report
News
2
2
News
MIDI transmit channel 2 MIDI receive channel 2
MIDI
cable
The Clavinovas keyboard and internal tone generator are also
connected by MIDI (page 137).
MIDI cable or
serial cable
Clavinova track (channnel)
MAIN
LAYER
LEFT
STYLE instrument
STYLE instrument
STYLE instrument
STYLE instrument
STYLE instrument
STYLE instrument
STYLE instrument
STYLE instrument
External sequencer
Track 1
Track 2
Track 3
Track 4
Track 5
Track 6
Track 7
Track 8
Track 9
Track 10
Track 11
Channel 1
Channel 2
Channel 3
Channel 4
Channel 5
Channel 6
Channel 7
Channel 8
Channel 9
Channel 10
Channel 11
Message Name CVP-205/203 Operation/Panel Setting
System Exclusive
Message
Effect type settings (Mixing Console),
etc.
Realtime Messages Clock setting, Start/stop operation
Personal cumputer,
QY series etc.
MIDI receive
MIDI transmit
NEC
PC-9821 AS
NEC MultiSync
MIDI IN MIDI OUT
MIDI OUT MIDI IN
Clavinova
MIDI IN MIDI OUT
Clavinova MIDI receive