Quick GuideConnecting the Computer and Midi devices
Connections
67
Owner’s Manual
Connecting to a Computer
Connecting this instrument to a computer via MIDI opens up a whole world of musical possibilities—such as using
sequencer software to record and play back compositions with the S90 ES sounds or using the Voice Editor/Multi Part Editor
software to create and edit your own custom Voices/Multis.
Using a USB cable
MIDI messages can be transferred between the sequencer software and S90 ES using the USB cable. However, audio data
cannot be transmitted or received via USB on the S90 ES.
When using a USB connection, make sure to set the following parameter to “USB.”
nUSB cables have different connectors on each end: the A type and the B type. When connecting this synthesizer to the computer, connect the A type
to your computer and the B type to the USB TO HOST connector. When connecting this synthesizer to the computer, connect the A type to your
computer and the B type to the USB TO HOST connector.
nIf you are using the Remote Control function of the S90 ES to control operations on a computer sequencer, use the USB connection.
In order to use the instrument with a computer via a USB connection, you will need to install an appropriate
USB-MIDI driver. You can download the proper driver from our website:
http://www.global.yamaha.com/download/usb_midi/
OS: Windows XP Professional/Home Edition, Mac OS X 10.2-10.4.0
*This information is current as of May 2005. For the latest information check the web site above.
[UTILITY] → [F5] MIDI → [SF4] OTHER → MIDI IN/OUT = USB
MIDI channel and MIDI port
MIDI data is assigned to one of sixteen channels, and this instrument is capable of simultaneously playing sixteen
separate parts via these channels. While a single MIDI cable is equipped to handle data over up to sixteen channels
simultaneously, a USB connection is capable of handling far more—thanks to the use of MIDI ports. Each MIDI port can
handle sixteen channels, and the USB connection allows up to eight ports, letting you use up to 128 channels (8 ports
x 16 channels) on your computer.
nThis instrument can recognize and use up to three ports at the same time.
nWhen using a USB connection, make sure to match the MIDI transmit port and the MIDI receive port as well as the MIDI transmit channel and the
MIDI receive channel.
Synchronizing with an external sequencer (Master and Slave)
When using multiple MIDI devices, the tempo settings of the MIDI devices must be synchronized by clock signal.
The device set to internal clock serves as a reference for all connected devices, and is referred to as the “master”
instrument. The connected devices set to external clock are referred to as “slaves.” When using playback data of an
external sequencer to trigger the Arpeggio function on the S90 ES, make sure to set the MIDI synchronization
parameter in the Utility mode so that the external clock is used (as shown below).
In addition, make sure that the external MIDI sequencer is set to “master” or internal sync.
nCertain sequencers may not send clock signals to an external device while playback is stopped. When “MIDI Sync” is set to “MIDI,” the
Arpeggio function is available only while the S90 ES receives clock signals from the master instrument.
S90 ES
USB TO HOST
USB cable
Computer with a USB interface
[UTILITY] → MIDI display → MIDI Sync = MIDI