Message
Re: [disklavier] temporary reply to pianosmart questions
2003-09-22 by PianoBench@aol.com
In a message dated 9/22/03 8:36:00 AM, Danny writes:
I am still a bit confused. I did spend time on Yamaha's website, looked thru the
DCD1 PDF brochure, the specifications page, acessories, etc. I was not able to
find where Yamaha had placed the information that a Disklavier MarkIIXG would
require for example a EMK1 upgrade (the additional memory requirement you
mentioned) before being able to install a DCD1 unit. Can you point me as to
where to find this info, or have I misunderstood? My local dealer said that he
was not aware of the details...
I have not seen this info on the Yamaha website, either. However, I have seen the information that was sent to dealers. If your dealer does not have the information or does not understand it, you can find information for contacting Yamaha Corp. of America directly by phone or email at this web address:
http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/ContentDetail/Text_WithCatMenu_SC/0,6381,CTID%253D410015%2526CNTYP%253D%2526VNM%253DLIVE%2526AFLG%253DY,00.html
Also, in the PDF brochure it shows that a MIDI connection is required between
the control unit and the CD Player. Does this mean that by installing the DCD1,
you 'give up' your external MIDI interface for usage with PC-based MIDI
sequencers is there a 'secondary' MIDI interface on the DCD1 for external
usage?
This is an excellent question. You are correct that when you use a DCD1 with a compatible Disklavier control unit that both MIDI ports on the Disklavier control unit are used to connect with both MIDI ports on the DCD1. (Out connects to In and In connects to Out.) Fortunately, these control units also have a To Host serial port and a switch for switching between To Host communications and MIDI port communications.
So, I you intend to use your Disklavier with a computer or other MIDI device as well as with a DCD1 AND you wish to avoid plugging and unplugging your MIDI cables, you may wish to use the serial connection for your computer or external MIDI device.
If you have a computer that lacks a serial port, you might want to consider purchasing the Yamaha UX96 MIDI interface. This interface connects to the computer via USB. It has two sets of communication ports: a single serial connector and a pair of MIDI ports (In and Out). USB drivers are available for Windows 98-XP and Mac OS 9 and OS X.
The other choice is a bit more complicated: use a MIDI splitter for MIDI Out on the Disklavier and a MIDI merger for MIDI In on the Disklavier. MIDI Solutions (www.midisolutions.com) is a company that makes convenient, small, self-powered devices for these purposes.
Regards,
PianoBench