Disklavier

Good afternoon, everyone.

On Mar 18, 2008, at 11:28 AM, Mel wrote:
> Hi all,
> I recently acquired a number of QRS Pianomation CDs. I would like to
> convert them to MIDI. Then I can use them in my Disklavier. Does  
> anyone
> know how I can accomplish this? Your help is appreciated.
>

The Yamaha DCD1 is an add-on box for pre-Mark III Disklaviers. It has  
a CD feature. If properly updated, it can be used to:

(1) Play PianoSoft Plus Audio CDs
In this case, the piano part is MIDI data encoded as audio on one  
track. The encoded MIDI data is decoded on playback and is played by  
the piano. The other audio track has normal audio data that is played  
by the speakers.

and

(2) Smart PianoSoft CD/Floppy Disk Combinations
In this case, you put an ordinary audio CD into the DCD1 and the  
companion floppy into the Disklavier. The floppy contains MIDI data  
and drives the Disklavier; the CD is played as normal audio.

The DCD1 connects to the pre-Mark III Disklavier via MIDI cables. This  
means that the device actually outputs MIDI data that was encoded as  
audio (so-called analog MIDI). Using the DCD1 you can:

(1) connect the MIDI cable to a computer and capture the MIDI data in  
a MIDI sequencer or

(2) Use the MDR record mode of a Mark II or Mark IIXG to record the  
MIDI data.

To use MDR on a Mark IIXG:

--Press Record.
--Press Voice.
--Turn the Rotary Dial clockwise until the screen reads, "MDR MODE REC."
--Press Play to start recording (and then press Play on the DCD1).
--Press Stop when you are done.

To use MDR on a Mark II:

--Turn off the Disklavier.
--Hold down Disk-Metronome--Func/Edit and turn the Disklavier on.
--Release those buttons and press Record.
--Press Disk.
--Turn the Rotary Dial clockwise until the screen reads, "MDR MODE REC."
--Press Play to start recording (and then press Play on the DCD1).
--Press Stop when you are done.

I cannot state anything definitively about compatibility with QRS CDs.  
I own just one QRS CD, and it works fine in the DCD1.

Regards,
PianoBench