Disklavier

--- In disklavier@yahoogroups.com, "Carol Beigel" <thecarolb@...> wrote:
>
> Of course there is an ultra sonic signal in the audio file; it's the MIDI data.  From the box on the MarkIIXG, you only take one cable into the speaker from the L mono output.
> 
> There is a diffence between MIDI data output and that from a turntable.  The turntable is audio output.  You plug it into your stereo amplifier and it comes out great through the speakers.
> 
> MIDI data is data; not an audio file.  You need a tone generator to hear any sounds - and there can be any number of them reproducint the MIDI data.  The same data can be trumpets, strings, chorus, etc.  It is what is produced through the tone generator that comes out the speakers for the Ensemble sounds.
> 
> The MIDI data on Channel 1 and 2 play the keys on the piano, but that data can also be simultaneously output through the tone generator as a tone generated piano sound.  I believe the setting on the Disklavier is keyboard out.
> 
> You need a lot of power to hear MIDI data.  I have been playing with the MIDI data from my piano and converting it with Virtual Instruments through Apple's Logic Studio and now Pro Tools 8LE with my MBox2.  I am amazed how good the Native Instruments Akoustic piano sounds through the MBox2 versus the soundcard on the iMac.
> 
> The MarkIIXG has a daughter board inside that is the tone generator (the DB50?).  Converting MIDI to digital audio takes lots of computing power, and the results are proportional to what is costs to set it up.  To hear an expample, take one of your Disklavier files with Ensemble sounds into your computer and listen to it.  On my PC desktop, the sound was so unbearably awful I went on a 3 year quest to improve it!
> 
> The minimun good powered speakers I have heard on these things start at $150 per speaker, but the $300 ones sound a lot better. (The $1000 per pair sound even better but they will never be a part of this household!)
> 
> Carol Beigel
> 

Hi Carol

Actually the "Output" from that port on the DKC500RXG is audio (analogue) - it can't be MIDI because that's a digital signal and you couldn't put that into any sort of speaker.  All that clever stuff is done inside the control unit.  What really galls me is that Yamaha doesn't seem to know the output strength of the signal.  If I knew that I could find the way to get a clean signal into my stereo.

However, given the clues here I've had discussions with several audio technicians in Sydney today (where the DK and I reside), and Friday I'm going to borrow a Behringer speaker to try out at home.  You wouldn't believe how many times I've been asked to "bring in the instrument and we'll test out our systems for you".

The real issue is the cost of the speakers, and for a single speaker I'm expecting to pay $500.  And it looks quite ugly as well.  Hopefully it's going to be the right combination, and I can camouflage it as well.

I recently had the pleasure of listening to a MkIV Grand in a city shopping centre (the QVB for locals) and the sound is VERY impressive.  However at $60+k it's not coming out of my retirement nest egg.  I still think that Yamaha Disklaviers are amongst the best instruments in the world; and I've worked on 4 continents over the last 35 years and heard and seen a lot.

I'll keep the forum posted with progress.  As always, the input, comments and knowledge here are immense.

Cheers
Ken