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Mk2, XG or not ?

Mk2, XG or not ?

2008-01-07 by ramseymonoi

I am in the process of buying a Mk2 disklavier. I am not sure of the
exact version, but it is not an XG. It has midi in and out below the
keyboard.

My question is whether it would be wiser to find an XG version, or if
by plugging in a laptop and using its soundcard (instead of a DCD1), I
would be ale to do the same things as an XG ?

I understand that the XG would still need a DCD1 box, but I assume
(wrongly?) that connections and capabilities are greater than a
preceding version of the Mk2.

I don't know if I am very clear !

Best regards

Pascal

Re: [disklavier] Mk2, XG or not ?

2008-01-07 by athomik


The main difference between the 2 pianos is that the Mark IIXG can play 16 track MIDI files, i.e. you can get multi-instrument backing for your piano songs. You can get the same effect using a laptop and playing channels 2(3)-16 on your soundcard and sending channel(s) 1 (or 1&2) to the MIDI IN on the piano. The feature you won't get is PianoSoft plus Audio playback from CD's. This feature is only available from the Mark III upwards (as well as the DCD1)


athomik

On Jan 7 2008, ramseymonoi wrote:

>I am in the process of buying a Mk2 disklavier. I am not sure of the
>exact version, but it is not an XG. It has midi in and out below the
>keyboard.
>
>My question is whether it would be wiser to find an XG version, or if
>by plugging in a laptop and using its soundcard (instead of a DCD1), I
>would be ale to do the same things as an XG ?
>
>I understand that the XG would still need a DCD1 box, but I assume
>(wrongly?) that connections and capabilities are greater than a
>preceding version of the Mk2.
>
>I don't know if I am very clear !
>
>Best regards
>
>Pascal
>
>
>
>To Post a message to the group, send it to: disklavier@...
>
>To Post a private message to Todd Muncy, the group's founder and moderator, send it to:
>disklavier-owner@...
>
>To reach our group's web site go to:
>http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier
>
>THINKING OF LEAVING THE GROUP?
>If you are thinking of unsubcribing because you are getting too much mail, go the the web site and change your email delivery option instead. That will fix the problem, while maintaining your access to the group. If you insist on leaving us completely send a blank email to:
>disklavier-unsubscribe@...
>
>Know someone who wants to join? Have them send a blank email to:
>disklavier-subscribe@... or give them this link:
>http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier/join
>
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Re: [disklavier] Mk2, XG or not ?

2008-01-07 by Carol Beigel

A MarkII Disklavier does not necessarily read the HD 1.44 floppies that are 
common, and may still require only the hard to find older 720k floppies.  XG 
Disklaviers had upgradeable flash memory, where MarkIIs do not.  XG also 
meant that the Ensemble sounds were on a daughter board included in the 
control box.

Ensemble sounds are not the same as audio.  A DCD1 box is a CD player.  What 
you would need is the DSR1 box ($1295) that will convert a MarkII to a 
MarkIIXG with all the features.  An additional DCD1 ($1295) CD player would 
also give you audio.

If you do buy a MarkII, you still need a tone generator to hear the XG 
sounds.  I do not know if the soundcard in your laptop could substitute for 
this.  In any event, you would need self powered speakers to hear the 
sounds.

Carol Beigel

----- Original Message ----- 
Show quoted textHide quoted text
From: "ramseymonoi" <ramseymonoi@...>
To: <disklavier@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Monday, January 07, 2008 6:51 AM
Subject: [disklavier] Mk2, XG or not ?


>I am in the process of buying a Mk2 disklavier. I am not sure of the
> exact version, but it is not an XG. It has midi in and out below the
> keyboard.
>
> My question is whether it would be wiser to find an XG version, or if
> by plugging in a laptop and using its soundcard (instead of a DCD1), I
> would be ale to do the same things as an XG ?
>
> I understand that the XG would still need a DCD1 box, but I assume
> (wrongly?) that connections and capabilities are greater than a
> preceding version of the Mk2.
>
> I don't know if I am very clear !
>
> Best regards
>
> Pascal
>
>
>
> To Post a message to the group, send it to:   disklavier@...
>
> To Post a private message to Todd Muncy, the group's founder and 
> moderator, send it to:
> disklavier-owner@...
>
> To reach our group's web site go to:
> http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier
>
> THINKING OF LEAVING THE GROUP?
> If you are thinking of unsubcribing because you are getting too much mail, 
> go the the web site and change your email delivery option instead.  That 
> will fix the problem, while maintaining your access to the group.  If you 
> insist on leaving us completely send a blank email to:
> disklavier-unsubscribe@...
>
> Know someone who wants to join?  Have them send a blank email to:
> disklavier-subscribe@... or give them this link:
> http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier/join
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
> -- 
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1211 - Release Date: 1/6/2008 
> 11:57 AM
>
>

RE: [disklavier] Mk2, XG or not ?

2008-01-07 by Paul J

Isn’t it trivial to convert a 1.44 floppy to a 720k floppy, by placing a piece of opaque tape over the square hole?

paul

-----Original Message-----

Show quoted textHide quoted text

From: disklavier@yahoogroups.com [mailto:disklavier@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Carol Beigel
Sent: Monday, January 07, 2008 6:06 AM
To: disklavier@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [disklavier] Mk2, XG or not ?

A MarkII Disklavier does not necessarily read the HD 1.44 floppies that are
common, and may still require only the hard to find older 720k floppies. XG
Disklaviers had upgradeable flash memory, where MarkIIs do not. XG also
meant that the Ensemble sounds were on a daughter board included in the
control box.

Ensemble sounds are not the same as audio. A DCD1 box is a CD player. What
you would need is the DSR1 box ($1295) that will convert a MarkII to a
MarkIIXG with all the features. An additional DCD1 ($1295) CD player would
also give you audio.

If you do buy a MarkII, you still need a tone generator to hear the XG
sounds. I do not know if the soundcard in your laptop could substitute for
this. In any event, you would need self powered speakers to hear the
sounds.

Carol Beigel

----- Original Message -----
From: "ramseymonoi" <ramseymonoi@yahoo.co.uk>
To: <disklavier@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Monday, January 07, 2008 6:51 AM
Subject: [disklavier] Mk2, XG or not ?

>I am in the process of buying a Mk2 disklavier. I am not sure of the
> exact version, but it is not an XG. It has midi in and out below the
> keyboard.
>
> My question is whether it would be wiser to find an XG version, or if
> by plugging in a laptop and using its soundcard (instead of a DCD1), I
> would be ale to do the same things as an XG ?
>
> I understand that the XG would still need a DCD1 box, but I assume
> (wrongly?) that connections and capabilities are greater than a
> preceding version of the Mk2.
>
>; I don't know if I am very clear !
>
> Best regards
>
> Pascal
>
>
>
> To Post a message to the group, send it to: disklavier@YahooGroups.com
>
> To Post a private message to Todd Muncy, the group's founder and
> moderator, send it to:
> disklavier-owner@Yahoogroups.com
>
> To reach our group's web site go to:
> http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier
>
> THINKING OF LEAVING THE GROUP?
> If you are thinking of unsubcribing because you are getting too much mail,
> go the the web site and change your email delivery option instead. That
> will fix the problem, while maintaining your access to the group. If you
> insist on leaving us completely send a blank email to:
> disklavier-unsubscribe@yahooGroups.com
>
> Know someone who wants to join? Have them send a blank email to:
> disklavier-subscribe@eGroups.com or give them this link:
> http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier/join
>
>; Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1211 - Release Date: 1/6/2008
> 11:57 AM
>
>

Re: Mk2, XG or not ?

2008-01-07 by ramseymonoi

Thank you all for your answers.

I am not a musician at all, so the learning curve is very steep !

The seller has told me that everything that the DSR1 and DCD1 do, can
be done with a laptop and the appropriate software.

The bottom line is that the really cool feature I would like to have
is for example have an orchestra playing through my hifi system (that
is where the soundcard on the laptop comes in), whilst the disklavier
handles all the piano stuff directed via the midi ports by the same
laptop.

If I understand correctly, only a Mk3 does that and even a Mk2
equipped with the 2 boxes cannot ?

Thank you in advance,

Pascal

--- In disklavier@yahoogroups.com, "Carol Beigel" <thecarolb@...> wrote:
>
> A MarkII Disklavier does not necessarily read the HD 1.44 floppies
that are 
> common, and may still require only the hard to find older 720k
floppies.  XG 
> Disklaviers had upgradeable flash memory, where MarkIIs do not.  XG
also 
> meant that the Ensemble sounds were on a daughter board included in the 
> control box.
> 
> Ensemble sounds are not the same as audio.  A DCD1 box is a CD
player.  What 
> you would need is the DSR1 box ($1295) that will convert a MarkII to a 
> MarkIIXG with all the features.  An additional DCD1 ($1295) CD
player would 
> also give you audio.
> 
> If you do buy a MarkII, you still need a tone generator to hear the XG 
> sounds.  I do not know if the soundcard in your laptop could
substitute for 
> this.  In any event, you would need self powered speakers to hear the 
> sounds.
> 
> Carol Beigel
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "ramseymonoi" <ramseymonoi@...>
> To: <disklavier@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Monday, January 07, 2008 6:51 AM
> Subject: [disklavier] Mk2, XG or not ?
> 
> 
> >I am in the process of buying a Mk2 disklavier. I am not sure of the
> > exact version, but it is not an XG. It has midi in and out below the
> > keyboard.
> >
> > My question is whether it would be wiser to find an XG version, or if
> > by plugging in a laptop and using its soundcard (instead of a DCD1), I
> > would be ale to do the same things as an XG ?
> >
> > I understand that the XG would still need a DCD1 box, but I assume
> > (wrongly?) that connections and capabilities are greater than a
> > preceding version of the Mk2.
> >
> > I don't know if I am very clear !
> >
> > Best regards
> >
> > Pascal
> >
> >
> >
> > To Post a message to the group, send it to:   disklavier@...
> >
> > To Post a private message to Todd Muncy, the group's founder and 
> > moderator, send it to:
> > disklavier-owner@...
> >
> > To reach our group's web site go to:
> > http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier
> >
> > THINKING OF LEAVING THE GROUP?
> > If you are thinking of unsubcribing because you are getting too
much mail, 
> > go the the web site and change your email delivery option instead.
 That 
> > will fix the problem, while maintaining your access to the group.
 If you 
> > insist on leaving us completely send a blank email to:
> > disklavier-unsubscribe@...
> >
> > Know someone who wants to join?  Have them send a blank email to:
> > disklavier-subscribe@... or give them this link:
> > http://Yahoogroups.com/group/disklavier/join
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > -- 
> > No virus found in this incoming message.
> > Checked by AVG Free Edition.
> > Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1211 - Release Date:
1/6/2008 
Show quoted textHide quoted text
> > 11:57 AM
> >
> >
>

Re: [disklavier] Re: Mk2, XG or not ?

2008-01-07 by ISKI1@aol.com

What you are describing is the PianoSoft Plus  & PianoSmart feature on the 
Mark III. You are correct that it  is not a Mark II feature.
 
    PianoSoft-Plus™ ensemble  software   
The 'Plus' in Yamaha PianoSoft-Plus  software is the addition of digital 
instrumental ensemble tracks, made  possible by the Disklavier's internal XG MIDI 
tone generator. With these  disks, you can enjoy Disklavier acoustic piano 
performance augmented by  the sound of strings, brass, woodwind, percussion and 
more. Sit back to  the beautiful sounds of chamber music, the passion and drive 
of a jazz  quartet, the upbeat tempos of a popular group, or a stirring 
orchestral  arrangement. It's all right there, with the ease of a single diskette.  
Just slip it into your Disklavier, press PLAY and enjoy your command  
performance.

PianoSoft-PlusAudio™ ensemble  software   
The Mark III Series' CD-playing  capabilities expand your musical 
entertainment options even further.  PianoSoft-PlusAudio and other audio/MIDI CD software 
complements  Disklavier performance with high-fidelity vocal and instrumental 
audio  track. Experience the sound of your favorite groups – complete with  
vocalists and instrumental soloists – enhanced by the live-concert  presence of 
Disklavier acoustic piano playback. With a variety of titles  already 
available*, and more in development, your Disklavier can entertain  you and your 
guests better than ever – all with the ease and convenience  of conventional audio 
CDs.

*  Availability may be limited in some  countries.

 
    NEW! PianoSmart technology
opens up a whole  new world of entertainment possibilities

PianoSmart™   
A truly revolutionary breakthrough in  Disklavier technology, the PianoSmart 
system opens up a world of  additional ways to enjoy your digital/acoustic 
piano.

PianoSmart  intelligently synchronizes Disklavier recording and playback with 
the  operation of the built-in CD player. What this means in real terms is 
that  you can now record your own piano or electronic instrumental tracks while  
listening to your favorite CDs, and play them back in perfect combination  
with the original recordings. 'Sit in' with the hottest new groups,  classic 
combos or a full symphony orchestra, then sit back, press a couple  of buttons, 
and listen to yourself performing 'live' with the  pros!

Through the use of MTC (MIDI Time Code), PianoSmart can also  synchronize 
recording and playback with external devices such as  multi-track recording 
equipment and video cameras*. These features enable  pianists, families and 
educators to create audiovisual records of any  performance, complete with 'live' 
Disklavier acoustic piano playback,  stereo audio instrumentals and vocals, and 
full-motion video – all as one  integrated presentation. They also allow 
creative musicians to collaborate  in ways seldom dreamed of before. In combination 
with the many other  Disklavier capabilities, PianoSmart extends 
digital/acoustic creativity  into a whole new universe of options.

* Video synchronization requires an external video  MIDI sync interface.

Attention, current Disklavier  Mark III owners:
You too, can enjoy the excitement of  PianoSmart technology. Ask your Yamaha 
dealer about a simple software  upgrade diskette.

'Sit in' with your favorite  artists  PianoSmart™ audio  synchronization

The capability of PianoSmart technology to  intelligently match MIDI data 
playback to audio CDs allows you to  effortlessly record yourself playing along 
with CDs of your favorite  artists, bands and symphony orchestras. Simply 
insert a standard music CD  into the control unit, select record mode, and play 
away as you listen to  the CD playback through the Disklavier's built-in stereo 
speakers. Your  entire performance, including all key presses, pedal movements 
and  dynamics, will be recorded as MIDI data into the Disklavier's internal  
memory or onto a standard floppy disk. Then, with the press of a button,  your 
recorded piano performance will play back in perfect time with the  music from 
the audio CD.

Enjoy your favorite CDs with 'live'  piano!   
Even if you don't play the piano, you can  still experience the special 
pleasure of listening to a real piano  performance in the privacy of your own home, 
made possible by the vast  selection of Disklavier music software from 
Yamaha. And now, with the  integration of PianoSmart technology into Disklavier Mark 
III Series  pianos, virtually any CD, including your own personal collection, 
can  potentially become Disklavier software. Yamaha's new Smart PianoSoft  
library will offer professionally arranged piano parts for playback on  your 
Disklavier, perfectly matched with major audio CDs in virtually every  music 
genre – beginning with some of the best-selling albums of all time.  Now you can 
enjoy the music you love with the you-are-there excitement of  'live' piano  
performance!




**************Start the year off right.  Easy ways to stay in shape.     
http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489

Re: Mk2, XG or not ?

2008-01-07 by ramseymonoi

And the Mk2, XG or not, is not upgradable to perform Mk3 pianosoft and
pianosmart ?

--- In disklavier@yahoogroups.com, ISKI1@... wrote:
>
> What you are describing is the PianoSoft Plus  & PianoSmart feature
on the 
> Mark III. You are correct that it  is not a Mark II feature.
>  
>     PianoSoft-Plus™ ensemble  software   
> The 'Plus' in Yamaha PianoSoft-Plus  software is the addition of
digital 
> instrumental ensemble tracks, made  possible by the Disklavier's
internal XG MIDI 
> tone generator. With these  disks, you can enjoy Disklavier acoustic
piano 
> performance augmented by  the sound of strings, brass, woodwind,
percussion and 
> more. Sit back to  the beautiful sounds of chamber music, the
passion and drive 
> of a jazz  quartet, the upbeat tempos of a popular group, or a stirring 
> orchestral  arrangement. It's all right there, with the ease of a
single diskette.  
> Just slip it into your Disklavier, press PLAY and enjoy your command  
> performance.
> 
> PianoSoft-PlusAudio™ ensemble  software   
> The Mark III Series' CD-playing  capabilities expand your musical 
> entertainment options even further.  PianoSoft-PlusAudio and other
audio/MIDI CD software 
> complements  Disklavier performance with high-fidelity vocal and
instrumental 
> audio  track. Experience the sound of your favorite groups â€"
complete with  
> vocalists and instrumental soloists â€" enhanced by the live-concert
 presence of 
> Disklavier acoustic piano playback. With a variety of titles  already 
> available*, and more in development, your Disklavier can entertain 
you and your 
> guests better than ever â€" all with the ease and convenience  of
conventional audio 
> CDs.
> 
> *  Availability may be limited in some  countries.
> 
>  
>     NEW! PianoSmart technology
> opens up a whole  new world of entertainment possibilities
> 
> PianoSmart™   
> A truly revolutionary breakthrough in  Disklavier technology, the
PianoSmart 
> system opens up a world of  additional ways to enjoy your
digital/acoustic 
> piano.
> 
> PianoSmart  intelligently synchronizes Disklavier recording and
playback with 
> the  operation of the built-in CD player. What this means in real
terms is 
> that  you can now record your own piano or electronic instrumental
tracks while  
> listening to your favorite CDs, and play them back in perfect
combination  
> with the original recordings. 'Sit in' with the hottest new groups,
 classic 
> combos or a full symphony orchestra, then sit back, press a couple 
of buttons, 
> and listen to yourself performing 'live' with the  pros!
> 
> Through the use of MTC (MIDI Time Code), PianoSmart can also 
synchronize 
> recording and playback with external devices such as  multi-track
recording 
> equipment and video cameras*. These features enable  pianists,
families and 
> educators to create audiovisual records of any  performance,
complete with 'live' 
> Disklavier acoustic piano playback,  stereo audio instrumentals and
vocals, and 
> full-motion video â€" all as one  integrated presentation. They also
allow 
> creative musicians to collaborate  in ways seldom dreamed of before.
In combination 
> with the many other  Disklavier capabilities, PianoSmart extends 
> digital/acoustic creativity  into a whole new universe of options.
> 
> * Video synchronization requires an external video  MIDI sync interface.
> 
> Attention, current Disklavier  Mark III owners:
> You too, can enjoy the excitement of  PianoSmart technology. Ask
your Yamaha 
> dealer about a simple software  upgrade diskette.
> 
> 'Sit in' with your favorite  artists  PianoSmart™ audio 
synchronization
> 
> The capability of PianoSmart technology to  intelligently match MIDI
data 
> playback to audio CDs allows you to  effortlessly record yourself
playing along 
> with CDs of your favorite  artists, bands and symphony orchestras.
Simply 
> insert a standard music CD  into the control unit, select record
mode, and play 
> away as you listen to  the CD playback through the Disklavier's
built-in stereo 
> speakers. Your  entire performance, including all key presses, pedal
movements 
> and  dynamics, will be recorded as MIDI data into the Disklavier's
internal  
> memory or onto a standard floppy disk. Then, with the press of a
button,  your 
> recorded piano performance will play back in perfect time with the 
music from 
> the audio CD.
> 
> Enjoy your favorite CDs with 'live'  piano!   
> Even if you don't play the piano, you can  still experience the special 
> pleasure of listening to a real piano  performance in the privacy of
your own home, 
> made possible by the vast  selection of Disklavier music software from 
> Yamaha. And now, with the  integration of PianoSmart technology into
Disklavier Mark 
> III Series  pianos, virtually any CD, including your own personal
collection, 
> can  potentially become Disklavier software. Yamaha's new Smart
PianoSoft  
> library will offer professionally arranged piano parts for playback
on  your 
> Disklavier, perfectly matched with major audio CDs in virtually
every  music 
> genre â€" beginning with some of the best-selling albums of all
time.  Now you can 
> enjoy the music you love with the you-are-there excitement of 
'live' piano  
Show quoted textHide quoted text
> performance!
> 
> 
> 
> 
> **************Start the year off right.  Easy ways to stay in shape.
    
> http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489
>

Re: [disklavier] Re: Mk2, XG or not ?

2008-01-07 by Carol Beigel

I really do not want to get into this too deeply, but I think most of the 
information you are getting is NOT correct - especially from the seller. 
The MarkII can be upgraded using a DCD1 CD player AND a DSR1 and you can 
play a limited number of PianoSmart disks that correspond to the matching 
CDs if the CD audio is recorded near the pitch of A440.  Mark III units have 
a far greater range in transposing audio accompaniments and people singing 
to match the tuning of a piano at A440.  What makes PianoSmart so special is 
the ability of the MIDI time code to sync with the digital audio on the CD.

If you want orchestra coming through your stereo system, you need audio 
files of an orchestra playing and not the tone generated emsemble sounds 
that require a MIDI tone generator and powered speakers.  I doubt the 
soundcard in your laptop is a MIDI tone generator  It probably has 
synthesized sounds that are digital audio and not MIDI.

MarkII units can be very picky and covering the hole on a 1.44 Mb floppy 
does not guarantee that the DKV will be able to use it.  However, you will 
always be able to attach a MIDI interface between the piano and a laptop 
computer and have the piano play whatever MIDI data is on Channels 1 and 2 
of a MIDI 0 file.  I am not sure the MarkII will play MIDI 1 format files 
where the tracks are separated.  Basically, the older the model of 
Disklavier will require you to have more knowledge and jump through many 
more hoops.

Carol Beigel

Re: [disklavier] Re: Mk2, XG or not ?

2008-01-08 by chasmuller

Hey Carol,
That's telling it like it is, straight shooting, just the facts. Thanks for keeping us in the know.
Chuck Muller (proud owner of a 1996 updated Mark II XG with power speakers, headset and a grand mute rail, but no DCD1)
PS:It does play both MIDI 0 Files & Midi 1 Files and uses DD or HD Floppies (no need to modify the HD Floppies)
Show quoted textHide quoted text
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, January 07, 2008 6:16 PM
Subject: Re: [disklavier] Re: Mk2, XG or not ?

I really do not want to get into this too deeply, but I think most of the
information you are getting is NOT correct - especially from the seller.
The MarkII can be upgraded using a DCD1 CD player AND a DSR1 and you can
play a limited number of PianoSmart disks that correspond to the matching
CDs if the CD audio is recorded near the pitch of A440. Mark III units have
a far greater range in transposing audio accompaniments and people singing
to match the tuning of a piano at A440. What makes PianoSmart so special is
the ability of the MIDI time code to sync with the digital audio on the CD.

If you want orchestra coming through your stereo system, you need audio
files of an orchestra playing and not the tone generated emsemble sounds
that require a MIDI tone generator and powered speakers. I doubt the
soundcard in your laptop is a MIDI tone generator It probably has
synthesized sounds that are digital audio and not MIDI.

MarkII units can be very picky and covering the hole on a 1.44 Mb floppy
does not guarantee that the DKV will be able to use it. However, you will
always be able to attach a MIDI interface between the piano and a laptop
computer and have the piano play whatever MIDI data is on Channels 1 and 2
of a MIDI 0 file. I am not sure the MarkII will play MIDI 1 format files
where the tracks are separated. Basically, the older the model of
Disklavier will require you to have more knowledge and jump through many
more hoops.

Carol Beigel

Re: [disklavier] Re: Mk2, XG or not ?

2008-01-08 by p g

Thanks Carol.
As I suspect, it looks more complicated than 1st thought !
Fortunately, the seller is not running away. I will get the disklavier I saw at his place (MX100), because it is a nice piece to have in any case. He has offered to let me try out an XG version when he gets hold of one in the next few weeks, and will exchange it if I prefer it against the extra cost. I think that is quite fair.
I also know where he lives !!
Thank you all for your advice. My disklavier arrives Friday, I cannot wait !
Best regards,
Pascal

chasmuller wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
Hey Carol,
That's telling it like it is, straight shooting, just the facts. Thanks for keeping us in the know.
Chuck Muller (proud owner of a 1996 updated Mark II XG with power speakers, headset and a grand mute rail, but no DCD1)
PS:It does play both MIDI 0 Files & Midi 1 Files and uses DD or HD Floppies (no need to modify the HD Floppies)
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, January 07, 2008 6:16 PM
Subject: Re: [disklavier] Re: Mk2, XG or not ?

I really do not want to get into this too deeply, but I think most of the
information you are getting is NOT correct - especially from the seller.
The MarkII can be upgraded using a DCD1 CD player AND a DSR1 and you can
play a limited number of PianoSmart disks that correspond to the matching
CDs if the CD audio is recorded near the pitch of A440. Mark III units have
a far greater range in transposing audio accompaniments and people singing
to match the tuning of a piano at A440. What makes PianoSmart so special is
the ability of the MIDI time code to sync with the digital audio on the CD.

If you want orchestra coming through your stereo system, you need audio
files of an orchestra playing and not the tone generated emsemble sounds
that require a MIDI tone generator and powered speakers. I doubt the
soundcard in your laptop is a MIDI tone generator It probably has
synthesized sounds that are digital audio and not MIDI.

MarkII units can be very picky and covering the hole on a 1.44 Mb floppy
does not guarantee that the DKV will be able to use it. However, you will
always be able to attach a MIDI interface between the piano and a laptop
computer and have the piano play whatever MIDI data is on Channels 1 and 2
of a MIDI 0 file. I am not sure the MarkII will play MIDI 1 format files
where the tracks are separated. Basically, the older the model of
Disklavier will require you to have more knowledge and jump through many
more hoops.

Carol Beigel


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Re: [disklavier] Re: Mk2, XG or not ?

2008-01-08 by athomik


On Jan 7 2008, Carol Beigel wrote:

>I really do not want to get into this too deeply, but I think most of the
>information you are getting is NOT correct - especially from the seller.
>The MarkII can be upgraded using a DCD1 CD player AND a DSR1 and you can
>play a limited number of PianoSmart disks that correspond to the matching
>CDs if the CD audio is recorded near the pitch of A440. Mark III units have
>a far greater range in transposing audio accompaniments and people singing
>to match the tuning of a piano at A440. What makes PianoSmart so special is
>the ability of the MIDI time code to sync with the digital audio on the CD.
>
>If you want orchestra coming through your stereo system, you need audio
>files of an orchestra playing and not the tone generated emsemble sounds
>that require a MIDI tone generator and powered speakers. I doubt the
>soundcard in your laptop is a MIDI tone generator It probably has
>synthesized sounds that are digital audio and not MIDI.

Unless you have a specialized soundcard, your every modern PC/laptop will have the full GM/XG voice set.

>
>MarkII units can be very picky and covering the hole on a 1.44 Mb floppy
>does not guarantee that the DKV will be able to use it.

If you are trying to use blank HD floppies to record on, the trick with taping up the hole is likely to work, although there may be issues unrelated to the model of the Disklavier, but due to the fact that the replacement disk drives have changed serveral times (different brand/model).As most HD disks come preformated to 1.44Mb these days, you will have to reformat them to 720 Kb on your computer after taping up the hole. Once that's done, you should be able to use the disk in a MarkI/II.

>However, you will
>always be able to attach a MIDI interface between the piano and a laptop
>computer and have the piano play whatever MIDI data is on Channels 1 and 2
>of a MIDI 0 file. I am not sure the MarkII will play MIDI 1 format files
>where the tracks are separated. Basically, the older the model of
>Disklavier will require you to have more knowledge and jump through many
>more hoops.
>
>Carol Beigel
>

See atachment for some details of file/disk formats.

Re: [disklavier] Re: Mk2, XG or not ?

2008-01-08 by Carol Beigel

You are correct that many soundcards have XG voice sets. My question to you is are all XG voice sets equal? Do the XG voices sound better coming from a DB50 tone generator than on a cheap soundcard from wherever? Do professional soundcards sound better than cheap ones? I do know that MIDI tone generated XG sounds definitely DO sound better coming through VST instruments, but they are very expensive.
Also, the reason covering the hole on a 1.44 Mg floppy does not always work probably has to do the the size of the heads on the floppy disk reader. The older 720 floppies had bigger magnetic patches and used bigger heads to read them. Most of the older Disklaviers were very picky about using DD floppies.
There is also a HUGE difference between a MarkII and a MarkIIXG disklavier. In fact, that is where I draw the line between being easy to use in modern day and not!
Carol Beigel
Show quoted textHide quoted text
----- Original Message -----
From: athomik
Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2008 5:53 AM
Subject: Re: [disklavier] Re: Mk2, XG or not ?


On Jan 7 2008, Carol Beigel wrote:

>I really do not want to get into this too deeply, but I think most of the
>information you are getting is NOT correct - especially from the seller.
>The MarkII can be upgraded using a DCD1 CD player AND a DSR1 and you can
>play a limited number of PianoSmart disks that correspond to the matching
>CDs if the CD audio is recorded near the pitch of A440. Mark III units have
>a far greater range in transposing audio accompaniments and people singing
>to match the tuning of a piano at A440. What makes PianoSmart so special is
>the ability of the MIDI time code to sync with the digital audio on the CD.
>
>If you want orchestra coming through your stereo system, you need audio
>files of an orchestra playing and not the tone generated emsemble sounds
>that require a MIDI tone generator and powered speakers. I doubt the
>soundcard in your laptop is a MIDI tone generator It probably has
>synthesized sounds that are digital audio and not MIDI.

Unless you have a specialized soundcard, your every modern PC/laptop will have the full GM/XG voice set.

>
>MarkII units can be very picky and covering the hole on a 1.44 Mb floppy
>does not guarantee that the DKV will be able to use it.

If you are trying to use blank HD floppies to record on, the trick with taping up the hole is likely to work, although there may be issues unrelated to the model of the Disklavier, but due to the fact that the replacement disk drives have changed serveral times (different brand/model).As most HD disks come preformated to 1.44Mb these days, you will have to reformat them to 720 Kb on your computer after taping up the hole. Once that's done, you should be able to use the disk in a MarkI/II.

>However, you will
>always be able to attach a MIDI interface between the piano and a laptop
>computer and have the piano play whatever MIDI data is on Channels 1 and 2
>of a MIDI 0 file. I am not sure the MarkII will play MIDI 1 format files
>where the tracks are separated. Basically, the older the model of
>Disklavier will require you to have more knowledge and jump through many
>more hoops.
>;
>Carol Beigel
>

See atachment for some details of file/disk formats.

No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1213 - Release Date: 1/7/2008 9:14 AM

Re: [disklavier] Re: Mk2, XG or not ?

2008-01-08 by p g

Thank you Carol and athomik.
My guy's spiel is that for less than the price difference between a Mk2 (MX100) and an XG, I can get a soundcard that will be better than what the XG produces. I am still unclear as to what this soundcard is exactly.
As it is, I will have the Mk2 for a few weeks, and will then be able to have a look at an XG. Hopefully by then, I will be more knowledgeable about the whole thing (living in hope!) and I can decide whether the XG is worth the extra money.
It will be easier for me when I can actually experiment on the beast.
Best regards,
Pascal

Carol Beigel wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
You are correct that many soundcards have XG voice sets. My question to you is are all XG voice sets equal? Do the XG voices sound better coming from a DB50 tone generator than on a cheap soundcard from wherever? Do professional soundcards sound better than cheap ones? I do know that MIDI tone generated XG sounds definitely DO sound better coming through VST instruments, but they are very expensive.
Also, the reason covering the hole on a 1.44 Mg floppy does not always work probably has to do the the size of the heads on the floppy disk reader. The older 720 floppies had bigger magnetic patches and used bigger heads to read them. Most of the older Disklaviers were very picky about using DD floppies.
There is also a HUGE difference between a MarkII and a MarkIIXG disklavier. In fact, that is where I draw the line between being easy to use in modern day and not!
Carol Beigel
----- Original Message -----
From: athomik
Sent: Tuesday, January 08, 2008 5:53 AM
Subject: Re: [disklavier] Re: Mk2, XG or not ?


On Jan 7 2008, Carol Beigel wrote:

>I really do not want to get into this too deeply, but I think most of the
>information you are getting is NOT correct - especially from the seller.
>The MarkII can be upgraded using a DCD1 CD player AND a DSR1 and you can
>play a limited number of PianoSmart disks that correspond to the matching
>CDs if the CD audio is recorded near the pitch of A440. Mark III units have
>a far greater range in transposing audio accompaniments and people singing
>to match the tuning of a piano at A440. What makes PianoSmart so special is
>the ability of the MIDI time code to sync with the digital audio on the CD.
>
>If you want orchestra coming through your stereo system, you need audio
>files of an orchestra playing and not the tone generated emsemble sounds
>that require a MIDI tone generator and powered speakers. I doubt the
>soundcard in your laptop is a MIDI tone generator It probably has
>synthesized sounds that are digital audio and not MIDI.
Unless you have a specialized soundcard, your every modern PC/laptop will have the full GM/XG voice set.
>
>MarkII units can be very picky and covering the hole on a 1.44 Mb floppy
>does not guarantee that the DKV will be able to use it.
If you are trying to use blank HD floppies to record on, the trick with taping up the hole is likely to work, although there may be issues unrelated to the model of the Disklavier, but due to the fact that the replacement disk drives have changed serveral times (different brand/model).As most HD disks come preformated to 1.44Mb these days, you will have to reformat them to 720 Kb on your computer after taping up the hole. Once that's done, you should be able to use the disk in a MarkI/II.
>However, you will
>always be able to attach a MIDI interface between the piano and a laptop
>computer and have the piano play whatever MIDI data is on Channels 1 and 2
>of a MIDI 0 file. I am not sure the MarkII will play MIDI 1 format files
>where the tracks are separated. Basically, the older the model of
>Disklavier will require you to have more knowledge and jump through many
>more hoops.
>
>Carol Beigel
>
See atachment for some details of file/disk formats.
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.13/1213 - Release Date: 1/7/2008 9:14 AM

Sent from Yahoo! - a smarter inbox.

Re: [disklavier] Re: Mk2, XG or not ?

2008-01-08 by athomik


On Jan 8 2008, Carol Beigel wrote:

>You are correct that many soundcards have XG voice sets. My question to you is are all XG voice sets equal? Do the XG voices sound better coming from a DB50 tone generator than on a cheap soundcard from wherever? Do professional soundcards sound better than cheap ones? I do know that MIDI tone generated XG sounds definitely DO sound better coming through VST instruments, but they are very expensive.
>
>Carol Beigel
>

Technically, all XG voice sets are the same. XG is and expansion of GM (General MIDI), which was created to provide an industry standard voice and command set for MIDI. XG merely specifies specific MIDI parameters, such as the bank number and program change messages for specific voices, control change numbers, as well as system exlusive messages.

However, XG does not indicate the quality of those voices. Since it's inception, XG tone generator ICs have constantly evolved, so the voices on the original XG sound card (YAMAHA SW50XG) would be nowhere near as good as the latest generation of high end soundcards. Most cheap cards use(d) the original DB50XG tone generator, but specialist cards, as well as the latest synths, etc. use much more advanced tone generators even for XG voices, so they will sound better. That said, the DSR-1 and Mark IIXG Disklaviers still used the DB50XG tone generator, so for everyday use, there is not much to chose between them and your everyday computer as far as the sound is concerned.

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