Yamaha Electone EL-400 Owner's Manual
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Yamaha Electone EL-400 Owner's Manual

Yamaha musical instrument owner's manual
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Summary of Contents for Yamaha Electone EL-400

  • Page 2: Special Message Section

    SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE: The information contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of printing. However, Yamaha reserves the right to change or modify any of the specifications without notice or obligation to update existing units.
  • Page 3 • Always save data to a floppy disk frequently, in order to help prevent the loss of important data due to a malfunction or user operating error. Yamaha cannot be held responsible for damage caused by improper use or modifications to the instrument, or data that is lost or destroyed.

  • Page 4: Included Items

    The GM mark is affixed to all software and hardware products that support the General MIDI standard. XG is a new MIDI format created by Yamaha that significantly improves and expands upon the General MIDI standard by providing a greater variety of high-quality voices plus considerably enhanced effect operation – while being fully compatible with GM.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Panel Layout ... 6 EL-400 Panel Layout ... 6 LCD Display/Display Select ... 8 Main Features ... 9 1 Quick Introductory Guide ... 10 Getting Started ... 10 Basic Registrations ... 11 Basic Operation ... 12 LCD Display ... 13 2 Voice Sections ...

  • Page 6: Panel Layout

    Panel Layout EL-400 Panel Layout Monitor Speaker LOWER KEYBOARD VOICE 1, 2 (page 17) REVERB REVERB (page 39) SUSTAIN UPPER SUSTAIN (KNEE) (page 40) LOWER (KNEE) SEQ. RHYTHM (page 44) SEQ. KEYBOARD PERCUSSION KEYBOARD LOWER PERCUSSION (page 55) PEDAL TEMPO...
  • Page 7 LCD Display DATA CONTROL PAGE (page 13) (page 14) (page 14) VOICE EFFECT A.B.C. DISPLAY M.O.C. DATA CONTROL PAGE DISPLAY SELECT (page 8) DISPLAY SELECT FOOT REGIST. PITCH TREMOLO SHIFT MIDI (FAST) RECORD UPPER LOWER PEDAL CONTROL UPPER SONG FROM REPEAT SONG COPY PAUSE...

  • Page 8: Lcd Display/Display Select

    LCD Display/Display Select DATA CONTROL VOICE DISPLAY Others Monitor Speakers Jacks (page 107) Speaker Unit LCD Display (page 13) DISPLAY SELECT EFFECT A.B.C. FOOT REGIST. PITCH TREMOLO M.O.C. SHIFT MIDI (FAST) PAGE Button (page 14) DATA CONTROL PAGE DATA CONTROL Buttons (page 14) TREMOLO (FAST) Button (page 43)

  • Page 9: Main Features

    Main Features Astoundingly True-to-life Sounds The new AWM (Advanced Wave Memory) and FM (Frequency Modulation) tone generation technologies combined with authentic touch response make this Electone a truly expressive musical instrument. You can enjoy playing a total of 173 AWM/FM voices using the touch response function. Wide Variety of High Quality Effects Electone voices can also be enhanced with a full range of high-quality digital effects, ranging from Tremolo and Reverb to Flanger, Delay and Distortion.

  • Page 10: Quick Introductory Guide

    Only use the voltage specified as correct for the Electone. The required voltage is printed on the name plate of the Electone. Yamaha products are manufactured specifically for the supply voltage in the area where they are to be sold. If you...

  • Page 11: Basic Registrations

    Set the MASTER VOLUME control. The MASTER VOLUME control is an overall control which affects the volume of the entire instrument. MASTER VOLUME Press the Expression pedal down with your foot. Once you have set the MASTER VOLUME control to a suitable level, you can use the Expression pedal to change the volume with your foot as you play.

  • Page 12: Basic Operation

    Basic Operation * The Controls and Effects may be applied differently depending on the selected type of Controls and Effects. See page 28 for more information. Adjust the total volume (Master Volume) Playing Electone Expression Pedal Registration Set-up Select the keyboard to play Select the voice Select the rhythm...

  • Page 13: Lcd Display

    LCD DISPLAY This section introduces you the convenient control functions of the LCD display. The LCD display lets you see at a glance the current settings and provides easy-to-understand graphic representation of all parameters. Selecting a voice/rhythm Press the panel voice/rhythm button which you want to use (For example, press the STRINGS button in the Upper Keyboard Voice 1 section).
  • Page 14 Function of the Data Control Buttons DATA CONTROL DATA CONTROL DATA CONTROL DATA CONTROL ? ? ????????????????? The Data Control buttons are used to select 1 a voice/rhythm or function shown on the display. Each pair of buttons corresponding to the section of the display directly above it increases/decreases 2 the value or chooses 3 a setting/function.
  • Page 15 Summary of the LCD Operation The following chart gives you a general view of the basic operations on the Electone. 1. To call up the LCD display 1) Pressing Panel Buttons Selecting voices or setting up the Voice Condition Selecting rhythms or setting up the Rhythm Condition Setting the Reverb effect Setting the Sustain...
  • Page 16 Language on the LCD LCD display can be shown in two languages, English and Japanese. How to select the language: 1. Press the VOICE DISPLAY button in the DISPLAY SELECT section. The page 1 will be displayed. VOICE EFFECT DISPLAY DATA CONTROL 2.

  • Page 17: Voice Sections

    Voice Sections The EL-400 features 173 different high quality AWM/FM voices. Each of the AWM/FM voices can be used on the Upper keyboard, Lower keyboard and Pedalboard. There are three voice sections for the Upper keyboard, two voice sections for the Lower keyboard and Pedalboard, respectively.

  • Page 18: Selecting Voices From The Panel

    (page 2) UPPER KEYBOARD VOICE 2 DATA CONTROL LOWER KEYBOARD VOICE 2 You can select the language shown on the LCD display on page 3 of the Voice Display (page 16). v(4∂ DATA CONTROL i-y∫ Selecting Voices from the Panel Since selection of panel voices follows the same procedure throughout the various sections, instructions for only the Upper Keyboard Voice 1 are given here.
  • Page 19 Press one of the Data Control buttons that corresponds to the voice you wish to select. (Pop Organ 1, in this case) DATA CONTROL The first letter of the selected voice/rhythm will start blinking. You have selected Pop Organ 1 for the Upper Keyboard Voice 1. If you wish to, you can select voices from the other Upper Keyboard Voice sections, Upper Keyboard Voice 2 and Lead Voice, Lower Keyboard Voice sections and Pedal Voice sections, following steps #1...
  • Page 20 Use the top left side Data Control button pair to change the level of the desired voice. Fine volume settings, 0-24, are available. DATA CONTROL Now select voices for the Lower keyboard and Pedalboard as you did for the Upper keyboard above. Also set the volumes of the voices. Adjust the volume balance between the Upper and Lower Voices with the Balance Control provided on the Voice Display.

  • Page 21: Selecting Voices From The Dotted Buttons

    Selecting Voices from the Dotted Buttons The EL-400 has a wide variety of voices from which you can choose – far greater than what is immediately apparent from the front panel controls. You’ve already learned in the section above how to select the different voices that are available in the Voice Menu display of each panel voice.
  • Page 22 For having three different voices from the same Voice Menu page available for selection in the same song. For example, you can assign one of the voices to a dotted button in the Upper Keyboard Voice 1 section, the second voice to the other dotted button in the same section, and the third one on the Voice Menu.

  • Page 23: Voice Menus

    To select User voices: Select the User page in the same way mentioned above. DATA CONTROL If you wish to use optional Voice Disk voices (page 94), select the User page here and choose the desired user number. Voice Menus The following chart lists the voices that are shown by pressing the panel voice buttons.
  • Page 24 ORGAN Upper/Lower PIANO Upper/Lower VIBRAPHONE Upper/Lower COSMIC Upper/Lower The details for each voice such as octave (feet) setting and effect on/off status are shown in the list on pages 25 - 27. ORGAN BASS Pedal GUITAR Upper/Lower ELECTRIC BASS Pedal USER VOICE Upper/Lower/Pedal...
  • Page 25 Details on All Voices Page/Section Voice Name 1. Upper/Lower 01: Strings 1 STRINGS 02: Strings 2 03: Strings 3 04: Strings 4 05: Strings 5 06: Strings 6 07: Strings 7 08: Pizz. Strings 09: Trem. Strings 10: Synth. Strings 1 11: Synth.
  • Page 26 Page/Section 9. Lead 01: Oboe 1 OBOE 02: Oboe 2 03: English Horn 04: Bassoon 1 05: Bassoon 2 10. Upper/Lower 01: Clarinet 1 CLARINET 02: Clarinet 2 03: Bass Cla. 04: Synth. Cla. 1 05: Synth. Cla. 2 11. Upper/Lower 01: Saxophone 1 SAXOPHONE 02: Saxophone 2...

  • Page 27: Electric Bass

    Page/Section Voice Name 18. Upper/Lower 01: Guitar 1 GUITAR 02: Guitar 2 03: Guitar 3 04: 12Str. Guitar 05: Banjo 06: Mandolin 07: Sitar 08: Shamisen 09: Elec. Guitar 1 10: Elec. Guitar 2 11: Muted Guitar 12: Dist. Guitar 13: Harp 14: Steel Guitar 15: Koto...

  • Page 28: Voice Controls And Effects

    Voice Controls and Effects The Electone is equipped with two general kinds of functions that can be used to change the sound of the voices: Voice Controls and Effects. Certain effects may have been applied to some of the voices, but can be modified as you like. All built-in effects are digital.

  • Page 29: Selecting From Voice Condition

    Selecting from Voice Condition Pages To call up the Voice Condition Pages: Choose a voice on the panel, then press that voice’s panel button again. The Voice Condition Choose a voice on page appears on the LCD display. LEAD VOICE VIOLIN FLUTE OBOE...

  • Page 30: Touch Vibrato

    AFTER Touch Controls volume and timbre according to the pressure you apply to the keys after playing them. The harder you strike the keys, the greater the volume and the brighter the timbre will become. Higher settings make the change wider. Range: 0 - 14 2 T.V (Touch Vibrato) On/off switch of the Touch Vibrato function.

  • Page 31: Effect

    Voice Condition [PAGE 3] Press the Page buttons to select PAGE 3. DATA CONTROL 1 Effect Determines the effect type applied to each voice section. Each press of top left F Data Control button selects Preset, Off, Tremolo, Symphonic, Delay, Flanger and Distortion, in order. Each press of top left E Data Control button selects in the reversed order.

  • Page 32: Vibrato

    Voice Condition [PAGE 4] Press the Page buttons to select PAGE 4. DATA CONTROL DATA CONTROL 1 Vibrato Vibrato function vibrates the voices to create softer image. Applied to each voice group. PRESET/USER Selects the original (factory) effect. When PRESET is selected, some of the voices have already got vibrato effect.

  • Page 33: (Page 5) (Lead Voices Only)

    Voice Condition [PAGE 5] Press the Page buttons to select PAGE 5. DATA CONTROL 1 Tune Determines the pitch of the Lead voice. This control lets you detune the Lead voice relative to the other voices of the Electone, for producing a richer sound. The higher the value set, the higher the pitch.

  • Page 34: Tremolo/Chorus

    DATA CONTROL Selecting Voice Group You can select the voice section to which the effect should be applied, by pressing the Page buttons. The acronyms indicate each voice group. : Upper Keyboard Voice 1 : Upper Keyboard Voice 2 : Lower Keyboard Voice 1 : Lower Keyboard Voice 2 Lead Voice : Pedalboard Voice 1...

  • Page 35: Delay

    3 Delay Delay is a pronounced echo effect, with distinct delayed repeats of the original sound. Independently applied to each voice section. Delay Effect Signal Time Delayed Signal Adjusts the delay interval using TIME parameter Adjust the number of repeated sounds using FEEDBACK parameter DATA CONTROL Parameter Settings The bottom left Data Control buttons select available Delay parameters.
  • Page 36 Balance Determines the volume of the delay effect, relative to the original sound. Higher settings produce a louder delay. DATA CONTROL Range: 0% - 100% Mode Selects the delay type from Mono, ST (Stereo) 1, 2, 3. Selecting one of the Stereo Delays produces more expanding image or an image sounds move from right to left, or left to right.

  • Page 37: Flanger

    4 Flanger Flanger introduces a swirling, animated modulation effect to the sound. Independently applied to each voice section. Flanger Effect Signal Changes the pitch using SPEED parameter Time Intensifies the pitch change using FEEDBACK parameter DATA CONTROL Parameter Settings The bottom left Data Control buttons select available Flanger parameters.

  • Page 38: Distortion

    5 Distortion Distortion adds a distorted image to the sounds usually found in electric guitars. Independently applied to each voice section. Distortion Effect Signal DATA CONTROL Parameter Settings The bottom left Data Control buttons select available Distortion parameters. Available parameters are as follows: Level Determines the depth of the distorted sounds.

  • Page 39: Selecting From The Panel

    Selecting from the Panel Reverb, Sustain and Tremolo/Chorus pages are called up by pressing the respective panel buttons. 1 Reverb Reverb adds an echo-like effect to the sound, giving the impression of a performance in a large room or concert hall. Reverb effect can be applied to the entire system or to each voice section (page 30) independently.

  • Page 40: Sustain

    2 Sustain The Sustain effect, selectable for the Upper, Lower and Pedal voices, causes voices to gradually fade out when the keys are released. The sustain on/off and sustain length settings are independent for each keyboard, providing maximum expressive control. Press one of the SUSTAIN buttons, located to the left of the panel, to set the Sustain effect.

  • Page 41: Tremolo/Chorus

    3 Tremolo/Chorus Tremolo recreates the rich, swirling sound of the popular rotating speaker effect. Just as with a conventional rotating speaker, you can switch between slow and fast speeds. And like a motor-driven speaker, the characteristic tremolo effect gradually changes speed after it is switched. You can also adjust the maximum speed of the effect to suit your playing style.
  • Page 42 1) Turning on the Tremolo effect (set to standby): You cannot use the Tremolo effect only by turning on the TREMOLO (FAST) button. First, you need to turn the effect on in the desired voice section(s). Independently applied to each voice section. Select (turn on) Tremolo Press the desired voice button on the panel twice to display one of the Voice Condition pages.
  • Page 43 2) Setting the Tremolo Effect Tremolo setting made here are global; in other words, they are applied the same to all voices for which Tremolo has been turned on (set to standby). To turn on the Tremolo effect and call up the Tremolo Control page: Press the TREMOLO (FAST) button in the DISPLAY SELECT section.

  • Page 44: Rhythm And Accompaniment

    Rhythm and Accompaniment The Rhythm features of the Electone use actual drum and percussion sampled sounds to automatically play various rhythms. Automatic Accompaniment functions are used with the rhythms, providing appropriate and completely automatic accompaniment to match the style of the selected rhythm. Moreover, the Electone has a Keyboard Percussion feature that allows you to play drum and percussion sounds from the Lower keyboard and Pedalboard.
  • Page 45 Turn the rhythm on. You can use one of three buttons to turn on the rhythm: RHYTHM INTRO. ENDING 1 START This button does as its name indicates; the rhythm begins as soon as the button is pressed. To stop the rhythm, press this button again. 2 SYNCHRO START This button puts the rhythm in ‘stand-by’...
  • Page 46 Set the rhythm tempo using the Tempo dial in the rhythm section. BAR BEAT 1 TEMPO Dial For adjusting the speed of the rhythm. Turn the dial clockwise to increase the tempo, and counterclockwise to decrease it. 2 TEMPO Display (BAR/BEAT Indicator) Shows the current tempo.

  • Page 47: Rhythm Condition

    Rhythm Condition Pages The Rhythm Condition includes the following two pages: the Rhythm Condition page used to adjust the rhythms and the Instrument page used to make up each drum/percussion instrument, each of which comprises the rhythms and is playable using the Keyboard Percussion function. To select the Rhythm Condition page: Choose a rhythm, and press that pattern’s panel button again (or again press the Data Control button corresponding to the selected rhythm).

  • Page 48: Dotted Buttons And User Rhythms

    Rhythm Condition [PAGE 2] DATA CONTROL The settings related to Accompaniment are available on this page. See page 53 for the details. Dotted Buttons and User Rhythms The Rhythm section also has, like the voice sections, dotted buttons from which rhythms can be selected. These dotted buttons function as ‘wild card’...
  • Page 49 Select the desired rhythm using the Data Control buttons. DATA CONTROL 2) To call up the User rhythms: You can call up the rhythms created by the other Electone that has Rhythm Pattern Programming function and those on optional Pattern Disks. Press Page buttons to select the User page.

  • Page 50: Rhythm Menus

    Rhythm Menus This chart lists all 66 of the rhythms available on the Electone. MARCH SWING SLOW ROCK LATIN1 8 BEAT USER RHYTHM Page Category MARCH 01:March1 02:March2 03:March3 04:Polka1 05:Polka2 06:Country1 07:Country2 08:Broadway 09:Baroque WALTZ 01:Waltz1 02:Waltz2 03:Waltz3 04:Waltz4 05:Waltz5 06:JazzWaltz1 07:JazzWaltz2...

  • Page 51: Automatic Accompaniment - Auto Bass Chord (A.b.c.)

    Automatic Accompaniment - Auto Bass Chord (A.B.C.) The Auto Bass Chord (A.B.C.) function works with the Rhythm section of the Electone to automatically produce chord and bass accompaniment as you play. There are three modes to obtain Automatic Accompaniment patterns. To select the A.B.C.
  • Page 52 2 Memory When you start a rhythm with this memory function on, A.B.C. automatic accompaniment keeps playing even after you release your fingers from the Lower keyboard. Lower Use the bottom right E Data Control button to turn on the Lower keyboard Memory function (Solid box indicates the function is effective).

  • Page 53: Accompaniment Controls

    3) Chords Recognized in the Fingered Chord Mode (Key of C) Cm maj7 C7+5 Cm7-5 C7-5 Accompaniment Controls The Accompaniment function described in this section is independent of the A.B.C. accompaniment. When rhythms are used, A.B.C. provides rhythmical chords and bass, while the Accompaniment of this section provides arpeggiated chords and other instrumental embellishments.
  • Page 54 Press the Page buttons to select PAGE 2. DATA CONTROL Rhythm Condition [PAGE 2] DATA CONTROL 1 ACCOMPANIMENT Determines the volume of the Accompaniment. Range: 0 - 24 2 On/Off On/off switches of the Accompaniment function. Use the top right Data Control buttons to turn on/off the Accompaniment function.

  • Page 55: Preset/User Keyboard Percussion

    Preset/User Keyboard Percussion The keyboard Percussion function features a total of 120 different drum and percussion sounds, playable from the keyboards and pedalboard. The Keyboard Percussion has two different modes, Preset and User. Preset Keyboard Percussion lets you play 43 different sounds from the Lower keyboard and Pedalboard, while the User Keyboard Percussion lets you freely assign the 120 available sounds to any key or pedal you wish.
  • Page 56 Preset Keyboard Percussion Preset Percussion Assignments for the Lower Keyboard (43) Preset Percussion Assignments for the Pedalboard (18) NOTE: You can rearrange the key assignments of the drum and percussion sounds using the following User Keyboard Percussion function.
  • Page 57 2) To use the User Keyboard Percussion: A total of 120 different drum and percussion sounds can be assigned to any key or pedal, and your original setups can be saved to eight memory locations: User 1 through User 8. (For this example, use User1) Turn on the Keyboard Percussion function by pressing the LOWER/1 button in the KEYBOARD PERCUSSION section.
  • Page 58 This function is used to erase User assignment for User 1. CLEAR works in two ways: either to erase a single instrument, or to erase all instruments. (See step #5 below.) DATA CONTROL PAGE NOTE: Playing back EL-400’s MDR reproduces the instrument condition set by EL-900/ 700/500.
  • Page 59 User Keyboard Percussion Categories Category 01 CYMBAL 01:Crash Cym1 02:Crash Cym2 03:CrashCym M 04:Ride Cym1 05:Ride Cym2 06:RideCymCup 07:Orch.Cym1 08:Orch.Cym2 09:Orch.Cym M 10:Cym March 11:Cym BrShot 12:Tam-Tam 02 HI-HAT 01:HH Open 02:HH Close 03:HH Pedal1 04:HH Pedal2 05:AnalogHH O 06:AnalogHH C 03 SNARE DRUM 01:SD Light 02:SD Heavy...
  • Page 60 To assign an instrument to a particular key or pedal: Simultaneously hold down the Data Control button corresponding to [Set] and press the key (or pedal) to which the instrument is to be assigned. The currently displayed instrument will be assigned to the key you press down as a part of User 1.
  • Page 61 3) Other User Keyboard Percussion Functions Additional operations in the User mode include copying of Lower/Pedal Preset Keyboard Percussion to one of the Users, and copying from one User location to another. To copy the Lower Preset Keyboard Percussion to one of the Users: The following operation allows you to copy the Lower Preset Keyboard Percussion to one of the Users.
  • Page 62 5. Press any of the bottom left Data Control buttons (corresponding to [Copy] in the display) to copy the data. When [Copy] is selected, a ‘Completed’ message momentarily appears on the display. Press any of the bottom right Data Control buttons (corresponding to [Cancel] in the display) to abort the operation.

  • Page 63: Melody On Chord (M.o.c.)

    4. Select the User number from which you want to copy using the top left Data Control buttons. DATA CONTROL In this case, the destination User number will not be displayed as the source number, or selectable on the display. 5.
  • Page 64 M.O.C. [PAGE 2] DATA CONTROL 1 Mode You can select one of three automatic accompaniment functions here. Each press of bottom left F Data Control button selects Off, 1, 2 and 3, in order. Each press of bottom left E Data Control button selects in the reversed order.
  • Page 65 Rhythm Sequence is built up with various different rhythm patterns, and can be programmed by the other Electone such as EL-700 and EL-500. The EL-400 doesn’t have Rhythm Sequence function, but it can read and load the rhythm sequence data recorded on the MDR (a floppy disk) to its four SEQ buttons in the Rhythm section and play back them, as follows: 1.

  • Page 66: Registration Memory

    MIDI settings 2..Press desired numbered button. NOTE: Although the number of the Registration Memory buttons of EL-400 are limited to eight, from Registration Memory 1 through Registration Memory 8, the Registration Memory 9 through Registra- tion Memory 16 can be accessible when using MDR playback and Registration Shift functions.

  • Page 67: Selecting Registrations

    Selecting Registrations Simply press the numbered button that corresponds to the registration you wish to select. Using the D (Disable) button: Rhythm and automatic accompaniment patterns also change when you select different Registration Memory buttons. Pressing the D (Disable) button allows you to keep the same rhythm and accompaniment patterns throughout all your registration changes, or make your own rhythm selections if you want to.

  • Page 68: Registration Shift

    While holding down the RECORD button on the M.D.R., press the M (Memory) button in Registration Memory. RECORD UPPER LOWER SONG REPEAT PAUSE STOP MUSIC DISK RECORDER /TO DISK This operation saves all eight registrations in Registration Memory to one song. The other 39 available songs on the disk can be used for saving additional batches of 8 registrations.
  • Page 69 3. Pressing the Right Footswitch jumps to select the designated panel registration. DATA CONTROL NOTE: • Although the number of the Registration Memory buttons of EL-400 is limited to eight, from Registration Memory 1 through Registration Memory 8, you can select the other eight Registration Memory numbers, the Registration...
  • Page 70 4 User Selects the User mode. In the User mode, each press of the Right Footswitch selects registrations according to the order you specify. 1. When you select the User mode, the Shift End selector function, how the Registration Shift function acts when it reaches to the end, will be added to the right side of the display.
  • Page 71 2 Data (Data Controls) The pair of the top right Data Control buttons is used to enter or delete registration numbers in the registration row. Move the cursor to the desired position and edit the registration data. [INS] Insert For initially entering a registration or inserting a registration number just before the current cursor position.
  • Page 72 Resetting the Electone to the Factory Preset (Power On Reset) All current settings including Registration Memories can be deleted at once by using the Power On Reset function. 1. Turn off the power. 2. While holding down the top left Data Control button, turn the power back on.

  • Page 73: Music Disk Recorder (M.d.r.)

    Floppy disk slot LED (Lamp in-use) NOTE: When the EL-400 is turned on, the LED below the floppy disk slot will be lit indicating that the M.D.R. is ready to use. To eject a floppy disk: Be sure to confirm that the lamp of STOP button on M.D.R.
  • Page 74 Yamaha recommends that you use a commer- cially available dry-type head-cleaning disk to clean the head about once a month. NOTE: Ask your Yamaha dealer about the availability of proper head- cleaning disk. About the Floppy Disks To handle floppy disks with care: Do not place heavy objects on a disk or bend or apply pressure to the disk in any way.

  • Page 75: Formatting A Disk

    Formatting a Disk Before recording, the disk must first be formatted. Put the disk, label facing up, into the disk drive (floppy disk slot). “Fort” will appear on the LED display indicating that the inserted disk requires to be formatted. While holding down the SHIFT button, press the FORMAT button.

  • Page 76: Recording

    Recording 1) To record a song: Set the desired registrations on the Electone. Make all the Electone settings necessary for the song you will record. This means entering the all registrations you will need for the entire performance in the Registration Memory. Make sure also to select the registration that you will use at the beginning of the song.
  • Page 77 After numbers appear on the LED display of the M.D.R., begin playing. Once the setup operation in step #5 is complete, a number will appear on the LED display indicating that you can begin recording your performance. The number also indicates the amount of memory left on the disk.
  • Page 78 Outline of M.D.R. Operation Though the M.D.R. is as easy to operate as a cassette tape recorder, it is far move versatile. Since it records all Electone settings and control movements as well as the notes you play as digital data, it allows you much more flexibility and control than even the most sophisticated tape recorder.
  • Page 79 2) To record each part separately: You can also record the parts of your performance independently; for example, first recording the chords and bass to the song (using the Lower and Pedalboard), and after that recording the melody (using the Upper Keyboard).
  • Page 80 Separate recording for Lead Voice and/or Keyboard Percussion parts: The Lead voice and the Keyboard Percussion can be recorded/played back separately although they are not shown on the M.D.R. panel. Separate recording for Lead Voice and/or Keyboard Percussion parts: Hold down the SHIFT button and simultaneously press the appropriate button in the top row in the procedure #2 above.

  • Page 81: Punch-In Recording

    Press the CUSTOM PLAY button to start recording of the new part or parts (Upper part). Playback of the previously recorded parts starts immediately. The CUSTOM PLAY button is used here to record only the parts that have been selected for recording, and play back only those parts that have been selected for playback.

  • Page 82: Recording Registrations (And Bulk Data)

    Recording Registrations (and Bulk Data) You can also record registrations by themselves, without recording a performance. Bulk data, including Registration Memory and Registration Shift settings, Rhythm Pattern (User rhythms) and Rhythm Sequence data, and User voices, are also saved in the operation.

  • Page 83: Recalling Recorded Registrations (And Bulk Data)

    Recalling Recorded Registrations (and Bulk Data) The registrations (and bulk data) recorded to song numbers in the above operation can be loaded back to the Electone by simply selecting the appropriate song number and pressing the PLAY button. When the operation has been completed, the M.D.R. returns to STOP status.

  • Page 84: Playback

    STOP button. If you have recorded the Lead Voice/Keyboard Percussion part separately: On the EL-400 the Lead/Keyboard Percussion part(s) you have recorded separately will automatically set to on when you start playback.
  • Page 85 Press the PLAY button to begin playback of the song. First the registration and other data are read, then playback of the performance starts (excepting the parts that were turned off in step #2). Now perform your new part or parts over the playback parts. When the end of the recorded performance is reached, playback is automatically stopped and the STOP status is resumed.
  • Page 86 The EL-400 allows you to play back the commercially available XG song data using the M.D.R. Also, the XG Easy Converter function of the EL-400 lets you convert the data to the XG compatible data. Playing back the XG Song Data This function is for playback only.
  • Page 87 XG Easy Converter This function allows you to convert the EL-400 song data to the XG format data. You can then play back the data using XG devices and/ or personal computer. Depending on the type of XG devices, sound may be different from the original data you created.

  • Page 88: Other Functions

    Other Functions 1) Custom Play If you want to play back the song without resetting the registrations and other data, press the CUSTOM PLAY button. This displays the song time and starts playback immediately. 2) Read and Auto Increment Another method for calling up only registration data, besides that mentioned in the NOTE above.
  • Page 89 5) Changing the Tempo You can change the tempo of the song as the song is playing back. While holding down the SHIFT button, press the TEMPO + or TEMPO - button. Each press of the button slows down or speeds up the tempo by a small amount (not affecting the pitch).
  • Page 90 6) Song Copy This function lets you copy the data recorded at one song number to another song number. You can copy and exchange the data even between two different disks. To use the Song Copy function within a disk: Select the song number to be copied (source) with the SONG SELECT buttons.
  • Page 91 To use the Song Copy function between two different disks: Insert the source disk that contains the song you want to copy from. While holding down the SHIFT button, press the SONG COPY FROM button. The song number to be copied from appears at the left of the LED display.
  • Page 92 STOP status is automatically resumed. 8) Disk Copy You can duplicate a floppy disk by copying the contents. Yamaha recommends that you keep two copies of important data on separate floppy disks by using this function.
  • Page 93 Insert the source disk into the disk slot. The M.D.R. starts reading the data in the source disk. “out 1” appears on the LED display. Press the eject button to take out the source disk. “In 2” appears on the LED display to urge you to insert the destination disk.
  • Page 94 Play the keyboard to check the sound of the voice. The EL-400 can read the data of the EL-500 Voice Disk. DATA CONTROL Any one of the voice sections can be used here. Make sure that the volumes of all other voices are set to off (the minimum value).
  • Page 95 If you want to save the current voice to a User Voice space, select the “SAVE” (Top right Data Control buttons) with the corresponding Data Control buttons. The following display appears. Selects the destination (User Voice) number DATA CONTROL Execute save Select the User number to which you want to save using the top left Data Control buttons.
  • Page 96 If you want to save the current pattern to a User Rhythm space, select the “SAVE” with the corresponding Data Control buttons. The following display appears. DATA CONTROL Execute save Select the User number to which you want to save using the top left Data Control buttons.
  • Page 97 Messages on the M.D.R. LED Display Display Description of the Messages No disk is installed. Install a disk. 1) The installed disk is write-protected, so the Record, Song Copy, and Song Delete jobs cannot be performed.Set the disk’s Write-protect tab (page 74) to OFF. 2) If you are using a copy-protected playback-only disk, this message may appear when you attempt the Record, Song Copy, or Song Delete operations.

  • Page 98: Footswitches, Knee Lever And Expression Pedal

    Footswitches, Knee Lever and Expression Pedal These leg- and foot-operated controls allow you to turn on and execute various performance functions without taking your hands from the keyboards. Footswitch The Electone has two Footswitches on the main expression pedal that can be used to control various functions.
  • Page 99 2 Rhythms Selection of Left Footswitch control over rhythm functions. When this is chosen, the following items appear at the bottom of the display: DATA CONTROL Stop Functions as an on/off switch for the rhythm or the rhythm sequence. Ending Switches the rhythm to the Ending pattern, after which the rhythm is stopped.
  • Page 100 Upper 1, 2, Lower 1, 2, Lead The Glide function can be applied to any or all of the voice sections shown in the display: Upper 1 and 2, Lead, Lower 1 and 2. Select the desired voice section(s). Time Determines the speed of the Glide function, or in other words, how gradually the pitch returns when the Footswitch is released.

  • Page 101: Knee Lever

    Knee Lever The Knee Lever, located on the underside of the keyboard panel, can be used to turn on and off the Sustain effect, Melody On Chord function and Lead Slide effect. 1) Sustain Make sure that the Upper and/or Lower Sustain effect panel controls have been turned on;...
  • Page 102 2) Melody On Chord Press the A.B.C./M.O.C. button in the DISPLAY SELECT section. The A.B.C. page appears. Press the Page buttons to select Page 2. VOICE EFFECT DISPLAY Then set the KNEE control to “on,” and select one of the modes. DATA CONTROL Press the Knee Lever to the right with your knee when you want to have M.O.C.

  • Page 103: Expression Pedal

    Expression Pedal You can choose the function of the Expression Pedal from three settings. Press the PITCH/MIDI button in the DISPLAY SELECT section. Transpose/Pitch function, the first page, will be displayed. DISPLAY SELECT VOICE EFFECT A.B.C. FOOT DISPLAY M.O.C. Select page 3 using Page buttons at the right side of the LCD display. MIDI IN page will be displayed.

  • Page 104: Transpose And Pitch Controls

    Transpose and Pitch Controls There are two pitch-related controls on the Electone: Transpose and Pitch. Transpose allows you to change the key of the instrument and Pitch lets you finely adjust the tuning. These features make it easy to change the key of a song to accommodate a vocalist’s range or to precisely match the tuning of another instrument.

  • Page 105: Midi

    MIDI MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a kind of communication system for electronic musical instruments. It is built into most every modern digital musical instrument and allows different instruments to “talk” to each other and control each other’s functions. For example, the Upper keyboard of your Electone could be used to play sounds on a connected synthesizer.
  • Page 106 Receive Channels When using another MIDI device to play the Electone’s voices, you must set the MIDI transmit channel(s) of the connected device to match the receive channel(s) of the Electone. The MIDI receive channels of the Electone are fixed to the following values: Upper Keyboard: 1 Lower Keyboard: 2...

  • Page 107: Accessory Jacks And Controls

    Accessory Jacks and Controls On the underside of the Electone keyboard is a separate panel equipped with various input/output terminals and miscellaneous controls, the functions of which are described below. RHYTHM 1 Input Jack RHYTHM IN (Phone, L/R) This pair of phone jacks is for connection to an external rhythm machine. The sound of the connected device is mixed with the sound of the Electone and played through the Electone’s speaker system.

  • Page 108: Appendix

    MIDI Macintosh HOST SELECT PC-2 PC-1 MIDI 8-pin MINI DIN to D-SUB 9-pin Cable HOST RS-232C Windows 95(98) EL-400 (DB9) (Computer) Macintosh Peripheral Cable (M0197) HOST Macintosh EL-400 (Computer) NOTE: See page 110 for the information on the MIDI message types.
  • Page 109 Electone’s voices. You can use the Electone as an XG tone generator for computer-based music production. See page 113 for the details to use the EL-400 as an XG tone generator. Controls the EL-400 using an external...

  • Page 110: Channel Messages

    System Messages. The Channel Messages are the data related to the performance on the keyboard for a specific channel. Each time you play the keyboard on the EL-400, the channel messages, which keys are played and how hard the keys are pressed, will be transmitted via a specific channel. The System Messages are the data that allows several MIDI devices communicate each other.

  • Page 111: System Messages

    These allow you to execute bulk dump operation, sending and receiving all the data of the EL-400 including registrations to and from an external device. This is especially useful for you to build up the library of the registration data in a device like a hard disk.
  • Page 112 Selecting the Registration Memory Buttons Sending the Program Change messages from the PC to your EL-400 makes it possible to change the registration on the Electone. Send the Program Change message, “CF, 00” (Hexadecimal) to the EL- 400.
  • Page 113 “Electone.” Sending an appropriate system exclusive message from the sequencing software (PC) to the EL-400 changes the mode to XG Mode, in which you can use the Electone as an XG tone generator. Send the XG System On message, “F0, 43, 1N*, 4C, 00, 00, 7E, 00, F7”...

  • Page 114: Midi Data Format

    MIDI Data Format 1. Channel Messages 1.1 EL Mode Code (Hexadecimal) Function Transmit Receive Remarks...
  • Page 115 Code (Hexadecimal) Function 1.2 XG Mode Code (Hexadecimal) Function Transmit Receive Remarks Transmit Receive Remarks...

  • Page 116: Realtime Messages

    Code (Hexadecimal) 2. Realtime Messages Code (Hexadecimal) 3. System Exclusive Messages 3.1 Format Code (Hexadecimal) Code (Hexadecimal) Code (Hexadecimal) Code (Hexadecimal) Function Transmit Function Transmit Message Message Message Message Receive Remarks Receive Remarks Transmit Receive Transmit Receive Transmit Receive Transmit Receive...
  • Page 117 Code (Hexadecimal) X : don't care N : Device Number(“0” on EL-400) *1 Data Codes to Send Data *2 Data Codes to Receive Data *3 Switches Switch Message ID=4A Transmit Receive Transmit Receive...
  • Page 118 *4 Switch Codes Selectors Code Switch Volume Code Switch To Lower Code Switch Brilliance Code Switch Transmit Tx Range Receive Rx Range Remarks Transmit Tx Range Receive Rx Range Remarks Transmit Tx Range Receive Rx Range Remarks Transmit Tx Range Receive Rx Range Remarks...
  • Page 119 Sustain Code Switch Transmit Tx Range Receive Rx Range Remarks Keyboard Percussion Code Switch Transmit Tx Range Receive Rx Range Remarks Disable Code Switch Transmit Tx Range Receive Rx Range Remarks Tremolo Code Switch Transmit Tx Range Receive Rx Range Remarks Rhythm Sequence Code Switch...
  • Page 120 *5 EL MIDI Parameters Voice Section Parameters Panel Voice Parameters Address Size 00-04, 06, 07 00-0D 00-04, 06, 07 00-04, 06, 07 00-04, 06, 07 00-04, 06, 07 00-04, 06, 07 00-04, 06, 07 00-04, 06, 07 00-04, 06, 07 00-04, 06, 07 00-04, 06, 07 00-04, 06, 07...
  • Page 121 Effect Parameters (Voice Sections) Parameter Address Size Data Effect Select 00-01 00-04, 06, 07 00-05 Reverb 00-01 00-04, 06, 07 40-42 00-7F Tremolo 00-01 00-04, 06, 07 48-4A 00-7F Symphonic 00-01 00-04, 06, 07 00-7F Delay 00-01 00-04, 06, 07 58-5B 00-7F Flanger...
  • Page 122 Rhythm Sequence Parameters Address Size Data 00-03 00-01 Accompaniment Parameters Address Size Data 00-03 00-01 00-7F 00-7F A.B.C. Parameters Address Size Data 00-03 00-01 00-01 M.O.C. Parameters Address Size Data 00-03 00-01 Parameter Content Transmit Tx Range Rhythm Sequence 00:OFF 01:ON Parameter Content...
  • Page 123 Overall System Parameters Address Size Data Parameter 00-01 Disable 00-01 Flute Coupler Attack Mode 3A-46 Transpose 00-0B 2nd Expression Range 00-03 Footswitch Mode 3C-4F Pitch 00-04 Glide Speed 34-4C Manual Balance 00-01 L.I.T. 00-01 Expression INT/EXT Effect Parameters (Overall) Address Size Data Parameter...

  • Page 124: Midi Implementation Chart

    MIDI Implementation Chart YAMAHA [Electone-EL mode] / Model: EL-400 Function Basic Channel Default Changed Mode Default Messages Altered Note Number True Voice Velocity Note ON Note OFF After Touch Pitch Bend Control Change 1, 5, 7, 10 96, 97 84, 91, 93, 94...
  • Page 125 YAMAHA [Electone-XG mode] / Model: EL-400 Function Basic Channel Default Changed Mode Default Messages Altered Note Number True Voice Velocity Note ON Note OFF After Touch Key's Ch's Pitch Bend Control Change 0, 32 1, 5, 7, 10 6, 38...

  • Page 126: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Problem GENERAL OPERATION A cracking noise is sometimes heard. Interference from radio, TV, or other sources occurs. This is caused by the proximity of a high-power broadcasting station, an Electone generates some noise. Radio/ or TV generates some noise. The sound of the Electone causes surrounding objects to resonate.
  • Page 127 Problem VOICES/RHYTHMS The volume of Upper keyboard is louder than that of Lower keyboard, or vice versa. Pedalboard doesn’t sound, even when its volume is properly set. When keys on the Lower keyboard or pedalboard are pressed, the sounds of percussion instruments are also heard.
  • Page 128 Problem Registration Memory Certain functions have not been memorized to Registration Memory. An error occurs and the registration data is not recorded to M.D.R., when executing To Disk operation. A simple beep sound is produced when I press the Basic Regist. Button. MUSIC DISK RECORDER Recording or playback cannot be performed.

  • Page 129: Specifications

    EL-400 Specifications KEYBOARD Touch Tone Initial Touch After Touch VOICE Tone Generation Upper Keyboard Voice 1, 2 Lower Keyboard Voice 1, 2 Lead Voice Pedalboard Voice 1, 2 Voice Display EFFECT/ Digital Reverb CONDITION Sustain Brilliance Tremolo/Chorus Symphonic/Celeste Vibrato Delay...
  • Page 130 Specifications and description in this Owner's Manual are information purposes only. Yamaha Corp. reserves the right to change or modify products or specifications at any time without prior notice. As specifications, equipment or options may not be the same in every locale, please check with Yamaha dealer.

  • Page 131: Index

    Index A.B.C..51 A.B.C./M.O.C..51, 63 ACC. Reverb ... 54 Accompaniment ... 44, 53 AFTER Touch ... 30 Auto Bass Chord (A.B.C.) ... 51 Auto Varietion (Rhythm) ... 47 AUX. OUT ... 107 Balance (Delay) ... 36 Balance (Rhythm) ... 47 BAR/BEAT ...
  • Page 132 Selecting Voice Group ... 34 SEQ..65 Set (Keyboard Percussion) ... 58 SHIFT ... 75 SHIFT ... 75 Shift (Registration Shift) ... 69 Shift End ... 70 Single Finger ... 51 Slide ... 33 Slide Time ... 33 SOLO (XG) ... 86 Song Copy ...

  • Page 133: Important Safety Instructions

    Some of these items are designed to be dealer assembled or installed. Please make sure that benches are stable and any optional fixtures (where applicable) are well secured BEFORE using. Benches supplied by Yamaha are designed for seating only. No other uses are recommended.
  • Page 134 INTRODUIRE LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQU’AU FOND. • This applies only to products distributed by Yamaha Canada Music Ltd. • Ceci ne s’applique qu’aux produits distribués par Yamaha Canada Musique Ltée. IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM Connecting the Plug and Cord IMPORTANT.
  • Page 135 For details of products, please contact your nearest Yamaha or the authorized distributor listed below. EUROPE THE UNITED KINGDOM Yamaha-Kemble Music (U.K.) Ltd. Sherbourne Drive, Tilbrook, Milton Keynes, MK7 8BL, England Tel: 01908-366700 OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRIES Yamaha Corporation, Pro Audio & Digital Musical Instrument Division...
  • Page 136 Yamaha Manual Library (English versions only) http://www2.yamaha.co.jp/manual/english/ This document is printed on recycled chlorine free (ECF) paper with soy Ink. M.D.G., Pro Audio & Digital Musical Instrument Division, Yamaha Corporation V697010 011MWAP3.2-01A0 © 2000 Yamaha Corporation...

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