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Yamaha PSR-270 Owner's Manual

Yamaha portatone owner's manual
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  • Page 2 Yamaha. This product should be used only with the components supplied or; a cart, rack, or stand that is recommended by Yamaha. If a cart, etc., is used, please observe all safety markings and instructions that accom- pany the accessory product.
  • Page 3 SAVING USER DATA • Save all data to an external device such as the Yamaha MIDI Data Filer MDF3, in order to help prevent the loss of important data due to a mal- function or user operating error.

  • Page 4: Main Features

    Its outstanding features also make it a remarkably ex- Read this Owner’s Manual carefully while playing your new PortaTone in order to take full advantage of its various features. The PSR-270 is a sophisticated yet easy-to-use keyboard with the following features and functions: Yamaha Education Suite ...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    ACCESSORY JACKS ... 9 @@@@ PPPP Quick Guide — How to Use Your New PSR-270 PortaTone Step 1 Voices ... 10 Step 2 Auto Accompaniment ... 12 Step 3 Chord Guide ... 14 Step 4 Songs ... 16 Step 5 Function Parameters ... 18 Step 6 MIDI ...

  • Page 6: Panel Controls And Terminals

    PANEL CONTROLS AND TERMINALS Front Panel 8BEAT 16BEAT ROCK-A-BALLAD 6/8 BALLAD 8BEAT DANCE SWING DISCO JAZZ BALLAD ROCK 2BEAT ROCK & ROLL BOOGIE RHYTHM & BLUES RAGTIME CONTEMPORARY JAZZ ARPEGGIO TRADITIONAL JAZZ WALTZ AMERICAS HAPPY COUNTRY & WESTERN BALLROOM LATIN BALLROOM STANDARD MARCH &...

  • Page 7: Rear Panel

    INTRO/ENDING button When the Style mode is selected, this is used to control the Intro and Ending functions. (See pages 49, 51.) MAIN A/B (AUTO FILL) buttons When the Style mode is selected, these are used to change auto accompaniment sections and control the Auto Fill function.

  • Page 8: Setting Up

    Even when the switch is in the “STANDBY” position, electricity is still flowing to the instrument at the minimum level. When you are not using the PSR-270 for a long time, make sure you unplug the AC power adaptor from the wall AC outlet, and/or...

  • Page 9: Using Headphones

    Using a Footswitch This feature lets you use an optional footswitch (Yamaha FC4 or FC5) to sustain the sound of the voices, or control a variety of other functions. (See page 91.) When this is used for sustain, the footswitch functions the same way as a damper pedal on an acoustic piano —...

  • Page 10: Portatone

    AUTO FILL GUIDE Selecting other voices The PSR-270 features a total of 238 high-quality voices. Let’s try a few of them out... Panel voices ... 1 - 100 (100 voices) GM voices ... 111 - 238 (128 voices) Enter the Voice mode.
  • Page 11 Playing along with the Metronome Press the METRONOME button. METRO- NOME Want to find out more? See page 24. Changing the time signature of the Metronome Simultaneously hold down the METRONOME button and one of the number buttons (1 - 9) on the numeric keypad.

  • Page 12: Step 2 Auto Accompaniment

    Step 2 Auto Accompaniment Using the auto accompaniment The PSR-270 has powerful and easy-to-use auto accompaniment features. All you have to do is play chords with your left hand — and the PortaTone automatically produces appropriate bass, chord, and rhythm backing for your perfor- mance.

  • Page 13: Selecting A Complete Music Style

    Selecting a complete music style with ideal voice and other settings — One Touch Setting The PortaTone features 100 different styles in various music genres. With the One Touch Setting function, you can call up voice and other settings that best match the selected style. Each style has been programmed with two Preset One Touch Settings.

  • Page 14: Step 3 Chord Guide

    Step 3 Chord Guide Using the Chord Guide function Learning how to play specific chords Here, you’ll learn how to use the Chord Guide functions to show the individual notes of chords. Enter the Style mode, then press the CHORD GUIDE button until “Dict.” is shown in the display.
  • Page 15 Playing chord progressions (songs) with just one finger The EZ Chord function gives you an exceptionally easy way to play the chords of a song. Simply press single keys in succession, and the PortaTone automatically plays the proper chords for you! Enter the Style mode, then press the CHORD GUIDE button until “EZ.

  • Page 16: Step 4 Songs

    Step 4 Songs Playing a song Playing back all three songs The PSR-270 has three Demo songs that show- case the authentic voices and dynamic accom- paniment of the instrument. Press the DEMO button. TakeOff! SONG 001 111 MEASURE TEMPO Stop the song.
  • Page 17 Recording your own song The PSR-270 lets you record your own songs by using two different methods — Realtime and Step. Try out both of these recording methods yourself... Realtime recording Select the desired recording mode by This method is much like using a...

  • Page 18: Step 5 Function Parameters

    Step 5 Function Parameters Using the Function parameters The PSR-270 has a variety of settings in the Function parameters. These give you detailed control over many of the PSR-270’s features. Press the FUNCTION button. Select a Function number. For a list of functions, see page 19.
  • Page 19 Function Parameters List Function F01 M.Volume Main Voice Volume F02 M.Octave Main Voice Octave F03 M.Pan Main Voice Pan F04 M.RevLvl Main Voice Reverb Send Level F05 M.ChoLvl Main Voice Chorus Send Level F06 M.DspLvl Main Voice DSP Effect Send Level F11 D.Volume Dual Voice Volume F12 D.Octave...

  • Page 20: Step 6 Midi

    MIDI Using MIDI The PSR-270 also features rear panel MIDI terminals (MIDI IN and MIDI OUT) as well as a comprehensive set of MIDI functions, that let you use the instrument in a variety of record- ing and performance applications.
  • Page 21 Controlling the PSR-270 with a MIDI keyboard controller (not having a tone generator) (Auto accompaniment can also be used in this setup.) PSR-270 MIDI IN See page 97. In this setup you can record your PSR-270 performance, including the auto accompani- ment, to a connected computer or sequencer.

  • Page 22: Panel Display Indications

    The LCD’s backlight will gradually dim over a long period of use. When the display becomes dim or hard to read, contact the store where you purchased the instrument or, Yamaha directly, to have the LCD replaced. A fee will be charged for replacement.

  • Page 23: Music Stand

    Measure and Tempo These show the current measure during play- back of a song or style, and the currently set Tempo value for the song or style. Beat indicators These dark bars (one large, three small) flash in sequence and in time with the song or style. The large bar indicates the first beat of the measure.

  • Page 24: Portable Grand

    PORTABLE GRAND This convenient function lets you automatically exit from any other mode or function and instantly call up the Grand Piano voice. PLAYING THE PORTABLE GRAND Press the PORTABLE GRAND button. Doing this automatically cancels any other mode or function, and resets the entire instrument for playing the special “Stereo Sampled Piano”...

  • Page 25: Setting The Metronome Time Signature

    Change the value. Use the OVERALL +/- buttons to increase or decrease the Tempo value. Holding down either button continuously increases or decreases the value. Decreases Tempo value Turn on the Metronome. Press the METRONOME button. METRO- NOME To turn the Metronome off, press the METRONOME button again. Setting the Metronome Time Signature The time signature of the Metronome can be set to various quarter-note based meters.

  • Page 26: Adjusting The Metronome Volume

    PORTABLE GRAND Adjusting the Metronome Volume You can adjust the volume of the Metronome sound independently of the other PortaTone sounds. The volume range is 000 - 127. Select the Metronome Volume function in the Overall menu. Press one of the OVERALL / buttons, repeatedly if necessary, until “MtrVol” appears in the display.

  • Page 27: Playing Voices - The Voice Mode

    The Voice mode features 228 authentic voices (including 128 General MIDI voices), plus 10 special drum kits — all of which have been created with Yamaha’s sophisticated AWM (Advanced Wave Memory) tone generation system. The Voice mode gives you many powerful and versatile tools for playing and enhancing these Voices.
  • Page 28 PLAYING VOICES — THE VOICE MODE Select the desired voice number. Use the numeric keypad. The basic categories of voices and their numbers are shown at the right side of the panel. A complete list of the available voices is given on page 109. BASS ENSEMBLE STRINGS...

  • Page 29: About Panel Voices And Gm Voices

    Using the +/- keys Press the + key to select the next voice number, and press the - key to select the previous voice. Holding down either key continuously scrolls up or down through the numbers. The +/- keys have a “wrap around” fea- ture.

  • Page 30: Drum Kit Voice Chart

    PLAYING VOICES — THE VOICE MODE Drum Kit Voice Chart (voices 101 - 110) When one of the 10 panel Drum Kit voices are selected you can play different drums and percussion instruments on the keyboard. The drums and percussion instruments played by the various keys are marked by symbols above the keys.

  • Page 31: F01 M.volume Main Voice Volume

    Change the parameter setting or value. After the “FUNCTION” indication stops flashing, use the numeric keypad or +/- buttons to change the value or setting. (The value/ setting is shown to the left of the parameter name.) STYLE FUNCTION Set other parameters as needed. To select and set other parameters, repeat steps 1 - 3 above.

  • Page 32: Transpose And Tuning

    PLAYING VOICES — THE VOICE MODE TRANSPOSE AND TUNING You can also adjust the tuning and change the transposition (key) of the entire PortaTone sound with the Transpose and Tuning functions. Transpose Transpose determines the key of both the main voice and the bass/chord accompaniment of the selected style.

  • Page 33: Tuning

    Tuning Tuning determines the fine pitch setting of both the main voice and the bass/chord accompaniment of the selected style. It also determines the pitch of the songs. This allows you to accurately match the tuning with that of other instruments. The Tuning settings can be adjusted over a range of 100 (approx.

  • Page 34: Playing Two Voices - Dual Voice

    PLAYING VOICES — THE VOICE MODE PLAYING TWO VOICES — DUAL VOICE The Dual Voice mode lets you create richly textured sounds by “layering” two different voices together — one voice being the Main voice selected in the normal way (page 27), and the other a Dual voice selected as described below.

  • Page 35: Function Parameters - Dual Voice

    Change the parameter setting or value. After the “FUNCTION” indication stops flashing, use the numeric keypad to change the value or setting. For on/off settings, use the +/- buttons. STYLE FUNCTION Restoring the Default Value If you’ve changed the parameter setting, you can instantly restore the default setting by pressing both +/- buttons simultaneously.

  • Page 36: Playing Two Voices - Split Voice

    PLAYING VOICES — THE VOICE MODE PLAYING TWO VOICES — SPLIT VOICE In the Split Voice mode, you can assign two different Voices to opposite sections of the keyboard, and play one Voice with your left hand while your right plays another. For example, you could play bass with the left hand and play piano with the right.

  • Page 37: Function Parameters - Split Voice

    Exit the Function mode. Once you’ve made all desired settings, press one of the other mode but- tons (SONG, STYLE, or VOICE). Function Parameters — Split Voice The Function parameters provide all settings for the Split voice. Like the similar settings in the Main Voice mode, these settings let you change or enhance the sound of the Split voice separate from the Main voice.

  • Page 38: Additional Voice Functions - Voice Set And Touch Sensitivity

    PLAYING VOICES — THE VOICE MODE ADDITIONAL VOICE FUNCTIONS — VOICE SET AND TOUCH SENSITIVITY Voice Set and Touch Sensitivity are two important voice-related parameters, and are found in the Utility section of the Function parameters. When Voice Set (described in greater detail below) is set to on, you can automatically call up a variety of voice-related settings that best suit the selected voice.

  • Page 39: Function Parameters

    Function Parameters — Voice Set and Touch Sensitivity Function Parameters No. Parameter Name Display Name F72 Voice Set VoiceSet F73 Touch Sensitivity TouchSns PLAYING VOICES — THE VOICE MODE Range/Settings Description oFF, on When this is set to on, selecting a voice also automati- cally calls up special voice-related parameters and values that best suit the voice.

  • Page 40: Effects

    EFFECTS The PortaTone is equipped with a wide variety of effects that can be used to enhance the sound of the voices. Four general categories of effects are provided — Reverb, Chorus, DSP, and Harmony — and each category has many effect types to choose from.

  • Page 41: Chorus

    Exit the Function mode. Once you’ve made all desired settings, press one of the other mode but- tons (SONG, STYLE, or VOICE). CHORUS The Chorus effect lets you enhance the sound of a voice with through the use of pitch modulation. Two basic types are provided: Chorus and Flanger.

  • Page 42: Dsp

    EFFECTS The DSP effect section provides many reverb and chorus effects, plus a wealth of other useful and dynamic effects for enhancing and changing the sound of the voices. Included among these miscellaneous effects are reverse gate reverb, phaser, rotary speaker, tremolo, echo, delay, distortion, equalization, and wah.

  • Page 43: Harmony

    HARMONY The Harmony section features a variety of performance effects that enhance the melodies you play when using the accompaniment styles of the PortaTone. A total of twenty-six Harmony types are available. Tremolo, Trill and Echo effects can be used even if accompaniment is off. There are five different Harmony Types that automatically create harmony parts (for notes played in the upper section of the keyboard) to match the accompaniment chords.

  • Page 44: Function Parameters - Effects

    EFFECTS Exit the Function mode. Once you’ve made all desired settings, press one of the other mode but- tons (SONG, STYLE, or VOICE). Function Parameters — Effects The Effect Function parameters provide all effect-related settings (with the exception of the Send parameters in the Main, Dual, and Split sections).

  • Page 45: Effect Types

    Effect Types Reverb Types No. Reverb Display Description Type Name Hall 1 Hall1 Concert hall reverb. Hall 2 Hall2 Room 1 Room1 Small room reverb. Room 2 Room2 Stage 1 Stage1 Reverb for solo instruments. Stage 2 Stage2 Plate 1 Plate1 Simulated steel plate reverb.
  • Page 46 EFFECTS Harmony Types No. Harmony Type Display Name Duet Duet Trio Trio Block Block Country Country Octave Octave Trill 1/4 note Tril1/4 Trill 1/6 note Tril1/6 Trill 1/8 note Tril1/8 Trill 1/12 note Tril1/12 Trill 1/16 note Tril1/16 Trill 1/24 note Tril1/24 Trill 1/32 note Tril1/32...

  • Page 47: Auto Accompaniment

    AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT — THE STYLE MODE The Style mode provides dynamic rhythm/accompaniment patterns — as well as voice settings appropriate for each pattern — for various popular music styles. A total of 100 different styles are available, in several different categories. Each style is made up of separate “sections”...
  • Page 48 AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT — THE STYLE MODE Style numbers can be selected in the same way as with the voices (see page 28). You can use the numeric keypad to directly enter the style number, use the +/- keys to step up and down through the styles, or press the STYLE button to advance through the style numbers.
  • Page 49 Starting with an Intro section Each style has its own two- or four-measure Intro section. When used with the auto accompaniment, many of the Intro sections also in- clude special chord changes and embellishments to enhance your performance. To start with an Intro section: 1) Press the MAIN A or MAIN B button —...
  • Page 50 AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT — THE STYLE MODE 2) Press the INTRO button. ACMP ON/OFF MEASURE 3) Press the SYNC-START button to enable Sync-Start, and start the Intro section and accompaniment by playing any key on the keyboard. (When auto accompaniment is on, play a key or chord in the auto accompaniment section of the keyboard.) ACMP ON/OFF...
  • Page 51 About the Beat Display The dark bars underneath the style name in the display flash in time with the current tempo during playback (or Sync-Start standby) of the accompaniment. The flashing bars provide a visual indication of both the tempo and time signature of the accompaniment.

  • Page 52: Accompaniment Controls

    AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT — THE STYLE MODE ACCOMPANIMENT CONTROLS When the Style mode is active, the panel buttons below the display function as accompaniment controls. Pressing this button alternately enables and cancels the bass and chord accompa- niment. (See below.) ACMP SYNC- ON/OFF START...

  • Page 53: Changing The Tempo

    Change chords using the auto ac- companiment feature. Try playing a few successive single notes with your left hand, and notice how the bass and chord accompaniment change with each key you play. You can also play full chords to control the auto accompaniment.

  • Page 54: Accompaniment Sections (Main A, Main Band Fill-Ins)

    AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT — THE STYLE MODE ACCOMPANIMENT SECTIONS (MAIN A, MAIN B AND FILL-INS) While the accompaniment is playing, you can add variation in the rhythm/ accompaniment by pressing the MAIN/AUTO FILL A or B button. This automatically plays one of four Fill-in sections, and smoothly leads into the next section —...

  • Page 55: Accompaniment Volume

    ADJUSTING THE ACCOMPANIMENT VOLUME The playback volume of the accompaniment can be adjusted. This volume control affects only the accompaniment volume. The volume range is 000 - 127. Select the Accompaniment Volume function in the Overall menu. Press one of the OVERALL / buttons, repeatedly if necessary, until “AcmpVol”...

  • Page 56: Using Auto Accompaniment - Multi Fingering

    AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT — THE STYLE MODE USING AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT — MULTI FINGERING When it is set to on (page 52), the auto accompaniment function automati- cally generates bass and chord accompaniment for you to play along with, by using Multi Fingering operation. You can change the chords of the accompaniment by playing keys in the auto accompaniment section of the keyboard using either the “Single Finger”...
  • Page 57 Chord Name/[Abbreviation] Major [M] Add ninth [(9)] Sixth [6] Sixth ninth [6(9)] Major seventh [M7] Major seventh ninth [M7(9)] Major seventh add sharp eleventh [M7(#11)] Flatted fifth [(b5)] Major seventh flatted fifth [M7b5] Suspended fourth [sus4] Augmented [aug] Major seventh augmented [M7aug] Minor [m] Minor add ninth [m(9)] Minor sixth [m6]...

  • Page 58: Setting The Accompaniment Split Point

    AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT — THE STYLE MODE SETTING THE ACCOMPANIMENT SPLIT POINT The Accompaniment Split Point determines the highest key for the accom- paniment section. The accompaniment can be played with the keys up to and including the Accompaniment Split Point key. This parameter can be set lower (but not higher) than the Split Point in the Split mode.

  • Page 59: Function Parameter - Accompaniment Split Point

    Change the parameter setting or value. After the “FUNCTION” indication stops flashing, use the numeric keypad to change the value or setting. STYLE FUNCTION The value can also be set directly by pressing the desired key while this parameter is selected. After setting this, make sure to select a different parameter or exit the Function mode before playing the keyboard.

  • Page 60: What Is A Chord

    AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT — THE STYLE MODE WHAT IS A CHORD? The simple answer: Three or more notes played simultaneously is a chord. (Two notes played together is an “interval” — an interval being the distance between two different notes. This is also referred to as a “harmony.”) Depending on the intervals between the three or more notes, a chord can sound beautiful or muddy and dissonant.

  • Page 61: Writing Chord Names

    WRITING CHORD NAMES Knowing how to read and write chord names is an easy yet invaluable skill. Chords are often written in a kind of shorthand that makes them instantly recognizable (and gives you the free- dom to play them with the voicing or inversion that you prefer). Once you understand the basic principles of harmony and chords, it’s very simple to use this shorthand to write out the chords of a song.

  • Page 62: Chord Guide

    AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT — THE STYLE MODE CHORD GUIDE The Chord Guide functions of the PortaTone provide powerful, easy-to-use tools for learning chords and chord relationships. Chord Guide features three different types of operation: Dictionary, Smart, and EZ Chord. • Pressing the CHORD GUIDE button automatically turns on the auto accompaniment. •...
  • Page 63 Specify the type of the chord (major, minor, seventh, etc.). Press the key on the keyboard that corresponds to the desired chord type (as printed on the panel). CHORD TYPE Pressing this key selects the major seventh chord type (M7). The display shows the name of the chord, and the individual notes —...

  • Page 64: Smart

    AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT — THE STYLE MODE Smart The Smart type allows you to set the basic key for the chord accompani- ment. Once this is set, you can simply press single keys in the scale and have harmonically appropriate chords played automatically. For example, with the key set to C, playing an D will result in an D minor chord (rather than a harmonically inappropriate D major).

  • Page 65: Smart Chord List

    For example, to play the following music score, select number 15 so that the key is set to b=1 (F, or Dm). Key of F STYLE Play the accompaniment, and play single note chords (root notes) in the auto accompaniment section.

  • Page 66: Ez Chord

    AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT — THE STYLE MODE EZ Chord The EZ Chord function is an exceptionally flexible and easy way to program semi-automatic backing for your performances. It lets you record all necessary chord changes for an entire song, and then allows you to “play” each chord in the sequence you programmed by simply pressing a single key in the auto accompaniment section of the keyboard.

  • Page 67: Bank Chain

    Select the desired EZ Chord bank. Use the numeric keypad. Buttons 1 - 8 select EZ Chord banks #1 - #8, respectively. Button 9 selects the bank chain “A-1” bank (see box below). Start the accompaniment. Use any one of the methods described on page 48 to start the ac- companiment.

  • Page 68: Ez Chord - Recording

    AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT — THE STYLE MODE EZ Chord — Recording Enable recording. Press the RECORD button, repeatedly if necessary, until EZ Chord recording is selected. (“EZ” appears in the display and the “RECORD” indication flashes for a couple of seconds.) RECORD indication flashes briefly.

  • Page 69: Recording A Space

    3) Press the + button in the numeric keypad. This actually records the chord to the selected block and automati- cally moves to the next block. This step is necessary; the chord is not actually recorded until you press the + button. (Pressing the - button will select the previous block without recording the chord.) To record a sequence of chords, repeat steps 2) and 3) above (play a chord, select the next step, play a different chord, select the next...

  • Page 70: Hint - Using Spaces

    AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT — THE STYLE MODE HINT — Using Spaces If your chord progressions are not long and the maximum memory space for chords isn’t very important to you, you can use the spaces between recorded blocks to good advantage. (Keep in mind that spaces have no effect during playback;...

  • Page 71: Clearing An Ez Chord Bank

    Clearing an EZ Chord Bank This operation lets you erase (clear) all recorded chords for the se- lected EZ Chord bank. Enable the EZ Chord Record mode. Press the RECORD button, repeatedly if necessary, until EZ Chord recording is selected. (“EZ” appears in the display and the “RECORD”...

  • Page 72: One Touch Setting (Ots)

    ONE TOUCH SETTING (OTS) One Touch Setting is a powerful and convenient Style mode function that lets you instantly reconfigure virtually all settings of the PortaTone — with the touch of a single button. Two types of One Touch Settings are available: User and Preset.

  • Page 73: Recalling A User One Touch Setting

    Select the desired User number. Press the corresponding USER ONE TOUCH SETTING button (1 - 4). Doing this records the settings to the selected button. MEASURE TEMPO Exit from the Record mode. Press the RECORD button. Recalling a User One Touch Setting Once you’ve recorded your settings to a User button, you can in- stantly recall those settings any time you want.

  • Page 74: One Touch Setting - Preset

    ONE TOUCH SETTING (OTS) ONE TOUCH SETTING — PRESET Preset One Touch Settings are used in a slightly different way than the User settings. First, select a style, then select a Preset OTS. The Preset A and B settings have been specially programmed at the factory to match the selected style.

  • Page 75: Selecting And Playing Songs - The Song Mode

    SELECTING AND PLAYING SONGS — THE SONG MODE The Song mode features six songs — three demo songs that have been created using the rich and dynamic sounds of the PortaTone, and three User songs to which you can record your own performance. The demo songs are generally for your listening enjoyment;...

  • Page 76: Changing The Tempo

    SELECTING AND PLAYING SONGS — THE SONG MODE Select the desired song number. Use the numeric keypad. Song numbers can be selected in the same way as with the voices (see page 28). You can use the numeric keypad to directly enter the song number, use the +/- keys to step up and down through the songs, or press the SONG button to advance through the song numbers.

  • Page 77: About The Beat Display

    Change the value. Use the OVERALL +/- buttons to increase or decrease the Tempo value. Holding down either button continuously increases or decreases the value. Decreases Tempo value Restoring the Default Tempo Value Each song and style has been given a default or standard tempo. If you’ve changed the tempo, you can restore the original default setting by pressing both OVERALL +/- buttons simultaneously (when Tempo is selected in the Overall menu).

  • Page 78: Adjusting The Song Volume

    SELECTING AND PLAYING SONGS — THE SONG MODE ADJUSTING THE SONG VOLUME The playback volume of the song can be adjusted. This volume control affects only the song volume. The volume range is 000 - 127. Select the Song Volume function in the Overall menu.

  • Page 79: Song Recording

    SONG RECORDING The PortaTone features powerful and easy-to-use song recording features that let you record your keyboard performances — using up to six separate tracks — and create your own complete, fully orchestrated compositions. Up to three User songs can be recorded and saved. There are two record modes: Realtime and Step.

  • Page 80: Recording A User Song - Realtime Recording

    SONG RECORDING RECORDING A USER SONG — REALTIME RECORDING In brief, the basic operation for recording is: 1) Make all desired PortaTone settings. 2) Select the Realtime Record mode. 3) Select a User song for recording. 4) Select a track number. 5) Start recording.

  • Page 81: Using The Metronome

    Using the Metronome You can use the Metronome instead of a style if desired. This allows you to keep your performance “in time,” even when recording without rhythmic accompani- ment. To do this, press the METRONOME button before recording in step #5 below. After the song is completely recorded, simply play back the song with the Metro- nome turned off.
  • Page 82 SONG RECORDING Recording to the Chord Track A special Chord track is provided for recording accompaniment data. This is automatically recorded to the Chord track (track 6). To select the Chord track and turn on the accompaniment, press the ACMP ON/OFF button.

  • Page 83: Additional Operations

    Listen to your new recording. To play back the song from the beginning, simply press the START/STOP button again. Playback stops automatically at the end of the song, or when the START/STOP button is pressed again. Record to other tracks as desired. To do this, simply repeat steps #4 - #7 above.

  • Page 84: Recording A User Song - Step Recording

    SONG RECORDING RECORDING A USER SONG — STEP RECORDING The basic steps for Step recording are similar to those for Realtime recording. In brief, the basic operation is: 1) Make all desired PortaTone settings. 2) Select the Step Record mode. 3) Select a User song for recording.

  • Page 85: Recording Notes

    Select a User song for recording. This operation is the same as that of Realtime recording (page 81). Select a track number. Press the SONG MEMORY button corresponding to the desired track. Recording to the Chord Track A special Chord track is provided for recording accompaniment data. This is automatically recorded to the Chord track (track 6).
  • Page 86 SONG RECORDING 3) Select the note (time) value with the numeric keypad. (The note value is shown as an icon in the display.) For example, play middle C (C3), then press the “4” button (1/8 note). SONG MEASURE 001 201 Measure number (96 Clicks) Beat...

  • Page 87: Additional Operations

    Additional Operations Recording Chords and Sections to the Chord Track: 1) Play a chord in the accompaniment section of the keyboard. (“Chord“ and the chord name appears in the display.) RECORD ACMP ON Chords can be entered manually (with the Dictionary function), or played with Multi Fingering.

  • Page 88: Replacing A Note Or Rest

    SONG RECORDING Listen to your new recording. You can listen to the entire step recorded track at any time by pressing the START/STOP button. The track you are working on plays back (until stopped), and returns to Step recording at the next position. Keep in mind that this only plays the selected track.

  • Page 89: Entering Velocity Curves

    Entering Velocity Curves In Step recording, all notes are recorded at the same velocity or volume. To make a Step-recorded track sound more natural or to create some dynamic changes in the track, use the Velocity Curve function. 1) Select the first note to be affected by the Velocity Curve (by using the +/- buttons of the numeric keypad).

  • Page 90: Clearing A Song

    SONG RECORDING CLEARING A SONG The Song Clear operation (of the Function parameters) completely erases all recorded data on all tracks of a selected User song. Use this operation only when you’re sure you want to erase a song and record a new one. Select the Function mode.

  • Page 91: Footswitch

    FOOTSWITCH The PortaTone has a footswitch feature that can be used to control a variety of functions and operations. By using your foot to conveniently control these func- tions, you free your hands to concentrate on your performance. Normally, this is used as a damper pedal, producing pedal-controlled sustain for piano and other instrument sounds that have a natural decay.

  • Page 92: Footswitch Assign Functions

    FOOTSWITCH Footswitch Assign Functions Function Name Sustain EZ Chord Increment Start/Stop Intro/Ending Main A Main B Harmony On/Off Dual On/Off Split On/Off Reverb On/Off Chorus On/Off DSP On/Off Exit the Function mode. Once you’ve made the desired setting, press one of the other mode but- tons (SONG, STYLE, or VOICE).

  • Page 93: Midi Functions

    So then what is the information from the keyboard that becomes the basis for note production? For example, let’s say you play a “C” quarter note using the grand piano sound on the PSR-270 keyboard. Unlike an acoustic instrument that puts out a resonated note, the electronic instrument puts out information from the keyboard such as “with what voice,”...

  • Page 94: Channel Messages

    Control Change, Program Change and various other types of MIDI data, or messages. The PSR-270 can control a MIDI device by transmitting note related data and various types of control- ler data. The PSR-270 can be controlled by the incoming MIDI messages which automatically deter- mine tone generator mode, select MIDI channels, voices and effects, change parameter values and of course play the voices specified for the various parts.

  • Page 95: Connecting To A Personal Computer

    CONNECTING TO A PERSONAL COMPUTER By connecting your PSR-270’s MIDI terminals to a personal computer, you can have access to a wide variety of music software. When using a MIDI interface device installed in the personal computer, connect the MIDI terminals of the personal computer and the PSR-270.

  • Page 96: Function Parameters - Midi

    MIDI FUNCTIONS FUNCTION PARAMETERS — MIDI The Function parameters provide additional, more detailed MIDI settings for the PortaTone. These settings include: • Remote Channel • Keyboard Out • Accompaniment Out • Local Control Call up the Function mode. Press the FUNCTION button. Select the desired Function parameter.
  • Page 97 Function Parameters No. Parameter Name Display Name Remote Channel RemoteCh This determines how the PortaTone is controlled by a “remote” (external) MIDI keyboard. Set this to one of the 16 channels (01 - 16) for using an external keyboard to remotely control the PortaTone functions over the selected channel.
  • Page 98 8), which you can then reload any time you need. For example, you can save data to floppy disk on a computer or a MIDI data filer (such as the Yamaha MDF3), and have unlimited storage capability for your valuable PortaTone data. (For detailed instructions, see the section “USING BULK DUMP SEND TO SAVE DATA”...

  • Page 99: Using Bulk Dump Send To Save Data

    First, set up the connected MIDI device for re- cording the data. The actual procedure may differ depending on your particular equip- ment and software. For example, if you are using the Yamaha MDF3 MIDI Data Filer: 1) Make the appropriate MIDI connections.
  • Page 100 MIDI FUNCTIONS At the “Sure?” prompt, start sending the data. Press the + button to actually start transmitting the data, or press the - button to cancel the operation and return to step 3. STYLE FUNCTION As the data is being sent, the display indicates the various stages of data transmission until the operation is complete: STYLE FUNCTION...

  • Page 101: Loading Bulk Data

    Set up the connected MIDI device for sending the appropriate data. The actual procedure may differ depending on your particular equip- ment and software. For example, if you are using the Yamaha MDF3 MIDI Data Filer: 1) Make the appropriate MIDI connections.

  • Page 102: Using Initial Setup Send With A Sequencer

    MIDI FUNCTIONS When the operation is completed, the following display briefly ap- pears (before returning to the original operation). STYLE FUNCTION USING INITIAL SETUP SEND WITH A SEQUENCER The most common use for the Initial Setup Send function is in recording a song on a sequencer that is intended for playback with the PortaTone.
  • Page 103 At the “InitSnd?” prompt above, set the opera- tion to standby. Press the + button. Sure? STYLE FUNCTION Start recording on the sequencer, then send the Initial Setup data. Start recording on the sequencer in the normal way, then — with as little delay as possible —...

  • Page 104: Troubleshooting

    TROUBLESHOOTING Problem When the PortaTone is turned on or off, a popping sound is temporarily produced. When using a mobile phone, noise is produced. There is no sound even when the keyboard is played or when a song is being played back. The selected voice does not sound properly, or is too low in volume.

  • Page 105: Data Backup & Initialization

    DATA BACKUP & INITIALIZATION Except for the data listed below, all PSR-270 panel settings are reset to their initial settings whenever the power is turned on. The data listed below are backed up — i.e. retained in memory — as long as an AC adaptor is connected or a set of batteries is installed.

  • Page 106: Specifications

    Yamaha Corp. reserves the right to change or modify products or specifications at any time without prior notice. Since specifications, equipment or options may not be the same in every locale, please check with your Yamaha dealer.

  • Page 107: Song Scores

    SONG SCORES (EZ Chord banks 1, 2) EZ Chord Bank 1 Style No.1 8Beat Pop 1 EZ Chord Bank 2 Style No.93 Swing Menuet The Entertainer...

  • Page 108: Voice List

    VOICE LIST Maximum Polyphony The PSR-270 has 32-note maximum polyphony. This means that it can play a maximum of up to 32 notes at once, regardless of what functions are used. Auto Accompaniment uses a number of the available notes, so when Auto Accompani- ment is used the total number of available notes for playing on the keyboard is correspondingly reduced.
  • Page 109 Panel Voice List MIDI Bank Select Voice Program Number Change# PIANO Grand Piano Bright Piano Honky-tonk Piano Funky Electric Piano DX Electric Piano MIDI Grand Piano CP 80 Hyper Electric Piano Bell Electric Piano Harpsichord Clavi Celesta MALLET Vibraphone Marimba Xylophone Tubular Bells Timpani...
  • Page 110 VOICE LIST GM Voice List MIDI Bank Select Voice Program Number Change# PIANO CHROMATIC ORGAN GUITAR BASS STRINGS ENSEMBLE Voice Voice Name Number Acoustic Grand Piano Bright Acoustic Piano Electric Grand Piano Honky-tonk Piano Electric Piano 1 Electric Piano 2 Harpsichord Clavi Celesta...

  • Page 111: Style List

    MIDI Bank Select Voice Program Number Change# Fiddle Shanai PERCUSSIVE Tinkle Bell Agogo Steel Drums Woodblock Taiko Drum Melodic Tom Synth Drum Reverse Cymbal STYLE LIST Style Style Style Name Number Number 8BEAT 8Beat Pop 1 8Beat Pop 2 8Beat Uptempo 8Beat Standard Folkrock Pop Rock...

  • Page 112: Drum Kit List

    DRUM KIT LIST • “<——” indicates that the drum sound is the same as “Standard Kit 1”. • Each percussion voice uses one note. • The MIDI Note # and Note are actually one octave lower than listed. For example, in “101: Standard Kit 1”, the “Seq Click H”...
  • Page 113 Voice# Bank MSB# Bank LSB# Program Change# Keyboard MIDI Key Alternate Note# Note Note# Note Assign <—— <—— <—— <—— <—— <—— <—— <—— <—— <—— <—— <—— <—— <—— <—— Reverse Cymbal <—— Hi Q SD Elec H2 <—— Bass Drum H <——...

  • Page 114: Midi Implementation Chart

    MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART [Portable Keyboard] Model: PSR-270 Function Basic Default 1 - 16 Channel Changed 1 - 16 Default Mode Messages Altered ************** Note 0 - 127 Number : True voice ************** Velocity Note ON O 9nH, v=1 - 127...
  • Page 115 NOTE: *1 By default (factory settings) the PSR-270 ordinarily functions as a 16- channel multi-timbral tone generator, and incoming data does not affect the panel voices or panel settings. However, the MIDI messages listed below do affect the panel voices, auto accompaniment, and songs.

  • Page 116: Effect Map

    Reverb, Chorus and DSP effect types which are not accessible from the PSR-270 panel itself. When one of the effects is selected by the external sequencer, “ - ” will be shown on the display.

  • Page 117: Index

    INDEX Misc. +/- keys ... 29 AC adaptor ... 8 accessory jacks ... 9 accompaniment controls ... 52 accompaniment sections ... 54 Accompaniment Split Point ... 58, 59 Accompaniment Volume ... 55 accompaniment, playing ... 47 amplifier/stereo system, using an external .. 9 auto accompaniment ...

  • Page 118: Limited Warranty

    PSR SERIES OF PORTATONE ELECTRONIC KEYBOARDS If during the first 90 days that immediately follows the purchase date, your new Yamaha product covered by this warranty is found to have a defect in material and/or workmanship, Yamaha and/or its authorized representative will repair such defect without charge for parts or labor.

  • Page 119: North America

    For details of products, please contact your nearest Yamaha or the authorized distributor listed below. Pour plus de détails sur les produits, veuillez-vous adresser à Yamaha ou au distributeur le plus proche de vous figurant dans la liste suivante. NORTH AMERICA CANADA Yamaha Canada Music Ltd.
  • Page 120 M.D.G., EMI Division © 1999 Yamaha Corporation V332710 ???PO???.?-01A0 Printed in China...

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