Chord Memory - Yamaha PSS-680 PortaSound Authorized Product Manual

CHORD Memory

The CHORD memory is a highly sophisticated automatic
performance feature that not only lets the PortaSound play
programmed chord progressions and rhythm arrangements,
but also memorized melodies and custom drum patterns with
the desired timing.
The following kind of data can be stored in each CHORD
memory bank. Note that the resolution differs according to
the type of data. ("Resolution" means the maximum number
of data changes the PortaSound will accept within a certain
time. For example, a resolution of one beat for chords indi-
cates that the PSS-680 reacts to one chord change per beat
at most — more frequent changes are ignored.)
CHORD Memory Data
Auto Accompaniment Chords and chord change timing
— resolution 1 beat
INTRO/FILL IN number and start timing — resolution
1 beat
ENDING start timing — resolution 1 measure
On/off timing of MELODY MEMORY banks — resol-
ution 1 measure (on), 1 beat (off)
Timing of ORCHESTRATION changes — resolution 1
beat
Style number and change timing — resolution 1 measure
Custom drummer PLAY ON/OFF — resolution 1 beat
1 initial TEMPO setting per bank (any tempo changes
made during a recording are not stored)
How to Record with the CHORD Memory
1. While holding down the red RECORD button (4c), press
the CHORD selector (4a) for the memory you want to store
your data in.
The red LED indicator of the CHORD selector you
pressed will start to flash with alternating long/short in-
tervals, showing that the selected memory is standing by
for recording. To turn off a memory, simply press its se-
lector again.
The BEAT indicators in the TEMPO/PARAMETER &
VALUE display begin to blink, indicating the tempo.
Since no chords can be memorized in the NORMAL
AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT MODE, the PortaSound
automatically selects the FINGERED MODE (its indi-
cator lights). You can switch to SINGLE FINGER MODE
(3a) instead if you prefer.
2. Start playing the AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT SECTION
of the keyboard.
This automatically starts recording. The CHORD selector
indicator flashes rapidly.
You can press the RHYTHM CONTROL START/STOP
button or use a FILL IN instead if you want the chord
progression to start with a pause. (The interval between
starting the rhythm and playing the first chord is also
memorized.)
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When recording a melody at the same time (i.e. when
one or more MELODY banks are also selected), you
can start to record by playing any key on the keyboard.
All data listed above is now recorded with the correct
timing. For instance, you can turn MELODY me-
mory playback on and off during the performance,
and the PortaSound will memorize when you did. If
you start recording a melody simultaneously with the
chords, this melody will also be played when you later
start CHORD memory playback.
3. Press START/STOP or ENDING to end the recording.
As soon as you do, the CHORD selector indicator goes
out and the entire performance is stored. It remains so
even if power is turned off.
If the performance (chord progression) was stopped
by pressing START/STOP, the entire progression
will be played repeatedly during playback. On the
other hand, if you stopped recording with an END-
ING, it is played back only once. (Of course, if you
pressed START/STOP or a FILL IN button before
the ending was over, playback will repeat.)
Starting to record will erase any data currently stored
in the selected CHORD bank.
A CHORD bank's tempo setting can be altered after
a recording. Simply enter record standby (step 1.
above), alter the tempo value, then press the respective
CHORD memory bank button again.
Since each CHORD bank can store a different tempo,
you can use this feature to liven up your music by
switching between slower and faster banks during a
performance.
CHORD Memory PIayback
CHORD bank playback can be started any time, regardless
of whether the rhythm is currently playing or not.
If no rhythm is playing —
1. Press the desired CHORD bank selector.
The selector's indicator will start to blink slowly, and the
BEAT indicators flash in the currently selected tempo.
The PortaSound is now on standby for synchronized
playback. If you wish, you can also select a MELODY
bank.
2. Press START/STOP.
Playback of the selected CHORD memory bank and any
selected MELODY bank will commence.
TEMPO/PARAMETER & VALUE display will switch
to the TEMPO memorized in the CHORD bank now
playing (the tempo of the original performance).
Playback may also be started by playing keys — any key
in NORMAL mode, and AUTO ACCOMPANIMENT
SECTION keys in the other modes.
As soon as playback begins, the CHORD indicator will
stop flashing and remain lit.
The