Modern digital keyboards come with built-in tools and features that allow keyboard players to make beautiful music; but a lesser-known fact is that these instruments can easily be connected to a PC, which means that keyboard players can also harness the power of the computer to experiment with musical compositions, music recording software, and lots more.
One of the main reasons to connect your keyboard to your computer is to record your performances, either to share them on social media, or for self-evaluation. Once the keyboard is connected, you can record your music and enhance it by adding effects, tracks, etc.
The major problem that first-time Yamaha keyboard users generally face is how to record their keyboard on a computer. Read this article for a step-by-step guide on how to connect your Yamaha keyboard to your PC. Subsequently, you will also be able to transfer files and record music from the keyboard on your computer.
Connecting a Yamaha Keyboard to a Personal Computer
Every Yamaha keyboard comes with a USB port. Generally, audio-out ports come in four types. They are:
- A MIDI port and USB audio port that sends MIDI and audio data with the help of a USB A to B cable
- A USB MIDI port that sends MIDI data only via a USB A to B cable
- A MIDI port that uses a five-pin cable
- An auxiliary port which is used to connect an audio cable. This is used as a line-out port
Once you have connected your USB or MIDI cable to its out ports on the keyboard, the next step is to attach the cable’s opposite end to the computer. In the case of a USB A to B connector directly linked to the keyboard, connect the cable’s other end to a port that is free on your PC. In the case of a MIDI cable, it needs to be connected to the MIDI port, and an audio interface should be connected to a USB A to B cable. If you have an auxiliary port, you will have to connect a ¼” audio cable to the line-in port. To attach the audio interface, a USB A to B cable can be used.
In case you lack the audio interface required for this task, you can connect the cable to the keyboard’s microphone port with the help of an adapter (3.5mm). Once the cable is in the port, turn on the keyboard. In some Yamaha models, you will be required to put your keyboard into a MIDI or PC mode to record or transfer MIDI data.
How to Connect a Yamaha Keyboard to MAC?
In most Yamaha models, keyboards are recorded via MIDI data. For that, you will need to download the most recent versions of the MIDI drivers for the system you’re using (MAC or PC). To download MIDI drivers on a MAC, you will need to click on the following link: USB Midi Driver for Mac
The next step is to click on the checkbox that guarantees your conformity to the software’s license agreement. After this, you have to download the Yamaha MIDI driver zip file. Open the zip file from wherever it downloads to on your MAC (usually the “Downloads” folder) to access it. Click on the “um132-2mx” file in the folder and select your keyboard in the sound settings.
How to Connect a Yamaha Keyboard to Windows?
In order to connect a Yamaha keyboard to your Windows, you will need to go to the following link: USB Midi Driver for Win
Once you’ve done this, agree to the license agreement by clicking on the checkbox. In order to download the required zip file, you will need to click the purple button. Once the zip file is downloaded, it will be available in your “downloads folder” from where you can extract the files. Click on the “um3141x64” folder and run the “setup file” to successfully connect your keyboard to your Windows.
How to Transfer Files from a Yamaha Keyboard to a Computer?
Depending on your model, you can transfer files using a USB cable as well as a disk. Once you have connected the cable/disk to the port of your Yamaha keyboard, you can easily transfer files by downloading them. Once the files are downloaded, create a folder and save these files in it. You can disconnect the Yamaha keyboard and access the files later whenever you want.
You can also download “Audacity” for free and plug in a ¼ inch jack into your headphones. For the keyboard, get a 1/4 to 1/8 adapter and plug it into the back of your computer. Start “Audacity” and play whatever you want to on your keyboard. Don’t forget to click on the record button to start the recording process. Once you are done playing the keyboard, stop the recording. You can save the file and listen to the recording whenever you like.
How to Record a Yamaha Keyboard on a Computer to Compose a Song?
For this, you will need to access your digital audio workstation, also known as DAW. Many digital devices have their own built-in DAW. If your Yamaha model doesn’t consist of DAW, Audacity and Reaper allow free trials for recording multiple music programs.
In order to record your music, you will need to click “Track,” which is at the top of a menu bar. Then click on “New MIDI track” or “New Audio Track.” The recording will begin and will record the sound produced by your keyboard. This recording can be saved as an audio file. MIDI tracks record the pressed keys and the sound volume, but use DAW to set the tone. Once you have recorded a song, end the recording process by clicking on the stop button. In this way, you can record as many songs on your computer via your Yamaha keyboard.
Tutorial Links
By following this detailed guide, connecting your Yamaha keyboard to your computer and recording music will be a breeze. Not only will you be able to record high-quality music, but you will also be able to share it with the world!
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